justanotherrey
A slow-burn slice of life to savour
Reply 1988, where everlasting friendships and blossoming romances never fail to bring wistful nostalgia and recurring memories of our adolescence. What will it be like to live in that era? And what awaits the five friends filled with ambition who are getting ready to face adulthood?
It is a particular kind of drama that almost did not have an immersing plotline but sheer raw interactions and gradual development of traits, making it a slow-burn slice of life to savour. It also can be an inherent limitation of the drama.
The episode duration may seem overwhelming as it undoubtedly has its draggy parts and unnecessary situations; one should readily invest in the emotions to understand and enjoy the drama better. Once set with the characters, I think it will be a fast one.
Some aspects that I love-
Realistic Characters. Having a diverse cast is rather daunting because the characters may become monotonous hence making the show dense. But that is not the case here. The characters are riveting and refreshing, each definite and distinct, bringing the drama to life and tugging at your heartstrings.
Relationships. Not just romance and friendship but also kinship is in the spotlight. Look out for the heart-wrenching love triangle, the community friendship, parents' love, sibling bonds, the ahjumma fiestas, and loving married couples. It all makes the show more refined and wholesome.
The 80s Elements. To give the nostalgic feel, the crew had to put the required diligence into details that make you travel and experience the 80s. Elements like fashion, music, food, setting and various historical events gave insight to the international audience while impressing the korean audience with the subtle and original lifestyle of regular folk.
Message. Reply 1988 carries a simplistic message which has a more profound meaning. It is an exemplary coming-of-age drama that aptly portrays various themes on friendship, family, humanity, economic adversities, academic anxieties, self-actualization and accomplishment of dreams.
OST. The leading ost brings back all the nostalgia even after years of watching.
In conclusion, an all-time favourite that I will never stop recommending it.
“It is family—that covers over the wounds from the world outside the front door, the scars we each sustain from life, even the sorrow that family itself gives us. The people on my side till the very end—it is family.”
It is a particular kind of drama that almost did not have an immersing plotline but sheer raw interactions and gradual development of traits, making it a slow-burn slice of life to savour. It also can be an inherent limitation of the drama.
The episode duration may seem overwhelming as it undoubtedly has its draggy parts and unnecessary situations; one should readily invest in the emotions to understand and enjoy the drama better. Once set with the characters, I think it will be a fast one.
Some aspects that I love-
Realistic Characters. Having a diverse cast is rather daunting because the characters may become monotonous hence making the show dense. But that is not the case here. The characters are riveting and refreshing, each definite and distinct, bringing the drama to life and tugging at your heartstrings.
Relationships. Not just romance and friendship but also kinship is in the spotlight. Look out for the heart-wrenching love triangle, the community friendship, parents' love, sibling bonds, the ahjumma fiestas, and loving married couples. It all makes the show more refined and wholesome.
The 80s Elements. To give the nostalgic feel, the crew had to put the required diligence into details that make you travel and experience the 80s. Elements like fashion, music, food, setting and various historical events gave insight to the international audience while impressing the korean audience with the subtle and original lifestyle of regular folk.
Message. Reply 1988 carries a simplistic message which has a more profound meaning. It is an exemplary coming-of-age drama that aptly portrays various themes on friendship, family, humanity, economic adversities, academic anxieties, self-actualization and accomplishment of dreams.
OST. The leading ost brings back all the nostalgia even after years of watching.
In conclusion, an all-time favourite that I will never stop recommending it.
“It is family—that covers over the wounds from the world outside the front door, the scars we each sustain from life, even the sorrow that family itself gives us. The people on my side till the very end—it is family.”
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