Welcome time-travelers, to this Reply 1988 review! Ready for a trip back to the ’80s? Reply 1988 is the time machine waiting to whisk you away to a world of nostalgia.
This series has a whopping 9.7-star rating on Viki from over 30,000 viewers and a 9.1-star rating on MyDramaList from over 45,000 viewers. Hence, it is definitely not your usual K-Drama. Here is what a viewer had to say about the show:
This drama is so ENDEARING.
I just finished watching it and feel like I have been part of their families’ lives.It is a drama about life, love, friendship, anger, failure and family.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ by a Reviewer on MyDramaList for Reply 1988
There is a huge amount of comical moments to ensure that it never
gets depressing or too heavy. (THE GOAT)
I laughed many time at the top of my lungs, because every episode will
deliver something totally ridiculous (in a good sense).
So, let’s dive into this Reply 1988 review to learn exactly why this simple show is considered one of the classics that can’t be missed!
The Nostalgic Storyline – Reply 1988 Plot
Reply 1988 is the third and final installment of the Reply series, but fear not, first-time viewers! This show boasts a whole new cast and story, so you can jump right in.
Widely considered the best of the series, Reply 1988 takes you on a nostalgic journey through the lives of five childhood friends (and their families) living in the bustling Seoul neighborhood of Ssangmundong.
Let’s meet:
- Duk-Sun – The ignored middle child
- Jung-Hwan – The aloof genius
- Sun-Woo – The soft-hearted academic overachiever
- Dong-Ryong – The hilarious class clown
- Taek – The introverted internationally recognized Go player
This drama will take you through their teenage years as they grow up together in a world filled with love, laughter, tears, and strength.
As these five friends navigate the ups and downs of teenage life – from school stress to first crushes – their families become intertwined, creating a heartwarming storyline that makes you feel part of their world.
Reply 1988 is a coming-of-age story that celebrates the enduring power of friendship, family, and the simple joys of life, all wrapped up in a wave of 80s nostalgia.
Who is the Cast – Squad Goals!
Helmed by the talented director Shin Won-ho and written by Lee Woo-jung, Reply 1988 brought together a star-studded cast that delivered phenomenal performances.
Girl’s Day’s Hyeri shines as the bubbly Duk-Sun, while the ever-popular Park Bo-gum steals hearts as the stoic yet charming Taek. Rounding out the squad are Ryu Jun-Yeol, Go Kyung-pyo, and Lee Dong-hwi, each bringing their unique charm to their respective roles.
The show’s phenomenal success, originally airing on tvN with impressive ratings, is a testament to the brilliant direction, captivating story, and the undeniable chemistry between the cast.
A Blast From the Past – Reply 1988 OST Review
The Reply 1988 soundtrack transports you back in time with a mix of classic Korean ballads and upbeat tunes that’ll have you humming along (and maybe even attempting some karaoke nights with your besties).
This show’s OST is like a greatest hits collection of 80s Korean jams, and it perfectly captures the energy and vibe of the era (even if it might not be everyone’s cup of tea!).
Our Review: Why is Reply 1988 a Must-Watch?
Reply 1988 offers a heartwarming experience that will stay with you long after the credits roll. Here’s why you should add it to your watchlist:
- Friendship Goals: This show is all about the power of friendship. You’ll be cheering for this squad as they navigate life’s ups and downs together.
- Nostalgic Feels: Prepare for a wave of nostalgia! From the retro fashion to the iconic games (remember those giant phones?!☎️), Reply 1988 captures the essence of a bygone era that we all wish we could go back to.
- Warm and Fuzzy: This show is like a big, comforting hug. It’ll make you laugh, cry (mostly happy tears, we promise!🤗), and appreciate the simple joys of life.
- Neighbourly Feels: Forget just friends, Reply 1988 shows a whole neighbourhood acting like one big, supportive family. From impromptu gatherings in the alley to shared meals and celebrations, these neighbours are always there with a helping hand (or a shoulder to cry on, when needed!).
- The Ajuma Gang: The Ajuma Gang in Reply 1988 are more than just mothers – they’re hilarious, wise, and fiercely loyal. These strong, resilient women add depth and humor to the drama with their colorful personalities and unwavering support for one another.
- Resilience Against Financial Hardships: This show isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Reply 1988 tackles the realities of economic hardship in 1980s Korea. But through it all, the characters persevere with grit and determination. This element adds depth and relatability, showing how adversities can forge unbreakable bonds and resilience.
Reasons Why Reply 1988 Might Not be for Everyone
While it has garnered a massive fanbase, Reply 1988 may not appeal to everyone. Here are a few reasons why some viewers might find it less appealing:
- Love Triangle Trauma: If intense love triangles aren’t your thing, this might cause some mild frustration (we won’t spoil who ends up with whom, but let’s just say tissues are recommended!🤧).
- Slow Burn: This show is more about character development and slice-of-life moments than fast-paced action. So, if you crave constant cliffhangers, this might feel a tad slow (especially with the longer length episodes).
Final Thoughts: Yay or Nay?
Honestly, this is a no-brainer! The verdict of this Reply 1988 review is that this drama is a must-watch for anyone who loves heartwarming stories, relatable characters, and a good dose of nostalgia.
This heartwarming drama truly isn’t your average coming-of-age story. It takes you in and makes you feel part of their world (even if you were not born in that era!).
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