Something in the Rain

Son Ye-jin plays an immature woman lost in the constraints of Korean society, and fully dependent on her relationships for affirmation. When she falls in love with her best friend's brother, it triggers a transformation of sorts - because he tells her to become stronger and more independent.

This show struggles with a lot of serious issues, but it progresses slowly and Ye-Jin's actions are very hard to understand for people who are not used to all the rules she is banging her head on. It is incredibly frustrating to watch. Almost all the characters do as they think they are expected to do, when it would be so easy to just be honest and do what they want instead.

There is not much space to develop as a person between the expectations of parents, work, and even friends. This point comes across, but it drags on over 16 episodes. Good actors, especially Joo Min-kyung and, as always, the lead Son Ye-jin. Worth a watch for a good love story and some decent insight into how a conservative society affects the individual.

I have watched the opening 6 episodes several times because the story of these two characters falling in love is so warm and sweet, and I was deeply fortunate to have a precious soul mate in my own life, so I often have tears watching them. The chemistry between the actors is palpable: they are charming together and completely believable. The uses of elevators, rain, and umbrellas are nice touches that contribute figuratively to their evolving story and again at the end-with the addition of the all-important necklace. The rest of the series explores the judgmental intrusiveness of family members, with a mother figure so over the top she is an abusive, hateful cartoon figure that borders on psychopathy. Also very important is the study of workplace sexual harassment, which this series explores successfully along with the female lead's maturing as she grows into the person she wants to be. But both themes take their tolls on the love story. I do think the series finds a positive resolution that satisfies the love story; it is rushed, but it is there in the symbols as well as their joy.

I felt riveted by rhe growing love between the 2 protagonists, who are struggling with family acceptance of their relationship. I also appreciated the insights into Korean culture and workplace politics.

Damn, I love this guy.

I know he only plays one character (the male lead in case you're wondering) in the whole cast of characters in this show, but daaaammmnmnnn I love this guy.

Okay, that said, I just did a review for One Spring Night, which has the same director as this one. Much of what I said in that review could be repeated here. I'll do so briefly. I love the realism of this drama, which I think is more apparent than in many drams I've watched (even if I've loved those other ones). This seems to be more about real people you might meet in Korea, not the upper echelons.

The acting, soundtrack, and filmography I think is perfect. Love the chemistry of the two leads, and for some reason I reached the end of the story feeling bittersweet - it was the ending I wanted, but I was so sad that the show was over. I was left aimless, wondering what the heck I'm gonna watch next.

I'll definitely check out whatever this director does next, and I'll follow the actors as well, because I loved their work.

Nobody else would have considered producing this. It is too slow, too repetitive, people are too sensitive for the story to sell outside Asia, it's overall "too Korean", people spend too much time eating and drinking and many other reasons. I am a European, old, white male and therefore as far away from the intended target group of this movie as possible (I guess). And yet, the characters and the story got me hooked within 15 minutes and I binge-watched to the end. Character development is beautiful and slow, timing is impeccable, drama is balanced with light comedy in an effortless way, every single actor is well cast and executes perfectly. And most of all, it is incredibly refreshing to see sensible "normal" people compared to all these overly egoistic and egocentric characters in American blockbusters that are only motivated by money, sex, violence, power... I probably should add that I am a hopeless romantic who watches Casablanca every few years and still enjoys it every time. If you fall into this category, no matter what else you like or dislike I highly recommend this series. Also if you are interested in Asian cultures or have never been to Korea you will probably learn a lot. The reason why I started using Netflix was Sense8. And this series also has the tenderness and "love conquers all" message but without the sex scenes obviously :-)