Please note This review is all subjective and my own personal opinion. You do not have to agree with it nor am I asking you to. I hope that this just helps you get an idea of what the manga I am talking about is like and form a basic and general consensus on it. The ratings I give anime and manga are mostly my personal overall enjoyment. This review will be spoiler free. TLDR will be at the bottom. Introduction 320https://s4.anilist.co/file/anilistcdn/media/manga/cover/large/bx123557Q4pYAPLuDgQB.png The manhwa After the Curtain Call by Assamhttps://anilist.co/staff/143782 and Jinahttps://anilist.co/staff/187318 centres around an avid theatre fan by the name of Park SoYeonghttps://anilist.co/character/329702. She falls into devastation after her favourite theatre actor falls into the world of television acting. However soon after she experiences Jang JaeYihttps://anilist.co/character/329703/JangJaeYi acting as Lady Macbeth and instantly becomes a fan. What begins as being a mere fan soon turns into something much more... Plot If I had to characterise the plot very briefly I would say that it is very minimal with its drama. In comparison to the many other words I have read not many complications arise. What the story mainly focuses on is JaeYis acting career and the plays she performs in as well as the relationship between JaeYi and SoYeong both its buildup and their love life afterwards. Centring in on the theatre aspect of the story this is where I think the story makes itself unique. The plot goes into detail the training that goes on before the actual play from an actress perspective one that many have no access to. Reciting lines rehearsals and event organisation. It may sound mundane just thinking about it but when I was reading the story I found it to be one of my favourite parts of the novel. This is where the characters development takes place both for the actress and the viewer. Reading these segments in the latter part of the manhwa made me excited to see how the actual performance would play out. The romance aspect of the manhwa is interlinked with the aforementioned theatre component. As progress is made in the various plays so too does the next chapter unfold for JaeYi and SoYeongs relationship. Their relationship plays out in a typical manner to most romances so it was easily enjoyable for a romance fan such as I. There is less of a focus on the flaws between each character rather the story zooms in on how the two support each other. Although I do believe that development on a characters flaws makes for a compelling story I did not mind this change of pace. Combined with the lack of drama it makes After the Curtain Call a lighthearted and wholesome read. Touching on how I mentioned there is not much drama in this manhwa I can only really recall one series of time where there was and even then it was mild. It is the classic return of the ex however the ex is not characterised as this fiendish individual rather as someone who is overly ignorant. As such the drama in this story is minimal and consequently may not appeal to drama fans. However the lack of drama makes this a light read that can easily be enjoyed for those looking to get immersed in a lightweight heartfelt story. Characters On top of the two main characters there are really only around two side characters that are notable in the story. 260https://s4.anilist.co/file/anilistcdn/character/large/b329702q1bERzNKQcno.png SoYeong is an avid theatre fan to the point where she will see the same play multiple times. Out of the main two she is clearly the more emotive one. From drowning in despair after her previous favourite actor stepped away from the theatre stage to incandescent joy seeing her new favourite actress perform on the stage her otaku side is surely something that many readers can relate to. She is characterised to show great care for JaeYi so it makes it hard not to like her. 260https://s4.anilist.co/file/anilistcdn/character/large/b329703t36LknwRMadw.png An aspiring theatre actress JaeYi is determined to build her career on the stage. JaeYi despite her struggles in pursuing acting proves herself to be a resilient individual willing to do what it takes to achieve her dream. However behind her confident face hides one who has not been able to fully get over the past. Through her relationship with SoYeong and continuing to act JaeYi is able to grow and move onto the next stage of her life. Art The art really adds to the wholesome factor of the manhwa. I think it really shone the brightest during the play scenes. Conclusion and TLDR I did not have as much to say for this title but I do not think much needs to be said. It is a simple story a wholesome one that is sure to appeal to those who prefer their stories with only a pinch of drama. Those who like stories with a lot of drama probably will not like this manhwa. To summarise: The plot is lighthearted in nature and does not feature much drama. With a focus on theatre plays it stands out from other Yuri romances and can easily immerse you in the story and characters. The main two are likable and their relationship can be an enjoyable read. Now I feel like going to the theatre...
80 /100
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