Împreună Acasă (2017)

Best romance drama EVER! (I wouldn't call it a romcom, although it has a lot of humor, so I'm just saying romance as its genre.)  This is an absolute must watch drama. Se Hee and Ji Ho are an OTP for the ages, and there is a secondary couple in this drama that gives them a run for their money. The way this drama shows love and writes characters is just refreshing and realistic in all the best ways.  Lee Min Ki and Jung So Min have such wonderful chemistry that at times I felt like I was spying on their lives rather than watching a drama. Ji Ho is a fantastic lead female and Se Hee is the greatest romantic male lead ever!  All those dominant wrist-grabbing types may be sexy in their masculinity, but Se Hee is the man to marry, a partner, not a master.

Speaking of Lee Min Ki, he was my original K-actor crush even before Lee Joon Gi. But unfortunately LMK stopped doing dramas and then did a bunch of movies I just wasn't that interested in and he certainly never fell off my radar but after a while I couldn't remember why I loved him so much.  Then I watched this drama and thought, oh, yep, that was it! Dang I have missed LMK! There are so many talented K-actors, but there is only one Lee Min Ki. He has a quirk about him and a sincerity in his eyes that no one duplicates.  He is absolutely incredible and I hope that we get to see more of him on our screen after this tour de force drama! (I hope he does a sageuk movie or drama some day. Hear me drama gods?)

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I'm not even sure why I started watching this drama as there was little fanfare or hype.  I am so glad I did, although it would have been a LOT easier if I'd picked it up after it had finished airing.  Waiting every week between episodes was torture!

I agree with all the gushing comments, so I won't bore you with my personal version.  I will just say that this drama is in the running for my favorite drama of all time, neck and neck with Reply 1988.

The only disappointment for me was where Bo Mi ended up when all was said and done.

Anyway, bravo and thanks to everyone involved in this drama!

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Never judge a book by its cover and never judge a drama by its NAME! Had the title of this drama been Because This Is My First ‘Love’, I would have certainly watched it the first day itself. But the actual title did not interest me so I did not watch this drama till everyone on Instagram started praising it. I asked my friend (who has been watching Korean dramas since 2004) about the drama and she told me how good it was and how it felt like a sweet Japanese dorama. Say ‘Japanese’ to me and you will have all my attention. She highly recommended this drama and the very next moment I was online watching this drama. And I loved it from the very first episode itself. Never thought a trite contract marriage could be this evocative. My friend was right, it does feel like a Japanese dorama.    

Good Weights
I enjoyed watching Because This Is Our First Life because…
…Se Hee reminded me of Sheldon Cooper from the Big Bang Theory. His scientific reasoning for every feeling, every emotion made me laugh and go awwww at the same time. In one scene, Ji Ho expresses her feelings about finally being able to relate to others and be a part of a group after being an outcast all her life. Instead of offering some kind words of understanding, Se Hee justifies her feelings with Maslow’s theory. I wanted to strangulate him but changed my mind after seeing his honest face. Actor Lee Min Ki has done a fantabulous job portraying the robotic Se Hee. Please watch out for the scene where Se Hee announces his marriage to his colleagues and asks who all thought he was gay or asexual. That scene was hilarious. I am laughing even as I write about it.
 …I love Jung So Min. This girl is too adorable and her portrayal of Ji Ho is way beyond perfect. Ji Ho is a dejected, lonely and unsuccessful writer looking for love and success. Her's is a very real character, in a real-world working under real circumstances. She struggles throughout the drama and even at the end, she does not become an award-winning writer like most drama characters do overnight. She continues to struggle but with a smile on her face. Her optimistic and hard-working character is a delight to watch. Complications in her story show that life is not a fairy tale. Just when you think everything is going fine, life throws a curveball that hits you right in the nose and you are left disoriented for a few minutes. But just like Ji Ho, you have to pick yourself up and keep going. If you are lucky enough then you can even hit the batsman who hit you with the ball. Do watch out the scene where she kicks Se Hee to make him bow before her strict father. I was in splits watching that one.  
 …there is a lot of love and romance. It is almost like an arranged marriage where two people, bound by a relation, hardly know each other but fall in love gradually as they spend more time together. Se Hee who seems like a heartless robot initially becomes more caring with each passing day and Ji Ho cannot stop herself from falling for her loving husband.
…I love the second-lead (?) even when he is hardly there. The dimpled cutie, Bok Nam is not exactly a second-lead but I still loved him. Wish he had more role in the drama.
 …I liked the parallel storylines along with the central love story. I cried when Ho Rang and Won Seok broke up in the drama because theirs was the cutest love story in the show. And Su Ji and Sang Goo’s hook-up then break-up followed by another hook-up was interesting to watch. Mr Ma's sincerity and love towards Su Ji was very moving. I must applaud the writers for adding their sponsor’s product to the storyline very effectively through Su Ji’s bra troubles.
…I appreciated the girl bonding happening between Ji Ho and her two buddies, Su Ji and Ho Rang. I studied in a convent school and I know how much fun it is to be in an ‘only girls’ school. The three girls have each other’s back and support each other without judging. Every girl should have friends like Su Ji and Ho Rang.
…the supporting cast was just amazing. I liked each and every supporting cast member on the show including Ji Ho and Se Hee’s parents. Everyone was just awesome in their roles.  
…I loved the dialogues especially Ji Ho’s voice over where she explains scenarios in her and others lives sometimes through quotes and sometimes through her beautiful thoughts.
…..it gave me the perfect ending I was looking for. When I sensed that one of the three couples would be breaking up for sure, the drama surprised me with their dramatic reunion and I couldn’t have thanked the writers more for this. I prefer realistic dramas but I also like happy endings. Like Shah Rukh Khan from Om Shanti Om, I too am a sucker for happy endings and I feel a drama is incomplete without a happy ending. This drama gave me everything I was looking for and I’m happy as a clam. :)

Bad Weights
I did NOT like Because This Is Our First Life because…
Err….naaaah I LOVED this drama. This made me feel so happy that I was grateful to have discovered dramas in the first place. Why do you need anything else when a good drama is enough to give you the ultimate high. Drama is my drug and this drama is one of my favourites.

 
Oh noooooooo!! One side of our drama beam balance has broken because the ‘good weights’ have outnumbered the non-existing ‘bad weight’ by a large number indicating how much I loved this drama. Because This Is Our First Life is an entertaining and feel-good drama. It is one of those dramas that lift your spirit and bring a smile on your face. If you feel low at any point in time then just watch this drama and trust me, you will feel so so good about life and everything else.    
I give Because This Is Our First Life 4.5 out of 5 rating. No drama clichés (except for the contract marriage) just great content is what this drama comprises of. I will urge everyone to watch this NOW!!!!

Originally posted on Alphagirl.in :)

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Where Do I Begin??—So happy this drama came to me when it did.

I was able to connect to nearly all of the characters at these different points in our lives. I laughed I cried I was shocked I cheered and I was always so very excited and eager to see what each episode it was going to show next. It’s very present is very progressive narrative it’s very supportive group of characters.

Not the clichéd fighting/cattiness of the other kdrama characters. These are characters that you could connect with they felt real they felt sincere you could understand why they act the way that he acted why they said with that he said and did what they did. I know that the lead mail was difficult to connect with it first but his motivations and pain was just as clear as everyone else’s. And I love that Ji-ho knew that.

She would pick up on that and she’d sense it. And I think that the way the drama ended was right for them. This is a spoiler here but they needed that break they needed that caused from what their marriage originally composed of. For them to start a new and fresh by themselves. I have even love the fact that she didn’t sign with a production company of his ex and then at the end too. Because she wanted to settle what she needed to settle with that horrible ex-worker in the previous production company that tried to silence her. And she did she that which was able to bring her closure and move onto another production company that wanted her to come on to write for them.

I mean, guys, I loved everything about this drama—even the sad bits. And made those moments when he stepped out of that box he was trapped under and showed those strong powerful emotional reaction specially when I came to Ji-ho even more powerful and more prominently important.

And that’s what those scenes was about. Yeah, sure in real life we would all love for the lead character,Se-hee, to be obnoxious and loud and angry and just show what they were thinking with their feeling. But in reality, that’s not what happens ; all the time because of his emotions, like our pasts, they do spread and seap into all areas of our lives. And a lot of us wear that like armor; it’s how we survive.

Because love and marriage is different. Because dating and marriage is different. Because being lovers versus being parents or partners is different. And we can’t wholly go into a relationship and do our best if we are broken ourselves. How can we really expect to have someone else be a pillar of happiness and great happiness if we can’t we do not know how to be happy on our owner or not a yourselves?

Besides stories secondary characters are just as important as the main leads Ji-ho and Se-hee, let me tell you guys, just as important!!!

I LOVED THIS DRAMA!! IT CAME TO ME (like a heart) just when I needed it to the most. Please, watch it.

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The Science of Love and Marriage

How many plays, books, songs, TV shows, and films have been made about love over the centuries? Too many to count, I'd wager. Some have given us exceptional and even beautiful depictions. Others have been incredibly superficial. Love is like the wind. You know it's there, but you can't really grasp it. There is a reason for this. Love is never about holding on. It's always about letting go. And true love is completely unconditional.

I personally believe Shakespeare described love the best when Juliet states, "My bounty is as boundless as the sea. The more I give to thee, the more I have, for both are infinite."

It is highly likely that, as a viewer, you will be able to relate with one or more of the characters of this drama. Most everyone has been in similar positions: getting together out of convenience, loving someone whose ambitions are greater and perhaps even different than your own, or loving someone who doesn't share the same feelings that you do. We also have characters who are too afraid to love for fear of being hurt.

This K-Drama works well because it doesn't get bogged down in needless melodrama, and it presents six characters that--on some level--nearly everyone can relate to. It is also fairly light without any big emotional twists that, too often, are typical of these kinds of shows. Instead, the writing is crisp because it stays true to the natural course of events rather than forcing them.

Along the way, the narrator, often Ji-ho and sometimes Se-hee ponder what love and marriage are, what their purpose is, and how to best make it work. Is it enough to marry only for love? Is it foolish to marry without any compatibility or shared interests? Sometimes, they resort to quotes from famous authors, and other times, they speculate on their own.

Too many people, due to the pressures of parents, society, and religion (sometimes all three!) believe that marriage is the only way to be happy. Marriage is not for everyone, and too often, couples treat it as the Finish Line rather than the Starting Gate. Yes, marriage is the beginning, not the end. And, yes, it IS work!

People also marry for the wrong reasons: to prevent having to be alone, to feel a sense of completion and well-being by being with someone. Happiness in marriage can never be found in your partner. It can only be found if you already have that happiness, and you are ready to share that with someone else. You cannot give what you do not have, and too often, we unfairly and unrealistically make our partner responsible for our happiness. Any relationship that takes on this idea is already doomed to fail.

These are topics, themes, and even questions that are addressed throughout the run of this series. Perhaps that is why it is a series that can be enjoyed by young and old alike, as well as people in/out of relationships as they address questions regarding love and marriage...topics that have been talked about since the beginning of time.

There are many cute, funny, and even ponderous moments. And in my book, that makes this a true treasure of a series to watch and enjoy...perhaps even with your partner!

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Okay, so I am new to the world of K-drama, stemming from my love for K-pop and appreciation for their entertainment industry. I have tried to watch dramas a few times in the past, but only having Netflix as an outlet, (now thanks to Viki I can watch pretty much anything I want) I didn't give them a real chance to entertain me. Que to Because This is My First Life. I don't know how exactly I stumbled across this beautiful show, but I read the synopsis of the story and was intrigued. So I started the first episode and soon finished it all within 24 hours.

The acting is phenomenal. I've been brought to tears several times, laughed plenty, and was touched from the music playing at just the right moments. The two main leads aren't the only ones the show focuses on, but other side characters/friends that really bring all sorts of real life aspects we've all have to deal with or know someone who has in some sort of way, in such a realistic light. I loved the TASTEFUL feminism touches in these subjects.

The only issue I had during this entire show was the last two episodes. I was a bit confused for some of it, but after watching the ending it began to make sense to me once again, why characters were doing certain things, and it was again back to smooth sailing.

I definitely recommend this show to anyone who likes not in your face humor, real life topics and issues, realistic romances, and not your typical perfect male lead. I will definitely be re watching this one in the future.

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I'm not going to do a full review just because I don't know how to put it into words, but this is one of my all time favourite dramas. It tackles real life issues while at the same time putting a humorous twist on it. If you're looking for a lovey dovey romance drama then I suggest looking elsewhere- the drama between the two main leads picks up quite late in the drama- but it's still definitely worth watching. I wouldn't say this is an easy watch, you get invested in the drama and there is never a time where you are questioning why you haven't dropped the drama yet. The second male lead it super cute and the side couples are adorable too. Words that I would use to describe this drama are 'just right'- it's just right in all aspects: complete with a cute romance (but tackling real issues), parental friction and just overall life problems. The characters don't particularly know what they're doing with their lives, and that's why they're so easy to relate to.
Anyway I would always recommend this drama to anybody; in my opinion it's underrated. The cast is incredible, put together with good ost's and a well written story line it's a drama that I plan to rewatch many times in the future.
You should do yourself a favour and stop reading this review, go watch the drama instead :))

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MY MOST FAVORITE K-DRAMA EVER!!!

I'm in shock! Like, seriously! Gosh! Why did it take 3 years until I finally found this drama? I wish I run into this drama earlier! Because This Is My First Life is seriously no joke! With no doubt, no hesitation, no second thought, I will award this K-drama as the best K-drama ever!

It's so relatable (as for engaged 30th woman like me), realistic and not exaggerating in every aspect! I learned a lot, yes, A LOT, from Because This Is My First Life. From the first until the last episode, everything is captured beautifully. Fun fact: all I can remember after finished watching this drama was the gloomy feeling and an urge to I saying "I love you" nonstop to my fiance. Lol!

The drama shows us 3 relationships from 3 mature couples. Every couple has their own battles and problems, ups and downs, see how normal it is right? And in the end, true love wins! What destined to be together will be together no matter what.

What stole my attention the most is the superb acting of Jung So Min. She's a goddess in acting! I can't describe how excellent her acting is into words because she's that good! She's the real definition of actress to me. She can deliver all the emotions to her audiences perfectly and I respect her for that.

I finished watching Because This Is My First Life months ago but every time I got back to rewatch, the feeling didn't change! I still laughed and cried over the same scenes like it was my first time watching it.

Long story short, Because This Is My First Life has left a special mark in my mind and heart. I'm so grateful!

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Cute & Light

This drama isn’t something that has so many twists and turns and keeps you on your seat.
It’s a very light and cute drama that had mini lessons in the middle. Kind of like a slice of life.
Were there cringey/awkward moments? Of course! It’s a romance drama after all, but that’s what made this drama adorable.
This drama just featured a daily couple’s life with a tiny twist to it.
The story’s smooth and isn’t very rocky and the romance is ADORABLE.
There is slight talk of s*x and sexual activity, but it’s all covered up. The kissing scenes tell you how single you are in like 24 different languages and they are cute!
I would recommend this drama to many people, especially if they wanna take a break from suspense or steamy dramas ^^
There are pieces of comedy that tie this drama up and the male and female lead was amazing! They had great chem <333
I didn’t rate it a full 10 only for the reason that there are better romance dramas which I enjoyed better~

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This story is pretty light but very enjoyable. I especially liked the characters and how they were all independent but are aware that no man is an island. Each of the six main characters were relatable at one point and you could really understand where they were all coming from. Their maturity and individual decisions were also well thought of and contributed greatly to their character development.

The friendship stories in this drama were definitely worth exploring more though. It's what made me want to know more about the characters themselves. As for the love stories, I loved 2 out of the 3 of them. The three couples had very different stories from one another - one from a long term relationship moving on to the next step, one evolved from a physical relationship to a romantic one, and one developed from an arranged marriage to a natural one. I loved the ending of the main leads' love story because they were very character-like of them so the consistency was pleasing. They were able to be individuals and a couple at the same time which really reflects the generations now as well. I also liked how each of them made the other develop more as a person. The second leads also had a sweet ending because they both excelled in their respective fields while supporting one another and thus becoming more successful. It was with the third leads I was not so satisfied with. I understand their sacrifices with one another but I guess for me the relationship didn't seem healthy for the both of them anymore. It must be the strong feelings and loyalty they had for one another that made the relationship work so I'm still happy for them.

Overall a light drama that will open your eyes to different types of relationships and make you reflect on the idea of openness and communication when in a relationship.

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Loved this show!
Very good side characters which provided some additional dimension to the show. Having these characters made you root for some, hate some, commiserate with some and empathize with some of them.

I am partial to Jung So Min as she is one of my favorite actresses. I think she is a very good, natural actress who can do justice to her roles. She's not very over the top. And I disagree with those who said she is so stiff in her role in this show. The role calls for some stiffness, she had to be stoic in certain situations. She is guarded, not stiff.
Loved the secondary couple - Mr. Ma and Soo Ji. Ho Rang was okay and their couple story-line also showed some other aspect of a relationship . LOVED Bo Mi! She is hilarious with her deadpan delivery.
And the Mom's wedding letter will forever be the most touching Mother-Daughter scene for me.

There were a lot of quotable quotes that I will definitely jot down once I re-watch, so yes to re-watch value! 

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