It's not a romance, though that is a big part of it. It's not a comedy, but that, again, is a big part of it. It's a show about family and friends. For US viewers, think The Wonder Years and Parenthood all mashed together. Tears from laughing and crying were shed. It takes a lot to make me cry but this got me a few times for all the right reasons.
The remembrance of youth was the focus of the show. The neighborhood scenes made you either remember your own families/friends and the neighborhood where you grew up or wish you had one like this. The sweet and simple friendships are like comfort food. The strength they have for each other when times got tough is where you FEEL their connection. I wish people reached out this way more in today's world. I think we'd be better off.
I almost didn't watch this because I wasn't quite sure I liked it at the first episode (I get sidetracked by the hitting and yelling among families in Asian dramas) but I am SOOOOO glad I stuck with it. By the end I was wishing it wouldn't ever end. But the story was told and it was a wonderful story. Every family should watch it.
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The Best K-Drama I've Ever Seen
This was, hands down, the best kdrama I’ve ever seen, and quite honestly, probably the best TV show, regardless of country of origin. It hit me so deeply, and the characters were so good. Deok-sun, Taek, Bo-ra, Sun-woo, Dong-ryong, Jung-Bung, Jung-hwan, and the ommas and appas were all amazing. I loved them all so much, and I cried for the entire last half hour of the episode because I was so sad to see them go. They feel like my own family now. I loved how the show not only let me get deeply attached to the characters, but also had different focuses in its episodes, such as on mothers, fathers, first loves, and more.It was masterful how the writers entwined at least four different storylines in the space of 1.5 hours, and how the actors drew me into their performances and made those 1.5 hours fly by. The historical accuracy and the setting of Ssangmun-dong were also really immersive, only occasionally changing to people’s schools or restaurants instead. It was amazing how the show managed to make the most mundane of things, like eating meals together, hanging out in Taek’s room, and Jung-Bong’s dad telling bad jokes the heart of the show. Slice of life is not my thing most of the time, and this show grabbed my heart and didn’t let it go as the characters - who felt like fully realized people living their actual lives - went about their daily lives. I really did love them all so much, and I’ll really miss them. I’m definitely going to rewatch this eventually, because it truly did leave an impact on me. It was powerful. 10/10 would recommend. I’m going to watch something else with Park Bo Gum (Taek) in it for sure.
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The actors are the best in the roles given to them. I love every one of them. My ship did not sail but I am still happy with the way things ended (that does not mean I was not brokenhearted). Prepare a lot of tissues and do not eat while watching this. You will either wipe your tears or choke LOL
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Random goat noises add rustic appeal
Really, there are goat noises everywhere, it’s slightly overdone, but the show is mostly amazing.This will have spoilers, so watch out!
First of all, the feeling of this drama is amazing: the outfits, the music, the settings, the relationships. It’s unbelievably nostalgic and heartwarming, truly. It successfully drew me right into the character’s lives and I watched the entire drama in just two days, even though I usually struggle to get past the middle of a drama.
Secondly, the acting was pretty great, especially from the parents - I really cared about them and their happiness and when that happiness was threatened, I could feel the tension and the sadness in their eyes. Also, some dramas have these really cringe-worthy kiss scenes in which the actors’ lips are barely touching or they’re struggling to remain motionless for 45 seconds until the kiss ends. This drama had some amazing kids scenes, no doubt about it. It made it seem like those characters really wanted to be together and weren’t being forced to touch each other by someone behind the camera. 10/10 kiss scenes.
Lastly, what the hell?! Choi Taek? He wasn’t even around for most of the drama and he’s the one Deok Sun ended up marrying? It makes no sense and it ruined my entire month, maybe my year, we will see. Jung Hwan’s hesitation and nervousness and stand-offishness may have been unappealing for a different character, but it made him seem completely endearing and love-able and his failure to achieve what he wanted and the regret he felt and the way he told himself it was his own fault? Completely heartbreaking. He was such a human character and I really don’t know if I’ll ever get over what they did with the end of the drama. Additionally, they literally gave adult Taek Jung Hwan’s entire personality. The adult Taek we saw was kind of snippy like Jung Hwan was towards Deok Sun and seemed to be trying to conceal his feelings behind that. Taek acted like a baby, honestly, he couldn’t do most things well, he certainly wasn’t snippy, he was totally obedient. Honestly, it’s like even the writers weren’t happy with their ending.
In conclusion, this drama was so, so good, until it wasn’t.
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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: 9.5though 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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You're missing the drama of your life *the best drama ever*
I'm talking about the best drama and Korean drama so far !I really enjoyed watching this show. It was a blast
I laughed a lot, I've related to them so much and felt what they felt in the drama
I freaking love the friendship that the squad have and how they care and protect Taek
The love triangle didn't bother me it was one of the best because I was happy with whoever she ended up with at the end
This drama contains a lot of emotion, laughter, life lessons, and so much more. Loved all the characters
GO WATCH IT !
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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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I am not regret..
About the characters, everyone has their own shine..the ost was really good , especially the song "Dont worry"..
I like every single episode, i dont care that the episodes are really long, it really worth it.
Watch it!
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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.
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I now this imposible, i hope season 2 came out, please. or make drama about Jung-hwan story.
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