Si la vida te da mandarinas

If I could rate it more than 10 stars then I would! 4 episodes in and I can already tell this is/would be a masterpiece! Indeed, it's one of those dramas that only comes every 10 years and would remain iconic in this lifetime. I wish I could erase it from my memories and watch it again like it's the first time. Such a roller-coaster ride! It had me laughing then crying my heart out the next few minutes, then frustrated, then empowered. It's not just romance. It's a story about people-about life, dreams, hardships, persistence, and winning amidst these seemingly mundane life. Looking forward for the next 12 episodes!

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.

After viewing four episodes, I just can't sit still without saying a word about this new Netflix series. Definitely a must watch drama! Undoubtly, one of those which will be considered a masterpiece.

The main leads, IU and Park Bo-gum did a great portrayal of their roles. So are the other actors/actresses. Excellent performances!

IU is a born actress. She performs her roles with such easiness. The role is definitely hers the moment she shows up on screen: her gestures/movements; her facial expressions, her eyes especially; her voice/ways of delivering her dialogues; even when she does nothing, it shows her acting supremacy. I can never forget her performance , in "My Mister". It is one of the best portrayal of an actress I've ever seen. She did it again in "When Life Gives You Tangerines".

Park Bo-gum is a very good actor full of charm. This charm overflows when he plays the young Gwan-Sik. He is very convincing as the very lovable boyfriend/husband of young Ae-soon. One would like to embrace him with his kindness, affection and warm-heartedness. A good actor, indeed!

I am looking forward to the next episodes.

I gave my review after the first four episodes of this series. After 12 episodes, I still consider it a great show.

The cast, the cinematography, the soundtrack, etc... do not fail to satisfy. The actors, both leading and supporting roles, are wonderful. I am getting short of adjectives to define how good they are. Hats off though to IU, she is just outstanding in her double role! No doubt at all.

However, there are three performances that excel in volume 3. First, the appearance of Kim Seon Ho who masterly delivers a totally different character whom the viewers are not used to see him previously. Netflix somehow drops a bomb and creates a chaos by giving him a role that even his fans have difficulty recognizing him. He absolutely nailed it! PS. He always does in every role I have watched him.

The second one is the actress playing the mother-in-law. She is fantastic in delivering her dialogues. Her acting is perfect! The moment you see her, she gives the viewers the expectation of what she should be... a hate object. No unnecessary movements, just her "elegant wickedness"... and she does it with excellence! The third is, "her son" or "Geum Myeong's first love". He plays his character quite well. A nice guy who is hopelessly-in-love but with a totally weak personality... a mamma's boy and a cry baby. He gives the viewers the sight of being loving and kind yet pitiful, distressful, and ridiculous person at the same time... that makes one say in the end, "serves him well".

Eagerly waiting for the last four episodes.

Volume 4 (last four episodes) sets light to to many questions left unanswered before. It shares us joy to problems getting solved eventually... and it gives us sorrow upon watching the painful realities of life. Life's ups-and-downs. Wow, what a journey!

"When Life Gives You Tangerines" is finally over. Ae-soon and Gwan-sik adventures have come to an end. But life goes on. Their legacy continues. The tears and laughters they gave to the viewers stayed on.

Again, my respect to the whole cast. You were all great! Spectacular performances! Each and everyone contributes to the making of a masterpiece. Thanking of course the director, the scriptwriter, and the entire crew for giving us this wholesome and unforgettable drama. Congratulations for a job well done!

WLGYT is a riveting drama depicting a young couple's love and devotion to each other in an era where girls were looked down on and used for maids and nannies. Both the ML and FL struggles to find their footing/courage with their families. This is a sweet but sad drama that depicts the couple's naivety while growing up in a remote (Jeju Island) town. IU gives an outstanding performance as the courage's spunky girl with ambitions of going to college and soon realize that her dream will not happen because her family is poor. Park Bo Gum is the young male that has always tried to protect/shield the FL from hardship. What's so funny and cute is that it's the female lead that really protects the ML in her own roundabout way. This is a well written drama with an excellent cast. The pacing is just right and the story will pull on your heartstrings. I totally enjoyed the first four episodes. I am all in for this journey of 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.