Completed
Orin
0 people found this review helpful
Feb 2, 2021
18 of 18 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.5
Story 6.5
Acting/Cast 7.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 7.5
I started watching this drama because Jisung is my favorite actor so I'm currently marathoning his works and to be fair initially I was quite disappointed. During the first half it seemed all he did was wail and throw fits every five seconds which became really wearisome especially that we didn't get to know his wife and daughter enough to be able to feel sympathy for him. Also, though it pains me to say, his crying scenes seemed to me overexaggerated and threw me off which could be a directing issue since Jisung is a spectacular actor ,in his most recent drama Doctor Johan if he so much as teared up I would bawl my eyes out... however I think it was pleasant so see how much his acting has improved.
Thankfully the drama eventually takes a turn and becomes less stagnant when our prosecutor starts accepting reality and using his brain to try and figure out what happened the night his wife died. I think from this point on things become way more compelling and the characters more interesting. My favorite thing about the drama was the bromance between the cellmates it was really endearing and I particularly loved how Jungwoo and Shin Cheolshik's relationship evolved from enemies to accomplices who share a common interest to actual friends.
Overall I really enjoyed watching this drama though it has its flaws and was quite predictable but I would say that it most definitely didn't reach the standards that I set for dramas Jisung stars in.

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Completed
fluffysquishy
0 people found this review helpful
Aug 19, 2021
18 of 18 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.5
Story 7.5
Acting/Cast 8.5
Music 7.5
Rewatch Value 6.0
well, it's a good drama. the storyline is good, a prisoner who can't remember his crime, did he really committed the crime or is he innocent? very good, i was curious and excited to see how the story unfold. but, I'm really struggling with the pace. It was soooo draggy. I was waiting for who did the crime, how, why and the prison break that they showed early of the series, but it took at least half to be there. The feeling of suspense just woosh went away, like the suspense wasn't build up. But other than that, the drama if good. The acting was amaaazing, of course, expected from Jisung and other casts did great too. So it was good. but i recommend to watch it the storyline was good, it just the pace that i hate.

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Completed
Kmed
0 people found this review helpful
May 25, 2022
18 of 18 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.0
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 5.0

Frustrating

This show deserve first place on the list of most frustrating k-drama ever.
There isn't even a back and fourth, the villain wins and wins and wins some more until the very end.
The concept of him waking up without remembering and then piecing what led him there slowly together, was great but the key word is slowly, b/c damn he really did it slowwwly until I didn't care anymore.
They made the villain do something irredeemable from the get go which doesn't leave much room for sympathy or redemption. If they were going to give so much wins they could've at least made redeemable. There was a few attempts to make him sympathetic with his daddy issue and the actors really played it well but what he previously trumped everything.
The best thing about this show is Jisung acting, he's truly one of the best actors out there.

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Completed
kdramahooked_lady28
0 people found this review helpful
Feb 6, 2020
18 of 18 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 6.5
This review may contain spoilers
Because of Dr. John, I kinda have a hangover with Ji Sung, so I decided to watch Innocent Defendant. The first episode is as exciting as Dr. John. The first episode was able to catch my interest as expected of Ji Sung’s drama. The later episodes were even more interesting and exciting. There are also some scenes which I have to swipe forward because I can’t handle the thrill. The story is very interesting, and quite unpredictable.

Ji Sung was very appealing, and he looked very manly being a father. His acting is great, however, I found some quite awkward like whenever he expressed his desperation over something -- when he was shouting with high tone. But the rest are great. He was still able to convince me to watch more of his drama. I have watched two so far, and all of them are really great. The stories are interesting from beginning to end. He might not be as trendy as others to teens, but for adults, he’s very attractive.

Um Ki Joon is very effective as a villain and as someone who’s pitiful. His acting has made the miserable situation of Ji Sung more miserable. He was also able to effectively show not just as a clever villain, but also as a loving father, and as a lonely son. With his simple eye movement, he was able to make me feel his pain.
I enjoyed Jo Jae Yoon presence as always. He’s really entertaining, and he really made this drama even livelier. I also enjoyed the friendship built in jail, and also the love stories that was developed.

What I loved the most in this drama is the consistency of keeping the viewers’ interest even when the truths are unfolding.

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Completed
willy
0 people found this review helpful
Jan 10, 2021
18 of 18 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 7.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 5.0

Is there anything in Korea that money or power can't achieve?

(i dont rate rewatch value, neutral 5)

i hope whatever Ji Sung channeled into this role made for a cathartic personal release in the end, because it borders on abuse what he had to go through for a massive chunk of this.

it's a theme throughout this drama, continuously pulling him 2 steps back for every one he just barely manages to make, which in this case requires some suspension of disbelief as we get to the mid point. they eventually straight up tell you what american show they're basing the largest segment of the drama on, through multiple references and mentions, which as it gets stretched over more and more episodes just seems a bit out there. ya know, for 2017, south korea, i wont spell out what it is, but its not hard to figure out i think.

kinda funny how the two eventually share the same downside given the fatal flaw in that american shows whole premise, but being that this is a kdrama, and thus naturally superior, there's a purpose behind it all!

again i wont give anything away.. but again, its not like these ever end with our heroes losing, right? a systematic takedown combined with a much deserved lighter overall tone, the ending makes use of every second we spent leading up to it. it's even more fullcircle than i would have expected thanks to characters getting fleshed out in ways they hardly deserve.

this is nothing if not a taxing drama, but for me, at least, it did end in catharsis. relentless criticism of south korea is a big bonus, and kudos for the whole cast providing enough smiles throughout to not completely wear me out.

(as devastating as a lot of ji sung's performance was, it kinda leaves me conflicted as to just how good it really was. depending on who you ask it could be one trick pony, or dedicated method acting where his lingering sadness colors the lighter moments as well, making them feel more wooden. at those peaks it was harrowing enough to imply he rly has the chops, but i'll have to see him in something else.)

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Completed
NerdyGeedY
0 people found this review helpful
Aug 17, 2021
18 of 18 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 10
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 9.0
This review may contain spoilers

Nemo Finds its way to Jisung

Have you wake up hearing the door bell on your home?
Can you wake up again after hearing the door bell?

This story is one of the few that makes you want to see what happen next.

writer, director, actors/actress, cameos fall in play on an exciting thriller that can make you question yourself do i want to wake up on this dream or do you want to know what the dream is all about?

story started with a small prequel before the thriller kicks in
what would you do if you wake up in a different place and the story of life you know suddenly changes
the writers, actors/actress, director performed an excellent art.

the sound makes you excited, makes you cringe, makes you want to smack your tv

now i want to buy a stuff toy that can record your voice

highly recommended!!!



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Completed
VishalDahiya
1 people found this review helpful
Jul 21, 2017
18 of 18 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 6.0
awesome tv series , from start to end pace never slow, acting was excellent , a must watch
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Ongoing 7/18
tori
1 people found this review helpful
Dec 18, 2023
7 of 18 episodes seen
Ongoing 0
Overall 7.5
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 4.5

WHO DONE IT? But it's taking too long to figure that out XD

The plot of this crime drama is interesting. I started watching it with my partner. Although we are enjoying it, it really seems like the writers wanted a maximum pity party for the male lead. About 7 hours in and he still cant remember anything in the jail cell about his wife and kids.
There have been some FUNNy scenes, like wtf? When the prisoners are lifting toilet paper, or when male lead walks up to the public attorney and slaps her in the past. The villain, is very compelling and you want to slap him into next week. All the actors give a great performance.
I still want to know how it ends, but it is a hurdle in the middle to get past all the crucifixion of male lead. Will update as i finish it.

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Completed
Lunita1419
0 people found this review helpful
Jul 20, 2017
18 of 18 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 9.0
Two words for describe this drama is amazing acting, of course with a great plot.

I like so much dramas which has a interesting story with mistery in where you need to conect situations and clues and this drama has a lot of of these.Of course is about crimes but no boring conversely you must to pay attention for every clue, every object and dialogs.

I was catch in each episode, also the villian is one of the best that I watch, he is really retailer , smart and powerful.However in some cases I was so frustrated, because he had a big conexion that always won and cover the truth, usually I think "He get away with it".

I like that you cant never predict the situation, a lot of unexpected turnswithout boring legal procedures or long monologes.

I'm sure they really like the drama has a combination of so many things that even touches of humor appear and you will be more fell in love with Ji sung, he is amazing actor and the cute girl catch your heart.

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Completed
Rijouku
0 people found this review helpful
Dec 16, 2017
18 of 18 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers
I am not fond on writing reviews and seeing most people doing detailed ones is very satisfying yet I thought I should try putting it in words with no spoilers.

Story 10/10
Can you believe this? Story is epic. Honestly I thought the year 2017 will come with great kdramas, many came and many passed by, most of them were awesome but you still wouldn't really think about it too much once you watched. I will tell you, this one is not that type of drama. I thought Mad Dog was the best show of the year (and I have watched A LOT kdramas of this year) but then as waiting for new eps of some shows I rememered seeing this one mentioned in comments since actors here were famous and in other dramas I was watching as well. I can tell you it's rare to keep me on toes the WHOLE FULL EPISODES without giving it short skip trough and here I couldn't lift my hand to do it. I watched this in 24hours as I couldn't stop clicking next episode. Sorry no life but it is THAT WORTH IT. The plot is really mindblowing. Basic things villain, good guy and the true colors of the reality, how it actually is coming around rich and poor, in power and not.

Acting/Cast 10/10
Everyone did so well even children. The Bad guys are great at being jerks and all, and like no complaints. The dorks there are so cute I can't the friendships look so real and makes you feel so warm inside I can't put it in words even. And Ji Sung, he never disappoints NEVER. Kill Me/Heal Me seeing what kind of many different actors he can pull off even crazy type as he did in Secret, I didn't thought I will see him as father figure and here I did and he nailed it. I swear I am not biased, he is THAT good as an actor. And everyone did great.

Music 10/10
I like how it wasn't overfilled with the soundtracks and osts or so. Music made everything look cool and intense, it fit every second in there and wasn't late nor early to play just perfect timing.

Rewatch Value 10/10
Shame on me if I don't rewatch it. I have this bad habit of rewatching my top10 kdramas and guess what. It's on it. So far it is Number one I wonder what drama will be able to race it though.

Overall 10/10
It earned it!? <--even put heart
my review isn't the top one but it is worth it and just don't want to put spoilers as I watched it without reading anything just seeing the cover and that the main actor Ji Sung, knowing that he was on left me with no doubt that it will be at least watchable and it ended up as more than that. Directors and Writters did great job as well I am so blessed. I watched this three months after release so didn't have to wait for new episodes THANK GOD because I was vibrating in excitement by clicking next episode everytime. It felt like I was part of movie and couldn't miss any second.

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Completed
RomzTwit
0 people found this review helpful
Nov 16, 2017
18 of 18 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 9.0
Good Story, it takes a bit of time to really take off. No Romance with Kwon Yuri which was a mistake. Kwon Yuri was really hot and a very good performance by her. One of the Batter endings. The story doesn't drag on and flows well throughout the 18 episode. It would be a waste to not have a 2nd season, where the Romance takes off.

Story - 8
Acting - 10
Cast - 10
Enjoyment - 9
Ending - 9

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

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Completed
HealingVibes
0 people found this review helpful
Nov 23, 2023
18 of 18 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers

Plot twist after plot twist!

I've experienced more emotions in these last 18 episodes than I've been in a month lol

It feels like the writer is trying to put 3 shows into 1:

It feels like law drama + memory loss + prison break into one lol.

I personally think the prison break is unnecessary and it's kinda not making sense, although I do enjoy it.

I'd rather seeing the evidence being laid out during the trial for Cha Min Ho, althou I also understand why they want to wrap it up clean and neat. I just love watching law show ,I guess lol.

Both child actors are so cute and sweetheart too! Oh, the surprise twist for me is this

Our Optimus Prime LOL. If you've watched him at DOTS, you'll remember how annoying he is. He often is the case in other show too, but FOR ONCE, he is such a great help here

He is funny and helpful and surprisingly loyal. I really like his character here and this is a major character surprise for me. Coz, when I first saw him, I expect him to be the typical bad guy that he is

All the other characters are all very well done too. Touching and satsifsying ending too

I highly recommend this show! Old shows are indeed better, we don't see such great shows these days anymore

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Defendant (2017) poster

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  • Score: 8.7 (scored by 11,721 users)
  • Ranked: #277
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