BEST. DRAMA. EVER
This drama is not getting enough hype. Cannot believe it didn’t get more noms for awards. (Only best actor nom). The MUSIC ! The DIRECTION! The special way some scenes are shot. 😚 Un freakin believable. What a roller coaster ride this show is 💋🇮🇹 AND what a great comedic actress Jeon Yeo-been is. Oh My God! She is brilliant. I will watch this drama over and over again. I am begging for a complete soundtrack❗️ ALL THE MUSIC. Not just the main songs but music even from scenes that the songs have no words and it’s just playing behind the sceneWas this review helpful to you?
what a mess...not what I was hoping for!
Well... I thought that I was missing something, as I could not believe that everyone praised this drama and the rating was so high. So I kept persuading myself to keep watching, but at episode 10, I had to give up. I could not take it anymore, as the drama is so long.The storyline is so boring. The story is so overrated. There were some funny moments, but that is about it. It is basically a repetitive pattern: the villain hits them, and then Vincenzo hits them... They did not make it very interesting. To be honest, I did not care whenever any of the characters were killed. They did not know how to build suspense, atmosphere, and attachment to the characters. Especially, it has 20 episodes!
This drama is so overrated!
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This review may contain spoilers
Exceeded The Standards of a Korean Drama
The way I’m SHOOK by this is unbelievable.Everything about this was a chef’s kiss.
The Cast was SO PERFECT! Most importantly everything in this drama was balanced. Comedy, Romance, Suspense, Thriller, Action, Bromance (what we crave)- everything was extremely well balanced.
This drama has exceeded the standards of a Korean drama. This is international level y’all.
Cast: The cast was so perfect. Each and every character ROCKED their role and nobody could’ve done it better than them. I was a little concerned about Tacyeon cause he is a cutie and the role of the villain seems new but like damn that man was perfect. I’ve seen many joon ki dramas and I know his capability, but the way he impressed me here is INSANE!
Overall: I really recommend this to EVERYONE. No matter what genre your into you will come to love this. It’s a high quality drama made with utmost care. I really respect this dram. Majorly impressed!
*Major Spoilers Ahead*
I was mad they killed Han Seo, but it was realistic. I can understand why they killed my sweetheart cause it seemed really realistic.
The End: I was honestly very surprised by the end (in a good way) I am highly impressed by the way it ended cause it seemed the best. No matter what people wanted they did not kill the image of Mafia Vincenzo Cassano. No matter how much he loves our little miss Hong, he did not forget his principle and his identity of a mafia and I’m impressed. This IS how a mafia would realistically choose. This HIGH KEY seemed like I was watching a high end Italian drama. I am so impressed and I honestly recommend this to everyone!
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A series from the bad guy's point of view?? I eat this sh*t up
First things first: I'm Italian, so watching Vincenzo for me has been... an experience XDI loved this series. Despite the (expected) stereotypes about Italians and the mafia, I could thoroughfully enjoy it.
What I love the most about this series is that the main character is a villain. He is a bad guy, a criminal, a guy who knows that he doesn't deserve Heaven or redemption, who is aware of his being bad and doesn't act like he wants to redeem himself.
The series doesn't hide or try to soften the fact that Vincenzo is a criminal, and I loved it. Up to the very end, you don't get some cheesy message like "yeah I did bad things, but for the right reasons because I believe in justice". That's just bulls*it, you won't find any "legal" justice here.
Don't get me wrong, Vincenzo is far from being unlikeable. In fact, he's very much likeable and you can't help rooting for him even when he does 'bad' things. But as you watch, in some remote part of your brain a voice says "wow, this guy is ruthless". And yet you can't help but fall in love with him for so many reasons.
Song Joongki in this drama is simply Oscar-worthy. And I loved how they managed to use the whole cast well despite having so many characters. I really grew fond of every single character.
Chapeau at the whole team behind this drama because they made 20 episodes of 90 minutes each (each episode is like a movie basically) and yet I never felt bored for one minute while watching it. It's pure entertainment! I wouldn't rewatch just because it's really really long, but who knows! I might rewatch my fave episodes in a month's time. There are many great epic moments in this!
Last thing I want to say is: Moonlovers should have had this kind of ending. It was that easy to give it a happy ending. Thank you Vincenzo for giving me my happy pill!
Ps: despite this drama not really romanticizing Italian mafia, I also think they painted a way too 'cheerful' picture of it. And unfortunately there are no charming guys like Song Joongki, so remember: MAFIA IS BAD!
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An easy-to-watch drama
This drama for sure deserves recognition. This amazing cast truly knows how to deliver some incredible characters. The constant plot-twists compels you into watching the next episode. Everything is on point and you cannot help but fall for the charm of these actors. The only thing that prevents this from being a masterpiece is the comedy, without the humor, it would have been a real thriller to count on. Even so, the comedy still makes it easy to watch and prevents it from becoming too serious, and I believe some may prefer it that way since it gives more personality to the characters. The romance isn't a big part of it all but it must be the most natural and best displayed romance I have ever seen on-screen in dramas. It doesn't come off as forced and you cannot help but love them together.Was this review helpful to you?
Not you ordinary mafia show
Sick of reading people’s comments about it is too comical to be a mafia show. that is what’s interesting about it, its not your average mafia show. I read a comment saying that you dont get emotional attachment to vincenzo and you cant tell what is in his mind, that is the whole point! Vincenzo’s character lack emotions and more rationally unemotional, everything is calculated and it gets interesting when he is caught off guard because you tjink did he know its gonna happen or did he expect that to happen kinda as because he doesnt show you much emotion, til... episode 16, thats what it wants you to feel, in the beginning of the series that there are hints that he wants out of the mafia life and always believes that you pay for your sins, he treats his enemies accordingly. People need to understand that the mafia is not just about brutal murders and killings, they have a code they have to follow, only when it is broken that shit happens hence what you see on media’s portrayal of mafia. Now after episode 16 i cant wait how this progresses. Vincenzo’s group has very good chemistry and kinda makes you feel like a little family, it is like he unconsciously made a korean mafia in the plaza! The villains are perfect, the acting is superb, their facial expressions says a lot, i really commend song joong ki how his eyes, little facial movements tries to say a lot and not at the same time as he is meant to portray a unemotional character.Was this review helpful to you?
not for everyone
I just finished watching 'Vincenzo' and I have to say, it was...fine. It was a solid, middle-of-the-road drama that didn't really blow me away, but didn't disappoint me either. Unfortunately, it did kind of bore me at times.The cast was good, with Song Joong-ki and Jeon Yeo-been delivering decent performances. Song Joong-ki was charming as always, but I felt like he was playing a similar character to his previous roles. He had great chemistry with Jeon Yeo-been, though, and their romance was sweet. Jeon Yeo-been was a highlight for me, she brought a lot of energy and charm to her character. I also appreciated how the supporting cast added depth to the story.
The story was interesting enough, with some twists and turns that kept me engaged. But, I felt like it was a bit predictable and didn't have any major surprises. The pacing was a bit slow at times, and some episodes felt like they dragged on. I also felt like some plot points were resolved too easily or conveniently.
One thing that did stand out to me was the themes of social justice and corruption. I appreciated how the drama tackled these issues and shed light on the darker side of society. It was refreshing to see a drama take on these topics and not shy away from the harsh realities.
The cinematography was nice, with some pretty shots of Italy and Korea. But, I felt like the editing could have been better, some scenes felt disjointed and didn't flow well. Some of the action scenes were also a bit choppy and hard to follow.
The OST was fine, nothing really stood out to me. I didn't find myself humming any of the songs or feeling particularly moved by the music. It wasn't bad, just forgettable.
Overall, 'Vincenzo' was an okay watch for me, but it did kind of bore me at times. It didn't wow me, and I wouldn't watch it again. If you're looking for a light, easy watch with some nice scenery and a decent story, 'Vincenzo' might be up your alley. but,if your looking for something more complex. Thought-provoking, or emotionally resonant, you might want to look somewhere else
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Have you ever had a crazy dream you've never wanted to wake up from?
I've read some of the reviews to this series, but depending on your taste on things you like to watch than you'll know if you will enjoy this series or not. For example: if you enjoy movies like True Lies, MCU (both series and movies), Fast and Furious, James Bond movies, Treadstone, John Wick, Star Wars, etc., than you'll enjoy this series. Personally, I like to watch things that help me escape from my very hectic and stressful life, so shows and movies like Vincenzo, W, Memories of Alhambra, and the movies and shows already mentioned above really hit the spot. Plus, as a teacher, aunt, a niece, a cousin, a daughter, a sister and especially a mother, you don't want kids thinking things like this happen in real life. Nowadays, the graphics on these shows make things seem plausible. Not everyone, as well, are responsible and watch things first before allowing their kids to see things (or if it's suitable for their age) to take a moment after watching shows like this and explain things for them. For example: when the 1st movie of Fast and Furious came out there is a scene where Dom (Vin Diesel), Letty (Michelle Rodriguez), Mia (Jordana Brewster), and Vince (Matt Schulze) leave to rob a truck driver. In that scene, the car Letty is in (which if I'm remembering correctly) is a Honda. I, myself, being a daughter of a truck driver and being Puerto Rican (which lots of us have or have had own a Honda/Toyota/Mazda/Nissan) automatically knew it's not possible. Nevertheless, after the movie was released in theaters, I'm listening to the news and the anchors are reporting that some teens tried to imitate that scene. Since then, there has been a disclaimer to the Fast and Furious movies. FYI: Still to this day, my baby boy, who turned 20 this past September, when I see something, whether it's a commercial, show, movie, or anime I go to him and tell him "you know...this doesn't happen in real life, right?" He'll roll his eyes and tell me, "yes mom, I'm highly aware" and lets out a big sigh. And if it's a movie/show, like the Titanic that the event happened, but the storyline is fake, I let him know as well. The point to all this is that even though Vincenzo is a movie, the graphics are great, the actors, whether they the main characters, supporting characters, or just had minor scenes, they ALL did a Fantastic job. Plus, they didn't write the script, they are just performing it. Nevertheless, it's always good to get lost from reality for a bit. Whether you do it by going to church, reading a good book, going to the beach, going for a massage or spa day, or by turning on the television and enjoying the TV for a few. In this aspect, I believe Vincenzo is a MUST WATCH.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Dissenting opinion here
Please bear in mind that this is ONLY my opinion!The cinematography in this drama was fabulous, as was the music. Episode 1 started so strongly; I had high hopes for this show. Song Joong Ki and Ok Taec Yeon were both excellent. Plus, there was the advantage of a bunch of actors that I have loved in other works.
For me, this drama had a couple of problems. 1) First, so much bloodshed for the sake of bloodshed. Vincenzo is completely missing a moral compass, which made it hard for me to root for him in any capacity. Then, you have the upright citizens whose moral compasses go on the fritz or something and are willing to do whatever it takes for revenge. 2) The character was just all-around irritating. I kept waiting for her to get better, but no such luck. 3) I didn't feel the chemistry between the ML and FL. They would have been better to stick with the bromance.
But worst of all was the comedy. Don't get me wrong, the comedy was, for the most part, funny, and if the serious parts were less dark and violent, it might have worked well. However, it felt too much like the writers were trying to lighten up the heavy storyline and it felt contrived. The serious parts provided a lot of tension, but I kept being pulled out of the story by the comedy. So often, to me, this felt like a mash up of two diametrically opposed genres.
My review is to remind me of what I watched and what I thought, not to change anyone's mind, so please don't come at me with hate.
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Came for Ok Taec Yeon, stayed for Master Hemp Lee!
Had not seen this prior to watching "Secret Royal Inspector & Joy". In fact, I'd avoided this like the plague because it looked like an attempt at Eurocentrism. I'm not wrong.So, firstly, for any viewer who wants to watch something that makes sense—don't watch this. You've been warned. This series tries to make a plot but has no intention on sticking to it whatsoever. If nothing else, one phrase should tell how ridiculous it is—deus ex machina by pigeon. Yup. One conflict of the series was solved by inexplicable divine intervention of the pigeon variety.
That aside, if you're looking for some comedic relief... maybe I'd recommend this. I didn't expect Master Lee, from Alchemy of Souls, to be here and seriously, he saved it for me. His character was really the one who saves the day, and even Vincenzo, on several occasions and he is funny AF.
I'm not even going to waste time on analysing the plot and characters except to say that, for the backstories of the characters, it is impossible for all of them to need someone to fight for them. And the plot, like I said, is non-existent. All the characters do not behave as per their profile. The situations are BS, at best. And the constant grandstanding, when the protags aren't even in a winning position, is just a cheap and desperate attempt to detract from the fact that there's no plot or development in there at all. At all.
Would I recommend this? ... If you like Master Hemp Lee, sure thing, go for it. It was a pity he wasn't shown in more frames but he did make the show worth it for me. Do not enter if you're looking for anything logical though, nevermind substantial.
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The only kdrama in 2021 where I did not skip or hit the pass forward button
May 6, 2021Holy shit, it has come to an end for bingeing this series and I am fking dead. Hands down Vincenzo deserves the hype that it has! It is literally the only kdrama released this year where I never found boring. Each 20 episodes were fulfilling and I can tell that the writers put effort into producing such a brilliant series.
First and foremost the CGI, HOLY CRAP. The graphic is just majestic you can clearly tell that the producers and directors put everything they can to fking deliver. I don't care what anyone else says, but many kdramas from late 2020 to early 2021 are full of mediocre plots. A lot of them were very disappointing. I have drop a lot of them or skip until the finale just so I can it was good. I feel like Vincenzo and Penthouse were the well-written ones out here.
As for Vincenzo Cassano himself, I can say that he is majestic. Obviously, we know that he has a past and that he is not really a hero, but he isn't a villain either. He pretty much just trying to live his life. He is so funny and ironic. And his chemistry with Cha Young is off the charts. Well obviously the romance aspect was not really the main focus but it is still pretty well delivered.
Cha young on the other hand is strong female lead who is a badass bitch and intelligent asf. She may have her Damsel in distress moment but overall I love her acting and her character. She is very charismatic and not a nuisance.
HAN SEO, AH MY BELOVED HAN SEO. I am so happy that he was able to find true brotherhood with Vincenzo. I am so sad that things had to end that way with him. I literally fking bawled the fuck out of my eyeballs. Holy crap, how can the writers be so fking cruel. Like goddamn it! TVN U BITCH U ALWAYS WRITE OFF MY FAVOURITE CHARACTERS!!!!!!!
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"Vincenzo" and Moral Deception: Violence and Murder are Okay if it’s for a Good Cause
They're not.While I wholly support those who fight for freedom and defend themselves, murder and such violent acts are different. It is about intention. I also recognize that the argument of this show is that Vincenzo is a lesser evil than the main villain and is fighting against evil. However, (and the show notes this) it is still evil against evil which ultimately ruins all the good it builds up at the beginning.
These crucial elements of morality come into play more seriously at the end of the show. Rather than just being simple “Ocean's Eleven” fun and games, the series still puts the anti hero in the spotlight, his actions fully supported by the other "good" players in the show.
In terms of the comedic and often lighter tone of the show, this is comparable to Bong Joon Ho’s “Parasite.” The difference, however, is satire. The audience in “Parasite” is meant to recognize the evil we face in reality and the wrongness of the situation while still depicting it in humorous ways. By the end of “Vincenzo," on the other hand, it is clear that the show is genuine in its attitude on moral grayness.
As a side note, one of the reasons I enjoyed last year's “The Good Detective” so much is because it emphasizes the importance of the law and morality despite the challenges of each.
What is good? What is evil? Where is the line?
"Vincenzo" only scratches the surface of these broad questions. In my opinion, it is because there is no real line drawn here. Perhaps I speak for myself, but I never felt as though Vincenzo was the villain even as he claims to be one. His very being the protagonist affects the viewer’s perspective on the protagonist’s actions, confusing the morality of the show further. The better question then is, “What wouldn’t Vincenzo do for his perceived justice and revenge?”
By the end, it becomes a show where the “good guys” find pleasure in their enemies’ pain. Their enemies certainly needed to pay, but it feels as though the show glorifies such vengeance, turning it into good when, at the end of the day, it is still evil.
The charm the show begins with does not persevere as the later episodes and ending reveal the seriousness of our “good characters’” actions. What could have been used as a shock ploy to persuade viewers and other characters in the show of such seriousness and evil is only accepted and continued to the end of the show. And I will just tell you, many of our main characters have some shocking acts.
This is an interesting point to note because we see do, in fact, see this moral struggle in Vincenzo's character through his nightmares and in Cha Young through her physical aversion to such violence (as opposed to her verbal consent). Had the show then gone the route of exploring these insecurities and drawing a moral line, a powerful lesson could have been found in the story. And, as with the way Vincenzo works, it would have come with a splendid snap and boom.
CONCLUSION
Despite the supposed morally grey characters (whom I argue are still making evil decisions with regards to murder and such cruelty), there is a great deal of meaning to still be found in the show. It is full of strong and richly created characters with believable weaknesses. Plot twists don’t appear out of nowhere and come seamlessly as the show progresses. Comedy and tragedy work in harmony to build this incredible series.
The last couple episodes are outliers for my final grade on the show because I disliked them so much as all my hopes for a meaningful conclusion were wasted. However, with such an enjoyable beginning and middle of the drama, I decided to rest on a well-deserved 8/10.
I would say that it was worth watching because of its clever fun, but if such moral deceptiveness bothers you in a show, I would not recommend it to you. As always, my rewatch value is based on my entertainment value and my music also includes sound. Rarely is it that I give out 10s for sound—the sound and music here was stupendous. I appreciate all the hard work that went into the making of this show and hope this was helpful to someone! Cheers!
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