Reply 1988

Reply 1988 outshines its predecessors. This drama connects us to the nostalgic memory lane of simpleness of life for average people and emphasizes the camaraderie between families, friends, neighbors & every one. It is correlated with the cultural aspects of the past and shows us the boundaries where one might stopped existing. But this drama helps us relive the past and appreciate the generosity and oneness of humanity. This is a genuine drama that gives moral lessons. It motivates us to be courageous, take care other people, to give love and don't expect anything in return. Made with infinite class.

I can't stress it enough that watching a piece that is so simple will be the one that touches your soul very closely.

If you are doubting whether you should watch this show or not because one of your friend suggested you to, TRUST THEM COMPLETELY.

I will tell you how your days will go after watching this show. First, you have to trust all the good reviews in the world and start watching. Second, you will enjoy this show starting from the first episode. Third, nobody will tell you to continue watching further, but you will anyway. Then after finishing this show, you thank your friend. Or should I say you will thank yourself because you chose to finish this show? Doesn't really matter.

I find at least 3 reasons why people are doubting this show.

First. "Isn't this show just like any other friendships movie/series?". Short answer, it's NOT. Don't get me wrong, any kind of good friendships film will definitely warm your heart, I always love friendships films. However, there are too many other treasures to talk about that you can find in this show. Role of moms, dads, admirers, crushes, dreams, siblings, fate, boys gang, girls gang, exes, education, morals, marriages. And why are they even important? Because you will then REALLY understand to be in other people's shoes.

Second. "There are not much going on in 1988, is this even relevant? Isn't this extremely boring?". Well, definitely you won't find any fancy things here. No fancy fiction things just like any other korean dramas, no major plot twist or whatsoever. My question is, why is that even a problem? Really you don't have to worry all of those questions. The show will still feel very close to us that you really want to be one of the characters. Unfortunately, rewatching the show again and again will be the only way you can make your dream come true.

Third. "I can guess the plot. There is one girl in those friendships, so it will just be triangle or rectangle love story, just like any others." Again. Please do yourself a favor not to worry these things. There are sooo many things that you can talk about rather than worrying if there is good romance aspects or not.

Last thing I want to remind you because you have arrived to this review. PLEASE. THANK. YOUR. FRIEND.

Initially, I would have started this review with "first of all"... but it would have been inconsistent with the tens of "first of all" I'd started with. Why? Because this Korean drama is amazingly accurate in depicting the '85-90's period and idiosyncrasies!... And this appreciation comes from a non-Korean, non-Asian, Hollywood movie-goer, >30's person. Nevertheless, I have never seen a more realistic depiction of common people and their struggles throughout that particular period. I know what I'm talking about because I've experienced it in my neighbourhood and with my family. Because of this and others more, I felt compelled to add my unacquainted review to IMDb. Bottom line... if you really want to see some great acting (Kudos to the actors!!!) and get an amazing feel of the 85-90's (and this is coming from a non-American, non-Western point of view), I highly recommend this series!

Actually, I am not South Korean, even I was not born in 1988. But this drama makes me feel deeply in the same way. I love them all forever.

Best Kdrama I have watched in years. It officially dethrones My Mister (My Ahjussi) as my favorite Korean series.

Reply 1988 is set in the year 1988, it revolves around five friends and their families living in the same neighborhood of Ssangmun-dong, Dobong District, Northern Seoul.

This series resonates the family values that everyone should foster but most failed to accomplish. Reply 1988 teaches its audience about hope, generosity, unconditional love, gratefulness, friendship, hard work, perseverance, acceptance and a lot more. It's so good that it knocks your humanity and questions your core values. The series has no villain but only misfortunes and heartbreaks. The show's impact lingers to your senses and encourages you to choose the good path, appreciate your loved ones more and be the best version of yourself.

Reply 1988 has 20 episodes with more than an hour long each. Despite of that, it never wavered its greatness from beginning to end. I cried and laughed almost every episode. None of the characters has failed to deliver. Even young Jin-ju's cuteness will leave you a mark. Watch out for Jung-Bong! This young man has skills and tricks up his sleeves.

One of the photos for this post is Jung-hwan and Duk-seon. Why? Because I shipped them so much and I extremely felt sad when the show ended without giving their romance a chance. Not even a genuine confession. Nonetheless, I am celebrating because the two actors who portrays those characters are dating in real life.

The camaraderie of Ssangmun-dong neighborhood is unparalleled. It manifests how a small community builds, changes and cultivates someone's life and legacy. If this series doesn't move you, it's time to evaluate your values and principles.

Watch this series and thank me later.