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Twinkling Watermelons: Spoiler-Free Mini Review

  • Jul 12
  • 3 min read

Updated: 5 days ago

Title:

Twinkling Watermelons (2023)

Platform:

Viki, TVING

MDL Rating:

9.2 (The second highest rated show on MDL)

IMBD Rating:

8.8

Genre:

Coming of Age, Youth, Fantasy

Episode Count:

16

Parental Guidance Rating:

PG-13: Minor swearing and violence. I'd say on the lighter end of TV-14.


For more info: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt27446493/parentalguide/

Starring:

Ryeo Un (The Secret Romantic Guesthouse)

Choi Hyun Wook (Twenty One Twenty Five)

Seor In A (Business Proposal)

Shin Eun Soo (Light Shop)

RBTS Rating:

4.45/5 Stars

From Left to Right: #RyeoUn, #ChoiHyunWook, #SeorInA, #ShinEunSoo

Synopsis:

In 2023, high school student Eun Gyeol, a CODA with a passion for music, leads a double life as a model pupil by day and a guitarist by night. When he discovers a mysterious music store, he's unexpectedly transported back to 1995, where he meets his father, Ha I Chan, as a high schooler. I Chan doesn't recognize him and is infatuated with a cellist, Se Gyeong, not Eun Gyeol's mother, Cheong A. To set things right, Eun Gyeol joins a band led by I Chan, hoping to reunite his future parents and return to the present. @MDL



Stay Tuned: Full Review Still to Come!


Spoiler-Free Mini Review:

Twinkling Watermelons is quite the rollercoaster! The first 2 episodes took some time to get into, but it paid off, because once the pieces were in place, it was full speed ahead! The vibes felt similar to a more youth focused, family driven version of Lovely Runner, and like LR, the "magical" element are never center stage. It's merely a mechanism to get the story going. The drama is a bag of comedy, romance, melodrama, and some seriously good acting.



Sign language is incorporated, but not the main focus of the show. It so sobering to learn about the difficulties the deaf population faced in the 90s, as well as incredibly moving to watch Yun Cheong A overcome them. Shin Eun Soo (Yun Cheong A) slays every time.




The friendships were the star of the show, but the romances adde a layer of sweet icing on the cake. I did have a few critiques for the drama: Ha Eun Gyeol (ML) was a little too mature for the age of his character, but I think it was done for the sake of portraying how fast a CODA has to grow up. I also did not care for the end. It didn't ruin the show by any means... but... you'll get there and you'll know what I mean.




Lastly, the title "Twinkling Watermelons" is still inexplicable to me after watching the whole show, but I think it would make a great lotion name. Bath and Body works this is your chance.



Story=5 (Really well done and connected)

Acting= 5 (I was really impressed with everyone, but particularly Shin Eun Soo)

Production Quality=4.25 (Solid)

Ending=3.75 (The ending left me feeling happy, but I have a lot of questions.)

Enjoyability= 4.5 (The first two episodes were great then it slowed down for a minute but never fret. It picked right back up until the end)

Would I rewatch= Yes!


Trailer:


Director: #SonJunHyun (When My Love Blossoms)

Screenwriter: #JinSooWan (Chicago Type Writer, Kill Me, Heal Me, Moon Embracing Sun)



*Disclaimer: I do not own any of the images used on this blog. All images belong to their respective copyright holders and are used for commentary and review purposes. All reviews, opinions, and statements expressed on this blog are my own and are intended for entertainment and informational purposes only. They reflect my personal thoughts and interpretations and should not be considered as factual.

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