Taking pride in its beautiful cinematography, superb screenplay, star-studded cast ensemble and breathtaking production design, Our Blues deems itself the best omnibus drama of 2022!
Our Blues gained attention and good reviews from viewers across the globe—and rightfully so! This series does not lack humor, romance, drama and relevance. Not to mention, the series also features excellent OSTs sung by renowned K-pop singers; Jimin of BTS, Aespa’s WINTER and Wanna One’s Ha Sungwoon.
Indeed, the whole production team deserves a standing ovation and a round of applause. Truly one of a kind, the plot premise of the series encapsulates the ideal humanistic depiction of life and everything in between.
- Main Casts: Lee Jung Eun | Lee Byung Hun | Han Ji Min | Kim Woo Bin | Shin Min Ah | Choi Young Joon | Park Ji Hwan | Kim Hye Ja | Goo Doo Shim | Jung Eun Hye | Cha Seung Won
- Supporting Casts: Bae Hyung Sun | Roh Yoon Seo | Uhm Jung Hwa | Gi Soo Yoo | Shim Dal Gi | Kim Jae Won | Baek Seung Do | Cho Hye Jung | Lee So Byeol | Kim Kwang Gyu
- Overall Ratings:
- Addictive/Romance Meter:
- Rewatch Value:
- Dramas of Similar Vibes: When The Weather Is Fine | Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha | It’s Okay Not To Be Okay | My Liberation Notes | Racket Boys | Lost
Nathan Llantos watched Our Blues on Netflix
Episode recaps: First Look | 03 | 04 | 05 | 06 | 07 & 08 | Mid-Series | 11 | 12 & 13 | 14 & 15 | 16 & 17 | 18 & 19 | Finale Week + Series Review |
Our Blues Finale Recap
Dong-Seok and Miss Kang continue in their travel to Madang-ri, the hometown turned reservoir. They began their ascent through the forest. All the while, Miss Kang struggles to keep up with her, and with heeled shoes, she sprained her ankle. Trying to avoid being a burden, she hides this from Dong-Seok. After a while, they arrive at the reservoir site, where they both sit away from each other.
Dong-Seok began asking Miss Kang about her life in the village. Miss Kang revealed that her mother, father, and brother had died when she was young, and they were all buried together. On top of this, Dong-Seok’s aunt also passed away three years ago, showing that almost all her relatives were gone.
Painful Discussions
The two decided to descend from the mountain as the rain began looming. Dong-Seok noticed that Miss Kang was limping and hurting. Taking pity, he wraps her with his jacket and carries her on his back. As the rain began to fall, the two sat in the truck, and Dong-Seok finally confronted Miss Kang about their past. He tells her that he felt alone and tolerated getting beaten to gain sympathy from her mother.
For him, all he had in the world was her mother, but Miss Kang took her away too by asking him not to call her that. Finally, Miss Kang says she wasn’t her mother because the woman who treated Dong-Seok the way she did was crazy. This showed that Miss Kang felt guilty and ashamed for what she did in her past.
Weeping, she begs Dong-Seok not to hold a funeral when she passes but instead throws her into the sea with her daughter. Dong-Seok holding back his tears, doe not utter a word, starts the truck, and drives off in the rain.
Weary Hearts & Little Beginnings
Dong-Seok and Miss Kang arrive at the hospital, where the doctor told him off for allowing his mother to travel in her condition. The doctors suggest that Miss Kang needs to stay at the hospital. Otherwise, she will soon die. Upon waking up, however, Miss Kang tells him that she does not want to stay there and demands to go home.
Dong-Seok followed her orders and continued on their way while stopping to eat jjajangmyeon. Trying to be nicer to her, Dong-Seok assisted Miss Kang. In comparison, they were eating while asking her why she wanted to eat jjajangmyeon in the first place. She revealed that it was what Dong-Seok’s father gave her to show his affection.
On the ship back to Jeju, the two began conversing again, which led to Miss Kang asking for Dong-Seok’s help to teach her how to spell names. One of the words she wondered about was Mount Halla, where Baengnokdam Lake is located. Dong-Seok asks if she’s ever been there, and she answers with a sorrowful no.
He then tells her how beautiful the lake is and is one of the best sights she will ever see. Hearing this, Miss Kang asks him to take her there, and despite declining at first, he does so as soon as they are off the ship while she is asleep.
Dong-Seok’s Promise
Upon waking up at the foot of Mount Halla, Miss Kang’s eyes widened, bewildered at the sight of snow shining as the wind carried it. Despite the 4 hours it takes to reach the lake, Miss Kang continued determined to see it herself. Not 30 minutes after, only Miss Kang is completely worn out. As they take a break, she opens up and tells Dong-Seok that her trip right now with him is her happiest memory.
Realizing the walk to the top might be too much for Miss Kang, Dong-Seok decides to go to the summit himself and take a photo of the lake. On the other hand, Miss Kang waits for her at a teashop at the base. Dong-Seok arrives near the lake, unable to continue due to restricted access. He decides to take a video of the scenery.
Dong-Seok flips the camera towards him with the mountain on his back as he talks to her mother. He promises they will return together when spring comes, just the two of them. After descending, Dong-Seok picks up Miss Kang in the teashop and shows her the video, which she repeatedly played.
Forgiveness & Demise
Upon pulling up to Miss Kang’s home, Dong-Seok asks her if she wants to see his house. As soon as they arrived, they were unexpectedly greeted by Seon-A and Yeol. While Miss Kang was beside Seon-A, she opened up about how his son had a kind and soft heart.
As Dong-Seok escorts Miss Kang to her home to get some sleep, he asks her again to make him some doenjang stew for breakfast as he only likes how she makes it. In the morning, Miss Kang wakes up early to prepare the stew and feed the dogs.
By the time Dong-Seok arrived, his meal was already on the table with her lying next to it. As Dong-Seok takes his first sip, he realizes his mother is unresponsive. She had passed away.
As Dong-Seok looked at her mother sorrowfully, he held her lifeless body next to him and gave her a tight embrace. Sobbing, he reflects on his emotion. Finally, he realized that he never resented her for what she did in the past. All he wanted was to hug and reconcile with her throughout his life.
Hopeful Aftermath
Subsequently, one month has passed since the demise of Miss Kang. The residents of Jeju Island went on with their bustling lives. Brimming with new beginnings and better perspectives, they have begun preparing for their anticipated athletic meet. In particular, Dong-Seok seemed more cheerful with life now, saying that he was doing well and had to move with his life with no regrets.
When the athletic meet began, all the different groups were teamed up, including Seon-A, who received a team uniform as an invitation to join them. Additionally, viewers finally get to see Hyeon and Yeong-ju’s, adorable baby. On top of that, it is very heartwarming to see how much Yeong-Ok and Yeong-hui’s relationship improved. She seemingly grew accustomed to Pureung, Jeju and has revisited to witness the athletic match.
Eun-hui and Mi-ran now have healthier and more transparent friendships. Han-Su has revisited Jeju to join the match, and everyone welcomes him. Ultimately, it showed that everyone in their group was happy and enjoying their time despite everything they had been through.
Our Blues Series Highlights
Well-written Storyline & Characters
Writer Noh Hee Kyung is best known for writing relatable and realistic stories. Not only that, but she is an awarded writer for bringing to life well-written characters. In fact, Writer Noh gave the star-studded cast ensemble such unique and diverse roles in this series. The series was teeming with representation and relevance.
Indeed, her skills are unrivaled in slice-of-life genres and melodramas. This is her first time producing an omnibus format series with Director Kim Kyu Tae. Nonetheless, they did it so well that it will be challenging for the upcoming series with similar genres to reach or surpass the standards Our Blues has set.
Humanistic & Significant Themes
Each episode or arc is crafted with significance and humane attributes. There are a lot of heartbreaking scenes. Many hard-to-discuss topics are also incorporated into the storyline. This includes disability, appropriate labor worker representation, friendship, and family issues, domestic violence, lost love, dreams, and friendships. Not only that, but the series also tackled teenage pregnancy, depression, discrimination, and career.
Such themes were highlighted and well-blended into 20 episodes. Indeed, it is difficult to piece this wide array of essential themes into one series. But the way they established the lives of each character—even the ones with supporting roles or guest roles, is just pure brilliance and genius. Writer Noh, Director Kim, and the whole production team realistically brought to life the story of the Jeju folks.
For that reason, their dedication and values are reflected in the work they have produced. More importantly, each episode brings a beautiful story of pain and hope. Viewers will feel like they are embarking on a journey of life as they get to know the splendid characters of the series and witness the lives they have led and the lives they are striving to live.
Outstanding Cast Performances
Every member of the cast ensemble did not disappoint. In fact, they went above and beyond in owning their characters. Most significantly, the synergy and chemistry they exude are beautiful and appealing. It is fun, heartbreaking, heartwarming and empowering to see them act and represent their respective roles and character lives.
Both the main and supporting casts were given such detailed and relevant struggles and aspirations. It resonates deeply with viewers of all ages. Not only are the casts befitting and ideal for their respective roles, but it also seems like the series is made just for them.
There are a lot of great actors and actresses, but the cast lineup of Our Blues is simply and strategically the perfect blend. Even the supporting and guest characters gave so much life to the story, and everything is so relatable.
Our Blues Series Musings
Good Directorial Decisions & Inclusivity
Instead of hiring typical actors and actresses to portray the role of a person with a disability, Our Blues was inclusive. Writer Noh Hee Kyung and Director Kim understood the assignment. Not only did they highlight Lee So Byeol, a deaf actress, but they also had Jung Eun Hye, an actress with Down Syndrome.
Even better, the way they portrayed the two actresses was educational to viewers. Our Blues did not contribute to the stigma. Unlike films or series, Writer Noh and Director Kim did not make actresses with a disability look pitiful or have stereotypical roles.
Instead, they empowered them and showed that just like how people like them can lead normal (or strive to have normal) lifestyles, they deserve to be represented well and portrayed positively in series and films.
Satisfying & Realistic Ending
The best part is how realistic the ending was despite it ending on such a positive note. What is more, the character developments are very inspiring. More importantly, the happy ending of the series does not feel forced. I
It is arguably very refreshing to watch. After witnessing the pain and growth of the characters, seeing how everyone gets to be their own person, be with their loved ones, and have another chance to have a better life is just beautiful.
Marvel the wonders of Jeju and relate to the stories of pain and hope chronicled by Our Blues. Available for streaming on Netflix.
Photos & videos: tvN & Netflix
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