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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I had a really high expectations on this drama so I am little disappointed.
i just watch Replay 1997 and I really enjoyed it. but everyone kept saying that 1988 is THE BEST among all replay series so I was really excited to watch but I it wasn’t as expected.◼️What I liked:
- The Acting was 100000/10 everyone nailed it.
- The dialogue between characters were very good and thoughtful, especially the parents.
- I LOVED deok sun so much. she is my favorite character, cute, charming, funny, and surprisingly very caring yo her parents more than bo ra. she deserved to be the best daughter.
- I loved the friendship between the 5 of the gang. all of their scenes together were funny. I never skipped any scenes of them together.
- I felt the strong bonds between family members, I lagged a lot with them and cried a lot.
◼️What I Hated:
- Bo ra attitude. at the beginning of the drama she was soooo annoying and such a bully. I couldn’t tolerate her at all and I was confused why is she yelling all the tome even in front of her parents! at the end the writer tried to makes her more caring and kind but I just was over her.
- unnecessary long scenes. I skipped sooooo many scenes that you can’t even imagine. I’m not that kind of person who skips easily. I really like to enjoy every moment. So when I skip it means it’s sooo boring. I skipped many of sunwoo and bora scenes. I skipped many of parents scenes. it was so boring and I wasn’t interested at all.
- I HATED THE LAST 3 EPISODES. they were a flop.
i hated the time skipping and I hated how everything didn’t makes sense after that. everything was rushed, and how junghwan confession ended up being a joke?????? I wanted to see his interactions with deoksun after that night. I wanted to know how deoksun felt after hearing him. I wanted to know more.
- I liked taek but I just don’t get when did deoksun even started having feelings for him? I mean deoksun is a simple character and her emotions appear on her face and actions… when she’s happy or excited everyone knows…… but a very big thing happens to her but she acts as if nothing happened???? and years goes by and she just confesses by saying she was afraid to tell him the truth????????? I don’t get it. I have waited so much for the moment where deoksuni truly fell in love, and how she experiences the feelings and sharing it with her best friends and who laugh together at their imaginations and share advices together . I waited for all that. but I didn’t get to see any of that. such a disappointment.
Overall, I am glad I watched it, but I don’t think I would rewatch it again.
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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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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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PURE GOLD <3
ahhh what a drama.such a cute drama. Main focus of drama was on FAMILY and FRIENDSHIP.
I Love how they gather and talk about each and every detail of the day, share their happiness and sorrows with eachother. SUPPORT EACHOTHER
Love how they are with eachother in ups and downs. EVERYTHING FEELS SO NATURAL AND REAL.
Each character is AMAZING!!!! Fathers and mothers , how they support their childern, their unconditional love for their kids. CASTING IS PERFECT. <3
Even thou the whole drama is in same setting but still it didn't get bored and I enjoyed it to the end.
There are rare dramas which catch your attention and steals your heart, THIS IS ONE OF THEM. <3
This Drama is PURE GOLD "_" This is my first ever REPLY series and i enjoyed it soooooooo much.
AFTER WATCHING THIS DRAMA I WISH TO HAVE SUCH CUTE,LOVING,SUPPORTIVE AND PURE BESTFRIENDS. THEY WERE NOT FRIENDS , THEY WERE FAMILY <3
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Imagine yourselves returning to your younger days, to the youth you long for once adulthood welcomes you into a newer sense of reality. If you want an escape to that reality and if you want to return to the past via nostalgic feelings, Reply 1988 is a drama that you should watch. This drama is the third installment of the "Reply" series, and like its predecessors, it tackles different stories of family and youth in a certain timeframe. In my opinion, among the three installments, THIS IS THE BEST. Allow me to explain:This drama might have many similarities in terms of its theme and topic to other dramas, but this drama has a different way of presenting the stories of friendship, family, and romance. There are points in the drama that you'll laugh hysterically, then suddenly you'll weep without you noticing your tears are already falling. The drama does not attain to be deep, but it attains to be relatable. It doesn't push you to think very hard, but it pushes you to relate to the emotions of each and everyone of the characters. The story telling is superb for it enabled the viewers to get a clear glimpse of the past and reality without compromising the story. Another thing is that even though most of the contents in the drama speak to the Korean viewers, it enabled overseas fans to feel that nostalgia even if the scales work differently. The story was put up together very well and for that I gave it a 10 out of 10.
Characters and character development? GREAT. Characterization? EXCELLENT. Throughout the drama, the script was able to develop the characters well. It was able to present the struggles, and the innate feelings of the characters with their dialogues and actions. Without bringing out spoilers, I would like to commend the character development of the parents and the four main characters, but unfortunately, I had dilemmas in terms of the character development of the lead girl, Dukseon, for the simple reason that the lack of character build-up intensified the debate regarding the plot (I wouldn't want to expand on it for I might give spoilers unconsciously.) The acting is just so great that it was able to capture the hearts of the viewers. Like what I said awhile ago, the drama appeals to be relatable, and the acting is that key component that made the drama MUCH relatable. ALL OF THE ACTORS DID GREAT that I actually want to commend everyone who acted in the drama. So in terms of the Characters and acting, I would give this drama a 10 out of 10.
The music scoring? Well, I can't find an adjective worthy for its soundtrack and OSTs. The soundtrack of the drama is so reminiscent of the 80's sound and the soundtrack was able to mirror the sounds of Korea during the 80s. It added greatly to the vibes of the drama thus making the drama more nostalgic. It helped in highlighting the emotions in each scene and not only that, the OSTs were so close-knitted to central themes of the drama. Personally, my favorite OST of the drama was "Don't Worry" by Lee Juck, and "Hyehwadong" by Park Bo-ram. I personally loved these OSTs for it enabled me to reminisce the happenings and the emotions that I felt while watching the drama. The music was able to intensify the emotions and it was able to set the mood greatly thus giving it a 10 out of 10 is just righteous.
The drama is easy to watch, and the drama is that drama that'll give a lasting impression to its viewers. This is the kind of drama that you would like to watch again and again. Unfortunately, for someone who has many things to do in life, it'll be hard to watch this drama again due to its length. Because of that reason, I gave it a 9 out of 10 in terms of its rewatch value.
The Reply series has been a great series ever since it was created. I'm not saying that 1997 and 1994 weren't great, it's just that 1988 was more superior in my opinion. I'm so glad that I gave this drama a huge chunk of my time and I promise you, you won't regret watching this drama :D.
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Be prepared to cry and and laught and just have a goid time.
If you are considering watching it but aren't sure then just do it. It's such a beautifully written story and it follows the life of the neighborhood. I'm not generally the type of cry while watching things. but I cried multiple times thoughtout the shows. It n9t necessarily sad but it fills be with much much nostalgia and memories. I genuinely enjoyed every bit of it from the cinematography, to the music, to the the characters. My favorites thing however had to the quotes. The talk about general life experiences, but it hits so close to home because of how reliable they are. You are able to live through the characters and there is a understanding that comes with that. I sae myslef in several characters and that made me emotional. the parts I did see and the parts I wasn't able to see. The only word I can use to describe it right now is beautiful. It is just so beautiful. It makes me want to go back in the past and relive my own memoriesWas this review helpful to you?
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Story focus is on the families and their very loving relationship with each and every one in their neighborhood block. That's the biggest heart of this show that you cannot find on any Korean drama to date. It makes you wish you grew up in such a loving block. The lessons imparted in this show are very real. It's a show that both kids and parents can enjoy, and learn from.
Music: The songs chosen for this drama are perfect! Even the nostalgic, popular English songs from the 80s gave the show additional heart.
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realistic drama
one of my favorite dramas!!! its enjoyable to watch, every episode also funny and makes me cry at the same time, whether its sad or touching ones.I really can relate with Deoksun's position, thats why whenever she treated unfairly just because she's the middle child or barely complain, I can feel it :") Bo Ra might be annoying at first, but she has her good side too as big sister.
every family has their own stories and all of it made me cry successfully. my only complain is that they didn't put much story for Dong-Ryong :( he's the most funny person in the squad but he always feel lonely and I feel unsatisfied with his story.
it's a shame that Jung Pal not ended up together with his crush, but it was his fault for not confess directly and holding too much. triangle love is always hard especially if your rival is the one that closest to you.. I'm just glad they didn't make Jung Pal died here lol
the cast, the story, the OST all are good. I would never bored watching this over and over. recommended.
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