Na Direção do Amor (2020)

It is a story about "a nut job, a loser, a psychopath, a piece of trash or someone's first love"

I've always wanted to watch this one but was scared off when my roommate told me she was bored, disliked the characters, and dropped it around episode 10. Then I remembered that she and I enjoy different things when it comes to entertainment with music, shows, and movies - and ultimately decided to pick this up. I have been recently learning that things she isn't into, are usually things I really enjoy. And this drama was one of those examples. I completely loved everything about this. It played out very casually that not only was it easy to watch, but it felt like it was written like an independent movie, which is ironic as Mi Joo was a translator for mostly independent movies.

I loved how no one was "perfect" and it wasn't a traditional story about these "crap" people who needed to learn from one another to change and be better people. Nope. This was a story about imperfect people who went on a journey to find self-love with who they were already and who they wanted to be and finding a group of friends that love them for who they were.

Mi Joo was so full of wisdom and great at giving advice and sticking up for everyone, as everyone was her people. She lived a life as an orphan and decided to be her own superhero and be the person that she needed when she was growing up. She was an inspiring person to be around even though she wasn't there for herself sometimes and had a hard time forming deep relationships as she had a history of people leaving her. But she wasn't perfect, and it made me love her more as she always owned up to her mistakes and faults... eventually. There were so many different quotes about life that I took from this drama, including,

"Why do we fall? So we can learn to pick ourselves up." - Oh Mi Joo

&

Mi Joo-"We will probably never fully understand each other, right?"
Seon Gyeom- "Yes... We're different after all."
Mi Joo- "You have your world and I have mine, but we could align our worlds next to each other, couldn't we? So let's not be disappointed in each other. That's impossible to do. Instead, we'll stick to whatever is possible."

I also enjoyed the "bromance" and the "womance" between the 4 mains. It got to a point where I was like, protect Seon Gyeom & Young Hwa at all costs - you make my boys cry, I will fight you.

I loved Seon Gyeom because even though he lacked certain social cues and how to act in certain situations, he did what he thought was right, even if it meant throwing himself off a bridge to save someone else. I loved watching his growth and feeling more comfortable in his own skin. He was empathetic from the beginning, but it was nice seeing him feel comfortable and still helping his people while learning to take care of himself and standing up for what he believes is right.

Dan Ah & Young Hwa are a little tricky. I believe both of them taught one another how to be mature as well as how to let loose. But, the relationship was super back and forth that I started resenting Dan Ah, when it was also Young Hwa'sfault. But like I said, their relationship was tricky as Dan Ah was his "boss bitch" and was also inspirational, and I enjoyed Dan Ah & Mi Joo bicker back and forth, but I personally have a hard time with people who lack empathy. I wanted to like her, but I didn't see how someone can treat others like "vending machines" and what they have to go through to turn off that emotion. But Young Hwa also wasn't innocent and I still loved him. I wanted to understand the morale of this drama and accept and love people's "flaws" as it is not what defines them.

I was also pleasantly surprised that after all the "sexual" jokes that this drama kept throwing out there, there was actually a story with one of the minor characters about self-acceptance about their sexuality. It was the ONLY time I cried during this drama, was when this character confessed their one-sided feelings, so they could move on from them, and then that person comforting them knowing how hard it was for the other person to have to hide who they were.

Overall, my favorite part of the drama would still have to be the beginning when Mi Joo worked as a translator for Seon Gyeom. I loved her stepping into this world that she wasn't familiar with and even though she and Seon Gyeom weren't close, she did what she thought was right and became a guardian for him and standing up for him when he felt that he couldn't. I like how Seon Gyeom was inspired by Mi Joo to be his authentic self. I also LOVED whenever Mi Joo was "in action," either with Seon Gyeom's first interview or when they were at the filming site, Seon Gyeom, sat back and watched her in awe and was like, "she is so cool" and gave her a look like, "that's my girl." The dialog itself was super sassy and very enjoyable to watch. I found myself laughing more than I have in a while, watching a drama.

I can see why my roommate didn't enjoy this drama, but I can completely say, that I fully enjoyed this. The only thing that I didn't enjoy was that the plot itself fell off a little in the middle and ending, but I enjoyed it as well because I loved the conversations and the overall dialog. I definitely feel like I came out on the other side a better person.

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This drama is a “slice of life” that intends to muse the viewer into the life of 4 individuals that finds themselves entangled and falling for each other in spite of their different socioeconomic and emotional circumstances. These characters will have to face difficulties from dysfunctional familial relations and interference to personal insecurities and other dilemmas that, although somehow seem to find a good level of resolution, there is a sense of emotional disjointedness by the end of the drama. The cast did well delivering their characters but the dialogues, although they were well written, sometimes felt muddle and erratic due to the complexity of the characters’ thoughts, feelings, actions, and reactions. The last episode seems rushed but the very end is creative and fun to watch. Although the most emphasized part of the drama seems to be the relationship between the lead and secondary couple, there is no romantic chemistry; but they developed a nice friendship by the end. The drama’s synopsis end with the question: Could romance be in the cards for these two couples? The answer is yes, but the romance lacks character and definition, to say the least.

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Run on but know when to stop!

We have all been, since our childhood, told that it's important to run after our dreams and passions or even success. But we are never told that it's okay to pause, if not stop. Most of us feel lost if we take a break and find ourselves frustrated. This drama has touch those parts of our lives but lightly enough for us to be able to relate to it but not feel to emotional.

The drama starts in the most dramatic way but it's a good way to keep the viewers in place. When you first read it, it doesn't have a very extraordinary storyline. The story is loosely tied together but does not fall apart in the set 16 episodes.

There are not many dramas that I've seen with the such distinct characters or even character traits. Seon Gyeom always looks calm, doesn't show many emotions, gets stepped over and is the complete opposite yet similar to Mi Joo who speaks up she should. Not only the lead cast but even the support characters are very well matched and are sometimes similar yet opposites. The cast has done a very well job in portraying what was needed of them.

Since it's a Netflix drama, the soundtrack and OSTs are exactly what I was expecting. The music is slow but not boring and fits the drama like a custom-made shoe.

If not again, you should watch it at least once. Since it's slow and not exactly looking for an absolute or concrete end some people may not like it in the beginning but once the story is set it gets interesting. This drama has the vibe of spring and winter combined. It's a perfect drama for the ones who like to watch a drama which is easy flowing and not very complicated.

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It’s hidden in the writing…

**** WORK IN PROGRESS****

Run On completely surprised me. I was expecting a generic but sweet romance with an emphasis on athleticism/competition and the ML’s journey to finding new dreams and accomplishing his goals… type of thing. This isn’t what Run On is about at all, and in the very best way possible. In fact, if you asked me to describe what the plot of this drama is, I would find it very difficult to put together the right words. Because this drama isn’t about the actual plot so much as it is about the underlying messages hidden in the writing.

I don’t even feel like I have to check the credits to know its a woman who wrote the script; it’s clear as day. The female lead characters have more depth and grit to them than the usual in dramas, and not just in the stereotypical strong/dominating way that tends to be depicted in dramas. (You know… FLs who portray masculine behavior to almost over-compensate for the fact that they aren’t the stereotypical “feminine” character. Although there isn’t anything particularly wrong with that if done right!) Even though they can be emotional, experience self-doubt, rely on others, be made to feel weak, they are consistent in one thing: sticking to their values. And although less uncommon, the male lead characters also display this behavior of placing an importance on their values. In fact, a majority of the dialogue

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Better Than I Expected

Okay so I wasn't expecting A LOT but I had been putting off watching this drama for a while. Mainly because it didn't look as complex/intense as how I usually like my dramas. And it's not. But it was soooo good.

I'm no way implying the story was simple or lackluster. The plot was well formed and well executed. It kept me engaged and I didn't feel bored at all while watching - I don't think I even skipped a scene! The plot and the diverse characters was refreshing to experience. There was nothing unnecessary and I loved the messages this story tells. There was also quite a bit of development within friendships and dynamics that I really appreciated and loved. It's hard to really say my thoughts on the story and such without spoiling it but I hope y'all get the idea.

I think the cast did a great job with their acting performances and everyone had great chemistry. Personally, I loved the second couple - and their chemistry - more but the main coupling was also great to see develop. Since I know a lot of people are probably wanting to know about the kisses before watching, I'll say that I've 100% seen better and there aren't many but I hardly noticed because the chemistry between the couples were great nonetheless. I didn't feel like I needed to see them kiss a lot or anything. I would say this show focuses more on character development and plot rather than fan service, which I liked.

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I was bored

I loved the ML, both the actor and his acting and the character himself, it weren't for the fact that I didn't enjoy this drama he would 100% be one of my favorite MLs. He's sweet and funny, a pushover when it doesn't matter but never when it does, he's a little weird and overall lovable. I enjoyed his storyline regarding him and Wooshik and everything else regarding track and his family. However I just couldn’t care less about the romance in this drama, I found it boring, uninteresting, unsatifying and plain. I also personally didn’t care about the FL at all, just like the romance she was also plain and overall just not an interesting character to follow. I tryied really hard to push myself to finish this because I really did love the ML but alas I just couldn’t.

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it was a light romance, about life kind of drama. very very very very light. there wasn't like a big conflict, and rather a daily life kind of drama where some small conflicts happen at times. and that's where this drama is different from others. my fav part of the drama would be the characters, they are so so relatable, it's like I could meet these kind of people in real life. oh and the lines were amazing, they are full of messages, beautiful ones. I don't fully understand some of it, but I know it's beautiful. tbh, I don't remember more than half of the drama, if someone asks me to summarise their plot I probably could do it in less than 20 words. but I guess, this is the charm of this drama. feels like it was really slow since there was no conflict but as I watched this during ongoing it's not really a big deal. it was fun, cute and very relaxing, so do watch it :)

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Run on, and on, and on….

This drama did not hold my interest. I watched the first few episodes, thinking it would get better, but it didn’t. I fast forwarded through most of it just to finish it. By the time I realized how long and boring it was starting to be, I had too much time invested in it to drop it. I’m actually surprised at the fairly high rating, because for me, it was hard to stay awake while I watched it. But to each their own, because a lot of viewers loved it. The acting was very good, some good comedic moments, some good serious moments as well. Romance was in it, but not enough for me. I at least like some passionate kissing once in a while, but nothing in this drama. I guess it was a story to teach you how to love yourself, and stand up for what you believe. This could have been done with fewer episodes. Just very drawn out, and boring.

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What a Fantastic Drama.....

So finally finished Run on and all i can say that am with full satisfaction now.... one of the best drama that i watched recently. I just want to say many things that i find particularly in this drama, So the biggest thing that every other dramas must learn from this drama is, how to maintain a good balance and satisfy the viewers throughout the whole show without any lacking in screenplay, the unwanted plot deviations, too annoying love traingle and the worst pity second lead syndrome etc.. Here everything was completely different..

In my case to be honest i find its very unusual the style of making in the start, so infact the first 2 or 3 Episodes are not that impressive to me. The main character Seon gyeom was not so likable in the beginning .. But the funniest thing was the character i hate the most later ended up being my favourite character in the drama, it's so much happened during the coming Episodes and i kind a relate or understand his nature after that. Being a very lonely person without any friends even from his own family was not there for him. His behaviour makes sense, It was very beautifully portrayed.

And for the rest of the character's the main female lead oh mi joo was also done an absolutely fabulous job with her performance and cuteness. The moments between the main leads was the best. Because its very simple and not too complicated way of expressing their feelings to each other, So every time they together it really interesting to see them. And next, coming to the 2nd couple ( i already mentioned a few points in the 1st paragraph, the learning things from this drama, yes there was not a single drop of love triangle or second lead syndrome) again one of the best 2nd lead romance in here. Because it makes logical, the way they slowly begin everything from two totally different personalities was really interesting to look forward. Also another thing was Lee yong Hwa the 2nd male lead character , just Wow what a character he was. Just his enthusiasm was good enough to make him attractive. His performance was also fabulous and also his friendship with Seom Gyeom was just awesome...

Coming to the story and the different style of narration. We knew the fact that this drama is a melo drama so it slowly tells the story, there must be a deep narration l and it was totally a worth and very interesting way without any lag. I seen in many dramas that they lost the pace in some point after 8th Episode. But here it eventually getting better and better with all the Episodes. Done justice to all the characters and it concluded very beautifully, by the way it a kind of a different ending that what i felt. The way they started and the way they ended was completely different, Another Magical romantic slice of life melodrama ❤️

Final word , so many people may feel not interested in the start, because it's all a new style of drama , but it definitely slowly move to you later. So patiently watch and explore the magic behind Run On.. Once Again Thanks to JTBC for bringing an outstanding drama again.. i just also want to thanks the writer for this superb screenplay

A Must watch Drama ( its very personal opinion)

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ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT

One of the most realistic drama I've ever watched.
Let me tell you Run On was my guilty pleasure. I was anxiously waiting for the next episode every week. Do we have to talk about chemistry? Bam! It's there and it's oozing, both the couples were so well written. The lines were so out of real life I was sure the writers were narrating someones life with just a bit of fiction.
I love how the awkward Seon Gyeom was always paying attention to free spirited Mi Joo and how she was supporting him in every step he took. Dan Ah and Young Hwa where the cutest, it's refreshing how they reversed the roles of the serious male and happy go lucky female of Kdrama standard.
I will definetely rewatch it after a while.

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Living Life and Love

{I'm writing this before the last two episodes are broadcast.}

I'm giving accolades to this drama because it has a story that draws you in, is well enacted, and is highly enjoyable. I like the way each character stays true to their own psychological place, and their reactions to their life experiences within the drama. Each person has to keep pushing on to fulfill their own lives.

Oh my goodness, writer Park Shi Hyun, you are good. I love your story arch. You reflect how quirky life can be, and the variety of viewpoints of your different characters. I love how you keep people guessing about orientation of some of the characters. Your dialog is unstilted, and natural. The one liner actor Im Shi Wan says about the clothing that he was supposed to wear rates in one of the top moments of the series for me, since Shi Wan is purportedly a clothes hound. As he was picking up the bag he said something off the cuff like, "I guess they were worried that I might go naked." That was funny. Very cute.

Now all that said, I'm hoping that the story keeps going to the end of episode 16, and doesn't crash and burn like some of the other K-dramas I've invested 16 hours in. Maybe this is out of the hands of the writer though, as netizens might try to take over and influence the executive producers. Anyway, as you can tell from the comment, I am not happy about the strange endings I've had the misfortune to endure (along with obviously dismayed actors). I think we are going to get a very unexpected ending, so I'm looking forward to it. In any event, Park Shi Hyun and the entire team have achieved something very good. I hope you watch it.

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I don't normally write a review but this is an exception. At first you will say that the story is boring but as the episodes progressed you will noticed that it is not. I like how they build the characters as humans. Not overdressed ML AND FL. Heartwarming story. I also like the chemistry between so young and taeh oh. They are really perfect in this story as well. Simple yet heartwarming plot. Simple in a good way drama.

And I have known Im si wan since king is in love and moon embracing the son he is really a versatile actor as well. Shin she kyeong is beautiful but so far Im si wan is the best pair that I saw being paired with her. With good chemistry compared to her previous LM.

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