Good Ol’ Review: Talented Cast Powers Thought-Provoking and Enjoyable “Jazz For Two”

TYPE OF REVIEW : GOOD OL’ REVIEW
No spoilers.

When the show’s theme song that plays during the opening credits in the first episode’s first minute already delivers an inexplicably warm feeling and good vibes, you know you’re in for something special. And that’s exactly what Jazz For Two (재즈처럼) ends up being. This romantic, coming of age series manages to pack a lot of heart and emotion into its eight episodes. Tackling serious and sometimes difficult topics while telling a humble story of young love and friendship, Jazz For Two is a compelling and thought-provoking watch with a talented and charming cast to boot.

Jazz For Two follows talented pianist Yoon Se Heon (Kim Jin Kwon) as he starts at an in-person arts high school for the first time. Previously home schooled, Se Heon is eager for the opportunity to have some freedom from his overbearing father as well as be free to play the jazz music he loves, but is frowned upon at home. It’s at this school where he meets the mysterious Han Tae Yi (Ji Ho Geun), whose ire Se Heon draws when he takes refuge in playing the piano in an old classroom on campus.

With the help of Tae Yi’s best friend Seo Do Yoon (Song Han Gyeom), Se Heon tries to figure out the cause of Tae Yi’s animosity towards him. But along the way, they unravel complex emotions and unpack past tragedy while developing their relationship. And that’s in addition to having to deal with senior Song Joo Ha (Kim Jung Ha), a suspended student who has recently returned to school and also shares a complicated past with Tae Yi and Do Yoon.

Jazz For Two explores an intriguing mix of themes. Probably a big amount of themes that would require a longer format than the series’ eight episodes can provide.

But the series is able to touch upon difficult issues like internalized homophobia, discrimination of LGBTQ individuals especially in Korean society, mental health, dealing with loss and trauma and familial pressures on children. All while also offering up relatable stories of growing up and friendship as well as sweet moments of romance.

Jazz For Two does not shy away from difficult discussions. And that includes some unexpectedly shocking, but unfortunately realistic situations that young Koreans might face in today’s society.

If there’s one criticism for the series, it’s that some of these difficult discussions deserved much more time to be explored. Especially when other Korean series in the BL genre don’t regularly feature such themes.

But the series is able to tell a full, thought-provoking story that should at least get any discussion started. And that is a worthy accomplishment. Each character has struggles they must deal with. And the relationships they form with each other are important pieces in being able to tell these important stories.

These dramatic and many times, emotional moments are well-balanced with some welcome scenes and stories of young romance and sincere friendship. And what’s refreshing on Jazz For Two is how those stories relate specifically to the experience of LGBTQ youth, particularly in Korea.

Jazz For Two weaves together a multi-faceted story with care and heart. Even though by the end, we wish the series had a few more episodes to explore those ideas. An opportunity to tell a more nuanced and deep story would have really made this an even more special series.

The charming and talented young cast definitely are a big part of making that possible. Ji Ho Geun, Kim Jin Kwon, Song Han Gyeom and Kim Jung Ha all deliver strong performances. Whether it is with lighter and fluffy moments or heavier and more dramatic turns, the cast does a great job elevating the already solid material. The actors share a strong chemistry that shines through in a wide variety of scenes.

Their performances are paired with wonderful music and beautiful cinematography that contribute to the dreamy aura of the series. Again, even as it navigates an emotionally complex journey for our four main characters.

Overall, Jazz For Two is powered by its talented and charming cast, thought-provoking themes and just the right amount of romantic story. The series’ positives are able to overcome any hurdles it might have on its way to being what is ultimately a satisfying and enjoyable watch.