Prison Playbook

슬기로운 감빵생활 ‧ Drama ‧ 2017 - 2018
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
roylyn
0 people found this review helpful
Jun 22, 2021
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers

Unsatisfying/Incomplete Ending(Beware Main Couple)

This is a wonderful and heartwarming drama.

The male lead is one of the kindest and most principled male lead and characters that I have ever seen on tv. He cares so much for others, especially those who have ever shown him a slither of kindness. He’s meant to be “stupid”, but I feel he’s actually an incredibly intelligent person-he resolves every problem that comes his way without ever compromising his values/principles.

The other characters are just as great-everybody brings their own brand of special to the story.

My issues with the show are as follows:

Loony- I don’t have as big an attachment to looney as most people seem to but I still have issues with the way his story ended. It was poor writing with really crappy logic. For starters, who gets into their dealer’s car the moment after they exit prison from serving time for drugs? It’s also highly unlikely that someone who spend months in agony to get sober for a reason tied to their sobriety, chooses to shoot up or use literally a minute after they get out and when they’re like 30 mins away from getting the love of their life back. That’s stupid and I know the show was basically a “anti-drug” ad and they were trying to show how bad addiction is but that was just ridiculous. Sober people don’t necessarily crave drugs the way those using do-he went through withdrawal, and he no longer had any in his system which means his rational faculties should’ve been intact enough for him to say fuck off and keep walking-if he had fallen off the wagon a month later or something-I’d get it-but this was a minute after he got out. You’re telling me that a sober person decided that all the pain he went through to get clean for his boyfriend was worth throwing away 30 minutes before he’s reunited with his boyfriend because someone gave him a syringe? Also, this whole thing was illogical as hell-there’s entrapment and there’s ENTRAPMENT and this was ENTRAPMENT. The entire sting was pointless because it would never hold up in a court of law, they intentionally caused a citizen they are meant to protect harm, and they essentially admitted that the justice and prison system are useless by entrapping looney. It also made no sense that the cops were so worried about a junkie being back on the streets that they wasted valuable hours and resources to find his release date, locate his dealer from Japan and carry out a sting operation to coerce him to use again so they could arrest him-no one would do this unless he was freaking El Chapo or something. Why did they do it? What are they going to say when they try to indict him-we waited until this completed his sentence for his crime and then we coerced him into re-using so that we could arrest him for using because…? This would make sense if like a month later he was dealing drugs, they knew and sent an undercover agent to try to buy some from him and then arrested him-but he wasn’t committing any crime(s). They created a crime and then forced him to be the main player. The only way this ends out is looney is released and suits are filed against the department, but all his efforts would have been wasted as he would have to start all over to get clean.

The male lead’s relationship-why? Why did they show us the flashback of who she is? It was a really cute relationship until then. I loved their story when I thought they were best friends from grade who ended up falling in love, but they ruined it by showing us that she was actually they child of their coach whose house they used to stay at. I can’t reconcile with that. Some people have argued that there’s nothing wrong with their relationship because they aren’t blood related and big age differences in adults dating is a non-issue but no, just no. They aren’t blood related, but they knew each from when she was like 8 and he was like 18-he lived in her house, and she called him and his best friend uncle and then it changed to brother as time went by. He looked after her and she looked up to him as an older figure in her life. It’s one thing if he knew her when she was 8 and he was 18 and then he left and never saw her again until she was an adult and while getting reacquainted, he fell in love with her, but this is not the case. He was in her life the entire time-that’s low-key grooming. Like how can we be certain that the emotional attachment she feels towards him rn is romantic and not admiration mistaken for romantic feelings?

The ending-I understand that the show is about Je hyeok but it was also sort of an ensemble cast yet we never got to see how everybody else was doing after the time jump and that bothered me. Min-Chul who’s been in prison for like 22 years finally gets out and also gains 2 children in the process-I want to see how they are, how is he acclimating to the new world and so much more. We never get to see Captain Yoo walk out of prison, I also wanted to see if his brother’s life got back on track after pausing it to help captain yoo. Even Crony-we don’t get an estimate on how much time he has left, if he got out-has he remembered how to “be a human/person” on the outside or did he regress? What is he doing? -i thought he had a real knack for catching and could’ve potentially become a catcher.

I don’t know, if felt incomplete without knowing how everybody fared-it would have also been cool if they ended it with them in the stands at his first game back, but this really is a great show and despite this issues that I personally had with it, you should give a try. You won’t regret it.

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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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Completed
Julia
0 people found this review helpful
1 day ago
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 8.5
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 7.0

resenha

Esse dorama teve pontos interessantes e conseguiu despertar minha curiosidade em alguns momentos, mas no geral deixou a desejar. A premissa era boa e parecia promissora, porém a execução não conseguiu sustentar todo o potencial que tinha. Em certos trechos, a história ficou confusa, repetitiva ou arrastada demais, o que acabou prejudicando meu envolvimento.

As atuações tiveram altos e baixos: alguns personagens conseguiram transmitir emoção de forma convincente, mas outros pareciam pouco explorados ou até mal aproveitados, sem profundidade suficiente para realmente cativar. Isso fez com que certas cenas importantes perdessem impacto.

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Prison Playbook poster

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Statistics

  • Score: 8.9 (scored by 36,687 users)
  • Ranked: #84
  • Popularity: #110
  • Watchers: 98,983

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