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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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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This review may contain spoilers
My Favorite Part Just Might Be the Familial Bonds Created
So as I stated in my "review" for Island, I keep notes on a show as I'm watching it, to help me write a review later on. But just like Island, I think instead of writing an actual review, I'm just going to put my notes into here. Maybe someone who's seen the show will find my random upset commentary hilarious. There are, of course, spoilers in here.The tenants have nothing but your word to go on. Why on earth would that be? He's a lawyer. Why would there not be a written agreement? Make it make sense.
The daughter is insufferable. I get she's supposed to be, but she really is just unbelievably selfish.
I cannot believe the dad actually died. I legit cried. It's not bad enough that that fat, nasty grunt killed him and the only remaining researcher, but she made sure to smear him with all of the crimes they were committing?
I get the concept that they have all this money and power, but you're telling me the original complainant suddenly states that he was lying all along, then 14 researchers die in an explosion that would be easy to discover was arson, then another researcher turns up dead as well as the opposing counsel and no media or citizens or anything find it odd?
I'm super disappointed in Vincenzo's reaction to Yu Chan's death. I get he's cold and that's his thing but it would be nice to have seen a moment when he awoke, just him by himself, clearly reflecting. I know they had that moment a bit when the car hit them and he was laying there looking at Yu Chan, but still.
Why is prosecutor lady acting shocked that bodies are stacking up when she started this shit? Oooooh I love her being locked in the laundromat with the white truck flashing lights at her. SOOO SATISFYING.
Omg... he's the villain!? Okay it's a day later and I'm back to watching but I'm so confused because Jun Woo does seem to actually care about Cha Young. Like laughing at her getting out of the car blowing kisses and jumping up when she passed out. Like, those things seemed beyond the fake pretend stuff he does with others?
Cha Young is doing a terrible job of pulling off this trial crap. Her smiling and looking smug when the lights go out and stuff is annoying.
Okay so Jun Woo is clearly insane but so weirdly charming. Also, Ok Taec Yeon's English is great. I love that they keep sprinkling it in there. "STAY... IN... THE... CAR!!!!"
The prosecutor and all the victim's families all at the same time in addition to the other hundreds of bodies and NO ONE is suspicious!?
I know Jun Woo is a psycho but man that dinner scene where he makes his brother cut his throat is wild. I've thought for awhile that surely at some point Han Seo is going to turn on his brother because he'll eventually reach his breaking point but if that didn't do it, nothing will.
Ahn finally getting to reveal who he is to save Vincenzo is so great. He's so extra, I love him.
I know she is meant to be a villain but Myung Hee is legit the most evil villain in a kdrama that I can recall. Legitimately. She's not just vile, she's disgusting. Just everything about her. Her face, the way she dances, the way she eats, her attitude, just all of it. I CANNOT wait for her to get what's coming to her.
I know he's also a bad guy but I almost feel bad for Han Seo because they're about to go hunting and I don't see this going well for him.
As soon as they got down to the gold I knew dude would try something. Wait, one gold bar? Oooooh the file!
You know what else is super annoying? How Myung Hee bosses her literal boss around. She'd still be a gopher at the prosecution if it wasn't for him.
It took way longer for Han Seo to attempt to turn on Han Seok than I thought. I also cannot believe that Seo Woong Ho (the prosecutor working with them) is also actually working against them. I get that no one can be trusted in this show but wtf!
Okay so I kind of love the couple that was meant to get engaged at the art gallery. I also love how much fun they're having at Geumga P. All of them together having fun is so cute.
Okay the pigeon thing was cheesy but I LOVED IT. Btw, if a pigeon saves my life, he's now my new roommate. The room is his. I'll sleep on the couch.
So this newspaper guy has been following all the Babel drama so closely so his newspaper can put a spin on things but he doesn't recognize Vincenzo or Cha Young? lol
Man, I'm actually rooting for Han Seo to team up with Vincenzo and Cha Young.
Okay finally found a plot hole. How on earth would Vincenzo be guilty of killing Mr Oh when his dead body fell from the rooftop while Vincenzo stood IN FRONT of police as they all watched him fall. Make it make sense.
Myung Hee is pathetic. Why on earth is she willing to throw herself under the bus for Han Seok? I mean, she's always been pathetic but come on.
I'm actually going to be so upset if Han Seo dies.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! Tell me Han Seo is not really dead!! Omg that pisses me off so bad.
Myung Hee's death was brutal. Most importantly, that was his favorite lighter and he just tossed it and left! Noooo not Mr. Lee!!! Also, I still miss Han Seo.
EDIT: How'd he get the lighter back? lol
Mr Lee is alive!!!?? I love that! I just wish we'd find out Han Seo actually lived and they pretended he didn't to protect him from Han Seok until Vincenzo could take him down.
I'm disappointed with the ending. I get it, but I'm disappointed.
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This over the top action, black comedy spoof was my cup of tea.
I loved how Vincenzo Cassano coolly handles all that is thrown at him whilst sporting bespoke Italian suits. From airport muggers, cooing pigeons, betraying partners, corrupt officials ....... the list goes on.He seems an unlikely thug with his neat appearance yet he handles the fight scenes with aplomb. Using his Mafia savvy he outsmarts and out fights his way whilst plotting how to remove tons of gold from under a building.
His running mate is thrust into her role and it is a radical about face for her after her father is is murdered. The role is tough and she pulls off the about face realistically. Together they make a formidable team.
There are numerous excellent actors in the ensemble and scary violence is juxtaposed with slapstick humour, this may not appeal to all, I liked it. I was pulled along by the rocking pace and unexpected cliff hangars that were resolved with quirky twists.
Expect lots of laughs, murders, violence and law breaking it is a hell of a ride.
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Vincenzo the character
I've only watched this once and I had huge expectations from it. But, Vincenzo the character was not up to my expectations. I always got so worked up when I see the evil guys in kdramas get away with anything just because they have unlimited power at their disposal. And Babel was the perfect example of that. So just like Hong Yu Chan, I wanted some monster who could go head to head with them, who doesn't have to think abt law and goes beyond it. And that's what I was expecting of Vincenzo's character. We were shown how ruthless he can be in the first ep where he was in Italy. And I was excited to see the same in Korea, but Vincenzo's Korean version was more of a subdued kind. I get he's in another country where he has to abide by the law or else he might get arrested. I get it but that's not what I wanted to see when Vincenzo decides to get more involved after Yu Chan's death.There were moments when we got a glimpse of his old self when he burned that factory or fought with Babel's men late at night or when he went on a rampage after his mom's death. That's what I was expecting to see from him when I started the series - a man who goes beyond the law to punish the evil men/women. And that's why I like the Italian Vincenzo better than the Korean one. I could summarize my disappointment in one scene - when he shoots at the detective guy working for Myung Hee I was rejoicing only to be disappointed to see he had faked that and kept the guy alive. Sure he kills him later on in his own sweet time.
The last ep has to be my favorite one for sure! The way he takes revenge on all of them *chef's kiss*. Now that was what I wanted throughout the series!! In this respect, I think Taxi Driver scores the goal with its revenge theme (only watched 4 ep but totally my style)
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recommend
I don't have too many shows where they get a q10, but this one was def one of them. I liked this show so much and i enjoyed the plot. I usually struggle to even watch 16 eps, so the fact this one has 20 and i really enjoyed it shows how great it is. The acting and actors did a great job and i don't really think i would replace any of them. If you like not too much romance or watch a little break, but still want a little hint of it, i recommend this show. They only kissed like one if i remember right and the rest was focused on Vincenzo's and Hong whatevrrs mission. I really like the storyline with the younger and older brother, i was super sad to see the younger one die, but it added to the story. Also, the last frames of torture were gruesome, but phenomenal.Was this review helpful to you?
One of the Best Kpop Series I've watched - one of the first Kpop I watched
This was engaging, thrilling, I was hanging on a ledge from episode to episode. The chemistry between the leads, different personalities, backgrounds were very interesting. A good guy vs. bad guy in various forms & shapes. The back stories of characters well developed. I've re watched this a number of times. In a good guy vs bad guy story, there will always be violence, abuse, etc. There is so much I could write. For me, the best review is I rewatched it a number of times.Was this review helpful to you?
Loved It
The story mainly focuses on revenge. It doesn't focus too much on romance, which I loved the most about the story. It's all about revenge, planning, plotting, schemes. Also loved that the hero not always wins nor always the villains it's 50-50. The way Vincenzo Cassano took revenge & execute his plan is soo satisfying.Loved the cinematography of episode 1, mainly the villa shot & the way Vincenzo Cassano & threw the lighter with so much attitude uff.
Poor Vincenzo Cassano getting robbed on the first day returning, then cursing in the middle of the road like a madman.
Hong Cha Young is smart but childish, so childish that she sometimes annoys me. She sometimes overreacts, which is too much sometimes.
Jang Jun Woo is all innocent but don’t fall for his innocence he nothing but cunning.
Loved how Vincenzo Cassano punished the teenager for smoking.
Loved how randomly Vincenzo Cassano woke up from coma as if he was never in a coma.
Loved how Vincenzo Cassano scared the shit out of that bitch in ep 4.
Yeah, the lab burned down.
Laughed how Vincenzo Cassano & Jang Jun Woo showed off in front of Hong Cha Young that they can handle spicy foods.
The surprised look on that bitch & everyone's faces when they saw the car that Vincenzo Cassano & Hong Cha Young drove to the court is priceless.
Loved episode 6 ending twist also loved ep 7 back to back twist & turns.
Laughed how the doctor’s wife beat him up in court.
Loved how the villain was a maniac after losing the way he reacted & took action against the leads.
Laughed my ass off when Hong Cha Young pulled the guy's hair off.
Poor Vincenzo Cassano & his reaction when Hong Cha Young asks him to seduce someone.
Loved how Ahn Ki Seok entered & took Vincenzo Cassano with style in ep 11.
Loved how Vincenzo Cassano took revenge at the end of ep 16.
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