Drama Review: Reply 1988 (응답하라 1988)

REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH REPLY 1988 (응답하라 1988)

Reply 1988 is one of my most favorite Korean dramas of all time. There are actually a whole lot reasons why you should watch it. Let me name a few without giving away some spoilers. 😉

Genre: Family, Comedy, Romance 

1. Perfect Setting

Reply 1988 gives you a nice look back at the year 1988 in Seoul. It follows the lives of 5 families living on the same street in a neighborhood called Ssangmundong.

The attention to details put in by the staff was indeed fascinating. TV shows, commercials, all the old stuff shown in the drama played an important role, giving that authentic 1988 vibe. The charcoal briquettes were my favorite and by far, the most fascinating to me. Some stuff I've already encountered in my childhood. 

2.  Excellent Cinematography 

The lighting and filters used, the camera motion, camera angles- every on-screen visual element was perfect. Just the cinematography itself tells a story. Even without words, you feel the emotion. It creates the mood. Without good cinematography, the story couldn't be told as easily. 

3. Amazing Cast

The drama is jam-packed with amazing and talented actors. They have Sung Dong-il, Ra Miran, Ryu Jun-hyeol, Park Bo-gum, and Hyeri to name a few. The staff did a good job at the cast selection. Each character was portrayed very well.

Fun Fact: I just realized all the parents used their real name. Just like how Sung Dong-il and Lee Il-hwa used their names on all three Reply series. 

4. Relatable Characters 

Reply 1988 will give you a glimpse of each characters conflict. You'll be able to see how their personalities develop, and how they deal with these conflicts. Everyone would be able to relate as the drama is a perfect balance of the life of everyone in Ssangmundong. Each character is memorable and was consistent throughout the drama.

5. Real Life Lessons

It tackles almost every aspect of life. It touches values regarding love, friendship, family, coming of age, dreams, and even aging. It shows you how friends and family are in the smallest and biggest events in our life. Reply 1988 is surely an eye-opener. 

6. Brilliant and Meaningful Plot

The drama leaves a significant impact. It's one of those few dramas that you don't want to end. But just like life, it goes on and you have to move forward. The drama gives you a longing feeling, something that would make you want to go back to your younger years. The writers succeeded in captivating the viewers' heart. Each episode ends in a light yet gripping cliffhanger making you want for more.  There are a lot of heartwarming and heartbreaking breaking scenes ahead, so make sure you have your tissues ready. 

7. Nostalgic Background Music

The choice of background music was indeed perfect. Some would take you down to memory lane, some would make you want to fall in love. Music comes in at the right time and at the right moment in the drama. Each one really captures the heart. 

8. Epic Love Story

The love story among the teens are really lovely. It makes you look back on your high school days, think of your puppy love. There are parts that would make you cry but as the story progresses, you realize that everything just works out well. Sung Dukseon is just incredible. You'll know why once you see the drama. 

9. Bittersweet Ending 

All I can say is that I enjoyed the ending. It was perfect. Hands down to the team!

One thing is for sure, Reply 1988 is a masterpiece. In my opinion, this is the best among all three Reply series.