What a colossal waste of my time.
This show peaked when the White Van TM took its victim, because that was the last time I cared for one of the characters we’re presumably supposed to root for. Mind you, this happens in episode 3, so that’s kind of unfortunate given the show’s run-time.From that point onwards, my sympathies quickly shifted, until I found myself growing much more attached to Han Seok and Myung Hee than the protagonist. This, once again, was a very unfortunate development because Vincenzo (the show, the character) is so goddamn conservative and unimaginative. So there was no doubt in my mind that all antagonists would be gruesomely punished, regardless of the show's performative reluctance towards embracing vigilantism. The thing is, I don’t even mind my favorite characters being put through the wringer. But normally, the narrative at least allows you to feel bad for them and to experience catharsis through their suffering. In this case, it’s just a mix of disappointment and dragged-out torture, just like how Vincenzo kills his enemies.
It's hard to enjoy a show when you can't stand the titular character.
Okay, fine, so Vincenzo gets rewarded with power, money and love no matter how morally dubious his actions.
But why won't you let me revel in his misdeeds? Ah, yes, because he has to have these reoccurring bouts of remorse and feelings other than slow-motion bad-boy emotions. Man, the amount of times I had to fast-forward through the painfully boring scenes with his mother! Guess we're going the morally gray route, then. Sike! The show’s criticism of corruption is way too hackneyed for that. So, Vincenzo is “the lesser evil” and a monster who defeats other monsters to “protect” the innocent, but also an infallible strategist and action hero who is just family-oriented enough to sweep his damsel in distress off her feet. I have yet to watch a K-drama with a “strong” female lead who doesn’t eventually need saving by her man. How is this in any way a complex portrayal of anything, and not just the cookie-cutter bad-boy archetype again? Do you want to have your cake, eat it or seem health conscious? Pick One!
Other things I didn’t like because why not:
Obligatory cliffhangers without satisfactory payoff at the end of most episodes.
Some storylines overstaying their welcome.
Mostly way too many characters whose actions are so repetitive it feels like I’m watching Ground Hog Day, except without the variation on a theme. For example: How many times do we hear the plaza inhabitants say that they will fight now, as if that’s a new revelation and not an epiphany they've already had and acted upon multiple times? How many times will the antagonists despair, cobble together a plan, think they've won, only to lose again and somehow both be surprised but also not? How many homoerotic pairings will we create just to make fun of them for existing and give Vincenzo the opportunity to express his deep discomfort with the mere idea of homosexuality (what kind of viewer does this even appeal to)? How many times will Cha Young get 1 nanosecond of superficial bad-assery only to instantly be outshined, called crazy or saved in the next scene? Seriously, what kind of second-screen storytelling is this?
Yes, this review is barely coherent, but the show's descent into mediocrity fried my last brain cell and sapped my will to live. I’m VERY open to a fun show with villains and antiheroes who aren’t dragged down by pesky morals, just as much as I enjoy a thoughtful exploration of why people commit selfish and evil actions. However, it seems to me that marrying these two approaches was obviously a way too ambitious goal for Vincenzo. That being said, the couple of cool characters, fun scenes, and genuinely engaging moments saved the show from being unwatchable.
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Well Executed! worth a future rewatch
Everything about it was well done. ML was antihero from start to finish. Romance did not bug the story down at all. Loved FL too. Every issue was brought properly to conclusion. I could really see that the show cost 20 billion. Also, the screenwriter, director, and entire cast down to the wardrobe did not waste the investment. I barely skipped anything. If i skipped it is cos i got a bit squeamish to see some things unfold. The villain was well thought out too. The female villain really was a villain. Totally worth a future rewatch. May take in all the finer details next watch. Only downside is that the morale of the story is that villainy cannot be punished by the standard justice system. It leaves normal folk somewhat hopeless as normal people do not role with Mafia boss. Plus, mafia is almost painted positively. Almost, which is not really a good thing. Nevertheless, as a work of fiction, it was excellently executed.Was this review helpful to you?
How to enjoy it? Be blind about the plot writing
Contain indirect minor spoiler.I was watching this drama when everyone raved about it, so it was prolly more entertaining back then because of the euphoria around this. But still, there were few mistakes in terms of storytelling I can't see past, 1) it tried so hard to convince me that the main villain was THAT bad psychopathic bitch, with all random fun killing + taking trophy from it when he was young, but he was so helpless (most of the times) in front of our protagonists, 2) which led to low stake, it was hard to sympathize with our male protagonist bcs he was doing just fine, except that one time in the hospital, 3) the 5 minutes cliffhanger that would be solved within 10 minutes of the next ep is lazy writing, I hardly cared about the consequences or felt tense after few eps. I finished this for Song Joongki and Song Joongki only, (I lie, I also love Hanseo).
So my advice to all of you who wanna watch this, don't look too much into the storytelling side, especially if you expect intricate character development or mystery. This is, as it said, a dark comedy action. They have great casts, good comedy and action, and wonderful cinematography, simply enjoy the action scene and laugh with the characters.
Bcs, if you love the kind of slapstick comedy, the characters are overall great, even the minor role of Geumga Plaza. They pulled surprises throughout the series which drove few moments into an unpredictable fun one. The connection grew, you would not care for lots of them at first, and our Vincenzo didn't care either, but as time goes, they became a good team who shared foods and jokes. Our villain team was great too, God, I was so SO in love when Myunghee and Hanseok were having a dance after their killing, *chef's kiss*. Also Jang Hanseo, adorable and lovely, he has the biggest growth!!
Love inzaghi too lol, my fav character besides Hanseo. And the ending, was nice seeing Vincenzo didn't change that much.
p.s. I'm still bitter about what they did to Hanseo, so that's one more pet peeve.
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not part of vincenzo nation i’m afraid.
i started this right after i finished watching arthdal chronicles (which make me a song joong ki fan) and also hearing all those good praises for this show i decided to watch it, and it started good to be honest, it made me laugh at the beginning and i have always like the “fighting evil with evil” type of stories which is not that typical in kdramas. however afterwards it become so disappointing and very dragging (almost hour and a half per episode!), big flaws really started to show, the whole concept of the story just kinda fell apart and by the time you reach episode 20 you are already tired of it all. it took me almost a year to finish this. it’s sad to think that what i initially enjoyed become so tiresome to watch. this show really had so many potential and it’s completely wasted.but well;
about song joong ki’s acting though i like it and i kinda accept him playing a mafia character i feel he does a much better job in arthdal chronicles in which he plays *2* different characters (i believe it’s his best work so far), i’m inclining to think the fault is on the script, which just reinforces the missing opportunity of what this show could have been.
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Not my cup of tea !
I didn't like how story progressed ! Sometimes it was fun but absurd ! Inzaghi saving Vinshenzo ? WTF! I was skipping many scenes ,because each time it became quite draggy and boring .Sincerely I had high expectations for Song's new drama after watching him in Arthdal Chronicles,(I need season 2 T-T ) but I didn't feel that attraction for his character, like when you say wow he's great! It didn't happen to me!
Instead I was more shocked by how they portrayed the villain, the president of Babel, the actor did a good job and his step brother was charismatic ~ I expected a better ending for him because we did see his growth through the drama :c
I'm the only one who thinks that the romance was unnecessary ???? I mean their relationship as an "avengers team " was enough. I didn't feel chemistry between them as a couple !
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This review may contain spoilers
Good story and cast but wayyy to long
At first when I start watching this drama, I felt this was just pure hype. A mafia guy, fear by the all country (Italy) was being played like I child when arrives in Korea. I thought the rest of the cast annoying, basically I disliked everything but gave a second chance and end up loving all the cast.Positives: The people fo plaza made this drama for me. They all so friendly and funny, I laught like a mad woman in all their scenes, I like that they start helping Vincenzo on his revenge plans.
The acting of Taecyong was amazing, he improved so much I was so suprised.
Negatives: This drama is wayyyy to long. 20 episodes, each 1h25 min is too much. I usually love drama with long episodes but the story line here dragged ALOT. Everythinng could have end in 16 episodes and I dare to day even 13 episodes would be enough. I see people saying this drama dosen't feel too long when watching when it airs and I totally agree. Is near impossible to bringe watch this in one go, i sjust the same plot all over again.
The romance.... why inclued romance in this? KDRAMAS writers never learn. Just because this is a drama, we don't need a romance between the leads. They would be perfect as friends but no they added romance for no reason and gave us only 2 kisses and an open ending.. JUST WHY?
Overall: 7
Watch this if you want to have a good time, the plot start moving around episode 17 everything else is just fillers.
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1This review may contain spoilers
Don't be fooled by the FanFair.
I've dropped 3 dramas: 1 being Backstreet Rookie (couldn't handle the dude with the locs with flies in it being a regular character) and the other was a drama that I couldn't get into at the time, but I might revisit. Vincenzo was the worst of the three.Where do I begin?
Let's start with the plot-
I don't think the general idea behind the plot is a bad one. In fact, I was interested and genuinely enjoying the first couple of episodes. It was as the story progressed that I realized that there was nothing to the story beyond the titular character.
When they named the drama "Vincenzo" they really meant it was the "Vincenzo Show" because quite literally everything was about this character. I don't ordinarily have an issue with this but if you're going to make a story about one character, make the story about them. Don't tell other people's story and force him to be the hero in it.
Things that made no sense-
-Vincenzo was meant to be an Italian lawyer. He was adopted at a young age and went to law school and practiced law in Italy. Realistically, he would have a far lesser understanding of Korean law than the female lead yet she and the other Korean lawyer on their team kept deferring to him for the next move as it related to the trial. That makes absolutely no sense-if anything, the female lead, who's been working at the firm that they're going up against for 8 years should've spear headed their case but because it's the "Vincenzo Show"...you get the gist.
- Our introduction into the female lead character is of her bribing a witness to prevent their testimony at trial while working at the firm they're now going against. However, when their case against the company (Babel) who's being represented by that same firm begins and they have witnesses to testify, she not only doesn't anticipate that this same tactic would be used, but she's surprised by it. She doesn't believe that they could do something as despicable as bribing witnesses WHEN THAT WAS LITERALLY WHAT SHE'S DONE FOR THEM BEFORE! Did the writer forget all about their female lead character once she met the male lead? It's like they decided that she's no more than his sidekick/love interest and he's the only one that gets to utilize his skills but if that were the case, why even bother making her a lawyer? Why even bother establishing her connection to the evil firm in the first place.
- What is Vincenzo's motivation and connection to the story? Beyond his desire to get his gold that's buried underneath the building that's primed for demolition, he's got absolutely no real connection to the story. He's singled out as the largest obstacle in Babel and the law firm's way, but he has no real drive for why. The female lead, however, does. She spent 8 years working for the firm-trusting the people within only for them to betray her. Her father was murdered by the evil corp. Her assistant whom she trusted for years turned out to be the leader of the evil Corp -he not only lied and manipulated her for years, but he murdered her father and grieved with her over the man that he killed yet the focus is on Vincenzo as we move forward with the plot to destroy them.
I feel like it would've been a much better story had they not spent every episode making Vincenzo the magical savior and allowed the other characters to shine as well. They could've split the responsibilities between Vincenzo and Cha Young-since they've already established that he's a morally grey character who's a member of the "Italian Mafia" and Babel is a company that operates outside of the law to get its way, they should've had Vincenzo handle the illegal things-things that are necessary when going up against such a company but ordinary people wouldn't have the means or resolve to do-killing, kidnapping, blackmail etc. while she handled the things in the light-using the law against them. Fighting them in court, with the skills that they taught her and also her ability to anticipate their moves as she's done it all before.
I didn't finish the drama obviously, but I learned that it was Vincenzo, once again who had the final show down with main villain and wouldn't it had made more sense if the one who brought Jang Han Seok to justice/ended him was Han Seok's brother and Cha Young (the female lead)? Han Seo spent his entire life under his brother's shoe, being terrorized by him and when he finally develops the strength to stand up against him, they kill him off so that Vincenzo can have the opportunity of the final show-down with him.
Also, the side characters were exhausting to watch at times unless you have the attention span of a fruit fly and you're between the ages of 12-14.
Vincenzo is the most random character in this story, and I feel as though the writers weren't thinking beyond casting Song Joong Ki and they ended up smothering what could've otherwise been a good drama.
You couldn't pay me to finish this mess.
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This review may contain spoilers
I placed any potential spoilers at the end of this review.The acting was great and it had wonderful cinematography. However, the story concept was ok. The script started off strong, but it lost steam by the end. I personally think that episode 8 could have been handled differently. The series is also too long. It has 20 episodes and each episode can be over 90 minutes long. This is also why it took me so long to finally commit to watching it. Because of the number of episodes, the series felt repetitive at times. The series could have been 14- or 15-episode series max.
******Potential Spoiler Alert******
I did not like the ending, I wished the character Jang Han-seo lived.
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Process of 'Vincenzo': Hm, BOOM. BOOM, Boom, Hmm..., Hmm!
Point of Story: GoldGradually Shifted Focus: Babel
This is not noir or a gritty drama.
Actually, much of the drama is about being 'cool', and then it becomes dark(er).
Advice in Advance: Show should not be taken seriously.
If I had to simplify everything my review says below:
The worst part about this show is the plot, because there are later frequent loopholes and because the first couple episodes aren't interesting. Show does not take itself seriously. The takeaway I had was that the show's focus is not on the plot, but the message it sends out. Themes and characters are worth pondering, and the story discusses corruption and evil through comedy and cool scenes. In fact, comedy distracts some of the illogicalities/inconsistencies of the show due to overblown scenes, so it milds down some loopholes (comedy acts as a somewhat separate scope of logic). Mafia persona should not be taken seriously until three-quarters of the series. However, I rated it a 9 overall still because of the feelings it gave me, and for defying K-Drama relationship tropes. If logically rating it, I would give it a 7.5-8.0. Flaws are all listed above, but to be honest, I really liked this drama despite its faults.
In-Depth Review:
There are two ways I rate a drama: through critical analysis and the feeling while watching.
The feeling of watching it is great if you stick to the scope of its logic.
Not a heist drama (for those wondering about the gold), and not a 'dark comedy' (totally misleading). It is a show about rampant corruption within the ranks of prosecutors, court cases, lawyers, corporations, and so on, and mixed with a hefty amount of slapstick comedic relief. Comedic relief is a break in between and does not affect the plot, serving as its own universe.
The change (especially from dark to comedy) of Italy to Korea is unnerving, but thankfully it's a very short while IF you know this. The focus is on Korea, NOT Italy. This I later found very pleasant because it would be foreign to write about a Korean-Italian mafia member in Italy as it a foreign topic and seems like its structure is fantasized. In fact, the Mafia persona is already the most fantasy-structured part, if you don't count the humor.
Many came for the Mafia persona, so here's a hint: His mafia persona acts as a background introduction until about the middle of the series, where his characterization is looked more deeply into. It's not The Godfather. This is all in K-Drama style.
The first three episodes are not so gripping. I personally don't like it when people tell me to wait until a show gets good, so it's up to you to stick around or not. For me, it was unexpectedly worth it.
At its fourth, it picks up the pace and goes on a huge exponential growth of anticipation and excitement until around the middle, and then it goes through a kind of confusing period and then, I would say a satisfactory ending.
(Hence the title of this review)
Here are the best things about this drama: Unfaltering characterization consistency and an independent female lead. It also does not goes back on its themes and many lines in this drama are worth pondering on.
The drama has about two episodes worth of filler in its run towards the end, but I would argue the ending is a good end. It wraps up every single plotline and unanswered question. However, there are definitely plot and logical loopholes, though you are able to rationalize this with character motivations. Still, if you took out the supporting cast's comedy, then it could be broken down into even fewer episodes. Still, the comedy does fill in errors, and the significant moments don't work if the drama is gritty.
The soundtrack is definitely a selling point and never misses. The acting is on point (minus the comedy, because I didn't find it funny), and the chemistry between the two leads is great in the workplace. Romance is a slow burn, not front and center, and doesn't affect the plot.
The ending is kind of open, in the sense that you can imagine what's going to happen, but wraps up everything. The drama is also a great exploration into different themes and definitely has the most brutal blood-type scenes I have seen in a K-Drama (it's not that brutal, just so considering the scope of violence in K-Dramas).
I would especially say that I really never considered SJK to portray a mafia member because his image didn't stick it out to me. I still can see that point, but his acting definitely pulled through and made it believable. I also think his blend of comfortable humor and dark acting worked very well. Speaking of humor, slapstick (typical K-Drama style) is a large part of the drama, though not very important, so you can skip some of it, mostly serving as a distraction or breather from the plot. I personally am not so fond of the cast, because I saw them as mainly as fill-ins, but many like them gradually. Still, humor worked the best when it was under the working relationship of the leads because it was a simple integration within the story.
Do give it a try. I might have been disappointed with some parts but not utterly shocked and dismayed by it, and I still recommend this no matter what. I left the drama with a light and fulfilled heart.
Ah, that sentence is a little underwhelming.
It is the drama I enjoyed the most thus far in 2021.
I joined MDL to participate in its discussions.
If not, we can sure agree to disagree. Hope this helps.
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This review may contain spoilers
Han Seo's character development
The movie was great to watch especially Han Seo's character development. Even though he was evil at the beginning as the story progressed you get to understand how he was the way he is. Deep down he just wanted a family (which i think he never experienced because of his psychopath brother), friends, someone to deepened on and care about him. In conclusion I think he was just a child force to grow up and abused by his family to take up responsibility he did not like. I think some people might relate to his character. Even though it was almost certain he will die i hoped he would have lived the life he wanted. People saying Han Seo was evil, just no, NO one in the story was innocent. Each character had something to achieve leading them to use any means and ways to achieve them. The story i personally love was Han Seo and Vincenzo's bromance even though it was short. The story was good, actors great and everything else was good. I will definitely recommend you to watch it.Was this review helpful to you?
If there's one thing the drama has in common with Italy, it's the fact that it ripes like a good wine. The start was okay but never knocked me off my socks, and therefore paused it for awhile. After some time I continued, and suddenly I was carried away by it. It's one of the few dramas that actually get better with the second half.
It's an old trope, trying to fight against a big corrupt company, revealing all the evil deeds, discover more corruption and so on. It's pretty exhausting, I don't even know why I always watch that stuff. It's no different with this one, yet I felt pretty entertained at the end. And that's because of this unique cast and very well written characters - not just one or two but a huge bunch of those. And because of the balance between good and evil. It was mostly 70/30 for the good ones, but the villains' counterattacks had deeper impacts, if only for a short while. I also loved those posing entries whenever Vincenzo's group was about to attack. I never felt more satisfied then watching their stunts being successful.
Managing such a large group of supportive characters is probably not that easy, but the drama still pulled it off somehow. And that without a detailed background story for everyone. There was always enough information of each of them to draw enough of a 3D image while the respective actors and actresses did the rest in bringing them to life. The result is a fantastic and highly entertaining side cast that carries a big part of the story. And I'm just talking about the residents Vincenzo gets aquainted with.
The villains in this experience slow but impressive character changes throughout the story - they either become darker or have a change of heart. Except for one. I don't mind that though because he was who he was, there was never a hint that he would change, and that was more than enough for me.
I don't think that everyone needs some kind of development whatsoever. If the character is written well enough, I only care whether he or she acts in-character, because that alone can be fun as hell if done right. For example the female lead. She does have some huge development jump in the early episodes after a certain incident, but after that she gets her stand and never budges. I must praise the actress here, because damn, she got the most natural performance I've seen in a long time. It was pure enjoyment watching her very being, her charisma was electrifying.
SJK aka Vincenzo... Well, well. I liked his performance, no question. He did a decent job and I enjoyed his scenes alot, and there are even one or two scenes which he played out quite impressively. But in the end I never felt a real Mafioso vibe around him. No matter how many seemingly cold-blooded, yet passionate scenes they put him into. I don't even blame the accent. I know it wasn't the best. Espescially since he played someone who grew up in Italy, it wasn't convincing. I don't speak the language but I'm quite familiar with it, so I hear the difference. But I never blame foreign accents in kdramas. I'm already pleased when I see that they try. I just think that his ~Italian aura lacked alot. It was missing density and didn't feel as intimidating as it should have.
Nevertheless, one of the few dramas, I enjoyed alot because the WHOLE cast was outstanding (excluding the few foreigners who appear one of two times).
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Vincenzo -- Another TvN drama that doesn't really land the ending
Hi everyone,This is my first kdrama review on this site, so please be nice!
Vincenzo is the kind of drama that I find to be a pattern with TvN shows -- it promises a lot but it doesn't deliver what it says it will. The writer does a great job of building the hype, but kills it on their own with a few mistakes. I'd like to emphasize that these weren't a dealbreaker for me necessarily since I finished the entire series, but they did definitely make the show a drag.
Downsides to this Drama: (Only 3 y'all, don't wanna bore you! 😜)
[1] The rich man with an infinite amount of money
A classic K-drama stereotype. The heroine in need of money and the hot, rich guy who has a bottomless bank account and they're madly in love. This is one of those tropes that is funny at first because of how ridiculous it is, but in Vincenzo, it's pretty much the driving force behind the plot. In almost every episode, Vincenzo is showing off his wealth and yes the actor does make it look cool at first, it gets boring to watch towards the end. Love the actor, not a fan of this character.
[2] Villians that never change their evil-doing patterns
This is a less commonly seen trope in kdramas, which I normally find exciting and fun. The bad guy tries something, he fails in front of the hero, so he comes up with something even more sinister that keeps you on the edge of your seat. In Vincenzo, there's an attempt to do that but it often falls short. Vincenzo gives the villian a run for his money, something pretty cool to watch, but not as fun when a single character is basically driving the plot alone.
[3] Romance is subtext
Now, I know I'll get some bad rep for this one. Yes, I know the main point of this show isn't romance, but I mean, the writer was being rather stingy with his romantic moments here. I mean, even a little bit more would've been good by me. It's really cute in some parts, but so many things get left unsaid that you just keep wishing they'd added a little more to the dialouge in the emotional scenes. Not the worst, but I'll live.
Upsides to this Drama:
[1] Side characters that live in your head rent free.
This show is one of those where you get attached to the side characters without meaning to. You laugh more when they're on screen, and you really want to see them get their happy ending. The writer does a great job at creating this fuzzy feeling of family among people who really couldn't be more different. Awesome.
[2] No goody-two-shoes good guys here.
Vincenzo isn't afraid to break some rules, and neither is Chae-young. They're tough, they play dirty when they know they're going to lose, but they do it with elegance. Not to mention, a badass power couple fighting crime together? Sign me up!
[3] Revenge is a dish best served cold.
Every villian in this show gets what they deserve twofold, part of a somewhat gruesome but also weirdly satisfying ending. It's a bit much, but at the same time fits the vibe of the show. It'll surprise you for sure, I know it surprised me.
Overall:
Vincenzo is definitely a show with its flaws, but I wouldn't say it's an awful one so it's a 7/10 from me. The music gets a 7, the acting gets an 8 (because of the good chemistry). If you're okay with some very in-your-face and over the top cliches, like rich-man-with-infinite-amount-of-money, go right ahead. Just let yourself laugh it off, even when the show's being a bit much. It's not the most serious show, but it will make a statement. That being said, I'm more of a romance woman myself, so rewatch value is gotta be a 6/10 for me.
Hope this helps someone! Have a great day y'all.
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