The Royal Lotus City

Watching When Life Gives You Tangerines feels like watching sixteen deeply moving family films with the same cast.

Every episode leaves a lasting impression, often bringing me to tears. One of the reasons it feels so cinematic is the way it’s shot—the camera moves gently, with minimal quick cuts. Unlike most Korean dramas that rely on fast editing to keep the viewer’s attention, this series draws you in through its thoughtful dialogue and Ae-sun’s quiet inner monologues.

Even my husband, who usually doesn’t really follow K-dramas, was completely drawn in by the lines in this one—lines that feel so relatable to real life. One that really stuck with us was: “When money gets tight, fruit is the first thing we stop buying.”
This drama is incredibly introspective and emotionally resonant.

Another reason this drama feels more like a film might be its distinct Netflix production style. Netflix series often have a signature visual tone—deep shadows, nuanced lighting, and beautifully curated sets and locations that create a rich, cinematic atmosphere. That artistic depth sets it apart from shows produced by traditional broadcasters like KBS, SBS, or tvN.

I didn’t always pay close attention to the years shown on screen, since the narrative doesn’t follow a linear timeline. But that actually made the emotions of each character feel more vivid. The way the story jumps back and forth mirrors how our own memories work—scattered, often jumping from moments of joy to past traumas, weaving themselves into the present. This drama captures that rhythm of memory with remarkable honesty.

The early part of the series, when young Ae-sun is still unmarried and living in Jeju, lays a strong foundation for everything that follows. This section portrays her childhood dreams, her parents’ hopes, traditional cultural values, and the rigid social structures that ultimately lead to her decision to marry rather than continue her education or career. Without seeing this part of her journey, it’s hard to fully understand the choices and emotional weight carried by the characters later on.

As Ae-sun begins her married life, the drama shifts into something more realistic and quietly painful. I found myself thinking of the old stories my parents and grandparents used to tell. I grew up hearing those kinds of stories, so the emotions in this part of the show felt deeply familiar.

Before I watched this drama, I read a discussion thread on X where people talked about the life lessons in this show. Many concluded, “Don’t have too many kids when you’re poor.” That might make sense from today’s perspective—especially with how connected we all are online and how easily certain ideas become consensus—but we need to remember that the past was a very different world. Cultural expectations were different. Social pressure was stronger. Life choices were far more limited. It’s important to see those decisions in context rather than judge them through a modern lens.

Toward the end of the drama, the parent-child relationships take center stage and hit the deepest emotional notes. While I found myself siding with Ae-sun and Gwan-sik—parents portrayed as incredibly loving and selfless—I could also understand the inner conflict felt by their children, Geum-myeong and Eun-myeong. It can be emotionally complex to grow up with parents who give so much of themselves. Some children receive that love with a sense of peace and gratitude. Others feel a burden of guilt and anxiety, unable to accept such sacrifices easily. I truly get that.

Although the drama does include warm and touching moments, I found myself wishing for more funny and lighthearted scenes—something silly or laugh-out-loud that could balance the heavy tone just a bit more.

Still, When Life Gives You Tangerines is a deeply meaningful series—one that invites us to reflect not just on life and love, but also on the quiet strength of those who came before us. It’s a story that asks us to see them not with pity or critique, but with empathy and understanding. And for that, it’s absolutely worth watching.Watching When Life Gives You Tangerines feels like watching sixteen deeply moving family films with the same cast.