Quando la vita ti dà mandarini

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.

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!

The drama reminds me my parents who went through all these harsh times to support me. Their generation never stopped working for the next generation and the country rose from nothing.

It is much easier to understand the drama if you get to know the background of the time. Since Japanese Invasion and Korean War, the people in Korea had very hard lifes which I remember the country actually was the poorest in the world. Yet, the mothers and the fathers were still planting the dream of better life and hope for their children on the ashes of the wars in the small land where mostly has the mountains with no trees left.

The story is the true life story of you and your family who live now. And we still have the reasons to live this world, even though the life may be hard

My respect to all mothers and fathers in this planet.

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!

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.