Back to 1989

Back to 1989 is a fascinating Taiwanese drama series that aired on the SET Metro channel in 2016. It is a time-traveling, romantic comedy-drama that is filled with suspense, nostalgia, and powerful performances. The show cleverly blends its various genres, providing viewers with a continuously entertaining and engaging experience.

The primary protagonist of the series is Chen Che, a successful stock broker in his thirties. Chen Che, quite unexpectedly, finds himself transported three decades into the past, thrust back to the year 1989. Despite the series' title's playful implications, this is not a joyful journey of reminiscence as Chen Che struggles with being stranded out of his time. While the year 1989 may be a time of booming economic growth and cultural awakening in Taiwan, it is completely foreign to a man from the future—complete with its own set of challenges, opportunities, and surprises.

As Chen Che adjusts to life in 1989, he embarks on a mission to find his estranged biological father, whose identity has been a mystery all his life. As he embarks on this quest for his roots, the added complication of time travel provides an extra layer of intrigue and offers viewers a good dose of suspense and mystery.

In the process, he encounters Ye Zhen Zhen, a sweet-natured and devoted woman who works as a secretary and then falls in love with her. Their romance is heartwarming and emotionally engaging, highlighting a contrast between the relationships in the materialistic and fast-paced world of the future, with the more wholesome, yet complicated love blossoming in the past.

Throughout the series, Back to 1989 explores themes of longing, family dynamics, heritage, and cultural changes over time. The time-travel element of the story raises questions about fate, destiny, the continuity of time, and the effects of meddling with the past.

This series is rich in 80s nostalgia, from the carefully reproduced interiors, fashion styles, and popular culture references to the evocative soundtrack peppered with 80s hits. However, it's not just about painting a picture of an era – it's about engaging the viewers and bringing them along for a journey like no other.

Another delight in this series is its cast, led by Marcus Chang as Chen Che. His nuanced performance infuses a blend of humor, character depth, emotional range, and charismatic presence, pulling viewers further into the story. The chemistry between the leads is palpable, and the performances across the board are applauded for their authenticity, further enhancing the engaging storyline.

The writing in the series is also well-considered and beautifully executed. The various narrative threads are woven together with care and precision. The plot is jam-packed; it compels, amuses, and moves the viewers in equal measure. There's never a dull moment, whether our protagonist is attempting to adapt to outmoded technology or considering the potential ripples his actions might create in the future.

The director's skill in managing the two intersecting narratives - one in the past and one in the future - effectively maintains the drama's momentum and keeps the storyline clear for viewers. It's this management of pace and complexity that make the series so watchable.

Overall, Back to 1989’s escapist blend of time travel, romance, and history allows it to transport viewers not only back in time but into a world entirely of its own. Its charisma lies in its perfect balance of whimsy and seriousness, comedy and melancholy, mystery and clarity. It's a delicate blend of clever storytelling, compelling characters, and beautifully set scenes that make it more than just another time travel series. It's truly an engaging journey into the past.