Hotel del Luna (2019)

Haunting, Enchanting, and Incredible

My goodness, IU, and co-star Jin-goo did such an incredible job! The production felt so clean and exquisite, and each of Jang Man-wol's outfits was astonishingly beautiful. I was hooked from the very beginning, and the drama perfectly balances romance, fantasy, comedy, and soul. Many of the side characters had touching backstories, and I'm so happy the writers gave them each a satisfying ending! The OST soundtrack was one of the most memorable things from the drama, HEIZE and Chungha (to name a few) did a fantastic job adding a haunting and emotional touch to the deeper scenes. Easily one of the best dramas I've seen by far!

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Hotel del Luna è un drama coreano del 2019, composto da 16 episodi di lunghezza variabile tra un’ora e un quarto e un’ora e mezza. Non bisogna però lasciarsi spaventare: in tutta l’opera i momenti di vera e propria noia sono veramente pochi, mentre assistiamo spesso a scene molto pregnanti, con situazioni e frasi di grande profondità, che colpiscono il segno, anche sotto la cintura.

Molta gente getta via i suoi tesori e rischia la vita per proteggere ciò che vuole nascondere…

Per la sceneggiatura delle Hong Sisters (Hong Jung Eun e Hong Mi Ran), autrici tra l’altro di Alchemy of Souls, e per la regia di Oh Choong Hwan, che ha diretto While You Were Sleeping e Big Mouth, solo per citarne un paio, questa serie si apre con una scelta musicale piuttosto particolare, per un drama coreano: Sonata al chiaro di luna, di Ludwig Van Beethoven. Capiremo presto che, nell’economia della storia, la luna ha un posto rilevante.

Protagonista indiscussa di Hotel del Luna è Jang Man Wol, la proprietaria dell’albergo, interpretata da una splendida IU. Ma non dobbiamo pensare a questo hotel come ad un normale esercizio commerciale: normalmente è nascosto ai vivi e i suoi clienti, tutti fantasmi, vengono da lei per abbandonare le preoccupazioni terrene, risolvere situazioni lasciate in sospeso, liberarsi di vecchi rancori e così via, allo scopo di poter serenamente lasciare questo mondo e passare nell’aldilà. Anche tutti i dipendenti dell’hotel sono fantasmi, ognuno con la propria storia, la propria motivazione a rimanere lì, a volte per centinaia di anni. Tutti fantasmi, dicevamo, tranne uno: il manager, che si occupa delle questioni finanziarie, è sempre una persona viva.

A ricoprire questa carica, che trova ben poco attraente, viene chiamato Goo Chan Sung (Yeo Jin Goo), un giovane e brillantissimo vicedirettore in una catena multinazionale di hotel, che viene costretto ad abbandonare una promettente carriera e obbligato ad occuparsi del Del Luna, perché suo padre fece un patto con Man Wol quando lui era bambino: avrebbe salvato il padre, a condizione che le cedesse il figlio dopo 20 anni. Da qui si comprende come, almeno all’apparenza, la proprietaria dell’albergo non sia una persona pietosa e gentile. Con questi echi alla ‘Il Bello e la Bestia’, le prime interazioni fra i due non saranno molto pacifiche.

Le vicende dell’hotel si svolgono sostanzialmente in due direzioni: da una parte, abbiamo il millennio e fischia della storia di Man Wol, che veniamo scoprendo a poco a poco mentre, inevitabilmente, finisce per innamorarsi, ricambiata, del suo manager. Dall’altra parte, abbiamo tutta una serie di accadimenti che riguardano un nutrito numero di personaggi, più o meno secondari, che formano sostanzialmente l’ossatura del drama, perché in realtà ‘rubano’ la maggior parte della scena. Tutto non è sempre come sembra: rapinando il motto a Labyrinth, molte delle storie delle anime in transito si riveleranno essere diverse da come apparisse in principio. E sono storie spesso molto commoventi, che mettono a dura prova la nostra riserva di empatia, aiutate da un commento musicale azzeccato e da una cinematografia spesso geniale, anche se, per contro, a volte ci sono scene in cui la telecamera balla. Il tutto è sempre così curato che sarei portata a credere che questo effetto, a volte anche un po’ fastidioso, possa essere voluto.

Ma vogliamo parlare della CGI? Per una volta, non la nominiamo per riderne o lamentarcene: nei primi episodi ci sono delle scene in cui si vede un credibilissimo serpente e, addirittura, una splendida tigre. Ma splendida davvero, altro che il gatto di ‘I m a Pet At Dali Temple’, che mi ha segnato a vita…

Hotel del Luna è un drama in cui non si è badato a spese. Ambientazioni, effetti speciali, trucco, parrucco e costumi sono di prima qualità. Anzi, incredibilmente IU cambia più abiti di Zhang Zi Yi in ‘The Rebel Princess’ e forse non saranno altrettanto sontuosi, ma sono comunque bellissimi, e le stanno da dio. Credo sia la prima volta in cui sono rimasta affascinata dalla protagonista invece che dalla controparte maschile. IU è un’attrice che sa costringerti a guardarla e, una volta ottenuta la tua attenzione, sa comunicarti il messaggio. Una grande, anche considerato che il suo personaggio non è, per molto tempo, dei più simpatici. Per contro, il protagonista maschile non è altrettanto affascinante. Complici una caratterizzazione meno interessante e forse anche un’interpretazione un pelino meno magistrale, il manager di Yeo Jin Goo non appare così avvincente. In aggiunta, non incontra del tutto nemmeno i miei canoni estetici, ma siamo proprio nel reame delle preferenze personali.

In realtà, in linea generale, il cast ha fatto un lavoro egregio. Praticamente tutti e sì, anche Yeo Jin Goo, hanno interpretato alla grande i vari personaggi, spesso dolenti, che popolano la serie: è solo che IU, qui, sta un palmo sopra. La sua Man Wol, bloccata da molti secoli nell’hotel perché non sa liberarsi del rancore per un tradimento subito, riesce nel tempo a conquistare la nostra simpatia. Le sue abitudini spendaccione, che Chan Sung è costretto ad arginare per rimediare alle catastrofiche finanze dell’hotel, hanno delle motivazioni e contribuiscono a renderla più umana, nonostante la sua lunghissima esistenza e i suoi poteri soprannaturali.

Devo confessare che inizialmente ero piuttosto risentita di come fossero presentate le vicende: che diamine, in un periodo in cui pullulavano soldati sanguinari e banditi assassini, perché la sola punita con l’essere incatenata all’Hotel del Luna per espiare doveva essere l’unica donna così abile da battere gli uomini? Ma tale destino non è solo una punizione: anche Man Wol ha molto risentimento da abbandonare prima di poter passare all’aldilà e, se alcuni fantasmi ci mettono poco, altri impiegano anche secoli. Solo che lei li batte tutti! La sua esistenza terrena è legata ad un albero spoglio che la trattiene all’hotel e, quando sarà fiorito e i fiori saranno appassiti, la libererà e le permetterà di trapassare. Inutile specificare chi sarà a far fiorire quell’albero, mettendo in fibrillazione lo staff dell’albergo.

A mente un po’ più fredda, si potrebbe argomentare che fin troppo tempo, nell’economia del drama, sia dedicato alle vicende dei personaggi secondari, alle anime dolenti che devono riuscire a liberarsi di ciò che le trattiene in terra per poter serenamente trapassare e, chissà, magari reincarnarsi. A volte ci si scopre ad aspettare con impazienza il ritorno in scena della coppia principale o, almeno, di uno dei due. Però, in compenso, la narrazione di queste storie è molto avvincente e commovente, regalando spesso perle di saggezza e momenti di lirismo. Non secondariamente, molti personaggi vengono caratterialmente approfonditi. La serie è strutturata in modo da non offrire molte occasioni di allegria: quando finalmente un’anima risolve i suoi problemi e si avvia in auto lungo il tunnel che porta all’aldilà, salutata dallo staff dell’albergo, quello che prova lo spettatore non è gioia per il successo del fantasma, ma dolore per la separazione e la perdita definitiva del personaggio ai fini del racconto, sentimenti tanto più accentuati quanto più è stata importante la sua presenza all’interno del drama.

Nonostante ci siano comunque molte situazioni divertenti, l’aria che si respira è cupa, drammatica: le storie dei defunti sono spesso tragiche, e lo stesso destino di Man Wol è dolceamaro: il suo scopo è lasciare l’albergo, trapassare, ma ora è innamorata di Chan Sung, come andrà a finire? E lo stesso Chan Sung, che fine farà?

L’ultimo episodio è una lunga agonia. Preparate i fazzoletti e non siate avari. Ci sono, come già visto in altri drama (uno fra tutti: Legend of Yun Xi) delle scene post crediti che lascerebbero intendere in qualche modo un epilogo diverso da quello appena presentato, ma sono posticce, oscure e, a mio personalissimo parere, non spiegano nulla. Per me il drama termina senza incomprensibili contentini. Se poi dovessero mai fare una seconda serie, con un altro padrone di casa, gli darò certamente una possibilità.

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Creative and visually stunning, but a few steps short of perfection . . .

The set-up and mythology is very different and fun to watch. From the idea of a ghost inn, to a goddess with many avatars/faces, to the beauty & the beast type romance with the genders switched. I was blown away for the first eight episodes.

But, while the historical plots tie up nicely, the modern storylines were wrapped up quickly with no real suspense making the last couple episodes complete filler.

As to actors/characters, two of the main female characters are complex and multifaceted: Jang Man-Wol and the Goddess Mago. But, the main male character Koo Chan-Seong is especially flat and uninspiring as the person who always does the right thing.

The music fits well with the show, but it doesn't linger in my memory. There were no special scenes that I feel the need to rewatch.

I grade on other criteria as well:

Complex Themes: 7.0
The biggest letdown of the show. The theme is letting go leads to peace, and you should do it, even if terrible things happened to you while alive. But there isn't a complex inspection of this, forgiveness is just always the right thing to do - and always works out for the characters that do it.
Character Growth: 8.0
The transition from vengeful to letting go is especially touching for Jang Man-Wol, the housekeeper and the receptionist. It's a shame that Koo Chan-Seong gets no complexity or real transition at all. There are also very short, abrupt plot points for the bartender, Sanchez, and Lee Mi-Ra.
Complex Female Characters: 10.0
Jang Man-Wol is great playing vengeful and cynical, with a romantic heart. She is fascinating throughout the show as she develops increasing humour and sensitivity. A very well-rounded character. The housekeeper and the Goddess Mago also have great complexity. Indeed, generally the female characters and storyline were much better developed and well-rounded then the male ones.
Cinematography/Production Values: 10.0
It's gorgeous. Truly the most beautiful TV show I may have ever seen, the colour palette is vibrant and unusual, the clothes budget for Jang Man-Wol must have been unlimited, and there's a beautiful use of camera angles, movements and framing. It has a very stylistic, fairy-tale feel.

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Ruined by ending

If i write about this drama i think this is one of the best kdrama in rom-com list. But most of the best kdrama ruined by it's stories end. I still can't understand about korean producer, director mind. They can give happy ending with alien,dity and many-more supernatural things. Only because of this kind of toxic ending many fans, hate kdrama i think. I think if a story and characters are strong enough, they deserve a good happy ending.

About this drama, this is a ill-fated story with killing beauty. You can't ignore this drama because of IU's beauty in this drama. She was just fire. I could give more than 10star if last 2-3 episode didn’t spoil it. I think this drama deserved a happy ending.

I started to watch kdrama because of Korean best acting. And their style will always drag you to see their killing beauty (for female character). After watching joy ful 10-13 episode if you got last 3-4 episode like toxic, then i think anyone will stop watching this types of drama.

At the end i will say, kdrama always disappoint you with a sad or confusing ending.

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One of the best blends of fantasy and romance K-Dramas.

Story:
Enthralling story that is well-paced throughout the entire show. A visually pleasing background with the story is one of the main things that you'll see in the show.
The story is one that I find to be captivating, but it does feel a little confusing at moments.
Perfect for people who are interested in a simple, gentle romance alongside a fantasy story.

Acting/Cast:
Amazing acting by the main cast, nothing to complain about here.

Music:
10/10 OST playlist. Anything by Punch is guaranteed a 99% chance to be a banger.

Rewatch Value:
This is one of the shows that I may rewatch for the funny scenes, but not much of a re-watcher myself.

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Original storyline and fantasy

I rarely enjoy imaginary stories and acts, however, this drama was just way too aesthetically pleasing and pretty that I couldn't help but finish it all. I remember watching it and waiting for the upcoming episodes impatiently.

I'd lie if I say I wasn't surprised by Yeo Jin-goo's acting; the role he had in this drama was so sensitive and I am so happy by the outcome.

We can't forget IU's costumes and how expensive she looked througout the entire drama.

I want to talk about the beautiful OSTs that were brought up by this, below are only some of them (my fav):
- Taeyeon (태연) - A Poem Called You 그대라는 시
- Heize (헤이즈) - Can You See My Heart 내 맘을 볼수 있나요
- Chung Ha (청하) - At The End 그 끝에 그대
- Song Haye (송하예) - Say Goodbye
- Gummy (거미) - Remember Me 기억해줘요 내 모든 날과 그때를
- Ben (벤) - Can You Hear Me 내 목소리 들리니
- Yang Da Il (양다일) - Only You 너만 너만 너만

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Original Review from Twitter: https://twitter.com/thatsingleR/status/1271872115591966720?s=20

#HotelDelLuna (호텔델루나) Review:

1) This drama is just an honest drama. I didn't prepare much on what to say. But I really like every piece of content in it.
2) Topnotch IU visuals (my bb). 🥺💙
3) It took time to finish it because I'm savoring all those episodes. And I was in-between watching and doing something else entirely so that's why.
4) IU visuals and some life screencaps below ⬇️
https://twitter.com/thatsingleR/status/1271873264441159681?s=20

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The best

I recently embarked on a captivating journey through the world of Hotel del Luna As the closing credits rolled, I found myself both elated and wistful—grateful for the emotional rollercoaster I had just ridden.

The first thing that struck me was the sheer **awesomeness** of this drama. From start to finish, it held me in its tender embrace, refusing to let go. The plot unfolded like a delicate origami, revealing layers of complexity and depth. Every episode left me hungry for more, and I eagerly pressed the "next" button, eager to unravel the mysteries that lay ahead.

**The Acting**: Ah, the performances! They were nothing short of **spellbinding**. The actors breathed life into their characters, making them feel like old friends. Their expressions, their nuances—each gesture resonated with authenticity. I laughed with them, cried with them, and occasionally shouted at my screen in frustration when they faced obstacles. It's a testament to their talent that I felt so deeply connected.

And let's talk about the **OST**. It was a symphony of emotions—a companion that underscored every poignant moment. The haunting melodies lingered in my mind even after the credits faded. Whether it was a heart-wrenching breakup scene or a stolen kiss under the moonlight, the music elevated the drama to celestial heights.

Now, I must address the naysayers—the ones who dismissed Hotel del Luna as "boring" or "awful." To them, I say: **Watch it again.** Sometimes, beauty lies in subtlety. Perhaps they missed the delicate brushstrokes that painted the canvas of this drama. Or maybe they failed to recognize the quiet power of a stolen glance, a shared memory, or a tearful confession. But I implore them to give it another chance—to peel back the layers and discover the hidden gems.

**Emotion**—that's the heartbeat of this drama. It wrapped itself around me like a warm blanket on a chilly night. The characters' joys became my own; their sorrows etched lines on my heart. When they triumphed, I cheered; when they stumbled, I held my breath. And when love blossomed against all odds, I felt it deep within my soul.

In a world that often feels chaotic and uncertain, Del luna offered solace. It reminded me that love, friendship, and resilience can mend even the most shattered hearts. As the final scene played out, I wiped away tears and whispered a silent thank you to the creators—for crafting a tale that transcended mere entertainment.

So, my fellow viewers, don't merely take my word for it. Dive into Hotel del Luna with an open heart. Let its warmth seep into your bones, and allow its magic to envelop you. For me, it was more than a drama; it was a **balm for the soul**, a reminder that beauty exists even in the mundane.

In conclusion, this drama was not just awesome—it was a **masterpiece**. And as I bid farewell to its characters, I carry their stories with me, etched alongside my own. Thank you, Del luna, for the tears, the laughter, and the unforgettable moments.

♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

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Omg. IU. If I know nothing about k-ent, I wouldn't have thought she is first a singer, she's such a good actress now. That's so commendable, she's come a long way from her early acting days from Dream High and Producers. She persevered to better her craft, as there are lots of idols who are casted leads year after year but we've yet to see improvement.

Even some actors I fell in love with at first, but once they hit it big, they seem stagnant or disengaged from acting as they move from one project to another. She certainly held her own against acclaimed actor Yeo Jin Goo (who is good as always), and she even shone more because Jang Man Weol is a role of a lifetime.

The relationship of JMW and KCS was what I wished IOTNBO romance to be with the tortured heroine and good hearted hero, albeit I wished they had more romantic chemistry like IOTNBO leads, then it would have been perfect.

I really love the role reversal here. YJG even have that tropey damsel in distress scene, he puts himself in danger, and JMW has to save him all the time lol. The cases are otherworldly but heartfelt, and tackle how we all deal with the pains of grief, forgiveness, acceptance, and letting go.

Spoilers to follow:
The ending was sad, but it actually fits with the message of the drama, and I appreciate that the overall outlook the drama wants to leave is still hopeful and positive, despite all the goodbyes. I would have loved if it ended with JMW on the bridge to the afterlife looking back, happy and fulfilled, with no more burdens. The drama is balanced overall, but Jang Man Weol is Hotel Del Luna, and it is she who we will remember it by.

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Just wonderful show with good acting

one of my favorite dramas and my favorite. There are lots of exciting, sad and touching scenes in this drama. I like ML and FL they are very cute and compact. The other characters in this drama are also very good. One of the dramas that I like is the side characters. there are not many dramas that I like apart from the main character but this drama is different I like almost all the characters in this character. One thing that still makes me think is the ending which is a bit of a cliffhanger even though the director of this drama has confirmed that at the end of the drama it was just ML's dream (not reality) but I really like this drama. I didn't skip any scenes, instead I repeated a lot of funny scenes between ML and FL, especially when FL was jealous of ML. I give this drama a high rating. don't forget the soundtrack of this drama is all very good 10/10.

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One of my favorite 2019

10++++ really didnt want it go end hope they'll be a 2nd season. Previously finished and forgot to review this amazing drama. I have not seen one like it. It funny, sad, full of mystery and of course the scify part being able to see and talk to ghost helping them crossover peacefully. I was always waiting for the next episode. The cast choice couldn't of been selected. You could feel the chemistry beginning with Jang man wool and goo Chan sung. He never gave up on her and found out what happened 1000years ago and how his family is involved.
.What a way to end. This has been so far one of my favorite drama around for 2019.
A must see for all. 👍🏻

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