Pretty Noona Who Buys Me Food: Episode 3

It's not often that I find myself in the company of a drama that leaves me utterly captivated, so when such a drama does come along, I choose to relish it, one episode at a time. Three episodes in, and it's no longer just love, I'm actually rather besotted with it. And it's not just because of the pretty, because believe you me, there's plenty of it, but for a drama to fully grab my attention it has to speak to me on more than just one level. When looking at a drama through a more superficial lens, you find that the scenes containing all the (highs of) romance are usually the ones which create the most noise. But this drama does well to elevate those moments in a more traditional and linear fashion by giving it a much higher sense of purpose. These moments aren't there to simply cause a stir, rather they're there to capture the essence of two individual characters who, in coming together, pose real questions re the status of relationships, family ties, and of course, age difference. As we come close to foraying into Joon-hee and Jin-ah's newly found relationship, we begin to see undercurrents of the kind of challenges that already lay ahead. Fighting societal pressure is one thing, but striking a balance with each other (first) is going to prove equally challenging, especially when feelings are still raw with passion.

Pretty Noona Who Buys Me Food: Episode 2

OMG, I literally died of second hand embarrassment!! Props to Son-ye-jin for busting out those moves though, and still coming out looking classy, not an easy feat, I tell you! I have this real bad habit of diving into the duvet as soon as I foresee the above scenario playing out. Only this time it was equal parts embarrassment and equal parts squealing. As soon as Joon-hee turned back and re-entered the office, I just knew where show was taking us. Only this time, I had to force myself to re-watch the scene repeatedly just to ogle at Joon-hee's playful smiles. As a drama, Pretty Noona may be slow moving, and the camera sure likes to linger on many of the shots, but my word, does it make for a delightful watch when the characters all come together.

Pretty Noona Who Buys Me Food: Episode 1

   

I think it would safe to say that Noona will be servin' up some delicious romance, coz one episode in, and the leads are already oozing with undeniable chemistry. The set-up itself is more along the lines of a classic romance rather than, let's say, your average fluff. It's an easy watch, but not in the way that seeks to patronise its viewers. It wouldn't be for everyone, that's for sure, especially if you're the type who despises the "slice of life" category, which I guess it is in some ways, but not in others. I mean I certainly can't remember the only time last time I was chased by some handsome chap who's not only waaaay younger, but who also happens to be the kid brother of a close friend I grew up with. And even if that does happen to be the storyline of your life (lucky you?!), I don't think the same would apply to the vast majority of us. We can sure dream though, especially when that relationship starts out as sweet and playful as Joon-Hee and Jin-ah's. They're simply too adorable for words! 

Just Between Lovers: Episode 2

This drama would be hard to sell as exciting; well, because it isn't...at least not in the dramatic sense. But what I do find it to be is incredibly moving. The way in which characters are made to cross paths in the aftermath of a single tragedy is particularly engaging, especially when you see how they have all been individually affected. It's a slow unravel, for sure, making for a slower pace than your average Kdrama; which admittedly, may not be to everyone's taste. But that is what I love most about this drama - it doesn't tease its viewers, or make us grow impatient, nor does it seek to gratify us using superficial developments, rather it takes us along on this long journey, assured of its destination, and through it, we get to appreciate the process of healing, not as a quick fix, but as something which takes years, if not a lifetime of commitment, as seen through the lives of these various characters.

Just Between Lovers: Episode 1

There's something so poignant in the way this drama depicts pain and suffering of loss, that by the time the first episode had ended, I found myself fully immersed in the world that it had set up. When watching, it's as if personal tragedies are given a narrative voice of their own, which is being spoken through the lens of the camera in the way scenes are directed and shot. And whilst the drama has proven to be visually stunning, it doesn't take away from the grittiness of the tragic reality it seeks to convey. The drama has often been described as a "melodrama", and I went into it thinking it would be just that; however, what I wasn't expecting, was for it to be the opposite. Yes, like with any drama, there's always bound to be a dramatic pull to the narrative, but the way in which the drama has been executed, it tames down those dramatic cues, and effectively mutes the overly exaggerated cliches one would expect from your average melodrama. I guess one could call it a drama that is grounded in realism, fairly dark and pessimistic, but one that is also aesthetically pleasing - and it's this very contradictory nature that I find most appealing for it doesn't leave you in a constant pit of despair, rather it engulfs you with a resounding sense of hope that even after hardship, there comes ease.

Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-ju: ep15 - That's how you become an adult

No matter how many times I re-watch this episode, the weight of the angst never diminishes - tears automatically come crashing down the moment Joon-hyung's face crumples into sadness and despair. If episode 10 belonged to Bok-ju, then this one was most definitely Joon-hyung's - it's a lovely, albeit sombre, reversal which shows how Bok-ju has his back just as he had hers during times of difficulty.

Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-ju - ep14: This woman in my woman

First love can be hella awkward! Especially if you're new to a lot of the feelings it evokes - in Bok-ju's case, jealousy, insecurity and embarrassment. But it's damn refreshing how those feelings come to the surface only to have Joon-hyung embrace them all as qualities his finds most endearing in the woman that he loves. And in his eyes, ain't no finer woman than Bok-ju, whom he's only too happy to claim as his own.

이 여자는 내 여자 다!
                          - Joon-hyung

Tae-kwon: She eats so much....and is too strong!
Joon-hyung: What's wrong with that!? I find her even sexier because of that.
Me: Preach it, Joon-hyung!! *fist bumps air*

Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-ju - ep13: Jealousy is love rounded up to the next step

HA! Jealous Bok-ju is both cute and frustrating at the same time! She definitely needs to learn how to communicate her feelings better. But with a boyfriend like Joon-hyung, who needs words, when actions can do all the talking! Try not to let your imaginations run wild! *devilish grin*

Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-ju - ep12: Her bucket list

This episode made me gush like a friggin school girl! Who knew that a bucket list could be so handy!? It gave us the cute, it gave us the funny, and everything else in between. But whilst that list may have helped Joon-hyung to fulfil some of Bok-ju's more superficial desires, it wasn't what won her over in the end. Because ultimately, what matters most isn't the big romantic gestures which get the heart racing, but rather those moments of tender-loving care and attention, which help keep the heart steady, even in times of distress.

Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-ju - ep11: It's the end...it's not the end

"Father, I don't like weightlifting. I don't want to weight-lift anymore..."

Uff - not at all surprised she came to this decision. Of all the things that have taken a downward-turn in her life, the most recent of those events have all been in some way connected to weight-lifting, and have caused her the most emotional grief. She didn't just decide overnight that she wants to quit, rather her conflicted feelings regarding her outlook on weight-lifting and what it means to her have been gnawing at her for some time now. And those feelings became all the more prominent when she experienced her first real crush, which (perhaps for the first time in her life) made her feel like a woman - by Bok's ju's definition. But that very crush also took her out of the world of weightlifting, as she began to associate herself more with the fabricated life she created for herself in which weight-lifting held no value. Her lack of self esteem and increasing self-awareness is therefore a result of her wanting to find her place in society as a woman, rather than a weightlifter, and until she figures out for herself that there's no separating the two, she will not find it it within herself to love both herself and the world of weight-lifting.

Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-ju - ep10: A comma or a period

Arrgh, I cried a river this episode! My heart broke to pieces every time Bok-ju shed tears, and even though we take solace in knowing Joon-hyung will always be there for her, it doesn't take away the fact that she's hurting. It's heartbreaking enough to see Bok-ju in pain, but when her pain becomes Joon-hyung's pain too, then there's really no stopping those tears.

Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-ju - ep9: The merits of a one-sided love

The feels this ep spoke volumes about Kim Bok-ju's insecurities as a woman, as well as emphasising the status she holds in Joon-hyung's life. He's shown time and time again the lengths he would go to to protect her. And as his desire to protect her grows, so do the feels! It's a long one this time, coz the feels are just so damn good!

Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-ju - ep8: The wind is blowing

Weightlifting fairy and her chingus forevs,

crying and blubbering, till night evening wears.

karaoking into the night with "fantastic baby"

boom shakalaka-ing their troubles away. 

Along comes joon-hyung, her bff and more,

bunk-bed snuggles, and cuddles galore.

Wishing her well, even if it kills him,

wanting to prove his love is not a whim.

He gazes from afar, with adoration in his eyes

yielding to her strength, wherever her heart lies.

Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-ju - ep7: Happy Birthday

The feels this ep came solely from Bok-ju, whose crying (over Jae-yi, letting down her father, and betraying her team) blurs her vision of the one person who's continually stood by her side - Joon-hyung. But as always, he's there to remind her that he'll always be there should she need to release some of that stress she carries around with her in that youthful and naive state of hers. Growing pains man. Who doesn't go through them?

Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-ju - ep6: Long tails either get caught or stepped on

The feels just come at ya left, right and centre this episode!! It's one thing seeing Joon-hyung fall for Bok-ju, but when Bok-ju too shows signs of reciprocating those feels, albeit cluelessly, the glow on Joon-hyung's face is simply too cute for words.

Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-ju - ep5: I'm happy to be a woman

Heh, Joon-hyung totally looks like he's found kryptonite when he finds out that Bok-ju is none other than "cello" - the girl who's got the hots for his brother! He gets this devilish glint in his eyes as he brings himself closer to Bok-ju - an advantageous situation which he totally ends up milking. Pfft, why is that not surprising! This episode however, serves up doses of both heart and cute, making the feels a lot more prominent - bring. it. on.

Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-ju - ep4: Her double life

Gotta love that fist though!!

I thought I'd find Joon-hyung's way of school boy teasing super frustrating, but I'm actually rather liking it, and even find it endearing at times. I mean for one, it shows just how comfortable he is around Bok-ju, enough to want to just be his goofy self. Two, he clearly teases her in a manner which gets a reaction from her because he enjoys it, but at the same time, doesn't intend for it to hurt her feelings - at this point, we know enough of Joon-hyung's character to know that he'd regret if ever did. And three, I can see Bok-ju warming up to his playful attitude, seen as though she no longer tells him to get lost - although, I love that she continues to fake fist him in the face whenever he acts like a muppet. I think at that age, the schoolboy teasing is all part of the growing attraction which comes with young love. The subtle, and sometimes not so subtle teasing just to get your crush's attention, or the endless excuses you find just to get that little bit closer! Happy days, or not (shrugs), either way, it's just nice to see Joon-hyung wear his heart on his sleeve. He's not a "tsundere" by any definition, just boyishly playful, without the cold demeanour.

Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-ju - ep3: Let it go

Joon-hyung is so good at being annoying, that you actually feel like knocking him out sometimes. But the great thing about him is that even though he gets carried away in his boisterousness, he's also quick to make amends, and will do so without being patronising.

Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-ju - ep2: If you come into my heart

Lol, just when I thought Joon-hyung would turn out to be prince charming, no sooner does he get out of the pool, his face breaks into this cheeky grin and he calls out to Bok-ju as none other than"chubby", presumably her childhood nickname. He recalls her nickname with a fondness of sorts, but still, why go there Joon-hyung, just why!!? /nobigdeal

Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-ju - ep1: If you hate your food, give it to a dog. If you hate a person...

After finding out that ep14 was preempted last week (which, noooooooooooooooo) I figured I'd re-watch Weightlifting Fairy all the way from the beginning so I could enjoy the feels a second time round - binge watching somehow makes it all the more sweeter! Having said that, this show crept up on me ever so quietly, but is now the highlight of my week. It's not the most perfect show out there, and there are a lot of elements I wish were done better, but damn does it make you feel alive! On paper, it's nothing but youthful romance, but at heart, it's filled with bitter sweet memories of youth. Them Growing Pains, though! The romance started off sweet, and only gets sweeter as the eps go by...it constantly leaves me wanting moaarrr!! First love. *sigh*