johannschmelz

After episode 1 I was already hooked and totally smitten by SonYe-Jin (already in love with her after watching Crash Landing On You). The blooming romance with her younger buddy was developing so sweet, innocent and relatable, that I was swooning all along. That it took 3 full episodes bevor the heart melting touching of hands under the table took place, might have been frustrating, but after watching the sweet drama Do you like Brahms or Encounter (Boyfriend) I already knew that these shows have nothing in common with Hollywood. The cultural ingredients of Korean society are at full display: Ascetic use of physical contact, misogynistic treatment of the female staff in the corporate world, abusive family members or friends who disapprove of a love affair between a younger male / older female etc... The real shock came when our lovers went down on their knees before this horrible mother. From then on the show took a turn for the worse: the unavoidable breakup, tears, broken hearts, the formerly so delightful lovers a bunch of miserable losers etc... Even the usual reconciliation in ep 16 could not make up anymore for the lost beauty and sweetness of the first 10 episodes, and I'm left with a bleeding heart, mind and soul. So why do I still stick with a rating of 10? If my mind after several weeks of finishing the show still wanders back to the so many of the sweetest moments, and if I still catch myself several times a day humming the melody Sometimes it's hard to be a woman or Save the last dance for me, then I have obviously no choice.

For everyone who is fed up with Hollywood and craving for more subtlety, I only can recommend this cast. The setting of classical music fits perfectly into the world of young people aspiring to a career as a professional musician. The desires, the dreams, the envy and jealousy towards someone who's made it to the top, and then the frustration and disappointment when someone has to realize that desire and love for the music doesn't necessarily translate into success is vividly demonstrated throughout the cast. And on top of all the slow building of a bittersweet romance between the two main protagonists is just almost to much to take. I instantly hooked up with world class pianist, Joon-Joung, and I literally fell in love with Song-Ah, the female violinist. I couldn't wait for theirs first hug and much later for their first kiss, and I utterly enjoyed it when it finally happened. And I was at times so frustrated when the two of them just stood in front of each other, almost suffocating because the words of love were stuck in their throat, unable to say something other than 'see you tomorrow'. I almost screamed at Joon- Joung to say something nice to his beautiful girl, but no. And I sensed already early on that this so sweet (remember the ice cream moment?) love was in for some rough days, and they came. I'm still not over this moment when Song-Ah finally called it quits because she couldn't take the agony and the wavering of her boyfriend any longer. But I could understand her perfectly. The wake up call worked, but it took a while for the reconciliation. It didn't come easy and not with many words (beware Joon-Joung with words) but through the sheer performance he put up on stage, telling her through music how much he loves her. Sweet and heartbreaking at the same time. Song-Ah broke out in tears, knowing at this moment that no matter how much pain and agony she would endure, the love for this man would offset all of it. I had no idea that a cast I stumbled upon be mere chance would be able to unload such an avalanche of emotions in me. It's almost unbearable. Someone help me. Folks, go and watch all the episodes, the sweet and the not so sweet ones. You won't regret it.