Réponds-moi 1988

Actually, I am not South Korean, even I was not born in 1988. But this drama makes me feel deeply in the same way. I love them all forever.

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.

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 can't stress it enough that watching a piece that is so simple will be the one that touches your soul very closely.

If you are doubting whether you should watch this show or not because one of your friend suggested you to, TRUST THEM COMPLETELY.

I will tell you how your days will go after watching this show. First, you have to trust all the good reviews in the world and start watching. Second, you will enjoy this show starting from the first episode. Third, nobody will tell you to continue watching further, but you will anyway. Then after finishing this show, you thank your friend. Or should I say you will thank yourself because you chose to finish this show? Doesn't really matter.

I find at least 3 reasons why people are doubting this show.

First. "Isn't this show just like any other friendships movie/series?". Short answer, it's NOT. Don't get me wrong, any kind of good friendships film will definitely warm your heart, I always love friendships films. However, there are too many other treasures to talk about that you can find in this show. Role of moms, dads, admirers, crushes, dreams, siblings, fate, boys gang, girls gang, exes, education, morals, marriages. And why are they even important? Because you will then REALLY understand to be in other people's shoes.

Second. "There are not much going on in 1988, is this even relevant? Isn't this extremely boring?". Well, definitely you won't find any fancy things here. No fancy fiction things just like any other korean dramas, no major plot twist or whatsoever. My question is, why is that even a problem? Really you don't have to worry all of those questions. The show will still feel very close to us that you really want to be one of the characters. Unfortunately, rewatching the show again and again will be the only way you can make your dream come true.

Third. "I can guess the plot. There is one girl in those friendships, so it will just be triangle or rectangle love story, just like any others." Again. Please do yourself a favor not to worry these things. There are sooo many things that you can talk about rather than worrying if there is good romance aspects or not.

Last thing I want to remind you because you have arrived to this review. PLEASE. THANK. YOUR. FRIEND.

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!