Jaslyon15
I've heard and read very mixed reviews of it, but for me personally it was probably the best thing I could ever imagine (at the time I watched it at least).
This was also one of the first dramas I ever watched, so I didn't have many other dramas to compare it too, and this was the drama that really got me hooked on Korean dramas.
It is absolutely my cup of tea. However, I am well aware that it is not everyones.
I am an action, revenge and romance obsessed person, and having all those things combine into one drama with a on-the-tip-of-your-toes plot filled with twists, angst ridden protagonists, and searing romance that actually went somewhere made me deliriously happy.
Story: While the story may be seen as your typical espionage-revenge plot: main character is the best operative, something bad happens, his love life is ruined, he seeks revenge while a shady organization is out to nuke the whole world... the stereotypical story line ruined nothing for me. Besides, I love that story kind of story line. I mean, what's not to like? There was still enough sub-plot and intrigue that I was hooked and watched every episode completely. Yes I may have been able to see some of what happened coming, but definitely not everything. So what was the story like besides action, romance, and revenge? Well it was chalk full of touching moments, both tragic and bitter-sweet. There were also those moments that I was so mad at the writer that I felt like I wanted to punch someone in the face (ending included), but somehow in a good way, if that makes any sense. But mostly, I loved following Hyun Jun's amazing, heart-wrenching journey. I felt like I could feel every single emotion he did, and that will get me write into my evaluation of the cast.
Acting/Cast: I'm only going to talk about Lee Byung Hun, because OH MY GOD, despite whatever people say about him as a person, Lee Byung Hun's acting BLOWS ME AWAY. I felt like I was standing next to him, watching everything he went through, screaming at his character, Hyun Jun, to pull through his hardships. It was just amazing.
Music: It was perfect. That is all.
Overall: An amazing action packed piece of perfection.
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So what makes this drama so good?
Well... everything.
I have to say this was probably the most hilarious thing I have seen in a long time, and it still managed to be serious and touching when it needed to be. So it was a great laugh, and a heartfelt story.
Like most dramas, Reply 1997 was overtly dramatic and didn't really portray what high school life is like for the most, but at the same time, I found myself identifying with the characters, and for once in my drama-watching career I wasn't quietly scoffing to myself about how ridiculous the show was (although every time I do that I end up watching the whole show anyway...).
I absolutely loved the plot! I was confused (in a good way) and on the tip of my toes the whole time mentally screaming WHO IS IT? WHO IS IT?, which for me is awesome, as I love not knowing what's going to happen, and I love plot twists even more than not knowing what's going to happen, and this drama had them both!
Seo In Guk and Hoya were probably the cutest thing that I will ever see in a drama. Despite my original inclination to ship them as a couple, I ended up liking the female actress so much that I was rooting for her! Wait what!? I actually cared about a female character in a drama????? In so many dramas I find myself not caring at all about the whiny, clueless, annoying female protagonist (I usually like the female character that serves as the antagonist way more, though of course there are always exceptions), but in this drama I liked her almost as much as I liked Seo In Guk's character!
The characters in the drama were amazing! I loved each and every one of them and there little special quirks, and each actor portrayed them flawlessly.
I am so glad to see that this drama is at the top of the dramalist, because man does it deserve it!
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