Still 17

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.

The first Korean Drama seen from start to the finish (after watching bits and pieces of Descendants of the Sun). Very interesting script. Kudos to the entire team. Every scene was so crisp, did not find any scene boring in all the 32 episodes. Very few scenes were a little I loved the fact that unlike most serials which would end with episode 30, this serial will always stand out for producing episode 31 and 32.

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.

First of all started watching this right after Dr Romantic 2 and didn't know that will find Ahn Hyo Seop and Yang Se Jong both in one drama! Well, this drama had a slow beginning but was very rapid going story in the middle. There were little twists here and there but the twists were so disappointing in the end. But the ending was well put and pretty hilarious specially the Berlin twist.. Keyring over ring twist..loved how she decided to go slow and enjoy what she's doing rather than just gaininh6a degree. That's the BEST t thing about this drama! IT makes u want to take a decision u love.. Not the decision u should actually take. Oftertimes those 2 differ..

Loved Jennifer's character too. Actually thought she was an AI in the beginning! Over all will recommend it to someone who wants to watch a chill light hearted emotional drama.

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.