Prietena Surorii Mele (2018)

Firstly, the acting was amazing! Something about the acting made me truly believe the pain and feelings each character felt. With the acting paired with the beautiful soundtrack, it is DEFINITELY a drama I will come back to. In fact, this is actually my third time watching it and each time I discover something new.

The story is amazing. It's about a woman in her mid 30's who is working at a tiring 9-5 (most nights ending the workday around 9 or 10) stuck without much, if any, joy and love in life. Her boyfriend/ex-boyfriend is no good (manipulative, cowardly and so much more), her relationship with her family could be better and her career is tiresome and often dreadful. When her best friend's little brother re-enters her life she stumbles upon that joy and passion she's been missing. With her family being the ones who cared for her best friend and her younger brother since they were in their teens, the family's reaction to the quickly budding relationship is more than what you'd expect. Eventually, this takes a toll on the two and their relationship, resulting in them thinking they can each fulfill a better life without the other- but in the end, they reunite once again discovering that fulfillment can only be reached when they are together.

As a frequent K-Drama watcher, this is a must-watch. Many people see the description and run for the hills, others have given it a try and find it long-winded due to the episode lengths (and I admit it might not be for everyone) but this is a drama you have to watch for YOURSELF!

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Criminally underrated

This drama is in all honesty criminally underrated! The chemistry of the leads is amazing, the acting overall more than just great and I absolutely loved the slow scenes which brought out all the emotions perfectly! I cannot understand how this drama is not better rated!
I love the character development of the FL though she nearly breaks with all the pressure that she is put under. Her mother, who is never satisfied, her workplace where SA is a daily common happening and let‘s not forget the general expectations people have towards women her age. She is an amazingly strong character who learns to stand up for herself and fight for her own life.
Seo Jun Hui though younger than her shows his matureness in guiding her through quite some of this process and does it beautifully. He is not to blame that even for him the pressure has become too much towards the end. It was wonderful to see how he gave in to his heart in the end.
The OST is the only issue here… the three songs were beautiful but clearly overused and not always fitting the scenes. I think it would have been better using a wider selection and I wouldn‘t mind if the songs were in Korean instead of English… but that is really the only issue I have with this drama.
I will definitely rewatch it, for all the beautifully shot emotional scenes, the chemistry of the leads (their intimite scenes left me speechless) and the story of a struggeling woman who starts to stand up for herself and fights for her rights as a human being who is capable of making her own decisions instead of listening to her mother, her boyfriend or society.

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Total bullshit

I haven’t seen such trashy male and female lead characters. All characters are too annoying especially the FL is a trash and ML is hyper trash.
Most trashy things of this drama
1. Because ML love FL he always put FL first and his one and only sister in second(never respected her feelings) even though she sacrificed for him so much(she look after him without parents)
2. FL always hide everything from ML and always says sorry to him and he always forgive her without hesitation even though she went for a blind date behind his back, yet he forgives her within seconds.
3. She always says she is older and more mature and don’t do any mistakes but always making mistakes and says sorry to him.
4. Yet she was in deep love with ML, but within 3 months she found a new boy friend, when ML come back than she realize that she did evil thing to him and decided to punish herself because of hurting him and his sister.
5. Even after knowing she has a new boy friend, the ML couldn’t forgive her and wants her only.
I couldn’t write the remaining trashy scenes because it will turn out complete drama.
This is the total trashy character,

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Por mais que exista um amor aparentemente puro e inquebrável, há questões de personalidades próprias e valores familiares que podem entrar em conflito e muitas vezes são intransponíveis. Outras vezes, não.

Ao assistir pela primeira vez "Something in the rain", conforme a história se desenvolve, uma profusão de sentimentos vêm à tona. Alegria, tristeza e principalmente raiva, todas misturadas, nos fazem muitas vezes sentir pena e torcer por um dos protagonistas, sem muito bem entender o motivo que levou o outro a tomar aquela atitude, aparentemente incompreensível e sem sentido.

No caso da história deste drama, por sermos espectadores com uma visão de cultura e valores ocidentais, temos a tendência de não compreendermos muitas das atitudes da protagonista feminina Yoon Jin-ah. Mas este juízo de valor que fazemos sobre as ações que ela toma não seria justamente uma intolerância da nossa parte ? Tentar se colocar no lugar dela, lembrando dos valores familiares que ela aprendeu desde sua infância, por mais difícil que possa parecer para nós, seria o mínimo que poderíamos fazer para não a julgarmos com olhares enviesados. E é justamente o que seu par Seo Joon-hee deixou de fazer em certo momento.

A psicologia das cores em conjunto com o clima (chuva, sol, neve, tempestade) entra nesta história de forma espetacular para explicar a todo momento o comportamento e o amadurecimento dos dois protagonistas. A filmagem, a fotografia e a trilha sonora são maravilhosas. A lentidão das cenas sem cortes se assemelha bastante com filmes cinematográficos.

O final poderia ter sido um pouco mais bem trabalhado, mas não prejudico o todo da obra.

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I have seen this Drama one time with Italian Subs in streaming , and I have gone over to late night just a few minute a go.



To the most Italian people this Drama didn't like It , and neither to me.




In My opinion this Drama has been overall boring the First 2 episodes.








The ones nice episodes are n. 3 to 6; Just a Little bit 11 and 12 and 16.






The best thing in this Drama : They are the songs.



I have seen this Drama only One time, and It is enough for me.



Good Luck for the people that want see this Drama very boring.

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Slow but beautiful and I would rather say it's the king of slow burn....

Review: Something in the Rain

"Something in the Rain" (2018), also known as "Pretty Noona Who Buys Me Food", is a romantic melodrama directed by Ahn Pan-seok and written by Kim Eun. It stars Son Ye-jin and Jung Hae-in in a tender story of love, societal judgment, and self-discovery. Praised for its realistic portrayal of relationships, the drama takes viewers on a nuanced journey through modern romance, breaking away from the clichés often found in similar narratives.

Plot Summary

The story revolves around Yoon Jin-ah (Son Ye-jin), a successful yet unfulfilled woman in her mid-30s, who works as a supervisor in a coffee franchise company. She reconnects with Seo Joon-hee (Jung Hae-in), her best friend's younger brother, after he returns to Korea from working abroad. Their casual friendship blossoms into a romantic relationship, one that forces them to confront societal judgments, familial disapproval, and personal insecurities.

The drama explores a myriad of themes, including age-gap romance, gender inequality in the workplace, familial obligations, and the challenges of societal expectations, all woven into a deeply emotional narrative.


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Strengths

1. Authentic Romance and Chemistry

The heart of Something in the Rain lies in its portrayal of love. Yoon Jin-ah and Seo Joon-hee's relationship feels refreshingly authentic, marked by tender moments, playful banter, and emotional vulnerability. Son Ye-jin and Jung Hae-in deliver standout performances, capturing the nuances of falling in love—the hesitations, excitement, and fears. Their chemistry is palpable, elevating the narrative into a heartfelt experience.

2. Realistic and Relatable Themes

The drama excels in exploring issues beyond romance. Jin-ah’s workplace challenges, including sexual harassment and gender inequality, are portrayed with raw honesty. The cultural pressures on women to conform to traditional roles—such as marrying by a certain age—resonate strongly. Joon-hee's perspective on love, individuality, and defying norms adds depth to his character, making their struggles feel universal yet deeply personal.

3. Cinematography and Aesthetic Appeal

Director Ahn Pan-seok's attention to detail shines through in the drama's subdued yet visually stunning cinematography. The frequent use of natural lighting, muted color tones, and minimalist settings enhances the emotional undertones of the story. Quiet moments, such as the couple walking in the rain or sharing meals, feel poetic and intimate.

4. Exceptional Soundtrack

The OST plays a significant role in heightening the drama's emotional impact. Tracks like “Stand By Your Man” by Carla Bruni and “Save the Last Dance for Me” evoke nostalgia and complement the mood of the narrative. The music not only sets the tone but also becomes a character in itself, accentuating key moments of the couple’s journey.


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Weaknesses

1. Pacing Issues

The drama’s slow pacing, especially in the latter half, detracts from its otherwise compelling narrative. The repetition of conflicts—particularly the resistance from Jin-ah’s family and societal disapproval—feels dragged out and could have been resolved more succinctly. This stagnation somewhat diminishes the emotional engagement toward the end.

2. Underwhelming Secondary Plotlines

While the main love story is deeply engaging, some of the side plots—like Jin-ah’s struggles at work or her complex relationship with her mother—feel underdeveloped. These storylines initially promise significant commentary on societal issues but fail to deliver meaningful resolutions, leaving viewers wanting more depth.

3. Cultural and Generational Gaps

For international viewers unfamiliar with Korean societal norms, certain conflicts may seem exaggerated, such as the emphasis on age differences and familial approval. While these elements are crucial in Korean culture, they may not resonate as strongly with global audiences.


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Themes and Symbolism

1. Rain as a Metaphor

Rain appears frequently throughout the drama, symbolizing both cleansing and renewal. It often coincides with moments of emotional revelation or growth, serving as a subtle metaphor for the couple's journey through challenges and eventual healing.

2. Societal Expectations vs. Personal Happiness

The central conflict revolves around the characters’ struggle to prioritize their love over societal norms. Jin-ah, in particular, faces immense pressure from her family to marry someone of a similar age and social standing. This theme resonates deeply in cultures where societal expectations weigh heavily on personal choices.

3. Feminism and Workplace Dynamics

Through Jin-ah’s workplace experiences, the drama critiques the prevalence of harassment and sexism in corporate environments. Her journey toward standing up for herself is both empowering and heartbreaking, highlighting the importance of systemic change.


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Performances

Son Ye-jin as Yoon Jin-ah: Son Ye-jin delivers a masterclass in subtlety, portraying Jin-ah with grace and vulnerability. Her internal conflicts—balancing her love for Joon-hee with her fear of societal judgment—are palpable and relatable.

Jung Hae-in as Seo Joon-hee: Jung Hae-in’s portrayal of Joon-hee is equally compelling. He brings warmth, charm, and quiet strength to his character, making him an ideal counterpart to Jin-ah’s emotional turmoil. His ability to convey profound emotions with minimal dialogue is particularly noteworthy.



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Final Thoughts

"Something in the Rain" is more than just a romance drama; it is a poignant exploration of love in the face of societal constraints. It succeeds in capturing the beauty and challenges of relationships with sincerity, bolstered by outstanding performances and thoughtful direction. While its pacing issues and underdeveloped subplots may detract slightly from the experience, the drama’s emotional resonance and relatable themes make it a standout entry in the genre.

Rating: 9.5/10

Fans of slow-burn romances and introspective storytelling will find Something in the Rain a deeply moving and worthwhile watch.

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The most atmospheric drama

This drama has its flaws mostly because of the story that really drags in the middle part and may even make you want to fast forward so me parts. But somehow it still remain one of my favorite romance dramas ever, mostly because of the leads Son Ye-jin and Jung Hae-in. Despite their age difference, the chemistry between taken is almost palpable, which I think is one of the most important things for a romance drama. I love the overall atmosphere of the drama, sometimes it’s happy and romantic, something it’s sad and almost depressing, but nonetheless magical. The OST is also very good, I save all the songs to my playlist. Definitely recommend to all romance drama lovers!

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A SHOW WHICH COULD HAVE BEEN GREAT

The show started out in a very promising way, and had many aspects which made me root for the show. There were a few unique traits which makes the show stand out compared to other dramas of the similar genre, but sadly it doesn't come to fruition.
The show attracted me with its realism, and the whole vibe that it created. The age gap, the workplace harassment, the societal bias and pressures, the hectic and unforgiving reality of adult life, and amongst all of this, an unconventional romance. These are the things which made the show extremely promising, but these points were not executed properly even though the show was slowly paced(which I didn't mind at all).
This show didn't have a 2nd pair of leads, which meant that, the whole show is dependent on the character development of the leads. The performance of the actors were phenomenal(probably the best thing about the show), but their character development was sub par. The obstacles towards the romance is extremely repetitive. The issues with the judgmental mother were dragged on for way too long. The female lead kept on making the same mistakes, to the point where I really started to get annoyed at the character who is supposed to be older and more mature. Then there was a pseudo breakup, which was then followed by an actual breakup which made absolutely zero sense. The whole moving to the US thing was extremely uncharacteristic of the male lead, and the circumstance just does not fit into the whole character development of the male lead. Even after the breakup, I still would have vouched for the show (even though it was unrealistic), but what ruined the show for me was the ending.
The ending really left a bitter taste, and made me feel like the time I spent wasn't worthwhile. The final episode started out quite promising, and it was very emotional, which again got my hopes up, but at the end the reconciliation and closure was so short(nearly non existent), that you don't even get time to get over the sadness and the emotions. The ending could have easily been more lengthy and the viewers could have at least finished the show on a happy and satisfied note.

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promising premise... poor execution;.. hated the repetitive OST .

this is my frank opinion only, others may disagree, but I really disliked this drama. Had my hopes high with Son ye jin in the lead role, and she didn't disappoint, but her character wasn't well written at all. She had no spine in the beginning, then falls in love, learns to stand up for herself, only to do everything opposite in the end. what was the whole point? All the actors did a good job with their parts. the sub -plot in the office was a distraction to the main story more than than anything else. I mean the basic premise of the drama was an older woman falling for a young guy ; that too her friend's younger sibling. But it barely had any impact on story. Everyone (almost) was just fine after initial shock. There was hardly any discussion on the social stigma /taboo related with this. As in all the reviews , first few episodes were enjoyable, but then lost traction midway through the series. The female lead does questionable things devoid of any logic. The male lead also decides suddenly he wants to move out of the country , without discussing with her. The mother was against their relationship, not because of their age gap/ what society would think of that , but instead because of parentage of the guy . Makes no sense why the whole plot focussed so much on their age gap at all. This could have happened with any-age couple. Seems like they wanted to fill out the 16 episodes with some content.

Seriously...towards last few episodes, all the characters did was stare/walk.. there were long cuts of the characters doing absolutely nothing with some bgm (dont get me started on that..) ..you could fast forward the episodes and there would hardly be 20-30 mins of actual development in story. The male lead spends half his dialogues telling the female, how beautiful she is.
Actually nothing much happens story wise in the drama at all. You could tell the story in 7-8 episodes .. there were so many filler non-relevant scenes.

The Background Score....uff...... same bloody 2-3 songs repeated every 5 minutes. after the first few times, it got irritating. Whatever the context the same song would play. and the lyrics did not suite the show at all. + these were all in English. But man, so many times the same shitty song kept playing on and on..... it was the worst part of the show.

Wont recommend this drama to anyone. I am repenting having watched it.

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Patience is a virtue

Around episode 5 I was liking this series a lot, but I sensed that things would end badly. I read some spoiler reviews and I was dismayed to find ppl saying we should stop at ep 9; the rest went downhil badly. I begrudgingly continued with the series. It starred Son Ye-Jin from Crash landing on you and the 2nd male lead from While you were sleeping. They even mentioned that series when Jin-ah and Jun-hui 1st reunited. I think the series was supposed to give us the varying emotions of love; the butterflies in your tummy, the joy and laughter. The fear that it will end and the heartache when it does.
Most reviewers blamed Jin-ah for ruining the relationship and I was angry at her selfishness around episode 13. Then I realized all she'd been through.
Her family and that atrocious mother; her job and back-stabbing co-workers. Even Jun-hui's sister was horrible for a time. Still, she loved Jun-hui enough to stay with him. He wanted her to run away to America and then HE decided to leave by himself, when she would'nt go. This was his fault, because although she wanted her independence, she always was happy to be with him. Jun-hui showed his younger age, by being insecure and running. She let him go because she thought it was best for him. That's why she wept in her apt and refused to see him the night he left.
When he was packing and heard her message again, expressing her love, he realized that her love was displayed for him throughout the series. That is why he asked for forgiveness. In love and life our rash decisions usually get us in trouble. It is patience that Jun-jui needed to use for Jin-ah.

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My first noona romance drama and I have to say:
Oh what a wonderful drama! It got a little tiring in the end, but overall it was worth it!

Story:
Joon Hee is the brother of Jin Ah's best friend. They know each other since childhood and now, as Joon Hee returrns from the US, where he lived and studied for three years, he finally decides to follow his emotions and try to get Jin Ah as his girlfriend. The drama depicts the struggles they have to overcome to be accepted by society, but also - and most importantly - their beautiful, fluffy and sometimes very sexy love. I enjoyed the drama very much up to the 12th episode, after that the story line got a little out of hand. Some characters (including the main female lead) became very annoying in some aspects. Also Jin Ah's mother acted like an annoying little child who didn't get her will. I know that she was supposed to resemble the Korean society and their view on marriage, but still, her character was too much. The ending was also not to my taste, but you gotta see it yourself to make a judgement (no sad ending, don't worry).
However, up until the 12 episode we got one of the most beautiful love stories I have ever witnessed in a kdrama!

Acting/Cast:
They all did a wonderful job. A huge praise goes especially to Jung Hae In. After watching him in While You Were Sleeping I was really excited for his main role here, and I wasn't disappointed. Also, Joon Hee is a character I would fall for in real life! The supporting roles were also birlliant and gave the drama an authentic feeling.

Music:
OH THIS MUSIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE the music in this drama. Someone said somehwere that it gives the whole drama a French feeling, and it's true! The soundtrack and the total lack of music and sounds in some scenes makes this drama so wonderfully intense! I am really in love with this soundtrack.

Rewatch Value:
If I would be a rewatcher, this drama would have a high chance of me rewatching it.

Overall:
Feel-Good, fluffy and sexy noona-romance with some (small) deductions in the last few episodes.

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A story about all the important issues in society which women are facing on a daily basis, mainly Asian women. It's a mature story about an older woman falling in love with a younger guy & with workplace sexual harassment & parental control. It may seem like the guy would be immature because he is younger. But he is not given, he mature according to his age. It's a realistic love story. That's how couples behave in real life. No cliche screen, no accidental kisses or accidental falling into each other. Pure love, self-recognition, self-confidence, independence. In many dramas, it shows how FL is embarrassed to change in front of the ML even after sleeping with each other. But here they showed the realistic part, if you love your partner, trust him & are comfortable around him, then there is no need to be embarrassed to change in front of him.

Also like the OST. It gives a 90s music vibe.

After all these good sides, I find it boring. It was slow for me. I find Yun Jin A falling in love with Seo Jun Hui very quickly. I hated Yun Jin A mother to the core. I wanted to beat her so much. But on the other hand, I liked her father. He was so supporting of her. And took her relationship so well.

I didn't like the ending . It was rush ending. Their separation was unnecessary in the end. Also Yun Jin A case against her employer conclusion wasn't properly shown.

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