[Drama 2021] Move to Heaven, 무브 투 헤븐: 나는 유품정리사입니다

[youactlikeicare]

I loved this show. It was great. However, I thought the ending was a little odd, like why end on that scene. 

 

I hope there is season 2. 

[jongski]

@larus  Happy I found this thread.  Thanks.  How in the world, I missed this?! *slaps forehead*.  Anyway, I haven't watched a full (16) episodes kdrama since Beyond Evil. I was thinking Taxi Driver.  But chose to binge this instead.  5 today and 5 tomorrow. I'm currently on episode 3

 

Ep 1.  after 15 minutes into the drama, I knew already it's going to be good. Left me teary eyed. Even Ep 2 got me.. I ike everything in thi drama. I'm saying that even if still only in ep 3. And the acting after watching this.. TJS deserve  Baeksang  Best New Actor. I don't even know who that actor is. First time watching him..  Now that I've seen this.  I'd have wanted TJS. But I saw he was nominated so that's good.

 

And LJH... good acting Haven't watch him in a drama since Signal (ult fav). But plannng to check TD after this.

 

I have so many thoughts even after just 3 episodes but I'll binge all 10 then post them.

 

@nrllee@bedifferent@taeunfighting@tofumochu@CarolynH@agenth@bee_wannabe@Ahjumemshie Lee

Thanks all. just so you know, I read all your post thoughts about this drama. I agree.  I'm currous about  that open ending. I guess I'll find out once I'm on ep 10.  Leads to season 2. If there is one.

 

And can I just say.. JJH... when he did the sign language at the aquarium place...it's fav scene. I wish he'd  make anm appearance each and every episode. I love the father and sson scenes.

 

 

[nrllee]

I finished it a few days ago and I admit I am not a fan of the ending (reason below).  In spoiler tag.  Don’t read if you want to find out for yourself about the open ending.
 

Spoiler

Does everyone think it’s hinting at GR falling for the student?   She’s hinting at potential suicide?  Or she’s going to die somehow?  Is she terminally sick?  I want to think that GR’s reaction in the end is purely concern because he realizes what she’s hinting at (because of the elderly couple’s case from before).  Because he’s his usual self (avoiding eye contact) until the penny drops.  Has he’s fallen for her you think?  I really don’t think this drama needs a love triangle to push it along.  The interactions of the 3 (and the additional side characters Eg the lawyer, NaMu’s parents, lady social worker) is more than enough?  I wasn’t a huge fan of the Madam side story but I realize it was necessary for SG’s character development.  But to introduce a potential love interest for GR...err...and especially one who seems suicidal?  He’s already lost 2 important people in his life.  And we’ve seen how he responded to the suddenness of his father’s passing.  Do we really need to see him go through heartbreak? 

 

[Helena]

https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/art/2021/06/688_309807.html
Director touches on social issues through heartfelt series, 'Move To Heaven'

By Lee Gyu-lee | 2021-06-02

Netflix's series, "Move To Heaven," revolves around a trauma cleaning service that mops up scenes where a person has died. Courtesy of Netflix

Trauma cleaners, or crime scene cleaners, might not sound familiar to many people. The term refers to cleaning specialists who professionally decontaminate and sanitize scenes where a person died, either due to an accident, natural causes, or a crime.

The Netflix's series, "Move To Heaven," which hit the platform on My 14, shows the work of trauma cleaners, which goes beyond simply cleaning up death scenes. They deliver the possessions or stories deceased people left behind for their loved ones.

Director Kim Sung-ho / Courtesy of Netflix

For Kim Sung-ho, the director of the series, "Move To Heaven" had two purposes for viewers: to introduce the unusual but meaningful job that many are unfamiliar with and to discuss social issues that are often overlooked by the public.

"Nowadays, there are a lot of movies and shows with extreme plots to get people to take a break from the reality of the global pandemic. But I hope this series offers viewers a chance to take a moment to look around their surroundings and those who have been neglected and to encourage each other," the director said in a recent interview with The Korea Times.

The subtle, heartfelt series, inspired by trauma cleaner and writer Kim Sae-byul's nonfiction essay, "Things Left Behind," follows a young man with Asperger syndrome, Han Geu-roo (Tang Jun-sang). Han and his father Jeong-woo (Ji Jin-hee) has been running a trauma cleaning service since his mother passed away, offering closure by delivering the belongings of the deceased to their loved ones.

But when Jeong-woo suddenly dies of a heart attack, his estranged brother and ex-con, Cho Sang-gu (Lee Jae-hoon), comes into Geu-roo's life as the only next-of-kin. To win the guardianship of Geu-roo's trust fund, Cho joins the service with very little interest or respect for the work.

"I liked how the plot effectively tells the stories of ordinary and underprivileged people (through the job)," Kim said. "Trauma cleaning wasn't a common topic, especially in Korea, but I wanted to take a stab at it."

A scene from the series / Courtesy of Netflix

And to bring up social issues in the series, the director explained that he and the scriptwriter Yoon Ji-ryun researched a vest amount of news articles during pre-production.

"I went through a lot of news articles about things that happened in slums or in 'goshiwon' ― a tiny one-room unit in a share house," he said. "But instead of just reenacting those incidents or crimes, I wanted to shed light on the core, or the cause, of the issues."

As he explained, the series explores various issues ranging from people dying alone, stalking, lack of safety guidelines at the workplace, and "gapjil" ― a term referring to the abuse of power by people in authority against those they outrank. 

Each episode invites audiences into the lives of different people who died, each with his or her own story.

One of the episodes tells the story of a man who was sent to the U.S for adoption when he was a baby. However, the man is deported back to Korea, where he struggles to survive in his country of birth, unable to speak the language. He ends up dying alone in a small motel room.

The director emphasized that he refrained from making the series overly sentimental, which could have risked it becoming a shallow tear-jerker.

"If the plot is too sad, it might become mawkish and biased," he said. "Different issues are discussed but I didn't want to blame anyone… Neither society nor any individual is solely responsible, but all of us need to take interest and take responsibility together. I made 'Move To Heaven' for people to sympathize with the story that it tells."

 

Spoiler

The main character, Geu-roo (Tang Joon-sang), has Asperger's syndrome. Courtesy of Netflix

And this is the reason why he made the main character Geu-roo who has Asperger's syndrome.

Geu-roo, who is on the high-functioning end of the autism spectrum and has an astonishing photographic memory, delivers the emotional stories of the deceased to their loved ones in stiff monotone as if he is reading a textbook.

He noted that he and the actor Tang studied the spectrum of autism to find the most plausible character traits for the actor. 

"There have already been characters with autism in films and movies. But we tried to portray our character differently from the stereotypical depiction of autistic people," he said, adding he is familiar with different characteristics of autism.

The director, who made a successful directorial debut with the horror-mystery, "Into the Mirror" (2003), has built up a filmography spanning genres ranging from horror, thriller, fantasy and drama, including the film adaptation of Barbara O'Connor's novel, "How To Steal A Dog."

After a long career in film, he took on his first TV series with "Move To Heaven." The director said he thought of it as a "long version film," when making the series.

"I was worried how I would keep viewers immersed in the story, because unlike films that people usually watch in a theater, a series is different. So I attempted to make the series cinematic," he said. 

 

Spoiler

A scene from the series / Courtesy of Netflix

The director is basking in praises showered on him by viewers all over the world, as the series has been ranked among the top 10 dramas in various countries, including Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Hong Kong. 

"I'm very surprised to receive so much feedback since the release," he said. "My favorite one was about how the viewers hugged their family or friends after watching this series."

Adding that such reviews reminded him of the reason he directed the series, he expressed how much "Move To Heaven" meant to him personally, giving him a chance to think about death.

"As I was working on the series, I started to realize that death is much closer to us all than I thought before," he said. "Since we talk about the deceased's belongings, I come to think about how I should live and prepare for death. It reminded me how precious it is to cherish the moments with my surroundings, family, and friends and communicate with them."

Noting that there are a lot of issues that he wants to cover, he expressed hope for the series' second season. "There is a lot that was left out of season 1. We hope to cover more stories and issues through the lives and stories of the deceased."

[Helena]

https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/art/2021/06/688_309851.html
Actor Lee Jae-hoon's journey to deliver meaningful messages through acting

By Lee Gyu-lee | 2021-06-03

Actor Lee Jae-hoon recently starred in two series, "Taxi Driver" and "Move To Heaven." Courtesy of PRJ

Since his breakthrough role as a college student experiencing his first love in "Architecture 101" that won the hearts of women, heartthrob Lee Jae-hoon has been widening his repertoire as a versatile actor by taking on various roles. 

"I strive to grow in each role and to show a new layer of myself as an actor," Lee said during an interview with The Korea Times, Monday. 

And his two recent works, the SBS series "Taxi Driver" and Netflix series "Move to Heaven," where he plays two diversely opposite characters ― a stringent ex-special force officer and a rowdy ex-con ― prove his point. 

"As an actor, I always spend time studying and thinking of ways in which I can develop a new character when choosing a project, and through those worthwhile efforts, I was able to deliver meaningful stories through the two works," Lee said. 

Lee, right, plays ex-con Sang-gu in the series "Move to Heaven." Courtesy of Netflix

Despite the differences in characters, both "Taxi Driver" and "Move to Heaven" bring the limelight on people in need, either victims of crimes or underprivileged individuals. 

The action series "Taxi Driver," which successfully wrapped last Saturday, reaching its highest viewership rating of 16 percent, revolves around a driver, Kim Do-ki (Lee), at a taxi company that takes revenge on behalf of its clients who are victims of injustice or violence.

The heartfelt series "Move to Heaven" follows trauma scene cleaners ― Cho Sang-gu (Lee) and his nephew (Tang Joon-sang) ― who clean out the possessions of deceased people and deliver their untold stories to their loved ones. The ex-con Sang-gu grows to learn the value of family as he encounters the different complexities of people's lives that involve various social issues such as people dying alone, job insecurity and stalking crimes.

Adding that he never stops challenging himself, Lee said the role of Sang-gu was a chance to express himself differently both in terms of appearance and acting. "I've had a thirst for roles that transition from a negative to a positive character… and this role was aligning with the need I had in acting," he said.

A scene from "Move To Heaven" / Courtesy of Netflix

When asked why he chose TV dramas that bring up social issues, he explained that he had grown to take more interest in current events happening around him. 

"When I take a role, I tend to study and explore the life that character probably had. And because my experiences are limited to my own life, I try to pay close attention to my surroundings… like how people live these days, what they are interested in and are crazy about, or what devastates them. I try to take in those stories both directly and indirectly," he said, adding that it widened his scope of perspective. 

"And this affected how I choose my projects. Now, rather than solely focusing on the character that I'll be playing, I have come to be more interested in the messages a film or series will deliver and how this will resonate with the viewers."

"Taxi Driver hit the right notes of my two passions of playing a multidimensional character and a story with a valuable lesson," he said. 

In the series, Lee's character, Kim Do-ki, has a gloomy past where his mother was murdered by a serial killer, turning him into a loner. But when he carries out revenge plans for his clients, he takes on various roles ― from a nerdy teacher to a womanizing Chinese smuggler ― to go undercover and serve justice on the criminals, vigilante-style.

"This is the first time I got to play such a colorful character, which worried me at first," he said. "But I eventually had so much fun pushing myself to new limits in acting."

 

Spoiler

Lee plays ex-special forces soldier, Kim Do-ki, in the series "Taxi Driver." Courtesy of SBS

The biggest reason he chose this series was the director, he said. The director, Park Joon-woo, had the experience of working on investigative journalism shows including "Unanswered Questions" before directing a TV series. So most of the cases were taken from actual crimes, such as phishing scams, forced labor, peeping Toms, and abuse in the workplace.

"Documentaries and journalism programs are necessary, but if the real-life events were reimagined with fiction, I think more people would be interested and watch them not just for fun, but also to be provoked to think about the real crimes again," he said.

The taxi company acts as a last resort for the crime victims. With distrust in the legal system, the vigilante group goes into action for justice, oftentimes with illegal acts such as hacking, theft, abduction, and assault.

The dark hero story of "fighting evil with evil deeds" was not only cathartic for the viewers, but also for the actor himself. "I think many people were pleased with the story about defeating an evil that preys on the weak, which was cathartic for me too," he said. 

 

Spoiler

A scene from "Taxi Driver" / Courtesy of SBS

But as some cases resembled actual events, Lee said he felt a sense of responsibility as if he was actually avenging the real-life victims. 

"The approach for my character and the story had to be more serious than my previous work. It gave me a sense of duty as if I was actually helping them let go of their trauma and resentment," he said. "Vigilante revenge service shouldn't and can't happen in real life… but (the series) reminded people to voice their concerns and take interest in the crimes surrounding us so no one has to be a victim of injustice or violence." 

The actor is also set for another challenge, not just as an actor, but also as a director and producer. He is producing and directing the local streaming service Watcha's original series, "Unframed," with the production company he co-founded called Hard Cut. 

"I've always been keen about creating content," he said. "I want to try making not only feature films but also videos in general… the actors including myself have written the script of the series."

[carolinedl]

Ah I watched it all in one day over the week-end and LOVED it. It was so touching and yet never too melodramatic. I also LOVED the music - no lyrics, all instrumental pieces and it somehow adds to the whole mood of the show.

 

I have to admit I cried quite alot, especially the first story and the old couple... Thank god I was alone at home because it was not pretty to see. But there was also something heartwarming about someone trying to make sure you were remembered/understood.

 

I am actually going to get my mom to see it so I'll be able to see it all again...

 

Also puzzled about the ending though wasn't it linked to the butterfly? Perhaps in the same way that he is obsessed with fishes and especially the ray, perhaps this is linked? There actually is a butterfly ray.

 

ETA: Like @nrllee mentioned, and because I did it, I would not recommend binge watching this show. I wish I could have reflected on it more. That said, I intend to do that when I will rewatch it with my mother. Pause after each story.

[nrllee]

40 minutes ago, carolinedl said:

Also puzzled about the ending though wasn't it linked to the butterfly? Perhaps in the same way that he is obsessed with fishes and especially the ray, perhaps this is linked? There actually is a butterfly ray.

I hadn’t thought about the butterfly ray.  I thought the white butterfly (white signifies death in Asian cultures) following the girl was alluding that death followed her?  She did sound like she was planning her own death?   Which is why I wasn’t keen on GR falling for her.  It doesn’t bode well.  I didn’t want to see him experience the death of another person he opens his heart to any time soon.  Then again, the very fact that she is a girl who has death following her could be the very reason why GR would fall for her?  Because so much of his work involves death and he doesn’t fear it?  
 

Actually I believe the classical pieces may have been curated to reflect the actual circumstances surrounding the deaths of those GR was cleaning up after.  If I am not wrong, they were different for each case? 
 

It does make you think - I wonder what things GR would put in my yellow box?

[SilverDawn]

Just watched a short trailer on Netflix and it looks interesting. I'm usually not into these typ of dramas as they are often to gory for my taste...But it's a Kdrama, so I think I can still manage to eat dinner after watching. Will give this one a go.  

[larus]

I have started this drmaa finally. I just watched one episdoe and I already know that it is a drmaa that I will love. I knew before i started.

 

I want to continue waching but it is so emotionally that I have to stop in between. I like that the show is emotionally but doesn`t try too hard for this. It felt naturally.

My favorite moment that made me emotional and smile in the same time was when Geu-Ru`s father told him that he will always be with him. I knew he will die later in the first episode. And when his father looked at him proudly, with so much love. He asked for a hug and Geu- ru allowed him to hug him. He knew his son did not know how to express his feelings or feel confortable with so many emotions around him but he was eager to express it. 

I loved their relationship. Ji Jin Hee plays the father of an autistic teenager in two dramas in the same time. I love the relationship between father and son in drama Undercover as well.

[Thong Thin]

2 hours ago, larus said:

I have started this drmaa finally. I just watched one episdoe and I already know that it is a drmaa that I will love. I knew before i started. 

 

I want to continue waching but it is so emotionally that I have to stop in between. I like that the show is emotionally but doesn`t try too hard for this. It felt naturally.

My favorite moment that made me emotional and smile in the same time was when Geu-Ru`s father told him that he will always be with him. I knew he will die later in the first episode. And when his father looked at him proudly, with so much love. He asked for a hug and Geu- ru allowed him to hug him. He knew his son did not know how to express his feelings or feel confortable with so many emotions around him but he was eager to express it. 

I loved their relationship. Ji Jin Hee plays the father of an autistic teenager in two dramas in the same time. I love the relationship between father and son in drama Undercover as well.

 

With his disabilities, geu-ru learns well under his father. He is smart, fast learner and remembers

what being told to do for each and every decease case. My heart goes with geu-ru when he refused

to let go his father urn. 

Undercover is in my watch list, will do one of this day.

[larus]

5 minutes ago, Thong Thin said:

With his disabilities, geu-ru learns well under his father. He is smart, fast learner and remembers

what being told to do for each and every decease case. My heart goes with geu-ru when he refused

to let go his father urn. 

Undercover is in my watch list, will do one of this day.

 

I got tears in my eyes too. He takes literally the words and can`t express his feelings.

That was a small scene. I knew when the yolk broke that he will react and his father will chance the egg.  He wants/needs everything in order. I remember a moment when an autistic boy I knew (was six years old by that time), had a crisis because of his shoes. He had new velcro closures sneackers and the locking system was too wide. I was in class and I panicked a little at his screams but I glued a label to the sole and solved the problem for a moment. His mother told me that he had crisis even when he had to change clothes to summer from winter or when he had to cut his hair. It is interesting to observe Geu ru in this drama.

 

From what I see the father raised him alone. He was a single father. It must have been so hard for him but he did a wonderful job as his father.

Now it will be interesting how the uncle with make a bond with the nephew and grew up to be more responsable in the process.

 

 

 

 

[SilverDawn]

Binged this drama this past week... EP 2 was a bit hard on my stomach, but other then that I really loved this drama! 

[Thong Thin]

25 minutes ago, larus said:

From what I see the father raised him alone. He was a single father. It must have been so hard for him but he did a wonderful job as his father.

Now it will be interesting how the uncle with make a bond with the nephew and grew up to be more responsable in the process.

 

 

IS not easy to raise a child alone with disabilities, one need to be strong at will, patience and with loving heart.

 

 

[chickfactor]

This is such a beautiful show.

 

If you want to see something beautiful and moving, make room for this in your life.

 

Get your tissues ready. 

 

But it's not all just heaps of sadness. It's very uplifting and positive. You will feel good when it's over. And it's actually really funny at times.

[Yinye]

I just started this show randomly and two episodes in I am crying and laughing. It is sooo emotional and soooo good!! Will continue tomorrow and am surprised it isn’t more popular.

 

Edit: I am up to ep. 7 and it is an underrated, wonderful drama. I love the well integrated social issues and it really highlight so many good messages and points for consideration. Makes me reflect, cry (the stories are so well done and touching!), and laugh while watching. 
 

Edit2: I finished it and the last few episodes were great - I really enjoyed this series and it was such a wonderful surprise. I will look forward to season 2!! Bravo to the writer, actors, and director - excellent job all around. Contending for fav. Kdrama this year so far.

Edited June 20, 2021 by Yinye

[jongski]

 

I watch first 3 episodes last May in which I cried. Finally watch the last 7 episodes. I cried I Iaugh mostly I cried.

 

What wonderful beautiful excellent drama. Well written well directed well acted, well paced, the use of instrumental music.  Favorite and Top 3 best dramas of 2021.  I would like to see the actors and director and writer win awards for this at the end of the year.

 

My tears in episode 10 for almost all the scenes. Him hugging the urn. When cleaned everything after his father died. Everything he put inside the yellow box is has something about thim.  Him looking a the phone gallery it's just photos of him and hi father. His father's videos talking. The flashback showing how he found as baby  inside tank and how he got adopted. His father touching the newborn arms. Him hugging the tree. Sang-gu saying  choking up saying the doesn't even want to take of of him but... he does.

 

ep10

 

ep 1

 

 

I like the aerial cinematograpphy

 

[CarolynH]

10 hours ago, jongski said:

I watch first 3 episodes last May in which I cried. Finally watch the last 7 episodes. I cried I Iaugh mostly I cried.

 

What wonderful beautiful excellent drama. Well written well directed well acted, well paced, the use of instrumental music.  Favorite and Top 3 best dramas of 2021.  I would like to see the actors and director and writer win awards for this at the end of the year.

 

My tears in episode 10 for almost all the scenes. Him hugging the urn. When cleaned everything after his father died. Everything he put inside the yellow box is has something about thim.  Him looking a the phone gallery it's just photos of him and hi father. His father's videos talking. The flashback showing how he found as baby  inside tank and how he got adopted. His father touching the newborn arms. Him hugging the tree. Sang-gu saying  choking up saying the doesn't even want to take of of him but... he does.

I can go further and say it's one of my top 10 kdramas.  I'm glad you liked it.  I recommend this drama to everyone.  I really hope there is a 2nd season.  

[Thong Thin]

3 hours ago, CarolynH said:

I can go further and say it's one of my top 10 kdramas.  I'm glad you liked it.  I recommend this drama to everyone.  I really hope there is a 2nd season.  

 

Indeed a very good  & meaningfull drama.

 

I too hoping for 2nd season.

 

By the way, currently I am watching Racket Boys and is another good drama to watch.

 

 

 

[CarolynH]

20 hours ago, Thong Thin said:

 

Indeed a very good  & meaningfull drama.

 

I too hoping for 2nd season.

 

By the way, currently I am watching Racket Boys and is another good drama to watch.

 

 

 

Hi @Thong Thin Are you watching Racket Boys for Tang (sorry, I can't remember his first name and too lazy to look it up)?  

[Thong Thin]

2 hours ago, CarolynH said:

Hi @Thong Thin Are you watching Racket Boys for Tang (sorry, I can't remember his first name and too lazy to look it up)?  

  yes

 

Is Tang Joon-Sang.