Nostalgia at its core
"Reply 1988" is a remarkable series that left a profound impact on me. From start to finish, the show enveloped me in a comforting warmth that felt like a hug from an old friend. Its charm lies not in grandiose plot twists or flashy production, but in its beautifully crafted portrayal of everyday life and the intricacies of human relationships.What truly captivated me was the show's ability to evoke genuine joy and nostalgia. Each episode was a heartwarming exploration of family, friendship, and love, capturing the essence of the late 80s with remarkable authenticity. The characters' growth and the development of their storylines were nothing short of enchanting. I loved watching them evolve, their journeys woven together in a way that felt both intricate and deeply personal.
"Reply 1988" excels in its simplicity and sincerity. It’s a testament to the power of storytelling that resonates on a human level, celebrating the small moments that often go unnoticed but make life truly special.
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So emotional, heart-warming drama
To be honest when I watched the first episode I literally wanted to drop this drama. I liked it but not that much. Every episode is longer than 1h 30 min. So I thought I can't watch this drama which contains 20 episodes. But gladly I didn't dropped it. And when I was at 3rd episode I fell in love with this drama. There is some comedy throughout the whole drama. And it becomes very emotional for the last few episodes. This drama also has a romantic side. It felt like I was living in the drama's neighborhood for these few days. This drama is so damn hard to get over with. You will feel so empty after finishing it. Everytime i listen to the Hyehwadong (A song of this drama) I feel so emotional and I feel like crying.Just give this drama a try. You will reget not watching it. I mean it.
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Best drama that ever graced my screen
I'm not sure what prompted me to just go for this drama that was idly sitting on my Netflix recommendations for ages. That too at a time when I was watching sub-par Western and Asian shows that were doing nothing for me in terms of emotions or meaningfulness. Well damn, did this show change my whole life.First of all, the plot was composed of a series of subplots in every episode that came together to tell an interlinked story of the people within the neighbourhood, complete with a narrated message at the end that ties them together/teaches the audience some sort of lesson. I must admit that this was one of my favourite parts of the show, waiting to hear one of the characters talk about the messages within each episode, and watch it connect to the individual characters' stories at the time. Such a refreshing and heartwarming part of the series.
Now, the characters...no words I say will ever do justice to how multi-dimensional and authentic every single character felt. The adults down to the kids all had their own struggles and personal growths, and no one felt like a secondary character or a mere afterthought of the writer. In fact, it blows my mind that every character managed to have their own dreams, personalities and struggles be so beautifully illustrated and in association with each other...it felt so natural and real! I found almost every character to be relatable to me or someone I know, and exposed me to the fact that the human experience in general is an universal one no matter which year you were born in or where in the world you live. The emotions, heartaches, hard work, relationship bonds and successes feel very much the same. Overall, I have nothing but good things to say about the characters and their development, right from watching them grow from episode 1 to episode to episode 20.
The OST, ahhh the OST. This deserves its own paragraph because of just how beautiful and nostalgic it feels...its been a long time since I watched the drama yet every single time I hear ANY song from the drama, I find myself tearing up or outright bawling. This has never happened to me before haha, the magic of this drama's OST is incomparable and simply magical. Bonus points to the lyrics doing complete justice to those times and moments. Also, the scenes between the ML and FL near the end featured music that was so fitting and beautiful I have no words, like "In Dreams" for the moment where they didn't know if what was happening was a dream, to "Right Here Waiting For You" when he rushed to her at the concert, to tense music being followed up by "My Dear, Come Back to Me" when they finally reveal a major secret and realize their feelings for each other. So masterfully chosen and gave proper justice to those moments...I hope whoever came up with the song choices got a raise!
Finally, the realism of it all. Every scene right down to the ending, I loved how raw and warm it felt. Nothing over the top or forced, just pure chemistry between the characters and realistic depictions of life and love. Just like Don't Worry, I really have o regrets with this drama (okay maybe a few more scenes with the leads as a couple because I loved their adorable and healthy relationship so much), right down to not every character showing up to the interview...because thats just how life is. Not everybody (like the parents) may be be alive, or still close or in the same country, etc. And thats okay. What matters are the moments they lived together and the memories thy made. I loved how they kept elements of the ending up to the viewers to decide. Very elegantly concluded. Let's not even get started on the final shots of the ruins of Sssangmundong followed by the flashbacks into the opening scene...simply breathtaking. Left me with the biggest hangover I ever felt.
So, I literally rewatched this drama right after away with family. And somehow, it was even better than the first watch. The rewatch value on this show is insane not just because of how any emotions it has the potential to make you feel again, but the hidden hints you notice only on the second time around. So much fun!
All in all, this show is a masterpiece in every sense of the word. Heartfelt thank to the cast, director and writer for gifting us such a beautiful drama that I will take with me forever.
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The end was so good I couldn't help but rate this a 10/10 for capturing Nostalgia perfectly.
We all have that time in our lives when we had great friends that we saw all the time and thought we knew REALLY well. Friends you could tease, talk seriously with, who would cheer you up, support you and help you through the hard times. The ones who understand you well enough to drink with you without saying much else, just because they know that's what you need at that time. Reply 1988 has not one but TWO such friend groups - one involving the parents and the other consisting of their kids.Initially it moved slowly and took its time developing the characters, outlining the situation and letting things come to a boil. Once it got moving, it was great. It's a mantra to parenting, pressure, has a healthy dose of pop culture and music. At the very first episode I burst out laughing because I had Deok Sun's hairstyle when I was a teenager, and my mom had the amma's perm hairstyle. That was 1988 all right. Slowly we got invested in all the characters. I hated the goat sounds for the funny bits, I felt that wasn't needed.
All was on pace for a 9.5 rating until the final 2 episodes reduced me to a pile of blubbering happy-sad tears and then I couldn't help giving this 10/10. It's pretty much flawless in evoking the feelings and sentiments. Now I have a heartfelt wish to go back to my teenage years and visit my friends from those days, friends I can no longer locate or get in contact with because of geographical and other issues.
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A celebration of youth and life
This is one of the best shows I've seen in a while. It had everything , and the ends makes you physically hurt with nostalgia. You'll remember your youth throughout the show, your time with your friends, with your parents , your home, your street, your crushes, relationships, your sad times, happy times, EVERYTHING. This show is a trip down life.I hope I get to watch it again when I grow old. I'll die happily if I see this show in my final days. This show is a celebration of life.
This is the first show i will never mind rewatching again and again.
Don't miss out on this gem.
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The Cast-10
All of the cast members played their roles brilliantlly. You see multiple layers of personality from each and everyone of them. I thoroughly enjoyed the bonds that were made. From the main cast we see how they protect each other, laugh, and embrace their faults as they grow into adulthood. This was a time before social media impacted how people interacted. Everything was done in person from hanging out to eating together. This was a a group of neighbors that went above and beyond. From the parents to the kids everyone was treated like a member of each other's family. Most of the focus was on the bonding between the kids and their families. Everyone was treated like blood. I would definitely like to point out that as important as the main cast were we cannot forget how wonderful the parents were in this show. The parents were truly giving to their children and made the most of what they had. The fathers had a brotherhood amonst themselves but I feel the Ahjumma sisterhood was really inspiring. The women shared every detail of their lives and took care of each others families like their own. They were truly moms and sisters to each other. There were no one dimensional characters and I found everyone unique in their own way.
These were just Characters I liked:
Lee Hye-ri as Deok Sun was a breath of fresh air. She was bubbly when she needed to be but her crying scenes could use some more work or maybe that is how Deok Sun was suppose to be. Overall 9.0
Go Kyung-pyo as Sun woo. This guy can really act as he plays the loving son and friend . He was adorable to his little sister and very loving to his mom and friends. You can't help but notice his charms and facial expressions. 10.0
Park Bo Gum as Taek was such a good choice. He played the awkward and reserved Baduk genius Taek so well. He really looked like a cute socially inept teenager. 9.5
Ryoo Hye-Yeong as Bo Ra. She played the angry and at times irrational sister to Deok Sun. This character really grew on me because you see that she is just not all anger. Deep down inside her family is important to her. 9.0
Ra Mi-Ran was such a great woman. Kudos to her for putting so much depth into a character. She made her come alive and brought out all facets of the gem. She was funny, kind, torn inside at times but remained strong for her friends, family, and herself. 10.0
Sun Young- The actress who played Sun Young really made me believe how a tiny mom could be so strong. She could give the world to her friends and family. When she crys you can't help but feel how genuine and kind this woman was to everyone. She also showed this cute awkward moment side I loved. 10.0
Goat- What would this show be without that sound effect? 11.0
Story-10
A step back in time showing how close neighbors can be and how growing up comes with challenges. A real slice of life.
Music-10
They really did use a lot of popular songs for this time period and everything fit into place.
Rematch Value-10
It takes time to really enjoy this show considering episodes average 140 mins.
Overall- 10 A real Gem.
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The only complaint I have besides Hyeri's acting is the drama lacks cliffhangers,lacks climatic dramatic event that makes you chase episodes after episodes. I will still recommend this to anyone who wants to watch a good drama.
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A sweet family series that was unexpectedly addictive
I am always browsing for top rated series to watch because I love a really good series. I've also watched so many in my life so I get bored if it is a story I've seen plenty of times before. However, I always gave this one a skip because family drama does not excite me at all. But it was trending on Weibo one day so I decided to see what the fuss was about. I really didn't expect to like it so much, especially since it isn't the typical adventure, mystery, love or comedy genre I enjoy.But Reply 1988 was such a heartwarming, funny series. The premise sounds so boring (I mean, I really didn't want to watch a show about a neighbourhood where nothing really exciting happens) but when you watch two episodes you start getting into it and understanding the allure. It is sweet, heartwarming, funny as hell and gives you some tears.
I loved the main girl. She was just so adorable, pretty and funny. Every other character also had their appeal. I would definitely recommend giving it a try.
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This review may contain spoilers
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?
The BEST KOREAN DRAMA TO WATCH!
Okay I’m a brown girl obsessed with reply 1988 ever since I completed it. You might wonder if it’s cause of PBG or Hyeri or any other cast but no. This was my first reply series and I believe it would be the last, reason is I’ve completed watching this series 6 days ago and I couldn’t get over it. Nothing about spoilers but if you want to feel the warmth, emotions, love shown in this drama then I highly recommend you to not watch it after searching about it online. Don’t search for the story in detail, who the main lead is, who the female lead will end up with! Do NOT SEARCH ONLINE. FEEL THIS SHOW WITH ALL YOUR HEART. YOU WILL FALL IN LOVE WITH:1. The cast
2. The neighbourhood
3. The relationships
4. The concept
Finally a piece of advice I can give y’all is don’t search for reply 1988 even after you’re done with the drama cause it would break your heart!
Also if you call in love with the leads, watch the following:
1. Hyeri - Entertainer
2. Park bo gum- love in the moon light
3. Ryu Jun yeol- lucky romance (I watched this first and for him I watched reply)
4. Go kyung po- don’t dare to dream, Chicago typewriter, strong delivery man.
Hope you watch it with great attention.
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reply 1988 is beautiful woven, nostalgic, heartwarming, friendship, slice of life family drama. this is the best installment of reply series as of now. writers have given equal importance to each and every character. now after marathoning whole drama, i cant chose my personal favourite character. because i love all characters. this was made possible because of 1 and half hour length in time. ofcourse they could have edited a bit. may be made it little fast paced rather than being very mundane. nevertheless, i am fine with pace. it did not bore me but i felt repetitive a bit.
i really want to list my favourite scenes of drama, but i do NOT want to spoil it even a bit
ACTING was good, when it comes to youngsters and it was brilliant, when it comes to elders. i honestly was not into shipping DS with anyone. i was only rooting for bear falling in love and sun yeong, sung bo ra and sung sun woo. the heartwarming relationship between parents and their children is wonderful. friendship between taek and jung hwan is exceptional. why do one need to care about a particular romance like who ends with who. i mean you can see love everywhere in the whole drama. why does one need to care about DS. She is not the only one lead character, as i feel almost every character as lead character here.
now MUSIC .my bad. i pretty much did not notice OST here. but it was not unpleasant anywhere. it has more and more of 80s music which sounded ok for me. reply 1994 ost is my favourite.
i just love the ending of this, it was super nostalgic, made me cry literally, and also made me want to talk to my parents. itS definetly a must watch if you love your family and friends.
i will definetly re watch and recommend to everyone. just bear with lengthy time slot of drama, you will just like it, if may not love it like I DO. honestly, this is one of the best dramas of 2015
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There WAS another debate over who the husband was (and I will only say that I was not on the winning side of this one) but both male leads were equally charming. Even though the main romance centered around Duk Sun, her sister Bo Ra also gets a very sweet romance of her own. I loved each of the main group and the parents the secondary characters were all well used.
Although it may take me awhile to get back around to it due to length, I would love to watch this again. I also loved the music in this. There is one song that is really lovely - Don't Worry Dear is the English title.
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