a collection of distorted memories - painful, yet dazzling

(It's hard to believe the MDL ratings for this drama because it deserves so much love.)

A friend recommended this to me and I immediately began watching it. At first, I thought of it as a slice of life, romedy - packed with a bunch of ridiculously funny moments. The first few episodes are definitely light, set with a good pace and a good amount of humor as well. The characters, especially Hyeja's brother had me rolling my eyes and facepalming at his antics (in a good way). The bond of friendship is cute, filled with some heartwarming moments. You'll never know what the story is about and what's the motive behind it all till you get to the last four episodes. At least that's what happened with me.

It is then when you realize that the story isn't coming to an end, it is, in fact, beginning to come around so well, that it leaves you in awe of the way it's so cleverly written and how beautiful it is. I felt the need to revisit all the previous episodes to see how the moments we saw have completely changed in their meaning. It flips the entire perspective around and suddenly things start to make a perfect sense.

(might contain some spoilers)

I will begin with the beautiful symbolism of the watch. How it is seen as some time-traveling device but actually turns out to be more meaningful and connects you with a painful memory. I never could have thought that a watch will make me cry so much. The moment you find out its significance, things become sadder. It's just like what Hyeja's son says - that she goes back and relives the happiest moments of her life. And now we know why she is seen traveling back in time and why the watch is shown as some time-traveling medium (cue tears).

The strongest point of this drama, for me, was its beautiful, larger than life moments. The cast is so brilliant, their acting is honest and heart touching. At times it even made me tear up. My friend discussed with me how there are some powerful scenes where there aren't any dialogues but the expressions convey their feelings so well and I'd agree with that.

Hyeja's character, despite all of her struggles, is so inspirational. I absolutely fell in love with Kim Hye Ja and how she beautifully portrayed her. A woman who is struggling to hold onto her memories and her memories resulting in that vague, distorted ones that we saw. And yet, she believes that all those memories, even though they were painful, were full of light. And I believe in her words. I believe that she cherishes them so much because it is visible in the way those moments shine and I loved how they managed to capture them so well.

I couldn't stop my tears for Joonha's character. He left such a deep impact that it wrecked me. Nam Joo Hyuk is a phenomenal actor; I always love watching him on-screen but this is his best acting till this date. He really shone as Joonha and was so radiant.

There is this scene where the old people look at the setting sun and seemingly reminisce about their youthful days. And it made me think of how the title "The Light In Your Eyes" is so apt. We often think of old age and relate it with death, but at that moment, their eyes shone so bright and they looked so alive.

The drunk conversations between Hye Ja and Joonha, the fun times with their friends, the old people making us laugh; I think 'The Light In Your Eyes' definitely had its bizarre moments, but despite all of that, what it really meant to me was this beautiful collection of distorted memories - painful, yet dazzling.

This drama will surely make you think about what is important and how to hold onto it forever.

I'd like to end this with this beautiful quote from the drama - "Even if you are struggling right now, everyone alive has the right to enjoy this every day. Even if one ordinary day is followed by another ordinary day, life is still worth living. Don't waste the present regretting the past and worrying about the future. Live this day beautifully, you deserve it. To all of you who was a mom, a sister, a daughter and yourself."

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Let's Think!

I was looking for a perfect drama that could introduce me to Japanese dramas. The one that wouldn't disappoint me and make the first impression a bad one. And certainly, after reading through a "2019 wrap up" article (thanks to the one who wrote it) I found - Mr Hiiragi's Homeroom, and it couldn't have been more perfect.

It was something unusual and different from what I was used to. And much more dramatic, like very dramatic at some points (for real)
The initial episodes were confusing, I was trying to wrap my mind around everything that was happening. The plot was building up and so was the mystery around it that I couldn't help but be curious about everything. I wanted to know the conclusion of it all. Why did he take his students as hostages? What is the point behind it? What are his reasons? And will the answers justify everything? Or will it be a disappointment at the end. And even though the cast overall acted brilliantly, the initial episodes seemed a bit heavy on drama, sometimes forced even, and less convincing to me for some reasons. But gradually the plot strengthened, it kept me on edge till the very end. And somehow with time it only got better and better in terms of both the plot and the characterization. There was a development with each episode. It was really emotional to see the students who were so adamant, stubborn and rebellious transforming into someone who was wise and considerate.

I thought Hiiragi was going too far with his motives, but now that I think about it, his roughness was instrumental in bringing about such a drastic change in his students. It all made sense!
The story became too good towards the end (the final episodes are my favourite)
The acting became less dramatic and more genuine with time.

The constant appeal made by Hiiragi, the emphasis on "thinking carefully" and "change". The way he promised his students that they will know his reasons made me believe in him and hold onto him. His signature phrase "Let's think!" may sound a bit lame at the beginning, but in the end one realizes its importance and symbolism.

Masaki Suda is a brilliant actor. He has acted so amazingly in the drama that I almost wish to have a sensei like him. His acting is a gem. I couldn't stop watching. He even received an award for best actor for this and it is well deserved. Nagano Mei was so cute and cheerful but also nailed the emotional scenes!

It's not a perfectly crafted drama, it definitely lacks at some places. The editing is off and not the bestest, but despite everything, the message that Hiiragi wants to convey to his students is something so important and something that people tend to overlook in present time. And for that, to know his reasons and the conclusions, it is a MUST watch. Because once you reach the point where finally you'll get your answers, you'll feel that it was worth it after all.

The drama is much more than what it really seems. It is more than a crime thriller. Even after a few days of finishing it, I can still feel the impact of Hiiragi's words. So do give it a try!

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