One of the Best Family Dramas
I have no words to describe how I’m in love with this drama. I started watching it hoping to see something nice and I was surprised since the drama gives me something that I didn’t expect to get. Every week people have been debating who is the ‘husband’ but let’s be honest that the drama is not really about that. The romance part only covers like 20% of the whole drama and that 20% includes other characters’ love stories as well. I’m sad that other aspects of the drama have been overlook by some people since they have been so obsessed with who is the husband since day one.I guess one of the reasons why I really love this drama is because it really hits home with many aspect of the plots. It’s a story about normal people with ordinary everyday lives but at the same time it is very engaging as well. All the characters are super lovely and likable and for young people like me, I truly enjoyed the bit which focuses on the older characters of the drama as well. The 3 mothers were hilarious together while Dukseon, Junghwan, Dongryong’s fathers are hilarious individually. Of course, my favorite scenes are mostly involving when the 5 friends are together but my point is that mostly every aspect of the plots have been very interesting and charming.
The acting is brilliant I must say. I was truly surprised with how well Hyeri acted here. The acting coach of the Reply series must be someone special since they always managed to bring the best out of the female leads of the series. No one can deny my admiration towards Park Bogum’s acting. His emotional scenes especially with his dad are the best since he executed it very well – his intonation were on point that I always ended up shedding a tear with the way his voice sounded. Ryu Junyeol is amazing as well – this is the first time I ever saw him act and I wondered why he didn’t start earlier. This is the first time I see Go Kyungpyo acting as someone obedient and kind and he did it so well. While Lee Dongwhi is super hilarious. I wished the writer wrote more plot for his character since he’s really one of the funniest among the casts. The older actors did so well as well. They are the reasons why the acting in this drama has been all time high since all of them have their own unique ways to capture the audiences’ attention.
This drama deserved nothing but 9 stars from me. Everything about it is so special and it is without doubt the very best family Kdramas I have ever watched. I’m looking forward to the writer’s next installment. She proved that she can be unpredictable with her writing so I wondered what else she has in store for us.
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The romance/love triangle is not even the main point of the story. It was just a part of their lives. This drama is about life, family, and friends.
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Best drama I’ve ever watched
I’ll never be able to get over this drama, even thinking about it makes me tear up . This drama doesn’t have like a proper plot but it shows the way a group of friends grow up and the neighbourhood, they tackle so many mature topics in this drama and in a realistic way. I loved everything about it, the bond between the families and the friendship. It just reminds you of your youth and gives you the sense of warmth. I’d describe the drama like a warm hug, it’s a really good healing drama as it shows happiness in everyday things, I would highly recommend this drama in a heartbeatWas this review helpful to you?
A slice of life drama that teaches you the value of relationships and humanness
A slice of life drama that is not only an ode to the historical context it identifies to but also the characters it introduces. One of the strongest points that make Reply 1988 fun and emotional to watch is the way it treats each of its characters and their emotions. It would be hard to find another drama that makes you feel such a myriad of emotions all in one series.In each of its characters none of whom feel like a side character or a main lead there is a story told, an emotion attached and a sensibility shown.
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Ahhh, youth ... -Burl Ives
Reply 1988 is a general but very good portrayal of just "life and family" and the youth affected, passing on to the next generation. As a young man in the 80's, I couldn't help but think of my past on a few occasions throughout the series. Obviously there are cultural differences, but overall, as a young boy and teen, there is much I relate to. Family ups and downs, friends that shape your life. I remember my first true heartbreak as a 19-year-old. However, I ended up marrying my high school sweetheart 5 years later.The acting was good; Lee Hye Ri's role as Sung Deok Sun stuck out the most for me. She was like the glue (kids-wise) that kept the momentum. Yes, the others were bright, funny, quirky, and sometimes charming, but there was a reason Deok Sun took the narrative reins. The kids, with their own personalities, were like an extension of their parents. I also could relate on some levels to the parents having kids of my own. What bothered me a little was Reply 1988 didn't seem to have a main central plot; it just had a theme of day-to-day life as anyone trying to navigate through it. This was a good and a bad thing, IMO. Because the middle episodes 9–14 did seem a little repetitive. Without a main central goal, the initial warm and engrossing episodes started to trend toward a reality TV theme. This isn't a terrible knock because the execution was still present.
But as in life, things do change as the kids get older and more mature. Things move forward, and the show thrives. I too have revisited my old childhood area 18 years ago. The nastoglia here is on point.
Overall, Reply 1988 is worth the watch, and I do recommend.
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An absolute gem of a South Korean drama
Reply 1988 is a drama that perfectly captures the essence of life in the late 80s in Korea. This drama is a masterpiece in every sense of the word, with exceptional writing, an outstanding ensemble cast, and a heartwarming storyline that will leave you feeling nostalgic and uplifted.One of the strengths of Reply 1988 is its excellent ensemble cast, which includes Park Bo-gum, Ryu Jun-yeol, Lee Dong-hwi, Go Kyung-pyo, and Hyeri. Each actor delivers a standout performance, bringing their characters to life with nuance, depth, and humor. The chemistry between the cast members is palpable, and their relationships feel authentic and genuine. From the quiet and introspective Taek to the confident and headstrong Deok-sun, each character is a fully-realized individual with their own unique struggles, hopes, and dreams.
The drama's storytelling is equally remarkable, weaving together personal stories with larger historical and cultural contexts in a way that is both informative and entertaining. The drama tackles serious issues such as economic hardship, generational differences, and gender roles, while still maintaining a lighthearted and nostalgic tone that will have viewers reminiscing about their own youth.
But what truly sets Reply 1988 apart is its ability to capture the magic of everyday life - the small moments of joy, the simple pleasures, and the bonds of love and friendship that sustain us through the ups and downs of life. The drama's warmth, humor, and heart are infectious, and you will find themselves deeply invested in the lives of these characters.
In short, Reply 1988 is a masterpiece of Korean drama that should not be missed. Its exceptional cast, thoughtful storytelling, and heartwarming portrayal of life in the late 80s make it a timeless classic that will leave you feeling inspired, moved, and uplifted. Whether you are a fan of Korean dramas or simply love a good story about family, friendship, and community, Reply 1988 is an absolute must-watch.
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I really can't express how much I fell in love with this drama, it is probably the best I have seen. Maybe as someone who actually lived their teenage years through the eighties and early nineties it really helps because there were a lot of things I could connect with. I went through a lot of the same feelings when I was young, had a lot of the same happy memories, a lot of the same struggles though culturally it was very different. But I loved that aspect of it as well, the fact you are culturally immersed within the drama, get to experience things that are different, that are the same. It really was a beautiful experience.
I also experienced and felt a lot of the pain, love and struggle of what you go through as a parent having raised two of my own. I understand a lot of how they felt throughout the drama, the worry, the love, the frustration, being proud of your children, the connection to other people and their struggle as well. The parents in this drama were just as important as the children which I loved.
The acting in this drama was outstanding, I really can't say there was one main character that I didn't really love. I did have a few favorites though, Hyeri's character Deok Sun I totally fell in love with, she really held her own and solidified the story for me. It was so fun to watch Hyeri of Girls Day, who you know is an excellent singer and dancer act so completely goofy with some of the worst dancing skills you will see lol, she really nailed her part. I also loved Song Dong ll's character as Deok Sun's dad, such a great character who I really connected with, though I am much more open about my feeling with my children. His interactions with another favorite character Sung Bora are some of my favorites, especially at the end. Lee Dong Hwi's character Ryu Dong Ryong was probably one of my favorite male leads in the series, he was hilarious and was always cracking me up. Let's not forget the three main mom's in the series as well. What great acting skills, those three really helped bring a sense of family and friendship to the drama. Really I could gush over the cast all day.
I think one of the best things about this drama is how it makes you feel, I cried at least once in more than half the episodes, you really feel a connection to all the characters. But don't worry, you will laugh a lot as well. You will root on the main love interests, you will feel frustration and anger when they feel it. You will cry when they cry, laugh when they laugh, it is just amazing how immersed into this story you become. Hell I even know that feeling of exhaustion from work and life as a parent Deok Sun's dad feels through the drama. The feelings you feel throughout Reply 1988 is one of the best things this drama does.
In the end if you couldn't already tell I highly recommend this drama, it will leave you with a warm heart and fond feelings of everyone you got to meet along the way.
I'll leave you with some parting words from Deok Sun herself:
“I could not return to my youth or that street either. Time always flows. Everything passes by and ages. That might be why youth is beautiful. Because it shines, blindingly bright at a brilliant short moment. But you can never go back (to it). A time when many tears were shed – like my youth.” -Deok Sun-
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Must Must Must watch drama
Finally, I watched this drama after reading so many good reviews. This drama is a real masterpiece. I am not a fan of old dramas but this one was very different. The first episode may seem a bit long but trust me this drama is worth your time. In each episode, you will experience something new. Though I didn't like the love relationship between Deok Sun and Choi Taek, personally I felt Jung hwan would have been a better choice. Apart from that everything was just perfect. This is absolutely on my top 10 drama list. Some scenes were super funny. This drama is a rollercoaster ride of love, friendship, and emotions. While watching this I genuinely felt the emotion of each character. The storytelling was so good that after the first episode I was completely addicted. I hope we can see such good works more in the future.Was this review helpful to you?
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Despite everyone loving 1997 better, my favorite of all the sequel is actually this one.This is the first drama that I've reviewed with 5 stars 10/10. The only thing I wasn't fancy is the music but this is totally preferences as I don't like the oldies songs.
This is probably the only movie that I would re watch again and again because it combines all my favorite component of a drama. No extreme dramatic plot, very comedic, romantic, friendship, family, siblings, neighborhood aka parents friendship/ relationship (no typical mistress/divorce/money etc etc issue which portrayed mostly in recent drama - I think this has to do with the time where the scene is set) and last which is my absolute favorite is the lesson learnt or moral they teach. I have to say the acting of every single cast is amazing! This is probably the first time I love all of the main cast and how they portray their own unique characteristic. Everyone shines with their eccentric personality. Also probably the only drama where you won't find anyone to hate. No excessive climax but still so damn interesting to watch.
The romance side of it has a very big twist. I had a feeling the writer changed the lead actor after the eps 10 as PBG is getting much popularity with his acting and face. I honestly feel so bad for KJH as I think the he and DS have so many funny interesting interaction with each other, but honestly, despite my favoritism I think it makes sense who DS actually ended up with. After the more eps going through I kinda understand why he didn't get the girl and hence the lesson learnt, I especially like the scene when KJH missed his last chance and crying inside his car on the rainy day and the words he talk about fate/timing isn't really the biggest issue but he being hesitant from the start. I was like screaming, you are right! you should have grab her from the start! then no one will even snatch her from you, but the constant rejection causes all this, the fact you are running away is the only reason why the timing fails. His last confession is so damn touching, I cried! kinda feels better to know in real life he actually get the girl! good for him. Although, I have this strong 2nd male lead fever with this series, I actually also rooting for CT as I fell with PBG acting with CT. I think this is by far his best drama of all time. He portray CT so well, eccentric introvert genius who is not shy with his feeling at all and all his smiles and cries! he portray CT to be strong but also sensitive. I typically loves RDR being the adviser too and KJB being sort of dumb looking but absolutely sweet and loving brother also obviously DS fun eccentrics and all the parents too. everyone just did so well!
I especially loved the mood and setting where it portray those time where things are so much simpler yet romantic and much more fun where you spent times with people. Kinda reminds me of those good times which I think kids nowadays will never ever have the chance to enjoy. Absolutely well made drama, nothing much to pinch at all. Good story, good directing and crazy good actors, definitely highly recommended!
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The general synopsis of the show isn't exactly something that draws you on off the bat. It is in fact, word for word, the textbook definition of the slice of life genre. In the streets of Ssangmun during 1988, its people and their lives become the main driving point of this drama's storyline. Each character, no matter how big or small, possesses their own unique charm and personality that fleshes out in the most realistic way - and I believe that's what makes this drama so special.
The whole point of this show is to foster nostalgia and to address relatable family issues that may not be spoken about on a regular basis, as well as to remind us to not waste our time dwelling on the future, for we would be sure to miss the past as soon as it leaves. Having been one who tends to worry about my future too much, I tend to forget that the time I live now will be the one of the greatest times I've ever lived. The daily routine of household/family life, going to school, creating memories with people that will define the prime of my youth, and the liberty of merely pondering how I'll be living in my adulthood - all of these are things I take for granted. After watching Reply 1988, I feel more appreciative and hung up on the many aspects that defined my childhood - from the films and songs to the inside jokes and the hangout spots. To think that these little things will be what I will yearn to return to after several decades makes me regretful as much as it makes me strive to live in the moment.
While not exactly a bingeworthy show, it became a series that exuded coziness and a sense of belonging whenever I turned on to the next episode. I grew attached to each and every one of the characters as if they were my own close friends and family - and cared for them and their different situations respectively. I love ensemble casts, and every one of the actors and actresses chosen for this drama were absolutely perfect in their roles to create this sense of family and desire to never stray away from them and their story (which is why I was in tears during the final episode).
Although their attempts of second lead syndrome worked perfectly for this fellow viewer (team Jung-hwan forever, even though Taek is absolutely adorable), the romance was so innocent and simple that it didn't need to be defined in a grander sense just for the plot. A lot of love stories in real life aren't full of cheesy words and passionate proclamations - merely from the simple things, and I love (!) how this drama creates such a realistic image perfectly.
While certain jokes tend to be overused (i.e, the annoying goat sound effect, and literally just that), it perhaps adds to the homely effect R1988 was going for. All in all, this show got the exact message they were trying to portray and expressed it perfectly. This clearly has become one of my favorite shows and I will definitely rewatch it just to return to their neighborhood again. Definitely recommended for a viewer who doesn't mind a slow romance, a lot of cultural references you may or may not understand, and has a love for ensemble casts.
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Everything is perfect... Until the end
If you like a kdrama with a good ending, Reply 1988 is DEFINITELY not what you are looking for. The ending, where Taek, by far the worst character on the tv show -- spoiled, quiet in the worst sense possible and boring -- dates and marries the main character instead of Jung Hwan, one of the best characters of the drama. The drama, btw, not only does that, but gets extremely boring after the time skip at episode 17, more or less. It was a masterpiece until the end, one of the top 3 of all time alongside with Lost and Game of Thrones. Just don't watch it. Don't lose your time.Was this review helpful to you?
Ssangmundong
This drama has been on my plan to watch list for a long time, but due to recommendations of my friends, I have finally decided to watch it and damn I felt angry on myself that I did not watch it earlier.First of all, I really loved the vibe of reply 1988. The neighbourhood, the friends, the love story and the connection between them all. Every character has had an amazing character development, even the low support characters. We often do not see this, but within this drama everyone had their moment to shine. It is not your typical kdrama, but it is much more and has so much depth.
Secondly, the simplicity of the plotline made me very emotional. We watch a completely normal neighbourhood going through daily life struggles with each other. Many things that happened during the drama are becoming realistic for the viewer and even recognisable. I have been through a whole emotional rollercoaster with these families, the writers did again an amazing job.
As for the romance, this drama managed to create a realistic love story. We did not get your typical rich man/poor girl relationship. Instead, we follow the FL and the possible love interest she encounters. Beside that, all of the five friends (and their parents) will get through a phase of growing up with ups and downs and with love encounters. I sincerely enjoyed the love plotline, during the whole story we get many hints and we can clearly see why our FL ended up with this person.
Lastly, the OST. Damn the OST of this drama hit me, it is light, sweet and has a lovely vibe. Some songs somehow reminded me a bit of meteor garden (Taiwanese version). I have definitely put the ost in my playlist and i still enjoy it. So as a final result, even though eps are around 2 hours, it is even worth rewatching this drama multiple times. So guys, do not hesitate and give it a shot. I will promise you. You will fall in love with it. Let me know your opinions!
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