No need for big things, “Reply 1988” is built simply, without any frills or drama. It is no coincidence that the film is one of the most favorite Korean films of all time. Because, this is not just a film about silly love but also a profound film, imbued with humanity about family love and friendship.
“Time gives us the greatest gift that we do not know, which is the memory of being loved.”
The film tells the story of the youth journey of poor boys and girls growing up in the small neighborhood of Ssangmun Dong, Seoul in the 1980s, when South Korea was in turmoil due to a series of student protests demanding democracy. Taking the historical background as a background, but not focusing on the political aspect, “Reply 1988” has recreated for viewers a life full of deprivation but full of humanity. Anyone – grandparents, parents, or young viewers – can easily see images of their own family and themselves in the film.
No need to be dramatic, Reply 1988 collects simple stories about everyday life in each family, about youth, love, friendship...
The small neighborhood of Ssangmun Dong, Seoul in the 80s, which appears to the audience is not flashy or prosperous, but rather quiet and simple. Each family living here has its own difficulties and worries, but that does not make them lose their love and immense sacrifice for their children. That is Duk Sun's mother (Lee II Hwa) when she begged the police in the rain not to arrest her daughter Bora, Jung Hwan's mother (Ra Mi Ran) who, even though she knew her son was lying, still gave him money without asking, Sun Woo's mother (Kim Sun Young) always gave her son the best things despite her poor family background...
In the middle of Seoul with its bustling buildings, Ssangmun Street always has a peaceful and quiet atmosphere. That small street has recorded every step and growth of children, each with their own special personality.
At a time when there was no Internet, nor smartphones, the friendship between a group of five friends in a poor neighborhood blossomed naturally, beautifully and connected through simple moments together: eating noodles, watching the movie "Heroic Identity", going to school together... Always being present in every major event of youth was the strongest "glue". Like the Go prodigy Choi Taek, he was still considered stupid in the eyes of the group, but always received the most attention because of the lack of love from his mother. Or even though they were not rich, they pooled money to buy Duk Sun the music player she always dreamed of... All those small, innocent actions nurtured their lasting friendship, helping the group of five go through many ups and downs in life.
It is difficult to explain why Reply 1988 has captured so much love from the audience, because perhaps the film has reached the peak of emotions, of the youth of many people, many generations.
On the background of other loves, “Reply 1988” is also a picture of neighborly love. Although they are poor, they always share all the bitterness and sweetness of life. No matter how little or much a meal is, they still share it, from fish to a plate of vegetables. In difficult times, they do not forget to give each other words of encouragement and help each other with the smallest things: when Duk Sun’s mother was suspected of having cancer, the whole poor neighborhood was worried as if it were their own family’s problem, and they also breathed a sigh of relief when they heard that she was still healthy. Or like when Jung Hwan’s father fell and broke his back, with just a few calls, everyone in the neighborhood ran to take care of him and help him,…
Reply 1988 takes viewers through a range of emotions, from joy, happiness to sadness, regret for things that have passed.
Pure family love and friendship, mixed with the first emotions of each person, brought closeness to the audience.
The movie "Reply 1988" conveyed a very meaningful message: "Everyone must grow up, everyone must find their own answers. Don't live to remember your childhood and regret it when it passes too quickly."
“Fate will come when the dramatic moment appears by chance”
The film creates curiosity for the audience with the familiar opening question of finding a husband in the previous series "Reply": "Who is Duk Sun's husband among the 4 childhood friends?". From there, the film takes the audience on a time travel back to the old years. Love in "Reply 1988" is portrayed softly, and perhaps starting from innocent, pure friendship. The girl Duk Sun is always cheerful, lovely but also sensitive like any other 17, 18 year old girl with a confession that makes the audience feel sympathetic: "Why doesn't anyone like me?". Without knowing, she always gets special attention from her two childhood friends Jung Hwan and Choi Taek.
If Jung Hwan's feelings bring about momentary intense emotions, Choi Taek's love is as gentle as a steady rain that soaks in over time.
Jung Hwan, on the outside is a cold guy, with somewhat harsh words, often teasing Duk Sun for being stupid and ugly. However, behind that thorny appearance is a warm heart, always silently caring for and protecting her. Small actions like waiting for her to go to school every day, protecting her in the crowd, standing in the cold to wait for her to finish school, or simply a warm look, have expressed all the feelings he has for her.
Silent love
Unlike Jung Hwan who always stayed by Duk Sun's side silently, Choi Taek was like a summer breeze, unexpected but bringing intense emotions. He expressed his feelings like the way he played Go, with a low winning rate but good at decisive moments. Once he realized his feelings, he did not hesitate to express them sincerely and directly. The words "I like Duk Sun, I will pursue him like a girl". Warm hugs, gentle handshakes, or sincere compliments all showed how much he cherished that little girl. In particular, he was always by her side when she was sad, lonely or felt unloved.
Whether intense or straightforward, both are worthy of respect.
Many viewers regretted Jung Hwan's deep feelings. In the minds of many, if only Jung Hwan had enough courage and was more decisive, perhaps their love affair would have ended differently. But life has no ifs and loves have no room for hesitation. Jung Hwan had many chances in the battle for the beauty's heart and he wasted them time and time again. Even when Choi Taek decided to back down, for the next 6 years, Junghwan still did not dare to confess and their relationship remained stagnant.
Choi Taek uses gentleness and simplicity to conquer the person he loves.
The film has a happy ending not only for the couples but also recreates the peaceful scene of Ssang Mun Dong village, the carefree playing moments of the children that moved the audience. Time passes, people also have to change, the families in this neighborhood gradually moved away. However, the memories of the children, the innocent first love or the never-ending stories of the mothers are still buried here.
All the regrets of youth are left in the movie
The small village of Ssang Mun Dong witnessed the growth of the children, witnessed them go through their youth, the most beautiful time of their lives. Ssang Mun Dong has connected strangers to become close friends and neighbors. The neighborly love between those people is truly precious. Everyone has to grow up, everyone has to find their own answers, the film makes the audience both nostalgically remember their childhood and regret that it passed so quickly.
Youthful memories left in movies
“Reply 1988” is not only an entertaining movie, but it also brings viewers many different emotions about family, friendship, love, and simple yet warm neighborhood love. You can easily find those values through good quotes and touching footage.
