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Acting: this cast was amazingly cast. MaleLead (ML)_ slick-smart-badasser; FL_smooth-savvy/smart-badasser = perfect pairing; FVillian: dang she is amazing an ice queen-ruthless-narcissistic. She's kicked it up several levels from her BOF evilness_ DANG!; MVillian: this thug grows on you. He is a street thug who's kicking with power, thug/gang style. Evil, ruthless and well portrayed.
Music: it all FIT- well done!
Re-Watch: yes
Overall: Thugs - politicians portrayed as seamless puzzles pieces completing the picture, much like our global present day "power-thug" political landscape. The transition from politician to thug or visa versa, we the common citizen are simple fodder. Lots of lessons taught in this drama,if considering career changes. Final note: one of the better Kdramas in a LONG time!
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This review may contain spoilers
Action packed with a heart warming romance
9.5/10 is my rating. This is a 2018 South Korean legal thriller with 16, 60 minute episodes.After witnessing his mother’s murder, Bong Sang-pil (Lee Joon-gi) goes to live with his uncle Choi Dae-woong (Ann Nae-sang) who despite being a gangster has a sense of morality and raises his nephew as his own. Sang-pil’s mother was an attorney and was in the process of exposing criminally corrupt officials when she was murdered to silence her. Determined to avenge his mother, Sang-pil learns fighting skills from his uncle. He determines that gangster skills are not enough though and becomes a lawyer then blending his lawless/gangster style with that of a smart, tough lawyer to seek justice against evil doers. Ha Jae-yi (Seo Yea-ji) is unaware that her and Sang-pil share a connection through their parents and the dark events that occurred in the past. Sang-pil has been watching Jae-yi from afar and finds her strong sense of justice combined with a fiery spirit , very compelling. When Jae-yi returns to her hometown after being suspended and fired for standing up to a corrupt, judge, Sang-pil who was back to seek revenge, sets up “chance” encounters. He gets Jae-yi to work at his law firm where he can utilize her skills while being able to keep a close, protective, eye on her. As the two people work together unraveling the past and working to bring the powerful and elite of the city to justice for their many crimes, love blossoms between them. Can the two use a combination of street justice and law to topple a nearly impermeable corrupt power structure? Can they survive and pursue a brighter future together?
I am a fan of Lee Joon-gi as I find that he selects intriguingly complex plots with action packed scenes that are also sweetly romantic. Those that I have seen him in have well written endings and the female roles are typically a good foil for the male lead. In this one I loved his character who was nearly super hero like in his pursuit of justice. He and Seo Yea-Ji were a couple I could easily envision together as they had great chemistry and just looked really good together. I have been putting off watching “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay” but now that I watched Seo Yea-Ji’s performance in this I am eager to see her in other roles. I watched this at a time when our government has similar layers of corruption and where many are experiencing feelings of hopelessness because of it so seeing good overcoming evil was particularly compelling at this time. The action scenes were exciting and you could tel that Lee Joon-gi is an accomplished martial artist. The end started just a little slow and there is an element where her dad does not believe her and when the truth comes to light the never show the father’s light bulb moment. This is one of my new favorites and I highly recommend it.
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Law and crime genre in a really whole new level... Welcome to the city of the lawless
For those who loves law and crime genre, this one is something you shouldn't really miss out. Law dramas are usually heavy and most commonly follow the same cliche plot about high ranking officials who are trusted by the people but in reality are abusing their power for personal gains but then a victim of their wrongdoings decided to step up and seek for revenge. This drama has practically the same story line BUT what made this drama worth-watching is that among the law and crime genre dramas I've watched before, this really stood out for good reasons. First, I like the fact that there were less technical terms about law which made it easier for me to focus on the story itself and the emotions that the characters portray. Second, this drama despite being heavy due the revenge story, was able to insert various emotions that will make you feel like you are riding on a roller coaster of emotions. There were scenes that can make you laugh really hard, then there will be scene that will make you feel the suspense and the tension, at some point you will also see yourself being hooked on the romance among the leads then it will make you cry as well eventually feeling the hardships of the main leads.Aside from the amazing plot itself the casting also played a crucial part in making this drama a big success on my heart. At first, I didn't know that Lee JoonKi was starring on this until he first appeared on screen. I haven't seen him on a similar genre before so I wasn't sure about what to expect but on the first ten minutes watching the first episode, I already knew that he will nail the role and damn he really did. For the female lead, Seo YeJi, I honestly didn't see her on other dramas I've watched before so she's unfamiliar but as the character shapes up along with the drama, I can't even think of any other actresses that will fit on her character as accurate as she portrayed it. The chemistry between the two was natural (as far as I remember, LGK always have a good chemistry on whoever he is partnered with. The supporting roles like those who worked for Lawless Law Firm was mostly responsible for adding humor in this drama, without them I'm almost certain that it won't be as good as what it turned out. Although there were several villains in this drama, Lee HyeYoung and Choi MinSoo were the most highlighted villains. They are really one of the most sought-after villains in the drama world. The type of villain that will make your blood boil out of anger while watching it because of how good they act as the villain on the story but at the same time you can't stop yourself in respecting and admiring them as talented actors and actresses doing a very great job in breathing life into their roles.
The sound effect makes me excited specially on fight scenes, while moving to the beat of the music, I feel like I'm throwing kicks and punches with them. I also love that there were accents on this drama even though I'm not really sure what accent it is. As good as this drama may be, there were still some heavy parts all throughout it involving deaths, revenge and power manipulations so it's not really a drama that you can re-watch over and over again like romantic comedy dramas but for me this is still really one of those must-watch dramas that you might regret not trying even once.
So, are you ready to dive in to the city of the lawless?
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Overacting
I had many expectations for this show because of the director (Extracurricular, My name) and because of the cast, but unfortunately I was disappointed. The plot was a little bit childish and not convincing. There was no suspens at all and I wasn't looking forward to binge watch this show. I'm not quite sure if the problem was in editing or in the direction in general. They forced a love interest between the two protagonists in the first episodes which blow out really soon through out the series. The bigest surprise though was the acting. O had a feeling of overacting. Although I really enjoyed Choi Dae Hoon's acting.Was this review helpful to you?
Now the in depth review.
The story isn't new, as I've said. There are the expected plot lines but let's face it David and Goliath stories with revenge thrown in are tried and true classics that everyone enjoys watching. The start of this drama is great, the first half is setting the stage and introducing the characters, which was interesting to watch how the hero and heroine were connected and their tragic backstory. It was surprising to me to see how fast the ML and FL fell in love. This is not a slow burn romance. It made the story slightly better for me since there wasn't any angsty love thrown in amidst all the revenge and justice being served. That was a nice change of pace from some of the other dramas I've watched recently. The weakest part for me was the ending court room scene. I felt like that was a hot mess. I don't know much about the South Korean legal system but it can't be that the judge starts interrogating the witnesses. And why wouldn't the judge recuse herself or have a forced recusal? It just gave me a headache, my suspension of disbelief completely left the courtroom.
The acting by the main leads is great if melodramatic at times. Some of the intensity made me think about when the director says cut and they have to relax after the scene. So, it took me out of the drama a bit. This is the first time I've watched Lee Joon Gi. At first, I just didn't get why everyone was all about this dude. But then his intense gaze happened and he started to pull me around but what clenched my interest was the fight scenes. Dude is a great fighter and knowing he does his own stunts makes it so much better. I really liked Seo Ye Ji. She is beautiful and had an intensity to her blank face that alot of actresses lack. Her stare says so much even if her face is passive. Lee Hye Young. What a brilliant and deliciously evil portrayal! This woman can do evil. I absolutely love to hate her characters. The supporting cast was lackluster. Choi Mon Soo portrayed Ahn Oh Joo way over the top. I hated watching him and hearing his voice. The only thing I liked about him was the last scene that he was in. He did crazy well.
The music is great. I loved the song at the end!! It's bad assery added to the drama.
I definitely recommend this to those who like crime and revenge dramas. The action was a lot of fun too.
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Pretty good
The beginning of the show is strong. It offers a unique story that is captivating to the viewer and is continuously explained throughout the show making you want to keep watching. However, there is a lull in the middle and it was a bit tedious to get through. I had to fast forwarded quite a bit.  The ending wrapped up most of the plot points but I felt like it was lacking some depth. I like the crime and law & order genre so i stuck through it, but these are the same reason I drop rom-com shows. The main couple had a lot of chemistry through the beginning and middle, but the stopped being very convincing at the end, more like very close friends. I don't know, it's probably just me.I love both leads, Lee Joon Gi and Seo Ye Ji. I think they are very good actors. Lee Joon Gi shined the most to me, probably because his character is sooooo multi dimensional, more so than Seo Ye Ji's. He portrayed all of his characters emotions very well and personalities very well.
I would maybe watch it again but I'd be fast forwarding through a lot, honestly.
The music felt fitting and gave ambience when needed. I also thought the title song fit the vibe of the show well.
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I think I like this better than The Devil Judge
A complex story without being convoluted. This has the right formula as it has a ML who's a bit rough around the edges but definitely with a good heart. And a FL who's a sweet loving daughter with a power punch for those who deserve it.Actors played their role really well, even the supporting characters and their subplots were entertaining to watch. There's not much character development in here. They are who they were even from the start. Take the ML for example, he was a nice and wise kid turned into a crafty and a bit unconventional lawyer. A FL lawyer who's not weak and helpless but with a caring heart and a steel core. I also like the familial loyalty and love shown in the show. From a child to their parents, a parent to a child, to brother and sister relationship.
Action packed crime/mystery series with enough romance, drama and comedy to make the story interesting. And the best thing, this has a happy ending. Justice is served. I wouldnt mind if theres a second season.
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The story was sometime predictable, but there were still twists and turns that I did not expect in this drama! It has been a while since I was so invested in a crime story and not only the good guys, but the villains too.
The acting all around was fantastic!!! From the main characters to the supporting characters and the villains were well written. I was invested in almost of all the characters and wanted everyone to have the ending they deserve (bad guys get justice and good guys win). The action scenes from Lee Jung Ki was amazingly choreographed. I learned that he did his own stunts (like Ji Chang Wook did in K2). Seo Ye Ji did an amazing job and held her own in this drama! Her character was smart, can hold her own in a fight, funny and last but not least open-minded. The supporting characters were very fun to watch especially when the drama got too much (I have cried a bit in this drama). For the first time in a while, I was invested and creeped out by the villains in this drama and what they were going to do. They were smart, resourceful and full of fun to watch the interactions between them and the main characters! The romance in my opinion was realistic type of romance where they just are there for each other as they help each other out as partners in crime and romance. Lee Jung Ki and Seo Ye Ji has amazing chemistry that was so fun to watch; from their interestingly "flirty" bickering to understanding/open-minding partners in crime to understanding friendship and romance. This couple is one of the best couples of 2018!
The background music was very memorable and fitted in all the scenes. The music really help the mood of this drama (this feeling reminds me of I Hear Your Voice when it came to the BGMs being memorable)!
I have re-watched it twice already! I only re-watched it for the romance and the funny moments as well.
Overall, I would recommend this drama to anyone who loves a good action/crime/mystery/romance drama with sprinkle of humor throughout and well-thought out villains and main characters.
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This review may contain spoilers
Recuse the Judge!
“Hypocrisy is the audacity to preach integrity from a den of corruption.” It’s sad that we live in a world where this is far truer than we’d like it to be. Those in power who abuse that power to exploit those around them. Promises of fame, money or even power on some level are often all that is needed to put someone on the path. What is scary about people like Hitler, Stalin, Trump, and many others throughout history, is that they convince themselves that they are doing it for the people and the greater good. When, in fact, it is always for themselves.The Lawless Lawyer sees Bong Sang PIl return to the city of Ki-Song after eighteen years to seek revenge against the kingpin of the local gang and the judge behind him for the murder of his mother, which took place right in front of him when he was ten years old. Now a lawyer, he’s determined to exact his revenge through the law. Bong Sang Pil doesn’t need to find out who is responsible because he was there to see everyone who was involved. But, he also knows that kingpin, Ahn Oh Joo and Judge Cha Moon Sook are too powerful to be taken down any other way. Oh, he could resort to petty violence, but he knows that this would only destroy him in the process. Bong Sang Pil, the nephew of another kingpin, has connections within the underworld, but he’s told by his uncle to stick to the law and not follow his uncle’s path.
Ha Jae Yi is another brilliant attorney whose ability in court is matched by her temper. After punching out a judge for his demeaning and derogatory statements about women, she’s suspended and return to Ki-Song to try and figure out what to do next. Ironically, Ha Jae Yi’s own mother disappeared the same night that Bong Sang Pil’s mother was killed. And we find out that Jae Yi’s mother was instrumental in saving Bong Sang Pil from certain death on that fateful night. We also learn that Jae Yi’s mother has powerful evidence of Ahn Oh Joo and Judge Cha Moon Sook, but she is forced to flee Korea in order to keep her husband and daughter safe.
I’ve seen several K-Dramas where the central theme is political and judicial corruption. “Stranger” was the best I’ve seen. “Chief of Staff” is another. This series is compelling because it deals with corruption within a town and how a corrupt judge rules with an iron fist, using people like tissue, and doing everything for the sake of money and fame. Actress Lee Hye Young gives a superb performance as a woman who simply cannot see that anything she does is wrong or hurtful. To her, people are there to be exploited, and we can’t help wondering how much of an influence her own father was; a man who’s hinted at being a corrupt judge himself.
For the most part, the series moves along at a great pace. What is truly impressive is how the writers are able to weave this tapestry, which is like watching two grandmaster chess players in Bong Sang Pil and Cha Moon Sook, trying to outmaneuver and outsmart each other. While Bong Sang Pil doesn’t have the power that the judge has, we quickly come to see just how smart he really is. And that is what makes his character so compelling. But, he quickly realizes that he can’t underestimate Cha Moon Sook or what she is capable of.
If the series has one major flaw, it’s this: Ha Jae Yi’s mother returns to help. And while it’s been 18 years, there is no way that Ha Jae Yi wouldn’t recognize her. Ha Jae Yi’s father runs a photo studio. The family photo sits prominently in the store window, not to mention the countless photos inside the house. And speaking as someone who lost his father, you never forget a parent’s face. I spent hours, days, and even years with his picture all around me, looking at it whenever I wanted. Ha Jae Yi would be of the same mindset. I understand that the writers did this for the sake of the plot, but it doesn’t work here. They should have come up with another ploy to make it work.
A subplot in Episode 14 also doesn’t quite work in which Ahn Oh Joo tells Bong Sang Pil over the phone that he intends to do something to Ha Jae Yi, and yet Bong Sang Pil doesn’t even bother to warn her or even Chief Tae of the threat. That made no sense either. Again, and I say this often in my reviews when I catch this: do not sacrifice character for the sake of making the plot work! In other words, don’t make a character do something that goes against their nature just to make a plot point work.
All in all, this is a highly entertaining and intriguing series. It’s my second time watching Lee Joon Gi after “Flower of Evil” and I can quickly see why he’s so beloved. The man tackles complex characters and emotions with ease. It’s clear to me that he’s a natural when it comes to acting. Even facial tics and flinches make him even more compelling. It is also my second time with Seo Yea Ji after “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay.” Obviously, her performance in “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay” has far more depth and complexity to it, which she handles like a master artist, but she’s no less compelling in this role. I love how she brings fearlessness to her character. Even when facing Cha Moon Sook, she’s got nerves of steel and won’t back down for a second. I love seeing people, especially Korean women who too often are treated like wallflowers, stand fast and stand strong.
This series has humor, wit, great characters, and a thrilling story. It reminds me a bit of one of the best detective series, “Columbo.” We know how the murder was done, and we even know who did it. What we want to know is how the detective will be able to prove it. In this case, we want to see how Bong Sang Pil will be able to catch Cha Moon Sook, along with everyone else who is responsible for destroying his and Ha Jae Yi’s childhoods.
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Part of the 3/4 (12 ep) episodes went on to describe the character of Cha Moon Shook as powerful and brilliant minded so that our main couple seemed did not emerge in the series, that they are co-star/supporting actor of the main lead Cha Moon Shook .
i really want to drop it but only for "lee joon gi " i finished it and of course for his fight/action scenes which hook me till the last
" i'm disappointed " Apart from this, I did not have anything else to say. :(
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Lee Joon Gi martial arts is A M A Z I N G! Love his acting abilities! No wonder he is so popular among his fans!
That rap song at the end, *Living in the City" by PULLIK music by Ma Sang-woo... LOVED IT! The Lyrics "Outstanding".
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