Chicago Typewriter (2017) User Reviews

Better and better the more watch it

[hanalisss · 9/10 · 28 March 2021]

You know how some shows have a great start and they become boring and make you loose interest? Well, this one is the COMPLETE opposite. It gets better and better the more you watch it.

I almost gave up at the beginning and couldn't stay focused in the story but I endured for a bit longer and I am so glad I did, the more you get to know about their story in the past and their bond and connection you can't scape and you are trapped in this beautiful yet heartbreaking turmoil of events.

This drama is about beliefs, love, friendship, loyalty and betrayal, a story beautifully told and with amazing performances, you won't regret watching it.

Beautiful Story, clean plot & splendid Action Fiction

[rookiewookie · 9/10 · 16 September 2021]

Loved it to the end.

It is a story of intertwined souls in their past lives for seeking apology, making amends & setting things right & straight in the present.

Splendid screenplay, touching acting and beautifull story of love, friendship & comraderi.

This show will lift the spirits and cheer you up. Releived to have seen a show with happy ending.

A wholesome entertainment

[diptinan · 9/10 · 30 November 2020]

One of the most touching and beautiful love stories from joseon era..though the storyline depicts a modern period ,most of the scenes were from the past and beautifully depicted ...the three leads were outstanding,in case of acting as well as with emotions...loved this drama so much....

Outstanding Romance/Action/Mystery/Historical Drama

[nishera · 10/10 · 10 December 2019]

Another fantastic Netflix K-Drama. I don't know how it has so few reviews! I started this show on a whim but ended up completely blown away by how unique and gorgeous it was in practically every sense. If you are a K-Drama fan, you come to expect at least a few recycled tropes here and there, but this one had very few (except for perhaps the love triangle). The plot, the music, the cinematography, and the acting by the main trio was just wonderful (especially Yoo Ah-In, the main lead).

The film is split between two plots: one centering around a haunted typewriter in the modern era, and the other a story about a group of Joseon/Korean freedom fighters in the 30's. It has more than a few similarities to Mr. Sunshine (another show I highly recommend), and though significantly shorter, the emotions it stirs up are still strong. Also, despite the increasingly heavy story, the film still manages to offer flashes of comedy and lightheartedness.

If you like K-Drama, Historical Dramas and are wondering if you should give it a chance, I can't imagine how you could be disappointed. Highly recommended!

ROMANCE RATING: 9/10. There aren't many kiss scenes, but unlike the average K-Drama "pecks," these kisses make up in intensity whatever they lack in quantity. I also thought the chemistry between the leads was totally believable and compelling.

Perfection

[tasnemhako · 10/10 · 22 May 2020]

This is the perfect example of how to do a drama properly, with perfect characters, acting, back stories, music and atmosphere. I loved all the main the characters and the slow revealing of the plot.

Can't stop watching

[ghafoor-niazi · 10/10 · 27 February 2018]

With a unique plot and twist to it, this drama is by far one of the greatest dramas of 2017. It leaves a unique emptiness when you're done, but do not fret, it will make you want to watch it at least 3 -4 times. Chicago Typewriters has everything from drama, romance till action and humor in it, you can never predict the plot and you will always be surprised at each and every episode. I would recommend this drama very strongly if you like a little history, but even without the history, this drama will blow your mind enough. I hope you'll agree and watch it.

Such a Masterpiece

[mlaralot · 10/10 · 1 September 2020]

The story, the acting, the soundtrack, the pace, that so wisely sets the foundation for the heavy loaded developements to come as the show progresses... amazing. Episodes 15 and 16 were such a rollercoaster of emotions for me... don't pay attention to the reviews of people that didn't watch It until the end. I assure you the final episodes Will blow your brains out. If you like gripping shows, don't miss this one.

Fantastic Series

[phillipjbrown · 10/10 · 24 May 2021]

Its hard to think of this wonderful series not being made in south Kore with ts wonderful mix of different genres, including a ghost and reincarnation. All the acting, script and cinematography are spot on and I want that house with all those books. A gripping story leads to the last wo episodes that will take some beating for me.

Loved all the scenes shot in 1930's Japanese occupied Korea (which I knew nothing about) and the actors were so good in portraying their past lives.

Really good music too and I want the set designer (or are thry real locations ?) for my home. Womderful series.

Kept me spellbound

[sheritarman · 10/10 · 15 October 2019]

After each episode I changed by mind on what the final outcome for the three main characters would be. I continue to rewatch the series over and over. The actors are very talented. Playing drama and switching to comedy in the same scene was not difficult for them. I highly recommend this series.

Good starting but..

[Giselle1710 · 6/10 · 26 September 2020]

The starting was a amazing. I was so hooked that I couldn't stop but midway it just became cliche. Even though the lead actor did an outstanding job portraying his character but the story was predicable and it was quite obvious who shot whom from behind! I liked the ghostwriter too! Sho happens to be an actual ghost!

Good enough

[PennyReviews · 8/10 · 24 June 2017]

My only regret concerning this drama is that I didn't pay the necessary attention to it sometimes and missed out (so, this is going for a re watch soon). The story of this drama is as compelling as interesting. The one twist follows the other, as the story unfolds slowly its layers. The first part deals with the mystery of the ghost. Then, it starts focusing on the past affairs, as well as the currant ones. It's amazing how the film makers managed to present the medley of past present so beautiful, without confusing the audience or tiring them. In addition, there as so many things one has to anticipate to happen, except from the past story, that is by itself entertaining and well executed, with the costumes on point, the whole atmosphere of the past and the secret revolution- resistance presented as such as it didn't look fake, rather, it could have been easily compared to a movie's class. Lastly, the performances were great, and you can't help but eventually get emotional (even though, with most ghost dramas you kind of expect that to happen) towards the end, which, unlike other dramas that usually the story ends in episode 14 or 15 and the last one is just there to complete some side stories, this one was as entertaining as the rest. Probably, the only thing that didn't appeal to me as much as the rest of the stories, was the today's romance. The couple seemed to lack some of the chemistry they had compered to the past story. Plus, I would have liked for the film makers to have completed some of the side stories as well and not just the main one. But, overall, it was a great drama so I'm rating it with 8.5 out of 10.

I didn't like it

[Mr_Avenger · 1/10 · 16 September 2022]

I give this drama a try cuz of the positive reviews. The story at the beggining seemed interesting but as episodes go by , it became tedious and predictable. The worst for me was the main couple's chemistry. I didn't understand how the writer started love the girl as he was always aggressive against her. He also behaved like a spoiled child and it was really annoying.

Concerning the plot , there are so many stories that make it a little difficult to watch. It wasn't complicate but it was like babushka with a story inside the story. That was something I didn't like too.

The soundtrack and the pets were the only positives for me. Sorry but I didn' t like it..

Excellent

[charmainez · 10/10 · 1 December 2020]

I thought at 1st thisnwas gonna be another mushy love story , ( some parts were ) , but it turned out to be a really good series . I thoroughly enjoyed it

INTERESTING DRAMA WITH POWERFUL CAST

[donkrishna-dk · 8/10 · 8 February 2021]

The story is not really my favorite but the casts, such as Yoo Ah In, Lim Soo Jung, and Go Kyung Pyo make this drama more alive. I enjoy to watch every episode per episode and can not miss one.

Great plot, Beautiful sceneries

[dulceamorea · 9/10 · 5 May 2021]

This Korean drama did a good job and I think is one of the few well-written shows that revolves around past lives and reincarnation. Most of them tend to be cheesy and uninteresting but Chicago Typewriter didn't let that happen. The characters are well-rounded, the cinematography is beautiful, the set is amazing (especially the 1930s one!). Overall, it's an enjoyable series with charming ways to show history, friendship, romance, and comedy. It's too good to be this unpopular!

One word..it's "nostalgic"!

[tanushree-raha1019 · 9/10 · 11 September 2021]

I felt constantly warm and comforted by the bond between 3 beautiful personalities.

It simply happened because of the seamless writing, talented cast, their awesome acting, mesmerizing music and phenomenal cinematography.

I understand now why this drama reaped several awards. It deserves everything.

The plot: Its the story of hope.

This drama depicts the 1930s Japanese Occupation in South Korea and how the brave freedom fighters stood up in order to regain their country's democracy.

For me it started slow. But as the story progressed (around episode 5) I got attached to it and I found myself glued the whole time.

Acting: =Im Soo Jung: The female lead is one of my all time female leads, because in my opinion she's authentically fierce and interesting.

=Yoo Ah In: It was my first time seeing Yoo Ah In. I am mesmerized by his expressions and lips movements. A top notch actor. Need to explore his work more.

= Go Kyung Pyo: I loved his character and his struggle. He is so nice that you will fall in love with him.

OST: Emotional scenes make you emotional because of the amazing background scored and 2 beauuutiful OST!

Why you should watch it: For the amazingly amazing trio, the characters and their development, the romance and friendships, the lessons they teach about life.

All in all, this drama needs to be seen and be appreciated by the generation of today. This generation should know how our freedom fighters have sacrificed everything to give us a liberated country.

This drama is about discovering your past, but it wants you to live in the moment. "Carpe Diem".

A great story highly recommend

[leahcubed · 9/10 · 8 August 2020]

9.5/10 is my rating. This is a 2017 South Korean drama with 16, 70 minute, episodes.

Han Se-joo / Seo Hwi-young (Yoo Ah-In) is a famous author who hits a slump shortly after he meets one of his top fans, Jeon Seol / Ryu Soo-hyun / Anastacia (Im Soo Jung) Jin Seol was an Olympic level shooter who lost her desire to pursue the sport when holding the gun would bring on flashes of disturbing memories. Jin Seol is thrilled when her delivery service leads her to drop off a package at none other than Se-joo's house. However, Se-Joo is not a fan of people in general and particularly this fan who finds excuses to seek him out. The package contains a typewriter that Se-Joo admired in an antique shop but was told it was not for sale. Seems the owner had a change of heart. The typewriter is not just any typewriter but holds a secret that ties Se-joo, Jin-Seol and a third character associated with the typewriter, Jin-oh / Shin Yool (Go Kyung-pyo) together. Collaborating on a novel about their past may break Se-joo out of his slump, allow Jin Seol an excuse to be around Se-Joo and reveal how and why the three are drawn to each other.

Spoiler 🚨. I liked everything about this. The reincarnation angle was interesting and the back story with the ghost was compelling. It was clear that their past story would be sad so it did not fall too heavy When the sad part occurred because it was expected. It kept you guessing just enough to make you want to keep watching. The love stories were believable and relatable. The friendships were heart warming. Getting a slice of life of that era in Korea was inote resting.. The only thing that detracted and kept the ending from feeling thoroughly happy was not knowing what the future held for the ghost. It is a thoroughly engaging story with great character development, an intriguing premise and interesting plot. I highly recommend this for a wide audience but those interested in modern history, that like mystery, action, supernatural elements and romance will particularly enjoy this one.

WOW, the script and the cinematography

[AliceSvankmajer · 8/10 · 8 January 2021]

Chicago Typewriter it's an amazing drama for a lot of reasons. Visuals are so georgeous, specially in the historicals parts. Yoo Ah In is one of the most talentful korean actors and her female partner, Im Soo Jung, don't gets behind. Her character is a strong woman, not the typical silly girl in K-Dramas. Go Kyung Pyo did surprise me so much: he is a really cute ghostwriter. But, the strongness of this serie i'ts definetely the script with a very emotional story with a touch of action and suspense too. Well...and romance. And mostly of that it's because Chicago Typewriter is a tVN drama (this TV channel has the best shows! ). I think I did write a lot and the point was that Chicago Typewriter will always be in my heart.

Good story but somehow outshined by the leading actor

[ancaghinea77 · 8/10 · 12 May 2020]

It happens sometimes that the beauty and the talent of an actor stands out more than the story in itself. I've seen other movies and dramas with Ah-In Yoo and it didn't happen but this time I got distracted from the story many times just by looking at him. Maybe the make up and the good clothes. Of course, he is a brilliant actor as well. I strongly reccomend Burning to see a more indie side of him. I agree with the other reviewer who said that the chemistry between the two main characters was better in the past than in the present. But, all in all, it is a good drama, original, unpredictable and full of suspense, with smooth transitions from present to past.

Superb!

[jabuitizon · 10/10 · 19 September 2021]

The story is so captivating from beginning to end. Stellar acting from the actors as well.

Amazing Emotional Journey

[fake_moviestar · 9/10 · 28 November 2021]

I put off watching this show for quite awhile, despite hearing so many good things about it, plus the synopsis is rather bland and the first episode initially failed to capture my attention. However, after watching Hellbound I was intrigued by Yoo Ah In's incredibly subtle acting and wanted to give this show another shot. I am so happy I did because this was everything good I had heard and more.

The story is well written and answers all the viewers questions. In addition an emotional soundtrack along with fantastic acting from all three leads creates an incredible show that really felt fully explored and ended well. The only criticism I have is that the past story line was significantly better, so much so that it was quite wise of the writer to leave that past story line until the very end so as not to overshadow the present. The clues about the past and present connections are laid out perfectly, so the viewer figures it out just before the characters, creating an agonizing tension that is just so well done.

I loved pretty much everything about this show and highly recommend it!

Unique

[ftzfatema · 9/10 · 26 June 2021]

Amazing acting (especially that of the lead male actor), interesting story, unique love triangle (where one is actually helping the other two to grow close together), mind blowing OSTs, amazing set and costumes, beautiful cinematography - everything just made it a worth watching drama. It'd have been better if the story progressed a little faster, although it didn't decrease the quality of the drama. Just Continue watching it, it'll leave with no regrets and the waiting will worth it. Another thing is, if the stalker incident was explained in detail it'd have been a perfection.

This drama is a combination of horror, mystery, thriller, historic, romance and action that contains heart touching story (the last 2 episodes left me teary) with smooth transition between the present and the past. It basically tells the story of a group of people who were reincarnated - of their love, regret, passion, obsession and betrayal from past life to present.

I wish Yul was shown to be reincarnated in the end, however his bittersweet ending had a long lasting impact that made the drama even more hearty.

Highly recommended drama for k-drama lovers who would like to taste the uniqueness. It's a drama I'd definitely love to rewatch.

great

[ayshaakter-48206 · 9/10 · 19 January 2022]

It was so good... why it wasn't popular back then I don't get it.. I have felt every emotions watching this drama the characters, the story-just wow.i just feel in love with all the characters individually.

Fabulous writing!

[balletteacher · 10/10 · 6 September 2023]

This series was listed in one of 2017's best dramas. I am not a fan of shows with ghosts, goblins, vampires, but after all the fantasy-historical Kdramas I have seen, I was curious about "Chicago Typewriter". It certainly did not disappoint! The writer blended a beautiful story of the world of books, art, love and friendship in two time zones. It started slow and confusing, but everything meshed together as good story-telling should. It wouldn't be drama without conflict, envy, pride and death.

The actors Yoo Ah In and Go Kyung Po were terrific and actress Im Soo Jung played a sweet, young book nerd but with very deep, dark secrets hidden within. I think YAI is one of the more versatile actors in Korea today but, he looked very young in the 1930's sequences and even more so with the 2017 crew cut. Not a very flattering look. ISJ in real life is 6 years older, and she looked it. It felt quite awkward for me at first, then all seemed fine during their romance as the series went along. Handsome Go Kyung Po stole the whole drama for me. He was eye candy in those suits and his scenes with YAI made me laugh and cry. Bromance, for sure! The actor, Kwak Shi Yang, was quite good as the insecure step-brother, but inconsistent as a bad guy. The co-star, Jo Woo Jin, was overacting most of his scenes and was not believable as a serious author's manager. The Shaman mom, too. Overall, I loved the music, the orchestration, the haunting solo voices. I loved the period setting and costumes. I actually loved the it all! A must-see for lovers of good writing and artistic endeavors.

You will get that "empty and hollow " feeling after finishing this series

[su_wuit_yee · 10/10 · 21 March 2023]

Now i am effed up coz i cant move on from this series. It has reincarnation, ghost, possibly time travel, fantasy and thriller/romance. I couldn't ask for more. It is 100 percent of my ideal series type. The gripping story kept me hooked. You can never predict what's gonna happen to these three main leads. The actors' performances are flawless. You will be shocked, you will cry, and You will laugh alot too. The series delivered a roller coaster of emotions. My 90 degree bow to writer, director and actors.

Be careful when you watch last two episodes, prepare some tissues. The ending is quite clever. You come up with your own explanation for that, coz it questions you about alternate theories.

The series indeed IS a masterpiece, a beautiful and tragic romance about three people reincarnated for their loyalty, promise, friendship and a cruel blow of fate.