I don't think words will ever be enough to describe the journey I went on while watching this drama. It was a beautiful, sad, happy and hopeful one, all wrapped into one bittersweet masterpiece. This story left me speechless.
I will not go as far as to say that this drama was perfect, but it was so wonderfully close to perfection, that I am willing to look past its small flaws and call it what it is : a masterpiece. No drama has ever made me feel this way before. I felt deeply connected to the characters (especially those of the 1930s era) and around the final episodes, I had to remind myself that these are fictional characters. I was so invested in this story that it felt like it was real and I felt every emotion that the characters felt.
I went in this drama knowing a few big plot points (and by that, I mean episode 15 and 16 major spoilers), so I sort of knew how this story would end, but I was still caught off guard by the way this story unfolded. Starting episode 10 or 11, I think I cried at least once every episode. Sure, I am a sensitive person, but there was something so beautifully tragic about this story that made my eyes water and my chest tighten in a way they had never before in front of a drama. Even now that I completed it, I still feel the emotions rushing back to me when I think of the 1930s story. Truthfully, the only reason I didn't put 10 as a rewatch value is because this story touched me and made me feel so many things that I'm not sure I could go through that again in a near future. However, I can easily see myself watching it again after a little while has passed.
Our main cast truly shines in this drama and I felt especially drawn to Yu Jin Oh and his growth throughout his story of acceptance and moving on from the past. His character was at times comedic, at times tragic, and Go Kyung Pyo truly let the character shine. Im Soo Jeong shined as Ryu Soo Yeon and I was so impressed by Yoo Ah In's skills, making the past and present day characters seem like totally different people. I kept forgetting that they were both played by the same actor !
Like many other people, I do wish we saw more of the 1930s timeline, as it was for sure more interesting and poignant then the present day one, but I honestly don't think my heart could've endured more of the emotionally charged 1930s scenes. To me, it was satisfying and somewhat comforting to watch the present day romance evolve in a free manner and let those two souls love each other without the 1930s context being in the way. The simplicity of the current relationships (when compared to 30s ones) gave more depth to the sad-yet-beautiful story of our past characters. It made it more interesting, and the contrast between the two romances was so beautiful to witness.
I never expected that I would ever feel so connected to a drama, but here we are, and I regret nothing. It will take a long time before I move on from this drama and I think its life lessons will always stay with me, in a way.
Here's one of my favourite quotes of this drama :
"Tomorrow might not be yours. Your loved ones won't always be by your side. If you want to say "I love you", say it now. If you want to smile, do it now"