I Demand a Recount (part 2): You Are Beautiful Review
Earlier, I wrote a post about one of my favorite dramas that the internet didn't seem to love. Well, now it's time to visit the other end of the spectrum with You Are Beautiful (or You're Beautiful), which, apparently, everyone on the internet loved except for me. I went into this show with high hopes because I saw so many recommendations for it, but by the end, I kind of wished I hadn't wasted my time. I know that my stance isn't popular, but bear with me for a few minutes, and I will try to prove that I'm not completely crazy.
I was excited when I watched the first episode of this drama because I liked the idea of the happy-go-lucky heroine who is innocent because she grew up in a nunnery. As it turns out, Go Mi Nam/ Go Mi Nyu isn't just innocent: she's legitimately kind of dumb. Yes, she's a nice person, but she tries to spit on a fire to put it out. I think this is meant to make her endearing. I was not very endeared.
Even if she weren't smart, I could have handled it if she were upbeat and cool in other ways. Unfortunately, that happy-go-lucky nun turns into a pathetic, teary puppy within a couple of episodes, leaving me with the question, "ALL of the men are in love with her? Really?"
Problem #1: Go Mi Nyu Is Not That Great
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| "Relationships confuse me. Then again, so do bookshelves. And fire. And glue." |
Even if she weren't smart, I could have handled it if she were upbeat and cool in other ways. Unfortunately, that happy-go-lucky nun turns into a pathetic, teary puppy within a couple of episodes, leaving me with the question, "ALL of the men are in love with her? Really?"
Problem #2: Hwang Tae Kyung Is the Worst Boyfriend in the Universe
How DARE I say such things? Didn't I watch the episode where he painstakingly sewed a pig nose onto a rabbit? Didn't he say something wonderfully symbolic about being able to see her always with his terrible night vision? Allow me to break this issue into two primary sub-problems:
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| Don't be fooled by the grin. Both of them would steal toys from little babies and then laugh. |
1. He's just not attractive. Now, before you behead me for blasphemy, let me clarify: I'm not saying anything about Jang Keun Suk; I'm saying that the character of Tae Kyung wasn't a dreamboat. He starts out as a Criss Angel lookalike and ends up with a grumpy Elvis mullet. This made it really difficult for me to root for the romance because I cringed a little bit inside every time he did something nice. To be honest, his angry face was less frightening than that painfully slow serial killer smile. Is he going to hug her, or is he going to store her liver in a freezer in his basement? I'm still not entirely sure.
2. Not enough character growth. Yes, like all Korean drama male leads, he had some emotional issues to work through, and he eventually admitted that he liked Go Mi Nyu, but he was so smug for 90% of the series (even after they got together the first time) that I just couldn't take it. Most other Korean drama leads are jerks, but they usually stop being condescending before the very last episode.
Problem #3: This Stupid Song
On its own, this song is actually not that offensive. However, this song got played SO MANY TIMES in the last few episodes that it took a solid three weeks before the Korean lyrics I made up finally left my head. I can see the series writers now: "You know what would be AWESOME? If we had a band in the show, and they could be recording a song, and we could just make them sing it in every single scene like it's a performance! It will be so organic and natural!" And make my ears bleed. On the upside, I can totally recognize when people say "What should I do?" in Korean.
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| Yes, Jeremy, YOU are the best part. You and that bowl on your head. |
The Exception
Now, lest you get the wrong idea, I need to put a disclaimer here. Jeremy (and his dog Jolie) get a pass on this series because he was a bright light on the show. Although he was the cheesiest character, he was also enthusiastic and funny, which is more than I can say for Shin Woo, who literally did nothing but stare and look sad for a solid ten episodes straight. I will even let the uneven bowl haircut slide because 1. It works for his character, and 2. I had a disconcertingly similar haircut as a child.
So, what did you think of this show? Did you love it? Did you quit? Did you suffer through it like I did?
More on jerkface male lead syndrome:
New music category: songs that include the phrase, "What should I do?" Please consider Go Hae (Confession) from the drama Lovers. Completely over the top in the desperate yearning department, but it still makes me cry every time. Bonus: Lee hong-Ki (Jeremy!) does a decent cover of this.
ReplyDeleteI suggest you stay away from Full House Take 2, then! I loved You're Beautiful, and the repetitive songs didn't bug me at all. But with the pop duo in Full House Take 2, their one song 5 times an episode had me wanting to rip my own ears off. For what reviews I have read on here, we have complete opposite tastes in dramas, which is fine. Have you heard of mydramalist.com? It's literally the best drama website I have ever come across for finding new stuff to watch!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the warning! I loved the first Full House, but what I've heard about Full House Take 2 hasn't been too promising. I'll have to check out mydramalist.com. The nice thing about k-dramas is that there are enough great ones for everyone's tastes! :)
ReplyDeleteI most definitely agree with your review of You Are Beautiful. I fell in love with Park Shin-hye after watching Heartstrings. After I found out she was also in You Are Beautiful, I couldn't wait to watch the series. Unfortunately, it was one of the biggest disappointments...ever. Where do I even begin. First off, the whole love relationship is awkward because Park Shin-hye is a girl trying to be a guy who secretly wants to be a girl. Plus, the guy she falls for isn't masculine at all. I know the series was trying to make a fashion statement and all, but the dudes in the film are basically wearing women's clothing (am I the only one that sees that). Jang Keun Suk wore more makeup in the movie than anyone, and the chemistry between the leads was way off. I suffered through every episode waiting for some spark or magic. The ending was okay, not great, just okay.
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU. I'm so glad I'm not the only one who felt this way! Since this was the first Park Shin-hye drama that I watched, it took a while to convince me to watch another one. I ended up loving her in Flower Boy Next Door, so I will have to check out Heartstrings too.
DeleteI totally agree with both of you. You're Beautiful just didn't do it for me either and I didn't like Park Shin Hye's character...she was annoying. I LOVE Heartstrings. Be prepared to love Yong Hwa (Shin Woo) as he is also the lead in Heartstrings and a serious babe, which I didn't realize before. I wasn't that impressed in You're Beautiful with him, but I'm definitely a fan now. After watching Park Shin Hye in Flower Boy Next Door and Heartstrings, I'm a huge fan of her too. Just a warning, the songs in Heartstrings WILL get stuck in your head. I was singing one of the songs for like 3 months. Also, have you seen Love Rain with Jang Geun Suk? That was the drama that sold me on him.
DeleteIs Love Rain actually good? I got a high recommendation but since I couldn't stand Jang Keun Suk in You Are Beautiful (ok, in the only few episodes that I managed to watch) I'm reluctant to start watching the other show as well... But I'm very grateful that there ARE other people on the earth who feel the same way as I do about this drama (previously I was a lone fighter!)
DeleteDaphne, I really like Love Rain. It is very, very romantic and Jang Jeun Suk is amazing. I actually started it and then quit after after watching two episodes because it was slow at first but then I jumped to 5 which is where it picked up for me. Jang Keun Suk's character is completely different and I would make NO comparison to You Are Beautiful. It is an interesting show because Jang Keun Suk plays his father in the first 4 episodes and then the story jumps to years later where he plays the son (and his father is played by an older actor). Once the story jumped into the future I could NOT stop watching. Jang Keun Suk can definitely act. If I were you, I would at least give the show a shot! It is one that I've wanted to go back and watch again (but probably starting in episode 5). Message me back if you end up watching it! I haven't talked to anyone else about this drama so I'd love to hear what you think about it.
ReplyDeleteHi modern girl!! OMG, WHAT CAN I SAY, I ABSOLUTELY FANTABULOUSLY CRAZILY LOVED LOVE RAIN TOO!!!! <3 I admit, the first four episodes had a bit of controversy around it - you either love is alot because its so unique(set in the 1970s) and sweet, or hate it because it's boring. Many people actually loved it though, they said the love was pure and enchanting, and very different from the typical Josean era or modern day love. For me though, I would not say it was great, but it was quite beautiful.
DeleteI think the first 4 episodes are important though, they are kind of like the backbone of the whole story, so try to endure if you find it boring. Once it reaches the MODERN ERA IN THE 5TH EPISODE, THINGS GET REALLY PUMPY AND EXCITING. I WAS HOOKED, STAYING UP LATE TO CATCH THE EPISODES ON KBS THEN WAKING UP AT 5AM TO CATCH THE ENCORE! IT WAS AMAZING. I find the love between Seojun(Jang Keunsuk) and Hana(Yoona) completely believable, sweet, and they have PERFECT CHEMISTRY. REALLY!(Esp the fountain kiss in ep9 :3) I must really take my hat off to Jang Keunsuk in this series. HE IS INCREDIBLY CAPABLE AS AN ACTOR. For once, he isn't in a historical drama(Hwang jini, Hong Gildong), not in a musical drama either(Beethoven Virus, Mary Stayed Out All Night, You're Beautiful), but he stars as an ARTIST AND PHOTOGRAPHER FROM 2 DIFFERENT TIME ERAS! The cute, quite and kind artist in the 1970s and the hot, cool and suave photographer in 2012s. I really love his voice and acting skills, them alone make a drama worth watch(he still sang the OST called Love Rain for the drama)! Give this drama a go, you HAVE TOO! IT IS DANGEROUSLY ADDICTIVE EVEN AFTER WATCHING IT OVER AND OVER, BUT WHO CARES! An awesome, unique and mesmerizing kdrama for a change! <3 (I will agree that his mum was just annoying and wicked though)JKS's character in 2012 era is a little mean, I admit, but definitely better than Hwang Taekyung! There is a very VERY DRASTIC CHARACTER CHANGE in my opinion, and he is really romantic and lovable there!
For You're Beautiful, well, I kind of agree actually. I didn't get hooked well watching and gave it up, though I tried rewatching it last year after love rain. It was more enjoyable then:) I didn't like his character that much either. AND YES, I DIDN'T FIND ANY CHEMISTRY. I didn't think there were others like me too, hehe. But I think the songs, though repititive, were enjoyable though. The concerts and songs are part of what kept me going:) I LOVE JEREMY(LEE HONGKI) TOO! FREAKING ADORABLE! But still, I'm a JKS fan,so I still enjoyed his coolness in the show, and in contrast with some, Park Shinhye had more chemistry with him than with the gentleman, Shinwoo. I would still recommend it though, stille entertaining in a way, and I love the whole group of actors and actresses! Yep that's it:) WATCH LOVE RAIN, YOU REALLY HAVE TO:D
funny review - your right on! The only reason I watched more than a couple episodes was I wanted to see how they brought in the mysterious twin brother. The show was so boring I couldnt finish it. The characters had no depth- I didnt care about any of them (no- I disliked the repulsive aunt). Too many other (better)shows to watch................
ReplyDeleteMy eyes are filled with tears-from laughter!
ReplyDeleteI really thought I liked "You're beautiful", because I watched it several times already, but your review made me realize: No, I don't! I just desperately wanna find some sense in there, which is why I have to watch it over and over again (by the way, the same thing happened tome with the "Twilight series"). I hope after your review, that will stop.
By the way: Your blog is more addictive than kdrama-I just can bring myself to stop reading it and finally go to sleep.
I'm relieved to see that I'm not the only one who dislikes this drama. I often see You're Beautiful on many top Korean drama lists and I cannot fathom why. I'm a huge fan of gender-benders so I was excited when YB came out...and then I was promptly disappointed.
ReplyDeleteLike you, my number one problem with the drama was Go Mi Nyu. After watching Coffee Prince, I just really expected someone who could pass for a guy. But since all the guys in the drama looked so feminine, I let it go. What I couldn't stand was her lack of common sense and backbone. None of the secondary characters were even interesting enough to make up for all that the main characters were lacking. Also, the plot was stagnant and I couldn't stand the manipulation from the other female characters.
I really liked Jeremy though, especially when he puts on a brave face on the bus after Mi Nyu confesses she likes Tae-kyun. He totally respects her decision unlike so many secondary male leads.
I'm a new Kdrama watcher. I've watched All In, Full House and Coffee Prince (in that order). I think Coffee Prince ruined Kdrama for me. It was so good, everything else after that seemed like bleh. I am actually watching You're Beautiful right now and I'm on episode 14. The series has been tolerable at best. It's difficult to take the male lead character seriously. He looked like a effeminate cross-dresser.The only strong emotions I felt was for the auntie and the actress (who I both wanted to punch in the face). The female lead did ok I think. Way too naive but I let it slide due to the living with the nuns thing. The music seemed forced and did not set the proper tone for most of the scenes. All in all, I wouldn't call it a waste of time but not good enough to really get into.
ReplyDeleteI agree I thought it was going to be awesome because I had just seen baby and me with jang keun suk and I loved that. The thing that really got me besides her being pathetic was her voice, it was crazy high, it made my ears bleeds, seriously who thinks that attractive? I'm watching heirs and her voice is no where near as high. which means she did that on purpose.
ReplyDeleteI Just enjoy the movie and the characters.
ReplyDeleteJust a thought about Jang keun suk. If you haven't seen Mary Stayed Out All Night! you must watch it. This is my favorite drama with him. It s really funny and the songs are amazing. I have watched it over and over. However he does play a similar character (musician) his character develops a lot and you actually get to see the couple's relationship, unlike most k dramas that end once the couple finally gets together. I also really love his movie You're my pet (its on youtube) It has a strange plot, but it is very funny.
ReplyDeletei absolutely absolutely agree on every single word u say!! and i actually i kind of regret it watching this drama anyway!! the only reason it drove me to watch it was park shin hye cuz i'm a big fan of her and watched all of her dramas so far!! and she's an amazing actress and singer but just it was a fail in this drama!! instead of being cute and innocent as u said she was only acting stupid and dumb!! i was going to quit in the middle of the drama but my curiosity wanted to know what will happen at the end!! and actually i realized that seeing to the end or no makes no different cuz it's so fail!! but i won't deny that it was funny at some points!! and jeremy actually was the highlights of the drama!! in every scene he's there !! there is something funny and cute!!
ReplyDeleteThis review caused me to use your list as a guide instead of many of the others. Though this show did end up hooking me into watching to the end, it left me feeling irritated a great deal of the time. The only feature about Hwang Tae Kyung I enjoyed was his very nice voice. Go MI Nyu's dingbat characteristics wear very thin after awhile.
ReplyDeleteThis review caused me to use your list as a guide instead of many of the
ReplyDeleteothers. Though this show did end up hooking me into watching to the
end, it left me feeling irritated a great deal of the time. The only
feature about Hwang Tae Kyung I enjoyed was his very nice voice. Go MI
Nyu's dingbat characteristics wear very thin after awhile.
I'm so glad you agree! Go Mi Nyu drove me nuts.
ReplyDeleteWow! there's so much hate for this drama! personality I thought that i will NEVER watch this drama because it looked awful but when i watched it i was surprised about how good it was! I understand the thing about the main character, that she's a bit dumb, but she's not really, the more I watched it the more she became a better character and the more i liked her, she's just a bit different from the usual protagonist, but I don't think that she's a teary puppy, I mean come on! girls ALWAYS cries a LOT in dramas... and at least park shin-hye can act. About the 2 problem, well everyone has their own tastes, i wasn't attracted to him first too but then boom! And I think he had enough character development, he became a better person and went from "me" to "we"... Worst boyfriend ever? I don't think so! There's so much worst, I'm thinking about "playful kiss" where the guy stayed the same asshole and his relationship with the girl was so awkward and uncomfortable til the very end. The song? What about "boys over flower" where "almost paradise" was played 10 times in one episode...Now I'm feeling like i'm the one that hates, but anyway I just wanted to defend this great drama sure it's not perfect, but It's definitely in the top 10 or even top 5 dramas, but well, everyone can have their own opinion, i'm sure that i have a lot of shows that i would like to say a lot of shit of.
ReplyDeleteI agree with almost everything except that go min nam was pretty good at least for the 1st 10 episodes ....Jeremy and manager ma were enjoyable ...
ReplyDeleteHwang tae kyung is most definitely untolerable atleast for sum1 who loves the lee minho or hyun bin kind of romance !
I know right!! I totally agree with you on this one. Why all the hate? I personally enjoyed watching "You are Beautiful" and the chemistry between mi nyu and tae kyung was hilarious and cute at the same time. Especially how she seemed to care so much for him. Just because they're lead couple doesn't mean they have to act lovey dovey everytime. I really like this drama. :)
ReplyDeleteExactly. Tae kyung is just not that romantic but that's what makes his character interesting!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love You're Beautiful even though I can admit to agreeing with some of the flaws you point out. Isn't it like that sometimes? We can see the problems with things we love most but it doesn't make us love them any less! I also had issues with Go Mi Nyu. I also hated that all three guys were madly in love with her. I honestly hated Shin Woo. He was my least favorite kind of drama stereotype "the nice guys finish last poor, poor me...but actually I'm not that nice because I spend the whole drama not telling the girl I love her and then try to make her feel horribly guilty at the last moment for not returning my feelings". However, I adored Tae Kyung. I do feel like he had more character growth, subtle as it may be, then you are giving him credit for. And I loved his look honestly silly as it may have been. I loved the contrast with this guy who thinks he is the coolest, manliest man to ever live and yet he dresses and at times acts the opposite. Funny and an opportunity for the female lead to see past his crap, external and emotional crap! Anyway...I can see your point, but my love remains. :)
ReplyDeleteYes I agree with you 100%. The story is very idiotic. And What the fuck is wrong with these characters?! It's as if they were trying to portray a comical, out-of-this world, and unrealistic personalities, why not create an anime drama instead?! It would've not looked so ridiculous at all; especially the heroine, my gosh! Does she have to act autistic and dumb??? I can't believe i wasted 4 hours of my life watching that shitty show. It's very infuriating!!! I just punched my tv screen.
ReplyDeleteTOTALLY AGREE. The laughs and hints of romance with the other guys sustained me till about Episode 10, and then the silly and totally unnecessary over-the-top aigyoo of PSH (no effort at all to act like a boy) and the male lead's (insert your own adjective here) build and (insert your own adjective here) gait just made me literally squirm and nauseated. Ugh. I just stopped watching altogether after Episode 13 (can't say I didn't give it a chance).
ReplyDeleteTOTALLY AGREE. The laughs and hints of romance with the other guys sustained me till about Episode 10, and then the silly and totally unnecessary over-the-top aigyoo of PSH (no effort at all to act like a boy) and the male lead's (insert your own adjective here) build and (insert your own adjective here) gait just made me literally squirm and nauseated. Ugh. I just stopped watching altogether after Episode 13 (can't say I didn't give it a chance).
ReplyDeleteI couldn't even make it past the first episode. Her stupidity is mind boggling. Smh. So disappointing.
ReplyDeleteOMG same thankfully I didn't bother to continue watching You're beautiful. I found it weird and stupid at like just episode 3?!?! Then I went on to watch Heartstrings and omg, totally fell in love with Jung Yong Hwa and Park Shin Hye!!!!!! Loved the storyline and the music was so touching and meaningful, can't stop listening to it after the drama. Do you have any other Jung Yong Hwa/Park Shin Hye dramas that you recommend we should watch?? :)
ReplyDeleteThank gawwd :P I'm not alone...I really hate this drama...She just dumped my Yong hwa -_ I hate this drama...It was too boring....Shin hye and that main lead...Yong jwa was the best match for her than the main lead....
ReplyDelete