Responde 1988 (2015)

This is perfection, no wonder it was the highest-rated Korean dramas in cable television

This drama teaches so many things about life, family and friendship and little life changing gestures that I just cannot express in a mere review how perfect it was, from the beginning till the end.
I won't say who the female leads ends with but once you re-watch the drama or think back at many things, everything starts to make sense. I wonder if there are still people who don't know who Duk Seon's husband is, but if you don't, and even if you do, please just watch the drama anyway. It is really not about the ship, this is just a particular aspect of the Reply series, just one aspect among many other more important ones

Leia Mais

Let me introduce Ssangmun-dong

There is so much to unpack in this series. This is definitely one of those series wherein after you watched it, you'll never be the same person before you watched it. You just kinda grow and mature with the characters.

The story. I love how it has a little bit of everything: friendship, family, love, career, decisions almost everything that life offers. The depiction is too relatable that even after watching it I felt like it has become a part of me.

The characters. I just love the dynamic of how everyone interacts with each other. The chemistry of the entire village is unmatched. The friendship among the 5 Ssangmun children. The variety of each and every family. The uniqueness of everyone which made the story even more colorful.

There's so much I wanted to say about this series but I felt like my words can't justify the whole beauty of it.

I definitely recommend this to anyone who wants to watch a light-hearted, funny and lesson-filled drama. 31 hours of my time is so worth it for this series.

Leia Mais

After a lot of time and a lot of tears, I finally end this beauty. Seriously, if you don't watch the Reply Series, you need to begin now. I'll not give any spoilers here about the main couple, but all I have to say about this is that I didn't cheer wrongly this time, and I was always hoping that the couple was exactly that. Not even for a second I cheered for the rejected one.

I'll start talking about my favorite character, Seong Deok Seon (Lee Hye Ri). Lee Hye Ri it's an incredible actress, and I'm very happy that she had the opportunity to shine again recently with "My Roommate Is A Gumiho", but Deok Seon is my favorite female lead these days. The charming of this character to me is to see how Deok Seon represents the most part of the teenage girls that lived in the 80/90's. Her strength and kindness were touching so many times that made me think about many things that I do in my life and the way how I see my youth. This girl will be unforgettable.

All the boys were also amazing, but I have to emphasize my Master Choi (Park Bo Gum), that started as a moron but turns out into the most incredible guy, with great strength and maturity that made me cry and smile all the time. Seon Woo (Go Kyung Pyo) was the bomb that I was expecting would explode, but nothing happened. His personality seems quite repressed for me, even more than Taek sometimes, and I wish could see a little explosion there. The same for Dong Ryong (Lee Dong Hwi), which clearly acted as a support role between the friends, which we can see even in the appearance of his parents. He was so fun and necessary sometimes, that I felt his character was a little wronged. And, of course, my major frustration here, the moron Kim Jung Hwan (Ryu Joon Yeol) - yes, I'm still enraged -. Guys, seriously... I wanted to root for this guy, but every time he disappointed me with his double actions, and uncertainness... His speech in the penultimate episode was the synopsis of his attitude, and that drove me crazy. I understand the motive, but at the same time it isn't justifiable for me. The ring scene... oh my gosh...

This show is far away beyond romance, and I remember a lot of "Go Ahead". See the interactions between the families and friends and how the things going on was incredible and each character marked me in a certain way. I wouldn't take off anything from this, it was everything perfect. To say something bad, I just made the episodes a little shorter because some had almost 2 hours, and it was a little hard to keep up the rhythm, but if you like big dramas, you gonna love it.

This one is another chosen one for me (★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★★★). This drama will give all kinds of emotions to you and any second will be worth it. I have to say that, even being better produced and more elaborated, the 1997 is still my favorite one :D

Leia Mais

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.

Leia Mais

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.

Leia Mais

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.

Leia Mais

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.

Leia Mais

After watching Reply 1988 I felt compelled to write my first review. This drama truly brings the audience back to a time when building relationships between friends and neighbors lasted a lifetime.

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.

Leia Mais

I finally watched this after hearing about it so much. This is my first Reply drama so I won't compare with its precedents . Why do I want to write a review for this? Firstly, it's a great family and friendship orientated drama with fantastic humor. Every character is unique and is relevant to our everyday life. The friendship and family bonding message was very encouraging ;letting us realized not everything in this materialistic world is fake. My favorite character is Dong Ryong among the youngsters and Ra Mi Ran among the elders. Without them the drama would be a complete bore. I like Deuk Sun the character too but I find Hyeri not convincing enough and a little annoying for the over acting. All the other actors were good . What I will remember most from this drama? It would be Dong Ryong's garlic in his pants scene and Jung Hwan's message for us that do not blame it on timing and fate when one did not do enough to get what we want.

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.

Leia Mais

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.

Leia Mais

emotional, endearing, one of the only perfect dramas

It's difficult for me to write a review of Reply 1988 because it's so close to my heart and has been for so long that I've lost any objective distance from which to review it. Even if I love a show I can usually see where it had flaws or weaknesses and rate it accordingly, but with this show I just need to give it that perfect 10/10 rating. It would be sacrilege not to.
This was the first (and one of the only) truly great dramas I have ever seen. It is also one of the few dramas I have recommended/shown to people in my life who do not watch asian dramas (like my mom). This is such a great showcase for the strength of a typical k-drama format: 20 long episodes, released consecutively, makes the show feel lengthy and significant (because it is, at almost 30 hours? of runtime) while still being self-contained. The themes can also stay very pure, entering around family and growing up in the most emotionally fulfilling possible way.
The cast is very good. Both the kids and the parents are so enjoyable to watch, both on their own and in those large and complicated group dynamics. There are no scenes to skip, no glaringly weak acting that brings down the ensemble. Everyone ranges from solid to excellent and there are more than ten very memorable and well-acted scenes I can think of off the top of my head. This great cast is supported by great writing and directing. There are so many understated, subtle moments that have a huge emotional impact, they don't need to rely on unrealistically high stakes for there to be these incredible dramas in the show. The show doesn't manufacture comas and car accidents and divorces and long-lost twins because they don't need to. They're bringing out the drama and emotion of daily life, and all the trials and joys of regular people and their relationships.
I would say my only quibble is that I'm not very fond of the focus on who Deok-sun ends up marrying. The Reply series always has some variant of this question built in to the fabric of the show, be it Reply 1997, 1994 or 1988, but I think it feels most glaringly out of place here. It seems cheap and unnecessary and if I could edit out the 'future' interview-style scenes I would. The show stands perfectly well without them. That said, they are not terrible or anything, I just think it puts undue focus on a love triangle that would've probably felt more organic otherwise.
Overall, this is the show that I recommend to people who don't watch dramas. Period. Everyone I have shown this to has enjoyed it, and there is a reason that it always ends up on those 'greatest dramas of all time' lists. It may take an episode or two to get used to the pace and the setting and characters, but once you do you'll be a fan for life.

Leia Mais

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.

Leia Mais