Reply 1997

Every once in a while, amidst the multitudes of Korean dramas which employ all the stereotypical clichés such as Cinderella story lines, hapless women who have tear ducts the size of the Pacific Ocean, and men fighting over mates like gorillas, a show such as Reply 1997 comes along to provide viewers with a breath of fresh air. I recently undertook a marathon session of this drama after many recommendations from friends, and I don't know why I waited so long; everything about Reply 1997 is believable, relatable, and most of all entertaining. This drama will transport you to 1990's S. Korea, as several high school students wrestle with the ups and downs of life while dealing with one another. Reply 1997 will make you yearn for the good ol' days of your adolescence, as well as reminisce about the golden years of S. Korea. I guarantee that you go straight to your computer and make a playlist of most of the songs that are wonderfully woven into the drama.

Many different and surprisingly complex themes are explored in every episode; many of the experiences portrayed are those that you or someone close to you have probably gone through, and this drama recognizes that real life happens. One quip I had with Reply 1997 is that some of these themes could have been developed a little more, such as that involving Joon Hee. Another issue I could see arising is that viewers who are not familiar with the pop culture of 1990's S. Korea could have difficulty catching onto some of the references made. This is minor, however, as the top-notch acting and stellar writing more than make up for this.

Seriously, just go watch this thing. The only regret you'll have after you're done is that you won't be able to watch anymore episodes.

I like series that are set in the past and tell us how life was back then while also giving us a glimpse of events from those specific years. Reply does exactly that! The first installment in the series is called 'Reply 1997'. The story revolves around six protagonists - Shi Won, Yoon Jae, Yoo Jung, Joon Hee, Hak Chan and Sung Jae who are in their senior year of high school and are busy figuring out life after school. The main protagonist is Shi Won played by Jung Eun Ji from the popular K-Pop girl group APink. Shi Won has just one love in her life - H.O.T! She will go any lengths to be a core member of their fan club. She'll skip school to stand in line for their album. She'll run away from home just so she can have a glimpse of her idol. Shi Won has absolutely no clue about life after school because she is just too immersed in her love for her favourite boy band from S.M.Entertainment. She may not be the best of students but she can come up with steamy plotlines about her favorite idol's personal life! What makes this series popular is the fact that it introduces to all its audiences, both international and domestic, to the fact that 'Fan Fictions' have been in existence since the dawn of boy bands. One of the most loved themes of the series is the rivalry between White Angels and Yellow Kies. When Shi Won finds out that her best friend is no longer a White Angel but a fan of Sechs Kies all hell breaks loose. What makes all of this even more funny is the fact that Eun Ji Won who plays Hak Chan is actually a band member of Sechs Kies. Sechs Kies and H.O.T were the first few bands to have such large members in their fandom. The fight scene between White angels and Yellow Kies is nothing but epic but the ultimate climax is when the victor is announced! The series played a very important role in bringing to the fore the foundation of the Hallyu (Korean Wave) that has swept over the world in over two decades and is still going strong. Sung Dong Il and Lee Il Hwa who play Shi Won's parents are portrayed as a couple that's always bickering but there is a definite under current of love that we keep getting a glaring glimpse of throughout the series. Who would've thunk that they would be able to take and make their characters so popular amongst everybody who watched it! Apart from the obvious KPop theme - other aspects of High School life are dealt with very delicately. This first installment has a mystery theme. The story begins in current day 2012 but takes us back to 1997. We learn how the characters met and their relationship with each other is established and we also see how their friendship has progressed from 1997 to 2012 but in the present day of the series Shi Won is pregnant and the audience is left guessing as to who her partner is at the end of each episode.

Unfortunately, perhaps, saw Reply 1988 which is very good (later learned in reading reviews to understand why Reply 1994 and 1997 were so bad that this was the third effort by the writer/directors and they "finally got it right"). Unlike 1988, this series follows superficial characters focused on insipid, high school drivel. Not that the high schoolers in 1988 never act like high schoolers, but in 1988 it is part of their reality, not the focus of the plotlines. In 1994 and 1997 we follow characters who are so superficial that how anyone could care what happens is beyond me. My wife is Korean and even she couldnt get through 1997 (worse 1994). I can only imagine the entire country of Korea must be highly rating this program as the rating is ridiculous. I would have given this a 5 but to redress it's over rating, giving it a 2. Don't waste your time.

I just finished Reply 1988 and was IN LOVE with it - everything about it! So thought I would watch this next given its high rating/reviews.

I am 5 episodes in and MAJORLY disappointed to say the least. Most characters were super abnoxious and too annoying to even tolerate watching with absolutely no redeeming qualities about them. 70% of the dialogue was stupid arguments about nothing and doesnt add to the story and i felt myself being annoyed all through EVERY episode so far. These 5 episodes could have been half of one if they removed the bickering fluff. I also find myself not caring/interested enough in any character or what happens next or to anyone.

I feel like I gave it a fair chance and I am glad i won't be hearing people scream and fight about nonesence anymore.

I've watched all 3 versions of the reply series and this one is my favorite. I loved the characters and they did a great job! I also loved how we kept going back and forth from present to the past. I highly recommend especially if you enjoy nostalgia shows, this will probably take you back in time. I was pleased with the storyline very much although I also wished this one had a wedding sooner than letting the many years pass but I guess it's just how things worked out. At least the couple who I wanted to get together did! You won't be disappointed either I'm sure!