How perfect is this drama!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have seen hundreds of dramas but nothing come close to the ML's acting skills in this one. I wasn't a huge fan of the ML before but after this wow......... respect.All casts are exceptional but Park Ji hoon sets the bar little more higher. In k-dramas, generally they all have a bad habit of having a 'liberal democratic ' way of punishment. Basically just humiliation for the accused. But for the victims those are just ways to say even if you were at the wrong end of the barrel, you cannot and will not have the same power/choice as them. But this drama rewrites everything and that's exactly what sets this one apart from others.
I really wanted to add some recommendation but then nothing came to my mind. Nothing of the same genre came close to this series as a comparison.
So excited looking forward to season 2.
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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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GREAT ACTION & AMAZING BROMANCE!
SUCH A GOOD SHOW OMG!!! I totally did not expect it to be this good because I wasn't that interested in the synopsis or the actor lineup but it proved me wrong! I am amazed by the different images that Jihoon showed me through his role in this drama. It is so different than his Wanna One days. I am also so in love with Sooho! Sooho & Si Eun are too adorable together and I'm so sad T_T I will be keeping an eye on both Jihoon and Hyun Wook's future projects. The plot and action scenes are also so amazing and thrilling to watch!! It is a bit graphic but so exciting and satisfying to watch nonetheless. I love it when the weak character shows his other side! I wasn't expecting the plot to turn the way it did halfway, but the drama was still very good and kept me engaged until the end. No wonder everyone is raving about this drama! I TOTALLY RECOMMEND IT!Was this review helpful to you?
Must watch!
I never wrote a review despite watching hundreds of dramas but I had to leave one for this one!I don't see any flaws to it! The story is captivating, actors are brilliant, you get really attached to the characters because they are realistic and well written. The fighting scenes are realistic and great as well, which changes from these drama were the main leads practically fly without breaking a sweat!
The last episode was so intense I realised that I was barely breathing!
If you like stories about the underdog, deep friendship and action, don't hesitate! But brace yourself ;)
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A weak boy can be powerful if he's with his friends who are perfect match for him
I really appreciate the dramas like this,the story, acting, action everything is looks so realistic.About story, there's no doubt about it that the story is so different from other school dramas I watched so far until now. The story simplifies how friendship can change a person and turns him into a totally different person.
About acting, Sometimes I thought that it's not a drama, that's a real life. Everytime in every scene it really looks so realistic. Jihoon really did a great job and worked so hard in his every action and emotions. Hyun-Wook is also so good in acting,this is my first time watching him. He learned biking even when he felt scary, whatever he's too good. I would like to see him more active from now on.
About music,it was quite good. The intro song is really good. But more than the intro song, I would like to listen the song which was played on the end of the episode 7.
About Binge watch, actually you will understand the story in one go,so don't need to watch again. For me this is actually hard to watch again because it's full of emotion. Everytime I saw Shi-Eun's face in the drama that made me sad always.
Overall it's too good. Jihoon deserves a award for his acting skills. I hope more people discover this amazing drama and watch it.
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Outstanding in many ways
I just finished it and I will make it short—the story, the fighting scenes, the soundtrack, the visual effects, and especially the acting: Everything is perfect. There must be a season 2. The storyline has so much potential and they didn't waste it. The drama ends where the original webtoon starts. I really really hope there will be a season 2.Park Ji Hoon is remarkable. The perfect casting, he is on point in delivering this character, and so is the rest of the cast. But he really outstanding. The fighting scenes never get boring and you root for him in every single one. I've read that some of the production team members are also involved in D.P. which is also one of my all-time favorites, I especially felt it in the overall vibe. Even tho the topic is serious, brutal, and heavy there is also something comforting about the show (like it was with D.P.). The intro was also wonderful and is a no-skip. I can really recommend the drama, especially if you like revenge storylines. This show has one of the most satisfying revenge storylines I have ever seen. 11/10. Perfect.
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TWO HEROS & A BUNCH OF COWARDS!
Wow, I had no idea Park Ji Hoon could act this well! I was genuinely surprised by his performance.The plot is engaging, and I absolutely love the friendship between Sieun and Suho. In a way, I find myself envying their bond; they are both incredibly loyal and genuinely care for one another. They’ve become my favorite characters in the drama.
Now, let’s talk about Oh Beomseok. Honestly, what can I say about him? If given the chance, I’d love to hit him with a broomstick (just kidding, sort of!). But seriously, my intense dislike for him speaks volumes about how well the actor portrayed the role. Well done! Thumbs up. While I still can’t condone his actions, I can appreciate how the story allows us to see things from his perspective, even if his reasons don’t justify what he did.
Enough of my rambling—just go watch the series! It’s definitely worth your time!
P.S. I really hate how bullies always gang up on their victims and how rich people often escape the consequences of their crimes. What cowards!
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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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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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This review may contain spoilers
I DONT UNDERSTAND THE SCHOOL VIOLENCE IN KOREA
THERES IS NO JUSTICE SERVED ONCE AGAIN IN SOUTH KOREA .IM TIRED OF THESE BULLIES ,,,NO CRIMINALS GETTING AWAY
WITH EVERYTHING. HOW CAN THESE KIDS LIVE WITH THEMSELVES.
BRING MY BABY BACK. HOW CAN U RUIN SOMEONES LIFE
LIKE THAT. I WAS CRYING ON THE LAST 2 EPISODES. THIS
IS. NOT. FAIRRRRR. FFFFCKKKKK. AND THE GLASSES KID MUST
BE THE MOST ANNOYING TYPE OF CHARACTER EVER
A COWARD WITH NO B*LLS. A SPINELESS CREATURE.
DISGUSTING.
park jihoons acting tho. top NOCH. well done. I was totally captivated
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I truly hope this gets a second season. Noting that I have not read the webtoon.
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Quite sad..
It was amazing in the beginning, but then it suddenly switched plots after episode 4 so I was like huh???? It was going good but if you don't like sad endings, episode 4 can be your happy ending. The sad ending is so similar to how I felt after watching 20th century girl. It's so hard to rate this low even with a sad ending, but I just wish I was prepared to cry and knew it'd be so so sad. All the characters were portrayed very well even if I've never read the webtoon so I don't know how accurate it is for that, but the acting was phenomenal. Park Jihoon only gets better and better as time goes on with his acting skills, I'm looking forward to see him in more things from now!Was this review helpful to you?
