I can't decide whether to laugh or cry after finishing this drama. This show is full of angst, and after watching it I am wound up tighter than a spring. However, I love the characters to death and can't bring myself to find fault in the show.
The story: I'm a sucker for cliches, so this plot line was right up my alley—the love-hate relationship between Jang Mi and Gi Tae was addicting (if not predictable), and the plot twists in their relationship were endlessly amusing. I really loved how the drama also focused on the other characters as well—the plot included a redemption arch for Gi Tae's mom, a happy ending for Hyun Hee and Hoon Dong, and a tidy ending for Se Ah and Yeo Reum. I'll admit that my hatred for a character reached new heights with Se Ah, but I also found myself pitying her and crying with her throughout her character development. That's the thing about 'Marriage, Not Dating': each (if not most) of the characters are complex with both a good and a bad side. On one hand, this makes them excruciatingly frustrating. But on the other hand, it makes them human and so much more relatable and lovable.
Acting: Han Groo (Jang Mi) and Woo Jin (Gi Tae) were absolutely amazing together! My heart soared when they smiled at each other, and I couldn't help but squeal (more than once) when they were finally a couple—they seemed genuinely comfortable together, and both their cute scenes and their intense fighting scenes (and everything in between) were very believable. The other actors/actresses did a wonderful job bringing their characters to life, each with their own personality and style.
Music: The soundtrack was classic love-song pop, sometimes upbeat and sometimes sappy. The instrumental music was great—the drama used a variety of sound effects to highlight the characters' actions and emphasize the element of comedy throughout the show.
Rewatch: This show would be a great rewatch, simply because the characters are so enjoyable. The storyline is full of drama but not necessarily suspenseful, making it the perfect angsty rewatch.
Overall: This drama hit great points about the value of love + the work that is required in maintaining a relationship. While the drama is full of cliches, the story takes a realistic approach to love—love (and any successful relationship) takes work and perseverance. A couple can live happily together, but the magical "happily ever after" doesn't really exist (as evident by the multiple 'plot twists' throughout the show). I would definitely recommend this drama for any romance lovers—if you're looking for a romantic melodrama, romantic comedy, or something wonderfully in between, then this is the show for you :)
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