Wow. Loveble characters and brilliant chemistry? Check. Comedy? Check. Romance and freindship? Check! Cool fantasy? Hell yes.
If you've seen Korean odessy- it's got the same vibe. If you haven't seen it- do it now.
In terms of visuals: Hotel del luna has got one of the most highest production value I've ever seen. The effects are top notch, the scenery and costumes are amazing- they've really spared no expense and you feel it in almost every shot.
Story wise: This was a very beautiful very moving story with lovely methaphors, but for those of you like me who like to know in advance whether this is a tear jerking heart wrenching drama that we'll leave you broken for a while I will say the last episode was sad, but beautiful sad, and the road leading up to it makes it totally worth it.
They managed to create a beautiful world with solid rules that feels natural. The only downside to this series are the first two episodes when they set up the world and it's rules- something about the pacing and the tone just doesn't really work there but I'm sooo glad that I continued to watch.
I gave it a -9 just because of the beginning- but please please watch it- you won't regret it.
145 Reviews
Among the best television fantasy, romantic dramas
tabuno20 March 2022
This South Korean romance fantasy drama reaches a new qualitative level of emotional fantasy romance about a hotel for ghosts to rest before going onto the afterlife. This 16-episode television series incorporates and enhances the best of both English and European storylines using great editing and lighting with performances based on a riveting script that offers excellent use of flashbacks and unexpected twists and reveals that hit all the emotional highs of gripping relational dramatic performances shot and directed with patience and skill. The script is finely tuned and balanced between The Devil Wears Prada (2006) dynamics to the well-executed shift between drama, comedy, and horror that allows the audience to enjoy the whole storyline experience. This television series with its captivating use of classical, soothing, and haunting music (reminiscent of brief theme music from WarGames, 1983) fits perfectly into the story. Except for an early unreasonable scene with the lead character finding herself alone in a chase scene and poor choice of makeup, especially eye color, and a worthy effort but not completely brilliant satisfying ending, this television series is among the best and well produced television production of its kind.
Good Enough
PennyReviews12 September 2019
Warning: Spoilers
"Hotel del luna" was buzzworthy due to its cast and the visuals. They did a really really really great job with the costumes, especially with IU who was stunning. The make up of the ghost was good as well.
The horror part was just enough to keep things interesting (but be aware that some scenes are scary). The ghost stories were entertaining and enough to spice up the main plot. However, the romance was not that good. The love story was out of the blue, as they were more like friends rather than lovers. Sure, they had chemistry, but they just fell in love too suddenly. The background story of IU's character was pure gold and it was nicely presented, though.
So, overall, seven out of ten.
The horror part was just enough to keep things interesting (but be aware that some scenes are scary). The ghost stories were entertaining and enough to spice up the main plot. However, the romance was not that good. The love story was out of the blue, as they were more like friends rather than lovers. Sure, they had chemistry, but they just fell in love too suddenly. The background story of IU's character was pure gold and it was nicely presented, though.
So, overall, seven out of ten.
Absolutely Beautiful!
gknowles2629 September 2019
I've seen probably 50 or 60 K-Dramas, and this ranks as second only to Goblin on my list. So many are good, but this is something special. I cried about 30 different times while watching. The emotions are deep and strong and real. I will definitely be watching it more than once. The two leads are beautiful and their relationship fraught with uncertainties. It covers a thousand years and so many good-byes and bittersweet reunions. It transcends death itself. Don't miss this jewel.
IU TO THE WORLD : HERE I AM, AND THIS IS WHAT I CAN DO !
lyntonadam1 November 2019
Yes, I'm here to praise this excellent show, though you can probably work that out from the ten stars. I must, however, admit to some general pessimism before I started.
Why ? I'd recently begun to watch a newish show ( let's not mention the title in case you love it ) and gave up by episode two. It had yet another rich, handsome, arrogant A-hole thrown together with a pretty young woman with much less money etc and so on. What a VERY original storyline ! I'm so sick of these formula plots ! And it wasn't even well written, which would've been something. I've also been underwhelmed recently by boring new shows from established actresses, so I began HDL hoping really hard that it'd be good. True, the VIKI rating is 9.8, which is helpful, and now I'm done.
Relief. That's the word best suited to my overall impression ( "pleasure" is obviously close behind ! ). Relief to have found a quality series for a change, and such a relief to have a WOMAN as the lead character instead of some self-absorbed chaebol MAN. And what a fascinating character to watch. The absence of the standard K Drama clichés is also refreshing.
Ms Jang ( played by singer IU ) is the owner of the titular hotel, a place for the dead to rest and sort their affairs before the Grim Reaper sends them on the road to the Afterlife. I won't bore you with a lengthy story description because you can get that from VIKI or IMDB. What's crucial is the quality of the writing ( thank you Hong sisters ) and all the characters benefit. Everyone has a substantial back story and each of the ghosts passing through has an interesting tale to tell. The supernatural clearly plays a major part in the story ( especially re-incarnation ) and you'll discover the difference between a vengeful ghost and an evil one. As with all the best K dramas, there's a satisfying mix of drama, humour and tears here, as well as a goodly dose of the scary. Even the Reaper gets a cutely comical scene towards the end, and especially in the last third, a number of scenes surprise and delight with their creativity. And of course you'll cry a lot at the final episode !
Back to Ms Jang, and what a role this is. I'm sure every young actress in South Korea would've been chasing it because there's so many layers to the character. Being around for more than a thousand years enhances the scope, so we see her as a tough thief with a gang in olden times. That's where her bitterness arose, and a sword is wielded as well as a sharp tongue. In modern times, a rather jaded Ms Jang has become cynical and sarcastic and doesn't suffer fools gladly. She's also a dedicated materialist, lusting after yachts, paintings and expensive cars. There is, naturally, a good heart beneath the frosty exterior, just waiting for the right person to help it blossom.
Good writing needs a good cast to do it justice, and Yeo Jin Goo as the fresh-faced human manager Mr Gu is the perfect foil to the caustic Ms Jang. His natural affability was an asset in the recent "Absolute Boyfriend" ( which, by the way, was remarkable for confirming that Japan, Taiwan and also Korea couldn't quite get it right ) and his youth gives their interplay a bit of a cradle-snatching angle since she's about four years older in reality. The romance angle is possibly not what we might have expected, yet is nevertheless moving and heartfelt. K Popper P.O. is sweet as the bellboy, Bae Hae Sun is enjoyably maternal as the Room Manager and Shin Jung Geun is avuncular as the crusty barman. Also making a strong impression is Kang Mina ( another K Popper, from the group Gugudan ) as the managerial intern. This quintet are the central "family" of the hotel, and their backstories are extremely affecting. A group of other actors do good work in supporting roles, while Seo Yi Sook is excellent playing a variety of gods who seem to be related. Of the various cameos, the most obviously poignant is that of IU's friend Sulli, who tragically committed suicide recently. The role and it's outcome acquires a sad extra dimension with that in mind.
And so to IU. Ms Jang dominates the show as the planet around which everyone else revolves and the singer/actress pulls off all the many moods and emotions with convincing assurance. Whether it's the ferocity of a warrior in a fight or a girlish giggle or a moving speech full of emotion, this woman can do it all. It's also interesting for such a small and slightly built person to play such an alpha personality. The icing on the cake here is the outfits : IU is a beautiful young woman in her physical prime and the dazzling array of clothes she has to wear present a true combo treat for the eyes. And she looks particularly stunning during a scene set in olden times wearing a light blue costume with her hair coiled at the sides of her head. HDL is almost a demo reel for IU, as if she's saying to the world : here I am, and this is what I can do. The phrase "A Star Is Born" definitely comes to mind. Movies must surely be the next step; I was watching the excellent "Parasite" again and she could have easily managed the part of the poor family's daughter. As to the arty mini-series "Persona" she did this year for Netflix, it hints at a pleasing desire to take chances.
Director Oh Choong Hwan should be applauded for the smooth flow/pacing on display, and the show looks beautiful thanks to the DP. Not quite in the same esteemed league as the lustrous "Mr Sunshine" but lovely nonetheless and ditto for the production design of a hotel which is like a character in the story. And a nod to the music which is very good too.
Gripes ? Well, just a personal preference : since the camera is usually using a long lens in close ups or mid shots, the background is fuzzed out and so the gorgeous hotel and its décor are lost. Yes, I know this tactic ( the so-called "vanity shot" ) is designed to keep the performers front/centre and avoid distractions, but it's a waste here in my view. And.....who or what was in room 404 ? Hmm ? All Mr Gu had to do towards the end is open the door, peek in and say "oh, it's you", then laugh. Or peek, scream and run like hell; an explicit explanation isn't vital. Some closure would've been nice, or did they just forget ?
Anyway, do watch HDL. Put simply, it provides what we all look for : a good story well told. Actually, make that "very" well told.
Wonderful Fantasy Drama!
morebon2 September 2019
Absolutely fabulous fantasy, romance drama! Yeo Jin Goo and UI were exceptional in their performance as Chan Sung and Man Wol! Couple that with the most brilliant cinematography, and you have one of the most beautiful stories ever made! Loved it!
A odd piece of classic cake
seethachymiso21 September 2019
This series for me was really weird. And creepy. I will definitely continue to stream this on my phone but it was a nice change of pace.
The first episode was so mysterious and engaging that I just had to keep on watching. For me, the first four episodes of a k drama you must watch before judging it.
I am still following that rule. IU reminds of Nanno ("Girl From Nowhere) when she plays her role. Just a thought.
Overall though, the romance and effects do play out. Now if I can only get those ads out of the way and look at the drama in peace....
The first episode was so mysterious and engaging that I just had to keep on watching. For me, the first four episodes of a k drama you must watch before judging it.
I am still following that rule. IU reminds of Nanno ("Girl From Nowhere) when she plays her role. Just a thought.
Overall though, the romance and effects do play out. Now if I can only get those ads out of the way and look at the drama in peace....
Too slow for me
ainn_kayzack18 November 2019
I gave this series a try because of the hype and good reviews but I found the plot is painfully slow for me. There are some series that make you eager to watch the next episodes but not this one. I could simply stop watching it in the middle and continue it 2-3 days later.
Absolutely Amazing
imalan-5048410 November 2019
Hauntingly Beautiful Atmosphere With A Bit of a Slow Storyline
fake_moviestar16 July 2020
As another reviewer suggested, this show definitely had a similar vibe to Goblin (which was the reason I decided to watch it tbh), although it wasn't nearly as good. That being said, it was definitely a lovely show, full of symbology and poignant, tear-jerking moments. Wonderful acting accompanied by a fabulous soundtrack definitely made this show shine. The overall story was a little slow, and I think this was one of those shows you watch for the atmosphere rather than an addicting story-line.
Best series of 2019
kinglovesaf18 August 2019
IU is Amazing
AJ_McAninch7 November 2019
Didn't like the show. The cameo was everything.
miaharpr9 September 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I think those who are in the kdrama circle know who the special cameo is at the end, but I don't want to spoil it for anyone else. I watched the entire show for that final 1:15 mins. That part was worth it-the show itself was not.
The good: 1. Visuals- Two great-looking leads and IU's wardrobe deserve praise. 2. Atmosphere-cinematography, soundtrack, eerie/fairy tale feeling. This show definitely had a unique look. 3. The Cameo- I just need to stress this.
The Bad: 1. Story development-if I were to draw a line graph of the plot progression, it would be flat and stagnant. It's not a heavy drama. I don't think it was trying to be; at the same time, it was not engaging to watch because it lacked eventful moments. Almost every episode they show a ghost and the story behind their death. It felt too formulaic, predictable, and honestly...boring. I wanted them to elaborate on IU's story more and her relationship with the male lead. I liked the flashbacks, but the writers didn't utilize them to their full potential. A lot of the script didn't make sense to me. It seemed like they were trying to come up with deep dialogue, but it was sometimes confusing because they kept adding new information about ghosts and the spirit world, so it ended up sounding like they were making everything up as they go with no clear direction. 2. Acting- I love IU and there are moments I find she really understands the characters she plays. She has a subtle way of acting; she acts with her eyes. But for this show, I couldn't connect with her character. Her acting was pretty flat here. She and Yeo Jin Goo were a nice pairing, but they lacked chemistry. I couldn't fall in love with their relationship, and when they said their "I love you"s I couldn't feel it. They seemed more like friends than lovers on the show. 3. Not enough camera time for the cameo.
The good: 1. Visuals- Two great-looking leads and IU's wardrobe deserve praise. 2. Atmosphere-cinematography, soundtrack, eerie/fairy tale feeling. This show definitely had a unique look. 3. The Cameo- I just need to stress this.
The Bad: 1. Story development-if I were to draw a line graph of the plot progression, it would be flat and stagnant. It's not a heavy drama. I don't think it was trying to be; at the same time, it was not engaging to watch because it lacked eventful moments. Almost every episode they show a ghost and the story behind their death. It felt too formulaic, predictable, and honestly...boring. I wanted them to elaborate on IU's story more and her relationship with the male lead. I liked the flashbacks, but the writers didn't utilize them to their full potential. A lot of the script didn't make sense to me. It seemed like they were trying to come up with deep dialogue, but it was sometimes confusing because they kept adding new information about ghosts and the spirit world, so it ended up sounding like they were making everything up as they go with no clear direction. 2. Acting- I love IU and there are moments I find she really understands the characters she plays. She has a subtle way of acting; she acts with her eyes. But for this show, I couldn't connect with her character. Her acting was pretty flat here. She and Yeo Jin Goo were a nice pairing, but they lacked chemistry. I couldn't fall in love with their relationship, and when they said their "I love you"s I couldn't feel it. They seemed more like friends than lovers on the show. 3. Not enough camera time for the cameo.
I don't give out tens that often,
jeremychoojunwei19 September 2019
Warning: Spoilers
But this is one of the few shows I would willingly give a 10/10. Only a few shows I've watched were that good; Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, Avatar, Daredevil, the first season of Stranger Things and of course, Spongebob Squarepants.
Hotel Del Luna joins that niche. It isn't perfect in the same way Breaking Bad is, but the few, minute problems it has are completely outweighed by the overwhelming positives. IU and Yeo Jin Good have phenomenal chemistry and I actually think they work perfectly as a couple rather than friends. The emotional scenes are done perfectly and there's enough supernatural stuff to keep it interesting, aided with the history of Man Wol plot-line that is somehow even more interesting than the ghosts. Every character is insanely likable, to the point where they're Avatar status of likable. Even the side-characters like Sanchez, Detective Park, Mi-Ra, all of them are awesome and fleshed out. My favourite scene especially is when Man Wol meets Detective Park and then it flashbacks to Yeon Woo and his cancer curing smile. My first tears were shed during that scene.
And you get to know the characters so well that it actually hurts to see them leave one by one by the final episode. Mr Kim leaving proudly, Hyun Jong happily reuniting with his sister and Ms Choi leaving free of any resentment.
But of course, the hardest part to watch is Man Wol departing and Chan Seong knowing he will never see again, at least not in his current life. It's incredibly bittersweet to know that's the end for them currently, but many many years down the line, their paths will cross again. The goodbyes aren't even cliche: There are tear, sure, but each party tries their hardest to compose themselves. There's no overlonging goodbye, they just bid farewell and she leaves. One simple hug, not even a kiss. And when they're all seen together in that final scene, it just makes the current ending to Man Wol's story all the more bittersweet.
One last thing: The OST is Godly.
Hotel Del Luna joins that niche. It isn't perfect in the same way Breaking Bad is, but the few, minute problems it has are completely outweighed by the overwhelming positives. IU and Yeo Jin Good have phenomenal chemistry and I actually think they work perfectly as a couple rather than friends. The emotional scenes are done perfectly and there's enough supernatural stuff to keep it interesting, aided with the history of Man Wol plot-line that is somehow even more interesting than the ghosts. Every character is insanely likable, to the point where they're Avatar status of likable. Even the side-characters like Sanchez, Detective Park, Mi-Ra, all of them are awesome and fleshed out. My favourite scene especially is when Man Wol meets Detective Park and then it flashbacks to Yeon Woo and his cancer curing smile. My first tears were shed during that scene.
And you get to know the characters so well that it actually hurts to see them leave one by one by the final episode. Mr Kim leaving proudly, Hyun Jong happily reuniting with his sister and Ms Choi leaving free of any resentment.
But of course, the hardest part to watch is Man Wol departing and Chan Seong knowing he will never see again, at least not in his current life. It's incredibly bittersweet to know that's the end for them currently, but many many years down the line, their paths will cross again. The goodbyes aren't even cliche: There are tear, sure, but each party tries their hardest to compose themselves. There's no overlonging goodbye, they just bid farewell and she leaves. One simple hug, not even a kiss. And when they're all seen together in that final scene, it just makes the current ending to Man Wol's story all the more bittersweet.
One last thing: The OST is Godly.
Best Korean drama i've seen so far.
phoemjaniz18 August 2019
No Korean drama made me so emotional ever, until i found this online. I especially love the soundtrack for this drama, because it suits the theme to the drama. For me personally i think this drama is mixed with every drama genre and i love the cast. I've never been so excited waiting for an episode, suggesting that this is one of the best dramas i've seen.
Why it's a nine
lmerana24 September 2019
Warning: Spoilers
The graphics and costumes are awesome. The soundtrack suited well. The actors are excellent. The plot is unique and creative. So why its a nine for me I had to to really think about it. I felt like there's not much chemistry between two the two leads. IU had great chemistry with the guy from the past better than the main guy considering it only shows as flashbacks. In the ending, it did not give me much of a heartache between those two leads when all the other characters who left made me cry. I thought it would have been better if the guy tried to stop her and tries to fight or wants to join her and at the end he must let go. A little bit of struggle would probably make me feel the intensity of their love for each other and feel their emotions. It was only IU who wants to hold on and the guy did not responded and just cry several hours after. It also don't make sense that they were together in NY maybe in reincarnation whether she remembers him or not. The Goblin ending makes more sense.
So Good!
jasminn_tan24 September 2020
Warning: Spoilers
This was so entertaining and all the actors were phenomenal in this show. This was funny and heartwarming and the romance that developed between Jang Manwol and Gu Chanseong was done at a really nice pace. I cried so much while watching the last few episodes and I'm glad that the characters were given a happy ending after all the hardships they had gone through.
Fizzle ending
Snootz13 September 2021
Without any spoilers... I would have given this series more stars if it had offered a more imaginative and better ending. That was the major flaw of this otherwise well-done series. As it was, they lose stars in this review just for the sloppy ending.
Koreans seem to really know how to tell a story. The characters in this are definitely not 2 dimensional cliche; each offers a major plot element in the story, with several unexpected plot twists. They did really well at keeping the viewer surprised.
Be prepared for some gore-- this is after all a hotel for the dead. Also be aware there are a LOT of Korean spiritual elements in this, including ghosts, eternal souls, and reincarnation. I wouldn't recommend this for children, on several counts. (For one thing, some scenes will likely scare the blazes out of them and give them nightmares.)
This series gets the viewer emotionally involved and holds attention throughout. It's too bad they just left viewers hanging in the last episode. It doesn't exactly make sense and doesn't provide an ending promised by otherwise excellent plot twists. I can think of about half a dozen ways to have ended this-- all better that what they slopped out in the last 10 minutes. (Viewer reviews had the same complaint with Memories of the Alhambra-- a riveting tale that just sort of dropped the ending in the viewer's laps).
I am reminded of the TV series LOST; some people just loved the ending, but the vast majority of viewers hated it. Writers and directors really should work to do a better job of sinking that final putt. If they're going to go to the trouble of making a series this interesting, at least tie up the package properly.
Koreans seem to really know how to tell a story. The characters in this are definitely not 2 dimensional cliche; each offers a major plot element in the story, with several unexpected plot twists. They did really well at keeping the viewer surprised.
Be prepared for some gore-- this is after all a hotel for the dead. Also be aware there are a LOT of Korean spiritual elements in this, including ghosts, eternal souls, and reincarnation. I wouldn't recommend this for children, on several counts. (For one thing, some scenes will likely scare the blazes out of them and give them nightmares.)
This series gets the viewer emotionally involved and holds attention throughout. It's too bad they just left viewers hanging in the last episode. It doesn't exactly make sense and doesn't provide an ending promised by otherwise excellent plot twists. I can think of about half a dozen ways to have ended this-- all better that what they slopped out in the last 10 minutes. (Viewer reviews had the same complaint with Memories of the Alhambra-- a riveting tale that just sort of dropped the ending in the viewer's laps).
I am reminded of the TV series LOST; some people just loved the ending, but the vast majority of viewers hated it. Writers and directors really should work to do a better job of sinking that final putt. If they're going to go to the trouble of making a series this interesting, at least tie up the package properly.
Heart Touching K-Drama of 2019
shubhamkumar-3177419 October 2019
Well i must say that this drama has really touched my heart, i usually don't sad while watching k-drama but this drama or this type of dramas really made me sad (Good kind of sadness). The End was really a new way of journey after a short cameo of Kim Soo-Hyun. All the characters have played their roles very well. Sometimes you laugh sometimes you sad, this is what a good drama must be. Thumbs up to the main characters - IU and Yeo Jin-goo. Sulli's role was also good. This must be the best k-drama of 2019!
Amazing Show with poor/bland ending!!
unrivaledraj24 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This was probably my 25th Korean drama, loved the show throughout 16 episodes and would have easily given it 9, because the acting of lead actors was quite good, the background score was apt, loved every time Done For Me played. The flaws ? Two major ones for me. The romance/passion was completely missing between the leads characters, not because of the actors but because of poor writing. There were some moments and build ups, but it never really turned to it's potential, for a character who has been alive and lonely for 1000+ years, finally falls in love, but that love and passion was never really displayed on screen, and the other one knows that he's gonna lose his love forever pretty soon, yet somehow that doesn't really come up on screen. Again poor writing and not because of actors. Their chemistry portrayed was more like friends and not like lovers, and that was a real bummer.
Second major flaw. The ending. It's not much of an interesting end, if you're clearly told that this is what and how is suppose to happen to our leading lady in the very first episode and that is exactly how it goes down in the 16th episode. You expect some twists and turns, I don't mind a sad ending, that two lovers couldn't be together. But the end was really dull without a single turn of events in any way. And also very abrupt. The leading lady dies and the guy just packs his bags to leave for NY. That was extremely dull and abrupt.
Second major flaw. The ending. It's not much of an interesting end, if you're clearly told that this is what and how is suppose to happen to our leading lady in the very first episode and that is exactly how it goes down in the 16th episode. You expect some twists and turns, I don't mind a sad ending, that two lovers couldn't be together. But the end was really dull without a single turn of events in any way. And also very abrupt. The leading lady dies and the guy just packs his bags to leave for NY. That was extremely dull and abrupt.
A must watch for 2019 Kdrama
stsou1285 September 2019
Beautiful scenes but a bit slow and storyline could be better
irushdi15 August 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I enjoyed the series, with good actors and beautiful scenes. However, at times the scenes dragged on a little bit and I found it a bit slow. Also, I was really sad for her first love. The misunderstood lover who kept an watch over her for so many years and put a curse on himself. I wish she would go with him at the end and her new love would take over the hotel. That would have been a perfect ending for me.
A great opportunity wasted
Stinkerspotter24 September 2019
Hotel Del Luna is a show that borrows well-known elements from most genres out there yet manages to fizzle out into nothing.
Now, don't get me wrong the show has its positives. For one, the sets and costumes are beautiful. The CGI is for the most part impressive considering this is a TV-show and not a movie, although I suspect they had quite the budget to work with. Music is another aspect where this series delivers even though some songs were overused the soundtrack alone saved many scenes, especially towards the end when emotional impact was lacking otherwise. As for acting, the only one who had anything at all to work with was IU and she delivered.
Unfortunately, this is where everything gets stinky. The writing is just bad. Yeo Jin Goo's character is reduced early on to solely being the love interest and the show suffers because of that. The few times the script allowed him to show emotion there are glimpses of what could have been of his character. Side-characters are nothing more than comic relief or hollow emotional impact, except for their 20-minute individual story, all hurridly concluded in the final episode mind you. Plot elements are introduced in the final episode in an attempt to make the foreshadowed ending seem more poignant than it is, but ultimately only takes away from the little that had already been established. I could go on and on but it is such a waste since the first few episodes where promising and then it completely stumbles and falls less than halfway in.
The direction was okay. There were loads of reused compositions and camera angles which quickly became tedious and did the stunning sets no favors. This was particularly the case inside the hotel and around the "tunnel"-part.
In my opinion, the show had its best moments when it deviated from the main story and dealt with the "hotel cases". These were often concluded in the same episode and managed to subtly touch upon various topics. But overall this was a huge letdown.
Now, don't get me wrong the show has its positives. For one, the sets and costumes are beautiful. The CGI is for the most part impressive considering this is a TV-show and not a movie, although I suspect they had quite the budget to work with. Music is another aspect where this series delivers even though some songs were overused the soundtrack alone saved many scenes, especially towards the end when emotional impact was lacking otherwise. As for acting, the only one who had anything at all to work with was IU and she delivered.
Unfortunately, this is where everything gets stinky. The writing is just bad. Yeo Jin Goo's character is reduced early on to solely being the love interest and the show suffers because of that. The few times the script allowed him to show emotion there are glimpses of what could have been of his character. Side-characters are nothing more than comic relief or hollow emotional impact, except for their 20-minute individual story, all hurridly concluded in the final episode mind you. Plot elements are introduced in the final episode in an attempt to make the foreshadowed ending seem more poignant than it is, but ultimately only takes away from the little that had already been established. I could go on and on but it is such a waste since the first few episodes where promising and then it completely stumbles and falls less than halfway in.
The direction was okay. There were loads of reused compositions and camera angles which quickly became tedious and did the stunning sets no favors. This was particularly the case inside the hotel and around the "tunnel"-part.
In my opinion, the show had its best moments when it deviated from the main story and dealt with the "hotel cases". These were often concluded in the same episode and managed to subtly touch upon various topics. But overall this was a huge letdown.
I feel sorry for the firefly
alaningle727 July 2020
Ji-eun Lee has run the Hotel De Luna for over 1000 years, the customers are troubled ghosts who need to resolve their issues from life before they can pass over. Jin-gu Yeo is an ambitious manager at a top hotel but due to a promise his father has made has to work for Ji-eun. The story is well directed and the flashback scenes about how Ji-eun is being punished for her past deeds are paced perfectly. She looks stunning in every shot and a lot of thought has gone into her costume and jewellery. She starts as a shallow ruthless character but due to her interaction with her new manager starts to soften. The ghosts are sometimes quite scary and the side story of those and also the backgrounds of the other staff fill the episodes. The main story is still the relationship of the Manager and Owner of Hotel De Luna and will the end be happy or sad. Very enjoyable with excellent performances by the cast.
stunning
spiderdib28 June 2020
After seeing Goblin I hesitated to find something of the genre that I liked the same but without a doubt this made me doubt a lot, I loved it too much, it is fun but very emotional, visually it is even more beautiful and I fell in love with Yeo Jin-Goo so they bought me .
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