Every episode pierced right through my heart
"Although you can't see someone, It doesn't mean they are not with you. As long as you remember them, they are not gone" ~ Move to heavenIf you are thinking whether to watch it or not, believe me and go for it. I also had my doubts when I was about to start this drama but it left me speechless. I cried in literally every episode. The story was emotional, yet so beautiful. I watched this drama an year ago, but it's still the most beautiful drama I have ever watched. I never write a review for dramas but I had to for this one. Watch it you will not regret.
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This drama will change your perspective towards life
This drama is going to be so close to my heart :”)I urge everyone to please give this a watch
Whether you watch kdramas or no
This is the kind of drama which teaches you so much:”)
Every person in your life has a purpose, respect them, cherish them, enjoy every bit of the time spent with them. :”)
The story is about a young boy with Asperger syndrome and his uncle who work as trauma cleaners, clearing out the possessions of dead people, uncovering the stories they left behind and telling them to loved ones.
The series is all about emotions and feelings, especially, empathy towards the deceased who are no more in the world yet they have left their own messages to their loved once.
The way the story started the way it went forward every bit of it just leaves such a huge impact :”)
10 episodes and each of the 10 episodes made me go through such a roller coaster of emotions :”)
I don’t understand how this drama has been so underrated and why aren’t people watching it :”)
You’re definitely missing out on something so beautiful
Please go watch “move to heaven”
Much love and respect to the whole team of this drama :”)
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A very unconventional description of death -- as it should be
It made me ponder a lot about the beauty and inevitability of death. You know how when the people you love died and you tend to search for their last remains. The last thing they touched. Their last message. What were the thoughts of people whom they have interacted with? You smell the fresh sheets and clothes they left. What kind of legacy did they have when they departed. This show perfectly describes that feeling. It defined death and the feeling of losing someone in such a beautiful way.Apart from the aforementioned, on the technical things in this series, the one who played Geu-ru was phenomenal. It seems that he really studied his role for this as well as Sang-gu for being a slightly sluggish personality. It made me cry especially on the third and final episode. The OST was also well-picked EXCEPT on grieving parts about their client's death. However, Geu-ru's taste in classical music is still nice.
This drama may not be one of my most favorite but you will definitely learn a thing or two from it. Everything about Move to Heaven is wonderful and honest. I heard that this is rated as 19+ in Korea, but it's quite understandable since death remains a taboo in their country (or in any country, I guess). But again, that's the beauty of it, it tackles death in the most unconventional yet frank way of its nature.
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This review may contain spoilers
Trauma Cleaners — their job, life, and trauma
Had anyone asked me a few weeks ago, before I started watching Move to Heaven, I wouldn’t be so aware on the life of trauma cleaners. Regardless whether it’s a drama or real life, trauma cleaners must endure creepy scenes over a pressuring environment. Constantly moving their car to not be seen, closing the shades while working, are two of many other environment’s pressuring requests. Additionally, it is obligatory for the trauma cleaners (at least in this series) to “deliver” messages from the deceased and their loved stuffs handed in special yellow box. Move To Heaven also allows viewers to have a glance on the life of our hero whom has an Asperger Syndrome and recently-deceased only parent. Hold on, that’s a lot already. Are we in for a journey with worthwhile tears? Honestly, this is more than that. As compelling as it sounds, the series continuously steers our emotions on every single episode, making no room for boredom.Move to Heaven is absolutely one of a kind drama. The peculiar premise lived up to its expectations as it consistently delivered meaningful slice of life-like narrative. The plot in general is well-connected to each other although some might need reminders to subtle details (like the female detective at the last episode). The dynamics have a good portion of everything. They didn’t make it depressing, or too funny, or too angsty. Everything is well-balanced to one another.
The trauma cleaning subplots (the deceased stories) were crafted in poking criticisms of the society coated with heart-wrenching stories. People did not realize how precious their loved ones actually is until those valued memories of them transformed into regrets. Distinctive arguments shape-shifted into glitched unrepairable tape constantly repeating on the living’s head. This series helped us learn to respectfully love people as who they are—whether they may be bothersome, having different perspectives, or in a contrasting social class.
Onto our main characters, I would like to applaud the writers once again for conveying Han Geuru (and his surrounding)’s stories with countless heartwarming aspects. As we have already known, Han Geuru had been living a struggling life after his father’s passing, only for his past to be way more harsh than we could have ever imagined. However, Geuru wasn’t really perceptive in terms of emotions, making him a strong individual that kept moving forward. Geuru mostly carried the trauma cleaning service with his extra attention to details. His extremely-observant nature pushed Move to Heaven into having detective-like journey. Throughout the series, the 20 year-old boy had a fantastic character arc (emphasis on letting Father go). Shoutout to Tang Junsang for portraying Han Geuru effortlessly.
Cho Sanggu had lived a contrasting life. Although his contrasting attitude may be seen as bothersome, his character development is perfect by growing fondly of Geuru (really love their chemistry). Sanggu also has a deep trauma that made him held grudges in the past. Not only about his paternal brother but also his “hoobae” in boxing. Eventually, this series helped him overcame those with strings of occasional events (hint: Amusement Park and Train Station). Parts of Sanggu’s stories might have appeared on another series yet it comes handy overall. The supporting characters did not really have strong plots or arcs but they were supporting for a reason. My only criticism would be the lack of Namu’s family stories (and her past) as viewers never get to see what happened inside her house. On the other hand, Namu’s character balanced the main two perfectly.
As Move To Heaven is an original Netflix series, I always found them to be different with cable or free-to-air dramas. Move To Heaven doesn’t necessarily felt like “another” kdrama at all, it stands out. I am personally a frequent Kdrama viewer (on top of a Kpop fan) and always subtly annoyed with the same sets being used in multiple series, but this is not the case here. Move to Heaven explores many locations that I never or barely saw on other Kdramas. Notably, they also use a different approach when it comes to cinematography. Furthermore, the VFX team did an outstanding job especially in visualizing Geuru’s attention to details. I always love every moments when all those stuffs in the yellow box flew above Geuru’s head, aligned, with him trying to crack a code. Every episode has a decent length between 40-60 minutes and far from being formulaic (a problem that usually occurs in “another” kdrama). Move To Heaven’s production team really paid attention to details and it paid off. Other than one thing, there’s no such accommodating or memorable OST here.
On a final note, Move to Heaven is a new magnum opus within the new series being released. Everything about this drama is perfectly well-balanced of each other—whether it be the plot, characters, or supporting elements in general. All being well for Season 2 to be picked up soon (in the same or better quality cause we don't want a mess like the other Netflix original series *coughs* Love Alarm *coughs*). We need more episodes as 10 of it is certainly too short!
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A drama that teaches: You matter — whether alive or dead.
If dramas can be ranked according to the beauty their stories tell us, Move To Heaven would be one of the top ones. What a beautiful, heartbreaking depiction of loss and grievance over people considered as the discarded ones by most. Yet we learn that these people who might have not had anyone to mourn for them were loved too. Right from the first episode, this drama tugs at your heartstrings. Absolutely loved the depiction of Han Geuru’s parents. He shared such a beautiful bond with both of them and I’m so glad that he got to have his father with him for longer and know that he was loved. In fact Geuru had such wholesome bonds with everyone around him, it warmed my heart to see him loved and treasured instead of ostracised for his difference. It was so nice to see his bond develop with his uncle too. Uncle had a tragic past linked to him, and I wasn’t that huge a fan of how his arc was dealt in the last few episodes, but that’s okay since it’s not the major focus.Spoilers below — talking about things that stood out in episodes:
Episode 1 — Such a gentle portrayal of father-son relationship, Han Jeong U was a special man whose empathy made him connect the dots on an emotional level. Perfect first episode to set the mode, what a sad introduction. Special mention: Lee Je Hoon’s wild look bad boy entrance.
Episode 2 — an episode that highlights children neglecting their elderly parents, Han Geuru is alone now, but does such a wonderful job in making sure the last message reaches the son.
Episode 3/4 — another interesting case, this one highlights one sided love. My most favourite thing was when Han Geuru keeps repeating that the stalker didn’t love the kindergarten teacher, it was the children who did. If he truly loved her, he wouldn’t have forced his presence on her and scared her. Such a simple but so powerful message in a sentence. Geuru repeating it felt like it was needed for us to know the difference between love and obsession.
Episode 5 — I would say this was my favourite episode in the series. So well written. The love, the characters, the ache, I don’t have enough words to describe. You need to watch it to feel it.
Episode 6 — another reflection of how the elderly are service are treated unfairly by most of the society. This was a very look in the mirror episode.
Episode 7/8 — these focus more on Uncle Sang-gu’s journey, his childhood, his relationship with the people he treasured, both are another set of heart wrenching episodes.
Episode 9 — In Matthew Green’s story we shed a light on a part of oversees adoption which took place in Korean history. I think I liked this best after episode 5. It made me wish for so many things, and the sadness stays with you.
Episode 10 — the final journey, of course it makes sense who the last person Move To Heaven will be sending off. It felt like all the growth that Han Geuru goes through over the last three months is reflected in his decision and how things are done. We also we plenty of heartwarming flashbacks that make you want to reach out and hug the characters. This episode ends with just enough space for a new season. I do hope we get one.
Spoilers end.
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While there’s plenty of sadness in this series, I would not say it’s entirely heartbreaking. MTH leaves you with a feeling of healing. It tells you that these characters might have met death, but there’s more to their story. It provides each of them a beautiful closure which they couldn’t find in life. We as viewers mourn for all of them and remember them well. I really hope this is picked up for another season. We need more stories like these!
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"Even the deceased can speak."
The trailer itself was so good that I immediately added this to my list.At first I thought that the drama is all about those people who died alone and isolating themselves from the rest of the world, just like what I saw on some Japanese documentaries. But the drama isn’t all about this, it tells more than what I imagined it to be. Trauma cleaners is indeed not an easy job and I deeply respect them for their work.
The calming cinematography fits the heartwarming story of the drama. But what I liked the most here is the amazing portrayal of each role of the cast with such an overwhelming delivery of emotion. Lee Je Hoon really captivates me. He’s really good on acting plus he’s so hot and handsome. I do also love Geu Ru’s super dad, a warm and kind hearted man that surely been a blessing to the people who knows him. The rest of the cast was really good on their roles specially to those cast who features every move to heaven story. Han Geu Ru and Na Mu were both a charming and loveable character that made the show livelier and more emotional.
I almost cried every episode but the scene that made me cry a lot was the brotherly love of Sang Gu and Jung Woo. The story behind the Nike shoes was so sad. Sang Gu is really a kind person and his character development was good.
Well-deserved high rating. It was not just an ordinary drama but it tells the real life story of those people who left the world with their final goodbyes to the things that connects into them. Such a heartwarming drama that I will never forget.
“Death tells a story and the things they left behind tells the story.”
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Heart-wrenching and healing
It's best to go in blind with this one, but be warned it is heavy. Based on the true experiences of a trauma cleaner, which makes for a beautiful and emotional storyline that hits particularly hard if you've endured significant loss and suffered through grief. The drama is a bittersweet mix of wholesome and heart-wrenching, with characters that grow and develop wonderfully along the way. Acting is amazing, especially by the lead, Gu Ru. The soundtrack is also gorgeous. I took off a point because some of the storylines towards the middle of the season were a little predictable and cliche.What's most incredible is how this show is can act as a form of therapy and deliver catharsis in unexpected ways. The portrayal of grief was very raw and painful, I don't think I've cried so hard over a show before to the point I almost blanked out because it reopened some wounds and I had to take several breaks. I'm not sure I can rewatch this because it hits that deep. But don't let that deter you from the experience because it is also healing and unforgettable. I hope there's a season 2
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First time doing a review because Move to Heaven is too good!
First time doing a review because Move to Heaven is too good!It is a beautiful unique plot about funeral cleaning. I cried almost every other episode... and there are only 10 episodes, so that says something about the series.
The series depicts a lot of hardship and suffering we all face every other day and depicts them in the stories of each episode of "trauma cleansing". The series really knows how to tug on your heartstrings and make you cry, and just when you get enough of it, more feelings surge over like a tsunami all over you. The acting of the main lead as someone having Asperger syndrome is top-notch as well.
I'm only dissatisfied with the last scene which was weird and unnecessary but overall a masterpiece. Please watch this!
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This Drama is not all about death and suffering... it's very hopeful and heartfelt
This is simple drama which tackles some harsh realities
Coming to the acting and the cast...They all did an amazing job...All the staff and crew did and amazing job...Thank You for this Show
Death is a very hard topic for anyone... Seeing someone die never gets easier, it gets worse and worse...But this drama will give Hope to everyone...
As long as you remember them
They are not gone
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Heart-wrenching and heartwarming ❤️
When I watched the trailer, I knew I had to watch it but I kept delaying it. And finally! I watched it.First of all, it's just 10 episodes and even if the duration was one hour each episode it passed really quick.
The storyline was refreshing for me. I haven't known that anything like trauma cleaning existed before I watched the drama. Each episode deals with death, grief, guilt and family.
Along with the main topic it also sheds light on different topics like adoption, nationality, LGBTQ community, etc .
The characters were very likeable. Ge-ru suffers with Asperger syndrome and is a literal genius. He loses both his parents and have to adjust living with his uncle. His characterization was done very well and Tang Joon-sang nailed the role.
Each member of the cast did their best. Acting was top notch.
The drama is heartwarming and heart-wrenching at the same time. Absolutely loved it❤️
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This review may contain spoilers
A trip down to cry me a whole frigging river
I WAS FUCKING JOKING ABOUT THE DAD DYING AND THEN IT HAPPENED. Fucking move to heaven. I was like it's gonna be this sad depressive drama where the ml dad dies and then it happened. I'm like ..... I WAS SARCASTIC! Now me is crying. I'm not ready for another tear fest.If Loyde, my friend who never binge watches kdramas, is already at episode 5 then it really must be good. I'm almost done with 3 and it's sooo good.
Also, that neighbour best friend is too hilarious, right away imagining uncle is up to fifty shade BDSM kink stuff while it's the opposite. She truly should be a fanfic writer with that naughty naughty mind. She naughty naughty.
It's surprisingly funny and sad in a beautiful way at the same time. I truly get why the actor who plays the uncle is like this is my favourite drama I've ever done.
THAT DAD OF THE BEST FRIEND IS SUCH A MOOD!
I love how they're atm the most unlikely three musketeers.
Noooo that's too sad that samchon has a traumatic past too.
The story about the kindergarten teacher is breaking my heart.
OMG CUTE BBY CALLING OUT THE MURDERER MADE ME EMO, PROUD AND I WAS LIKE SAY IT LOUDER! It was such a power move from him.
That friend is such a nancy drew, lol.
I'm at episode 5 now too and OMG I RECOGNIZED THAT DOCTOR FROM EP 5, HE WAS IN RECORD OF YOUTH and then he died ..... this is why we can't have nice things. Of course he had to die. Thank you move to heaven for making me even more sadder with your beautiful storytelling.
I hate how the best friend's mother really hates our precious pumkin.
I'm dying, I was like IT'S THE GUY for some reason. And somehow it truly was. This show has so much diversity and social commentary. This story has me soft, uwu, sad, emo at the same time. #crying. I hate homophobic parents, I hate homophobic society. They had no right to play with my emotions in this episode. They really destroyed me with this story. Fucking episode 5 man.
Pumkin sad because unlike his clients his dad didn't leave something like a message or present behind is making me sob.
SNSD Soo young's character was so sweet and truly the opposite of her character in run on.
Episode 7 is the saddest so far. Makes it even sadder that the character is played by one of my faves. This episode destroyed me.
Pumpkin playing poker with a couple of gangsters who just kidnapped him and slaying the game was too funny.
I don't know how they did it but episode 8 is even sadder than the one before.
JOKE IS ON US EPISODE 9 IS EVEN MORE SADDER. Also, soo-young is back again, yay. She's truly a beautiful person that character.
Samchon made fried eggs and pumkin be like SAMCHON ARE YOU DYING? That shouldn't have been funny and sad at the same time but it was. Lol, samchon swapping the egg with pumkin since his yolk was broken. Why am I crying so hard over that?
I forgot to mention but omg I so knew best friend didn't like pumkin purely platonic.
WHAHAHAHAHAHAHA EPISODE 10 IS ALSO FUCKING SAD.... AGAIN! It's the worst episode based on sadness because now I'm really sobbinggggg. It's all really beautiful sad. I still have 25 minutes left but I'm bawling my eyes out *continues to sob non-stop for the next 25 minutes* I haven't cried this hard since cloy.
Samchon crying about officially becoming pumkins forever guardian had me like same.
I could have done without the ending with the soon to die girl. I DID NOT LIKE THAT.
I'm so sad now. I'm definitely a pile of sad emptiness. My eyes really are all red and puffy.
I'm reading reactions and it's too funny since I'm not the only one who was an emotional mess, on an emotionally rollercoaster kdrama overfeeler for move to heaven. However, most people had the sob fest from episode 8 until the end, like one big sob fest while it was for me already from episode 5 and onwards, lol.
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Something to learn in life
At first I didn’t have much thought of this drama but didn’t know how much this drama really have me going. This drama isn’t just about the lost of the love ones, but a struggling young boy with disabilities. And what breaks my heart even more, is seeing a young boy with disabilities losing both parents at the young age is heartbreaking. It must felt like the whole world just collapse, losing someone you love. This drama is heart warming, for everyone who haven’t watch this drama definitely give this a go. This drama is to teach us that someone else can also impact us by giving us hope, comfort and giving closures. And that family isn’t about blood but the people surrounding you are always family, never feel abandoned or lonely just because you’ve been abandoned. Just know you can also mean the whole world to someone else, Just remember “Those we love don’t go away they walk beside us everyday unseen, unheard, but always near”.Was this review helpful to you?
