If you want a summarized version of my review, here it is. The story was good, but it felt rushed through the end and the only one to blame is TvN for cutting it short. The acting and characters really did save the show, and did a great job at portraying the emotions to the watchers. You'll find yourself relating to certain things each character does and seeing a little bit of yourself in them. The music is not that great, and the rewatch value is ok.
Story:
The story of this show is basically that Ha Won and Ji Soo are childhood friends, and as they got older Ji Soo married and feel in love with In Wook. Ha Won on the other hand still loved Ji Soo, and watched the life she lived with his unrequited crush from the sidelines. Ten years after moving to Korea, Ha Won is now an ai developer and Ji Soo is working alongside her husband. Alongside Ha Won is his family member Soon Ho who is the grandchild of a woman that adopted Ha Won. Then comes Seo Woo, a music engineer who works under the studio that Ha Won has recently bought to work on his recent AI project. As the five of their lives come to entangle, the story of unrequited love and all the pain that comes with it is told.
For me the story was doing really good before the four episode cut happened. TvN had stated the cut was due to low viewership, but a drama as slow burn as this needs more than just twelve episodes. I loved the idea and the concept behind it, but after the eight episode mark, it began to become apparent that the writers had to rush the rest of whatever they had in mind. The storylines of the side characters suddenly dropped, and the main character's relationship seemed rushed. It would not have been as bad if they cut it down by two episodes, because then they could have just gotten rid of any unneeded parts. With four episodes comes almost four whole hours of footage and story they could not tell. The story for a drama like this should progress over time, but because of the cut in episodes, a lot happened in the last three episodes of the show.
Even though this happened, I really did enjoy the show and the story it told, I just wished TvN had waited a few more episodes before they decided to cut it or just not done it at all. I feel that they could have gotten a better viewership if they had kept to the original 16 with good progression, over a rushed 12.
Acting/Cast:
First of all, like I stated before, I practically started watching this solely for Jung Hae In being the lead. I watched him in One Spring Night and Tune in for Love, and now he is my favorite actor. I hadn't ever seen any dramas with Soo Bin in it, but I was willing to give it a chance. I recently have fallen in love with melodrama kdramas, and was excited to see where this one went. Now that I have watched the show, I feel each actor played their role really well.
Moon Ha Won - Jung Hae In played Ha Won really well. He was able to display the underlying pain that he always felt yet suppressed and kept deep in him. There were times where you could see the innocence the character had when it came to love and his relationship with Seo Woo. One of my favorite scenes is when Soon Ho and Ha Won first meet, and Ha Won looks up from his computer and cutely waves to his new family member. We all have memories or people we so desperately want to hold on to yet feel pain from, and Hae In displayed those emotions really well.
Han Seo Woo - This was the first drama I have watched with Chae Soo Bin, and I have to say that I loved her for this role. Seo Woo is a character who is honest to herself and despite going through hardship, is trying her best to get past it. She is a character with many flaws, yet I can't help but see myself in her. The moments where she is doubting her abilities, or trying so hard to stay strong for the people around her. Seo Woo is a very human character who I believe everyone can find a little piece of themselves in. One thing I really liked about this casting in particular is how perfectly Soo Bin played the role. This is incredibly unbiased because I have never watched a drama with her in it, yet I felt she really captured the kind of character and person the writers were going for.
Moon Soon Ho - I know a lot of people found this character really annoying, but I felt she brought a sense of lightness to this almost depressing show. The actress Lee Ha Na did a great job displaying the playfulness yet sad character, especially towards the end of the show.
Gang In Wook - This character despite everything he did, made my heart hurt. The actor Kim Sung Gyu did a really good job in showing the despair he constantly went through because of his past and current actions. I felt that I could relate to how something he once treasured, the piano, became a reminder of everything he lost. I'm sure there are several things in our life that once had a happy memory to it, but there are sad feelings tied to it. Sung Gyu did an amazing job at portraying the eagerness In Wook had to find out what happened to his wife, and how far he would go to do just that.
Music:
I will say upfront, I didn't really pay attention to the music so I don't think I am the best to go to for this subject. I will say that the music was not "good" enough to pull me in and make me love any particular song.
Rewatch Value:
Because this show is so dependent on secrets and big turns of events, the rewatch value is not as high. I would probably purely rewatch it to see the chemistry between the two leads again, but beside that I don't think I would be able to put myself through the heart wrenching pain again.
Overall I feel this drama is definitely worth a watch, but I would just be aware that the end will feel a bit rushed. If you need one reason to watch this, then definitely the chemistry and amazing acting between the two leads.
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This review may contain spoilers
The small alleyways with flickering lights, the lone chair under the streetlight, the sloping hill overlooking the sunset, the quiet overpass atop the busy traffic, the studio filled with music, the plants on the window sill, the reflection of the leaves on the ceiling, all the way to the steps to Hawon's home; all of these instances feel so real, feel so embedded in my mind as if I have walked them myself. It feels like I have healed during the walks between these places and the time spent with these characters and that's what this drama was about: healing. Although there were elements of romance and angst, to me, the main point of this drama was the healing and growth of these characters. Too often, I see dramas with insane or "interesting" plotlines that leave little time towards the actual characterization and development of the characters and I am so glad I got to experience this drama as a breath of fresh air. The story was slow at times, yes, but that is the point, growth for people doesn't happen overnight so why must we act like it does? Why must our stories be fast paced and unauthentic? Admitting grief and facing it takes time and acceptance and this drama helped portray that beautifully.The acting was great, the scene when Jung Haein showed Hawon crying in the cafe broke me because it was such a simple situation but it felt so real because I can honestly say I have times like that, when the small things not the big just set you off in explainable ways. The characters were mostly all mature, most faced situations in an adult like, reasonable manner which just made me like them all that much. I'm glad there was no unexplained animosity, and I was glad the characters were in touch with their feelings. I am glad Seowoo quickly realized she liked Hawon and I liked that Hawon's character realistically showed that feelings are ambiguous: they don't just exist in black and white. There are times you know you're not in love yet, you have a lot to overcome personally, but another person is still important to you and I am so glad he communicated that directly to Seowoo. People like the homestay family also grew on me, and their stories also touched me deeply. The feelings of these characters were handled so sensitively, I am truly grateful to have seen them all grow.
Obviously there were some aspects that felt rushed, but that's not the blame of anyone in the cast, the director, or the writers because that's just the way it turned out. I wish they had focused a bit more on Seowoo and Jisoo's mental health, because those aspects were touched upon but never fully built upon. But, in a way I also appreciate that because in a way, they normalized having mental health problems such as depression, as well as its treatment such as medication, without making it into a big thing which sometimes portrays it in an even worse manner. The only aspect that didn't fully sell me was Soonho's part, but to others her part might have felt more meaningful. But, once again, I am so glad to have watched this, and definitely the tears were all worth it. So far, my fav drama of 2020 and one of my favs of all time.
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I'm not sure why this has lower view rating but if you are not fond of HEART WARMING, SLICE OF LIFE, SLOW-PACE ROMANCE, I SUGGEST DO NOT EXPECT MUCH AND DO NOT WHINE ABOUT HOW IT DOES NOT MEET YOUR USUAL ROMCOM EXPECTATIONS.
(This is not a comedy after all)
As for me, I liked it through and through. It is an unexpected gem.
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I thought of dropping it before I even finished watching the first episode..
..like many who tried watching this drama.But there were people who said really good things about it that it seemed like my type of drama.
And the cast was too good for me to drop the drama.
I decided that I was not in the mood and left it aside.
Some time later, I read a teeny tiny spoiler that sparked my interest
(It was the best spoiler ever. I even misunderstood it).
My curiosity got me through the first episode and that was it. (ok i wont lie, my curiosity got me through the first two episodes) After them I really wanted to see how the story would unfold.
The drama was very slow but the episodes flowed by very fast i didn’t feel them.
Han Seo Woo is a character that I wanna hug so tight.
And Jung Hae In, once again, wins as the best melodrama-romance actor with his honey-dripping like acting.
It was the best one-sided crush I’ve ever seen. I really dislike them usually.
The world flowed around them and it was very interesting . The classical music that flowed was a bonus.
I realise I used the word flow a lot. Because that’s how it was.
It shows us the story of characters going through some kind of pain. And uniquely portrays it.
I am so glad I read that tiny spoiler because everything made sense as I watched.
I wasn’t confused at all.
(The tiny spoiler was something like: 'she helps him find his first love'.)
The moral of the drama is beyond the confusing stuff. It is in the little details, in every interaction. That is where the 'healing' happens.
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Cheguei a assistir os primeiros dois episódios assim que estreou e não quis continuar, só retomei um bom tempo depois quando soube que foi reduzido para 12 episódios e precisava de algo que me ajudasse a dormir. E olha quando retomei todas as minhas primeiras impressões foram confirmadas, tudo nesse drama é melancólico da fotografia a OST tudo contribui para que você se sinta depressivo.
Além disso, você nunca sente vontade de ir para o próximo depois que termina um episódio, porque a historia não consegue te prender, e o problema nem é só a calmaria e o desenvolvimento lento do romance, mas os próprios personagens tem um ar de tristeza constante que nunca muda.
Precisei de muita determinação para concluir a historia e preciso dizer que já não suporto mais essas separações aos 45 do segundo tempo que os melodramas tem feito só pra dramatizar o romance do casal e foi justamente isso que aconteceu na reta final desse drama.
Não consigo ver o tal ar poético que tantas pessoas falam nesse drama.
Em resumo: A piece of your mind é um drama que prometia muito por causa do elenco e uma sinopse interessante, mas acabou sendo apenas mais do mesmo, vai pra lista de assistidos so pra aumentar o volume mas não fez diferença nenhuma pra mim. Certamente não indicarei a ninguém.
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Excessively sentimental & strongly emotional ❤️
If anyone ever mentions of melodrama, A Piece of Mind is it.I was in dire need of something that is excessively sentimental and strongly emotional and A Piece of Mind gave what I needed. It is beautifully written and executed. It is perfectly narrated and conveyed. The pace of the drama is enjoyable, it makes you stop and think, it does not aggravate, it just delivers the storyline, in a way that you would definitely fall in love with. At the beginning of the drama, you might feel that there is certain loopholes, but as the story unfolds, it will lure you to a dreamland. And you will feel something like ‘oouhh no wonder he said that. And no wonder she did that’
At first, I was sceptical with the plot that involves and AI tech, but this drama naturally meddle that to everyday life. It blends so well with the characters and nothing seems forced or illogical by sense.
It is sweet, slow, it takes its time and it is delicate. It serves my hopeless romantic ass real good ❤️
This has to be one of the most notable screenplay of Jung Hae In (who plays Moon Ha Won, the main role in this drama) the more I think about it, the more it appears to me that he really does a great job with his role. He makes you ponder and at the end of the drama, he makes you feel liberated, but peacefully.
If you are looking for a drama that would make you smile, cry and at some point, burst out of your happiness (cringiness hehe) then please watch this.
Melodramatic. Yeap it is :)
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This was a brilliant drama that gives its viewers a refreshing, slow paced healing session that goes through methods of grieving and caring for one another. No clichés with the love story. The lost first love is a wonderful human being who only wants to help those around her. Our two main leads, Ha Won and Seo Woo, are both struggling with loss and through the use of love and an AI box, they are allowed to work through it and all the struggles that follow. But I think the second set of leads are just as excellently done. Kang In Wook, the husband of Ji Soo, is also in terrible pain, not only after the events of the opening episodes (no spoilers) but his past that links with Ha Won. He can come off as our antagonist, at first, with his attitude and actions but he learns to open up and be free thanks to Soon Ho and his music. And if that wasn't deep enough, there is a very good side plot involving the smaller roles in a Boarding House that Seo Woo lives in. The story is very rich and well developed in all facets except maybe a few technical capabilities (but we’ll ignore those because it’s television). The use of classical music was both melancholy and soothing at the same time. Ditto the soundtrack as well.
The acting of course matches the drama story and writing; just incredible. Jung Hae In is perfect for this role and he knocks another drama out of the park with his terrific acting. An incredible smart young man who is polite but holding a tragic past and an unrequited love interest is a tough role to partake in. So many emotions need to be done in the minute ways. It’s a true nuanced performance that is complimented by a similar character played by Chae Soo Bin.
I would agree with the sentiments that this has a very dream-like feel to it. It’s hard to even say what I felt like watching this drama. I was hooked but I had this intangible feeling. It’s nice.
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This review may contain spoilers
So much to love, but...
I'll start by saying that if you want a slow-paced drama, this is one that has a lot going for it. My overall impressions -OST - exquisite. The music is perfect, blending the beauty of classical piano with the sadness of a cello, and some beautiful songs that flow effortlessly throughout the show. The music was excellent at pulling emotion out when the script itself wasn't able to accomplish it.
Cinematography - I think this is the most beautifully filmed K-drama that I've seen. The camera filters that give so many scenes the filmy/artsy look. The play of light and shadow was brilliant. Some very good slow motion work, and I loved how most of the show was dressed up in pastels, nothing bright and jarring, save an occasional pop from a red sweater. Him walking through the woods near his childhood home was gorgeous, and the snow scenes were amazing. So, actually, I'd have to say that most of my love for this show vacillated between the OST and the cinematography. In my mind, while I was watching, I kept saying, "pretty!"
Costuming - nothing too attention-getting here, but I had to mention the trench coat that Jung Hae In wore in ep 11 with the leather collar and accents. It was just beautiful and it conveyed power and anger in the scene that he was doing at that time.
Acting - excellent. Jung Hae In as Ha Won was very understated and had wounds from his past, though I didn't really feel sorry for him because of the reasoning (to be discussed in storyline). Chae Soo Bin as Seo Woo - she is really lovely. She has those sad eyes but a perkiness about her that is so endearing. She ran a lot in this show, and it was so cute, her running down the alleyways from place to place. The rest of the cast was very good - I loved Lee Jung Eun as Min-Jung, the grieving mother.
Chemistry - the main couple was cute together, but no off the chart chemistry. This was a "comfortable" relationship (kind of like an old pair of shoes), they spent time together, supporting one another and learning more about one another, but I didn't feel any progression of their relationship. There was one kiss.
Storyline - Overall, this was a story of healing. Healing from loss, healing from loneliness, healing from aspirations unachieved, and healing from secrets coming out too late. Each person in the story dealt with their losses in a different way, and I really liked how the writers delved into ways of healing - opening up to friendships, being brave to put yourself out there to someone you like, turning loose of old hurts. I especially loved the scenes in the boarding house, where the boarders would sit on the floor in the kitchen and drink and talk and laugh. They were each getting something special from this bonding. Again, Lee Jung Eun was wonderful as a mom that feels guilt and despair and has closed herself off from emotional contacts. Watching her open up was a treat.
SPOILERS BELOW:
Writing - here's where my problem came in. First, I'm sure others have mentioned it, but the fact that this show was shortened from 16 to 12 episodes because of low ratings is telling. There was a subtle shift in the pacing of the last couple of episodes as they tried to tie up all loose ends. Ha Won and his 10-year unrequited love for someone that went and married someone else was just pathetic (and why did she, anyway?). A lot of the scenes between Ha won and Seo Woo didn't ring true, because he'd been in love with an ideal for a decade, and then after a few conversations with Seo Woo he's moved on? Plus, I felt that Seo Woo was kind of a doormat. I know she was supposed to be understanding of his dilemma, but really, anyone in real life would say "snap out of it!" And the AI aspect was not believable and just kind of creepy. The ending was very abrupt and unsatisfying.
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Like sunlight on closed eyes
I don't know where to start, apart form the fact that this drama is extremely underrated? Maybe it's just me, but it felt like a breath of fresh air. I got mad with the characters, frustrated, sad, happy, surprised, in love. This drama made me feel things.It's true that it's a slow series, but there are moments in life where that's exactly what you need. When you want to take a break from the 'Healer' or 'Descendants of the Sun' type dramas, and just take a rest. The palette was gorgeous, the story raw, without too many turns and frills. The feelings of falling in love, acceptance, moving on, they were all so present and God, so relatable. Not to mention the leads; Jung Haein is born for such roles, and Chae Soobin was just adorable.
Watch this drama when you're a little down and in need of softness and fluff, it'll make you smile, I'm sure.
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This review may contain spoilers
Slow burn, more like no burn.
From my title, you might be thinking that the leads had no chemistry. And let me just quickly clarify that the leads had some of the best chemistry I've seen in a drama in a while. The gentle and sudden contact from a hand on her shoulder, or grabbing her sleeve to lead her through the dark, they showed this kind of tension throughout the show. But the thing with tension is it needs a good release to really make the tension worth while.Actually, this can be said about the whole show. So much tension for little release. The build up to what happened between KIW and KJS to make KJS so depressed was deep and kept me on my toes. I needed to know what had led them there but when I found out, I was kind of disappointed.
Also, I've said this about previous shows but I dislike when a show is trying to sell me a profound love story only to have no intimacy. Sure they had a little peck in a car finally in EP 10 but with the amount of build up that just wasn't enough. Like it doesn't have to be anything crazy but I am sure they could have replaced one of the hugs with something more.
The other thing that was disappointing to me is rude HSW was towards KIW after she found out about what happened. She kept saying how she's uncomfortable with talking about HIS WIFE because she had this high and mighty approach where she believed it was up to her to decide whether he was worthy. She had known her for a couple weeks before she passed and then talked to a device which isn't ACTUALLY her but had her personality. He was married to her for 9 years and like her for 10 years before that. And he was distraught over her death but still she just thinks she can play judge and condemn him for a childish mistake he made. This really irked me and is when the show plummeted from a 10/10 to an 8/10.
I do think the show captured emotion really well and what it is like to miss someone you love. This was done so beautifully that it makes it even more upsetting that the last few episodes went in the direction it did. I still would recommend this to someone but only if they were looking for something a little depressing and they had already watched my other recommendations.
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BEST HEALING AND REAL LIFE DRAMA EVER
Perfect. Perfect. Perfect!Plot, storylines, characters, emotions, visuals, all is greatly produced.
This is like very first kdrama that I fall in love with every characters in it. From Ha Won, Seo Woo, Ji Soo, Kang In Gook, Soon Ho, they teaches us so many values of life.
I understand some would fine this drama is in slow paced, but it's the reason why the drama itself exist. To give healing to person whose watching it, to give some fluttering moments that a person like me enjoyed it so much. I love how the leads always having a matured and understanding conversations with each other. Chae Soo Bin & Jung Hae In, I gave thumbs up for their superb acting.
As well as Ji Soo, her presence are just for a while, but so impactful. Kang In Wook emotions, I totally can feel it. Soon Ho, is a very lovable character and I can relate to her whining so much hahaha.
This drama is such a perfect one. Even the OST is so perfect. I recommended listen to
"Who I strolled with". That OST touched my heart everytime I listen to it.
I am still dejected and frustrated because TVN decided to cut it short just because the rating is low. They should've think about the fans like me whose actually enjoyed the drama and wish for better ending.
Thank you, A Piece of Your Mind team. You guys are amazing!
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