When life gives you tangerines

The most recent film I watched was When life gives you tangerines (directed by Kim Won Seok). 

It's been a long time since I fully watched a Korean drama --- maybe four years. The last one I remember finishing was My name. It was such a good movie and I definitely recommend it. In between, I've only come across short review clips with humorous storytelling while scrolling during my free time.

When I was a kid, Korean and Chinese dramas were part of my daily life. As I grew older, I watched them less often --- I'm still familiar with the structure, the emotions depth, the way characters are built and stories unfold.  I've always admired how Korean dramas about:

• Express emotions with such detail, especially in romance where every word, every silence, every glance matters.

• Cast natural actors who become their characters

• Know how to weave in culture, beauty, and meaning through storytelling --- from breathtaking scenery to heartfelt OSTs.

  

What I Realize About My Taste

I don't need a fully romantic movie to feel something deep. I don't want just a comedy to laugh.

What truly stays with me are the films that build a rich, meaningful world where romance come as natural parts of life, quietly deliver, not just the focus. Films that bring laughter and joy, not because they try to be funny, but because life itself is full of unexpected moments.

Narratives that don't depend on a label --- romantic, comedic, dramatic but instead feel real, layered, and deeply human.

Why I Watched It

I noticed this film was trending recently --- so many people were talking about it. I haven't watched a long Korean drama in years so I thought this could be a good one to watch in my free time.

What Stood Out

• Real life of the "Fishman" family through three generations: The way the story follows the family over time is powerful. It shows how personal history and national history blend together.

• Life and love lessons through storytelling
  The film delivers meaningful messages in a gentle way through characters' thoughts and choices.

• Rich, diverse characters
  Each person has a clear personality. You can feel their dreams, weaknesses, and strengths.

• Oh Ae Sun's dream
  Her desire for a different life --- one freer than what tradition allows --- feels deeply human. Even though she cannot fully live it, she passes her spirit to her children. That's subtle but moving. Korean dramas often show dramatic changes for the main character, but here the change is generational, and that feels more real.

What Felt Less Strong

• Idealized romance
  Some parts feel a bit too polished, like they're made to look perfect for the screen, rather than true to life.

• Repetition of past events
  Certain themes get repeated, which can feel a bit unnecessary and slow the pacing.

• Quick, underdeveloped storylines
  For example, the daughter studying abroad is added quickly and not explored deeply.

What Stayed With Me

• The "loud talk" moments: emotional, intense conversations from Oh Ae Sun and her daughter.

• The way reality, tradition, and culture can limit freedom, dreams.

• The most useful lesson I've noticed is this: Even if mom isn't living the life you thought she should, it doesn't mean she didn't try. Maybe she lived the best she could on her own terms, in her own way.

As always, because of my historical preference, I loved the beginning of the movie, especially the scenes showing Oh Ae Sun's childhood with her mom and neighbors.

PS. #1. Rating 7.5/10. 

#2. I went to Jeju twice when I was in Korea, during conferences with my professor and labmates. During one of those visits, I explored the Seongeup Folk Village which a place rich with history and quiet charm. Watching this film brought back some quiet, warm memories. I often carry unforgettable moments tied to the places I've been --- especially the ones where I wandered alone, just me, my thoughts, and the quiet world around me.

Hanoi, May 29, 2025