Hi everyone!
So today I finally gonna drop my review on Chicago Typewriter (CTW)
which I watched on August last year, 2020
I know right...it took forever for me to drop a review for this drama π€£
I ended up published my reviews on Jang Ok Jung, Secret Love Affair(SLA) & Alive 2020, just
several days after finished watching them
But for CTW, I just couldn't write a single line and I postponed it for like a year
Deng!!!!
But don't get me wrong, the reason why I couldn't write about CTW is not because it is under-par or
second-rate kdrama, but it is the opposite
It is because CTW indeed a masterpieces!
Too many things to deliver makes me refuse to write about CTW in a rush
But this time, I somehow getting unknown courage that makes me spends days writing bit by bit until
finish this whole entry
I thought, getting myself awaken from prolonged idle life and come out with something refreshing
could be fun π
So without further ado, let's get started
Disclaimer: Before I start, I would like to remind the readers that this review will be full of spoilers,
including minor spoiler as well as major spoiler
I'm not responsible of any uncomfortable feelings from your side (I hope none)
as this writing is solely from my honest feedback on this drama ❤
Softly reminded that this entry also very lengthy as it deserves
hope you guys enjoy ππ₯³π€Ύ♀️
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| Credit: Pinterest ( querida Alegria ) |
The genre is fantasy, history, mystery, friendship & romance
To simply put, this drama is about the revolutionary movement by some young independent activists under an underground organization, Joseon Youth Alliance (JYA) during Japanese Occupation in Joseon in 1930's
Fate then brings the three main leads to reunite again after 80 years and the story unfold eventually as they start to figure out things
How the story encapsulates everything and how the past life affects them in present life?
That is a question that will be answered along the 16 episodes
If you really into this kind of genre, Chicago Typewriter is one of an enjoyable drama to watch as the plot is promising and the atmosphere is entertaining
Hardcore Value
Loves, Friendship, Integrity, Loyalty etc.
This is the main element that this drama want to highlight
After all the roller coaster riding, this elements are still there as a pillar to keep this drama on track
This drama is not just about loves between human and human, ghost and human, human to animal only
but it's about love towards the country
The patriotism value is crafted handsomely in this drama
The loyalty towards the comrades and organization
The eager of destroying all the reprimand that block the way of Joseon's freedom
The spirit they portrayed is so endearing and strong
They sacrificed their youth, learn to holds gun, carried out brutal, risky and vicious mission to teach Japan a lesson
This become the strength in Chicago Typewriter
I'm not sure if many audience out there do interested into this kind of elements
Honestly, for me, I don't really into the "patriotic" storyline but what makes Chicago Typewriter attractive is when the other elements are beautifully emerging so very well into the storyline
The mixture of other elements make it as a drama that is not boring to watch
I couldn't pretend that I love to see violence, blood, bombing, murder, actions scenes all the times cuz it will give me headache π
That's why I don't really into action movie or serious genre of Kdrama unless, there is some other elements well-mix together
That answered why I'm so into Chicago Typewriter
I can't claimed that this is the best Kdrama but indeed, this is the Kdrama that I enjoyed the most ❤
For the friendship, I really enjoy seeing constant bickering between Ryu Soo Hyun-Seo Hwi Young in past life π
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| Image Source: TVN |
Credit: hancinema.net
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| Image Source: TVN |
And in present life, between all of the three character especially between Han Se Joo and Yoo Jin Oh
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| Credit: hancinema.net |
They quarreled like no other tomorrow and it's so entertaining to watch
The friendship between them in present & past life looks soooooo real and full of chemistry
It's well visualized with great cinematography with the help of lovely OST that played in the background
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| Credit: 10mag.com |
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| Image Source: TVN |
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| Image Source: TVN |
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| Image Source: TVN |
Loyalty & Integrity are two great values in this drama that I amazed
As we can see, Shin Yul waited for 80 years to meet his besties in order to grant Hwi Young's will
He waited patiently in the typewriter and shows himself when the time come
After figured out why he locked himself in the typewriter, he then humbly apologized even though it's Han Se Joo and Jeon Seol who is in front of him, neither Seo Hwi Young nor Ryu Soo Hyun, but he did anyway
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| Credit: thatdoublenine.tumblr.com |
He believed that the reason of him meet them in present life is "playing cupid" to give chance Han Se Joo date Jeon Seol
He is so loyal and loves his besties wholeheartedly even the years past by
He also gives up his feelings for the second time towards Jeon Seol/Soo Hyun π’
This is also because of his long time regrets that he brought on his back so he gonna excuse himself at the end
I love the integrity value in this drama when Han Se Joo going thru biggest conflicts in his life twice
It is when he was in his teen age and got his work stole by his foster sibling
All he could do is seeing the betrayal of his dad who not standing on his side anymore
He is no longer his savior
It feels like enduring second time back-stabbing
Betrayed by his own friend and also his dad
The second biggest conflict is when he already at his peak of the career as a phenomenal author
But suddenly Yoo Jin Oh came and make a mess
His life turned upside down and he got slump for several months
He is so confused about the novel
Is he really writes those chapters?
Is he fully conscious and sent it to the publisher ?
"I don't write this"
The greatest dilemma in his life started to mount in him
At first, he convinced himself that he did write that novel
But somehow, he did feel something is strangely not right
He then took massive action which is hold a press conference to clear everything
I'm quite surprised that he did that but if u noticed, this is the first moment when we can see Han Se Joo slowly shifted to become new personality
He unburden his heart by taking the most lethal movement that could put end on his career
He ready to give up everything
What is the reason behind his daring action?
Yep! Integrity
He rather set himself free from expectation rather than busk over other people's work?
Why did he need to enjoy the glory that wrongly poured onto him?
He put his pride over everything
I guess that is a very valuable lesson that this drama can served
Storyline/Plot/Scenes
This become one of the strength in Chicago Typewriter that makes me keep click the "Next Episode" button
It just simply intriguing and enjoyable
The way this drama gives us numerous uncertain possibilities is intriguing and quite mysterious
One of the unforgettable scene that got my lame brain cell work is the revelation of Yoo Jin Oh's identity
I had been foolish enough to think that Jin Ohh really exist as a human being at the early episodes π
My first theory is he is just someone who intended to mess up Han Se ju's life
Bang Jin can see him and he also once seems having conversations with Han se Joo's manager, Ji Seok outside the mansion and with the reporter during the press conference
That what makes me think that he really exist as a normal human being
Second theory is either Han Se Joo having schizophrenia that makes him see Yoo Jin Oh and didn't conscious enough when he wrote that manuscript in the workroom by himself
As u can see, he also takes relief pill right?
So the possibility that he encountered delusion is there
but when the identity revealed, it's mind blowing and the previous false scenarios that happened before got me chilled
The way Yoo Jin Oh constantly surprised when he got red handed now answered
At first I tot that Yoo Jin Oh playing around as if he's the one dig his own grave, writing in Han Se Joo's room but then surprised when got caught π
The other remarkable part is of course all of the scenes in 13th-16th episodes
It's packed with a bunch of surprising facts yet satisfying, that it left me speechless at the end
The story carefully unfolds one after another and the whole questions are finally answered one by one
Love Story
Main Lead
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| Credit: Pinterest(Naids Bowen) |
The present time love story of the main leads don't really impress me as much as past-life love story did
The love story in past life era is really something
It is beautiful yet soo tragic
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| Credit: m.imdb |
2 souls who acknowledge, that they love each other but suppressed their feelings for a greater cause
The last "date" at night before they carried the final mission, lives rent-free in my head!
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| Credit: Pinterest ( π²πππππππ_ |
“But in our next life, if we are born again in a liberated Joseon,
promise me that you’ll see me as a woman.
Don’t hesitate, don’t chase me out,
don’t lie, and don’t keep it on your own,
tell me everything.
Promise me that you will do everything you unable to do in our next life"
Hwi Young grinds his teeth, upset and replied
“Why do you keep talking about the next life?”
He then rigidly replied...
"Please come back alive. This is an order"
That's not all that touch my heart but the latter
It is when he walks away few steps and pause his walk
Their back hand now just an inch from each other
He procrastinated but then, takes steps forwards
and let their back hand brushed with each other
π’
When I come across sad "goodbye-scene" across the dramas, I realize that this one
is simply impactful, bittersweet and sorrowful
It is not a long hug, waving hand, forehead kiss, airport scene that mark the final goodbye,
but it's the "back-hand-gesture"
It's the last hand gesture for them and Hwi Young walks away, left Ryu Soo Hyun with tears in her eyes
This simple gesture symbolysed gnarly inner conflict that they both had been going thru along the years
Subtle, but a remarkable goodbye scene in Kdrama historyπ
Bang Jin - Yoo Jin Oh
One-side love of Bang Jin towards Yoo Jin Oh is somehow pitiful
They both meet in a funny way, when she is picking up the wasted red beans
but their final goodbye is quite sad when Bang Jin cried like a kid who lose her mother in the garden
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| Credit: tumgir.com |
Seeing Yoo Jin Oh smile makes her heart keeps fluttering but the fact that they both can't never meet anymore π’
This simping love teaches us that loving someone is not about getting loved in returns
Sometimes it's about embracing the moments and seal the memory forever in heart
I hope that one day, Bang Jin will meet someone like Yoo Jin Oh, her all-time crush ❤
Character
Yoo Ah In (Han Se Joo)
Everyone has been crazily talking about Seo Hwi Young in 1930's
but less people share their thought about Han Se Joo
As for me, I truly adore Seo Hwi Young, I mean..who's not?
His character is so attractive and iconic, gurl..
But I keep the best for the last π
Let's talk about Han Se Joo cuz he got extra point from me as well
When I wrote review on Alive (2020) I highlighted on how surprised I am seeing
Yoo Ahn In as Jun Wo during his depressed moment, when he cried with no voice and completely insane due to mental breakdown, starve and grief during zombie attack
Those scenes simply catch my attention
He also portrayed depressed Prince Sado character in The Throne
which makes him winning the Best Actor award from that film!
Back to Chicago Typewriter, when Yoo Ah In showing his devastation thru his acting as Han Se Joo,
I could feel his heavy, miserable and solemn heart especially during his slump moment
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| Credit: hancinema.net |
I would say that I was super in love with his acting skills as a depressed Han Se Joo during that period
Even though everyone seems annoyed of him being rigid, roasted people as he pleased
I know right ππ€
But I noticed that he indeed embodied a legit "writer soul" in his acting
who experienced writer block and couldn't write down even a line of chapter
Born a writer but couldn't write a single line had stirred him up and he feel already died inside!
I enjoyed seeing him being irritated, anxiety, fear, hyper-stress, hot-tempered or even silent cry
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| Image Source: TVN |
Remember when he tried to write but couldn't get a cue
His past memory keep emerging and fading away that makes him couldn't clearly remember the line..
"Even though my country has been taken away, they can’t take my words away from me.
If I cannot write, then I’m no different from a ghost.
In a liberated Joseon, I’m going to write what I want, like crazy."
This dialog(uttered by Seo Hwi Young during past life) keep blinking in his mind
The lines are shuffling between one and another
Everything is messed up already
There is no way he can complete the chapter in this hazy state
but the due date is haunting like crazy
He is doomed!
Then after, Yoo Jin Oh came as savior and offered him the copy of the latest chapter for him to refer
It is the pieces of papers that Han Se Joo just burned to ash yesterday
It took inner conflict and challenge of his pride for him to take it but his desperation make him took it anyway
Yoo Jin Oh smiled cynically and probably think that he win this time?
Han Se Joo then completed that particular chapter and he is about to send it to the his publisher
but suddenly...
He paused his finger right before he click the button "Send"
He is now snap to the reality by inner voice of Jeon Seol, his OG fan
"What kind of author/writer you want to be?"
"a writer that don't copy anyone"
"a writer that anyone can't copy"
He remembered every single things Jeon Seoul said when they met in Subway restaurant
She talked about her admiration towards him, his writing and his powerful talents that he had,
her loyalty to keep rooting for him
But look at what happened to him right now?
Completely lost!
That had teared him up and he couldn't help but crying like a babyπ
This scene really touch my heart
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| Image Source: TVN |
A man's tear is so priceless
The tears that coming from his frustration, pride, lost and mundane heart that he held all this time
Han Se Joo also portrayed a sharp acting when he tried to express his exasperate when confronting Yoo Jin Oh
He totally confused, puzzling and dumfounded about the "ghost writer" thingy
His shaking hand, quivering voice and uncontrollably breath in the whole episodes is so raw in my eyes
Everything is just on point!
After all, he just being himself
His real self who had enough of everything
He shouted out of his lung to deliver what's in heart
He become enrage and chases out everyone around him
But actually deep inside, he feels hollow and sorrow
Han Se Joo looks complete pathetic *hands down
Where else can I see this man-loser character playing so well by the main lead? π
I would love to see more on this pattern
For depressed Han Se Joo, Yoo Ah In successfully nailed it and I.....loved it! *chef kiss
But to my surprised, Han Se Joo slowly turn the table when his soft side is showing
He become more caring, considerate and start to accept new person who's coming into his life
He even once refused to write the novel due to Jeon Seol's trauma
She also start to treat Yoo Jin Oh fairly without leaving his cold-side behind π
He called Yoo Jin Oh and Ji Seok as "buddy" that makes them moved and touching
The final scene when they go fishing together is so hurtful to remember
"Oiii Yooo Jin Oh..dawaaa..andawaaa!!!"
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| Credit: m.imdb |
He seems shocked and extremely sad by Yoo Jin Oh's sudden absence,
Jeon Sol came to calm him down and that mark the final goodbye for them, 3 besties π❤
One of the value that I like is when Han Se Joo starts to do self-introspection
about the big why for him to continue writing
He no longer interested to write something that worth-money
and as I mentioned before he refuse to take credit on other people's work because he once experienced how hurt it was when his work stolen
He even learn to forget the past that drown him
He forgives Baek Tae Min and give him chances to correct everything and begin a fresh start
His stands deserve plaudit ππ
The great lessons in Han Se Joo is we couldn't set ourselves free to excel in the present if we still dwell about the past
"Someone waited for 80 years to apologize. Is it so hard to do? Admit it, correct it and move forward", Han Se Joo's words then left Baek Tae Min in tears π
Yoo Ah In (Seo Hwi Young)
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| Credit: thatdoublenine.tumblr |
Mysterious, arcane, meticulous
These could probably describe Seo Hwi Young
I would said that there are many reasons make me finish this drama
But Hwi Young's character is the biggest magnetic force that attracts me
to watch Chicago Typewriter π€
Not just because of his iconic visual but also his outstanding performance
as a struggling writer who gives up medical school, disappoints his family
due to his strong passion and become the only son who turned out that way
He then proceed his passion as a writer but unfortunately,
due to his controversial writing about Japan, he then blacklisted
and lastly become a writer who only writes so called "third-rate" romance novel which he published in the newspaper
At first he appears as an unbothered young man, slightly casanova
who just loiter around lazily in Carpe Diem with Shin Yul & Ryu Soo Hyun
He didn't desperate anyway
That's why he seems enjoy writing pieces for newspaper,
becomes a voluntary doctor treating the comrades who got wounded
and injured after the mission
He seems didn't really go after money because he came from quite rich and high professions family's background
He tries to appear as if he got nothing to do with the comrades and organization thingy and just coming as a rescue doctor
The team got fast treatment as Hwi Young always got them the medicine and medical equipment from his family's clinic
But who knows, his deep eyes and short glance having thousand of unfathomable secret and untold story
Seo Hwi Young who first looks always at ease, serene, a low-key guy turn out become the leader of Joseon Youth Alliance! π±
Honestly, I once guessed that Hwi Young is one of the candidates that suits the leader role
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| Credit: m.imdb |
This is because the figure when the first time he masked himself to save teen Ryu So Hyun,
is kinda similar with Hwi Young
It just he appeared off-spectacles and wearing mask during that time so it's unnoticeable
This is my first prediction
But I held it first and wait until the truth emerged in the surface
cuz there are so many other possibility that can happened regarding the leader's identity
Seo Hwi Young. He is undeniably having that precise, meticulous mind as a leader and this points really catch my attention
Hwi Young always appear stoically unaffected to whatever happened especially towards his mission
He seems bold and determine
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| Credit: m.imdb |
But actually....he's the one having the most pitiful character here
He suppressed his feelings to stay calm and hide his weakness in his pocket
He has no choice but choose to be strong as the leader...otherwise, everything will be messed up
Even though he seems fierce during the day but he's the one crying at night
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| Credit: m.imdb |
Holding his lover's photo and reminiscing his moment with Ryu Soo Hyun
He even confessed his guilty of putting his comrades in such a misery life
This shows that Seo Hwi Young did have soft side in spite his bold personality
Ep 15: During the escape mission from Kyunsung to Manchuria,
he did promise to Mr Kang that he will rescue Shin Yul & Soo Hyun
and join along with the survives comrades afterwards
What makes me even more adore with Hwi Young is he still dice his death
even the chance that he could save his two besties and survive together then after is barely possible
He unburdened the "leader-role" from his shoulder, put the tittle aside
and act as a diligent "friend" instead of "comrade" for at least 1 day
"Live as a friend just one day"
"Live as a man just one day"
"You must come back in one piece and bring two of them with you"
His inner monologue suddenly stumbled as he heard the gun shot from the hideout that he just left
Their sanctuary at the mountain just got busted by Heo Young Min and Japanese Soldier
The plans are all damned!
All of the comrades got caught except Hwi Young
Hwi Young could had been arrested earlier along with his comrades during the ambush
Young Min was infuriated cause their main mission is to catch a big fish which is Hwi Young,
the leader of Joseon Youth Alliance
On the way out from the mountain, he countered attack the Japanese soldier to rescue his comrades
who just got caught
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| Credit: m.imdb |
During the erratic moment, he ordered Mr Kang to escort all comrades out and carry the final mission
He need to killed all the Japanese soldier to clear the way because its too risky for them to move out together
At this very moment, Hwi Young still portrayed a wisdom leadership side and willing to fight alone and let all his comrades escape first
But unfortunately, all the comrades suddenly got shoot by the second team of Japanese soldier from the uphill π
Hwi Young now became the only one who survived and ran away to escape,
until there is no way cuz it was the dead end route!
He was swarmed by Japanese Soldier and as Heo Young Min intended to catch the leader alive,
Hwi Young feels humiliated
That resulted of him.......
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| Credit: m.imdb |
"I would rather die than got caught by you alive"
The smirk on his face before he pull the trigger, shut them off!
Heo Young Min, who is so obsessed of catching Hwi Young alive must be deadly disappointed
At the end, they catch no leader but corpse!
This intense scene couldn't get any better!! Fully satisfied!
After all, Japan=0, Joseon Youth Alliance=1,
they fought as their might until their final breath *cryyy
Thanks Seo Hwi Young for the stunning performance, I really enjoyyyy π
Im So Jung ( Jeon Seol)
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| Credit: hancinema.net |
I watched Im So Jung in one of the well known horror thriller films, "The Tale of 2 Sister", (2003)
She was 24 y/o when that film aired
She is a prodigy actress for that kind of character
Her innocent, serious face suits the mundane, sad character like she did in "Mothers" & "Perfect Proposal"
For Chicago Typewriter, her role has to be way younger than her actual age,
which is 38 in 2017 but she has to appear as a woman in late 20's or something in this drama
As for me, first thing that I like about Im So Jung as Jeon Seol is her role as veterinarian
I really love her acting when she really cherish, nurturing the animal especially "Gwe Woo",
yes..the Shaggy Dog hehe
She also excelled her loving role as a horse rider in Lump Sugar(2006)
I think it might also due to her real personality/identity outside, who is the most famous vegan among Korean celebrity
She also endorsed some natural skincare line, and practice vegan-diet
We can tell by just look at her her youthful skin ommo!
She once said in an interview:
“After a vegetarian trip with an acquaintance, my lifestyle became completely different. As a result, I naturally became interested in animal welfare and the environment. In the end, they are all connected.”
That might be the reason why she seems so casual and we could feel the real chemistry interaction between her and the animal in her clinic
I'm not an animal lover, I even can't easily touch or hug my kitten at home,
but I just love seeing her as an animal lover
That is so natural of her π❤
She seems loving, soft and caring
Actually, I think she just being herself
The whole thing about Jeon Seol character that really suit her is "soft", "feminine" and "loving"
Second "wow" element is I also love to see her tender-hearted & mature side when she is officially dating Han Se Ju
My favourite part is ...
"Annkioooo"
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| Credit: m.imdb |
Okay honestly this simple scene effortlessly touches my heart π₯°
I could feel the endearment and sincerity thru their eyes
Han Se Joo just got a charming, loving girlfriend as Jeon Seol seems well fit as a perfect soul mate to him and surely support him thru out his difficult moment in life afterwards
That's what came across my mind when this scene surfaced
Even though I'm not really into the present-time love story, but I will passed this one
Im So Jung (Ryu Soo Hyun)
Okay guys...make a way
I'm about to share with you about a complete different character of Jeon Seol which is her past-life character,
Ryu Soo Hyun
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| Credit: soompi |
I wholeheartedly love Im So Jung as Ryu Soo Hyunπππ
This is what she deserved
A bad*ss, strong and legendary sniper of Joseon Youth Alliance!
That suits her well
I really love Ryu Soo Hyun in every stage of her life
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| Credit: m.imdb |
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| Image Source: TVN |
From an unfortunate yet daring side in her teen age,
her boyish character who appears with male outfit to not be captured,
classy singer on stage singing "Wind Blow",
a fierce and patriotic young lady who sacrifices her youth just to see Joseon liberated
and her warrior soul who wants to take revenge of his father's death and teaches Japan a lesson
She nailed it!
Her cries! Haha..yes..I moved terribly by her mind blowing "crying" scenes
The remarkable one is when she hallucinating that Swi Young comes and visits her in the jail
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| Credit: m.imdb |
"Why you keeps talking about next life?", Soo Hyun asks with tears all over her cheeks
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| Credit: m.imdb |
"Hajimaaaaaaa!!", she then screams on top of her lungs
She grabs air as Hwi Young went away
It's like trying to catch someone but the soul is levitating and faded in the airπ’π
The second crying scene that tear my hearts is when Shin Yul confronts Young Min
to expose the leader and Soo Hyun is there watching with her face
and body full of blood after tortured horribly by Japanese police during interrogation
As soon as Shin Yul said the name, Soo Hyun's tears dropped non stop and
her eyes looks completely hopeless!
The third one is no others but one of the poignant scene
when she perform her "duty" to Shin Yul
What make it touching is Shin Yul corrects Soo Hyun's gun in proper posture
and says a line that was exactly uttered by him when she groomed Soo Hyun as a sniper long time ago
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| Credit: hancinema.net |
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| Credit: hancinema.net |
“Comrade Ryu Soo-hyun! Hurry up and finish your duty. Alliance code conduct is equal to Boss's order", Shin Yul scolds her for being procrastinate
Ryu Soo Hyun then got back her "eyes"
I got goosebumps seeing the "steel-eyes" of Ryu Soo Hyun which appear in a split second
When Soo Hyun executed the mission, she then cried an ocean π
I can't even forget her crying scene as Ryu Soo Hyun
It's so melancholic
Engulfed with overwhelm grief and sorrow thru her eyes
Im So Jung really did a great performance for this
The other things that I adore with Im So Jung as Ryu Soo Hyun is she really portrayed as a skillful sniper of the organization
I was thrilled watching the scene at the town whereby Seol and Se Joo travel to past time with the help of Jin Oh’s match
The time they arrived, they saw Ryu So hyun was carrying out her task as a sniper diligently
Seol said “that’s me” and Se Ju proudly said “Ryu soo hyun”
She slayed during that moment
And one more mesmerizing scene that astonished me
was in the last episode when Ryu soo hyun massacred everyone in Carpe Diem including all the traitors and pro-Japanese high person
She was so strong, bold and determine during her past life
Remember a scene when she had been harassed while singing on the stage
She muttered to the harasser “do you want to get shoot on head?”, fearlessly and I stan that
I love bold and strong woman like Ryu So Hyun π
Go Kyung Pyo (Shin Yul & Yoo Jin Oh)
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| Credit: kdramaclicks.com |
I put these 2 characters considering he is the same person who lives in 2 different era
Okay everybody..I honestly...amaze of this character especially his role as Yoo Jin Oh!
The existence of this guy is uncanny and my unsettle curious feelings becomes one of the reason I click the next episode after finishing the first one
His peculiar reaction every time got caught by Han Se Joo in the writing room terrified me like every freaking time
I was like..."who are you, really"
Han Se Joo's anger is finally understandable as Yoo Jin Oh seems constantly provoking and riling towards him
His various characters shifting back and forth which I found quite engaging
From an enigmatic unknown guy, to a jolly and humorous ghost
From a lover, to a cupid
What thrilled me the most is when this drama kinda throws us suspense about his death like..
What he did?
Who is he?
How did he died?
What the purpose he locked himself in the typewriter?
Is he the traitor?
Is he killed someone?
And the list goes...phew!
I personally think that he got the main spotlight and steals the entire show
It successfully gravitated me towards this drama especially in the early episodes
My curiosity increases as I keep thinking, why did Yoo Ji Oh keep evoking and ghosting Han Se Joo?
Is he tries to play around with Han Se Joo?
Is he tries to catch attention and destroys Se Joo's life?
Is he tries to churn Han Se Joo peaceful life only for his personal gravitation?
But when the truth revealed, I then come to my own conclusion about Yoo Jin Oh's plan
Btw, this is just my premise..π
Actually, I do think that he just gives sort of glimpse to Han Se Joo first,
as he yet to figure out way how to appear and having proper discussion with Han Se Joo
He then starts to ghost Han Se Joo, calling him "Oiii cinguuu!" during his first meeting at the antique cafe during Han Se Joo's book tour at Chicago
In early episodes, he once brings Han Se Joo to transport way back to 1930' and experienced the intense scene with Ryu Soo Hyun using his match
Maybe those efforts are all that he can do to get Se Joo involve in his mission
He did try to find the way to show himself in front of Han Se Joo but due to circumstances, he failed to do so
Meanwhile, we could see that he did proceed to use the typewriter in Han Se Joo's room to finish his late best friend's novel
This what makes me realized that, he actually didn't really focus on exposing his existence towards Han Se Joo
He, himself alone can perform the mission which is finishing the novel as per Hwi Young's will
But all of sudden, he got caught by Han Se Joo red handed
Maybe at this moment, he then changed his plan from ghosting him
to directly instigate the mission along with Han Se Joo
His simple mind thinks that as Han Se Joo can see him,
so it supposed to be easier for him to accomplish his mission with the help of Han Se Joo
as he didn't remember his final moment before he dead in past life
But unfortunately, things goes way far from his expectations
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| Image Source: TVN |
Look at how simple Yoo Jin Oh is, he did expect a human being to accept and shaking hand with a 80++ years old ghost and didn't expect a rejection
If you standing in Han Se Joo's shoes, will u easily accept the offer?π
That's clearly shown by his reaction when Han Se Joo declined to help him in episode 7
"You have changed", he said with full of frustration
However, along the process of deliberation with Han Se Joo to help him,
he constantly approaches Se Joo even he is harshly shooed away soo many times by Han Se Joo who refuse to involve in the mission
"A diligent ghost", Han Se Joo once said this to him and I think Se Joo is right ππ
The next brownie points for Yoo Jin Oh is his amusing character as a ghost
When I mentioned that Yoo Jin Oh steals the show, I really mean it
Yoo Jin Oh enlighten my dim life with his humorous character
π
He is the most thoughtful ghost I have ever seen
He definitely enjoy his life as a ghost, he simply enjoyed the food served by Han Se Joo, the way he changes his outfit
Yoo Jin Oh simply touch my heart with his pure and simple way of thinking
His affection in his friendship is no joke!
He truly appreciates and respects his friends and he embraces every small moment
"When is the happiest moment in your life?"
"Cigemmm!", he said
He explained that he loves that current moment when he no need to live in scared
and worry about tomorrow cuz he is now living in a liberated Joseon
Enjoying the ramen with his 2 besties or even when they showering Gee Woo in the nearly final episodes
He probably achieved friendship goal I guessπ’
His affectionate eyes looking at Han Se Joo and Jeon Seol as if he's looking at alive Hwi Young and Ryu Soo Hyun got my heart❤❤❤❤
For Go Kyung Pyo as Shin Yul, I would like to give standing ovation to him in 2 scenes
Yes, of course in "crying scene" π
It's not that I put the "crying" acting skills as a benchmark
but it's just the moment when I feel my heart captured
*Look at Hwi Young, he say nothing but simply steals my heart π *
After all, the acting skills is not solely depend on excessive mimic or body movements
but it's about how they deliver the emotions
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| Image Source: TVN |
I honestly could deeply feel Shin Yul's biggest dilemma in his entire life
It feels like the whole earth fallen upon him that paralyzed his soul ]
It's when he reveals the leader name during the horrible interrogation with Japanese Police
He cried his heart and his neck veins could clearly seen thru the moment when he uttered the name
I remember gasped in heavy breath and my jaw dropped in this intense scene
A bomb just dropped and it's so heartbreaking π
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| Image Source: TVN |
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| Image Source: TVN |
The second scene is when he appears died inside before he received the last present
and reading Hwi Young's will
His face is heartless in deepest regret
And once he reads the will, the delightful moments with Swo Hwi Young appears
He then cried non stop and I found myself cried for the very first times
That scenes is so heartbreaking so I usually skip this scene when I re-watch Chicago Typewriter
Kwak Si Yang (Baek Taemin/ Heo Young-min)
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| Credit: cosmo.ph |
He portrayed as an antagonist role as Heo Young Min and did his job well that makes me simply hate him in the past life
But in the present, I can't help myself but feels pity towards Baek Tae Min
He is definitely a loser who depends on others to gain success in life
He even grounds his knees to ask Han Se Joo a favor
He desperately try to get rid of all the things that can destroyed his life and career in particular
He didn't get love from his own dad as he failed to achieve his dad's expectation
Baek Do Ha character played by a famous veteran actor, Cheon Ho Jin make the tight son-dad
relationship feel so real
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| Image Source: TVN |
He never shows his affection towards Baek Tae Min and always compared him to Han Se Joo
Baek Tae Min who always getting constant pressure from his parents
seems no seeing any way to prove his worthy and choose plagiarism towards Han Se Joo's instead
Kwak Si Young as Baek Tae Min did brings this character alive
My favorite scene is when he sneaks into Han Se Joo's writing room
to get the first draft of Fate and suddenly his eyes furiously stared at Yoo Jin Oh
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| Credit: m.imdb |
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| Credit: m.imdb |
One more is when he seems insane shouted at his mother
and asking Se Joo about Yoo Jin Ohh in the
final episode then finally cried upon hearing to Han Se Joo's word π
Finished on the character, now let's move to next element
Words, Quote & Script
This become one of the major attractions about Chicago Typewriter
Started from the first episodes until the final one, the script writer keeps giving us bunch of powerful
dialogues and quotes
I realized that I discovered so many new quotes and get to know a lot of sensational
and phenomenal real author
In this era, we are exposed to various technology but it soothes my heart when this drama kinda brings
the whole new perspective about the attractive side of physical books
It's like a series of appreciation towards the author who spends their life writing pieces for the
generations
There are a lot of beautiful quote and scripts that this drama served and I'm unable to mention all in this entry
To the script writer, thanks for giving us a good time ❤
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| Image Source: TVN |
Those girls who passed by were nudging each other and look at them affectionately,
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| Image Source: TVN |
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| Image Source: TVN |
I felt overwhelming sorrow and my heart aches for the last 3 episode.
remember when Ryu soo Hyun go to the top of hill, garden full of flower.
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| Image Source: TVN |
Imagine she went there after two of her friends died grievously
I can't recall their happy moment they had together anymore
it's so mournful to think how fate brings them, from a joyful memories into a tragic death in such young age,
just to see Joseon liberated
They sacrificed their age for the sake of independent and freedom to the future generation
They could lived as normal youth in that era and let Japanese who took over their land, freely do whatever what they intended
But they choose to live fiercely and rebellious instead and taught Japanese a great lesson
Indeed they did
Series of mission they had carried out for years indeed worthy
as they successfully 'eliminated' the high rank Japanese Officer ruthlessly,
kill those Pro-Japanese(read: rat) among Joseon's citizen, traitor, any organization & institution
who aiding Japanese's brutal mission,
secrets agent who betray the country and whoever person who block the way for Joseon's liberation
I guess none of the comrade regret as their hard work paid off at the end!
Final scene
As for me, I love to see the side of Jeon Seol's character (soft, feminine, matured) more and hardly fall
for her when she has to be cute, witty and clumsy
The π "meh" element for Im So Jung as Jeon Seol is when she has to appear cute, clumsy and witty
as Han Se Joo's fan
I mean, why director asked her to appear cute when she is already cute π
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| Instagram: Im So Jung |
This picture is during bicycle scene, her exuberant smile makes her looks like early 20's! Kiyoooooπ
But I found that, in some other scenes, when she have to act fun, cheerful and funny, just didn't work for me
I can't mentioned them all
It's not worse but I simply don't prefer that
Maybe because of her maturity as well so it's quite challenging for her to act "cute" while she is mature in real life
The second "meh" element of Jeon Seol is her "cries"
I don't know what happened to her cries when she is Jeon Seol π
Way too different from her cries when she is Ryu Soo Hyun
Am I sound like a greedy viewer who love seeing people crying? π
The series of her cries scenes disturbed me in the sense that it looks unreal
Biannnn
Her tears is real but the way she expressed her cries seems so π to my eyesπ♀️
I found that only one cries that works for me which is in the ward
when she spends her night take care of Han Se Joo (after the motorbike hit accident) and the moment Han Se Joo confessed his feeling, she cried a river and that's is so on point π
The third reason why I feel "meh" of Jeon Seol character is when this drama try to put too many character for her in introduction(first episode)
This makes this drama look so clichΓ© in my eyes I even, almost turn down this drama because of that, but luckily I got hooked anyway π
This is because we always been served by "all-talented", "can-do-anything" type of character of a female lead in rom-com kdrama right?
Or it just me who think that way? Is it mere a coincident?π
I just think that, it's too many in a plate during the introduction scene
when Bang Jin explain about Jeon Seol in the first episode
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| Image Source: TVN |
Okay let's get it right..
1. she was trained as an Olympian athlete as a shooter,
that is why she can handle gun like a pro and she also mastered in archery
Okay passed. This is accepted
2. she once graduated from veterinary college but she did become a veterinarian at the end.
Passed
3. she is a bookworm and once dreamed of marrying the author
when she grew up and become Han Se Joo's very first fan until current time.
Passed cuz this is her main character which is a successful maniac
4. she is a skillful climber
5. she is mastered in various martial art
Errr, honestly, I don't think point 4 & 5 are necessary to be included in order to describe Jeon Seol
I aware that they include the "climber" part cuz she got that skills from his late-dad who was once a professional climber
And for the martial arts could be due to her "previous life" spirit,
I'm not sure about that π
The director intends to make Jeon Seol's character as an ill-fated kind of energy in her life,
that resulted her give up all of her dreams and talent due to her trauma(unfold story),
and lastly become an ordinary self employed girl who runs a service errand agency
The dialogue of Bang Jin's colleagues now make sense as they mention..
"When u describe her, it looks like she will become a successful person, but it's not the way it happened"
I know right..π’
This is due to her "personal reason" that soon revealed
But anyway, I would love if they ditch that unnecessary parts (point 4 & 5)
and include that parts in another episode rather than put them all in 1 particular Bang Jin's scene
Just stick to the points 1 to 3 will do
Btw this is just my preference as a viewer, no offense π
In fact, I do adore Im So Jung in this drama as I elaborated precisely in previous "Character" point
cuz she is indeed a great actress π
I have re watched CTW for several times
but it hurts me every time I came across the OST or clip that I found anywhere about CTW
I feel hurt because it become the most underrated drama in Kdramaland
People might familiar with Goblin(Guardian: The Lonely & The Great God),
Hotel De Luna, Legend of Blue Sea, Moon Lover Scarlet Heart Ryo, etc.,
All these fantasy-romance genre booming to the max! They struck with great force..
I watched some of them but forcing myself to finish due to several reasons
Many people acknowledge above drama
But less people discover Chicago Typewriter, sigh....
I'm not sure if it is something to do with PR & marketing by TvN channel to brings hype for CTW
It's okay I forgive them oredi if they failed to do so π
But if it failed because audience's preference, I can say nothing much
Preference is something that u couldn't even bring on the table to argue over
I respect everyone's preference π
By the way, there are countless audience mentioned and recommended Mr Sunshine as it has quite
similar vibe (genre) with CTW
I saw that Mr Sunshine have strong, experience actor/actress and has more serious and intense plot
I can tell even before I finished Mr Sunshine
I just come across some episode, clip and review about Mr Sunshine but I held myself
for quite long period of time to finally watch it till the end
I refuse to watch it cuz I found out(from several spoiler and feedback)that Mr Sunshine do has some tragic plot so honestly,
I'm not ready to watched it
However, everyone agreed that Mr Sunshine is one of the best Kdrama for fantasy-historical-romance
& I'm not gonna fight over that fact
I have encountered little breakdown when I watched CTW
Same goes to SLA and Jang Ok Jung
For Jang ok Jung and SLA, I can't even re watched it because they were extremely heartbreaking despite their superb storyline
But for CTW, luckily, I'm able to re watch but
I skipped some episode that teared my heart into pieces..π
I may look rough outside, but sensitive inside, sometimes I feel tired as well π
to have a sensitive and fragile heart is soo difficult to handle and I have no idea why I'm like this?
I admit that it is easy for me to get immersed into story that I watched, or book that I read
especially when the content is gripping and impactful
My friend warned me, when I told her that I got soul paralyzed for a week after watched final episode of Jang Ok Jung...
"you better not watch any sad drama again okayyyyyy???!!!" π
For Mr Sunshine, I think I need to postpone first hehehee
To sum up,
Chicago Typewriter, simply become my all-time favorite Kdrama
This drama literally giving me a new hopes to start embracing my current moment and move forward
It moderately served audience with its own uniqueness and beauty,
Captivating plot,
powerful script,
outstanding character,
skillful line of actors,
great cinematography
and not to mention, it has beauuuuutiful OST
I apologize if I'm unable to deliver my points well but so far, regardless how many Kdrama that I
watched, it couldn't replace the first rank that CTW managed to achieve
aaaaaaaaaa this is such a wholesome review!! i really love this drama too!!!! T_T this kdrama was back in 2017 right? but i only watched it last year! it was so good..there were like happy moments..and sad moments making me cry huhuh..and the main actor yoo ah in, im like such a big fan of him! omg!! yes ive watched him too in jang ok jung...that is like one of my first kdrama too..it was so heartbreaking aaa i love jung ok jung
ReplyDeletehttps://mylittlestoryi.blogspot.com/
Thanks @Littlexme for reading.π.yes true..it was on 2017 and I also watched it last year
DeleteJang Ok Jung is heartbreaking right πππ
Yoo ah in indeed a pure gem ❤