A more cynical viewer might be put off by the pity party that happens in the first hour of When Live Gives You Tangerines (although as far as K-dramas go, this one is pretty mild). There is plenty of crying, especially by the child actors who seem forced to do the act. But it’s worth sitting through; the events that follow are lovely and moving. Set in the countryside of post-war South Korea, the series follows a young couple as they elope and raise a family with little means. It gets cheesy at times but leads IU and Park Bo-gum nail their characters to the ground, always keeping them relatable, likable, and true to times. The immersive production design and the clever time jumps pull you in and keep you longing for the next episode.
"Our Stalwart and Sassy Couple has a long way to go...The labors Ae-sun and Gwan-sik endure are bittersweet. I cried as much as I giggled, and I hope it’s the same for you."
— Sherin Nicole
In Jeju, a spirited girl and a steadfast boy's island story blossoms into a lifelong tale of setbacks and triumphs — proving love endures across time.
1960s, Jeju Island. A poor but intelligent orphan and her childhood sweetheart try to make their dreams come true, all while battling everyday obstacles and keeping the spark of their love alive.
IU and Bogum are in their 30s playing high school students, but it works. Amazingly, it works. There’s a thoughtfulness to the way they thrash out and put on tantrums. You believe their childishness, just as, later on, you believe their bone-deep middle-age fatigue.
As K-dramas go, this series does a good job of balancing sentimentality with fun, wit, and charm.
