This review may contain spoilers
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?
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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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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This review may contain spoilers
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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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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Its amazing
this movie is just amazin, it has had me in tears multiple times. the last episode is just, a jaw clenchling full on sobbing episode. my eyes were bright red. its 10/10 i would rewatch it but i would cry again. i cried really hard. i really related to these characters which made me cry even harder, so bassicly this series is amazing. i have never cried this much before, i even shocked myself from how much i cried, if your going to owatch this beware of the tears you maay shed, i think im still cryyingWas this review helpful to you?
I am absolutely surprised and satisfied
To start it off i have read the webtoon and am currently reading it as its still ongoing. At first i was trying to figure out what part of the story this season is and i already knew what sadness i'd have to experience towards the end once i figured out what part of the timeline it was. They really did this webtoon justice. This season being the backstory of mc surprised me because i was left wondering how a whole season was dedicated to the backstory that we only caught glimpses of in the webtoon. This drama really made me feel so much empathy and sympathy for mc as the writers, directors, actors, everyone involved did a great job at portraying the story, personalities and emotions involved. Manhwas being put into drama formats have always been scary because some have flopped and others were done amazingly. This is one of those dramas that will satisfy the audience that already read the webtoon. I am pleasantly surprised how well done this is. I recommend this drama so so much to both new audience and webtoon readers. Im sure there will be more seasons after this after seeing the end of the drama where they gave us a glimpse of.. a character, to not spoil it for non-webtoon readers. Have a great time watching this as im sure you'll enjoy :)Was this review helpful to you?
