This review may contain spoilers
THE DEVIL IS NOT WHO YOU THINK...
When the show was good it was really good but when it was bad it was really bad. The first 8 episodes are undoubtedly the strongest from the show. The first episode itself had enough political intrigue and theatrics to convince the viewer that watching this to the end was worth it.PLOT - The plot was definitely enough to peak my interests and convince me to enter this dystopian world. Ironically enough most of the corruption that was displayed by the political figures and business men are happening in our world today. That made sinking into this setting all the more realistic.
CHARACTERS - I'll start with Ga On. He's my favorite character. Those side eyes bed give KHY TOOK ME OUT. Of course I still have my issues with him but I like the do-gooder passionate side that craves true justice. There were times however when he was too naive to the point of being obnoxious. It's like he's in this fantasy world where everyone has good intentions and no sinister motives and that was annoying to watch. He got so caught up in KYH's business that he failed to notice himself being used as a pawn in Sun Ah's plan. Jin Joo was so unbelievably oblivious it got stupid. Almost every scene with her was confusion. It was unclear to me if she actually wanted to be a judge or a pathway to being a celebrity. Towards the end she decided to work in the juvenile court but tbh I thought she cared more about the glitz and glamor of the court show. Jung Sun Ah was no doubt a dangerous individual and was alluring at first but I soon grew tired of her temptress tricks and that silly saccharine smirk she has plastered in her face every scene. What didn't make sense to me was when she broke down after finding out about the human subjects for the president's secret project. You literally killed people and showed no remorse but children is what makes you show emotion? Get out of here. I also get down with the fact that she based her entire life on the delusionaI notion of being with KYH one day. Given everything that she did up to ep 16 it didn't compute with me. I was so mad when she killed herself. It was such a cop out and I wanted the satisfaction of her living to see herself in ruins. The president's character was a bit overdone but we got the message. Elijah was cute and added the lighthearted humor the show needed at times. Watching her relationship with Ga On and KYH develop was sweet. Soohyun was good but imo her and Ga On were better as friends. Their relationship was rushed and they really made them kiss only to kill her off. I thoroughly enjoyed Minister Cha. I was sad she ended her life cause she was too good of a character. Minister Jungho was a plot twist I did not see coming and that really hurt me lol. The betrayal I tell u! And Finally Kang Yohan. I must say that his character was written so well. I think it was obvious at a certain point that he wasn't the devil everyone was making him out to be, but the unfolding process was well worth it. When the truth was revealed I was mind blown. The buildup was so artfully done and it all made sense. I don't watch Jisung much but his performance in this was great.
I will say the finale felt messy and rushed but they tied up most of the important subplots and left me satisfied with the finished product. Judt watch for the rollercoaster ride.
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Dynamic characters, satisfying plotlines
A fantastic mix of Taxi driver, self righteous court dramas, think titles like Witch at Court, Suspicious partner and Beyond Evil this was an amazing ride.The female characters are some of the most well written in all of the kdramas I've watched so far. Jung sun ah is unparalleled in her range, and her story line, plot arc, and general wonderfulness made her the most ferocious female villain I've seen so far. Some may say that she played a character, but I personally think that her performance was the highlight of the show.
We all know that Ji sung did a great job as Judge Kang. I thoroughly enjoyed his story and arc as well, and his relationship with his niece Elijah.
This is a must watch. Highly recommended.
The plot was wrapped up satisfyingly, though I do feel like the last episode was very very jam packed.
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A great watch
Tbh, I really enjoy this drama from start to finish in the end. Yet another drama done amazingly by Ji sung, this man really is an amazing actor and he always leaves me amaze whenever I watch him. So, I would recommend just for people to see this man work his skills :) Also, Jinyoung, it was so nice to see him do a show like this, I feel like his acting skills have greatly improved and he too also left me in awe throughout, I'm so proud of him. With the story, although I sometimes found myself lost in the drama and everything happening in it, nearly everything was revealed and the ending left on a high. Although strangely I feel no closure, especially for Ga on and Yo Han. Questions like, what will Ga on do now? still linger with me as by the end this man is basically left with nothing, like actually nothing. While Yo Han is leaving to another country, Ga on Is left to try and help the law, I guess??? anyway I wish that was wrapped up a little better, but it is what it is, and I don't thing there'll be a season 2. anywayyysss overall it was pretty good !!!!Was this review helpful to you?
FANTASTIC Drama!
I love korean dramas and have watched over 100s of them. This drama seemed a little different so i was a bit doubtful at first, but gave it a shot.It's one of the best dramas I have watched
The chemistry between the characters are amazing . The acting by Ji Sung and Park Jin-young is excellent.
Everything about the drama got me hooked and I couldn't stop watching it. Then researched more about the music and behind the scenes. When I watched it again and noticed so much more
Definitely worth watching it again
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Because of Ji Sung.....
I am a huge fan of Ji Sung after watching Dr John and Innocent Defendant. He is an intense actor and has never failed to bring his characters to life.It took a while for me to adjust to this story because it is set in a dystopian society. But, overall, it proved entertaining enough.
Storyline of having a live court show is something not yet tackled in any Kdramas I have seen. Part of me liked the idea of having the citizens vote on the verdict of the criminal. However, this would never be welcome in reality.
The rest of the story was really nothing new. The gist was about government corruption, a problem which has long since been prevalent in any government around the world. It was just a manner of how they depicted the actions surrounding these corrupt individuals.
I would have wanted to see more interaction between Elijah and Yo Han though. While the few scenes showed how much Yo Han loved his niece, just felt that there could have been more. The actress portraying Elijah is very pretty and has potential to be a future lead. Hopefully, many would have noticed so that future projects will be upcoming for her
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What perfection looks like
I am a series addict. Seriously, you don't know how many shows I have watched in my life. So, believe me when I say this show is perfect.Bromance. Revenge. Drama. Family.
I felt like I was watching my favorite show, Hannibal, all over again.
Great acting, and a storyline that keeps you on your toes but not to a point where it's getting ridiculous like in many other shows.
If you are tired of the same old legal drama and want something refreshing, this show is for you!
Highly recommended.
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Even The Devil Was Once An Angel
” If the devil really exists among us it would be the self-pity of the powerful “After the 1 hour and 22 minute pilot episode named " A Monster Emerges in Turbulent Times " was over I knew I was in for something good, when the last scene of the episode starts and the song " Enemy of Truth " from the original soundtrack kicks in I got chills, what an episode and what a way to get the audience hooked.
But could something that started so strong keep up this steam for another 15 episodes? Both yes and no. I'd say that MAYBE one episode in the second half of the show was dragging a bit but overall the long runtime of each episode ( at least 60 minutes ) was used well and I always wanted more.
The cliffhangers made me press " Next Episode " faster than I could read the text saying " Next Episode "
The Devil Judge could be described as a courtroom drama but it is so much more, sure the scenes that are the live streamed court cases are great but the show quickly moves on the to bigger picture of it all, why does Yo Han want to live stream all these cases and what is his end goal?
This is one of those dramas in which the journey is equally as good as the destination. The small cases that appear along the way all lead up to something much bigger and when the credits are rolling ( After a 95 minute long final episode!! ) you will definitely feel satisfied.
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Muddled politics and misogyny galore
I am so confused about this show? How can you be so unclear about your politics when *you are a show about politics*. Sometimes I feel like it has a strong message but then five minutes later it feels like it actually is a parody of the message.Between this and the insane misogyny of Kang Yohan (misogyny level: the show would last three episodes if he treated women normally, he is The Most Misogynistic Man On Screen Ever, he's like if Gaston Beauty and the Beast was a Korean judge who absolutely refused to talk to a therapist about his trauma, it's so batshit it almost could loop back into being endearing if it wasn't so freaking annoying), I've resolved after about four episodes to watch this like I would watch JJBA, to try and guess what ar ethe four wild plot twists they'll pull per episode. However, in JJBA you get some form of hints, whereas this show adheres to the theory of "saying you're a clever show by never giving any worthwhile hint to the viewer", which, imho, is very disrespectful to the audience and lazy.
Still, it makes for an entertaining watch, rarely have I seen show that deserved the title "drama" so much, I guess.
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Not Your Typical ML
This story is different. Not your typical revenge drama nor your typical ML who is all righteous. He is a baddie. For me, a gray character.Ji Sung's acting was just wow. Now I know why people love his performances. He killed it as Kang Yo Han. Can't imagine anyone playing this character other than him. Kang Yo Han is someone who will do anything to achieve his goal. Even if it means taking the wrong means, he is ready to take it.
I get why Kang Yo Han hated those people from SRF. But that only reason wasn't so convincing for me. It would've been great if they were the real mastermind behind the fire incident. Also, it would've been great if they took revenge on individuals rather than altogether. The punishment he gave to criminals was unrealistic. But it was so pleasing to watch them get punished.
Kim Min Jung's acting was also great. She made me hate, feel annoyed by Jung Seon A. She is a perfect antagonist for our Kang Yo Han. The way she talks, or her mouth shapes irritates me a lot. I even watch interviews of her to see if she talks like that.
Honestly, the other character didn't impress me that much.
Laughed when Kang Yo Han called the Minister a street dog.
Loved how Kang Yo Han turned the table against big shots at the end of ep 6
Laughed Kang Yo Han & Kang Elijah relationship. The way he tried to talk to her nicely. I wish they showed more of their scenes.
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A lot of style, some substance, but zero satisfying conclusions
I'll start by praising the show, especially the music. There are moments I got lost in a scene cause the music was just that good. Songs like Tempest, Nightmare and the nights, soundtracks like Enemy of Truth, Hope of Dystopia and Hello, Master?. All of which worked so well, especially for the characters, to fully bring out their potential.The narrative of a dystopian Korea was well done all things considered, though there are moments where your suspension of disbelief will truly be challenged. Coupling that narrative with a broken justice system and the greed of the conglomerates, you have an interesting enough plot to drive your drama. Of course, without good characters, that means nothing.
The main character is fantastic and so is the actor. The drama goes to great lengths to show why the the devil judge is considered “the devil” and why he has every reason to be the way he is. It's because of the dystopian Korea that a person like him was needed by this society. In the first half, the 2nd ML acts as an excellent foil to his ideals as he also comes to terms with the broken system he's trying to thrive in. The main antagonist (her actress is exceptional, by the way) is intelligent and charismatic. She has some good character moments sprinkled in between the scheming and strategizing. Aside from Park Gyu Young and Jang Young Nam's characters, the side characters don't do much of note.
The show also knows how to evoke emotion out of the reader because of how well established the characters are. Be it happiness when the MC shows actual growth, tension when their plans utterly fail and sadness when a certain character(s) dies. There are also some genuinely amazing plot twists, but it never feels like the writers are pulling the rug from under you.
What impressed me most is how reasonable the characters were when faced with uncertain situations without jumping to conclusions — at least that was the case until the final 4 episodes. Suddenly, the characters (aside from the MC) are surprised by the consequences of their own actions. They don't fully think before heading into dangerous situations and therefore, the story has to find convoluted ways to get them out of danger. As a result, the ending becomes one of the most disappointing ones I've ever experienced, especially because of its promising run.
Overall, it's a very entertaining show with well written character, very good production and OST, but with a frustrating ending where I kept skipping scenes in the final episode.
It is still very much worth a watch.
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an overwhelming script!
Congratulations to the writer, mr. Moon Yoo Seok! While watching the series, I wondered who the writer was and when I read he is a former judge, everything made sense. Not only the story was mindblowing, but he also gave to the characters depth and essence, even to the minor roles. So, don't miss watching it, it will not let you down.Congratulations to the actors, too! All of them were excellent, the main leads to the minor leads. Ji Soong mastered his character with his stone-face expressions when needed, kudos. Jang Yeong Nam portrayed a relentless lady, kudos. Park Jin Yeong was excellent in portraying the wavering judge, kudos. Park Gyo Yeong also excellent, kudos. Baek Hyon Jin, WOW! I really hope he gets an award for his acting! Lee Hae Yoon, he totally convinced me, kudos! Jeon Chae Eun, I agree to the reviewer who wrote she was so mature in acting, kudos. Kim Jae Kyung, although she did not have a main lead, she played a major role in the plot of the story, she pulled it through, kudos. Kim Min Jung, at first I had the notion she was repeating herself as I had seen her at Mr. Sunshine, given her campy acting, it seemed to me like she was being too obvious at expressing her feelings with her demeanor and facial expressions, but I took it all back watching her heartbreaking acting to the end, kudos. Please forgive me for not mentioning the rest of the actors, I'd need a day to write a review for all of them, kudos.
The soundtrack: an excellent choice!
And finally, last but not least, many kudos to the director and his cast, Choi Jung Gyu for the cinematography, the meticulous guidance of his actors/actresses.
I strongly suggest to you to watching The Devil Judge. It will stay with me for a long time, that's for sure!
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not your average law show???
I forgot why I even started this show to be honest, it started very confusing though. It was like you couldn't tell between good and bad but also could at the same time? The women in this show this carried the show. Loved yohan and gaon's characters but the women. There weren't any parts where I felt the show was dragging. As evil as sunah, she's your perfect mastermind behind everything but nobody knew a thing because how good she was. I was not really surprised at the end she took her own life instead of someone else killing her. I was not expecting the twist about elijah though, that took me off guard. I think the ending was almost perfect and there is no need for a season two or anything. might revise later idkWas this review helpful to you?
