Well, how about "wonderful" ? or even a simple "wow" ? Please let me expand/explain....
Since I started watching K Drama about 7 months ago, I've gradually wondered if I'll ever get to see a perfect show. A ten out of 10, if you will.
Yes, I've seen the acknowledged fan favourites ( Weightlifting Fairy, Secretary Kim, I'm Not a Robot, W, Strong Woman ) and though there is brilliance in all of them, none warrants a perfect score.
I don't use the word "euphoria" very often regarding the media ( probably, for TV, during the heyday of the sublime "Breaking Bad" ) but It's certainly apt for how I feel about "30 But 17". Entwined with that feeling is the emotional impact : I find myself thinking of certain scenes and tearing up because they're so well written/acted. Basic equation : Great Art = Exhilaration !
I recall trying to watch "Sister Is Alive" recently & giving up after 2 episodes because most of the characters were horrible. With "30 But 17", all the main cast are lovely & it's so enjoyable to spend time with them.
Pivotal to everything is the charming & wonderful Shin Hye Sun as the talented young violinist Seo Ri, stuck in a horrific traffic accident who wakes from a coma at the age of 30 with her youth stolen and a virtual orphan. Yes, the scenario is somewhat manipulative yet the story is intriguing and touching nonetheless. It's a truly heart-breaking yet nuanced performance and I constantly wanted to reach through the screen and give her a hug ! The boy who might've saved her but for random chance is unfairly devastated by guilt from then on, though when she re-enters his life he has no idea of who it really is and Yang Se Jong as the adult man is equally great as poor Mr Gong. It does hurt when he speaks to her harshly early on yet we know why and don't hate him. He's in a zombie-like coma of sorts, and to see him come out of his shell as his affection for her deepens is profoundly satisfying.
Superb support cast ? Check ! Ahn Hyo Seop as Gong's nephew Chan is sweet and caring with a huge heart ( his 2 rowing friends are also good value ); Ye Ji Won is terrific as Jennifer the eccentric housekeeper & even Seo Ri's musical rival is not the one-dimensional horror she might've been in another show. And....the people playing the leads as teenagers are delightful.
That said, the script is the engine that drives any movie or TV show and this one is extremely impressive on various levels. Pacing/symmetry is tip-top. It's also very creative, skilful and thoughtful in terms of action & dialogue and carefully building the central relationship. Many scenes are supremely memorable ( eg Choco Pie, onions, fountains, Seo Ri "moving out" to name just a few ), plus there's ample humour & a pleasing affection for the joy of music. There are feints and trickery, and I was pleasantly surprised with the choices made in certain scenes. Above all, I felt that the writers really loved the characters and I'm sure the actors responded to that. Much love flows from many scenes and the sight of Seo Ri's surrogate "family" taking shape is a sight to see and cherish.
TISSUE WARNING ! chances are very good that you will cry; I cried a lot, since many of the events are sad yet some have a positive impact too. Anyway, fans of K Drama know full well that you have to go through Hell before you get to Heaven. And though the inevitable tsunami of revelations in the final third produces an ocean of tears, it's bearable because the main couple's, um, "love boat" is seaworthy ( anyone for an aquatic metaphor ? sorry ! ) & you know they can handle anything.
Now, having built my Cathedral of Praise, I do have ( sigh ) a couple of very small complaints. The gorgeous ex-model Jung Yoo Jin ( so under-used in "W" & suits, please give her a show of her own ! ) does a good job here as CEO Kang, yet could've done SO much more. We see her dismounting from a big motor bike on one occasion ( such fertile ground for development ! ) so make her cute young assistant have a crush on her. Maybe he comically fantasises about rescuing her from a bunch of thugs or cooking her a lavish dinner ? Or, dressed in tight pants or shorts, she might get off that bike & toss her hair in sexy slo-mo, then we see him removing his helmet in slo-mo with just a little scooter next to him. Why not even have them discover a shared interest & start real dating ? Chan's big solo swim race also annoyed me slightly because I wanted him to put his cocky opponent DOWN ! And you don't really need words : just let him offer a little sly smile when he's taunted & follow it with a wink. But, I should mention the tech side as a balance, since the show is nicely shot and quite beautiful at times ( thanks DP ). So, my gripes are obviously minor flaws & I'm feeling a bit disloyal now !
Alright, time for some more acclaim ! I'm so grateful to the cast & crew for creating this excellent show. A beautiful work of art can be admired for its construction and for the way it connects with our emotions. This one combines both. When you're down and thinking, "what's the point ?", art like "30 But 17" can bring real pleasure and make a difference to someone's life.
Back to the "P" word I used at the start ( & don't worry, I'm almost done ! ). I suppose I can't really award a 10 by traditional measures ( those little gripes, argh ! but I'll go with a 9.9 ), yet this is most definitely a towering achievement and I do urge you to watch it. True, I've made this review an epic but we excitable humans have to spread the word when we fall in love. And at a time when the Internet allows brave, anonymous idiots to revel in being cruel and vicious, I think there should be a place for something positive that's from the heart.
