BEST. DRAMA. EVER. I wonder why it didn't hit much on popularity around here. But thank gawd, netizens loved it as much as I did! I was recently browsing on some dramas and Reply 1997 didn't really catch my attention at first. It all looked pretty much school-themed to me at one glance and it seemed too typical of a genre. But then there weren't too many dramas with positive reviews airing at that time so I thought I'd give this one a chance. And the hours finally paid off! The drama caught me off-guard. I never realized how deep each episode really was. It was unlike any other drama at all. The casting was great and it was inevitable to watch it because there's practically a cliff-hanger by the end of each episode. The drama was enticing to watch because it revolved not only on one angle. It featured the story of other characters. It wasn't anything annoying at all because it didn't focus primarily on romance. I loved the fact that they balanced the whole series. We had enough of rom-com genre and Reply 1997 provided the face of what Kdramas nowadays lack. It was good to see the development on each character. As the storyline progresses, their characters, too, develop. It mad me appreciate even more the way their culture changed throughout the years. The actors embodied the usual personas people wanted them to have. And they (no doubt there) nailed it. When it comes to the cast, it's perfect. THE ACTING WAS AWESOME. They weren't trying hard to be funny at all. Because they are! ;) haha I was never really engrossed with KPop or what so reading swoons and praises (on the comments while watching) directed to the popstars acting out their roles were kind of intimidating. It led me to researching these actors one by one. I figured out in the end that each was particularly good in whatever field they excelled in. It was comforting not to know these actors at first hand so that I wouldn't be giving a biased review on the series. If it weren't for Reply 1997, I wouldn't have watched an authentic, raw and down-to-earth drama revolutionized by pure Korean talent. Kudos to the actors and actresses! Especially to the leads for excellently portraying the Busan accent and promoting the new and hip 'satoori' culture as they call it in Korea. :) Great cinematography. No dragging moments. The way they showed the series was supposedly confusing since they shifted the scenarios from past to present and vice versa. Nevertheless, it didn't confuse me at all. While watching, I was silently praying it to actually have an ending that won't suck. (I'm a sucker for happy endings ;)) Reply 1997 exceeded my expectations, though. It was unlike any ending I've encountered. And frankly speaking, I don't know where to situate and compare this piece to any drama I've known. Truly, the drama's one of a kind. Cable dramas are slowly taking the stage. I'm glad TvN's making a name. I recommend this drama to uhmm... anyone? Probably because I believe that anyone or everyone for that matter, will love it. Watching it is like taking a step backwards and admitting the loveliness of nostalgia. Reply 1997 took me back to my roots again HAHA! Love, love love... SPREAD THE LOVE PEOPLE! HAHA! I highly recommend it! :D