De Volta às Raízes (2023)

Peak Slice of Life drama!

When it's good, it's good, BUT sadly, there were some problems with the show, as usual with most Kdrama.

The overall message of the story, the characters, even the side characters are great, especially The Dolphin trio with Mina, Doein and Minchul. I love their mother-daughter dynamic, and this little 8 year old kid stole the show, to be honest. I would watch a drama with them.

The oldest sister's story was interesting too, but I'm a bit disappointed they didn't do much with their story. I mean, it's not like there weren't enough time, because they stretched the main story too long anyway.

So, now let's talk about the main couple. The whole drama between the two family was well done, even tho I can't understand why did it take like a decade or even more to finally talk about their issues. To be fair, it's a fair representation of people. What I can't understand is why Samdal and Yongpil just accepted everything broke up. It's not like it's the Joseon era where parents can control their kids, and they were teens. They were adults! And when they finally resolved every problem, and started dating again, Yongpil decides to leave for 2 years? I mean, sure, let's say he has to fulfill his dreams as well, but for me, it doesn't make sense at all. They suffered for 8 years, and now they're basically in a long-distance relationship? At least give us some info about how they managed their relationship.

Anyway, my biggest problem with the show is that I HATE what they did with the bullying scandal. I mean, it represents well how toxic the Korean society, but the whole was about how strong woman Samdal is, yet, she never did a single thing to defend herself. She should've told everyone that her boyfriend cheated on her with her employee. It's not like she didn't have proof, it was on her on phone! Also, later she traveled back to Seoul, and I thought, FINALLY, she's gonna do something, but no. All she did is asking that crazy woman if she wanted to commit suicide because of her. What the heck?

Without her friends, this problem NEVER would've been solved, and that's ridiculous! How on Earth she can be a boss if she doesn't realize that her employee promoting products from fashion brands for money? How can someone be a real photographer is she can't see what her employee does? The whole scandal plot was a MESS!

Lastly: the story with their mothers was messed up in the finale, too. She has heart problems, yet they let her work again? Makes zero sense, again!

Thankfully, I could forget it, because the rest of the show was really good. It's a feelgood drama with a good and important message, but Welcome to Samdalri could've been perfect with better writing.

The soundtrack, the directing and the acting were all great, even tho, sometimes the acting was a bit over the top. The REAL drama was top-notch!

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Highly overrated

Ji Changwook is a versatile actor and we all know it. Shin Hyesun is the toughest and one of the most elegant actress and we know that too. But here, both of their potentials were wasted big time. I can't even get started on the sheer ridiculosity of the story. The writer made some unbelievably stupid and irritating characters and just dumped them without a proper background. One of them is Cho Samdal herself. That woman's fake pride was high up the sky, and she was living in denial all along that she can never fail, because according to her, she is supposed to be the only one to succeed in Seoul from Jeju. Her bratty behavior and her demeanor was a pain to watch tbh. Next is Yongpil's dad, Sangtae. He definitely has some serious woman issues and was almost a lunatic. He blamed Samdal's mom for his wife's death when in reality it wasn't anybody's fault. I have never seen such a spineless man ever in my life. Imagine blaming someone else for your own incompetence. All in all, it was a forcefully curated slice of life drama where there's no slice of life in it. The only saving grace was the natural backgrounds, at least they were pretty. Eunju, the antagonist, was supposed to be annoying, but she was less annoying than Cho Samdal actually.

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A comforting drama with a stellar cast!

I did enjoy this drama, once it got moving - it took a few episodes- as the beginning does feel like its just going in no direction at all. What we do get is never ending angst with lots of whining and yelling from the FL. They never seem to have the guys act like that, and its so common in kdramas having the girls screaming all the time, its ugly and hugely off putting to the viewer. Nothing will turn me off the FL faster than constant screaming dialogue.

The alcohol consumption in this show is off the charts. Like please, stop this korea, does anyone have a healthy liver? I highly doubt it. I know its common in Korea but this kind of drinking in shows is so disgusting. All the drunk scenes are ridiculous.

I loved this cast, especially all the side characters. I was here for that development between the younger sister and the dolphin center dude. Nothing felt inorganic in any of the plot lines, it was well done.

We do see quite a bit of character growth and that is a win for the writing in this show. So many characters saw a positive change, except maybe for the lying cow and the dad - who seems to remain just a fairly chill guy from start to finish. Even chasing JCW didn’t even feel overly threatening lol.

The views were great, I’m sure even more people will want to visit Jeju now than they do already, look out!!! 🤣🤣

Loved the relationships amd connections and a community coming together.

Final thought, what is with all these time jumps amd people chasing their dreams alone in Kdramas??? Doesn’t anyone just hook up and go off together???!!!! Like for reals in this case it even would have made complete sense. At 38 with so much wasted time - another time jump felt more annoying that supportive. Amd it makes no sense in a drama. Like who sits and honestly watches the time wasting filler while we wait for thr inevitable return? Not me. Time waster. Last episode was incredibly rushed because of that, and what was the benefit of the credibility of the experience- he just comes back and is treated as not knowing anything still… like that was weird.

Overall, I’m glad I watched. I enjoyed this far more than My Demon, it would probably have hit a 10 for me if we could have toned down the screaming, the over drinking and lengthy circles this show goes in.

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I feel like they could have done more with the characters and paced the story better.

There were parts that were compelling and gripping, and then parts where the plot dragged like crazy and I could only get through it at 1.5x speed, especially the middle. I think they spent too much time on the townspeople gossiping about Samdal and Yongpil when they had their own lives to live. I also felt like Yongpil's dad coming around was too sudden and we should have seen a gradual change start several episodes earlier. I also think the downfall of the villain was too brief for the grief she caused. Overall I feel mixed about it. I think this story could have been told and been better in 10 eps max. My favorite character is probably the little girl. She was too cute for words but was also the voice of reason a lot. I don't think I'd recommend this for most, there's better and there's worse.

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Salah Satu Drama healing terbaik untuk mengawali tahun 2024

Jajaran Cast yang bagus, Sutradara yang berpengalaman dan ScreenWriter yang sudah mendulang sukses di drama drama sebelumnya dan dieksekusi dengan apik menjadikan drama ini jadi salah satu drama yang istimewa.
Drama ini membawa kesan-kesan nostalgia "when the camellia blooms" bukan hanya saja lokasinya yang mirip pinggir pantai, tapi juga kebersamaan tetangga tetangganya yang suka julid tapi sangat peduli satu sama lain.
akting dari para pemain yang sangat baik dan totalitas.
chemistry yang dibangun antara samdal dan yong pil bener bener klop abis.
bukan hanya itu, tapi persahabatan yang dibangun sejak kecil bersama ketiga temannya yg lain,
hubungan ketiga saudara perempuan dan keluarganya juga dikemas dengan sangat baik.
bahkan hubungan antara ibu dan anaknya jujur sangat amat bagus disini, amazed sekali.
anak sekecil itu dapat memaikan peran sangat baik, benar benar mirip dengan Pil Go di when the camellia blooms dimana seorang anak dipaksa menjadi dewasa.
Bukan hanya jalan ceritanya yang bagus, Soundtrack lagu pengisinya pun enak enak didengar.
Menjadi Drama yang sangat amat wajib masuk watchlist bagi yang belum menonton.

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Samdalri is very welcoming! Great chemistry with a predictable but still interesting plot.

Subjective Gut Rating - 8.25

I think I enjoyed “Welcome to Samdral-ri” a little bit more than I expected. There are a few things that usually give me pause when I watch a drama about moving back to a village/small town/rural area, and then learn to live or re-acquaint with a different lifestyle. Oftentimes, there are a bunch of loud, nosy, annoying villagers/town folks that irritate me to no end. Or, the plot is so slice-of-life that I need something to happen. Afterall, I prefer a plot-driven drama rather than a character-driven drama.

Luckily, aside from one somewhat nosy auntie, everyone is lovely. Even this auntie isn’t too bad, just a little annoying with her high-pitched voice. Everyone in Samdalri is really welcoming, friendly and caring. Moreover, “Welcome to Samdal-ri” is not very slice-of-life and the pace isn’t that slow. There are actually many side plots, in addition to the main plot of FL’s career downfall and moving back home. These are the two main reasons why I enjoy this drama more than I thought.

Despite being more plot-driven than other similar dramas, there are times when I do feel that the drama could have spent more time on the side characters, instead of the main leads. FL’s career and the main romance are important, but towards the second half of the drama, I just wish the leads would have opened up to each other sooner, or get back together sooner. I actually want to see more of the two sisters’ romances and backstories, and also more of the friendship between FL’s mother and ML’s mother. There’s a lot of potential here in keeping the drama interesting by sharing the spotlight with other interesting characters.

The acting is great all-around. Ji Chang Wook and Shin Hye Sun did not disappoint. JCW could be a hit or miss. I enjoyed his acting here more than in “If You Wish Upon Me”. SHS is just a goddess. She can slide into any role and become that character. The two of them have amazing chemistry. I have to say, I am a little disappointed with the kisses, given how experienced they both are in that area. LOL. The supporting cast is just as strong. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that I really enjoy the acting of our beloved ahjumma, Kim Mi Kyung (FL’s mother) and also Yoo Oh Sung (ML’s father). The two of them broke my heart with the storyline about ML’s m other. Oh, and I discovered Kim Min Chul. He’s adorable as the dolphin guy.

Overall, I really enjoy “Welcome to Samdal-ri”. It’s not perfect but it’s worth a watch even if it lost my interest for a little bit. The plot is quite predictable but maybe that’s what you are looking for if you want something easy and light.


Completed: 3/24/2024 - Review #420

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A review coming from a sincere heart.

"Having a place to return to is an incredible relief". What a beautiful reminder. This kdrama has reached the depth of my heart in a way that I didn't think was possible. It reminded me that love is everywhere as long as you are willing to see it.
Home is place that heals your heart and gives you the power to keep going. Remember to stop once in a while and look around. When cho samdal finally realized how much her people loves her and started staring at them with a wide smile, the following phrase accured to my mind : it's everything you ever want, it's everything you ever need, and it's here right in front of you, this is where you wanna be. (from the greatest showman)
This kdrama has brought a lot of joy to my month, I hope you guys watch it heartfuly .

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Comforting watch with great setting

"Welcome to Samdal-ri" effortlessly combines two of my favorite romance tropes: childhood best friends and second chances, all set against the backdrop of a charming small town. The series offers more than just romance; it presents a heartwarming narrative filled with loveable, emotional side characters, strong acting performances, and a lovely soundtrack that perfectly complements the mood.

Strengths:

The chemistry between *Shin Hye-sun* and *Ji Chang-wook* is undeniable, making their journey from past hurts to present healing a joy to watch. The setting of Samdal-ri is truly picturesque, capturing the essence of countryside life and making viewers yearn for a peaceful retreat from the bustling city. I was especially fond of the subplot involving the dolphin researcher and the youngest sister—an unexpected yet sweet romance that added layers to the story.

The narrative and the underlying message—that it takes a village to succeed in life—resonate deeply. What initially appears to be a simple tale of a city girl versus a village boy evolves into something much more profound, touching on themes of community, forgiveness, and self-discovery.

Weaknesses:

However, the drama isn't without its flaws. One of the main issues lies in the editing. While the back-and-forth flashbacks generally enhance the narrative, the repeated scenes from previous episodes can disrupt the pacing, making certain parts feel unnecessarily dragged out.

Another aspect that felt off was the portrayal of the characters' ages. Despite being almost 40, they often behave as though they're in their early 30s. This might be due to cultural differences, but it does create a slight disconnect. It’s also worth mentioning that the second lead didn't add much to the overall narrative and could have been omitted without losing any impact.

The final two episodes, while still enjoyable, could have benefited from tighter editing. They dragged on a bit too long, and while I appreciated the cheesy ending on the career spot, the separation of the leads for one to go abroad felt cliché. I would have preferred to see them together in Switzerland rather than the standard last-minute reunion scene. Additionally, I found the villain to be somewhat one-dimensional; a bit more depth to their character would have made the story even more compelling.

Conclusion:

Despite its minor flaws, *"Welcome to Samdal-ri"* is a comforting and delightful watch. The performances, particularly from *Shin Hye-sun* and *Ji Chang-wook*, are excellent, and their chemistry is extra sweet. The friendships portrayed are touching, and the series beautifully illustrates the importance of community. It’s a drama that starts with familiar tropes but evolves into something much deeper, making it a satisfying and heartwarming experience overall.

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Welcome to Kdramal-ri--stay awhile, you will enjoy this!

This is what good Kdramas are all about. A well-written story full of delightful characters, all with their own stories to tell who take the viewer on an amazing experience. The main word I would use to describe it is heartwarming. As the main character returns to her hometown due to a scandal, she must confront a past tragedy and grief that influenced her decision to walk away from her one and only love. He too has to confront the past, the pain of losing her, and the influence his father's grief has had on his life. The two main leads did an exceptional job portraying the simultaneous emotions of heartache with attraction, and walking on eggshells with their parents. I don't think they could've gotten better actors than these two. They were so genuine with their roles and characters, with each other, and with family and friends. It was like two best friends who actually grew up together said to each other one day, "Hey let's make a movie!" Well done Ji Chang Wook and Shin Hye Sun!! And who could not help but fall in love with the Haenyeos?!! Set and filmed in both Seoul and Jeju Island, the cinematography will stir the traveler in you to get on a plane and visit these beautiful areas of South Korea. All of this wrapped in a good soundtrack and you've got the makings of viewer nirvana, which is actually what it was. Great story, good subplots, great acting, great locations, music, and a good ending. All that's left is to grab the popcorn, curl up on the couch, and watch!

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Conflicts Aren’t Great but Enjoyed Light, Positive Vibes

My 4 categories are Acting/Cast, Writing, Direction/SFX/Music, Entertainment Value.

I picked this drama up because I like the lead actors. Actually, I don’t like Ji Chang Wook (지창욱) in any roles other than action, but I decided to give it another shot. This seemed like it could be a cute romance, but in order for it to work, the chemistry needs to be on point.

Acting/Cast: I was pleasantly surprised by the cast. There were some actors that I was very happy to see again and some actors I’ve seen for the first time. I think everyone did great acting-wise (except for the female lead’s dad). However, like I mentioned before, the chemistry is the most important aspect here. All of the friend groups had good chemistry as well as the side romances, but I’m not sure the two leads quite got there -- at least not as more than friends. Maybe it’s because they were so overly cutesy with each other or maybe it’s because there weren’t any - even remotely - steamy scenes between them. I just wasn’t completely sold on them. Especially, after that ending with the choice that the male lead made. Careers were obviously way more important to everyone over love, which is strange for a “romance”. 7.5/10

Writing: I like the plot and the side stories. I like the characters. However, there’s some details that bothered me. The useless love triangle is one of those things. Literally, it was only there to motivate the male lead to make a move. They really built up this second male lead like he was going to be a huge threat, but no, just another poor victim of second male lead abuse. I think he was an interesting and unique character, too, so it’s such a shame. Another issue I had with this drama is the forced conflicts (apart from the love triangle). The initial conflict that sets the plot in motion is fine, but later on, things happen that make it feel unrealistic. There’s also another conflict between the male lead’s father and the female lead that just feels annoying and childish. I wanted to just skip over all of that nonsense. Then, the “plot twist” at the end with the foreigner seemed so pointless… I was like ‘Why??’ Blink and you’ll miss it. Fortunately, this drama has good side stories and likeable characters all around. 4/10

Direction/SFX/Music: The ending was so cliché that it didn’t feel consistent with the male lead’s personality. The pacing was decent despite using so-so conflicts to push the story along. The OST isn’t really my cup of tea, but I did add two of the songs to my playlist. Beautiful Day by Gemini (제미나이, 아름다운 날) is really pretty and of course the drama’s theme song: DK (도겸) (Seventeen) - Short Hair (단발머리). 6/10

Entertainment Value: It was an easy, light watch. Nothing very exciting to make me want to binge watch this drama, but also nothing so irritating that it would make me want to drop it. The second half is when I started feeling a bit of a drag (episode 9) and episode 10 or 11 is when more conflicts are forced in which began to annoy me. The ending was cliché, too. Although one of the side love stories was solidified, which was a pleasant surprise. 4/10

Overall, I gave this drama a 5.5/10. It makes me wish I had a rabid posse of male friends. It almost made me want to start taking photos...I hate taking photos.

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Loved it

Hard to understand the negative reviews . For me this is a lively , entertaining , high spirited show with a brilliant cast ,
Grief , friendship , enduring love , forgiveness , all well developed and very moving . In a busy and modern world which does not really stop to think and pause , the little town in Jeju with its close knit community can bring peace and safety to re charge the batteries , re assess and move forward . The music is well chosen , the scenery beautiful , and the characters are all warm, affectionate and engaging in spite of their drawbacks apart from the assistant who meets her just fate at the end . I have watched it twice already ,

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