Once Upon a Boyhood (2023– ) User Reviews

Nostalgic bullying

[dumsumdumfai · 8/10 · 1 March 2024]

The ending works and in a way, its logical but a little too serious. I would have thought more silliness might have been more appropriate, although unrealistic.

All this because the opening is all caricature. The whole story is straight forward and needs to. Works well that way. The main events, encounters storylines, all seems universal. For around that era that is. Teens today may not be able to relate.

The inclusion of the 2 female lead is very clever yet obvious. It's a balancing act. Also the betrayal of first love. Or idealism vs reality.

The side kick of the main lead is hilarious. Not alot of screen time but steals the scene every time. I would have like more side stories of the underdog group too.

It is a feel good story until it isn't.

Emotional rollercoaster

[paolocammelli · 8/10 · 16 February 2024]

I'll be forever amazed to see how a coming of age kdrama-comedy can easily turn to be a deep drama from one episode to the other. I think this is a characteristic of the seriality made in Korea to have a fluctuating variation of styles within the same season. Probably Hollywood accustomed us viewers to hiper standardized products which, like apples at the supermarket, must be predictable and always maintain the product boundaries of "what's stated in the labels". I'm wondering if this is one of the reasons why K-series are becoming so popular around the world. Probably yes. Well very enjoyable, ultra violence and revenge story at its finest.

This is crazy fun :)

[ikykiky · 10/10 · 10 December 2023]

It is super fun,never dull.every single character is well written and I am eager to know more about all of them.

I don t think you have to be a K Drama fan to watch this , I beleive in puberty we are all silly and awkward wherever we might be,so this story is speaking to all of us :) If you are K Drama fan then I can say that it has similiar vibe to Reply 1988 , and the it gives away the same warmth.

I am really enjoying it so far, and if anyone is deciding shoud they watch it or no,please give it a try you will not regret it for sure. The whole cast is giving amazing performance ,hopefully they will all get many many rewards :D <3.

What a gem

[MrsB_Flo · 10/10 · 24 December 2023]

I've never been one to write reviews, but I feel like I need to make an exception for this one because of its annoyingly underwhelming ratings.

If you're one to embrace good TV series from any part of the world, then you'd find this show one of the best series of this year. Everything about it is just so good and well-thought, from its stellar cast, great storyline and top-notch cinematography to superb writing and well-paced episodes.

I came across Boyhood by chance and watched it without any expectations but boy oh boy I'm so glad I did. The premise of the show is pretty simple - a typical underdog story, a protagonist who thrives because of his long-time hardships and comes out as a hero. But the journey to reach that point is one that will take you on an exhilarating roller coaster ride of emotions.

Every episode is necessary - well-directed and well-written, no fillers in between. The director and writers really knew what they wanted to achieve in every episode, every scene and every dialogue, extracting exactly the kind of reaction and emotion they wanted to get from the audience. Some episodes got me laughing from start to finish, other episodes got me bawling my eyes out or gripping the edge of my seat. Some are even too painful and stressful to watch but they are necessary for the lead's character arc.

Even though all of the cast delivered amazing acting, Yim Si Wan truly is the star of the show. His performance is so genuine and convincing, I can feel his pain, his dilemma and his constant struggle to escape the "hell" he lives in. When he made stupid mistakes and even more stupid decisions, he got me so frustrated but yet, I can understand where he's coming from so I can't help but keep rooting for him.

At first glance, you might think it's a predictable story - and in a sense it is, we all can guess how it pans out, but what Boyhood did differently is the show cleverly put some twists and turns in places you didn't expect to keep you guessing. Adding to that the brilliant cinematography, colors, camera angle and editing, I had a really fun and joyful experience watching this show - something I haven't been able to experience for a while.

The only downside I found about the show is I think it could've been longer - more like 12 episodes instead of 10 to give more time for the redemption arc of the lead character and wrap up the side characters ending more nicely. But even so, it's given me way more than most series I've watched this year so can't complain. If you're not Asian or not familiar with Asian culture, you might not relate or even despise some of the portrayals in the series, but if you're open to seeing other cultures from a different part of the world then definitely give yourself a favor and watch this. Seriously, it deserves a higher rating and more traction than this.

the best

[etharahmed-34248 · 10/10 · 24 December 2023]

I am from Saudi Arabia🇸🇦. I want to write my admiration for this series. It was really wonderful and meaningful. I enjoyed watching it very much. I would like it to win the grand prize because it is truly amazing. Thank you very much for the beautiful crew and the hero, Yim Siwang. It was amazing. I will miss it very much and I want another season 😔 I am happy to watch such a story.

I am happy to watch such a story, no matter how I describe my happiness, I will not give it justice. I hope the hero wins the daesang Thank you so much, the best drama 👍🏻so perfect and funny and warm thank you again 💜

One of the best Kdrama of 2023.

[rictae · 10/10 · 22 December 2023]

Everything about this drama is top notch. From the acting, to the characters, to the plot. Just everything is brilliantly executed. This was my first time watching Im Siwan in a comic role, and as usual he did not disappoint.

I'm not someone who writes reviews. I like to be the reader instead, but this drama impressed me so much that I just had to share a few words.

Not a single episode of this drama was boring. Infact I binged it one go. Something that hadn't done in a long while.

It just bugged me a little, that there wasn't enough talk about this drama. So I decided to help promote it a little by writing this review. If you're skeptical about trying this drama, then just take my words for it and don't hesitate. You won't regret it.

An absolutely beautiful and memorable watch !!!!

[namishaverma-79707 · 10/10 · 4 February 2024]

I am usually not the kind to watch shows with violence and a lot of crime BUT this show was something else !!!! For me it was easily one of the best shows of January 2024. It was funny , cute , even the fighting scenes were funny , it was heartwarming and so so so beautifully portrayed the struggles of those who are bullied at school. IM SIWAN's acting was 100000/10 , so GOOD it made me cry , laugh and fall in love with him !!!! The supporting cast was equally excellent. Each and every episode was interesting with no filler scenes, hardly any predictable plots and a good dose of romance with action. If you love a FL who can fight well and a toral inspirational ML then this series is for you !!! The story surprises you at every turn and makes you want to binge the whole show in a day.

I honestly hope this show gets the appreciation it deserves. It's a GEM in terms of story , acting, direction and casting. And I am so happpy i did not miss the chance to enjoy it.

One of the best K-drama i've watched

[AmeenKi · 10/10 · 27 December 2023]

This series is astonishing and the simplicity is the key. Most of the characters including the hero are dim witted but that's what's cute about them their naivety and innocince it shows you the youth and it's adventures and difficulties from making frendships, getting into trouble, and falling in love. You're only gonna feel warmth watching this series espically with the time period and the settings it's set in a rural village in 1989 so that means no internet, no phones. What i really loved about the series is that it can make you laugh and even cry without it trying too hard. Also the show is made up of only 10 episode so it's a nice short watch that'll be worth your time. In the end, watching it I laughed so hard at times, my eyes filled up with tears at times, i got excited at times, i love this show.

Brilliant :)

[adrithasage · 9/10 · 25 December 2023]

Why the low rating on this gem? Honestly I'm surprised considering the reviews on here are all 10s. Surely we can't be delusional right? Well don't believe our scores simply just go watch this and you will not regret it.

Watch it for the cinematography which is just breathtaking to say the least. This is your typical underdog story so you know what to expect. The kid who is bullied and finally decides to stand up for himself and others like him. It's also about finding yourself when you think and feel all hope is gone and lost. The story is straight forward nothing overly complicated. You will laugh ad smile a lot whilst watching this but you will definitely find yourself shedding a tear or two.

Yim Si-wan is the lead and oh boy! He is simply brilliant in this. I have watched him in a few K-dramas now and each time I see him he leaves me wanting more. He is so diverse in a every role he plays but on Boyhood he just takes it to a whole new level.

I feel 10 episodes does it a lot of justice as most Korean shows overplay their hand and lose substance when they have filler episodes. But Boyhood moves at a fast controlled pace and you enjoy each episode that it almost ends with you still wanting more which is always a good sign.

No boring episodes

[pttknalmasprdo · 10/10 · 28 April 2024]

"Boyhood" is a hidden gem that deserves more recognition. The cast, especially IM SI WAN, delivers exceptional performances, and the story captivates with its consistently engaging plot, effortlessly weaving together moments of joy, pain, and self-discovery. The vintage or retro setting adds to its charm, and the ending authentically portrays the behaviors of boys at that age. Each episode is a compelling chapter in the lives of these boys, filled with humor, drama, and moments of profound insight. Overall, "Boyhood" is a must-watch and earns a spot on any top KDrama recommendation list. This series is a true gem that deserves to be cherished and celebrated..........,