Love in the Big City

Creating a movie or series based on a novel always comes with risks. How do you convey a story from hundreds of pages into a few hours, will the readers depiction of the characters align with the casting, and how far can you sway from the thread of the original story and still make it work?

Being gay myself, and spending some time in Seouls gay area of Itaewon, my mind already had very clear images while reading the book. Spending time in Korea also made me understand the culture and social constructs more. Understanding these things made reading the book a joy, but it also made me a bit sceptical of this production. Considering above mentioned, I feared that a series would be dull and lack details not seen as "appropriate" for Korean TV. But I was wrong: this is a total homerun!

The series conveys the story of the novel in a beautiful way. It's packed with details and direct quotes, only leaving out things that really does not impact the thread of the story. Even tho I did not really recognize the main characters physical features from the novel, it did not matter one bit. His bright but somewhat melancholic energy is on point, and all the other characters were depicted amazingly well. I found myself feeling a lot more watching this compared to reading the novel, which to me is quite unusual. I wouldn't call it a masterpiece when it comes to cinematography, but it does punch way above most other LGBT productions. Well done, hats off!

Brilliant in every way!! A true masterpiece. Love in the Big City delivers everything you'd want from a heartfelt drama and more. Nam Yoon Su absolutely shines as the lead, bringing depth and vulnerability to his portrayal of Go Young. His emotional journey through love, heartbreak, and self-discovery is so beautifully depicted that it feels real and relatable. The chemistry between the cast is electric, making each interaction compelling and meaningful. The show's cinematography adds a dreamlike quality to the bustling city backdrop, enhancing every moment. This is a story about love in all its forms, and it's told in such a way that leaves you deeply invested from start to finish. Highly recommend for anyone seeking a thoughtful and beautifully executed series.

This was a raw and realistic journey that has the characters plucking our emotional heartstrings. The tenderness of relationships, contrasted with the agony in lessons of self awareness breathes life into this series. I haven't read the original material and so I can only comment on the series itself. Our main lead did a beautiful job illustrating the cycle of growth within young love, attachment, ignorance, maturing and the painful art of reflection. The visceral nature of the content allows the viewer to reflect on their own life journey and relate to the characters - ah yes, I remember that stage of life. I loved the stationary thread of the group of friends that allowed us to weave in and out of the story of lovers, love, attachment and relationships - death, loss, regret and still come home to friendship. So many beautiful reflections that ultimately brings an appreciation back to how much we go through as humans exploring love, life and death. Wonderful acting, fantastic writing, beautiful story and well worth the watch.

"I wonder why you sleep in utter silence like you're constantly on tiptoe. As if you're never home, no matter how long you've lived here. "

You can't imagine how deeply those words resonated with me.

Raw, honest, and exquisitely crafted in both writing and direction. I've rarely seen a Korean drama capture realism this authentically. It feels like a snapshot of life-its highs and lows, the connections we build, the love we chase, and the way we drift apart.

The storytelling was masterful, following Go Young as he navigates through the complexities of the world around him, capturing the sense of belonging and alienation we all sometimes face. The narrative is heavy yet beautifully simple, a quiet reflection of what it means to be alive. I found myself laughing, yelling, feeling joy, peace, sadness, and despair. The bond between Go Young and Gyuho left me shattered.

Nam Yoonsu's performance was magnetic-it's hard not to be captivated by him. The entire cast delivered outstanding performances. I sincerely hope more shows like this are made.

Love in the Big City is hands down the best series to come out this year, capturing the full spectrum of emotions across its eight episodes. From love and passion to heartbreak and redemption, the show takes you on a journey that feels as real as life itself. The blend of romantic, spicy, and heartbreaking moments keeps the viewer emotionally engaged, ensuring that no episode feels lacking.

What sets Love in the Big City apart is how it handles love and intimacy. The romantic and spicy scenes are beautifully done, adding depth to the characters' relationships without ever feeling gratuitous. Every kiss, every intimate glance, and every heated moment between the characters feels earned, making the love stories in the series compelling and intense. These moments highlight the chemistry between the characters and make their love stories feel both passionate and genuine. It's rare for a series to handle romantic scenes with such a balance of emotion and sensuality, and Love in the Big City gets it just right.

Beyond the romance, the series delves into some deeply sad and emotionally charged scenes that hit hard. Moments of heartbreak and loss are portrayed with a rawness that feels authentic, pulling you into the characters' pain and struggles. There were episodes that left me in tears as the characters faced personal challenges and societal judgments that felt all too real. The exploration of these heavier emotions made the lighter moments of love and joy feel all the more precious, creating a powerful contrast that kept me hooked throughout the entire season.

The emotional depth of the show is further amplified by its soundtrack, which perfectly captures the mood of each scene. Whether it's a tender love scene or a moment of crushing sadness, the music enhances the emotional impact, drawing you even deeper into the story. The score plays a key role in making every scene feel more intimate and real, whether it's the quiet moments between characters or the more dramatic confrontations.

What truly stands out is how the series balances these intense emotional moments with humor and lightness. There are scenes that make you laugh, moments that fill you with joy, and then, in an instant, you're hit with a wave of sadness as the characters face the realities of their lives. This constant shift in tone keeps the series dynamic and unpredictable, making it impossible to turn away.

The cast did an incredible job bringing their characters to life. Every performance felt genuine, and the chemistry between the characters was palpable, particularly in the romantic scenes. The actors succeeded in making their relationships feel layered and complicated, which only heightened the emotional stakes. Watching them navigate love, desire, and heartbreak felt like an emotional workout in the best way possible.

The spicy scenes in the show are handled tastefully and effectively. Rather than simply being there for shock value, they are woven into the fabric of the characters' stories, enhancing the emotional connection between them. They add a layer of intimacy that makes the relationships feel more grounded and real, something that's often missing in many series that try to balance romance with more physical expressions of love.

In summary, Love in the Big City is a perfect balance of emotional highs and lows. It takes you from the heat of passion to the depths of sadness, leaving you completely invested in the characters' journeys. With its stunning storytelling, beautiful score, and unforgettable moments of love and heartbreak, this series has set a new bar for romantic dramas. It's the kind of show that leaves you thinking about it long after it's over-a true emotional experience from start to finish.