I was burning of impatience to start this drama especially with such talented and acclaimed actors, Go Hyun Jung, Shin Goo the best father of dramaland (in my opinion # ROYOW), Na Moon Hee, Yoon Yeo Jeong, Go Doo Shim (it was my first time seeing her), Park Won Sook etc. It was not only because of the cast but because of the story which I kinda guessed would be easy for me to connect with and I was right. It's a straight 10 for me, and my first of the year *.*
A big part of the story revolves around Park Wan's relationship with her mother and her Aunts (her Mother's friends) who all are around their late 60s (some in their 70s) but not only as we also get to learn bit by bit about all of them , our 6 other main female characters of the show (Jeong Ah, Hee Ja, Nan Hee, Yeong Won, Cheong Nam and Ssang Boon) and 2 male characters Seok Gyun and Seong Jae. I really love how Wan is so close to all those people who are for most of them 30 years older than her.[off topic= I'm really envious of her as I consider elders as the most adorable and caring people of the world (with kids), they make me feel comfortable, happy and also more at peace and generally I have more healthy discussions with them and I learn a lot from them especially about their personal experiences. I definitely feel more at ease and more like myself in their presence. End of off topic].
Wan is there for them and share most of her free time with them as much as possible and we can feel all throughout the drama the special attach between Wan and her aunts, this special and indescribable love they have for each other, the genuine and soothing one.
As I said Wan is not the only main focus of the drama, all the veteran actors have equal screentime and have their own stories to share (I mean the characters they portray).
The drama mostly narrates us the stories of Wan's Mother and her friends, their own adventures and anecdotes worth being told to their own children, grandchildren or nephews, some are very sad, painful and heartbreaking and will move the most sensitve ones to tears (like me :p) and some more funny and sweet. I love all of those Helmoni because despite having a very hard life and some being deprived of freedom (partially) they always look cheerful, they laugh and have fun on their own way like anyone else, they are true bon vivant I'd say. They all touched me and broke me because they are genuine, sweet, sometimes very funny and weird too.
My fave characters are definitely Jeong Ah and Hee Ja, I can already tell you that both of them made me cry not less than 50 times, mostly happy tears but some were also sad tears. Those two women caught my attention since the first minutes of the drama, other characters I love them too so so much but I found Jeong Ah and Hee Ja's stories more powerful and heartbreaking, and their friendship is so strong and unwavering, they have their moments of doubt of course but it's what make them even closer.
I've said enough about them but they are such lovely and cute women, they are honest to themselves and to others too, never hiding their true feelings especially Jeong Ah who always speaks her mind even if it can be a little bit hurtful anyway I love her for that. As for Hee Ja I think she's the kindest and the most innocent one, this makes her so gorgeous and what a delicate woman she is *,*. I also need to mention that the Hee Ja/Min Ho's bond really got me, so real, beautiful and unshakable, Min Ho is such a filial son, their scenes were the sweetest ^^
Of course all other characters are so fantastic and deserved to be loved, Ssang Boon the lovely grandma who's always playing with her phone, Yeong Won the elegant and caring friend, Cheong Nam the curious and honest friend, Nan Hee the hot tempered and caring mother and Wan our lovely young woman who's having some issues dealing with her love and family life. All of them made this drama the gem it is to my eyes.
The Ost is also very beautiful and the songs perfectly fitted for each scene, the funny, the cute, and the sad ones. Probably among the best Ost I heard this year, very addicting and memorable, especially ''Want to Be Free'' by Lyn and '' Wonderful'' by Jannabi.
If I were to say in a few words what truly made me fall in love with the drama, I would say : its realism, its endearing and funny characters, its serenity, peaceful tones, and its natural and brillant writing. Dear My Friends from start to finish made me feel jovial and calm which is something that happens very rarely when I watch dramas especially Kdramas but this is one of the few exceptions, and that's exactly why I'm watching dramas : feeling relaxed, connecting with the characters, evading from reality, spending a good time and not feeling anxious, DMF gave me all of that so I'm very thankful to the actors's hard work and the team who worked on it. Indeed finally South Korea came up with a realistic and heartwarming drama, never letting me feeling uneasy nor angry about the events or the characters. From this country the only other drama which gave me the same feelings was Ruler of Your Own World,I hope more dramas like this one and Dear My friends will be produced though I don't have high expectations.
I decided to give it a 10 for personal reasons, though the drama can sound slow or simple due to its length (around 70 mins per ep). But here are some of the reasons why I went for the highest rating.
- The story, exactly what I've always been waiting for, a drama which would mostly focus on friendship between elders and make them the center of the story.
- Every second was precious and meaningful for me, never I felt bored and I savored every moment.
- Great family and friendship drama and all actors portrayed their characters so flawlessly and convincingly.
- The characters are so relatable.
- Showing the true love of mothers for their children and vice versa, thanks Dear My Friends for those great moments of emotion <3
Na Moon Hee and Kim Hye Ja, My lovely actresses <3
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I enjoy this drama so much, always keeps me excited for the weekends.
i laugh hard and i cry even harder till my head and eyes hurt, in almost every episode.
So much feels when I watched this drama, and so much life lesson learned.
Makes you think of future life, what will i be when i get older later and cherish our time even more.
Every time i finished watching each episode, i miss my mom and feel like calling her.
I can say that this drama has taken a special place in my heart.
This drama is beautifully made, i can feel that there's so much heart has been put into it.
Hats off to all senior actors. Everybody did a great job, I can't even find any flaws to be complained about.
Oh so much things to say but i can't put those into words..
I'll be re-watching this soon while waiting for writer Noh's next drama for sure :)
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Sometimes the simple truths of life are the most riveting. I won't lie and say there weren't some drama tropes present. There were, but isn't life what these tropes are based off of? There was a story line about episode 4 that turned out to be a horribly bad joke, and that's really my only complaint. Because even that bad joke had you reflecting on life.
The power of this storyline is the view from the point of view of the parents and we also get glimpses of what the kids are thinking. The parents understand what the kids are thinking because they've live it all. They've been there. Many truths are revealed on both sides. Parents are aware their children are too busy living their lives. Children can't understand that their parents won't be there forever. Small, but powerful truths make up this story.
The age differences also kept the story fresh, though the youngest person was 40 for one of the main roles. It's not only refreshing to see this type of story on the drama scene, but to actually have older actors having such well developed roles. It can be tiring seeing older actors as nothing but one dimensional parents, or filler roles. You know where an older person is expected to be, or they have a young person play an advanced age.
The focus of the story stays on the older cast even though the 40 year old, daughter is telling it as she writes her book. It's probably why I felt like her love story could have used a little more development and time. Especially in episode 15 (where I felt the pacing was off). However, that means the other character's story lines are amazing. When we finally learn about everyone’s past and present circumstances I loved it. I don't want to spoil anything, but there's many truths that I loved seeing present in this drama. (Yeah, I'm all about truths.) The writing stays on top of all of those lead character's stories and no one is left out. It was perfect.
The cast was everything I had hoped for and more. Of course they're all seasoned veterans to acting, all to their own varying degrees. So it's no surprise that these ladies and gentleman delivered brilliant performances. The chemistry was fabulous and I could believe that these woman have been friends since preschool age. They've stayed in each others' lives.
The music was fantastic! The styles and variety of sounds all fit somehow and were brilliant. From songs for the characters, to a general feel good vibe that brought a smile to my face every time. It was very unique and I appreciated that. I loved that one song had this big bopper tune to fit the resident “playboy”. I have a niggling suspicion that he may have even sang it.
There are so many layers to this drama. It's definitely not a typical one and I hope this inspires better roles for seniors. For writers to realize that older actors are loved, and a great drama would have those characters having pivotal roles. Oh, I'd rewatch this. Just so I could see the amazing friendships and reality of these characters again. I loved how well the writing balanced the fun, humor, and warm hearted nature of the story/characters with the sad truth of age and life. It was beautiful and I thank writer No Hee-Kyung for taking me on it.
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Story:
This was a story of love, its inherent sacrifice, and a story of forgiveness. It was a story of friendship through the ages and family. I couldn’t watch it without relating to the story in some way. It was impossible.
Every character was written in a way that engaged my understanding and sympathy but tested me in all the right ways, as real people always do. For example, Kim Suk Kyoon, a crusty and cantankerous security guard that often took his wife for granted, was a product of a generation with bread-winning men that made all the important decisions and women who did most everything else. Would it be right for him to take all the blame for everything he did if he was raised a certain way? He tested me (a lot) and my modern views on women, but his character evolved with the story as it should. Just like every single one of the others, he made mistakes, he regretted, and he emerged at the end, embracing the truths of his life in a realistic way. Unlike some dramas, the characters in Dear My Friends didn't lose their personalities by the end of their journeys. They all had the same frustrating, lovable quirks that made them unique while they simultaneously accepted their true selves. That's good writing.
Dear My Friends handled tough subjects with a perfect combination of pragmatism and empathy while also blending in humor and heart. I very (very) rarely enjoy korean drama humor, but this was an exception. The writer wove in the usual drama tropes but simultaneously brought in atypical characters and situations to freshen them up or poke fun at them. For those of you curious about romance, there were several couples written into the story, young and old, and each of them had their own set of issues that fed into the main themes of the story.
The only gripe I had (if it could even be called that) was the lack of flashbacks, and I am still shocked that I felt that way. I HATE flashbacks because of how often they slow the pace of a story, but I wanted to get a better grasp of who the characters were before. It didn’t have to be every episode - just a little more for perspective and all that. But, to be honest, this is personal preference. The story didn’t HAVE to have them.
Acting/Cast:
Absolutely no complaints. These actors embodied their roles to the point that they imprinted themselves on my heart, flaws and all. I will forever remember their roles as if the characters were real people that I met at my local convenience store (in my dreams, where I live in South Korea, of course). That's the beauty of slice-of-life stories.
There wasn’t a standout performance, and I mean that in the best sense. Each actor supported the rest of the cast, and the audience got to reap the benefits of experiencing seasoned actors. I love a good newbie actor that wows me with unexpected talent, but sometimes I want to trust that I'm in good hands. And I was.
Music:
I will remember the intro music the most, and I might recall one or two songs from the drama. The OST won’t be something that I’ll obsessively listen to for months to come, though. Perhaps one day I will look back on the drama and get nostalgia goosebumps when I hear the theme song again, but it won’t be more than that.
Rewatch Value:
This is a good example of a lower rewatch value that proves the strength of the drama, rather than any weakness. I don’t need to obsessively rewatch this. Once again in a few years may do the trick, but the heartwarming rawness of the story will stay imprinted on my brain for a long time.
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"A realistic, cheerful story about “twilight youths” and the young people who befriend them."
That's what the synopsis of this drama says. And I want to point out the word "realistic".
Cause that's what the story is about. This drama doesn't have Kdrama-Cliches, or trophes or anything that would just be in a Kdrama. This isn't a story about a revenge, or about 2 people that meet through fate or something noo. The story of this drama is life. I'm sure everyone that watched this, kinda remembered their own parents of great parents. Because these people they just go through things that everyone had to go through or will go through.
But the way these normal people, with normal lifes, and normal problems are shown us by the writer and the director was just soo beautyful. I cried a lot watching this, but there were also times where I laughed out loud.
Acting/Casting
First I have to say, the Casting was just perfect. It couldn't have been better. So lets move to the Acting.
TBH, I am not the person who is able the rate the acting of the elder Cast, they are just beyond good, or great.
So all I can say is about the acting of the Younger one's.
Go Hyun Jung: I loved watching her, I loved her acting, I loved her style and how she was soo beautiful with no make-up. It was amazing how she changed from being an independent, adult woman, to a daughter who listens to her mum, even if they fight all the time.
Jo In Sung: He was the reason why I started this drama, and I love him for this. I know, there is written that he is just making a Guest appereance, but just let me say, I enjoyed him every episode, even if it was just for 2-3 minutes.
Lee Kwang Soo: My betrayal Icon, Giraffe and Prince of Asia was just as amazing as the rest of the cast. I could really see that his Acting improved, maybe it was the impact of all these great actors/actresses, but I was soo proud when I saw that he was soo good.
Music
The OSTs are just as perfect as the rest of the drama. There are songs that really cheers you up, and wants to make you dance, but there are also OSTs that make you bawl like a little baby.
Rewatch Value:
Of course I'm gonna rewatch this great drama, with a great story and perfect actors/actresses. The question is, how often will I rewatch it???
Overall Review:
As you can see from my ratings, this drama was just perfect. Before I started to watch this, I had zero expectations. I didn't even considered to watch this at first. But after the first 6 episodes aired, I saw some gif's from Jo In Sung, and I really got curious about his story, and eventhough I knew he was just a guest appearance, I just wanted to see him. But in the end, I fell in love with everything about this drama. I don't know if I ever will be able to watch a drama that is as great a this one.
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The characters were all well-developed and portrayed by a truly amazing cast. Choongnam was definitely my favorite, but everyone had their charms, just as they had their flaws. I begrudgingly came to adore each and every one as I came to know them, which I feel is an admirable feat for a drama in itself. By the end of the drama, it felt as if they were my very own family members.
What I loved about this drama was that it reminds us that growth does not stop at your 20s, or even your 30s or 40s. Life presents an endless amount of opportunities for you to learn about yourself as well as others-- what's more important is whether you're willing to acknowledge it. It taught me to look at the concepts of relationships, whether familiar or romantic, and death with a new perspective. And it reminded me the importance of being able to recognize one's own needs and take a step back when life gets too overwhelming.
I'll truly miss this drama. I'm sure you will, too.
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Don't judge a book by it's cover and this drama proves it. This drama is the reason i started watching korean dramas and i have a new found respect for the writers and directors of this show. Thank you for making this amazing story. May be it was personal or just the flood of emotions but this is the first drama that made me wail and look at the relationship i have with my mother. The bitter-sweet crazy roller-coaster ride that life is, i don't think we can ever imagine our lives without our mother and this drama made me relive my life one episode at a moment. At one point, i actually had to wait till the next day to watch the next episode because i cried through the night.
Genre : slice of life, friendship, sisterhood, rom-com
Story : This is a drama that everyone can relate to, motherhood, love, the struggles in life, helplessness and friendship. A daughter decides to write the story of her relationship with her mother and her. The story of 6 old women and their hardships in their life. Their experiences, pride, childish fights, stubborn antics, love and adore of their children and the sacrifice that each family has to go through, this drama will make you think about how well you have lived your life and what you have learned after going through all the hardships. It makes you wonder if you have lived your life well enough or if there is still something to be achieved. A mother who dreams to be free, who misses her children but is generous and doesn't want to burden their own kids, one who is going through everything painful with a warm smile. One who is a little possessive but loves her kid and one who is a mother even if she has never had a kid but has taken a lot of responsibility with no time for herself so she decides to spend her life trying to get into university and not be ignorant. They teach us what real life is that all you need is love and a bunch of friends who would never give up on you while you get wrinkly and wait for death together.
Actors : I don't think i have the right to say anything about the actors in this drama because they are way more experienced than any i have ever seen and the realistic story has nothing i can comment on. Jo In Sung is a treat to eyes and Lee Kwang Soo sows us his almost flawless acting skills. Go Hyun Jung is amazing and plays her part really well.
Will i watch it again? Yes.
Will i recommend it to anyone? To everyone that i meet. This is a story that needs to be shared with this whole world starting with my own mother!!!!
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Dear friends, life is beautiful, after all.
I didn’t expect myself to be emotionally attached to this drama. I was addicted, with a drama about old mules. I spent hours watching the lives of grandparents in their 70s and 80s. But oddly enough, I loved it. I really really loved it. I enjoyed it, more than I did with a few of my recent dramas that I watch.Unlike most of the watchers here, I didn’t come here because of a recommendation from Nam Joon, I came here of pure curiosity, after finding this title one day here on MDL. I put this on my PTW list for too long, because I’m still not in the mood of watching something I thought was going to be ‘boring’. But, I decided to watch this spontaneously, and dang, I was intrigued. It didn’t usually happen to me, but this drama made me want to watch more.
Let me start by saying that the story, the acting, the music, the cinematography, and everything here was 101% perfect. It was beyond perfect. The acting was so real, the feelings they portray to the viewers were so clear, it made you feel like you were in that scene/position yourself. Go Hyun Jung and all the actresses and all the actors did a super duper excellent job here! Don’t get fooled by the casts, you may think that watching this is pointless, since you still haven’t reach the golden age, but this drama is for anyone, for everyone, for those of you who needs some healing and some self reflection. Have we treated our parents well? Are we selfish children? Am I living life correctly? You’ll instantly fall in love with all the characters here. They each have their own personal traits and characters, one time you’ll hate them for what they did, but other times you’ll relate with them and you’ll totally adore their characters.
The life lessons in this drama was so deep. It was quite hard for me to watch the last episodes, since a cry baby like me, couldn’t stop crying watching dramas like these. Being old doesn’t always mean you’ve matured fully, it’s never too late to love, to learn, to enjoy life, and to mend broken relationships with anyone. This drama inspired me to live happily, and to live life to the fullest. Live life while you still can, and make sure the life you live right now is happy. Love and cherish your family and friends, because they’re your forever treasures.
I personally loved loved loved this drama. Everything was spot on, and I really enjoyed every episode, especially the last! Overall, I’ll totally give this drama more than a full mark if I can, 15/10. It was per-fect *chef’s kiss* ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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Slow, depressing, aggravating but amazing friendships indeed...
This drama looks all fluffy and sweet on the outside with its flowers and smiles but ones you get near the characters the fluff disappears and you get some pretty real humans, that you find yourself wanting to throw off a cliff...Ok maybe not all of them and maybe not a cliff but still... There is something about most of the characters that just got under my skin and even if most of them also had good moments and interesting stories very few of them where actually lovable...
On paper this drama is prefect, the cast is amazing and well casted. The acting is flawless, the OST fits, the cinematography too,.. there is some pretty good and powerful dialog, and I would say the writing and directing feels real and high quality in some way... The story touches some pretty important issues too. So part of me would love to say this is just the perfect drama... It is divers and finally tells the stories of elderly people, stories that are seldom told and I want to see more of. Also showing some pretty admirable and amazing friendships that have lasted for so many years...
But no matter how great this drama is when I try to look at it objectively. it failed in entertaining me and making the story relatable for me. Or was it I that failed?
No matter how much I loved parts of it and wanted to love this drama I could not do it. Honestly I found myself pissed of about 90% of the time, feeling bad for some and wanting to shake some sense in to others... + just say run away, run away... Though I could relate to some of the stories told, the way they handled it got my blood boiling . the pace is slow and I honestly think you could watch part of it in 1,5 speed without noticing.
Another thing that kept bothering me was that the story was told about these women from they writers perspective and not so much their own, I guess I would have wanted to hear more from the elderly and the people with disabilities that are shown in the drama.
Also The main mother daughter relationship shown here is really toxic, and just terrible, the drama would have been so much better without it.
Even though this has a lot of elements that bothered me, I still think this drama is worth watching and therefor do recommend it.
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1-the perfect casting.How can you love every single person in a drama?Like.literally every single one who appears and spoke more than 2 sentence of their script really enters my heart and never leave.
2-The perfect plot.I thought it is going to be a slow and draggy story since it is all about old people.God i thought wrong.This drama brings me on a rollercoaster ride where all my emotions are being thown out into the air.
If you have not watch this drama,go watch it already.This is a brilliant masterpiece.And i am giving it an easy 10.But if you think this is worth skipping then all you boring souls can go and continue with your A-list star studded over-rated dramas.The fact that I am willing to waste 5 minutes of my life to write this lengthy reviews says it all.
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