What I like about this drama is the way they talk about reincarnation and the irony of what would happen if one truly remembers all of one's past lives. I love when a romantic Kdrama adds a twist to the usual romantic plot, and this one adds a great spin with the convergence of past and present lives.
Plot: This drama follows Ban Ji Eum, a woman in her early twenties who is able to remember her past lives, which totals 19 lives. In her 18th life, Yoon Ju Won, died as a 12 year old so, Ji eum plans to reconnect with Mun Seo Ha who was with her the day she died and finds out that he misses her as much as she does. Isn't the plot interesting?
This drama lets the viewers see the trauma and grief endured by those who remain after a life cut short. They have also shown how hard it is for Ji Eum to connect with people from her past lives with the same emotions and how much she still loved them just like her past lives.
In our single life we have many moments which break our hearts into pieces, sometimes we can't even breathe because of the pain we go through. Ji Eum must have lived all those painful moments throughout her 19 lives. The pain of losing people again and again in her multiple lives, what a toll it must have on her soul.
Shin Hye Sun: Her portrayal of Ban Ji Eum is exceptional! She really shows a sense of wisdom and maturity in her speech that is truly special. Sometimes she sounds like a historical lady and the very next moment she switched to a 20th century girl.
Ahn Bo Hyun: I like this actor. He loves to explore his talent. Here his character is soft and vulnerable, you feel like protecting him at all costs.
His deep and at the same time tender and puppy eye look gives life to Seo Ha's character. He is perfect as Seo Ha. The only thing I could maybe add is that we didn't see much of Seo ha's childdishness, but I'll blame that on the lack of episodes and so the lack of scenes we could've seen.
Supporting characters: All 4 supporting characters were important in this drama. When Seo-ha had no one beside him, Do-yun was constantly there to provide a helping hand. Whereas, the relationship between the FL and her 60+ year old niece from her 17th life was heartwarming to watch. The same was with her younger sister of 18th life.
Lee Chae Min's mysterious aura captivated the audience from the beginning until the end. Oh and the Child actors were great too.
Especially the two young ladies who played 18th and young 19th life Ji-eum
Cinematography: Aesthetically it's a beautiful drama. There was a scene when both main leads 1st time saw each other through a fish tank, it's one of the most beautiful encounters of main leads. I loved it! Also, episode 11 and 12 have some breathtaking scenes.
OST: "Star" by Colde, I don't know why but whenever I listen to this song I feel a deep longing in my heart. I miss my dear ones whom I have lost. This song soothes my anxiety.
"I'll embrace your past" by Ahn Bo Hyun, I didn't know that ABH could sing that too with melodious voice. Other OSTs were also perfect additions to the narrative
As a big fan of the original webtoon I was ecstatic when I heard news of it getting a kdrama adaptation but they should have made it for 16 episodes since the webtoon was quite slow paced. They have missed quite a lot of things because of that. But again it was never about the suspense , it was about love, care and relationships which can melt your heart.
The music added to the drama in the right spots, the visuals, and scenery were all wonderful helping to carry the story to the end. The drama's ending leaves a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction, tying up loose ends gracefully.
