Friday 18 November 2016

Drama special (2010) - Pianist - Review

KBS2 Drama special is a weekly program showing short drama, usually every episode features different story. These short dramas are not very popular like the regular ones, but I have heard very good reviews for some of them, using their limited time to produce a completed story. And in deed some of these are much better than 16-episode dramas, like this little gem.

What is this about:

Directed Moon Joon Ha. Written by  Park Eun Young. Star Choi Min Ho, Han Ji Hye.
A 30-year-old piano teacher, In Sa (Han Ji Hye), meets accidently a 19-year-old boy, Je Ro (Choi Min Ho), who tunes pianos as a living and a delicate relationship between them begins.

My review:

I believe the best word to describe this little drama is delicate. There is a very delicate approach to this noona romance and how their relationship evolves, and a raw sensitivity that make it feel more like a movie.
In Sa (Han Ji Hye) is piano teacher that hasn’t practiced for a long time and has lost her ability. She used to passionate about the piano but being poor cost her the chance to become something more than a teacher for primary school students. Her boyfriend is a jerk and she breaks up with him for good reason. Her loneliness, even when she was with her boyfriend, is apparent. She has lost her passion for life and just lives day by day.
Je Ro (Choi Min Ho) is a very talented boy who learned himself to play the piano. He is sensitive and romantic and, he too, feels lonely, since he cannot connect with his surroundings. He makes a living by tuning pianos, since he is poor and cannot go to university.

There are so many things that I loved in this story. First I found interesting the irony that Je Ro has the talent but In Sa is the one that teaches piano. He has passion for it, while she has lost it years ago. From their first meeting it is evident that they are kindred spirits and their loneliness fit each other like pieces of a puzzle. 

She starts by seeing him friendly when it is apparent he likes her romantically. He doesn’t say much, she is the one who does most of the talking, but he looks at her adoringly. This could look weird very easily, but the actor plays it with sincerity and sensitivity, so you cannot help but feel your heart ache for him. She doesn’t stay unmoved by his emotions – who would? – and slowly finds her love for music again. 

But life is a bitch. The angst is real and not constructed just for the sake of the story. Both Je Ro and In Sa have their own reasons and you can understand them both. Even though the ending is somewhat open – btw I hate open endings – and I could watch these characters all day, I think this is one of the most satisfactory stories I have seen in a ling time.

But the beauty of this drama isn’t limited only to the excellent writing and charismatic performances of the two actors. The directing here is like a movie’s. The color palette, from the lighting, the make-up and the clothes, is very autumnal and sets a nostalgic mood. The soundtrack consists of classical pieces, making it relaxing and emotional, just like Je Ro and In Sa’s relationship. Finally, it has some beautiful shots of Seoul, which is a feat, considering this is just an hour-long drama.

Why you should watch:

  • Excellent directing – music, lighting, cinematography.
  • Performances that evoke emotions.
  • Excellent writing with delicate feelings.

Why not to watch:

  • I have no idea.

Final verdict:

9.5/10. I leave that 0.5 point for the masterpieces, but overall I love this to pieces. Highly recommend it.

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