Viața E Complicată (2018)

This is the hardest review I have ever tried to write

My Mister is a superlative meditation on life. The description does not even begin to do it justice. This is, without a doubt, the best thing I have ever watched, in any medium and from any country - and yet my emotions and reactions are indescribable, in part because there were so many in any one moment. The writing, direction, and acting all came together in such a way that it almost felt as if I was experiencing events as they happened onscreen, rather than viewing them.

This isn't a story of people with perfect lives; instead it is a story of people doing the best they can. The screenwriter did a masterful job of showing that everyone has their own troubles. More importantly, it showed just how much a kind word or act can make a huge impact, and the power of coming together in times of joy, trouble, and tragedy. At times the crushing weight of what the characters (all of them, not only the leads) were dealing with seemed almost unbearable, but each time there was someone there to help lighten the load or help - sometimes in the most unexpected ways.

The casting for this drama was as amazing as everything else about it. Every character was perfectly cast - it was apparent that thought went into every one, even guest roles that were on the screen for no more than a minute. The cinematography was breathtaking, and the OST absolute perfection. The best way to describe it that I can think of is that everything about this drama was done with intentionality.

One other note, as a viewer of this drama in 2024. The representation of depression was very realistic, and some of the lines regarding it and the feelings of despair and hopelessness that come with hit particularly hard thinking of Lee Sun Kyun's tragic death.

Citeste mai mult

Masterpiece

I just finished watching this show and I feel still overwhelmed by feelings... Exhausted by the intense emotions felt and by the tears I cried. I can say, one of the (few) actual masterpieces I had the luck to watch so far in my life.
"It's ok, ıt's no big deal." "it's okay to fail. It's nothing really. Even if you fail you can still be happy."
Even though the atmosphere of this show may appear full-filled with sadness, melancholy, depression, and pain, actually the story is an hymn to the Life, the real life, the life whoever lives day after day, which may appear miserable sometimes, but which must be lived, because "Even if you fail you can still be happy".
I watched the show, well knowing how Lee Sun-kyun ended his life's journey, the root-causes which led to his irrevocable, heart-breaking decision and this made even more emotional the vision of this show.
The story: terrific. What you can see in this show is a delicate portrait of the Life. The life as it is lived at the workplace, at home, in a family, in the deepest solitude, in the darkest desperation, in the loyal and noisy community of the neighbourhood, by the rich, by the poor, by the honest, by the dishonest... The characters in this story are all defined by their passions, their vices, their miseries, their weaknesses, their distresses, in a so moving and compelling way, that each of them will leave an indelible trace in your heart. None of the stories is predictable. And this made them even more realistic and compelling.
The cast: I think this is one of the most well sorted and assembled ones I watched. Each of the roles was played in an impeccably way. The two leads, the support roles, are an amazing ensemble, which keeps the spectator compelled to and captivated by the story. You live with them, you cry and you laugh with them, you suffer and you enjoy with them, till the last emotion. Lee Sun-kyun and IU led the entire story, rendering their not so simple characters in an awesome way. Despite the difference in age (and experience) between the two, their acting was well blended, credible and flawless. Around them there is a colorful and amazing world of characters, each one well developed, well casted and very well played. I don't want to list all of them, because they are really a lot, but you can be sure that none will disappoint you.
The music: moving, touching your feelings, well suited for the story told by this show.
The direction and the photography: awesome. I cannot explain: you have to watch to understand that even the way the scenes were shot is able to compel even more to the story, making you feeling part of it.
You need to watch without any kind of doubts or hesitation.

Citeste mai mult

Multi-layered

“People will forget what you said, will forget what you did but never how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou’s quote was on repeat in my head throughout this drama. If you ever meet Park Dong Hoon he will strike you as a gentleman, quiet and kind through and through. He thinks of others before himself whether you are his kin, friend or even enemy. So why his wife decided to cheat on him is beyond me but that’s how this sad drama began. Despite a stable job, a solid marriage (before he knew about the infidelity) and a very supportive network Dong Hoon feels the heavy weight of the world on his shoulders . He was slowly dying inside. Although he doesn’t show it, he is miserable, very lonely and has no one to tell him “it’s no big deal” like his dad used to. That is until Lee Ji An came along. She is his unlikely saviour in the most unusual way...and him hers.

This drama is unique in that it has so many layers. You see I’m a binge watcher (reader) for entertaining dramas (books) but this one is so jampacked that you can only take /watch so much at a time. The brothers’ storylines are a treat, reminded me that boys will always be boys no matter their age. My fave actor of all time Lee Sung Kyun delivered yet again, his last crying scene is the loneliest scene of the decade. IU was a pleasant surprise, I think she made a good career move in picking this project.

I liked how each character have their own raw and honest story to tell. There’s a lot of lines that resonated and will stay with me, “do machines work in this company?!”, “You are the first person who was kind to me over four times” “the feeling that I’m the only one not rolling forward.So, sometimes… I sit outside near the door, early in the morning. Because I want to feel as if I’m rolling forward with them, too” are some of the few. I will also not forget “I...like Lee Ji an” and “I can’t die today...I don’t have expensive underwear” and “other people’s food taste better” among the light ones.

I don’t like how Yoon-Hee’s reason for infidelity was shallow but love how how Dong Hoon’s kindness embodies the ripple effect theory. I would recommend this drama if you have time for substance and in the mood for a good cry.

Citeste mai mult

This is the epitome of kdrama, an expressive art that transcends escapism and entertainment. Realist and minimalist dramas are gems that are often overlook by mainstream audience, so I would like to give credits to TVN for taking the risks of distributing this masterpiece. IU had graces me with one of the most memorable performance. The one and only drama that shook me to my core. Every characters are well crafted. My mister is by far the greatest kdrama I've watched, and I'm skeptical if a kdrama like this will ever come by again.

The usual formulaic kdrama elements are non-existent here, just pure transparency. Due to the nature of the narrative, it may be slow but never was a dull moment. You'll savor every sequences. I literally don't mind another 16 episodes of it. My mister is must watch, an exotic species in the ocean full of cliche stories.

Citeste mai mult

Amazing... I've never felt like this after finishing a drama before, not sad, not happy, just.. wholesome. If I had to describe it in 1 word I'll choose "Pitiful".

The main lead was a female in her 20s that grew up with no parents to teach her how to live and enough hardships for her to mature before some 40+ years neighbors, and just as she gave up on life she meets someone who even SHE felt that was more pitiful than her.
Behold how the story of the 2 most pitiful people play out.

Story: Main plot was unique, drama touches sensitive topics like cheating and depression and shows that people mature at different ages depending on their circumstances, I was very touched by the story and felt like I could understand all the characters actions from their point of view, for example there was no bad guy just for the sake of having a bad guy, his actions made actually sense.

Cast: I'm slowly becoming U.I fan at this point, good lord I felt so touched by her acting if they showed one of those "based on real story" messages at the end of the drama I would have believed it. Never heard about the other main actors before but I believe they were also great.

Music: Amazing! I love it when the music lyrics can relate to the drama story, that way when I listen to it whenever I can feel flashbacks of the scenes the music played in during the drama, that was also the case for "Because this is my first life".

Rewatch: I'll definitely rewatch this in couple of months when I miss it.

Overall: Purity at it's finest, definitely check this gem out for a change from the usual kdrama plots.

Citeste mai mult

Top drama on my list. Park Hae-young has really produced a masterpiece of a drama.

Although one can't proclaim the main story as something new (wife cheating on man, office politics etc.) - the way My Mister took time out to dive so deep into each character, teasing us on their back stories, showing us their vulnerabilities, was very refreshing to say the least. What made it stand out from other slice of life series imo was how relatable each character and their problems were. It made it so easy for a viewer to understand and immerse into each role, imagining themselves in it and feeling all the emotions. The drama also made superb usage of sounds (including silences) which managed to create an image of 'closeness' and helped to capture the viewer's imagination (e.g. LJA & PDH's farewell scene at the end. So little was actually said even though we could all see how much both parties wanted to tell each other). I also loved how Park Hae-young focused so much on ensuring each dialogue was meaningful and not just some filler noise (so many inspiring and relatable quotes in each ep! - "It's no big deal" - I'm sure many of us would at some point in time hoped for someone to tell us this sincerely) Personally, my favorite (most touching) scene was when LJA's grandma wrote on her book that she can finally die in peace to PDH - it was so sincere and heartfelt that I just drowned in tears)

Casting was also excellent. One of the few dramas which I felt each and every role was casted perfectly. Everyone acted so well and the emotions were so raw and real that, again made it easy for the viewer to connect. There were many concerns earlier on IU's 1-D acting but i sincerely felt she acted LJA to perfection - especially Ji An's hesitations (which i felt made her more real). Really love the portrayal of all 3 brothers as well - you could see the loneliness in their eyes. Even the side characters such as the LWI (loan shark) was great.

The OSTs were also brilliant and the editing made full use of it with great placement on important moments, adding on to the atmosphere.

Rewatchability was rated highly as I felt everything I rewatched the series, I discover new meanings in the dialogue or understood it from a different perspective, which makes it very refreshing despite already knowing the plot and the ending.

Overall, I highly recommend anyone who hasn't watched to give this drama a try. You would not regret investing the time. My only regret was not watching it earlier.

Citeste mai mult

Okay, I quite literally just finished watching and I feel so warm and fuzzy inside that I'm going to write this right now even though it's 12:30 AM lol.

First things first: the story. From the first episode, it honestly grasps your attention and curiosity right away. Questions begin to flood you about Ji An's story, Dong Hoon's life, and generally the interpersonal relationships among everyone living in Hoogye. The entire drama ultimately leaves you desperate for a coalition of loving friends and family that will truly support and help you whenever you need it. And, although I'm quite the romantic and a large inkling of me wanted to see some romantic action, there were no drastic plot changes in the name of love. It was realistic, and that's just another central reason as to why I enjoyed My Mister so, so much. After just completing Goblin, I didn't feel good. The story seemed off, and I realize why now: because it was completely unrealistic, and not just because the main characters had magical powers. It was because the story really didn't make sense. It pulled the laws and realities of what is reasonable too far and made the relationships created across 20 episodes seem very fake. For My Mister, the relationships are real, run deep, and do not betray what real life can look like.

The acting was PHENOMENAL. Every actor/actress played their roles diligently, and I, never for a second while watching, did I question whether that was their real personality or one they took on. There was one scene with Ki and Sang Hoon, where Sang Hoon was unimpressed with magic tricks and Ki Hoon exasperatedly asked, "Why do you cry when you watch TV shows then? It's all just acting." My Mister, surely one of the best magic tricks I have ever seen, took my breath away. I think basically all of the characters that I originally found annoying grew on me by the end, which is really rare for me and TV shows lol. However, I was IN. LOVE. with IU throughout the whole show, and her relationships with her grandma, Kwang II, Ki Beom (only fault: I wish they expanded more on this relationship), Jung-Hee and duh Dong Hoon made me love those characters and their acting even more. I loved Dong Hoon's relationship with Team 3 and even the CEOs. I loved the acting in My Mister!

I didn't even question that the music would pull my heartstrings when IU is the main lead. The OST is gorgeous and the song choices for specific scenes and people fit very well. I don't know if I can say much more than that for the soundtrack, but just like everything else with My Mister, it was thoughtful and well done.

Overall, I really recommend that you watch this show, whether it's for specific actors, an enticing and unique story, or just to see a glimpse of what real humanity looks like. I guarantee this: you will feel good inside after watching. If you don't, my sincerest apologies lol that I took away 16x80 minutes of your life, but that's highly unlikely. It's a uplifting drama with great actors, great music, and a fantastic plot.

Citeste mai mult

This is the same director that filmed "Signal" and "Incomplete life", so of course, I had to watch it. Ever since he filmed Sunkyunkwan Scandal(in which Song Joong Ki and Yoo Ah In and Park Min Young won their popularity), I had my eyes on him. Any mediocre actor will win popularity through this director and Yim Si Wan is one of the many! This director has a knack for making every story so personal and special yet a different chill will run through your spine every time you watch his works. This film was a little(?), maybe a lot different different than his previous ones and I think he is the type of man who goes for challenges. I loved all of his films but this one in particular, I couldn't watch without crying from episode 6, and you will understand why.
This film was, compared to his previous ones, more deep and you will learn to hope and how to be a proper adult in the midst of hardship in life and what it means to be a real hero. He has a special way to resolve struggle and obstacles and deliver you to perfect climax and resolution. I highly recommend it and I hope the subtitle will be able to deliver the subtle yet strong message, and the beauty of this film.

Citeste mai mult

Despite all those rom com, thriller, Sci fi kdramas, THE BEST OF THE BEST KDRAMA....

MY MISTER was the best of the best for my entire kdrama list, i've already finished 130 kdramas but for some reason they can't be compared to this drama,

I don't like the affair scene in the drama but the story was too great and also the Main character in this drama,
the sadness, the affection towards the mister from her, all of them ..

I didn't watch this as a romance , they should ended up together at the end, it's like i love that drama,
I mostly like rom com where the Male lead s ended up together at the end with a fantasy end, but when i watching this i diidn't feel that way,
The Characters in that drama and the Actors who gave life to that characters was too perfect, I think that's why i was too attract to this drama,

Since the begging till the Episode 6 or 7 we don't here so much talk from female lead character, she looks like a cold character with too much difficulties, but actually she isn't like that,
At the End of the drama I felt too happy that she gained all the things that she should get, I was really happy about the ending part of her character, it makes my eyes filled with tears not for sad but for the happy..

In a coner of my mind wish her to be with MISTER but the ending is too happy that it can let it side easily..

I really don't wanna talk about the other character cause it'll remind the whole series of the drama then i'll remind the those happy moments as well as the Sad moments, i don't want that ..

so any way this was the VERY first Drama that I felt like the best of the best,
don't think it's because they are talking about the reality of the life, NO that can be a little little reason but it's not the actual case..
It's the story line and the Acting....


HOPE YOU ALL GET TO WATCH THIS DRAMA IF YOU DIDN'T WATCH IT YET...

Citeste mai mult

A Slow-Burner... But a Good One At That!

I have heard so much raves about My Mister on social media, with many people hailing it as one of the best K-drama series of all time. Since, it was on Netflix, I had to watch it. I was surprised by the tone and atmosphere of this series, which was unlike any of the K-dramas that I've seen thus far. It's a different kind of Kdrama. One that is more depressing , dark and melancholy. Engaging and touching, this series was very good though it is a slow-burner I must say. It does take patience to watch this series, but you do get rewarded. I love that the story is bout friendship not love. I love that the two leads develop a deep friendship rather than love, which we have seen so many time before. On a side note, this series reminded me of Parasite with the idea of poor but intelligent individuals conning wealthy people for money. Acting, production and story were all quite good though there were a few questionable moments, especially during the first few episodes.

For Episode 1, why didn't Dong Hoon put the money in his bag which was right under his desk. Why would he go through the trouble of getting a folder to cover the package and putting it in the drawer. Even when he believed that there was the possibility that Lee Ji Ahn saw his hide the package, why wouldn't he just put it in his bag right then? Even when Lee Ji Ahn asked him for dinner, he could have still put the package into his bag (even if she was lording over him which I assumed that she was). If she asks what the package is, he could easily lie and say that it's nothing. Even angle-wise, I'm not sure that Lee Ji Ahn would be able to see Dong Hoon open the package since he did have a barrier to his left which could have easily covered this act. And why would the guy in charge of the electricity room help her? And she didn't even give him a cut of the money. Of course, I'm being nit picky.

I felt that there were too many coincidences in the first few episodes. Such as in Episode 3, how did the brother know that the waiters at that club wore that uniform when it seemed like he was there for the first time. And there's no way that Ji Ahn orchestrated that hit-and-run as she would have to time exactly when he was wake up at the hotel, etc. Too many factors to take into account.

All in all though, it was a great K-drama series. Not the best K-drama that I've seen, but definitely one of the best. *Fighting*

Citeste mai mult