Quando o Telefone Toca (2024)

The cast was good ,the story was perfect until the middle of series , incensario the vague excuse to leave ,the directors didn't use chapters 8-10 to explain the plot very well chapter 11 and 12 should have been the happiest , and could have explained well why the main character left that as a first point ,the second thing I didn't like the main character holding back when hugging the main character, it is known that in the novel he does the opposite and that the main character treats her mother well was like an insult to the Hong Hoo jee in the novel,as a 3 point i loved the kissing scenes and the story in general is very strong and somewhat emotional and the songs of say my name by Yoo Yeon seok amazing and also the song by Lim Yeon Numb really describe how the characters in the drama and the novel feel congratulations for the artists who made these songs, i hope and wish very much to see Yoo Yeon seok and Chae Soo Bin again in other projects together love them and missed them.

Leia Mais

The show was solid, the ending was wacky. ⚠️ SPOILERS AHEAD ⚠️

This drama was great. The chemistry was spicy. The thriller aspect kept you going because it kept giving you new information and I really loved that because just when I thought I'd figured everything out something new would come up. The side characters were good, they were necessary but I never really felt a great attachment to them because the romance was the centerpiece of the show and it was what they focused on most of the time. I do feel like some of the drama was just done for drama's sake, like the bad guy shot his dad, but then like his dad lived and I was like; "Really, we couldn't have just killed his dad." Or we see our ML get shot but then it turned out to be a dream or she ran off a cliff, but she didn't run off a cliff.
Then he was going to be in negotiator but nothing actually happened to him and he ended up Morroco in a dangerous position But that really didn't amount to anything. I don't make some fake outs but they did that alot in this drama. They kept trying to scare the viewers into thinking we wouldn't get a happy ending, and I wasn't crazy about that. Also when the villian whispers something to our ML we already know what it is cause they revealed it earlier so there's no shock factor. I really think they could've held onto to that final secret till the end so we'd be surprised as well as Hee Joo. All that being said I loved the chemistry between these two actors. The scene at the end was so lovely. It wasn't vulgar or inappropriate and it was just very well done. I wish we could have seen their future. I would have LOVED to have seen them with children. I would have loved to have seen their wedding day. If the big Morocco scene that didn't amount to anything and the scene where he was talking to the man who raised him would've been cut we could've had a scene in the future where she even calls him on the 406 phone and have a cute back and forth to end it wouldve been better. One thing I really didn't like was the mother. She went from TERRIBLE mistreatment of her daughter to just changing in an instant because she thought she was dead. I don't know. I thought that was a bit much. This woman caused her daughter so much pain and suffering and then she just like NEVER owns up to it. Even at the end she's just like; "I did it all for you." When she's crying and she didn't, she did it for herself. This whole idea that she did it for her daughter is crap! I didn't like how they made it seem like this whole time this woman was truly just wanting what was best for her daughter, cause I don't believe that at all. The sister easily could have been removed. She didn't really have any crucial role in the show. I mean, the whole idea of the arranged marriage was big enough and then they could have found other ways to reveal that he wasn't actually the son of the 2 people without the sister. The sister just didn't really add anything to the show. There are things that she revealed that could have been revealed by anyone else. Plus you just don't really care about the sister. I understand the reasons that they had her in it. But they were reasons that could have been easily changed. Her entire character could have been taken out in my opinion. She just didn't have that big of impact. So yeah, there were just some things that could have been done better. But it was a really great drama. You could definitely tell that they were depending on these 2 actors to carry the show and they did. Their chemistry was intense, and sexy and vunerable and it just worked. If I find out that they're dating or they get married I will not be shocked because their chemistry was very deep. I'll give it that. The thriller aspect was also very good.I liked how they drug out the villain and they didn't kill him too easily so it didn't feel lackluster.At the end, I think the way they ended his story was perfect.So yeah all in all a solid drama and one I recommend and enjoyed greatly! 😊

Leia Mais

basically everything but the kitchen sink

I tried to put the least amount of spoilers (there are still some) for the people who are looking to read the reviews before watching.

Probably one of the best dramas to come out 2024. It was consistent with cliff-hangers and constantly had you at the edge imo. It was also one of the more spicier dramas to come out this year.
In terms of acting YYS and CSB both did really well and had the craziest chemistry, and I'll be honest when I first saw this came out on Netflix I wasn't even planning on watching it but I got bored and saw the first two episodes and was immediately hooked because of the "dark romance" which isn't usual of kdrama and because of their chemistry which I really was NOT expecting at all. I will say though YYS stood out a lot more in this drama, he portrayed real range and nuance, to where I forgot I was watching him act which is truly a high compliment. He showcased raw emotion and you can just see how much work and thought he put into his character even from the BTS. As for CSB, she learned a whole language for this role and that's real dedication. I do think at times she was a little too expressionless, but to be fair that was most likely a character choice given her trauma and her backstory.

YYS and CSB's chemistry was crazy. I do act in theater so I know how close we get as a cast especially with your specific scene partner and so I can say that their chemistry is genuinely one of a kind on and off screen which is what I think made this drama so good. They both clearly put a lot of work into creating a good rapport off screen to where it translated so well on screen. I would say in terms of intimacy even though it was 13+ or 15+ it was pretty heavy for kdrama; I do wish they would've milked the mole on her leg bit, but I guess that could've become 18+ real fast so perhaps they couldn't go too far with that.

Now onto the plot. Was it ridiculous at times? Yes, but overall I'd say it was solid. It was definitely something new and fresh tied in with old cliches but it was done well. Even if there were a good amount of cliches--like that first kiss haha--it was balanced with a lot of newer lines and ideas so it never felt too chummy. I think the pacing was probably the best by far until ep 12 which was rushed but I'll forgive it given how consistent they were with having us on cliff hangers every week. I think the wait was probably what added to the fun of this drama, but this is definitely a rewatchable/bingeable drama as well. I do wish HJ wasn't constantly getting kidnapped! But if you're looking for basically every kdrama trope in one drama, this is it. I mean we had everything except amnesia (THANK GOD).

A lot of people didn't like the finale...I too felt like it was so different than the rest of the drama it almost felt like a whole new drama, but it came back around 20 min till the end so don't let all the chaos about 12 deter you from watching. This is pretty typical though for dramas, they'll be super good and then the ending will kind of knock it down a notch, I suppose that's how you know the writers and everyone are human though.

ALSO I will address it, the last episode does have a mistranslation where they inserted a reference to real life events, do your own research is what I will say, but in English it's not translated properly which Netflix is notorious for. I truly wish they didn't even insert this scene in the drama, I don't think it was necessary and kdrama is fictional and real life is real life, I don't know why they felt the need to write it in.

All in all I'm giving it a 9.5/10 overall. It was fun waiting every week and now I'm sad...lol

Leia Mais

Truly one of the best Kdramas of 2024

When the Phone Rings has everything in it: sadness, Happiness, and a Thriller. It is a complete package. The acting of the entire cast was top-notch. From the start, the show gave the Wattpad-coded vibes. Yet the last episode was a little boring, especially the Argan part, which I felt was really unnecessary. Instead of that, if we had been shown a little story of the Second lead's love, it would have been better. Nonetheless, the show gave everything and had a very good pacing. Neither too slow to become boring nor too fast to leave many loopholes.
The OST was beautiful and catchy. I will give a little less on the rewatch value because for me it was a one-time watch as there were many plot twists and not many couple scenes of the main leads.
To anyone wishing to start it, do watch it without hesitation. Hands off it was a very good show.

Leia Mais

Final Thoughts

When The Phone Rings is a mesmerizing romantic thriller that masterfully intertwines suspense with emotional depth. It tells the story of Baek Sa Eon, a stoic yet enigmatic figure, and Hong Hee Ju, a resilient woman battling selective mutism and a haunting past. Their relationship evolves amidst a backdrop of mystery, love, and healing, as Hee Ju’s veiled threats and Sa Eon’s protective instincts unravel secrets that bind them together. The show balances a slow-burn romance with gripping tension, delivering powerful themes of trust, growth, and vulnerability. With its poignant storytelling, dynamic character arcs, and atmospheric visuals, it leaves a lasting impression as both a love story and a captivating thriller.

Leia Mais

What Works

Compelling Character Dynamics
The relationship between Baek Sa Eon and Hong Hee Ju is the heart of the show. Their love story is slow-burning, grounded in mutual understanding, and layered with vulnerability. Sa Eon’s stoic demeanor contrasts beautifully with Hee Ju’s quiet resilience, creating a relationship that feels both realistic and deeply moving.

Intriguing Mystery
The thriller aspect, involving Hee Ju’s veiled threats and the unraveling of her past, adds a gripping element to the narrative. The balance between romance and suspense is masterful, ensuring that neither overshadows the other.

Themes of Healing and Growth
The show explores how love and support can lead to healing, especially for Hee Ju, who learns to trust and open up despite her struggles. Similarly, Sa Eon’s journey from a guarded and distant individual to someone who embraces vulnerability is equally compelling.

Cinematography and Direction
The show’s visuals are striking, using muted tones and symbolic imagery to reflect the characters’ emotional landscapes. The direction ensures that every scene feels purposeful, whether it’s a quiet, tender moment or a high-stakes confrontation.

Leia Mais

Best show ever for the first 10 episodes

I was absolutely hooked on this show from the first episode. Even my husband who doesn’t care for Korean shows was hooked. The actors were phenomenal. The story was thrilling, fast paced and kept you guessing. It was so intense that it was almost stressful to watch. Loved everything about it. I’d say it’s the best show I’ve seen in a long time.
And then.. the ending just got weird. It’s like the writers of episode 12 didn’t even read the scripts for the first 10 episodes. Episode 11 was a bit out there, but they could have saved it. Episode 12 seemed to change the original story line and none of it made sense. Major cliffhanger events from episode 11 were completely ignored in episode 12. The events in episode 12 referenced a history that was never really mentioned in the previous episodes. Who got shot? Who died? How the hell did they end up THERE?!?! How is he involved with those groups? None of it made any sense. This would have been an easy 10/10 until the very end.

Leia Mais

Those who haven’t read the book can’t understand how perfect this is.

This drama was as close to the book while retaining its own essence. People hating in attitude details in the last episode have obviously not read the novel and why it was added. I do wish his reason for going and disappearing was made same as the book because imo it had a stronger effect but still I loved how they wrapped up everything nicely. if you know the novel is pretty long and I was worried how it would be composed in only 12 episodes. I do love the drama a lot. Yoo Yeon suk will forever remain my favourite actors, he owns each character he portrays. The book however had a lot of things I found better than the drama. the reason for the car crash one of them. In A was the one who noticed that paek sa eon was different from when she saw him before. it’s she who they tried to kill. her brother wasn’t the target. Anyways the list of pros and cons between both the novel and the drama is too long. I loved them both individually. it’s a must watch drama. The chemistry is off the Charts.

Leia Mais

There's a couple here now...

«There's a couple here now... The two have lived without being able to open up to each other. Would things have been different if they had been more honest and shown their true feelings? If they try to make an effort now, could they live like any other ordinary couple?»

I'm beginning in all honesty.

The opening of the show, with the almost antagonizing of our Baek (incorrectly written as Paik) Saeon, surely built up to some archetypes, or at least a certain develop of our main characters.
We were never promised a rom-com or anything similar, however, the accurate portrayal of a badass man whose past is as dark as the suits he wears, anticipated to me an undeniable progress or evolutions of the events: I was expecting way more intimate scenes, considering also the brightening chemistry between the actors. And when I talk about intimate scenes, I'm not referring to steamy or R-rated ones, but to the illustration of their mutual understanding, harmony and attraction.
On the other hand, what we got was miscommunication, secrets, unfair decisions taken solo, and a strange will from both of them (Hong Heejoo I'm talking about you) to die with the possibility of the other being alive. My woman, you're great, but shouldn't you want to live with him?

The systematic unfolding of the mystery and its repercussions on the characters, although seemingly unimportant at first (well, at least not how the last details revealed), created a perfect keenness and high expectancy for the final confession, which unfortunately wasn't that much unexpected.
I still can't understand if it was wanted or not, if the drama left voluntarily clues for us watchers; if that's the case, then they did a great job.

Although the last detail and the way they broadcasted it (the grandfather deciding to kill Heejoo's brother because the latter had seen his son's face) seemed a little useless. I mean, it was used to be added to the list of excuses for Saeon and his disappearance, but it all gave the impression of a rushed and not carefully analyzed decision of a grand finale. But I also understand this was the cinematic adaptation of a novel, if I remember correctly, so I won't be obstinate on such particulars.

As for the romances... Well, as said before, I was expecting more intimate scenes from the main couple, and honestly I was expecting anything at all from the second couple. The writers decided to give us their marriage announcement at the end, but it was completely unexpected, genuinely more than the mystery. They dropped the bomb on us without even depicting their love, not even in a single scene. I would've way more preferred if they'd remained friends. Also because, right after Heejoo and Saeon announced their new marriage, Ji Sangwoo looked kind of distressed, as if he was still into her after all those years.
I wholeheartedly decided to ignore these details.

I appreciated how Park Dojae returned as Saeon's secretary (or whatever function he had before), and frankly I hoped they would've shown us more about his redemption, but I guessed I'm asking for too much now from a miniseries.

What I found completely useless to the plot was the whole Argan thing. I mean, I can understand its insertion since we've come from 406 to 604, and Saeon's past and whatsoever, but it truly didn't make any sense for the rest. Saeon's friend (the journalist) explained how much he loved sunsets and that he really liked a spot in Argan to take pictures, but... Could've chosen, I don't know, Canada just for that? Why entering a war zone? Especially knowing your wife's going to look for you.
And let's not talk about how she tried to hide from the rebels while wearing white and a bright scarf over her head? Are you stupid? Heejoo totally called that upon herself. I'm sure if she looked around there would've been troupes of resistance somewhere.

I also appreciated Heejoo's mother redemption, although we couldn't see much about her journey, we've assisted to her breakdown and realization and then their reunion. Ina was also a key character for the show, and she was just amazing. All the other side characters, from colleagues to friends, were just perfect. The real Baek Saeon was also a mesmerizing character, and the actor portrayed perfectly his sociopathy.
About the latter, I must say I can't really put my mind around the fact that he chose to actuate his revenge on the new Baek Yuyeon instead of his family, which obviously were the real villains. On the other hand, I understand his mother: the fear of having a son with such difficulties and so much dangerous to society must've been stressing, but then I don't excuse any of her consequent actions.

Now, music? Majestic. Actors? Perfect. Rewatch value? Meh. The thing with this kind of dramas (like My Name, The Glory...) is that they're quite difficult to rewatch once you know the secrets. Although, it is true that enjoying the show once more could uncover so many details about the depiction of the series.

Overall, this has been an amazing kdrama, with lots of holes but also lots of details. I won't say it's my favorite one, I won't say it's particularly remarkable, but I'll say it's enjoyable. I also really loved the final scenes, romantic and normal, like they'd dreamt to live.

«There's a couple here now... They don't hide their true feelings and are honest with each other. They have promised to make an effort to be happy together»

Leia Mais