Eung-dab-ha-ra 1988

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!

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.

REPLY 1988 (2015-2016)

Family. Friendship. Love. Youth.

One the best kdramas I've watched. Most scenes have touched my soul. Made me miss my family and friends back in the Philippines.

Big salute to the screenwriter, Lee Weo-Jeong and the director, Shin Won-ho! The actors played their parts brilliantly! I love Deok-Sun(Hyeri) and Taek(Park Bo-gum) the most. Colourful characters! Thank you all for making me laugh, cry, laugh, cry and ruminate on life.

10/10 for me. 👌💞👌

Funny but with depth. 💖

I've never liked rewatching, but now I've just finished rewatching it and enjoying it, maybe even more than the first time, I will certainly re-watch it because I miss the characters so much. In the meantime I've watched Reply 1994 and 1997 which were very good but not as good as the 1988 Maybe it's one of the very best TV series of all time

I'm just thankful I got to experience this drama. It's the best one I've ever seen. It made me feel like I'm living in 1988. It was so relatable even though it's from a different timeline and a different country. It's heartwarming, funny and makes you feel empty when it's over. The second time I watched it I was depressed for 3 days because it felt like I've lost life long friends, it's that good and I know I'll feel the same again. I was amazed that it was the first time I didn't have any complaints with a drama. Great acting, great story, great music. You'll feel like you're watching normal people live their lives but it's interesting.