Drama Digest
A Year-End Medley: Extended Version is an expanded version of the film A Year-End Medley. The film was released in 2021. The film tells the narrative of clients who come to a hotel named Emboss. The people have their own experiences and form their relationships in their way. In the backdrop of Hotel Emros, 14 individuals are longing for love.
The Feel-Good Part
This is not a particularly deep series, and it does not dive into the backgrounds of any of the characters. A Year-End Medley, on the other hand, is full of seasonal cheer and simple resolutions. If you’re searching for a lighthearted yet heartwarming narrative, this might be a good choice.
The Disappointing Factor
Nothing is disappointing.
In-Depth Analysis
Even though the series is said to be a romantic comedy, not every story is about romantic love. We learn about family, friendships, and self-worth. Each narrative revolves around a character who faces a challenge before reaching a happy ending. For example, Jae-Yong is suffering from sadness, So-jin realizes she waited far too long to express her love, and Catherine is attempting to reignite an old flame.
For example, Jae-tale Yong’s is about empathy rather than his love life. His story handles a serious subject like suicide in a lighthearted manner. After being abandoned by his lover, he resolves to take his own life. However, after he arrives at the hotel, the entire crew helps him fall back in love with life. It also adds depth to the other characters by demonstrating their compassionate sides via their efforts to preserve his life instead of tossing him away.
The film also addresses love regardless of any age. It depicts an adolescent who is hesitant to confess to his crush, hotelier management who waited too long to confess, and a mother attempting to rekindle her first love. The lesson of these stories is simple: take chances when you can, before it’s too late. But the film is also honest about this message: it may or may not work out.
Star Power
The film follows many people, portrayed by a star-studded ensemble that includes Lee Dong-Wook, Kang Ha-Neul, Han Ji-Min, and Yoona, as their tales get entwined at the Emros Hotel. Other actors are Won Jin Ah, Kim Young Kwang, Go Sung Hee, Im Yoon Ah, Seo Kang Joon, Lee Kwan Soo, Lee Jin Wook, Jo Joon Young, Lee Hye Young, Won Ji An, Jung Jin Young.
Overall Opinion
The picture, as directed by Kwak, is flawless from beginning to end. There are no unpleasant faces, feelings, or confrontations. Making reality invisible, however, does not make it a good fairy tale. The charm of fairy tales is not derived from avoiding unpleasant realities. In this instance, rather than a fairy tale, the story is more likely to become fiction or lie hovering in reality.
