A Good Crime Thriller Ruined by Romance and Cringey Sentimentalism
The actors might be decent, but the second they open their mouths to deliver some overly sentimental, family related drivel, it turns into a cringe fest. It's like watching a crime thriller slowly dissolve into a poorly written soap opera.This series had potential if it had stuck to solving actual mysteries and crimes. Instead, it throws that all out the window and chases after poorly baked romance plots that feel completely detached from the tone and promise of the first part.
I forced myself to finish it, hoping it would redeem itself. It didn’t. The negatives bulldoze over any good the series might have had.
Hard pass. Thumbs way down.
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A Beautifully Crafted Emotional Masterpiece
I initially thought Jin would be just another typical Japanese isekai story filled with harem elements and characters who constantly worship the protagonist. However, I was completely wrong.The story presents an interesting concept. While it isn’t entirely unique, it is used effectively by placing the main character in a moral and emotional dilemma. The protagonist struggles with real-life problems while living in a different timeline, and this duality adds depth to the narrative. The philosophical monologues are thoughtful and reasonable, making it easy for the audience to empathize with his hardships.
The character development of the protagonist is especially strong. He evolves from a coward burdened by past mistakes into a compassionate individual who is willing to do everything he can to save the people in front of him.
Every character in this drama is engaging. Each side character plays an important role and has a meaningful influence on the main character. Their actions significantly shape his mindset and drive the story forward.
The OST is powerful and well-composed, though I do wish there were more tracks to add variety, as some themes are reused frequently across episodes.
The portrayal of Japanese history in the series is also impressively accurate.
I’m very much looking forward to watching the second season, and I hope it will be just as strong as the first.
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A Great Crime Thriller Drama for Matured Audiences
Taxi Driver did a great job executing a solid story concept seriously and maturely.Most K-drama series tend to include unnecessary romantic subplots that add nothing to the overall story.
I'm glad Taxi Driver avoided that. As a man, I don't enjoy seeing a "knight in shining armor saving a damsel in distress" in the middle of an otherwise serious and compelling narrative.
The acting from the cast is fairly average, especially the main character and the hacker girl. It's hard to empathize with their emotional breakdowns due to how mediocre their performances are.
The only truly great actor in this show is the villain, Baek Sung-Mi. Her acting is impressive and really stands out compared to the rest of the cast.
However, my favorite characters are the mechanic/engineer duo—you’ll know exactly who I’m talking about if you’ve watched the series.
Those two have the best chemistry in the entire show.
The music is also pretty average, nothing outstanding or memorable, but not bad either.
Overall, even though the acting and music are just okay, what matters most to me is the storytelling, and on that front the show truly delivers.
I’ll probably watch the second season of this show.
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