Call It Love

I call it love!

As "Western" people, I think it is difficult for us to understand Asia. We will find it difficult to understand that not everything that comes to mind needs to be said. We will find it difficult to understand that family in Asia has a different, albeit somehow familiar, meaning from what we understand it to be and how we live it. And we will find it difficult to understand that the art of filmmaking has a completely different claim than ours. Much is very theatrical and artistic, indirect and implied - as if spoken in verse. For the western consumer who needs an arc of suspense, a (more or less) obvious story development and the good old happy ending with marriage and children and a single family house, this series will be difficult to understand.

To be honest, I can't watch American shows anymore. Everything is kind of the same, and everything that isn't the same is either extremely violent or action-packed in some other way.

There's probably a lot in KDrama that's just entertainment, too. However, "Call it love" is very refreshing. I have eagerly awaited every episode so far and enjoyed every minute of the series. You have to read a lot between the lines, be able to interpret a lot and pay attention to the details. This is entertainment for me. And I wish for more of it, even if experience has shown that it won't go down well in the West.

A well written and at times, very touching story. At other times, a very slow and frustrating watch. It focuses on loneliness, grief, healing and family.

The good: The setup of the family and story is interesting, and I liked their dynamic, it was realistic and wholesome and fun a lot of the time, which was needed because the rest of the drama is pretty depressing. The cinematography is beautiful. There's a truly platonic male-female friendship which is a breath of fresh air in a romance drama.

The bad: I know the lead actors in this have a decent range, because I've watched other shows with them, but here their characters are very stoic and wooden, and their scenes became a drag. Don't think they had good chemistry, and I mostly finished the show to see what happened with the family and second couple.

Watching this entire series was very challenging. At times I wanted to bang my head from frustration. There were so many unnecessary filler scenes that made the series uncomfortably long. Like just watching the characters walk down the street and hearing their footsteps, or stare at a campfire and even a virtual one on screen. I tried to fast forward at times but of course when I did, I would miss the one line they actually spoke. I understand the culture in that it is unnecessary to speak to avoid a conflict or hurt the other persons feelings. That is very common in all Asian dramas, but this particular drama takes it to the extreme. In the west we believe communication is key to a successful relationship. If you don't tell me what you feel or want, how can I understand/satisfy you. It's amazing any of their relationships work. All in all, it is a good love story, and the characters performed well. However, be prepared to practice a lot of patience.

This was very addictive to me. I couldn't stop watching it and I ended up not sleeping at all even though I had work early in the morning!

Very infuriating antagonist, you will hate the bad guys so much and empathize deeply with the main characters and their revenge journey.

It is slow paced and gloomy and has a dark touch to it but at the same time is deep and emotional and sooo beautiful. Filled with hope.

Slow burn romance but the emotions are shown quite early on although they are subtle and secretive and I liked the chemistry between the leads as well.

Nice secondary characters as well with good and entertaining subplots, also no cliches at all.

I would say that the only thing that I didn't like was the fact that it is really frustrating sometimes how kdrama writers sometimes have to give a perfect ending for everyone and it feels forced. I will never understand the obsession with everyone has to forgive everyone no matter how bad that person was to them. Maybe its cultural, but I don't get it.

Other than that, pretty good watch!

I read some reviews complaining about slow and boring this show is. If you are looking for a fast paced show/storyline this is not for you. This love story is the slowest of burns. And I didn't even mind that.

The main characters have so much chemistry I was eagerly awaiting their scenes together. The acting was so well, one of the main points I like this series so much.

Just finished the final episode and I would have loved a few episodes more with my main characters (the secondary characters sometimes got a bit too much screentime for my taste (i.e the older sister). But I will take what I can get.