Radiant (2019)

Quick Take: Radiant (2019), starring Han Je-min (25 years old),  Kim Hye-ja (70 years old), and Nam Joo-hyuk.  9.6/10.  12 episodes, 60 minutes each.

Synopsis:   As a child, Kim Hye-je finds a magical watch that can turn back time.  There is a side effect, though — using the watch makes her age rapidly.   Because of that, she puts the watch aside until her father dies in a car accident.   Frantic with grief, she winds the watch back over and over trying to prevent the crash, until finally she manages it.  The next morning, she wakes up looking like a 70 year old!  She convinces her family and two best friends that inside the body of an elder she is still 25, but no one else believes her.  The watch seems to be broken. and over time Hye-ja accepts that she will live the rest of her life as she is.  Meanwhile, she tries to help her almost-boyfriend, who is struggling and unlucky; her family, who are torn by guilt and regret; and her new old friends at the senior center.   She organizes a geriatric SWAT team that’s just a hoot!  But then an unexpected shift takes place in the story ..

Review:     Radiant (aka Dazzling and The Light in Your Eyes) is one of the highest-rated dramas in Korean TV history.  It won critical acclaim for showing the hardships and discrimination faced by the elderly, and the struggles of their families as well.

All the actors are exceptional, but the star of this show is Kim Hye-je, who won Best Actress for her portrayal of the 25-year-old in a 70-year-old body.   

This is one of those shows that stays with you.

Recommended.

Rewatchable - 4, Compelling - 5, Plot/ Story/Writing - 10,  Acting/Casting - 10, Production - 10, Bonus - 7.    Bonus points for plot twist and emotional impact.

Notes:

Nam Joo-hyuk

made his debut as a model in 2013 and as an actor in 2014. Lead roles in Start-Up and 25-21 cemented his status as one of the most bankable young Korean actors.