Netflix’s “When Life Gives You Tangerines,” starring IU and Park Bo Gum, has debuted, and the first four episodes deliver a compelling start. The series, set in Jeju, blends a period drama with a touching love story.
IU, acclaimed for her roles in popular K-dramas such as Hotel del Luna, Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo, and My Mister, joins forces with Park Bo Gum, recognized for his impressive performances in Reply 1988, Love in the Moonlight, and Record of Youth. In When Life Gives You Tangerines, they portray Oh Ae Sun and Yang Gwan Sik, respectively, in a period drama that unfolds from the 1950s across four significant phases of their lives.
The initial episodes beautifully depict the spring era of Ae Sun and Gwan Sik’s story. Set against the backdrop of challenging times in Jeju Island, the narrative blossoms as their love story begins amidst hardship. The first episode dedicates a significant portion to their childhood, portraying the ten-year-old Ae Sun and Gwan Sik navigating their destinies in underprivileged families on Jeju Island, which serves as the drama’s primary setting.
Director Kim Won Seok, known for his visually stunning storytelling, once again delivers a drama that is captivating from the very beginning. His directorial finesse is evident in the delicate yet impactful way he portrays the narrative, revealing both the beauty and harsh realities of their world.
The cast, carefully chosen, delivers exceptional performances. Yeom Hye Ran stands out as Oh Ae Sun’s mother, embodying the strength and deep affection of a mother figure. Child actors Kim Tae Yeon and Lee Cheon Mu are delightful as the younger versions of Ae Sun and Gwan Sik, bringing both innocence and resilience to their roles.
Writer Lim Sang Choon, celebrated for portraying raw and genuine stories of women, infuses When Life Gives You Tangerines with his signature touch. The drama poignantly captures the struggles of Ae Sun, a daughter in an impoverished Asian family, whose dreams are constrained by societal expectations. Her only solace and hope is Gwan Sik, the ray of sunshine in her life.
IU and Park Bo Gum’s portrayal of Ae Sun and Gwan Sik is truly remarkable. They achieve a level of on-screen chemistry and emotional depth rarely seen, presenting a love story that is both deeply relatable and profoundly moving. Their performance makes the audience experience a bittersweet journey, filled with both amusement and heartache, as they witness love triumphing over adversity.
As When Life Gives You Tangerines progresses through its upcoming seasons, the initial episodes suggest a promising journey ahead. The drama is poised to capture hearts and achieve widespread appreciation.
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