No one ever thought that Reply 1997 would become a pop culture
sensation back then in 2012. The coming of age story of Busan teenagers in 90s
period is a unique combination that captures viewers’ heart. The success
continue one year later with Reply 1994,
which tells a story about country bumpkins that live in Seoul. The production
team tries to re-create similar success for the third time with Reply 1988, which just finished airing
last night. The third installment is very much alike, yet different from the
previous one. What are the similarities and differences? Find out more
here………………………………..
Reply 1988 centered on
five families that live in Ssangmundong area in 1988. The first family is
Deoksun's (Girl's Day Hyeri), a
family with three children who live under basement and struggle financially.
It's the complete opposite of Junghwan's (Ryu
Junyeol) who are rich, but have distant relationship between each family
member. We also have Sunwoo's (Go Kyung
Pyo) and Taek's (Park Bogum);
both are raised by single parent, but have different family dynamic. Sunwoo’s
family is full of love while Taek family is full of awkwardness. Lastly, there
is Dongryong's (Lee Donghwi) who often
being ignored by his busy parents. The story revolves around each children
relationship with their parents, their friendship, dream, love, and of course
the series trademark, husband hunt.
Like the previous
installments, Reply 1988 offers us a simple and relatable story along with fun
and heartwarming moments. The 80s setting doesn't become an obstacle despite 30
years gap with present time. Instead, it provides us a refreshing change and
unique glimpse of older generation. Major props to the production team for
giving us an authentic setting, wardrobes, properties, and songs in 80s era.
The family theme is an
element that makes this season shines among the previous one. This season does
a good job in showing different dynamic between five families in Ssangmundong.
The relationship between each parent and children portrays in a realistic way.
Somehow we can relate between Deoksun's fate as the middle child, Junghwan's
family feeling about their embarrassing dad, Sunwoo's cope with his loss,
Taek's awkward way to show his love to his dad, and Dongryong's disappointment
over his busy mom.
The friendship comes
second. What I love the most from Reply 1988 is each family manages to care
about others despite coming from different background. They laugh and cry
together. The ahjumma friendship is the highlight of this season because their
relationship feels realistic. I mean that’s exactly what happens when mothers
gather around in real life hahaha. The five kids friendship is another favorite
because they just want to do anything for each other. Where can you find boys
who will sing and dance to win a prize for their friend? Well, it only happens
in Ssangmundong!
Because there is heavy
focus on family and friendship theme, the main love story shifted aside. It's a
good thing actually, but at the same time, it caused the messy pace. The love story
progress quite slow, but it ends abruptly. The husband twist itself creates
uproar on viewers. I’m actually fine with the twist if they spend fair amount
of both boys’ storyline and logical reason. But, what I find as a
disappointment is a strong build up and heavy focus of certain character in the
beginning ends up as nothing that never explained in the end. It’s actually a
pity because both boys have great characterization and acting, which
fortunately makes us impossible to hate either of them amidst the uproar.
In acting department,
Reply 1988 has the best ensemble casts among the previous one. Each cast manages
to bring life to their distinct character and shine on their own. They also
display natural chemistry between each other. It feels like they are real
family and friends who grow up together.
The production team once
again shows their capability to find hidden talents. It's great to see Go Kyung
Pyo finally get his spotlight, Park Bogum continues his rising star status, Lee
Dong Hwi, Ahn Jaehong, Ryu Hyeyoung, and Choi Sung Won becomes a newcomer that we should look out for, even Hyeri manages to turn negative
perceptions about her. But it's Ryu Junyeol who gives us a big surprise. Coming
as a new actor, he’s so natural and convincing as Junghwan, who has warm heart
behind his cold exterior. He speaks few lines, but his eyes, expression, and
body language speaks more than that. It’s hard to not fall in love with
him.
The drama faces major issue
towards the end. It feels that the writer starts to lose focus and confuse to
wrap the story, so we don't get enough closure for most characters. I find it
weird that they couldn't cover it despite having almost two hours long duration.
Speaking of long duration, it doesn't really become a problem because we have
many characters and storyline that could fill it although it becomes draggy at
the end.
Other than that, Reply
1988 continues the success of previous installments with its relatable and
heartwarming storyline filled with nostalgia. The casts are great, which make
us can connect with their character. The family theme is the true star of this
drama, making it superior among its predecessors.
Rating:
4.5/5
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