Move to Heaven (2021) User Reviews

Such touching stories and beautiful storytelling!

[minoom-69729 · 10/10 · 16 May 2021]

As someone else commented , this is a class act production/acting & one of the best in Kdrama series.

This show is so unique, beautiful, touching, emotional, gentle, gut-wrenching and humanizing from beginning to the end. Episode 9, especially, really got to me and you know what I mean when you watch it and I hope that you do.

When Kdramas are good, they are really good better than many US/international shows out there and thankfully their TV series are not always full of violence, gore, sex scenes or bad language. The good ones are just all about true storytelling and always thought provoking.

I hope that there will be a 2nd season. This show deserves one.

Tears Wont Stop

[mencygrande · 10/10 · 20 May 2021]

There's not a single episode where I didn't cry, I love all of the deceased back stories and the acting of the two main leads is incredible. The script is one of the best I've seen this year! Definitely Worth Watching!

Compassionate and Touching Series

[AJ_McAninch · 9/10 · 17 May 2021]

A tender and deeply moving series with a terrific cast, director, and writer. One of SK's best.

Move to Heaven: an Excellent Job!

[drsearch · 10/10 · 16 May 2021]

Netflix's Move to Heaven is an unexpected gem, one of the best dramas produced from South-Korea, told in a realistic and wonderful way, unique and very original Korean drama, and will truly appeal to a global audience.

Originality, sincerity and universal values are what makes Korean dramas produced by Netflix stand out compared to the regular Korean dramas which are still very catered to the local audience. From Kingdom, to Love Alarm, to Sweet Home and now Move to Heaven. All amazing pieces of art that are unique and very original.

The story centers around trauma cleaners, who are people who clean up and move stuff of the deceased. This explains the title of this drama: Move to Heaven. It is also the name of their company. In 10 episodes we see multiple story arcs evolving, including those of the main characters Han Geu-ru played amazingly by Tang Jun-sang and his uncle Cho Sang-gu. We see very relevant social themes being addressed by the trauma cleaners, all in a very sincere, realistic and emotional way. Keep your tissue box ready though!

A special shout-out to Tang Jun-sang for his epic performance and realistic portrayal of the Asperger syndrome and for connecting the different story lines. His character is smart, remembers everything, connects the dots, and speaks like a robot. It is something that viewers will not easily forget.

Han Geu-ru was told to tell himself every day in the mirror that he did an excellent job. I can only agree, and would like to extend this to the whole show. You did an excellent job!

Like a Yellow Box, All of the Important and Beautiful Elements Can Be Found in this Series!

[spasek · 10/10 · 10 June 2021]

"Move to Heaven" is a little gem of a series that is fulfilling and uplifting in its short 10-episode story arc. The show is like a yellow box that has all of the important things in it, leaving nothing out, and putting no extraneous or unnecessary plot devices into it.

The story is about trauma cleaners. Don't know what trauma cleaners are? Neither did I until I watched the show. Trauma cleaners are hired to go into a deceased's dwelling and clean it. Sometimes, it is not very glamorous, especially if the body of the deceased has been there for an extended period of time. But the key element of the job is to collect those important and necessary items that the deceased has left behind and give them to a relative or someone who was important to the person who died.

Han Geu-ru--who is masterfully portrayed by Tang Joon-Sang and should win every actor award that he's nominated for--is a 20-year-old boy with Asperger's Syndrome who is gifted with unique and special insight. Not only is he able to remember anything with a momentary glance, he is able to piece things together in order to learn more about the person who died. Of course, Geu-ru's world is strictly ordered, and any deviation from that order brings him into hysterics.

After his father suddenly dies from a heart condition, Geu-ru is put into trial custody under his uncle, Cho Sang-Gu, a man who's just gotten out of prison and is an ex-MMA fighter. Cho Sang-Gu is rough around the edges, to say the least, and the last thing he is initially interested in, is taking care of a nephew he doesn't give a hoot about from a brother he hated and despised. Part of the beauty of the story is in how these two grow closer together.

Move to Heaven reminds me a little bit of "Highway to Heaven." It seems like the kind of show Michael Landon would have done. The show runs much deeper than two men packing up items. In each episode, we learn how the deceased lived. There are some truly though-provoking stories of people--who may seem unremarkable--but end up being remarkable in their own, unique ways, that in real life, might not garner much attention. But we quickly learn the invaluable truth" Every life is precious. And every life has a story to tell.

Don't be surprised if a number of episodes has you reaching for a tissue or a hanky. There are many beautiful moments that will have you doing just that!

The story implores people to think about how they treat others. To think about what is really important. We see our share of greedy, selfish, and vindictive people who clearly don't give a hoot about their fellow man. Even when that fellow man is a relative. The story begs us to prioritize and remember, not only WHAT is really important in life, but WHO!

I was more than happy to see that the writers seemed to leave the door open for a second season. Ten episodes went by a little too quickly for me. But it's also a series that I loved so much that it invites repeated viewings.

In short, the world desperately needs more shows like this one!

One job, million stories

[khaleesislegacy · 10/10 · 16 May 2021]

This remind me of Midnight Diner, if the Master listened to his customer's stories. Move to Heaven try to listen what the deceased through their belongings and it is sooo beautiful. It's another level of family drama and it tells a story that a child with disability like asperger syndrome, can fit in in the society with the right cognitive taught and love. I loveeee this series and finished overnight, I need more stories like this. The acting, the set, the plot, the vibe all perfect💛✨

Best in Class KDrama

[angeloavendano · 10/10 · 16 May 2021]

One of, if not the best kdrama I've watched. Wonderful writing, acting, directing, editing, cinematography, casting -- but most of all beautiful stories told and characters molded in little time (relatively shorter than most kdramas).

Shows the beauty, the good, and the love behind every person and will have us second-guessing and postponing our prejudice.

Wonderful use of Trauma Cleaning and Asperger's Syndrome as a plot.

Much of the storyline has been resolved by the end of the season so I'm not looking forward to a second but they have good foundations in characters and framework unlike most kdramas so I think there's potential.

First Rate Series

[steve-butten · 9/10 · 21 May 2021]

I was taken with this series from episode one. It was clear that the part of Han Geu-ru was not an easy one to play but Tang Joon-Sang does admirably. Korean dramas are quite fond of leading characters on the autism spectrum: The Good Doctor, Alice (Joo Won in both cases) and now this. No love story here to speak of for a nice change but a series of stories created by a former trauma cleaner. There is a sub plot but the main thrust of each story is the cleanup following traumatic death and those that do it. Each vignette has quite the powerful message conveyed through the fearsome logic of a 20 year-old Man born with Asbergers Syndrome. Get-ru's uncle moves in as his guardian following the death of the father. Together they run Move To Heaven and each story follows a traumatic death. On a personal note episode 5 following a rare gay love story for Korea had me in floods of tears, but all episodes are quite affecting.

Incredibly Good, Touching Drama!

[ecatalan98 · 10/10 · 31 May 2021]

South Korea has been known to make some incredible movies for many years. This is the "first" South Korean series I've ever watched (my wife and kids wanted to see it so I "had" to oblige).

Despite not being a choice I made, I was completely stunned by the level of quality this series offers: Top notch acting, incredible, touching stories and an incredible character arch development. I can easily say that when I watch quality stuff like this, I hardly miss the expensive special effects and over-the-topness of some "current" series, specially American produced ones. Not that it a bad thing, but it shows how a greatly written show can be made successful without showing budget muscle. Still, this ISN'T a low budget affair: the camera work is incredible, the shots, the cinematography, the music, the acting. Like most modern series, this looks more like a movie than a TV show.

No spoilers this time, you have to see, "Move To Heaven". Some might find it a bit corny... probably those looking for a more action oriented series, but the little action sequences here are incredibly filmed and will come as an unexpected surprise to some.

10 out of 10. Yeah, it is THAT good!

A touching drama criticizing society in the most beautiful way

[reeyamehta · 16 May 2021]

This was an emotional ride with every singel emotion known ... I have probably cried every singel type of tear i know of.... so to say I was touched is an understatement.

This drama also taught me that even dead people communicate, we just have to listen and observe the objects they leave behind and that as long as some one is in your memory you will never be alone... kind of creepy but sweet and comforting.

Sad stories Great spirit

[ks-60500 · 6/10 · 23 May 2021]

Life is comprise of many regrets but a matter of fact we need to learn to minimize the regret in our life. Learn to cherish the things you have and treat your healthy normal life as a plus vs many unfortunate ones. Seldom watch drama series but this one makes me cannot resist.

Best Korean Drama of 2021!!

[shashaoxo · 10/10 · 18 May 2021]

Please, please, please give Move To Heaven a chance. It is most definitely my top favorite K-drama of 2021. The cast simply did a fantastic job playing their respective roles and told the overall plot/story so beautifully. Loved how every episode had a different tale of the deceased talked about. I cried a ton so have tissues near and handy. Tang Joon Sang is not on the spectrum and is much younger in real life but embodied Geu Ru so well. As someone who is autistic, he played the role of someone who truly had this disability very realistically. Also, just because someone has a disability does not mean they can't do things. Anyone is capable of anything they want to do when one simply has the goal and motivation to. After this drama, he is going to get bigger roles because of taking the chance with this one. I'm looking forward to his next role. Lee Jee Hoon is so very TALENTED and I highly recommend you watch his recently aired drama Taxi Driver because that's where I first discovered him and was swooned by his acting! Anyways, please watch this drama because you will not regret it!!

Interesting plot, but not appealing enough for me to binge-watch

[celinepu · 7/10 · 9 August 2021]

I like how this drama explores different social issues- it makes me more aware of them. From the abandonment of old people, LGBT to problems with overseas adoption, I've gained different perspectives after watching this drama.

Lee Je-hoon's role is sexy, an outwardly cold man who is involved in illegal boxing, but has a soft side (though he likes to deny it). Tang Joon-sang plays his role well too. His acting as a mentally disabled kid seems natural. I enjoy watching the growth of the characters.

However, the pace is sometimes too slow for me. I don't have the urge to keep watching the drama. Maybe the genre is not my type. I even wonder why are there still so many episodes left. So if there are many episodes of this instead of only 10, I might gave up.

Glaring plot holes

[newkrejados · 5/10 · 12 July 2021]

This could have been so much better but for the glaring inconsistencies like, how, in that climactic scene, he finds his dad's phone in the uniform pocket - with the battery still charged? What about mom's birth and death dates?

What happened to the fight organiser? (That would have been a fascinating story line to explore... what made her so evil and why was she under pressure?) Who was the girl in the final scene?

Argh! So many questions!

It's a 5-star only because of the premise. This series lacks the attention to detail and careful crafting of non-flix kdramas.

Very touchy

[mollicadavide · 10/10 · 4 June 2021]

So touchy that I cry every episode.

I loved the story of each single episode .

Is very emotional and deep.

Wonderful and the best show out of Korea to date...

[drew_cmh · 10/10 · 28 January 2022]

Those that haven't experience trauma or loss, or have no patience or introspection; just don't watch. Watch 1 episode, say it was boring and leave your 5-6 rating...

For the rest of humanity, this is a beautiful story. If you have any feelings at all, be prepared to pause and cry. The occasional overacting and goofy translation, deal with it and ignore as there are so many amazing performances here and some really funny moments too.

One of the best shows on Netflix without a doubt. The best thing I've ever seen come out of Korea, absolutely. I can't recommend this show enough.

Heart Touching

[IPyaarCinema · 10/10 · 18 September 2021]

Review By Kamal K

The series is all about emotions and feelings, especially, empathy towards the deceased who are no more in the world yet they have left their own messages to their loved once. The only thing we need to look for their message is by having empathy and the power to look through bits and pieces of their belongings. This series will make you respect the "Trauma Cleaners" which is a designation that I didn't know existed until this series. I have built a huge respect for them. Whoever is reading my review, get ready to cry your heart out because the story is so heart touching. You just can't resist from crying. The structure of story-telling was great, simple yet grandeur. The editing was amazing, CGs were top-notch, the effects were beautiful and last but not the least, the actors/cast, they were all amazing in acting and made me feel like I am one of the characters in the story. All in all, I believe everyone in the world should watch this series to develop their empathy and to understand and have compassion towards each other. It is a very good lesson for all the human beings to never give up on your life because there's nothing more precious than a human life.

Starts from attentiveness

[detail-98357 · 8/10 · 28 May 2021]

To better understand a person is not easy. What we see is often not what is real. Look hard, look with attentiveness, look with good will, and we are able to share other's real self.

Absolutely beautiful!!

[ginahiza · 10/10 · 17 May 2021]

The story telling and writing in this programme is unbelievably amazing and realistic. The characters are fantastically written and acted out beautifully by the actors. I love this programme! I don't wanna give much away but even if you're not into Korean programmes it's the kind of programme you have to watch at least once in your life time!! I cried EVERY single episode as the characters were so easy to get attached too. Shout out to the actor who played the guy with alsperger's syndrome, he did a great job! The actor for the uncle did great too! All the actors did! I'm so glad I watched this, it was truly beautiful! I won't be able to get over this for weeks.

With an Unique concept

[itsgcelt · 8/10 · 17 May 2021]

U must watch this series due to the story telling way of this it. Many stories are scattered but coupled perfectly by the flow of the series.

Giving rating 8 and deducting 2 points due to some end episodes. It could have more perfect as from starting it set that much of high expectations.

I have autistic

[bernardogoncalvespereira · 20 October 2021]

Other kids have autistic that they have problems with their families even that they love you they'll always respect as family. But even they see you as different but is good will always be different because that's good.

Beautiful and Moving. But....

[d3193 · 7/10 · 28 May 2021]

This is a clever concept, Here are many moving stories, beautifully photographed, and the series is almost excellent. But it is spoiled by some over-acting. I know that this is common in many Asian movies, and is widely accepted, but does not have to be the case. Look at the success of recent Korean movies which have won acting awards.. In this case, a little holding back, "being" the character instead of "acting" the character would have added two more stars.

I understand that this series is made for Koreans and I can be accused of cultural elitism, but the fact is that it is being distributed world-wide on Netflix, where we are now regularly exposed to films and TV series from around the world. Standards are very high.

Despite my reservations, I intend to watch all episodes.

Edit: Maybe a little unfair. There are some fine performances here also. Geu Ru's father, Yoon Na Mu's father, the tailor - are all good and believable Sorry I cannot find the names of these actors.

The talking dead

[alaningle7 · 8/10 · 18 May 2021]

A young man with Aspergers works for his father at a company called move to heaven which clears the properties of recently deceased people. When tragedy strikes his step brother becomes involved in the company and he is not the caring or compassionate type but over time will he view things differently. Each episode deals with the death of an individual and looks back at their lives and how the young man with aspergers can see the things other people miss relating to their deaths. A predictable series but because of the quality of the acting and script it draws you in and each death usually means a heartbreaking look at the final days of a person and the struggles before they pass away.

Can't say watch twice

[mungunbayarbatbayar · 7/10 · 17 October 2021]

Expectation was high maybe it's because of after watched great tv shows. Just watched first 4 eps. Not too good so, decided to move on next tv series. Not bad, but little bit longy and not richful with fun parts or adrenalinely rush parts etc.

A hole in the water

[Mr_Avenger · 1/10 · 24 January 2022]

I was really waiting a lot of from this drama. But it was just waste of time. The storyline wasn't focus on the relationship between the uncle and the child (which has perspectives to be better) and the plot was really predictable and sometimes boring. Also, after seeing the great performance of Oh Jeong-Se ,as Moon Sang Tae, in the kdrama "It's okay ,not to be okay", playing the autistic , Tang Joon-sang as Geu Ru in the drama "Move to Heaven" seems to be so bad acting. Moreover, all the supporting roles was just unnecessary as well as the first half of episodes with the stories of the customers which was so boring.

The worst is that the high moment,the finale was so bad and I caught myself thinking "what the h@ll was that?"