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This review may contain spoilers
BEST PSYCHOLOGIC SCHOOL DRAMA !!
As a big fan of this type of K-drama, I obviously didn't hesitate for a second before jumping in. And when, on top of that, I was cast with Jung Ha, whom I loved in Moving, as well as Do Wan, who excels in bad boy roles... I jumped in without a second thought!
The unique feature of ONE HIGH SCHOOL HEROES is that it clearly stands out from other dramas of the genre with a much more pronounced psychological dimension. Here, there are no drug dealers, grand conspiracies, or even a good-natured atmosphere between classmates. No, here, the fight is the heart of the story: raw, dry, and unfiltered.
The hierarchy system is reminiscent of the levels in a video game, where each boss is tougher than the last. And that famous ending always seems out of reach. Our heroes, far from being weak this time, must take down the bullies one by one, each for their own reasons:
The first seeks revenge, in a roundabout way, on his father. His only learned form of expression is violence. The second is driven by a more intimate, personal vengeance.
Jung Ha, for his part, was captivating. We may not yet be at the level of Park Ji Hoon in Weak Hero Class 1 with his intense dark gaze, but he does very well in a role that's bolder than usual. Cold and determined, he completely immersed himself in his character.
What really struck me were the scenes where his character buries his trauma in heavy silence, enhanced by a black and white aesthetic. It was both strikingly beautiful and chillingly realistic.
Music-wise, aside from the opening theme, no OST really stood out to me. Nothing that transported me like the soundtrack to Weak Hero Class 1 did, which, it must be said, has become a true benchmark for dark school K-dramas.
As for Do Wan, he was excellent. I loved his unabashedly brawling attitude and his well-timed comebacks. But something about his underlying intentions bothered me: deep down, he fanned a flame that was already raging. He dragged an exemplary student into a spiral of violence, turning him into a reflection of his own trauma.
Overall, it's a real success for me! I really enjoyed watching this drama, which tackles a subject that is unfortunately still relevant in South Korea: school violence. It's a weighty but necessary theme, as it both denounces this violence and gives a little strength to those who feel weak or isolated.
ONE HIGH SCHOOL HEROES has fewer positive vibes than Study Group, which emphasized education and conveyed a more encouraging message. In this respect, Study Group will undoubtedly remain a more emblematic reference in the Korean landscape. But when it comes to psychological depth, darkness, and dramatic intensity, ONE HIGH SCHOOL HEROES wins hands down.
The positive note I take away, as a moral, is the crucial importance of education. This drama highlights the extent to which the family environment shapes children's behavior. Providing a supportive environment and setting a positive example can truly change a trajectory. And that's exactly what parents like the protagonist's father should understand. Domestic violence never stays confined within four walls: it spreads and eventually explodes outside.
In short, an excellent drama that I highly recommend!
The unique feature of ONE HIGH SCHOOL HEROES is that it clearly stands out from other dramas of the genre with a much more pronounced psychological dimension. Here, there are no drug dealers, grand conspiracies, or even a good-natured atmosphere between classmates. No, here, the fight is the heart of the story: raw, dry, and unfiltered.
The hierarchy system is reminiscent of the levels in a video game, where each boss is tougher than the last. And that famous ending always seems out of reach. Our heroes, far from being weak this time, must take down the bullies one by one, each for their own reasons:
The first seeks revenge, in a roundabout way, on his father. His only learned form of expression is violence. The second is driven by a more intimate, personal vengeance.
Jung Ha, for his part, was captivating. We may not yet be at the level of Park Ji Hoon in Weak Hero Class 1 with his intense dark gaze, but he does very well in a role that's bolder than usual. Cold and determined, he completely immersed himself in his character.
What really struck me were the scenes where his character buries his trauma in heavy silence, enhanced by a black and white aesthetic. It was both strikingly beautiful and chillingly realistic.
Music-wise, aside from the opening theme, no OST really stood out to me. Nothing that transported me like the soundtrack to Weak Hero Class 1 did, which, it must be said, has become a true benchmark for dark school K-dramas.
As for Do Wan, he was excellent. I loved his unabashedly brawling attitude and his well-timed comebacks. But something about his underlying intentions bothered me: deep down, he fanned a flame that was already raging. He dragged an exemplary student into a spiral of violence, turning him into a reflection of his own trauma.
Overall, it's a real success for me! I really enjoyed watching this drama, which tackles a subject that is unfortunately still relevant in South Korea: school violence. It's a weighty but necessary theme, as it both denounces this violence and gives a little strength to those who feel weak or isolated.
ONE HIGH SCHOOL HEROES has fewer positive vibes than Study Group, which emphasized education and conveyed a more encouraging message. In this respect, Study Group will undoubtedly remain a more emblematic reference in the Korean landscape. But when it comes to psychological depth, darkness, and dramatic intensity, ONE HIGH SCHOOL HEROES wins hands down.
The positive note I take away, as a moral, is the crucial importance of education. This drama highlights the extent to which the family environment shapes children's behavior. Providing a supportive environment and setting a positive example can truly change a trajectory. And that's exactly what parents like the protagonist's father should understand. Domestic violence never stays confined within four walls: it spreads and eventually explodes outside.
In short, an excellent drama that I highly recommend!
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