Hello, everyone! Hope you’re all well. Today, I’m here to discuss a series that truly left a mark on my heart – “When Life Gives You Tangerines” from Netflix. And wow, what a fitting title that is! Imagine expecting a sweet romance set on a beautiful island and instead being swept away by a tidal wave of emotions. You’ll definitely want to have tissues close by, perhaps even an entire box!
The Island of Jeju and Its Secret Sorrows
Set against the backdrop of Jeju Island in the 1950s, the narrative introduces us to Ae-sun (IU) and Gwan-sik (Park Bo-gum), two youths whose upbringing was steeped in an era when dreaming was a luxury few could afford. Ae-sun is a vivacious young woman with aspirations far beyond her small village, raised by a resilient mother until a sudden tragedy alters the course of her life.
The series does an incredible job of capturing the stark realities of life on Jeju. Ae-sun witnesses her mother, Gwang-rye, fight to keep them afloat after the passing of Ae-sun’s father. Gwang-rye’s stern demeanor conceals her unwavering devotion to Ae-sun, determined to provide her daughter with the best life possible. It’s a raw depiction of the burdens the women of that era shouldered.
IU and Park Bo-gum: A Decades-Spanning Connection
Seeing IU and Park Bo-gum return to the screen after lengthy breaks of six and five years, respectively, is a real treat. They embody their characters so convincingly; every emotion they convey seems genuine and heartfelt. IU, in particular, delivers a performance that left me stunned. She doesn’t just act – she inhabits her role. Watching her navigate the challenges of pursuing her poetic dreams amidst societal and economic constraints is profoundly moving.
Gwan-sik, portrayed by Park Bo-gum, is a sincere and hardworking young man of few words. His love and respect for Ae-sun are expressed not through flowery speeches but through consistent, caring actions that span years.
A Non-Linear Tale That Surprises
The narrative unfolds in a non-linear fashion, tracing the lives of Ae-sun, Gwan-sik, and their offspring across Jeju Island’s Dodong-ri and Seoul from the 1950s to the 2000s. The storytelling approach is nothing short of genius! Events are occasionally revisited in later episodes, enriched with additional context that reveals the intricate connections between various characters and events.
It’s akin to piecing together an emotional jigsaw puzzle. Gradually, you grasp how past decisions have molded the present, how fleeting moments of joy have become treasured memories, and how tragedies have steered the course of entire lives.
The Haenyeo and the Strength of Women
One of the most striking aspects of the series is its portrayal of the haenyeo, women who dive without equipment in Jeju’s waters to gather seafood. The haenyeo tradition has endured for a millennium in Korea. In “When Life Gives You Tangerines,” Ae-sun’s mother is part of this community, diving for abalone and seaweed.
Witnessing these women risk their lives daily in the frigid waters to support their families is a powerful testament to female resilience. The relationship between Gwang Rye and Ae Sun is both heart-wrenching and beautiful. Gwang Rye’s sacrifices for her daughter, her tireless work as a haenyeo to spare Ae Sun from a similar fate, highlight the lengths mothers will go to for their children.
When Love Meets Harsh Reality
As Ae-sun and Gwan-sik’s love blossoms, they take their first courageous step together. However, their romantic journey is fraught with challenges. And what challenges they are! The series doesn’t sugarcoat poverty or offer easy fixes. It delves into the societal dynamics and gender roles imposed on women, leaving a lasting impression. The expectations placed on women to conform to societal norms, and the constraints they face, are vividly depicted.
Watching Ae-sun strive to hold onto her poetic dreams while reality continually pulls her back is heartrending. It’s a nuanced portrayal of motherhood and the impact of generational trauma on our lives. Ae Sun’s story reflects the tension between breaking free from societal expectations and confronting harsh realities.
The Unexpected Tragedy
Without revealing major spoilers, brace yourselves: the concluding episodes bring both resolution and sorrow. The 1997 IMF crisis jeopardizes the Yang family’s stability. Eun-myeong’s imprisonment forces Gwan-sik and Ae-sun into desperate measures, prompting Gwan-sik to make a risky investment in a struggling restaurant. Just as the family begins to rebuild, tragedy strikes – Gwan-sik is diagnosed with cancer.
I was unprepared for this emotional blow. In a deeply moving farewell, he passes away in Ae-sun’s arms, leaving behind a legacy of love. I was in tears for an entire hour. It’s the kind of ending that makes you reflect on life and the importance of cherishing every moment with loved ones.
A Global Phenomenon That Resonates
The series achieved both domestic and international acclaim, and with good reason. On Rotten Tomatoes, all 6 critics’ reviews are positive, averaging 9.5/10. Time magazine commended the series for its “devastating profundity,” highlighting not only “the story of a family” but also “Korea’s modernization journey from the post-war era to the present.”
And here’s something delightful: Netflix Korea capitalized on the series’ popularity through collaborations with intellectual property aimed at drama enthusiasts. A partnership with Yuhan-Kimberly led to the launch of a limited edition ‘Kleenex Moisturizing Essence Lotion,’ featuring the drama’s packaging; this product sold out during pre-sales. They even created themed tissues! They knew we were going to cry anyway.
The Visual Splendor of Jeju
The visuals are simply breathtaking. Every frame feels like a genuine world coming to life, rather than just a drama being played out. With a substantial budget and an impressive cast filming on location, the series is as nostalgic as it is visually captivating.
From the very beginning, there’s a scene where a constellation in the night sky transforms into the yellow helmets of haenyeo divers bobbing in the sea. It’s stunning. The night scenes are vivid and detailed, bathed in a golden hue. It’s pure cinema magic!
For Those Ready to Embrace Deep Emotions
“When Life Gives You Tangerines” is more than just a drama series. It’s an emotionally charged exploration of love, sacrifice, and the unspoken bonds that tie families together. Unlike conventional dramas that rely on exaggerated conflicts and predictable resolutions, this series thrives on authentic, heartfelt storytelling, making each episode feel like a sincere letter to anyone who’s ever grappled with understanding or appreciating their parents.
If you’re in search of a series that will leave a lasting impression on your heart, this is the one. But be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster. It’s rare for films or TV to make me cry, but one episode in the middle did just that. And that final episode… I found myself weeping throughout, as if I were mourning my own life – as if I’d just witnessed it flash before my eyes.
The Deeper Meaning of the Title
The English title, When Life Gives You Tangerines, was revealed on January 30, 2023, as a play on the proverb “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade”; however, the fruit flourishing on Jeju Island is the tangerine. IU, the pop idol and lead actress, explains that the English title is about transforming the sour tangerines life throws into a warm, comforting tea.
It’s a beautiful metaphor for turning life’s challenges into something that nourishes and soothes the soul. And this series accomplishes exactly that!