Reply 1997

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.

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'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!

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 watched this right after Reply 1988. But have to say this is not up to the Reply 1988 standard. However, we can give it a pass since Reply 1997 is the first installment of the franchise and Reply 1988 is the last.

The will they won't they arc along with "who's the father" arc was a bit overplayed. We all guessed who it is from episode 1 itself, so I didn't see the reason for it to be dragged till the last episode.

However, other than that the humanity, emotions, and stories of each character were well played. This is a heart warming drama and the main couple's cute storyline is a bonus!