Patricia

First things first: this is my first review. Due to the fact that asian dramas reflect a different culture I don't usually write reviews for them because I feel I usually don't have enough understanding of what makes a good story. Also, I don't like to review unfinished series (or anything, really) but I feel that with 13 out of 16 episodes seen I have a pretty good idea where this series is headed.

At first I quite enjoyed "Mary Stayed out all Night". Mae-Ri (the female lead) was cute but contemporary and Kang Moo Kyul was really cool (plus, this actor seems to be a pretty good one).

Enter Jung In and his father and the whole silly business of arranged weddings; really I've never seen a more elaborate plotline to form a love triangle! While I felt skeptical that it would work, it went fine for a few episodes... then it went downhill! More and more unbelievable situations (those who've watched know what I'm talking about)would arise and the characters just kept on going (to be fair most actors were good in their roles, except for the girl sometimes), accepting everything. When it entered the realm of the almost completely absurd (episode 13) I started to "speed watch" actually.

Would I recommend this series? No. The plot is very weak and random and although the characters are endearing, cute and charming and all that they can't make up for the complete lack of sense of the plot (which is also predictable, but that's a minor flaw).

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Hollywood-esque fun

You know what? I didn't dislike this at all.

Maybe it was because I was expecting an horrible movie. Or maybe it was because I found the first novel confusing and not particularly well written (not sure if it gets better, I stopped at volume 1 and decided to read the mawnha adaptation instead. I had actually read a series with a similar premise earlier - looking at you, Dungeon Crawler Carl - in the year and maybe that is why I wasn't impressed with Reader's Viewpoint). It occurred to me, while I was listening to the novel, that while I found the worldbuilding capacities of the author abysmal, the idea was good and it would do good in a different medium (aforementioned manhwa and/or anime and/or drama) where exposition wasn't a requirement. And I was right. I'm not sure how much it was changed from volume 2 on, but the movie seems to start pretty much like the novel.

If you want some hollywood-esque action with cool graphics (these are not hollywood level but still pretty good) it is a good movie. Most of the negative reviews are from people who like the novels and aren't pleased with the adaptation. Which is valid; I am team Solo Leveling (the other isekai-ish hit korean series besides ORV) and I'm dreading the drama adaptation. However, if none of this matters and you just want to see an action/fantasy movie, with cool graphics and a character leveling from a normal guy into a beast, I'd say this is a pretty good way to spend 2 hours.

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Maybe it's a cultural thing

I'll be honest here, I didn't get this drama. This could have been a drama from 20 years ago, given the struggles the protagonists go through.

First of all, I was excited about the age gap. It's something of a taboo even in western society, although we seem to be more accepting, it's generally the female who is younger.

That said, I was truly perplexed by the issues that moved the plot. I liked that they solved their issues through clear communication because it's realistic and to be honest a good thing to have in a relationship, but overall I thought the FL was much less mature than the ML. She bottled everything up.

Now, the issues. First the age gap. Ok, that is probably an issue overall and it was handled well. But then every other thing was all about how the guy had to adapt to her. I mean who thinks about marriage after dating for three months? How is it an issue in 2025, if you're living with someone but not married? And why does this seem to be a problem only for older women, as if marriage is the ultimate thing for females? This also was a thing with the FL best friend, who was promoted to Director, but was reluctant to accept because she wouldn't have time for tasks at home or for taking care of her daughter. Huh, girl it's the 21st century and you have a husband...

Also, why are granny panties even a problem? They're amazing, dude!

And finally... when is the guy a bully? I'd say he is a bit forward, but bully is a big, biiig stretch.

As for the acting, first I was a little turned off by the styling choices for the ML, his clothes here more fit for a 14 year old. The guy is 26, not in his teens.

People don't comment enough on acting in reviews and I understand that to an extent. The actors did their best. That said, the actress who portrayed the FL was overacting a bit and sometimes looked genuinely uncomfortable while she was supposed to be happy or relaxed basically when it involved skinship. Then again most J Dramas are overacted on purpose so who knows. Not knowing her work I can't say if she lacks in the acting department but I felt that in this role she was lacking a bit.

I guess this may be cultural, but the biggest problem I have with this drama is that the issues they had would be more relevant 20 years ago. Maybe they are still relevant in Japan, though, especially the gender roles and the emphasis on marriage as a life goal for women (not saying this isn't a problem still in Europe where I live, just not that big of a problem). I really don't know it's probably cultural divergence. As such the drama was a bit weird to watch.

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Paper thin plot covered in bloody splatters

I usually do not write reviews, especially for dramas that have been out for a while because, who cares?

However, allow me to rage review this one, because I've spent 7 hours of my life watching... whatever this is.

This doesn't have a plot. Or better yet, imagine John Wick, but without the dog and the stylish close combat with guns combo. Mercy for None is 7 episodes of mindless killing and while some scenes were interesting and well choreographed, a few were quite ridiculous, like the one where our hero (?) is facing a trillion thugs and he is in a good defensive position, with a steel bat, against a door and the corridor bottlenecks before him, but he decides to jump into the middle of the fray and get surrounded. Now I am a woman with no combat experience, but even I knew it was poor decision making. Well, I think it was, anyone with combat experience, please correct me if I'm reaching.

So what is Mercy for None about? There are these two big companies that are rivals and run by criminals but also the 'bosses' have agreed to this weird code of conduct to protect the status quo. Our ML is was a legendary fighter for one of the criminals but has "retired" as punishment for some sh*t he has done. And they cut one of his Achilles Tendons to make him less dangerous, but then his brother dies. And he's on the warpath. No cut Achilles Tendon will stop him.

So basically the whole thing is him fighting thugs, bandits, hired assassins and why the heck doesn't anyone have guns?

There is someone pulling the strings from the shadows and it's hinted that it is someone Really Smart and Devious, but it's pretty easy to guess who it is, who the traitors are and the motivation. This "plot" is only there so he can fight everyone and their mothers (don't worry, no mothers were harmed during this drama)

Anyways, he's shuffling around with a dead expression, which was something that annoyed me to no end. I'm not sure if they wanted him to appear shell-shocked or just cold, but he just looked like a zombie.

The ending is predictable and not surprising at all, as said above.

So basically if you just to see a guy knifing his way (and punching... he packed as much of a punch as Hulk, I swear) into the hidden boss, this is your drama.

If you want some story with your violence, I'd avoid it. Try Agent Kim Reactivated which has a similar structure and the main actor is the same, but imho is much better.

Phew that felt good.

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I feel like this drama should be required viewing in all schools in the world

I came into this show, knowing that Japanese dramas usually are quirky and overacted. I wondered how Japan would handle a psychological thriller for the young masses.

It went as expected. The drama was overacted to the point of being cartoonish, but the thing about this kind of acting is that it makes intense moments feel more... intense. And so it was.

I was a bit disappointed until the last episode, planning on giving it a 7/10. I felt like the plot was too convoluted at times, but I also know that it was because in the situation caused by Hiragii, the authorities would be a lot less passive. However, the irreality pays off in the end

I feel like this drama should be required viewing in all schools in the world. And maybe in most workplaces.

It's not like this plot wasn't done before and to be quite honest, for most of the series, there was that sensation of Hiragii teaching important things and making his students think and learn to think for themselves, but I also think the true objective was not very apparent to the casual viewer which may detract from the lesson it wants to teach the world.

These types of shows are a warning. Pity no one seems inclined to listen.

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