High School Return of a Gangster (2024)

AMAZING ?

This Korean movie is a masterclass in storytelling, proving that sometimes less is more. Clocking in at a shorter runtime than most films, it manages to deliver an emotional punch that left me in tears. The narrative is precise and focused, avoiding unnecessary subplots and instead honing in on its core message with a level of intensity that lingers long after the credits roll.

What makes this film stand out is its ability to convey deep emotions without overstaying its welcome. Every scene feels purposeful, every line of dialogue meaningful, creating a compact yet powerful experience. The characters are beautifully drawn, and their struggles and joys resonate on a deeply human level.

However, as perfect as the movie is, I couldn't help but imagine how a BL (Boys' Love) adaptation could have added an extra layer of depth. The delicate exploration of love and relationships is something that BL films often excel at, and this story seems ripe for that kind of interpretation. A BL version could have brought even more tenderness and complexity to the narrative, making it resonate even more with fans of the genre.

In conclusion, this movie is a gem—short, precise, and emotionally charged. It’s a film that doesn’t need a long runtime to tell a compelling story. While it’s already excellent, a BL adaptation could have made it a perfect ten in my book.

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When a Gangster Becomes Your Best Buddy

Prior to starting the review, I'd like to say that I'd known this show for quite a time, but never got the right time to watch it. My friend also did recommend it to me before I turned down her offer. Later, while I was skimming MDL, I looked through the show's page again and became intrigued once more, given that I didn't have anything to watch except the trashy 'Eat Run Love'.

The plot is focused on a 47-year-old gangster Kim Deuk-pal. Aspiring to enter the college, he was good with anything but fighting. One night, he encountered a high school student Song Yi-heon, who wanted to commit suicide due to constant bullying and his inability to befriend Choi Se-kyung, his classmate. Kim Deuk-pal succeeded in saving Yi-heon, but his soul got swapped and entered Yi-heon's body, while his own body was dead. Determining to accomplish the goals Yi-heon had set before, Deuk-pal decided to take this treacherous path and protect what mattered to him.

Based on my experience, I can see that the script is quite decent, but not really that outbreaking if you compare to other dramas revolving around fighting. Nonetheless, the soul swap is a bonus point and I also love Yi-heon and Se-kyung's interaction.

As for acting, I don't have much to say but AWESOME. Rising actor Yoon Chan-young is definitely shining in his respective roles, as the cheerful yet caring gangster and as the brooding and depressed teenager. Bong Jae-hyun (Golden Child) also does equally well and their friendship is one of the best aspects of this show. Shout out to those who play Deuk-pal's underlings too. They're too funny to resist and the way they are clueless of Deuk-pal's real identity is freaking hilarious.

Overall, it is a must watch and I regret not starting it sooner. Gotta go right now, so good luck and happy watching!!

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A masterpiece

Absolutely brilliant. Both the writing and the acting was so incredible. This drama brought out so many emotions and was executed so well. The first half of the first ep had me wondering whether to keep watching, but as it went on I just couldn't get enough. This drama made me laugh, this drama made me cry, it was such a masterpiece! I commend the writers for creating such a work of art and ending it so perfectly! I commend the actors for delivering such an excellent Performance! I was just blown away and did not go into this drama expecting to love it as much as I did, but I envy everyone who is able to watch it for the first time!

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A badass (amazing) drama, gives weak hero class vibes (but less dark)

7/1/24 : First episode, last minutes till the end of it and I am all exited !!
Like toes curling, hands griping the seat... Love the vibe, love this start
I really had to take a break to write this and share !!

7/1/24 : Halfway through it and It's still so cool to watch

7/2/24 : More than half into it, I didn't change my mind. This drama is so cool. I don't have words, It's seems like I lost all my vocabulary with this one and I can't be more precise but it's the kind of drama I want to share and talk about, I want to watch it with someone, love it with somebody.

7/2/24 : The drama is amazing. Even tho it's not the final I wanted and expected, it's still good and it's still hard to let go of the characters. I'm still crying right now because I get attached to ML and I'm so sad there is a end for me. I'd like to know so much more, stay some more to discover more of his personality and the friendships he built just being a wonderful human being.
For sure I'm going to rewatch this

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BROMANCE!!!

FREAKING LOVE THIS ❤️ 😍

I'm not a big fan of romance stuffs. So at first I was looking for a drama with no romance and I found this by chance. I knew this drama from a fb post and I searched it to see what type of drama is it. And I have watched it just in 1 day.

I can say that this is one of the most motivational high school drama. Not only for studies but also for life. I love their friendship ❤️

The most important thing is there is no romance. I've been fed up with those high-school romance sweet dramas and this one is exceptional.

And I want to say one thing. It's okay if you see the reviews comments before watching any darama series. But most importantly don't think that drama is boring and that one is good based on other's thoughts. Cause it's different for person to person. So watch yourself and decide. Good luck!

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The show immediately captured my attention within the first 20 minutes of episode 1. It started off with such strength and delivered a satisfying ending. Yoon Chanyoung and Bong Jaehyun, the lead actors, performed exceptionally well and their chemistry was overflowing with intensity. Initially hesitant due to the removal of the BL element, I found that this change actually enhanced the story's flow, especially considering the maturity gap between the grown adult leads and a literal teenager.

If anyone insists on romanticizing a relationship between a man nearing 50 and a 19-year-old teenager, perhaps it's time for some self-reflection because that is deeply concerning to me.

Beyond the characters, the show imparted valuable lessons. Firstly, it taught us that when someone is truly tired of their life, regardless of any changes in their lives, may it be good changes, nothing can change their mind. If they are tired, they are tired. Secondly, it emphasized that adults are not always right, and standing up for oneself in front of adults is not only acceptable but sometimes necessary. Third, it tackles verbal and emotional abuse. My heart goes to, Sekyung and Yiheon. They deserve better parents.

Moreover, the show featured one of the most compelling redemption arcs I've seen, adding another layer of depth to its narrative.

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Out of all the people I've met, you were the most admirable friend and adult.

High School Return of a Gangster is one of the cases when you find joy when you least expected it. I decided to give it a try solely because of Lee Seo Jin because it's been a long time since I saw him act. I don't like school settings in dramas and I usually try my best to avoid them. But now I have found a new drama to add to my favourites list and I cannot be happier.

The thing is, the drama is not what I expected to be, I thought I'd be watching a revenge of the ML againtst the bullies and that would be the main focus. He deals with the bullies within two episodes and that's where the real shit begins. The story shows how one person can change the lives of many if he wants to. It's a story about personal growth, toxic parenting, loyalty and strong firendships. It was serious when it had to be, it had sublte comedic moments, overall a perfect balanced plot that is hard to find in kdramas nowadays.

I heard that the webtoon is BL and even though I'm a big fan, I loved how they decided to exclude that part here. Because the bromance was on fire. The dynamics between Deuk Pal and Se Kyung at the beginning were so intense but they ended up creating the strongest friendship to ever exist.

And let's talk about some REAL character development here. I loved how each character went through some changes and they changed for the better. For some, it was harder and slower. I hated Hong Jae Min with passion ever since he appeared on the screen. In the end, he was one of my favourite characters. The drama makes you believe that there's always a room for change, you just have to want it.

Deuk Pal will forever stay in my heart as one of the strongest, most adimrable character. His charimatic persona lead the drama so seemlessly, he was full of heart and love for the people around him, he stands steady on his feet but he's lil softie who's also insecure about a lot of things. A man who respects the people around him but is never scared to use his sharp tongue and tell you the truth straight to your face in the most brutal way. I loved how he wasn't perfect in any way and that's what made him humane.

I don't know what's going on with these young actors but damnnn they did so well. Yoon Chan Young is such a talanted boy, he had a very difficult task and he did it perfectly.

Overall, a must-watch! The drama is very addicting, it's short and new things happen in every episode. The story progresses quickly and keeps you wanting for more. And most importantly, the ending actually made sense so you won't have a bitter taste in your mouth after finishing it.

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BORING!!!

It makes me sick that Korean Production Companies still have the audacity to distort queer artworks. If they cannot retain the main element of a novel when having an adaptation, better to have a non-queer one!

I would've understand the reprobation they've done if it's from China, but hello? In Korea, there's no such thing as censorship, so there's no point of turning BL novels into bromance when being adapted into a live series. We don't need someone from the mainstream if it only means stripping the identity of the novel!

Stop turning BL novels into bromance! Have some respect!

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one of the best dramas ive ever watched

how to describe this drama?
i could go on and on and on about how perfect it is.
honestly, im crying right now because the ending had me super emotional.
to start, deuk pal is such a good man. his heart is so pure. he's selfless, respectful and always stands up for whats right, even if it costs him.
yihyeon is also a good human too, i was touched by his selflessness at the end.
this drama squeezes comedy, action, drama, suspense and friendhship into a perfectly paced 8 episode format and has honestly one of the best structured plotlines ive seen in a drama.
it teaches life lessons, good morality and how embodying good values without being pushed over are truly essential to live a good life.
the plot twists were unpredictable and this drama balances all of its subgenres perfectly.
whilst being amazing on the surface, high school return of the gangster is beautiful beyond it as well, and i honestly think this is one of the best dramas ever.
i highly recommend it, this is one of the best dramas ive ever watched.
the actibg is also incredible, the actors playing yihyeeon, jaemin dongsoo and mikyung highly impressed me for their incredible performance, but the entire cast is incredible, i hope they all gain recognition from their roles.
watch this drama - its truly a masterpiece.

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Strings attached

Let me start of with a saying:
With each dawn, live's tapestry waves a bit more ease into its complex threads.

And that is what the drama is about.
The drama is a thrilling experience.
We get to see several plots slowly intertwining, without being dragging or dull. Metaphorically speaking, it is like a thread slowly turning into a string.

Emotional scenes are paired with funny moments or anecdotes, which lift the mood, making the scenes light and uplifting instead of suffocating.
Yes, I am talking about you, Mr. Cyber-pass/Bill-man. 😂

Character-wise, the main lead didn’t have major development, but he is the puzzle piece and key figure that makes his friends shine in their development, giving them strength, faith, trust, and a brighter view of the world.
People you initially disliked turn into real friends, overcoming their selfishness to help one another or having the courage to face a parental figure and slowly overcoming several issues on their own.

Yoon Chanyoung and Bong Jaehyun did a fantastic job portraying their characters.
They conveyed emotions in detail and brought dimension to their roles.
But I need to talk about Joo Yoonchan.
This man excelled in his role.
Watching him play his character made me experience a range of emotions, from fury to pity, as well as faith in humanity.
And this is what acting is about: portraying a fictional figure to the fullest.
Well done.
I am looking forward to seeing more from him.

Despite some loopholes and the wish to see what happened to some characters after the end, the drama is a well-crafted piece of gold.
I am very picky with my 10/10 ratings, but this show deserves it.
The actors were handpicked, bringing life and dimension to each character.
The story is interesting and new. I mean, come on? A gangster in high school dealing with math problems? 😂
The main and sub-plots are crafted with love, teaching you an important life lesson.

Don’t live in fear.
Tackle your issues one by one and live your life to the fullest.
You only have one—make the best out of it.

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