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Prison Playbook

슬기로운 감빵생활 ‧ Drama ‧ 2017 - 2018
Completed
AKn
0 people found this review helpful
Dec 27, 2025
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

WHY AM I CRYING OVER PRISONERS?!!

This drama that quietly grows on you and then suddenly owns your heart... on the surface it feels like a simple story but the way it’s told is what makes it special.. the drama focuses less on big twists and more on people their lives mistakes growth and unexpected bonds.
Before you realize it you start caring deeply about every single character not just the main lead.
The biggest strength of this series is its character writing. .. each prisoner has a story and none of them feel wasted or shallow... emotions are subtle not overly dramatic yet they hit at the right moments... te humor is natural and perfectly timed and the bromance is one of the best parts... warm genuine and comforting... uff the way they balanced lighthearted moments with serious themes was really satisfactory
The acting is excellent overall.. whether it’s the leads or side characters. even the background characters leave an impression.. the music choice is amazing too not the usual dramatic ost but something different that fits the tone of the show.
this drama proves that a drama doesnt need constant action or heavy plot twists to be powerful... it’s about storytelling relationships and human connection... a heartfelt well made drama that’s absolutely worth watching

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Completed
AeonFlux71
0 people found this review helpful
Mar 24, 2025
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

Fantastic!

This series starts slow, but i am glad that once i start i never drop out, and want to finish it. Because even though it started slow, eventually it became much more interesting and funny. After seeing the entire show i must say that i loved it!!
Great story, touching moments and also a lot of really funny moments. A must see!

Definatly one to watch again sometimes.
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Completed
Betsy3491
0 people found this review helpful
Jan 8, 2026
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers

Not perfect, but close

I’m not a fan of baseball or prison stories, so you’d think this drama wouldn’t be for me.

You’d be wrong. It's excellent.

PRISON PLAYBOOK walks a narrow line-sometimes basking in sappy pathos, and at other times careening into hilarious caricature.


The creators of PRISON PLAYBOOK get it mostly right-with a few flubs. Is it always believable? No. But the story is original and entertaining enough for viewers to overlook the relatively few flaws.

Park Hae-Soo nails it as Je-Hyeok, a lovable, honorable lunk-head, who winds up in prison. But shows he has some brains when push comes to shove.

Jung Kyoung-Ho's portrayal of Je-Hyeok's loyal best friend is so convincing and touching that I now want to watch every drama he's ever been in. Another stand-out was Choi Moo-seung. He brought tears to my eyes more than once. What an incredible performer!

Captain Yoo, played by Jung Hae-In, enters this drama as a supposed vicious murderer. Yeah, right. This sweet-faced actor is about as scary as a kitten. In every other drama, he plays the perfect boyfriend - see LOVE NEXT DOOR. Not to worry. He improves throughout--as do most of the others.

A few negatives: Lots of product placement going on-which mostly didn't interfere with the meandering plot. The wrestling and fighting between the cell mates often looked staged. And when Go Park-sa was suddenly rushed out the door, a promising secondary plot involving corporate malfeasance was cut off at the knees. What was that all about?

Soundtrack: When a mournful oboe is wailing in the background or a saccharine piano melody is plucking at our heart strings - additional sound effects interject a note of humor and frivolity (dharma drums, off-key chords), as if to say, "You guys aren't taking all this too seriously, are you?" Nice.

I could have done without the incessant bird whistles.

In a real prison, things aren't quite as benign as presented in this series. Or so I’ve been told.

Here, the seven or eight rotating cell mates-a unique collection of lock-down losers-are all endearing and likable. Most are societal victims. Some get justice, some don't.

Sort of like life.

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Completed
Rainy Side Up
0 people found this review helpful
Jul 30, 2025
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 9.5

This drama is like a hug and a slap on a plate

I love every major character in this drama. And the very few I dislike, are antagonists. Every character is portrayed well and has depth. Not a single person is deprioritized, and everyone has a backstory, a motive and a dream. Most of the characters have character development, and they all care and root for each other.

If you’re looking for a drama that is realistic and shows the harsh realities of prison, then this is not for you.
If you’re looking for an action drama about being unfairly imprisoned, then this is not for you.
But if you’re looking for a drama where you are rooting for literally everyone, where you care for and love all of them, a drama where you will be crying, yelling and laughing every episode, then this is for you.

The first episode is nothing like I have described, it’s mostly sad, funny and depressing, but so so worth it for the rest of the drama. Take your time getting through that first one, or do something else while watching, if you’re here for the fun. But it’s important to watch nonetheless.
The drama is also quite funny, but also sad at times. So I’m not just talking about the love.

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Completed
Gloryi
0 people found this review helpful
Feb 2, 2025
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
I've always seen this drama on Netflix, but for some reason I was never inspired to watch it... I mean, I tried the first episode but couldn't get past.
When I saw that Netflix was going to delete it at the end of january, I decided to try it.
What I thought is: "maybe not starting it earlier was one of the biggest mistakes, or maybe I won't like it anyway and I'll realize I did the right thing". In any case, I decided to give it another chance.
The first episode didn't get my total attention, but from episode 2 I couldn't take my eyes off the screen. I simply loved it.
This is the kind of story that not everyone will like. As a slice of life, it's not everyone's cup of tea, and that's ok. Talking for myself, I loved it.
Now that I finished it, I can say... IT WAS A REAL GEM. I loved the side characters so much, but my most favorites are dr. Ko and Lieutenant Paeng. But I will miss all of them so much. Captain Yoo and Looney were hilarious, and the episodes never failed to make me laugh and cry all in the span of the same episode.
The only thing I didn't really enjoy was the fact that we didn't get to know the life of who left the prison. What happened to Dr. Ko, Kaist and the others? But the story revolver around the life inside of the prison, not outside. So I understand. It was just a personal curiosity.
I also read that some people didn't like Ji Ho and Je Hyuk's story because of the age gap. I didn't really mind it, but to be honest I didn't really care for their story. I was more invested in the life inside the prison.
Anyway, I'm glad I watched it and I understood that the first time I didn't enjoy it not because it was a bad story, but simply because probably I wasn't in the mood for a story like that.

For me it's a 10/10 ♥️

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Completed
Ju Moon
0 people found this review helpful
Jun 19, 2025
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
I’ll admit it that I started watching this series because of Jung Hae-in #DreamyOppa. But it ended up taking me on an emotional rollercoaster. I laughed a ton, cried a lot. It really caught me off guard. It’s set in a place you wouldn't expect, but it tells such a powerful and unexpectedly heartwarming story about male friendship.

Even though it tackles darker themes than your typical K-drama and has a few sensitive scenes, it never feels heavy. Honestly, it’s one of the best K-dramas I’ve ever watched. With each episode, I felt more and more drawn into the story that has such a strong plot that really dives deep into the human condition and all its layers.

The show makes you reflect on the root causes of social issues, but it does so in such a moving and thoughtful way. The cast is incredible. Every single character, from inmates to prison guards, plays an essential and touching role. Everyone shines in their own way and helps bring this raw, realistic world to life.

It doesn’t shy away from the hard stuff, but it also reminds us that people are complicated. No one is born evil. Sometimes life puts us in impossible situations that force us to change and make unthinkable choices.

Totally worth every second. I highly recommend it. A must-watch.

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Ongoing 15/16
TalkingWithYou
0 people found this review helpful
Aug 29, 2021
15 of 16 episodes seen
Ongoing 0
Overall 9.5
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 9.0

If you like the American drama Orange Is The New Black, you'd like this drama too!

I have one episode left, and I am shocked. I guess this drama was so good, that I didn't realize that I had made it to episode 15. If you like the American TV show, Orange Is The New Black on Netflix, you'd like this drama too! It's 90% similar, the main difference is Orange Is The New Black, setting is in a female prison, and Prison Playbook setting is in a male prison. Even the characters are very similar (e.g. the female lead in OISTNB vs male lead in PP - they are both ditsy, and Crazy Eye in OISTNB vs Looney in PP). Essentially the same show, but different actors/actresses, and a different country.

This drama is not your typical Korean drama, the whole vibe is different (it rings American lol). I really liked the male lead character, besides his wonderful physique, his character was so likeable, I actually really found the actor attractive. BTW, I am not into BL, and that's the reason why I rated this drama a 9.5, instead of a 10.

Oh yeah, the soundtrack is dope (meaning good). There's this one song that is sung by a woman Korean singer on this drama, it plays every time the female and male lead characters are together, and I freaking love that song. It gives me 90's R&B vibes!

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Completed
Sunshine
0 people found this review helpful
Feb 19, 2018
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 9.5
This drama has something that many other dramas lack: a great story. It showed the dark side behind the prison yet was comical in its way. The bond between each character were just what u require. Multiple bromances and u even wish for some BL(Hanyang with captain too)(though he fits perfectly with anyone ????). The friendship between junho×jaehyuk was great. The understanding between then though the later one is shown as airhead????. I particularly started this drama because of my love for Jung Kyung ho oppa but rooted for every character. Every character has their own essence and back story and how they grow up behind the walls regardless of bad people around. For the first time I felt I don't need a romance because the story kept me on edge. Both the female lead were great(even Krystal did not disappoint me for the first time as am not a fan of her acting). Overall I can only say the drama is amazing, adorkable and the most important thing it's my first dark comedy as am not a fan of that genre still I adore this one
The ost are great. Each actor/cast did a wonderfull job

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Completed
Ryena11
0 people found this review helpful
Feb 23, 2018
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 7.5
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
I definitely gave this drama 10/10. You should’t hesitate to watch this drama. To be honest I seldom give drama that I watched a review unless it really gave a deep impression to me & this drama is superb.

The story was inspiring & the characters were really funny and developing. Be patient if you watch episode 1 because the story will definitely get interesting. I couldn’t say more but I just want to say. you Must Watch This Drama??

Storyline: from sad, funny, suspense, romance... all are blended well in da drama.

Characters: every actors played important role not just the main role. I still love the additional Ji Ho, I think she played really important role as well. The rest of the actors were amazing & really funny ???? 

You won’t regret it.

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Completed
bibim
2 people found this review helpful
Jan 2, 2025
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 1.0

une aventure humaine unique

Ceci n'est pas un drama plein d'action, c'est plutôt une douce balade en plein printemps.

Cette promenade se fait aux bras de ces prisonniers et des agents correctionnels. On y découvre le paysage carcéral et sa véritable apparence (ça reste un drama, donc embelli).

On prend souvent le temps de s'arrêter pour contempler la tristesse des vies passées et la sévérité du présent.

Je dirais que ce drama est avant tout l'histoire d'individus qui se sont retrouvés là à cause des aléas de la vie. On prend vraiment conscience que parfois, certaines personnes portent une étiquette qui n'est malheureusement pas la bonne. Et c'est précisément à partir de ce moment qu'on commence à réellement apprécier ce drama.

Au-delà d'être un simple drama qui nous plonge dans le quotidien des prisonniers, c'est surtout un bol d'air frais qui nous offre romance, justice, famille, amitié, drogue et sport.

On y soulève également pas mal de questions de société en lien avec le sport, la prison, la justice et les relations LGBT.

En plus de proposer un casting excellent, le drama a aussi de gros points forts au niveau de sa direction artistique. Les plans sont très bien choisis et l'ambiance sonore les accompagne à merveille.

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Completed
Lynnea
2 people found this review helpful
May 18, 2024
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 9.0

Un piccolo gioiello da non perdere assolutamente!

Questo drama si è rivelato davvero una gran bella sorpresa. L'avevo messo in lista per via della presenza di Jung Kyung Ho, attore che sto apprezzando sempre di più. La serie conta in totale 16 episodi, estremamente ricchi senza mai essere frettolosi: incredibile come con un ritmo calzante ma non precipitoso, riescano a susseguirsi un gran numero di eventi in un singolo episodio. Il tempo sembra dilatarsi, in senso positivo, si arriva alla fine di ogni puntata soddisfatti di quanto appena visto e contenti del fatto che ce ne siano ancora altri da vedere.
La sceneggiatura è solida, il background complesso e ben curato. L'attenzione dedicata alla serie si evidenzia sotto molti aspetti, dalle riprese, dal montaggio, dalla sceneggiatura stessa, dalla cura per i dettagli. Forse un attimo di smarrimento all'inizio del terzo episodio, dove ho avuto l'impressione di un tratto disconnesso dalla fine dell'episodio precedente, ma pazientando un poco tutto torna nello schema logico. Belle le riprese che diverse volte sfumano quasi nel bianco/nero, mai per caso ma sempre a sottolineare momenti salienti. Se parliamo dell'ambientazione, ci troviamo davanti a una serie ambientata per la maggior parte del tempo all'interno di un penitenziario ma dove la tematica sportiva del baseball è di fatto costante e motore di tutta la storia. Presenta l'accenno di due storie d'amore, un coppia che si riunisce e una che si forma da zero (che poi è quella che più ho apprezzato). Parlo di accenno perchè il fulcro del drama è in realtà l'aspetto bromance, ovvero il legame tra quelli che a conti fatti sono i due protagonisti, due amici - migliori amici d'infanzia e del periodo scolare - ritrovatisi in età adulta vestendo i ruoli rispettivi del detenuto e del secondino. Una delle poche cose che non ho compreso, anzi diciamo l'unica, è come mai i due si fossero persi di vista da un decennio, dato che erano migliori amici e che, una volta che il destino fa incrociare nuovamente le loro strade, riprendono lo stretto rapporto di prima come se l'amicizia, negli anni, fosse rimasta intatta. Ad ogni modo, dall'interazione non solo a parole ma anche negli sguardi, nelle azioni e nei gesti trapela questo stretto legame, questa fiducia indissolubile e conoscenza dell'altro, dove con uno sguardo si può capire il non detto e il non voluto dire. Davvero, il sentimento fraterno è rappresentato in modo impeccabile. Loro due sono i protagonisti del drama, ma la storia è ricca grazie anche a numerosi personaggi secondari che tanto secondari non sono, ma che con le loro singole vicende calcano a turno la scena. Dal Galeotto al Pazzo (una delle figure più complesse, con storia altrettanto complessa alle spalle), al capitano Yoo, al tenente Paeng (splendido personaggio interpretato da un bravissimo Jung Woong In, che per una volta non veste i panni del cattivo di turno ma sa ritagliarsi un ruolo di tutto rispetto nello schieramento dei buoni). Per quanto riguarda Jung Kyung Ho (l'attore che interpreta Lee Joon Ho), ha dimostrato ancora una volta grande talento e versatilità: è un attore che trovo sempre molto sobrio - anche nei momenti divertenti e scherzosi - con un'eleganza intrinseca che sa esprimere attraverso gli sguardi, il portamento e la voce (di quest'ultima, timbro e cadenza mi ricordano incredibilmente quella di Namgoong Min, punta di diamante tra gli attori coreani, per quanto mi riguarda). Che dire, una serie davvero complessa e completa, di alto livello e con minimi difetti, che consiglierei a chiunque di vedere perchè davvero merita! Non do il massimo come valutazione poiché sono irrimediabilmente fan dei grandi romance, e questo no lo è, nessun batticuore da grande amore al centro della scena. Ma, al di là di questo motivo, è come se gli avessi dato il massimo del punteggio. Da non perdere!

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Completed
vitoria
0 people found this review helpful
Jan 23, 2023
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 6.0
This review may contain spoilers

Bravo my life

Esse drama é incrível! Eu realmente achei ele um pouco mais lento, os episódios são longos mas ele tem uma história por trás em cada um e isso incentiva você a continuar.
Eu realmente fiquei triste nos dois últimos episódios, eu queria TANTO todo mundo prestigiando ele na volta ao jogo, uma reunião 😭
Me doeu o que aconteceu com o pancada, em não saber dos outros da cela, o Dr Ko, o senhor kaist. Mas eu entendi que não tinha como mostrar no drama, era mais como o pessoal que passou pela vida do je hyeok enquanto ele estava ali na prisão, mas eu realmente queria que tivesse mostrado como eles estavam. O final deles.
Eu amei a história, os guardas prisionais. Tudo. O que eu mais gostei foram os personagens e eles que me fizeram continuar assistindo, a gente cria empatia e conexão com eles. Foi um drama muito bom e que valeu a pena. As esccolhas que eles fizeram os levaram até lá.

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Prison Playbook poster

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  • Score: 8.9 (scored by 38,428 users)
  • Ranked: #94
  • Popularity: #116
  • Watchers: 104,116

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