13 reasons why phần 1 review năm 2024

Not really a show that encourages binge-watching, in other words. But 13 Reasons Why definitely succeeds in its goal of exploring how countless small and large acts of malice, as well as simple indifference or inattention, can fuel a terrible tragedy. Hannah herself references Chaos Theory in one episode, and it applies to this situation as well as it does an amusement park full of hungry dinosaurs. Hannah encounters just about every form of humiliation high school life can possibly throw at someone - from social isolation and petty gossip to sexual harassment and worse. The outcome is a foregone conclusion, so it's really more a story about how and why so many of those close to Hannah failed to save her in time.

Though a newcomer, Langford shines in the lead role. There's a bright spark to Hannah that slowly fades over the course of the series as she becomes progressively more worn down by life's disappointments. Langford embodies that optimism and that profound sadness well. Minnette's Clay is, by design, a much more stoic and reserved character. In the present, Clay is practically a walking zombie stricken equal helpings of grief, confusion and fear about what he'll learn when he eventually reaches his tape. Even in the past, Clay is someone who struggles to express his emotions and open up to those around him. Minnette does a fine job in what's often a difficult role, though the show does rely a little too much on shots of Clay gazing wistfully into the distance as he reminisces about his interactions Hannah.

Miles Heizer as Alex and Dylan Minnette as Clay.Langford and Minnette are often at their best together, channeling just the right sort of warm but awkward chemistry you'd expect from two teens who can't quite admit to their feelings for one another. Each new bit of progress in their relationship feels like a major victory, one rendered all the more poignant by the knowledge that their friendship/nascent romance is inherently doomed. There's a nice sense of mystery and unease to their relationship as well. For a long time, it's very unclear just how close the two characters were prior to Hannah's death or what exactly Clay might have done to earn himself a spot among the dreaded thirteen (at least some of whom are shown to have listened to the tapes before him).

In general, 13 Reasons Why boasts a strong cast that tends to make the most of the material. Initially, Clay and Hannah's classmates seem to fit into the usual high school stereotypes - your jocks, your cheerleaders, your preppy overachievers, your slackers, etc. But as each member of the thirteen is fleshed out in turn, they show a real depth and angst that reminds viewers that Hannah was hardly the only one who suffered from loneliness and a deep malaise. Standouts include Alisha Boe as psychologically troubled cheerleader Jessica Davis and Brandon Flynn as her equally tortured boyfriend, Justin Foley. The show places a greater emphasis on adult characters than the novel, with memorable, emotionally charged performances from Kate Walsh as Hannah's grieving mother and Derek Luke as the school's embattled counselor.

13 Reasons Why does face some annoying structural problems. The book unfolds over the course of a single night, as Clay listens to Hannah's tapes and revisits old haunts. The show seeks to draw that process out over a number of days. This allows the writers to dig in deeper with the individual characters, but it also requires a larger suspension of disbelief. It's already a bit much to accept that a teenager would leave behind such an elaborate, carefully choreographed suicide note. It's even harder to accept that Clay would take so long to work his way through these tapes, treating them more like a podcast he's trying to catch up on than a literal matter of life and death.

Dylan Minnette's Clay and Katherine Langford's Hannah at a happier time in their lives.The show is sometimes guilty of going a little overboard in presenting Hannah's suicide as a grand conspiracy doled out in small doses each episode. That's especially true where Christian Navarro's character Tony is involved. Early on, Tony is treated very much like one of The Others from Lost - an ambiguous figure who shows up occasionally to deliver small drips and drabs of wisdom as he guides Clay along in his journey of enlightenment. Tony eventually morphs into a more three-dimensional, believable character, but early on the show is a little too fixated on plot twists and not enough on simply telling Hannah's sad story.

It's possible that 13 Reasons Why would have benefited from a leaner approach, either with a slightly smaller episode count or shorter episodes. But regardless, it tells a very affecting, very important story about the troubled inner lives of modern teens and the many ways the system can fail them. And the show always feels authentic rather than preachy.. Even in the finale, as most remaining loose ends are resolved, the show refuses to provide any easy answers or complete closure. Like Clay, viewers are left to decide their own truth about Hannah Baker's demise.

Verdict

13 Reasons Why is far from the most pleasant viewing experience Netflix has to offer, but it is a very powerful and hard-hitting series. The show explores the build-up to and aftermath of a teen's tragic suicide with great care, painting a compelling portrait of one teen broken by life and another determined to find answers. The show easily ranks among the best high school dramas of the 21st Century.