"Romance"
I had heard a lot about this drama when it first aired the first episodes, but I usually wait until all episodes are out and that was what I did time as well.It is not often that I watch the trailer or read the description of the drama, I didn't this time eihter.
But there are a few things I do want to know, and I do scim through some recensations.
I just wanted to share something I would have liked to know about this drama.
That would have made my experience watching it more enioyable.
I feel like the information I found about the "romance" in the drama was misleading and it made me annoyed at times.
It had a lot of potential, it could have been really good, but now I feel pretty disappointed when I finished it.
I think there was great chemistry, there were a few teasers, but the season was 20 episodes long and there was only 2 kiss scenes.
So don't go in to this drama expecting romance because that is not what it's about at all.
(I truly liked the characters/the actors, it was entertaining)
(I haven't ever rewatched a drama yet, so that rating has nothing to do with the k-drama itself)
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Vincenzo has a strong effect on people.
Starts strong, ends strong, becomes a little too procedural for a little bit in the middle, but not badly enough to ruin the show.This show is very character driven, and while some people might find the pacing or plot to be ridiculous at times, if you focus on the character arcs, the pacing and plot make perfect sense. Particularly if you focus on Vincenzo as a character. He's a fun character, and I love watching the effect he has on everyone around him. He really brings out the best in some, and the worst in others. They either love him or hate him, and there's not much in between. It's Vincenzo and his effect on the people around him, that really make this show for me.
I also like how the 'romance' in the show is handled, and how it's very open to interpretation. I have my own interpretation, but I won't go into that here.
Overall, a highly enjoyable show.
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Hilarious, heartwarming, and so much fun to watch!
Vincenzo is truly a dramedy - dramatic, extra af and full of little gems of comedy that combined make for a really good time.The acting is phenomenal, and as the show progressed you really learn more about the different characters and they keep showing new sides to themselves. When I first started watching the show, the FL reminded me a lot of Fiery Priest - and then I found out later that it's actually the same director, so if you loved that show you'll love this one too.
The show centers around a Mafia lawyer Vincenzo Cassano (aka Mr. Corn Salad) who comes back to Korea and ends up entangled with the tenants of Geumga Plaza, which is on the verge of being demolished by a big (and bad) corporation fittingly named Babel Group. The acting in the show is just spectacular, not just from the ML and FL but also from the tenants of Geumga Plaza and the various guest stars that appear.
Kim Sung Cheol (from Prison Playbook) appears in a few episodes and is SO funny. There's a scene where Taecyeon sings the Produce 101 song and the comedic timing was so good, I had to replay it for the laughs. There's a subtle nod to Sungkyungkwan Scandal in one of the episodes (one of the earlier shows that Song Joong Ki was in, and one of my early favs) and the plot keeps everything moving quickly. I can't even choose one favourite character because I liked so many of them.
Did I mention everyone is secretly a badass? I love it.
Vincenzo is easily one of my favourites of 2021 so far.
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This review may contain spoilers
Unexpected
I truly appreciate the humor in this otherwise dark drama. I have to say that I was a bit worried seeing the total number of episodes and how each episodes average around 80 mins, that it would drag in the middle. Happy to say that I didn't find myself being bored with this drama. Overall, it was a fun watch, and I'd happily recommend this to people who would enjoy such humor and wasn't looking for anything too serious (it's almost cartoon-ish, which I don't mind every now and then).There are a few things that bug me while watching this drama. Story wise, they're ok, some plot holes, but I can brush it off. I think I'm more annoyed with the little details. One of them being the believability that Vincenzo was basically an Italian local by the time he came back to Korea in the drama. Coming from someone who speaks English as a second language and have spent more than half of my life in an English speaking country, but still speak my native tongue every now and then with friends and family, I speak more English than I do my native tongue, I even think and have my inner monologue in English. When I go home for holidays, it would take me about a week or two to be fully acclimatised to my native language and local dialects, as well as catching up with the new slangs, etc, and I even speak a hybrid of English with my own language. So to find Vincenzo was fluent in Korean like a local right off the bat was not that believable, considering that he spent time in Italy since he was a young kid, and assuming that he retained his ability to speak Korean somehow, he would have needed time to get used to it again. However, I just want to say, kudos for Song Joong-ki, as it's very hard to perform with a foreign language. Then also with the instant coffee.... I get that it was product placements, but for a character who has such a refined taste and was basically raised in Italy, a country with long history of coffee and strong coffee culture, I very much doubt he'd touch instant coffee even if it means risking migraines from the lack of caffeine intake (I live in a city with a very strong coffee culture, and I know so many people who would not touch instant coffee). I also didn't know what the point was to have Luca came to Korea, it didn't make sense since what he did while he was in the country could have been done via a phone or video call. Then there is the "indestructible" Vincenzo.... I'm not sure I like how almost god-like the drama made him seem, because it's always that everything has been planned, like nothing could go wrong, and no matter what situation he ended up in and how dire it is, he gets out of it somehow (seriously, a flock of pigeons?).... and speaking of pigeons, what ever happen to Inzhagi? I love that bird and would have loved to see more of it at the end. Also worth mentioning, how many zippos does Vincenzo actually have? Seems like he's throwing them away like they're nothing, but considering how much he fiddles with it throughout the drama, I find it doesn't make sense for him to have a collection of them and throw one away every time he wants to turn up the heat.
I LOVE the Geumga Plaza crew, they're so colorful and quirky, and they're always exciting. I also appreciate that the romance isn't at the fore front of this drama, but instead, bubbling in the background and occasionally comes forward. I did, however, find that Vincenzo had stronger chemistry with other male characters than he did with Cha-young. Then there is the duo that is Han-seok & Myung-hee... WHAT A PAIR!! They're ruthless, and I just love the contrast between these two and Han-seo & Seung-hyuk. However, I have to say that the villains were shallow and one dimensional, perhaps it's to do with Han-seok's mental state, but still, it would have been great to see more layers to Myung-hee. In saying that, I absolutely loved Han-seo, he was a character that captured my attention somewhere near the middle of the story and I ended up rooting for him as much as I did for the Geumga crew.
The drama itself is actually quite dark, and the comedic elements of this seems to mask the degradation of the Geumga Cassano Family's moral compass, from being the one being walked over to the people delivering these "punishments". Granted, ultimately it was still Vincenzo himself delivering these punishments with help from the crew, but the fact that Cha-young was okay with going through with their plan knowing the ultimate outcome, as well as everyone else who seems to be fully aware what Vincenzo's intentions and still went ahead, kinda didn't put them in a better place than the "bad guys".
So anyway, yes, it was an enjoyable watch, just don't take it too seriously :)
PS: MDL didn't let me not have any ratings for the rewatch rating so I put it at 1- just fyi, I almost never rewatch anything.
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one of a kind revenge plot
for the haters out there - this show is supposed to be a ridiculously absurd and unrealistic revenge plot. especially with the insane amount of plot armor present, i wouldn't blame people if they find it boring. but the show is messy and over the top because that is what makes this show so much more fun to watch. i admit, it's not for everyone, but once you start watching, don't stay to criticize what is right or what doesn't make sense or what isn't possible. just stay for the incredible rollercoaster of whatever the heck these awesome characters want to do in order to avenge justice. comedy, crying, with a mix of cassano!!!Was this review helpful to you?
A powerful man
"Vincenzo" is a captivating and unique drama that is sure to leave viewers on the edge of their seats. Starring Song Joong-ki as the eponymous Vincenzo, the show follows a Korean-Italian lawyer who becomes embroiled in a battle for control of a lucrative piece of real estate.
One of the most striking aspects of "Vincenzo" is its blend of genres. At times a comedy, at times a thriller, the show deftly balances its various elements to create a wholly unique viewing experience. With a sharp script and top-notch performances from the cast, "Vincenzo" is a masterclass in the art of storytelling.
The character of Vincenzo is a standout aspect of the show. Song Joong-ki brings a level of nuance and complexity to the role, portraying the character's cunning and ruthlessness with a deft touch. As the show progresses, viewers are drawn into Vincenzo's world, rooting for him as he takes on his enemies and comes to terms with his own past.
The supporting cast of "Vincenzo" is equally strong, with notable performances from Jeon Yeo-been as Hong Cha-young, Vincenzo's sharp-witted and tenacious partner in crime, and Kwak Dong-yeon as Jang Han-seo, the privileged and ambitious heir to the Babel Group. Each character brings a unique perspective to the story, and the relationships between them are a highlight of the show.
But what really sets "Vincenzo" apart is its exploration of themes such as justice, morality, and the nature of power. Through Vincenzo's battles with the corrupt Babel Group, the show poses questions about the true cost of success and the lengths that people will go to in order to maintain their power. It's a complex and thought-provoking look at the darker side of human nature, and it's sure to leave viewers pondering the themes long after the show has ended.
In conclusion, "Vincenzo" is a must-watch for fans of Korean dramas and anyone looking for a show that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. With its unique blend of genres, standout performances, and thought-provoking themes, the show is a testament to the power of great storytelling.
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I appreciate the morality nuance of the entire series, and the large cast of characters that have their own hidden depths (though their comedy can be a bit broad). Their chemistry is on point, and unexpected deaths (no spoilers) were genuinely shocking ("they really went there, no hesitation!"). I would have liked more nuance in the female villain, as much as we got with the other lawyer and especially the villain's brother.
Absolutely loved it.
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My favorite corn salad! Vincenzo is GOLD!
This one will definitely and will surely entertain you. No dull moment. All episodes are fun and intense.You'll be so in love with Song Joongki!!! He was born to wear expensive suits. No, I mean, expensive suits are made for him!
Every end of each episodes made me think that 'this episode is the funniest' or 'this is the best episode'. Then after watching another episode I'll be like, no this is the funniest/ no this is the best. *haha mamamia*
I love how it has everything. I love how Family/ friendship have developed between Vincenzo and the Geumga Plaza Gang. I love that there were a lot of comedic scenes. I love the fighting scenes. And I love how Vincenzo almost always have the upperhand. In other Kdramas Villains always have the upper hand but this one is different.
Of course there is no perfect Kdrama and there are still plot holes, but it's fine. We watch it to be entertained anyway.
Plot is not really that amusing. But I love most of the plot twists. The writer is so brilliant. I actually don't like dramas with a lot of action and grotesque scenes but scenes here makes sense. And Song Joongki is effin hot.
All actors did great. You'll grow to love the Geumga Plaza Gang.
I am really satisfied with what happened or on what Vincenzo did to the Villains. I'm like, every Kdrama Villains should be treated the way Vincenzo treated the Villains here. Do it in Vincenzo way.
But the ending as a whole is not so satisfying. It's just so-so. It will leave you with a lot of questions. Though the Drama as a whole is GOLD! Love it!
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This review may contain spoilers
This drama is such a fresh take on villain protagonists. Song Joong Ki is perfect as the badass consigliere who takes justice in his own hands. Vincenzo has one rule: do not punish the innocent. Contrary to this rule are the corporate vile monsters who won't stop at nothing (even stoop to murder) to reach their goals. The acting is phenomenal, especially by Taec Yeon as the psychotic genius behind Babel. Not many Korean crime dramas infuse it with dark humor, although yes, sometimes it can be over-the-top and cringey. The funny scenes, I believe, try to give some humanity in a drama that showcases evil, nefarious deeds. The juxtaposition of comedy and cruelty works well in this case, the comedic relief mostly provided Vincenzo's oddball crew, namely the tenants of Geungnam Plaza, who have different quirks that may look ridiculous in most instances but their heart in protecting their building and their earnestness in helping other victims of corporate greed are endearing.
There's not much to be said about Vincenzo in the romance department though, as Song Joong Ki seemed to have more chemistry and more skinship moments with the other male actors than with Jeon Yeo Been. Even Inagzhi the pigeon has more chemistry with Joong Ki so if you are looking for romance, this isn't the right show for you, But if you want to see hotness in the form of a Mafia kickass-master flicking a lighter in every episode, then this is a must-see if you try to overlook some loopholes.
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This review may contain spoilers
I finally watched Vincenzo, and I have to say—it was a wild ride from start to finish. This drama had everything: action, dark humor, intense revenge plots, and a main character that was just straight-up cool. Song Joong-ki as Vincenzo Cassano? Perfection. He played the role of a ruthless yet charismatic consigliere so well that you can’t help but root for him, even when he’s literally burning down his enemies.One of the things I loved most was how the drama balanced its dark, mafia-driven storyline with quirky humor. The Geumga Plaza tenants? Hilarious. I didn’t expect to get so attached to them, but their antics made the show even more enjoyable. And let’s talk about Jeon Yeo-been as Hong Cha-young—her energy was everything. She was bold, unpredictable, and the perfect match for Vincenzo’s calculated nature.
The villains, though? Absolutely unhinged. Taecyeon’s portrayal of Jang Han-seok was chilling. He went from annoying to full-on psychopath so fast that it gave me whiplash. The corruption, betrayals, and power struggles kept me hooked till the very end.
If I had to critique anything, it would be the pacing in the middle—it dragged a little before picking up again. But overall, this drama was so worth watching. It had some of the most satisfying revenge moments I’ve seen in a K-drama, and that ending? Chef’s kiss.
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I love this over-the-top series but...
I thought it was a straight-up gangster drama bec of the 1st scene but it wasn't and i liked it like that.What i loved:
The tenants. Weird and flawed but they could go up in arms to defend Vincenzo.
The younger Jang brother. Man, he had the greatest likeability factor in this show with his character devt!
SJK. I mean, who doesn't want to see that face on tv? Even 4k tv could not find a single blemish on his face 🙂
Romance was in the back seat. I liked that love angle was not front and center of this show. But the writer just couldn't help it and forced it in the end ugh!
What i hated:
Romance in the most impt back seat. Damn! All i can say is that Vincenzo in love was a helpless, prideless, undeserving-of-a-brother's-love prick. Have you seen it? Well?
And the kisses...whose blood was it that was wasted so you can have those kisses with the (weird) lawyer lady?
The brother's blood that was wasted unnecessarily. I still can't get over that fact.
Still, i loved this series despite the last episode. Flawed but powerful.
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Please let there be a season 2!!!! ?
If you haven't watched this already, please do yourself a favor and do. Song Joong-ki in this as a Korean-Italian lawyer was everything. He ate his role up. LOL and everyone will always remember the meme "corn salad"I also admire Jeon Yeo-been acting - 10/10 and I love 2pm so when I saw Ok Taec-yeon, I was super excited and he k*lled his role.
Though the attraction was here between the leads, this was more focused on Action, Thriller and a little comedy.
I also had hopes there was going to be more to their relationship.
Please let there be a season 2!!!! 😭
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