SaraaReviews: When the Camellia Blooms

The third #saraareviews returns with another highly rated Kdrama released back in 2019 that has earned the hearts of viewers with its captivating story and a total of 12 awards including Best Writer (Im Sang Choon). Due to their excellent performance in this drama, Gong Hyo-Jin earned her first ever Daesang (Grand Prize) while Kang Ha-Neul the Top Excellence Actor (Male). 

Now do I have your attention to convince you to watch this drama? 

No really, you shouldn't miss this one. I personally think this is a good drama to watch regardless of the genre you may prefer, and one that will let you experience the roller coaster of emotions. 

As usual, this is my share my bits and pieces of this drama that I absolutely adore and don't mind watching it again. Spoiler ahead! (You've been warned.)

When the Camellia Blooms (동백꽃 필 무렵)

Rating: 9.0 (I'd definitely rewatch again!)
Genre: Romantic Comedy and Thriller
Release Date: September to November 2019

Synopsis 

The story of Oh Dong-Baek started in Ongsan, a single mother who opens a bar called Camellia. A story of a single mom was the talk of the town up until six years later when Yong-sik returned from Seoul. He fell in love with Dong-Baek at first sight and declared his love for her. Yong-Sik remained persistent in courting Dong-Baek even when his mother opposes it. 

Meanwhile, the serial killings that stopped 5 years ago resumes its rampage and claiming that Dong-Baek is his next victim. Watch how Yong-Sik fiercely protects Dong-Baek at all costs as a passionate policeman and in saving his love of his life.

Favorite Highlights

Episode 21 to 22: The Hero Appears at the Last Minute. 
It was during the baseball game where Pil-Gu fought with Hyung-Joon (the team's pitcher). It was clearly an unfair game when Pil-Gu falls while trying to hit the next ball. to apologize. Yong-Sik walked in with his drone and immediately smacked the other kids' head in revenge for Pil-Gu. He proceeded to nag at the other kid, fighting for Pil-Gu's justice. The best part was that he admitted that Pil-Gu was his kid and continues to bicker with the other team's coach/dad.

It all boils down to the decision to call the police and he happily shouted "I'm right here! I'm a police officer!". He threatened to bring the evidence back to the police station and charge them with child abuse. I loved the line when he said "If your kid is that precious to you, other people's kids are precious too. How dare you hit my kid's head?" At one corner, you can just see how happy and proud Dong-Baek is of the boys.



Episode 35 and 36: Life of an 8-year-old.
This episodes brings the attention to Pil-Gu, an eight-year old who is sandwiched between two divorced parents - where one is happily remarried while the other is in love. He made the choice to move in with his dad as he is the well off parent that could send Pil-Gu to study abroad someday. Pil-Gu left without a hug and begin sobbing in the car. Clearly we all know the reason why he made the decision to move in with his dad when he said "If I'm going to be anyone's burden, it'll be better to be yours". This shows how considerate and matured this little boy is. (There's another iconic line by Pil-Gu during this scene that I'm sure will make you cry even harder.)

When Dong-Baek asks Yong-Sik to meet at a place when she first fell in love with him, the train station. This is the part when she was supposed to break up with Yong-Sik because she felt like a bad mother to his own son, Pil-Gu after sending him to stay with his dad. She just started crying as worried Yong-Sik looks at her "My gosh, who dumps someone and cries like a baby at the same time?".



Episode 29 and 30: Mother.
I love how the drama dedicated the episodes to portray the unconditional love that all mothers have for their children and how these mothers who will do anything for their kids. Despite her act of Alzheimer's and of how she secretly gotten Dong-Baek's fingerprint on the insurance policy, it was clear that her mother's intention of returning was never about wanting Dong-Bark's the kidney. It was to make Dong-Baek the beneficiary, to make up for not being able to buy food for Dong-Baek for the last 20 years.

Episode 39 to 40: Do Miracles Happen? - It was heartbreaking to see Dong-Baek sitting alone in the waiting room. At a corner, you see Yong-Sik standing still afraid to come near her, fearing that it will upset her even more. He gathered his courage and slowly walked towards her, asking for permission to sit next to her. It hurts to see her suffering like this and he just couldn't take it. At this point, I just feel so much pain for her that I started crying with her too when they finally embraced and both sobbing (so adorably).

Even watching that scene brings me feels. *cries a bucket*

Final Thoughts

A really well written drama that takes you on the highs and lows, and warms the heart as we watch Dong-Baek and Yong-Sik's love for each other blossomed. Even the loose ends were tied up just nice with each character being portrayed just the way we expected and being tied back together again in the ending, as a community.

One thing that I particularly love is how the drama highlights the joy and sorrow of a single parent - especially single mothers who has to fill in the shoes of both parents. You could see different perspectives of the three generations and the impact of their actions upon their children across three generations of mothers (Dong-Baek and Yong Sik's mothers and Dong-Baek herself). You'll notice the altruistic nature of mothers compared to the Pil-Gu's dad in this drama. Being a single parent don't get much acknowledgement in the society these days and I'm happy to see how this drama brought this under the limelight to appreciate them.

Another honest thought - my heart still aches a little each time I see Gong Hyo Jin and Kang Ha Neul cry.

"Miracles don't exist. It's just the little heroes inside us working together. The small acts of kindness by kind people."

Love, Sara