When Life Gives You Tangerines
I just recently finished watching this Kdrama series When Life Gives You Tangerines starring Oh Ae-sun played by IU and Yang Gwan Sik played by Park Bo-gum and guess what, it did not disappoint at all. People were talking about this drama and how different people can relate to it. Some say that every episode made them cry and personally they were all right. Episode one made me continue to watch more episodes. Never a dull moment in this drama. Up until the end my eyes were pouring hard (dehydration calling).
One of my favorite features of this drama is that it speaks of history in Jeju. It represents culture and family. The representation of tangerines, the haeneyo is a plus for me. It showed a multigeneration of people from year 1960s onwards. I love movies with a vintage vibe and a twist feature of the present generation. I was also amazed that this series was based on a true story according to a post I saw. The story of Ae-sun and Gwan Sik are stories worth sharing to the world.
I would like to commend IU for playing different characters from different generations. We could really see the difference in all the characters she played from being the young Ae-sun to being Geum-Myeong. The life of Ae-sun was not easy, especially during her childhood. Being a poor girl in those times was difficult despite being a brilliant child. No matter how hard she tried to elevate her life, circumstances were too difficult. Women nowadays are lucky as they can take on leadership roles and hold positions in the government. They can be whoever they want to be. I hope women will continue to excel and be empowered.
I also love the fact that Ae-sun writes poems all throughout the series. I can relate to how Ae-sun writes poems and her love for words. I am in the same boat. I love writing poems. This series made me want to write more poems again. Maybe I will write again.
But to tell you honestly, my favorite scene of IU in this series was when she saw her child Dong Myeong die during the storm. You can really see that IU felt her character. As if it was really her child that died. Plus, the oceans and sky poured hard adding the ambiance. When it comes to the character of Gwan Sik played by Park Bo-gum, my favorite scene was when he jumped in the ocean to go back to Ae-sun. It was raining hard, and he swam the ocean just to go back to Ae-sun, that scene was truly iconic, and upon knowing that Park Bo-gum did it without a double. Salute.
The character of Gwan Sik portrays the modern-day walking "Green Forest" hahaha. This is a real man you all. His commitment to his family and wife is on point. He is the very example of the Filipino term haligi ng tahanan. They both are destined to be together.
People might also be torn between the two love interests of Geum Myeong. The first love and the last love. In the beginning, I thought she would be marrying her first love Young Beom like her mother, but I was wrong. Not being with the person, you love is heartbreaking, but it would be more heartbreaking if you would not love yourself more. I remember what Geum Myeong said "I do love you deeply. But I love myself deeply, too. I cried together with Geum Myeong it was too painful to watch, especially during the wedding scene of Geum Myeong, people thought they would end up together, but he only saw her wearing her wedding gown, as he promised before. Even though they did not end up together, they both became a lesson for one another. As the saying goes, there will be people who will just pass by and leave you a life lesson.
I also noticed that there were scenes in the series depicting some iconic re-enactments. Similar to the Sixteen Candles movie, a couple thing is when a couple puts their hand in the pocket of their lover, Ae-sun usually does this with Gwan Sik. Also, a scene from The Titanic is when Geum Myeong was being drawn by Park Cheong Sob played by Kim Seon-ho. Jack did this with Rose with such nostalgia.
I was also happy for the fact that Kim Seon-ho is back. His character Park Chung Seob, was somewhat similar to Gwan Sik in how he truly cares for Geum Young and his child. You can truly fall in love with his character especially when he drew Geum Young's portrait all emotions are poured into it. The way he cared for Geum Myeong from afar was heartwarming. Their story was like destiny at play as they crossed paths after a long time. He even ran fast just to catch the bus where Geum Young was riding. In his mind, it was now or never. If you are meant to be together, you will find each other again.
Though their family life was not perfect and plenty of problems arose within the story line. But they never gave up on each other. Despite all the misunderstandings and differences among their family especially their children, in the end, they never turn their back on their family. Just similar to the Filipino culture of family. I understand why plenty of people from the story envy the family life of Ae-sun and Gwan Sik.
Another plot twist in the series was unexpected for me upon find out that the little girl with the Squirtle sticker was the reincarnation of her mother. There were hidden messages all throughout the series, but I did not notice it. I applaud the writer for adding those details in the scene from finding the ring of Ae-sun in the flower fields to being the editor of Ae-sun's book.
The scene of Ae-sun's grandmother having Alzheimer's disease and forgetting other members of her family except Ae-sun brought me back to the memory of my grandmother. I still miss her until now and I could still remember her from the last time I was with her. Memories with grandparents always makes me cry.
When the final episodes came out last week. These episodes made me cry more haha. My eyes were too heavy. I cannot stop crying for the last four episodes especially knowing that Gwan Sik got sick and died. I was like Ae-sun will be left all alone. In the final moments of Gwan Sik's life you can clearly see he lived a meaningful life. He devoted his life to his wife and children and even in the end he still made sure that Ae-sun would still be comfortable by stocking up all the hair clips he bought and then arranging the mugs, cups, and plates of where Ae-sun could reach it.
The love of Ae-sun and Gwan Sik reflects the Bible verse:
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Nowadays it is difficult to find the love that Ae-sun and Gwan Sik shared. They set the bar higher. People should not settle for something less than they deserve. Just pray to find that love and who knows it may come when you least expect it.
I would rate this Kdrama 10/10, five stars. Another favorite of mine. Can you share some of your favorite scenes?
