INCREDIBLE
i went into this drama blind not expecting anything memorable i wasn't a fan of Park ji hoon i found his acting bland but this drama proved me wrong it was sensational words cannot even described how it suprised me i wanted to drop this in the first 10 minutes because u got very bored but thank God i didn't it the characters are complex but simple the plot is interesting and finally in a korean drama the MAIN CHARACTER doesn't tolerate rubbish this isn't your typical i don't want to get into a fight k drama his character is the definition of stick around and find the fuck outWas this review helpful to you?
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First 10 for me.
One suggestion to those who are going to watch this... BINGE IT all in one go. Its made to be binged.Out of all the K,C,J dramas I have watched, this is the only one that 'had' to be given 10/10. This drama was really different from the other dramas. The plot progression was not too fast where we felt things rushed nor was it too slow that made one feel like director is really trying to squeeze out everything. It was just right! The brotherly affection between two ML's was so mature and real. Not the usual run off the mill where one is always the jester and other is way too superior.
The twist in plot midway, was so gradual but shocking because we don't see it coming yet it felt completely plausible and natural. The plot, its really simple. Few people come together in adversity forms friendship. And then shit happens. But the way it was written and directed, really made us feel the emotions which are seldomly felt while watching 'kcj'-dramas. The unsaid glances between the ML's, unsaid respect and love for each other... it works like a charm. Watching this really makes one aspire to have that kind of friendship. Hats off to the writers for writing it.
These young actors really are very promising, talentwise. Not just another good-looking useless 'oppas' now-a-days in vogue.
And unlike other korean mini-series, where acting sucks, story sucks, production sucks, direction sucks.. I mean everything sucks, this mini-series do the opposite. The production is top notch without any compromises. Cinematography, sets, action, acting everything is on point.
Its really a gem!!
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just wow
drop everything and watch this i went into this thinking it was bromance revenge plot ( by edits on tiktok ) but i was very wrong ( kinda ) it was amazing binged the entire thing it has u hooked from ep 1 to 8 the actor deserves so many awards just for the last ep i need to see him in other shows like this one. i cant wait for season 2 ive never enjoyed a kdrama like this in a long time it was very refreshing to watch. ..Was this review helpful to you?
This series has blown my mind by how close it has come to the reality. Just binge it.
I went into this show for a normal korean highschool genre but what I got is way beyond I could have imagine. I directly watched it without synopsis and trailer and yes it has just blown my mind.Many K dramas have touched the subject of bullying but none were like this.
This show has gone to the depth of the reality. This shows depicts what happen when one does not give in to the bullying. What happens when one actually fights back.
This show puts forward two aspects of friendship. The one where you can give your life for your friend. And the one where you can also take life of your friend.
MUST WATCH !!!!!!!!!
POV - Binge it.
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The Weak Hero who packs a nasty punch
Would like to give a big thank you to all the previous reviewers and reviews; because of those reviews, this went up in my watch list. After watching a few dramas and movies such as Better Days that deftly if not heartbreakingly tell the story of bullying, this one is up there in its unique quality albeit with a different angle focused on shifting alliances and developing friendships of several teens. There is less emphasis on the male/female romantic relationship dynamic. This drama doesn't just focus on the bullying at school, its gives a glimpse of how its weaved into the fabric of society at all levels whether its parents bullying their kids or in low level criminal gangs.It was an interesting casting choice with the ML, he has a pretty boy face and even though he's supposed to be 5'8, the other male actors seem to tower over him which adds to the concept of a weak hero. I've seen the ML in Flower Crew: Joseon Marriage Agency which is a real light hearted rom-com and he plays an entirely different role in this. Its dark and at times it gets intense. His acting in this role is good, he captures the nuances of someone who has been suffering from parental neglect and being an outsider in his school. He seems depressed or numb to it all but is still motivated to do well academically which makes him a target with the bullies. His personality of not wavering when the bullies challenge him keeps him in the crosshairs. The situation ends up spiraling out of control. All the actors and actresses did a really job breathing life in their roles. There are some areas I felt was pretty good in adding realism to the motivation in the character's actions. When Oh Beom Seok asks Ahn Soo Ho to help Yeon Shi Eun when he's dragged off by thugs for a beating, Ahn Soo Ho declines since he's not that close with Yeon Shi Eun. Ahn Soo Ho isn't going to go out of his way to help someone unless there's some benefit that he gets out of it. Oh Beom Seok is meek and conflicted with the bullying he has endured at school and at the hands of his father. He comes from privilege but even with it, it doesn't allow him to escape from bullying in the school.
There's a fair amount of bare knuckle and knife fights, they look realistic and were choregraphed pretty well. The ML isn't a skilled fighter but he does have quick wit and a fair amount of courageous insanity that he brings to a fight. Since he is underestimated, he catches his opponents with an element of surprise and he has a lack of hesitation in making the first move once he's cornered. The ML does get beaten up a fair amount so it's not like he's some superhero dude who with a flick of his finger knocks all the thugs out. Kudos to the story tellers for adding that realism but you do question the ML's sanity in some situations where the odds were really stacked against him.
The drama was pretty well written, good acting, and the pacing was good - I didn't feel bored at any point, it is a rollercoaster of emotions. Appreciate the quality storytelling angle on bullying and the social effects from it.
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really powerful
very powerful drama, I got the same vibes as I did when watchin D.P. but this one hurt me more. I've never sobbed like this when watching a drama but this one broke me. To see these kids face so much pain, abuse, violence, bullying, neglect...I can't handle it. very painful!soo-ho and shi eun's friendship was great!
I was so impressed by park jihoon's acting. i only saw him on at a distance, the spring is green before and I liked him in that one as well but this one was really sth else. for 8 episodes we only saw him smile for one second...
the whole cast was amazing!!! give them awards!!!
I sobbed and sobbed for soo-ho. episode 7 was heartbreaking!!!
quite violent, had to close my eyes sometimes.
the OST was amazing and one could not skip the intro. can't wait to listen to it on Spotify, together with the D.P OST.
have not read the webtoon
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Park Jihoon's Tremendous Acting
Park Jihoon will go a long way to go with this extraordinary acting. Best idol turned actor for sure. The extreme acting made me baffled as it was as good as a veteran.Hyun Wook is another great actor who is proving great just like Park Solomon. It is great to see great acting from young actors as most of them suffer with very poor acting.
Park Ji Hoon will turn into one of the best actors of the Kdrama history if he goes on like this. What a performance!
Hong Kyung provided the best acting of the drama itself with conflicting issues all around him. His character was conflicted, confused and violent. So he had to put a lot of effort in acting and it paid off well.
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I'm Speechless! What was the hell is that?
In short: Anyone who can cope with brutal violence, should watch this series immediately, don't wait even a second!!!In long: I came just as I finished the series and I don't even know how to start. I might make a typo, sorry in advance.
First of all, I want all the applause to go to Park Jihoon and Choi Hyun Wook. they deserve such a big round of applause... they were both the most talented young actors I've seen lately. They made me hold my breath for 8 episodes and lose my mind while watching the friendship they portrayed with their magnificent acting.
Edit: I just learned that Park Jihoon is an idol and also he has a very cute face card and cute idol persona in real life, i can't believe that he is the same person who plays that Si Eun character in this drama. lol. he is an amazing actor.
Then I want to add the following. first of all, this drama is definitely a heavy drama in terms of display of violence, just like "the king of pigs". So if brutal violence is too much for you, please don't watch it.
The second thing I would like to add is that this series did not actually contain any public service ads. that is, it actually involved real life. It contained everything that could happen in real life. what we are normally told, when bullied go and complain, make sure the authorities will protect you. but no, neither parent, nor teacher, nor police… none of them will try to save you. No one will care about you like no one cares about si eun and soo ho, this drama perfectly portrays the realities of life. be against bullying, a word that can only be spoken in public. From the highest status to the lowest, no one will even care if you are bullied. And that's why this show is never, ever pity. They put the facts before us without hesitation.
In some scenes, I had to stop, give myself some time and continue like that. I won't be able to get over this series that I couldn't get over the same "the king of pigs" (themes are similar).
SPOILER but this is a call to the screenwriters: do not leave si eun alone at another school in the second season and let us watch their happy moments with his friend soo ho, PLEASE!
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I think they put in extra effort because it's live action so they really deserve appreciation !
Park Ji Hoon is a good actor. I felt every feeling the character felt, dullness, sadness, depression, and even feelings of warmth in the hospital scene.
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It's gonna be a short review 10/10
I usually don't feel compelled to write reviews, but this show did it for me.I've long waited for a story with a badass male lead, who doesn't appear like it at the first glance. A story hero that doesn't give a shit, but still remains a positive character. I couldn't be happier to have come across this show.
Amazing acting. // Amazing storyline & direction. // Deep, thought-provoking, realistic, really well-executed. // A must watch.
This show will stand the test of time.
There, you have read it all.
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Exhilarating (binged in 6 HRS) but Doesn't Justify the hype/high rating (9)
Debated long before starting this, cause high rated K-dramas in actual had not done it for me, recently. Took a chance, binged it with a few episodes in 1.5x speed & wrapped up in under 6 hours. Have not seen the webtoon, so my review is basis the drama only. Given the high rating this drama has, mine would come across unpopular but this is my humble take on it.10/10 for the acting, but 7/10 for the story/writing.
If the message of the drama was on taking action than talking like mature people; giving in to pure unadulterated rage because you have been a victim too long, then it did not appeal to me. I cannot imagine what are they going to portray in Season 2 differently, other than more rage-fights in a different setting. This season in itself is complete though not satisfactory, with half-hearted character developments & relationships. Honestly, I found the first half to be better, which is what kept me engaged to finish it. But the latter half of the show for me just lost the point or rather could not make a definite point. While the action scenes were good they could not carry the weight of the drama which ultimately made it lose the initial charm & excitement.
We have seen bullying in shows, anime, manga in varying degrees. This drama interprets/portrays it well in terms of:
1. how bullies are (how they get into it sometimes due to situation but in the end by their own choice)
2. how the main characters stand up to it, while forming a bond themselves
3. what are the external factors that affects this evil of our society (role of adults and their interference)
4. Overall the impact of all the above on the lives of the main characters and those around them, which is a message to real society.
Si-Eun is not shown as a conventional hero - while he is gutsy, uses his wits to fight battles but does not always come on the top on his own but has help. The help comes in form of the deuteragonists/his friends, support characters, situations etc. which keeps the story/character (almost) realistic. Expecting the story to continue on this track, with Si-Eun grows individually, enjoying new friendships, courage to stand up to the bullies & the associated evils (gang, unethical adults). Si-Eun, Su-ho & Beom-Seok while had different personalities, family issues etc. I thought the focus would be on their growing bond/bromance even if they face ups & downs, growing into mature adults. I was surprised, but ready to understand when the story takes a different turn (the rift in friendship). But my problem lies with the fact that the writers/directors did not execute this unexpected turn well as below:
1. They did not explain the rift well, cause they did not explore the grey character well.
- We have bits and pieces of their backstory, minimal depiction of their internal debate & anguish.
- It is like the character woke up one day and chose to be evil. The transition & its explanation is missing, which is the fault of writers/directors.
- Neither do other characters make efforts to understand them, but rather take it on face value. So we cannot even understand the gray character from their perspective.
2. Si-Eun being filled with pure, unadulterated rage as he pulverizes everyone in sight. Like why? And why all the time?
- Being the ML, he takes things into own hands to mitigate the above said rift.
- But the focus shifts from communication to just violence/pure rage.
- Si-Eun is essentially a character who uses brains more than brawns.
- Seeing him throughout the drama, especially second half - I am wondering if the focus of the whole story only on taking action & not being calm/practical/ mature about situations?
3. The whole character of Su-ho and Beom-Seok was just messed up in 2nd Half.
- Add in Lee Yeon's character's influence in all of it, it makes it even worse.
The second half lacks proper explanation, characters' choices are more confusing than making me fully sympathize/hate any character. It's like just because they realized that they can fight, so they end up fighting all the time for every situation. Like what happened to calmly talking or discussing, especially given these characters are not inherently prone to action.
Personally, I would say it is a good drama with some great acting, so definitely a one-time watch.
But it is not a great drama that I would recommend (i.e. pester you until you watch it) or be memorable for me.
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IMPRESSED WHEN UNEXPECTED
I had zero expectation and I think that is why I was so impressed with the acting and story. It is feeling I cannot describe. I watched this right after a boring Chinese youth drama with happy ending so this was a complete 180 degree change of mood and feeling. I would recommend this to people who are finding drama to watch after finishing or dropping a boring drama.Youths who are tired of life should watch this drama. Choi Hyun Wook's acting is superb in my opinion. Shin Seung Ho showed me something different after AOS character that I liked more than the hero. This is my first time noticing Hong Kyung so I think he did a great job portraying his character. Overall I liked it.
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