Reply 1988 (2015)

I don't know if it's because this was my first drama after I turned 18, on May 14th, or if I'm simply a sensitive mess. But this show broke me apart. I have so many things to say and I will make sure to go through all of them because I want to reread this review in the future and remember these feelings, although they hurt. I think that Reply 1988, even more than 1997 and 1994, really explored the theme of "Youth". And how hard, yet crucial, it is to leave it behind.
This review will contain spoilers from now on so read at your own risk. :


First things first, I'm an easy-crier. And when I start crying, it's really hard for me to stop. I cried in all the Reply dramas. Specially in 1994 (SPOILER COMING). Remember that Chilbongie scene in the baseball field, where he basically gave up on her? HEARTBREAKING. But nothing (not even Train To Busan, that I watched in May as well and destroyed me) can compare to the amount of tears I shed while watching the last episode. I had already cried in some of the scenes throughout the drama but as soon as the wedding started, I almost cried my insides out until the end. When it ended, with that throwback scene in the neighbourhood, the same as the first episode, and Deok Seon saying goodbye to her youth and saying that we must "reply" to it when it calls us, I closed my eyes and thanked every actor in this show. I kid you not, I spent 30 minutes crying like a baby and thanking every actor mentally, as if they were next to me. Crazy right? I had never felt the need to do that with any movie, drama or tv show. So, for this review, I will go through most of the characters and basically talk about them individually. I'm sorry if this is exhausting but I know that no one except me will read this anyway hahahaha.


Deokseon: Out of the three main girls, she is my favorite. She's the one I relate the most with and the one I admire the most as well. She was an amazing friend, daughter and sister. I wish I could meet someone like her in real life. Of course she had flaws but, at the end of the day, she followed her heart and really did what she wanted to do. I'm really happy with how her character developed throughout the series. I really am. Thank you, Deokseon-ah. I won't forget you.
P.S: how stunning is she????????? wow the visuals. So beautiful. I'll Stan for the rest of my life.

Taek: Ah... our baby. His smile is the most stunning smile, I swear. I have to admit his personality frustrated me at times because I wanted him to take care of himself and he kept taking those pills and smoking. But his older self seems to have things under control... at least a bit more hahaha. He warmed my heart. His love for his friends was so obvious, always. Although he didn't know much about life, he certainly did about friendship. He would never hurt Junghwan, even though he loved Deokseon to death. Honestly, the friends had such an amazing dynamic, I can't even be mad at the love triangle.

Junghwan: Speaking of love triangle... this was more than heartbreaking. I kind of spoiled myself before watching this show because I saw deakseon and junghwan as the thumbnail for a video Calle d"worst second male lead syndrome in dramas" but I wasn't sure because it was a long time ago. But yeah, it still hurt like hell. The way he kept hesitating and then gave her up because of his good friend Taek... we need more people like him. Although he had a quiet and cold personality comparing to the others, he was worth more than gold. OMG THE WALL SCENE........ one of the best scenes in ANY drama EVER. Sooooo good. He really had some amazing scenes. If there is one thing I want to complain about his ending is that Deokseon and Taek didn't talk much about him. If he got married and had kids eventually... I really wish the whole group of friends in the present time would be having a meeting or something, spending time together, just like in 1994 and 1997. But I also appreciated the fact that it was different. We all know that their families are intertwined anyways and that they see each other often. But for Junghwan... I just want him to be happy. More than any other drama character. I really really really want him to be happy. Our precious handsome guy. I'm really glad they are dating in real life. My heart feels more at ease hahahaha.

Sunwoo: When I saw him smiling when he was walking down the aisle, I broke down. I was already teary eyed because of Bora's father but seeing him smile so genuinely and his friends seeing his happiness... my heart went out to him. Don't we all want to be like this character? Of course we do. Honestly, such an amazing actor, his relationship with Bora was so cute. Best kisses. Hands down.

Bora: I have to admit that Bora, at first at least, wasn't someone I thought I could get along with. Lol, no one really liked her. But asI got to know her, I started to understand and appreciate her personality. Her scenes with her father is the one that made me cry the most. Them eating together the night before her wedding, her crying when she saw her father's shoes, them reading the letters. I felt that so deeply. I think that their dynamic is the one I'll remember the most in this drama. Bora... thank you for growing well. Honestly, what a f*cking boss.
P.S: Her wedding dress is my dream dress. Classic and simple. She looked so pretty.

Ryu Dong Ryong: He has such a funny face. Not saying he isn't handsome. He simply has a funny face that matches his character sooooo well. His scenes with his mother are also some of my favorite and they made me cry. I could understand him completely. His joyful personality brought so much light to the group, I was really thankful he was there. We all know someone like him. Thankfully.

Sung Dong II and Lee II Hwa: At this point they are the nation's parents. We really got to grow close to them after all these hours spent with them, throughout the three shows. There is no doubt in my mind that they are true professionals and two of the best in the industry. Their characters weren't always likeable, I must admit. Specially the father. Sometimes I think the actor forced it a little. But looking back at it now, I look at his as a father hahahahaha it's so strange! His scenes with his children were the best. I was happy they stayed with us in the three dramas. And I'm sure than even if I watch them perform completely different characters, I'll always feel like I'm at home with them.

Jung Bong, No Eul, JinJoo: The siblings. There is not much to say about them. Only that I'm grateful. Amazing characters, specially Bongie. I'm so thankful they made the show even more interesting and exciting. I'm always rooting for them. Jinjoo, the cutest baby ever, yes or of course?

Ra Mi Ran and Sung Kyun: Loved loved loved loved them. I think I even liked Sung Kyun more in 1988 than in 1994. His character was so endearing. And Mi Ran is our hyungnim, a queen. Their relationship was my favorite among the adults and they raised their children so well... I'm so happy we got to see these two actors together. Phenomenal, Really.

Moo Seong and Seon Yong: How adorable were they? Healthy relationship, amazing parenthood, whats there not to love? I was so happy when they got together! They were really interesting to watch. What a beautiful family.

The three mothers: I loved them. I just wanted to say that. Thank you.

The other characters: Dong Ryong's parents, Deokseon's friends, other friends and such: thank you. You did an amazing job.


By the way, the soundtrack was amazing too. As expected from a Reply drama. My most memorable song is Don't Worry by Lee Juck.



While I was watching this, I wondered if it would be better than 1997 and 1994. To me, before watching this one, 1994 was the best one and then 1997. But when the last few episodes came, I realised I could never pick a favorite. I don't have to make myself go through that, so why would I??? I appreciate each of them individually and for different yet similar reasons. I will remember all of them, keep them with as a sweet memory in my heart. This series means a lot to me. I hope one day I'm able to rewatch all of them. One day when I'm no longer young. One day when I have finally had to leave my youth behind. I hope I'm able to rewatch them and remember, not the years 1994 or 1997 or 1988 because I wasn't even here at that time, but 2019. 2019, the year I turned 18 and my life had just begun.

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RELIVE THE NOSTALGIC CHILDHOOD MEMORIES

STORY: 9.5
though I didn’t exist in 1988 I was taken aback by the nostalgic feel of the representation of the era. Since my country had a slow development hence I experienced most of the family dramas that happened in the Sangmungdong, such as watching TV with friends since only 1 TV existed in our neighborhood, listening to news over the radio, and sending food to each other household, and many more.
Everything is priceless about this drama and I guess 70 percent of the viewers will definitely relate to something or the other with the specific time period. Scriptwriting is awesome, I loved the thought process involved in the scenes, it gives more insight into the character's feelings and their overall aura. Sometimes I would get so absorbed in the process to eventually pause and record my own overwhelming thoughts about that particular scene.
The only thing I didn’t like about the drama is the ending. Why did every family have to move out and then those places were left like an abandoned streets. I mean if that place had a development plan then it would make sense otherwise no place is left abandoned. I know many cant go back to their childhood places but IF you go back to your old street, you might not find those old houses but you can still find those old ice cream stores, those bus stops, and many others which will bring back the faded memories.

ACTING: 10
I was overwhelmed when I saw that all the parents actually had used their original names in the drama. It was amazing giving a more real feeling.
Everyone played an excellent part from parents, kids, and supporting characters.

MUSIC: 10
Listening to old songs magical feel. that orchestra music somewhat felt healing to my soul from the painful memories.

REWATCH: 10
whether I watch one episode or all its overwhelming and I am in no mood to cry again so will watch this later but definitely must watch.

FRIENDSHIP: 10
The friendship of Five was outstanding. They supported each other like family. And keeping friendship above relationship is overwhelming. I actually wanted to cuss out on the guys but couldn’t do it because of their pure friendship.
The friendship between the parents was funny, simple yet lively. also, the friendship of Sung Deok Mi and Kim Sung Kyun was heartwarming, they surely made the drama light

Lastly, the guest appearance of JUNG HAE IN is soooo sweet.

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Reply 1988 becomes one of my favorites dramas already in the first episodes, when I understood about the story.

It’s a story not only about friendship, since that the main characters are 5 childhood friends, but also about family, sacrifice, companionship, loneliness, love. And, mostly, about people. Different peoples, with different personalities, from child to adult.

What surprised me in Reply 1988 is that all the characters are strong and have striking personalities. Even Sun Woo’s little sister, Jin Joo, have so much personality that makes you want to put her in a little pot and bring her home.

No mother is just a mother; no father is just a father. We see the sacrifices and difficulties they face raising their children and have an own life too.

The story grows in each episode; all the characters grow in each episode. You see the 5 teenagers’ maturing, see the formation of loves in a simple way, beautiful and believable. It seems you’re there, with they, feeling everything.

And we learn a lot about Korea in the 80/90’s. One shocking moment for me was when the Daok Sun’s father, Dong Il, was forced to retire with a great reward. In such a materialistic age as our, it’s touching and sad how he felt smaller by being retired, felt less important, felt useless. And when we find out that there was a law that people with the same last name couldn’t marry, even from different families? This in 90’s! Unbelievable!

Reply 1988 are one of those Dramas that is remarkable. Scenes like when Deok Sun and Dong Rying sing a Spanish’s song mark the bottle of your mind and heart. It makes you want to see at least one episode a day, to feel that happiness in your heat every day.

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This was such an amazing kdrama. I really really recommend everyone to watch this because it's honestly such a masterpiece you will enjoy watching it SO FREAKING MUCH. Cried watching the last episode. I am legit gonna rewatch it 10x times!!!!!
Been a while since I laughed so much while watching a kdrama. Every single episode. Every 5 mins. WOW.
Oh and the best part is while I was crying while watching the last part (last 10 mins I think) of the last episode, I was crying my eyes out because of all the farewell scenes and this drama never failed to amaze me, I stopped crying and started laughing so loud at 3 am at night because of one of the scenes they put in between the farewell like wtf xD this was so good. Made my day. Made my month. Made my year. One of the best dramas in kdrama history woohoo!!
The only thing that was lacking is I wanted more scenes of our main couple.
Oh and not to forget, uhhhh park bo gum!!!! How can one have such a heart melting smile? Your smile melted my heart every fucking time....Like woahhhhh can't wait for more park bo gum!!! xD

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NOW FOR ME, THIS IS THE BEST DRAMA I EVER WATCH!!!!

Before i wrote this review, sorry for my language, my english so bad, but i want wrote with english.

So many words that I want to convey, but i cant, because my vocabulary and my story telling so bad. This drama is good, for those of you who like family genre. Many meanings can be taken.

All character have good exposure, good propotion. Even duration this drama 1.3 hour per episode and have 20 episode. But for me this perfect, like 10 episode.

Like i say before, so many meanings of live can be take, espesially with relationship, family and love. After watch this drama maybe i more love with my family, and i hope will beter with future, i will try the best.

Thank you who making this story, this drama! you are amazing, for actress and actors in this drama you are very very amazing. Maybe many people change for good life after watch this drama.

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Spoiler litle bit! i sad with Jung-hwan character :( but i happy Deok-sun with Taek.
_
I now this imposible, i hope season 2 came out, please. or make drama about Jung-hwan story.

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A cast like no other! A drama like nothing you’ve seen! Reply 1988 is in a class of its own. It’s different form the rest that I have seen. This one being the most impressive of the 3 Reply series while 1997 comes a second close and 1994 is for me a little disappointing.


From an impressive 1997 the next one was a low and they bounced back to impress everyone out there. Too many special scenes scattered and directed flawlessly. They just ibtegrated so well that you didn’t know it actually happened.

Reply 1998 is simply indescribable. All you need to do is just Have some time in your hands, pull a chair or rest in your comfy bed and take the longest time to watch it slowly and enjoy every bit of it. Don’t try to rush through. Enjoy the sweetness of every episode.

This drama gives light to the world, families, friends, couples and everyone and every single living thing alive or dead. It lives to it motto that there’s always hope at the end of the dark tunnel and there is always a chance to a better world.

No need for me to go into the Drama and mention anything. You’ll understand it yourself and I’m sure you’ll do as the drama speaks and explains itself at its best.

If there’s something you want to try out look no further. There’s nothing better than Reply 1998 I assure you. There’s absolutely nothing even close to this. It’s not almost perfect. It’s perfect in my eyes and I’m positive many will share the same view.

You have tears rolling down your cheeks in almost every other episode. It touches your heart on and off. It gives you stress at times. Worries start to crawl in at different juncture. You’ll laugh at their antics. Before you even know it, you’re smiling to yourself.

Many dramas started well and end horribly for theY become too draggy and repeated scenes creeps in to make the 16 or so episodes and we just can’t wait to end it.

This one is different from all other dramas. The cast are not superstars but they execute in style. The chemistry is not between two person but the whole lot of them! It’s almost unbelievable. not forgetting we have a large crew and no one can take the limelight but it’s shared amongst all the cast. There’s no one special cause everyone is best at what they do. Prefect!

They must have shed tears when they part at the end of filming. It’s good to the bits to the last drop I tell you. It made me cringe and my heart was sunken into the depth and I can not recover myself until this very day. As I write now, I still cannot find one close to this one.

No episode is mundane. Every episode has its highlight. No rubbish and straight forward plot which only most human can relate and made easy to digest for all humankind.

I always dread ridiculous and over confident plots where we need to think so hard and solve riddles and don’t even understand at times what’s going on. This is is so easy on the mind that it melts you like butter.

You can never find such ordinary cast (most of them don’t make it that very very big) but they’re best at what they do.

For the longest time to come, this will remain the best K-Drama ever and nothing can come close or even near to this very special one.

Sit back relax and enjoy every second of the best you can ever get from television and Korea in itself. Hats off to the crew and cast for building and creating such a drama to bring th e world to a different platform altogether.

If there’s another button for a 100 star rating for this drama, I will be first and too glad to be part of it.

Peace and Love. Awaiting for the next REPLY from the director.

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Felt like home. Go watch it!!

This series has my whole heart and some more.

While the series begins in the year 1988, it still felt more like how I have experienced my childhood as a South Asian. It could be more personal because I am currently in a transition phase at the age of nearly 26. My life changed upside down nearly 2 years back when I left home to work in another city, leaving behind friends and family. The fact that I lived a similar childhood as shown in the series makes me feel proud even though my teenage years were in late 2000 and early 2010. Maybe my parents would relate more to this drama than I did; I should make them watch it.

The whole cast did a commendable job in making this drama so heartfelt and real. And every time Taek smiled in this series, it brought the biggest smile to my face as well. Hats off to that guy for showing what love should look like. My expectations from a guy were already sky-high, now after watching Bo-gum's character, my expectations have entered outer space. These kdramas are going to ensure I stay single forever!!!

Enough for the rant and TMI.

To everyone who read this review, go watch the series. You won't regret it, I promise.

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The best of the best

Reply 1988 was the first K-drama I actually got hooked in. Although I never experienced the life before the year 2000s, the drama gave me the nostalgic feeling. Maybe my parents often told me their stories when they were young, that's why there was a sense of familiarity when watching Reply 1988.

The acting/cast was brilliant. Hyeri's acting was honestly the pillar of the show. It's because Song Deok-Sun character can be the craziest girl in town to the most sensitive person in the planet. I also love the fact that she can carry all of that consistently without breaking her original character.

The storyline was perfect, there are nothing to complain. I just wished they can get Kim Jung-Hwan a better ending, or at least make an appearance at the end. People said Kim Jung-Hwan should've died by the plane crash in the original story before they changed it, and the public sort of agreeing that the original ending was better. I disagree.. It would bring an interesting plot, yes, however, it would also break the original genre of this drama, which is comedy. Moreover, I think it would be better for Kim Jung-Hwan to stay alive in the drama, at least better than dying.

All of the characters in the story are likeable, which can be rare in K-dramas. Maybe not at the beginning since I dislike Song Bo-ra so much as a sister. However, the character development of Song Bo-ra is honestly great. The whole scene of her wedding made me cry to the tears.

I watched all the reply series and this one is the best out of the three. Reply 1988 also has the best chemistry between characters and also the actors. I just wish they can create more reply series.. Maybe Y2K ones? like early 2000s?

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That sheep sound will always be in my head

I honestly don't know why I waited so long to watch this. Maybe I had to be in the 80s mood.
I didn't find the drama realistic at all but it was so enjoyable on so many levels
The cast was amazing that it was hard to pick a favorite. I honestly loved every single character

Now that it's finished (but this is definitely on the rewatch list) What I will miss the most:
1. The sheep sound. I loved it!
2. Purest of the kids friendships. Being 18 in the 80s isn't the same as being 18 now. Things felt simpler....
3. Every kid character was unique and likable. There isn't that one sided antagonist in this
4. Parents, all crazy but loving parents in their own ways. Highly exaggerated but also funny at the same time
5. Everything funny about the 80s!!! ridiculous curls, Crazy funky 80s Dance, phone w/ cord, old looking TV with that rainbow stand by screen, tapes, 80s pop culture: Tom Cruise! Night Rider! A Better Tomorrow! Maggie Cheung! Ok yeah I am old.
6. Everything lovely about the 80s: friendly neighbors, purest of 1st loves, 1st heart breaks, 1st friendship betrayal, 1st everything ....
7. Every monologue about youth and life


I am going to miss 1988

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