Still 17

This is a beautifully writen, superbly acted, wonderful journey almost it feels like an artwork. I really can't recall a Hollywood alternative similar to this.

The unique love story is so close to heart but the highlight is the out of the world acting by Shin Hye-Sun. What an actress. After watching this I saw "My beautiful life" drama which is truly a masterpiece among dramas of any language, another superb performance by Shin.

Don't get deceived by the cheesy title. They should have given this a better name. This is a romantic comedy masterpiece. Loved it.

Well, how about "wonderful" ? or even a simple "wow" ? Please let me expand/explain.... Since I started watching K Drama about 7 months ago, I've gradually wondered if I'll ever get to see a perfect show. A ten out of 10, if you will. Yes, I've seen the acknowledged fan favourites ( Weightlifting Fairy, Secretary Kim, I'm Not a Robot, W, Strong Woman ) and though there is brilliance in all of them, none warrants a perfect score. I don't use the word "euphoria" very often regarding the media ( probably, for TV, during the heyday of the sublime "Breaking Bad" ) but It's certainly apt for how I feel about "30 But 17". Entwined with that feeling is the emotional impact : I find myself thinking of certain scenes and tearing up because they're so well written/acted. Basic equation : Great Art = Exhilaration ! I recall trying to watch "Sister Is Alive" recently & giving up after 2 episodes because most of the characters were horrible. With "30 But 17", all the main cast are lovely & it's so enjoyable to spend time with them. Pivotal to everything is the charming & wonderful Shin Hye Sun as the talented young violinist Seo Ri, stuck in a horrific traffic accident who wakes from a coma at the age of 30 with her youth stolen and a virtual orphan. Yes, the scenario is somewhat manipulative yet the story is intriguing and touching nonetheless. It's a truly heart-breaking yet nuanced performance and I constantly wanted to reach through the screen and give her a hug ! The boy who might've saved her but for random chance is unfairly devastated by guilt from then on, though when she re-enters his life he has no idea of who it really is and Yang Se Jong as the adult man is equally great as poor Mr Gong. It does hurt when he speaks to her harshly early on yet we know why and don't hate him. He's in a zombie-like coma of sorts, and to see him come out of his shell as his affection for her deepens is profoundly satisfying. Superb support cast ? Check ! Ahn Hyo Seop as Gong's nephew Chan is sweet and caring with a huge heart ( his 2 rowing friends are also good value ); Ye Ji Won is terrific as Jennifer the eccentric housekeeper & even Seo Ri's musical rival is not the one-dimensional horror she might've been in another show. And....the people playing the leads as teenagers are delightful. That said, the script is the engine that drives any movie or TV show and this one is extremely impressive on various levels. Pacing/symmetry is tip-top. It's also very creative, skilful and thoughtful in terms of action & dialogue and carefully building the central relationship. Many scenes are supremely memorable ( eg Choco Pie, onions, fountains, Seo Ri "moving out" to name just a few ), plus there's ample humour & a pleasing affection for the joy of music. There are feints and trickery, and I was pleasantly surprised with the choices made in certain scenes. Above all, I felt that the writers really loved the characters and I'm sure the actors responded to that. Much love flows from many scenes and the sight of Seo Ri's surrogate "family" taking shape is a sight to see and cherish. TISSUE WARNING ! chances are very good that you will cry; I cried a lot, since many of the events are sad yet some have a positive impact too. Anyway, fans of K Drama know full well that you have to go through Hell before you get to Heaven. And though the inevitable tsunami of revelations in the final third produces an ocean of tears, it's bearable because the main couple's, um, "love boat" is seaworthy ( anyone for an aquatic metaphor ? sorry ! ) & you know they can handle anything. Now, having built my Cathedral of Praise, I do have ( sigh ) a couple of very small complaints. The gorgeous ex-model Jung Yoo Jin ( so under-used in "W" & suits, please give her a show of her own ! ) does a good job here as CEO Kang, yet could've done SO much more. We see her dismounting from a big motor bike on one occasion ( such fertile ground for development ! ) so make her cute young assistant have a crush on her. Maybe he comically fantasises about rescuing her from a bunch of thugs or cooking her a lavish dinner ? Or, dressed in tight pants or shorts, she might get off that bike & toss her hair in sexy slo-mo, then we see him removing his helmet in slo-mo with just a little scooter next to him. Why not even have them discover a shared interest & start real dating ? Chan's big solo swim race also annoyed me slightly because I wanted him to put his cocky opponent DOWN ! And you don't really need words : just let him offer a little sly smile when he's taunted & follow it with a wink. But, I should mention the tech side as a balance, since the show is nicely shot and quite beautiful at times ( thanks DP ). So, my gripes are obviously minor flaws & I'm feeling a bit disloyal now ! Alright, time for some more acclaim ! I'm so grateful to the cast & crew for creating this excellent show. A beautiful work of art can be admired for its construction and for the way it connects with our emotions. This one combines both. When you're down and thinking, "what's the point ?", art like "30 But 17" can bring real pleasure and make a difference to someone's life. Back to the "P" word I used at the start ( & don't worry, I'm almost done ! ). I suppose I can't really award a 10 by traditional measures ( those little gripes, argh ! but I'll go with a 9.9 ), yet this is most definitely a towering achievement and I do urge you to watch it. True, I've made this review an epic but we excitable humans have to spread the word when we fall in love. And at a time when the Internet allows brave, anonymous idiots to revel in being cruel and vicious, I think there should be a place for something positive that's from the heart.

Although the plot is unbelievable at most times I enjoyed this so much. Shin hye sun is as always amazing in it. And I loved seeing Sieun so much! The chemistry was cure too and I liked Chan's storyline the most. This is a wholesome drama with not much deep plotline and that's good enough.

Before I started watching Korean and Chinese dramas about a year ago, I had no idea that they were such brilliant story tellers and hopeless romantics! The storylines are obviously unlikely but the human emotion and relationships are depicted expertly and with such heart-warming tenderness. Still 17 is one of the best, if not the best series I have watched. The acting is superb and the characters are just so wonderful (loved Chan especially) that you wish you could move right in with them. There were no overacting silly sidekicks but instead natural laugh out loud funny moments and heart-breaking sadness are woven beautifully throughout the story. Like another reviewer, I have withdrawal from the characters and found it hard not to fancy Mr Gong :-) I especially loved that they ended it well, including flashbacks to some of the memorable moments in the story. Stomach dropping, heart bursting romance and friendship and moments you will remember for a long time. Highly recommend.

This is a lovely little drama that has a simple but effective story line and very fun and likeable characters. Seo Ri is such a nice girl you can't help but want the best for her, and Woo Jin is such a adorable damaged puppy you just want to hug him. Se Jong is just such a wonderful actor and I think he is one of the saddest criers in KDrama. Everything was very nice about this drama, nothing was excellent per se, but very enjoyable none the less.