I finally watched this after hearing about it so much. This is my first Reply drama so I won't compare with its precedents . Why do I want to write a review for this? Firstly, it's a great family and friendship orientated drama with fantastic humor. Every character is unique and is relevant to our everyday life. The friendship and family bonding message was very encouraging ;letting us realized not everything in this materialistic world is fake. My favorite character is Dong Ryong among the youngsters and Ra Mi Ran among the elders. Without them the drama would be a complete bore. I like Deuk Sun the character too but I find Hyeri not convincing enough and a little annoying for the over acting. All the other actors were good . What I will remember most from this drama? It would be Dong Ryong's garlic in his pants scene and Jung Hwan's message for us that do not blame it on timing and fate when one did not do enough to get what we want.

The only complaint I have besides Hyeri's acting is the drama lacks cliffhangers,lacks climatic dramatic event that makes you chase episodes after episodes. I will still recommend this to anyone who wants to watch a good drama.

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I finally watched it! Was initially skeptical because it's 51 episodes but went ahead because of Ha Ji Won and Ji Chang Wook. And I m so happy I did because this is my next most favorite saeguk besides Six flying dragons. Love it!

Story: it didn't feel like 51 episodes because the story can be divided into 3 parts i.e.before SN enters palace, in the palace then out then went back again. Both HJW and JCW' s character grew along the way. It has enough humor, touching moments , realistic power struggles ,comradeship and romance! I think this is one of those few saeguks that has so much romance and skinship. For me besides the struggle of empress ki , the other important story was the love that the emperor has for empress ki. Never once he deserts her despite many obstacles . Some people hate the ending but for me ,it was the best way to end- more realistic ,more impactful! Life is not always like a fairy tale .

Casting/acting: one of the best cast I have come across besides SFD - everyone's acting was great. Besides the three main leads, the veteran actor El Temur , evil Tanashiri, Empress dowager, Tangqishi ,all were outstanding. JJM did not have much to do with his character but his acting touched me. HJW was beyond spectacular - from the innocent feisty Sungnyang to the cold seeking vengeance consort then the loving mother and wife left me longing for more . However JCW was a revelation for me in this drama. I have only watched him in healer prior to this but acting as this poignant yet devoted to love emperor made me fall in love with him! Watching him cries just make me wanna jump into the screen and hug him LOL.

Music was good but as great as SFD

Rewatched value: definitely a yes for me!

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This wasn't the first kdrama that I watch; simply because it's being overshadowed by other dramas that have mega superstars like Jun Ji Hyun in MLFOS , highly popular romance like the Heirs etc. It is also highly underrated perhaps its genre / plot touching on mental health issues is not favourable among local Koreans . But it's my most favourite kdrama! The story is great , not too grandiose not too irrational , in fact very real our day to day story. GHJ and JIS are simply amazing here - even if you don't like this genre kind of drama, these two are so worth watching;trust me you will be delighted! The supporting cast esp Sung Dung Il and Kwang Soo were so fun watching. The acting in this drama is top notched and lastly this has the best songs in any kdramas that I have watched(I have already watched about 30 drama up to date since started 6 months ago.

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Definitely must watch - absolutely aDorkable; just as I thought I won't be swept away by another kdrama after watching about 30 dramas now,I was proven wrong. I was drawn to this drama firstly by Gong Hyo Jin - have never come across Lee Sun Gyun yet. GHJ 's dramas , like someone mentioned earlier has a magnetic feel good vibe. The story is simple predictable and yet very engaging,kept me chasing episodes after episodes. GHJ and LSG chemistry and acting was spot on , very delightful to watch . She completely nailed the character of tenacious ambitious woman but yet so vulnerable when she encounters her first love. Many times I find myself flustered by their love story. This drama also has a fantastic supporting cast- Alex , Lee Sung Min and eye candies Italian boys were fantastic. And for those Choi Jin Hyuk 's fans , I bet you can hardly recognise him here. The only kdramas that I have re watched are those of GHJ- including this one. That's how captivating she is to me

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