"Reply 1988" is the Part 3 in the "Reply" series, directed by the same director as the previous works, Shin Won-ho PD. Set in Ssangmun-dong, Dobong-gu, Seoul in 1988, the drama depicts a heartwarming family story that can be enjoyed by the whole family, set against the backdrop of the alley around the jewelry store "Bong Hwang Dang." It also portrays the love and friendship of five childhood friends who grew up in the same alley.
One of the key factors in the success of the "Reply" series is empathy, but there were doubts about whether empathy would be effective in this series, as 1988 is now considered the past. The production team seemed to be aware of this, as they significantly reduced the empathy code compared to previous works and primarily focused on plots that embrace family love, which can encompass all generations. While previous works had a vibe similar to mini-series or trendy dramas, this work feels more like a weekend family drama. However, the tradition of finding a husband, a staple of the "Reply" series, remained intact.
As much as the theme of family love, the drama almost consistently drew tears from viewers each episode. This has led to criticism of being overly sentimental. While some appreciate the opportunity to see family love depicted on screen, the continuous melodrama after a certain point can become emotionally burdensome for viewers. The focus on the deep friendship of youth in previous works is certainly felt to be different in this installment.
In reality, "Reply 1988" cannot easily be said to have a single protagonist, as it not only shows the stories of the five friends in Ssangmun-dong but also devotes a lot of time to the stories of their parents and siblings. However, this intention of the production team resonated well with viewers. The love of parents for their children, children's filial piety towards their parents, and the sibling relationships where they fight but also care for each other were points that anyone from any generation could empathize with.
Although "Reply 1988" consists of 20 episodes, each lasting almost two hours, making it almost equivalent to over 30 episodes in a typical drama format, it managed to succeed because it was not simply a story of love and nostalgia.
The keyword of 'family' allowed us to empathize with the story of 1988, and those who lived through that era could reminisce while watching the drama. From this perspective, "Reply 1988" can be considered a very good drama.
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