> Awkward , Frustrating Melo Melo Melo Drama that has an Amazing Start.


I am a sucker for Classic Music Anime/Drama/Shows although i don't listen to any classical ; the concept of this people working in a Foreign Industry that i don't appreciate make me watch these shows. DYLB is also a Slow-Burn Melodrama and I took certain liking to them at the end of 2020 and continuing to catchup in 2021 in-between few fast-paced shows for balance. So Ideally this would have a great view for me or so I hope but the Draggggggy Plot and Forever Apologetic characters make it abysmal and frustrating experience of what is an amazing cast and premise.


PLOT
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The contrast between the quality of characters vs plot is stark by the ending of Do You Like Brahms? From leads to supports, the characters have an incredible amount of depth. Even the motivations of the antagonists are mired in complexity. As a character drama, DYLB? excels by making the unique lives and challenges of musicians relatable to casual drama viewers.

As a thrilling romance or gripping melodrama, it falls short. The love triangle(s) that is crux to the plot of DYLB? is presented in the first couple episodes, and its potential outcome feels inevitable (i.e. miscommunication, confusion, heartbreak). The lack of suspense transforms into frustration as the middle segment of DYLB? trundles toward the finale following a subdued climax.

Overall, the plot is the main weakness in an otherwise well directed drama. I like how they present it from the point of view of leads at the end of episode for suspense like a trailer and then presented the cause of the issue or misunderstanding in detail beginning of the new episode. If was following the show during its release I would have had sleepless nights and thankfully i Binged it in relatively short time.

CAST
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Joon Young’s character has his flaws, but to me, he was perfectly flawed until the very end. He was used to suppressing his emotions. He rarely expressed himself and even if the pain was unbearable, he would rather suffer alone than let anyone else be uncomfortable or hurt. Why? Because all his life, he couldn’t truly rely on anyone, which made it hard to open up his heart even to Song Ah (Another sufferer). I just felt that the story could’ve done better in explaining Joon Young’s character as he can be only seen as a pushover and pushovers don't get much fame in real life.

Song Ah on the other hand (while she’s equally frustrating ) never knew when to speak up, cut ties, and be cheesy. Her self-pity and timidness combined with Young's loneliness made the show **F.A.F** **"Free and Loney"** not what Brahms ordered **"Free and Happy"** .The romance was great (emphasize on was), they started out honest, awkward, and always true to their feelings but from ep10-14 they started "drifting apart" for nonsensical reasons and the 2nd leads were just a flame for that misunderstanding flame.

There isn't much growth to either the main leads and the other characters.

The second leads Lee Jung Kyung (Park Ji Hyun and Han Hyun Ho (Kim Sung Cheol) are a big part of the story but there isn't much attention given to their development either. Jung Kyung especially is used only to come in between the leads. She does have depth but that is ignored in favour of the leads. [spoiler] She had her reasons, but the things she said last to Song Ah about how joon young was still in love with her was pure bullshit; we know the writers needed it for plot; and if the ml ever knew about them he'd have competently broken his bonds with her. To be honest they wasted that chance, the 2nd fl never had "redemption" or a moment of "realization" she suddenly just became normal .[/spoiler]

JY’s dad and new representative were being assholes, his mom was crying and being pathetic all the time, or when both their friends were acting up for nonsensical reasons it was frustrating to watch but the two main leas still kept us interesting . [spoiler]More frustrating thing was the rep , the father and the two Unni professors never go whats coming for them in this life (show).[/spoiler]



VERDICT
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Standout characters immediately grab your attention, and Do You Like Brahms? starts with one of the strongest first 4 episodes of 2020 premieres, second only to Flower of Evil. The two main leads, a burned out superstar and a struggling artist, seem cliché, but their foil is fully explored and surprisingly relatable. However, little substance is built on the foundation of their relationship. You better understand and relate with each character, with each episode, but the evolution of their relationship stagnates. Either DYLB? should have been told in fewer episodes or bigger dramatics were needed to stimulate a more engaging reaction

For me the second half wasn't a surprise at all. There was of course going to be angst. There were times Song Ah stood up for herself but at times I was frustrating to watch her be used by her professor. The characters talked too slowly; the Ahss and Sighs ; at times especially the female lead. The drama had so much potential but it failed to use it properly.