‘'Call It Love' is a Disney+ original Korean drama that aired in 2023. It garnered attention for its unique emotional arc and delicate directing. Beyond simple romance, the work is considered a healing drama that explores the healing and growth of human relationships. In this article, I'll share my personal review of "Say It's Love" and discuss its directorial excellence, including its mise-en-scène, background score, and camera work.
Review: The Charm of ‘Call It Love’
"Call It Love" resonates beyond a simple romantic drama. The characters calmly yet authentically express the emotions of love, loss, forgiveness, and recovery. In particular, the relationship between the main characters, Shim Woo-joo (played by Lee Sung-kyung) and Han Dong-jin (played by Kim Young-kwang), unfolds in a complex flow that transcends the typical emotional narrative, evoking a realistic and relatable connection. This drama stands out for its emotionally focused narrative, expressing emotions through gaze and actions rather than words. The characters' repressed emotions and cautiously expressing their feelings are deeply realistic. This may not appeal to viewers who prefer fast-paced action. The lyrical, somewhat slow-paced narrative may feel a bit tedious, but once you're immersed in the story, it's a more moving drama than any other. The slow yet gentle emotional penetration allows viewers to project their own experiences and emotions. Furthermore, the restrained dialogue and strong atmosphere-driven directing keep viewers engaged. While there are scenes of intense emotion, the majority of the story is structured in a quiet, ripple-like manner. This allows for a deeper immersion. In "Call It Love," not only the story but also the acting completes the drama's atmosphere. Lee Sung-kyung and Kim Young-kwang's delicate performances convey the inner workings of their characters, touching viewers' hearts. Not only the main characters, but also the supporting actors, maximize immersion with their calm yet detailed performances. The scenes where the main characters, who meet in the name of revenge and their enemies, fall in love, their emotional arcs intersect, and they gradually grow closer go beyond romance to become a process of healing each other's wounds. This drama goes beyond simple excitement, seriously addressing the theme of "recovery of relationships."
Mise-en-scène and color: screens imbued with emotion
The most striking elements of "Call It Love"'s production are its mise-en-scène and color palette. The overall tone-down and soft lighting are characteristic, intertwining well with the characters' inner worlds to emphasize their profound emotions. As the drama prioritizes emotional development, visual techniques are also employed to metaphorically convey the characters' emotions. For example, scenes where the protagonist is alone are shot with ample space, visually expressing loneliness and isolation. Conversely, moments where emotions gradually open up are captured with warm colors and narrow compositions to reinforce a sense of intimacy. This meticulous mise-en-scène strengthens the emotional connection between the characters and the viewer. Furthermore, the changing seasons are subtly reflected throughout the drama. These changes connect with the characters' inner transformations, symbolizing hope in spring and pain in winter, allowing for a deeper interpretation of the story. "Call It Love" demonstrates its mastery of using visual elements to convey emotion.
Background Music and Camera Work: The Tuner of Emotional Development
The music in this drama is remarkably restrained, following the emotions rather than pushing them forward. The background music, appearing only when necessary, emphasizes the emotions of the scene while avoiding overly emotional ones. This is a key aspect of the directing, helping viewers naturally immerse themselves rather than forcing emotions. The OST, comprised of songs with a warm and simple sensibility, plays an excellent role in supporting the drama's atmosphere. The main theme, in particular, has a repetitive melody that builds emotional intensity. This organic connection between the music and the emotions of the scene deepens the narrative. The camera work is also meticulous. Close-ups of individual characters' expressions are used to maximize emotion, while distant shots express a sense of isolation. The camera movements are very static, smoothly following the emotions without abrupt transitions. This directing plays a crucial role in maintaining the overall mood of the drama.
"Call It Love" is a poetic drama. It portrays the characters' wounds and recovery through the quiet flow of emotions rather than through passionate events, leaving a deeply moving impression without a flashy plot. It's not particularly stimulating or fast-paced, so some may like it or dislike it, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Of the over 300 dramas I've watched, this one ranks in my top 10. Having been on the directing team myself, I can confidently say how excellent the direction was. It's a drama that possesses the perfect balance of a touching story, delicate direction, and high-quality acting. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a quiet, soothing experience.
