When Life Gives You Tangerines

I teared up, cry laughed, then the tears and smiles wouldn't stop flowing. Thoroughly exhausted by the end of 4 episodes marathon in the best way possible. IU killing us softly with her drama...again! Never thought she would able to repeat the level of excellence achieved in My Mister, but only 4 episodes in, I suspect she will get VERY close (or even surpass). The whole cast and crew brought their A game here, noticeable especially after repeat viewing. Park Bogum has his best role of a life time. He is the sun, the mum is the earth, Aesun is the growing tangerine tree branching out facing her sea battaling the storms and waves. Applaud to them all.

Advice: DO NOT WATCH on Sun nights, colleagues keep asking about my red puffy eyes on Mon meetings. 😭

What a heartbreakingly beautiful show this is. It's the kind that quietly sneaks up on you, warms you with its sincerity, and then-bam-crushes your soul when you least expect it. And I loved every second.

The actors? So genuine it hurts. They don't just play their roles; they are their roles. Every emotion feels raw, real, and straight from the heart. And the main actress? I'm still in shock over how good she is. She doesn't just deliver a performance-she lives it.

And the visuals? Absolutely stunning. Every frame is so aesthetically and authentic, like stepping into a living, breathing world rather than just watching a drama. The story itself is beautifully sad, at times unexpectedly funny, and always engaging, leaving a bittersweet taste-much like tangerines themselves.

Just 4 episodes have been released at the moment, but it already made me cry , laugh, angry, felt all kind of roller coaster of emotions, the script, writing, direction, cast , their acting is top notch, every supporting actor's too are sooo sooo good. IU playing dual role like a professional, you can see no similarly between aesun and gwanmijeo (both played y iu herself) her expressions, body language, dialogue delivery, her eyes, she is sooo soo good. And Park Bogum is also sooo sooo good, the character he plays , he did it soo well which made many women wish for Gwanshik in their life💜 .....

When Life Gives You Tangerines is a beautifully crafted drama that captures the essence of love, resilience, and the passage of time. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Jeju Island, the story follows Ae-sun and Gwan-sik as they navigate life's challenges over six decades. The drama effortlessly blends romance, slice-of-life, and melodrama, creating a deeply emotional and immersive experience. What truly stands out is the exceptional performances by IU and Park Bo-gum. Their chemistry is natural and heartfelt, making every moment between their characters feel genuine. IU brings warmth and depth to Ae-sun, while Park Bo-gum's portrayal of the steadfast Gwan-sik is both touching and inspiring. Their journey is filled with quiet yet powerful moments that linger long after the episode ends. Visually, the drama is a masterpiece. The cinematography beautifully captures Jeju Island's landscapes, enhancing the emotional weight of the story. The setting isn't just a backdrop-it plays a vital role in shaping the atmosphere and emotions of the characters. Overall, When Life Gives You Tangerines is a deeply moving series that leaves a lasting impression. It's not just a love story-it's a reflection on life, perseverance, and the beauty found in everyday moments. If you enjoy character-driven dramas with stunning visuals and heartfelt storytelling, this one is a must-watch.

Starts with a peek to the present day and gives us exclusively the background for the whole drama! This drama is everything its meant to be. It provides reality of asian households in 60s and struggle of women along with the fight they have to put. It provides us the warmth with the dream and struggle of reaching it and settling with a dream of family and children.

Its also sassy in a way the love story is approached giving us sadness and also while being chaotic shows the importance of family in those time for protecting the dream of a children especially girls who were forced to work in household unlike boys who were loved and given every freedom. This is just not a drama but a peek into reality of that time, sometimes it gives sadness and sometimes it provides warmth.