jenfletch
United Kingdom
I finished this drama a few days ago now and I've been rolling it around in my brain in the weeks since. I loved Reply 1997, it was warm, funny and hit all the right cosy notes so I was interested in seeing what it's 'sequel' did. What I got was something so much more than 1997 (not that 1997 isn't good, it is. It's fab. It's just different.) So, with this in mind, here are some reasons you might just really love 1994.
1, The casting choices/Acting
For me, it doesn't really matter if you've written the best script in the world, the cast needs to work with the words and deliver what the author intended. The cast is what sets apart good shows from great shows and 1994 has a really, really strong cast who work beautifully together. From the little nosing I have done, it seems as though they all made fast friends and you can really tell. There's a mesh between them that feels genuine and honest. It is as though you're watching a real group of friends live out their real lives. Special shouts must go to Yoo Yeon Seok and Jung Woo who, as the two romantic leads, are so utterly convincing you really don't mind who Na Jung ends up with.
2, The writing
Lee Woo Jung and co are so exceptionally good at what they do. The fact the reply series is laced with the odd fart and poop joke I think causes some to ignore just what a good job this team does. The main cast of this show are nine separate characters, nine, they all feel different and developed and they all have their own unique elements and stories. In western media for a show to get us to love NINE CHARACTERS, they'd need at least two twenty episode series and, even then, it would take a great writing team. By about episode four you care about this group, you understand their different motivations. That's magic. Total writing magic. The other thing that I think is worth highlighting about the writing in this show is that it's not afraid to touch on difficult areas. There's a scene where two main male characters are having a discussion about menopause, it's quick, isn't turned into some joke but feels so completely genuine. I mention this one because I can't think of a time I've ever seen that in a western show. 1994's writing is full of little moments like that layer and build each character to a level where you thoroughly care for them.
3, Trash
Never have I ever enjoyed a male lead the way I enjoyed Trash. I think it's equal parts writing and the charm that Jung Woo brings to the character. In one breath he's breaking your heart with how hard he loves and how much he overthinks every little action he takes and in the next, he's being an utter goof and you're charmed all over again. He's also extremely sexy in a very 'normal' way, he looks like every girl's ideal first boyfriend.
4, It's length
Hey! Controversial right! A lot of the reviews I've read express a desire for the drama to be shorter. But I think making it shorter gives us that much less time to bond and understand this group of friends. My one complaint with 97 was that Shi Won's friends felt underdeveloped in comparison to her, Yoon Jae and Tae Woong. I can't say that with 94. Everyone of Na Jung's friends feels developed and fleshed out. You understand their motivations and what role they play in Na Jung's life. The length allows for quiet, less main plot-driven moments that mean we know the characters that much more.
In short, if you enjoy life stories that let you feel like a real part of the people you're watching on the screen then I truly believe you'll love this. It's warm and layered and one I know I'll always want to revisit.
1, The casting choices/Acting
For me, it doesn't really matter if you've written the best script in the world, the cast needs to work with the words and deliver what the author intended. The cast is what sets apart good shows from great shows and 1994 has a really, really strong cast who work beautifully together. From the little nosing I have done, it seems as though they all made fast friends and you can really tell. There's a mesh between them that feels genuine and honest. It is as though you're watching a real group of friends live out their real lives. Special shouts must go to Yoo Yeon Seok and Jung Woo who, as the two romantic leads, are so utterly convincing you really don't mind who Na Jung ends up with.
2, The writing
Lee Woo Jung and co are so exceptionally good at what they do. The fact the reply series is laced with the odd fart and poop joke I think causes some to ignore just what a good job this team does. The main cast of this show are nine separate characters, nine, they all feel different and developed and they all have their own unique elements and stories. In western media for a show to get us to love NINE CHARACTERS, they'd need at least two twenty episode series and, even then, it would take a great writing team. By about episode four you care about this group, you understand their different motivations. That's magic. Total writing magic. The other thing that I think is worth highlighting about the writing in this show is that it's not afraid to touch on difficult areas. There's a scene where two main male characters are having a discussion about menopause, it's quick, isn't turned into some joke but feels so completely genuine. I mention this one because I can't think of a time I've ever seen that in a western show. 1994's writing is full of little moments like that layer and build each character to a level where you thoroughly care for them.
3, Trash
Never have I ever enjoyed a male lead the way I enjoyed Trash. I think it's equal parts writing and the charm that Jung Woo brings to the character. In one breath he's breaking your heart with how hard he loves and how much he overthinks every little action he takes and in the next, he's being an utter goof and you're charmed all over again. He's also extremely sexy in a very 'normal' way, he looks like every girl's ideal first boyfriend.
4, It's length
Hey! Controversial right! A lot of the reviews I've read express a desire for the drama to be shorter. But I think making it shorter gives us that much less time to bond and understand this group of friends. My one complaint with 97 was that Shi Won's friends felt underdeveloped in comparison to her, Yoon Jae and Tae Woong. I can't say that with 94. Everyone of Na Jung's friends feels developed and fleshed out. You understand their motivations and what role they play in Na Jung's life. The length allows for quiet, less main plot-driven moments that mean we know the characters that much more.
In short, if you enjoy life stories that let you feel like a real part of the people you're watching on the screen then I truly believe you'll love this. It's warm and layered and one I know I'll always want to revisit.
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