Reply 1988 (2015)

Started off super well. Then it started to decline in the end. Still, this franchise continues to do what it has been doing for years now. It is still all about the nostalgia of the youth - and the people - in Korea during the time-period that the drama is set it. It still manages to make me feel very sentimental and nostalgic for a period that I didn’t experience on my own - being an Icelandic girl born in 1991 - and the approach of the material is still very mundane and raw.

TvN know what works when it comes to this series, so changing that formula - as well as the who-is-the-husband-baiting-plot - isn’t probably that high on their list. Still, the Reply franchise is honestly not like any other drama series in terms of friendship and family-relationship. Or at least not out of all of the dramas that I have watched.

In some aspect I found I think this series - the third series of the Reply series - to be better than the second series. It is just as long as the second one - with 20 episode per series and about 90 minute to almost two hour long episodes, twice a week - but it didn’t feel like it dragged as much as the second one did. The episodes are all way to long, but then again TVN isn’t always about quality over quantity when it comes to this show. But I still found myself having fun watching them.

Some things really are just unnecessary fluff and fillers. It is just that I didn’t mind most of that unnecessary fluff and fillers. I got a lot faster frustrated with them in Reply 1994 than I did in Reply 1988. It didn’t go on and on and on about the love-triangle, since it focused more on the other relationships of the other characters.

Sure, both Reply 1994 and Reply 1997 focus on the friendship between the main characters and their friends and the family-bond that exists there, but Reply 1988 does a bit more of that. We get to explore all of the families on this one street that Reply 1988 takes place, which gives us more stuff to watch over the 90 minute episodes.

Much more than in Reply 1994 at least, where all we had was the family and friends of the main girl and guy. So more time went in baiting us with Chilbong and the love-triangle. Reply 1988 is the drama that feels most like a family drama in the Reply series and that is one of the best assets of Reply 1988. Seeing them all move away, after spending so much time together, at the end was very painful to watch.

There is a lot of baiting in Reply 1988 with the love-triangle. But it felt more similar to the baiting in Reply 1997 than in Reply 1994. Just a whole lot more mellow than in Reply 1997. There was a lot more happened in the love-triangle there. Here we just had two guys pinning after this one girl and never really doing anything about it. They really could have done a better job with it. Sometimes it felt like they were taking some time that they could use on that on some cute, fluffy, filler with the other characters. Like Jung Bong and Mi Ok’s relationship.

In the end I felt very indifferent toward the love-triangle. Which makes one of the main points of the drama - the husband-hunt aspect - kinda pointless to me. They should have made me care, but since no one really did anything, then I couldn't really care less about it.

That made the Reply 1988 drag a lot toward the end for me. Sure, I didn’t feel like they were milking the story as much as they did in Reply 1994 and I didn’t feel as soon frustrated with Reply 1988 as I did with Reply 1994 - but Reply 1988 didn’t have Chilbong - but it still left me a bit unsatisfied. She is in some way better than Reply 1994, but not nearly as good as Reply 1997 or as good as it could have been.

I also feel like I care more about Reply 1997 and Reply 1994 than I do with Reply 1988. It pulled more at my heartstrings, despite it all. Even if I felt like Reply 1994 dragged on for way to long and milked it’s story for it popularity - all of the Reply series do that to certain extent - and Reply 1988 told a better overall-story. I just cried more during the first two series.

Not to say that Reply 1988 didn’t make me cry, because it did. The Reply series is made for sentimental and nostalgic-loving people like me. Of course it is going to make me cry. All of the warm-family stuff tend to get me teary-eyed. It just didn’t make me bawl my eyes out as much as the other two did. Maybe because I started to feel a bit indifferent toward some of the stuff in it. And the episodes could be a bit - OK, a lot - shorter. Reply 1997 was the best, when it was just 45 minutes per episode.

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One of the best things about the Reply -series is that you get to experience those specific years as though you were actually there yourself. Like it's predecessor Reply 1997 (I have yet to watch 1994), Reply 1988 starts off with a current event from that particular year; introduction to the Olympics held in South-Korea. I'm immediately sucked in with the believable and well-portrayed characters and their antics and this drama grows to be the one that I am craving for every week, so much so that I'm devastated when they take a two week hiatus, only to return to this drama after what feels like an eternity and be gravely disappointed. The drama has changed completely. For the worse.

Discussion as to who makes the best husband is something I don't even dare to start because there are loyal supporters on both sides of the argument. I am among those people who ended up rooting for the wrong guy, although I must wonder, for how long? Whether you agree with the choice of husband or not, you possibly cannot disagree with me when I say that ending was horrible. It was rushed and ambiguous. Some of the characters that we had grown to love since the beginning of the series were completely cast aside. We weren't even told what happened to them in the end. Did they get married? What kind of a job do they have? Are they even alive? None of these questions were answered, so don't go telling me that "No, it was wonderful, don't you dare say a bad word!" because that's complete bullshit. Complete and utter bullshit.

"For how long?" is the question that presses my mind constantly. From how early on were the writers aware that they would be creating one of the worst endings I've ever seen to the one drama that could have otherwise been the best I've ever seen? I don't think they had much time. I mentioned earlier about the hiatus and in case you weren't aware, before the break a few very drastic spoilers were revealed about this drama. Ones that didn't come through in the end. The production team is now suing the medias that revealed those spoilers. So perhaps... just perhaps (honestly, I'm pretty certain), was the writing team forced to change the ending of this drama after the spoilers were released to avoid a predictable outcome? I don't know about you but to me having a good ending is more important than being surprised. Sometimes the most obvious ending is the best one. I'm sure that that's how it would've been here as well.

So am I telling you to not watch this drama? Absolutely not. I'm telling you to watch this, but to know that the ending will most likely not live up to your expectations. Up until episode 16, everything is fine. A good plot, lovable characters and most importantly, important messages about life. One of my favorite messages that this drama sent out was that it's okay to ask for help. People you love will always be there to support you. This drama, for the most part, revolves around family and it warms my heart whenever I think about the interrelationships of the families. Yes, I'm still enraged by the ending, but that doesn't mean that the entire drama suddenly becomes meaningless. It's possible to criticize something even if you still like it.

So consider watching this, because there are a lot of good things. Ryu Joon Yeol is magnificent as Junghwan; he made the character seem like a real person, that's how natural he was. The same thing can be said about Lee Dong Hwi and some of the older actors. Hyeri, Park Bo Gum, Go Gyeong Pyo and Ryu Hye Young do a good job as well. It's unfortunate that so many promising young actors ended up getting completely screwed over by the changes of script later on. However, as a total package this was a good, very nice continuation to the Reply series. I won't be re-watching this because of obvious reasons but another series would be nice. Can we get a little 1979 next? preferably without spoilers this time around, pretty please and thank you :)

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STORY:
This is such a nostalgic, true-to-life trip from start to finish. Reply 1988 exceeded my expectations, after Reply 1997 it was hard not to. What made it stand out from the previous Reply series was the focus on family and friendship instead of the romance. This meant we got to know EACH and every character and feel what they were feeling. The story isn't fast paced with big ups and downs. It depicts the true day-to-day life, which made it feel even more real. It wasn't the big things that made me laugh or cry; it was the small acts, unsaid things that touched my heart. I truly felt like a part of the Ssangmungdong community.

I was thoroughly disappointed with the ending (romance and the lack of present day gang). One of the highlights of the Reply series, is watching the present day (future/older) part to see how each character is getting on in their lives (and looks in this case). Not being able to see that was frustrating as I felt not all of the characters got a proper deserving finish (Jung Hwan, Jin Joo etc).

ACTING/CAST:
I cannot fault the acting of any of the actors. They were brilliant and true to their characters and by the end of the show, each and every character was dear to me (some more than others but I loved them all).

MUSIC:
The music was wonderful, subtle and matched the show and scenes very well. The goat sounds are a treat!

REWATCH:
Even though I didn't enjoy the ending, I still gave it high Rewatch and Overall value scores. This was due to the fact that the focus of this series was FAMILY and FRIENDS and not romance. I could ignore the last two episodes and say this was my favourite drama ever.

My full review including spoilers:
http://sweetgirl-haz.tumblr.com/post/137642116448/this-is-my-review-for-reply-1988-i-dont-usually

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This is a new experience for me. I literally sobbed my heart out at the end of the show and it had nothing to do with the story line. It was because the show was over, and I am heartbroken that I will never be able to spend more time with these characters again. I gave this show a perfect rating, not because the show had no flaws, but, like when you fall in love with someone, you love them despite flaws, and they are perfect to you. This show, from start to finish, was perfect to me.

I have to caveat this with the fact that I was just slightly spoiled: I knew who Doek Sun would end up being married to in the end before I started watching. Okay, so that's more than being slightly spoiled, so I don't know what my watching experience would have been like if I hadn't known, because I wasn't frustrated by the whole love triangle thing, but was able to sit back and enjoy all the different relationships in all the iterations.

And that really is the heart of this show. These characters, each and every one of them, and how they live and love and grow together. This show had me grinning from ear to ear the one minute, and crying the next. I was emotionally invested in each of their stories and rooting so heard for them. Not just the kids, but the parents too. This is what family is about -- the silly, heartwarming stuff, and the real, heartbreaking stuff, and all the things in between.

What also got to me was the show's nostalgia. Maybe it helped that I grew up in the 80s and 90s as well, and there were so many, many things in this show that I could relate to and made my heart warm with remembering, despite the fact that I grew up in a different culture, speaking a different language and a whole continent away in Southern Africa. Some things are just universal I guess.

And finally, I fell in love with the show and all the characters, but one in particular stopped my heart. Park Bo Gum's portrayal of the Baduk star Choi Taek was nothing short of breathtaking. Having seen him in Moonlight Drawn by Clouds, and he certainly impressed me there, his portrayal of Taek was even more impressive when you see how different the characters are and how he makes it hard to believe they are played by the same person. On top of that, with as straight a character as Taek is, how amazing is Park Bo Gum in being able to show so much emotion with just the slightest expressions. Ok, I'll stop gushing now.

If you haven't watched this show, don't wait, but do get yourself a box of tissues (for all the happy tears) and do clear out your schedule because you're not going to want to press pause.

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1988 a trip to nostalgia

I remember having watched some of this a few years ago I think, so I already knew who ends up with who etc, but surprisingly I didn't like it as much as the first time around i think (I didn't complete it ).

Lets start with positives, cause that's key with positive reinforcement lol.
This is an overall solid drama. The acting is good, the characters are relatively realistic, and what's personally my favorite point is the styling and editing. The look is almost sepia ish reminiscent of those old movies, and there's no skin smoothing and "perfect" make up. They all look like everyday ppl in the set time, and I think that's what partly adds to the nostalgia. I also liked the neighborhood setting, since it really allowed the crossover in family relationship and the overall familiar feeling.

I think my main critic starts with ep 17, where the time skips happen. Why would they skip college? Since it started in highschool college would have been an essential part of the development of the ssangmun gang. Why did Deok sun become a stewardess?, How come the guys didn't make a move on her all these years, why didn't she do anything more proactive? Who did she really like? So many unanswered questions and a clear gap in character writing when it comes to our fml.
Also Dongryong totally got forgotten somehow in the end? What is his ending?
Also the flash future couple is not played by the main actors like for example in reply 1997, wich makes it feel unconnected and the characters itselfs don't add up.


Soooo would I rewatch it?
Probably not, but I thoroughly enjoyed the first half and I really liked the organic chemistry of the characters. I think that also was a main strong point of this drama

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If you are looking for a drama that focuses on the importance of family and friendship, this is it.

If you are looking to watch this for the romance storylines, you will be satisified with one, with Bora's and Sun Woo's but the primary romance plot, for me was such a failure.

I really was rooting for Jung Hwan (Ryu Jung Hyeol). Not sure what the writers were thinking. It felt like they were trying to build Taek's (Park Bo Gum) character) character so much to make him look like a big shot and of course the big shot is deserving of the girl and not Jung Hwan. Or so that the interview would make sense, bec otherwise why would anyone interview them if she did not end up with Taek. I really can't see how Deok Sun (Hyeri) could fall for a guy who didn't even know how to tie his shoelaces properly. Taek's helplessnes was not as adorable as they tried to make it out to be in this drama and it really felt like he was looking for more of a mother figure and not a girlfriend.

If Deok Sun had ended up with Jung Hwan, it would have made more sense because they had better chemistry together. Deok Sun and Taek's scenes were so boring for me that I skipped through most of them. While with Deok Sun and Jung Hwan, there was real friction.

But I really like the parent and child storylines here, they were beyond good. I cried when Bora's dad read her letter and there were lots of remarkable lines as well.

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A slow-burn slice of life to savour

Reply 1988, where everlasting friendships and blossoming romances never fail to bring wistful nostalgia and recurring memories of our adolescence. What will it be like to live in that era? And what awaits the five friends filled with ambition who are getting ready to face adulthood?

It is a particular kind of drama that almost did not have an immersing plotline but sheer raw interactions and gradual development of traits, making it a slow-burn slice of life to savour. It also can be an inherent limitation of the drama.

The episode duration may seem overwhelming as it undoubtedly has its draggy parts and unnecessary situations; one should readily invest in the emotions to understand and enjoy the drama better. Once set with the characters, I think it will be a fast one.

Some aspects that I love-

Realistic Characters. Having a diverse cast is rather daunting because the characters may become monotonous hence making the show dense. But that is not the case here. The characters are riveting and refreshing, each definite and distinct, bringing the drama to life and tugging at your heartstrings.

Relationships. Not just romance and friendship but also kinship is in the spotlight. Look out for the heart-wrenching love triangle, the community friendship, parents' love, sibling bonds, the ahjumma fiestas, and loving married couples. It all makes the show more refined and wholesome.

The 80s Elements. To give the nostalgic feel, the crew had to put the required diligence into details that make you travel and experience the 80s. Elements like fashion, music, food, setting and various historical events gave insight to the international audience while impressing the korean audience with the subtle and original lifestyle of regular folk.

Message. Reply 1988 carries a simplistic message which has a more profound meaning. It is an exemplary coming-of-age drama that aptly portrays various themes on friendship, family, humanity, economic adversities, academic anxieties, self-actualization and accomplishment of dreams.

OST. The leading ost brings back all the nostalgia even after years of watching.

In conclusion, an all-time favourite that I will never stop recommending it.

“It is family—that covers over the wounds from the world outside the front door, the scars we each sustain from life, even the sorrow that family itself gives us. The people on my side till the very end—it is family.”

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We Can Never Go Back To How Things Were

The "Reply" dramas are weirdly edgier than most dramas in random ways (Reply 1997 turned me off for this reason and honestly it's just not as good, though the Busan accents were fun to hear, and they're not featured in Kdramas much)), but despite that, Reply 1988 in particular really delivers.

I'll admit, the first 1/3 of this drama was SO slow and boring for me (the episodes are up to an hour and a half!! Too long 😭). I kept thinking, "What on earth makes everyone love this?" It took me forever to start caring about the characters (the main female lead was too ditzy and flighty for me at first) and acclimate to the weird goat bleats that characterize the comedic moments, but slowly the characters grew on me as I watched them grow (the comaradarie of the main 5 friends was so heartwarming!). At some point, around Episode 5, I became hooked. It does have such a nostalgic quality to it, and the last 15 minutes or so gave one of the biggest gut punches I've ever felt at the end of a drama. I never weep watching Kdramas (maybe once in a blue moon I'll shed a tear), but at the end of this drama, I was sobbing.

This drama doesn't try to say the past was better or that we should or would want to return to it, but at the same time it breaks your heart to see what was lost (and can never be had again) once time moves forward. It just makes you ache with sadness when it's over.

If I could describe this drama in one word, it would be "nostalgia." As Deok Sun says as she narrates the ending voiceover, we can never really "go back"; we can return and "come home" but what happened in the past can never be replicated or experienced in the same way again, and that makes us ache and pine for it when the memories are good and sweet. I think it's particularly true when we think back on a good childhood. A childhood filled with family, a strong community of friends and neighbors, and safe places to fail and mess up. We must grow up and learn from those mistakes so we can leave Neverland behind and embrace adulthood and the future with boldness.

Highly recommend!

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It's been more than two days, and I can't stop thinking about this drama. It's been a long time that I've been affected like this...this show will make you yearn for the time that you've lost, and cherish the present, because soon everything will be gone in the past.

It made me cry over how I used to have such a close knit group of friends in college, who knew everything about each other, and how life has now made us separate now - even if we stay in touch, those carefree days will never come back, when the biggest problem was the test tomorrow. It made me cry over the fact that my parents will never be healthy or young again, that I will never fall in love for the first time again, and it made me want to stop time right now - I don't want to be an adult anymore! :(

The best cast, the funniest gags, the most heartbreaking romance, the best kisses, the most heartwarming story...Reply 1988 has left a huge hole in my heart that can never be filled. The entire cast feels like friends that I've known and loved forever, and I finally fell prey to the Park Bogum fever. Bogummy ❤️❤️

I'm just waiting until I can rewatch it and feel good about life again :)

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AN ABSOLUTE MASTERPIECE!!!!

IDK why it took me a while to start this drama ... but I am glad that i did it!!! literally this drama was so heartwarming and comforting that can't even be explained through words.it will be like a comfort food to your soul . and also a complete pack of everything (comedy, friendship, love, family , youth). a drama that can struck anybody's heart. i enjoyed every moment watching it..
its about love but not just love. it rediscovers love in its layers and layers of depth. the drama is kinda slow one but take your time and immerse yourself . sit back and relax. you are about to watch one of the finest kdrama of all time.
A highly recommended korean drama that will definitely make you feel nostalgic ... and you will love it for sure

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I've finished this drama for a while now, but I just can't seem to move on and let it go. It meant so much to me that I'm sure I will keep it in my heart for ever. Everything just clicked....soundtrack, writting, acting. It truly felt like magic to me, during every minute of the show I felt like I was one of them, living in their neighbourhood, dining with them, being part of their lives. So many beautiful relashionships and dynamics that really show the beauty in our everyday lives and the little things. It's not your typical kdrama, there was no need for grand gesters and plots, the fact that it felt so real, so close to home, is the thing that makes reply 1988 one of the best not only kdramas but also series I've ever seen. When I finished it I felt heartbroken. Even now talking about it, I have so many mixed feelings because although I wanna scream outloud how wonderful this drama is and recomment it to everyone I know, it's also really painful because of all the overwhelming emotions this drama left on me. It made me miss a place I've never been too, a time i wasn't even born in, people I've never met, a life i've never lived but I wish I had. It's a beautiful tale about love, friendship, heartbreak, sacrifice, growing, that I think everyone is going to relate a lot to. It's really hard to describe it, because it's just something you have to experience and give your self the opportunity to be embraced by it.
It will break you and cure you, just like life itself.

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Watched this series just right in time...i love it to bits! so this is how life is like when people have "conversations" instead of "gossips",  when life isn't perfect -just beautiful.. and of course Taek-ee's appearances are gold! i love how he is not all over the place in this drama that made each of his scenes priceless! how amazing it is to be back in time in an even better setting and a handsome bogummy on the side. I just love this so much! This is one of the reasons why I love watching  korean dramas more than anything, the writers/directors do know how to feed my heart, the actors/actresses play the roles so well. It's amazing how we are all the same after all, regardless of race, we'd be surprised how the life in Korea looks exactly the same as the life in my country in terms of hopes, friendships, family, love, challenges, dreams and so on. We may speak different languages but at some point we listen to the same songs. We may have different dishes but we share the same love for food. We may have different stories but we laugh at the same things. We may have different characters but at times we cry for the same reasons. We may have different dreams but there is always one thing we all want - LOVE.

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