Title : When the Camellia Blooms, Camellia Blooms
Episodes : 40 (20 of a whole hour)
Genre : Romance, Slice of life, Mystery, Crime, Comedy, Family
Story : 8 out of 10
Characters : 8 out of 10
Cinematography : 8 out of 10
When the camellia blooms was a delightful mix of slice of life, mystery and romance, with some notes of comedy.
Story
Dong Baek is a single mom, struggling to survive. She is the owner of a bar-restaurant in a small town, where only men tend to go and thus she is the center of the women’s gossip and hostility. But Dong Baek’s life was never easy in the first place. She grew up as an orphan and she was always bullied. She was even forced to leave the father of her child and raise her son alone.
Yong Shik has been a hero his whole life. Becoming a police officer was the only logical thing to do and he was a rising star at the Seoul police station, until a mistake makes him transfer to his old town. And, although he starts to believe that his life is ruined, he meets Dong Baek, his ideal type, and he falls madly in love with her at first sight. However, his mother and Dong Baek’s only friend, is against their relationship. And for Dong Baek is the first time that someone has been taking care of her, and that confuses and scares her.
Jong Ryeol is a famous baseball player. His wife is more of a trophy wife who only cares about her online followers and her image. Jong Ryeol is trying to be a good father for his baby daughter, but he is struggling to keep a good relationship with his wife, who she doesn’t understand. Coincidently, he goes back to his old town where he discovers his ex-girlfriend and first love, Dong Baek, who he has never been able to get over. And then he also discovers that she has a son who so happens to be the exact age as the time they have been apart. Now, Jong Ryeol finds a way to be back into Dong Baek’s life.
Meanwhile, a serial killer is concerning the local police. And he starts threatening Dong Baek, who has been the only witness he had ever left alive.
The drama did a great job when it comes to blending all those genres and that way the drama was interesting till the end. However, the episode before the last one was a bit boring, as it seemed like they had wrapped up everything and there was hardly anything to show anymore. But they actually managed to turn things around and finish the drama with a bang. The romance, in addition, was well-paced and had room to mature and keep things thrilling as it was slow and exciting. The mystery was amazing too, with unpredictable twists and enough action that kept things fresh. The comedy part was masterfully fit in the story without ruining the whole mood of the drama. Finally, the slice of life was enough melodramatic and with a nice ending. Plus, the big revelation of the kid’s father was exciting as well as the love triangle that was mild and subtle.
Characters
Dong Baek has a tough life. She is an orphan, a single mother and she runs a bar-restaurant alone. On top of that, she is being targeted by a serial killer. However, even though her whole life she is being a victim and always ran away when things got tough, she starts standing up for herself. Gong Hyo Jin has the magic touch and everything she’s in is gold. And here, her performance was excellent.
Yong Shik always loved to help people. He is emotional and acts on instinct. And when he meets Dong Baek, he falls in love with her straight away and decides to protect her. Kang Ha Neul was extra cute in this one, playing the goofy character.
Jong Ryeol is famous but unhappy in his marriage. After he discovers his first love and their son, he believes that he has a chance to start afresh. Kim Ji Suk was really good as the second lead and he nailed both the emotional and the comical scenes.
Cinematography
The drama managed to have a nice pace and to keep the interest high till the end.
Overall
My overall rating is 8.5 out of 10. The slice of life atmosphere was well managed and the performances were top-notch.
K&J Reviews 
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