CAUTION: WATCH AT YOUR OWN RISK!
Don't watch this show while you're eating, because you'll be laughing so much that chances of choking and dying are a lot.Don't watch this show if you don't want to fall in love with a team of characters that are badass, adorable, witty and will forge a bond with you to the point you'll never want to let go.
Don't watch this show if you like strong badass female characters that kick ass, dominate the screen when they come and have amazing hair to match their amazing intelligence.
Don't watch this if you want to die due to the shortness of breath the titular character Kim Hae Il will cause you by being one of the most iconic characters in K-drama history.
Don't watch it if you can't stand the brilliance that is Kim Nam Gil's acting that gave birth to the baddie of the baddies: a fiery priest who is more like a grim reaper/ death angel 'cause when he comes to you, honey it's judgement day.
Don't watch it if you're someone who gets jealous of the extreme chemistry between all the the characters, don't like bromances, sismances and hilarious antagonists 'cause this show has an abundance of that.
Don't watch it, if you don't want to be addicted to the perfect OST of this show even when it's finished.
Don't watch it if you want to be proved wrong when you said that K-Dramas are just not well- written anymore.
Only watch it, if you are strong enough to take the wholesome awesomeness this megabrilliant masterpiece of a show offers and still remain standing by the end.
You have been warned.
Take care.
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EDITED 4/20/19: Everything in this review still holds true! The second half and ending are fantastic. Give this show a chance!
Story: 10/10
I like the story. It's the typical "there's an injustice, someone dies, a cabal of corrupt higher officials from the police/prosecution/rich people cover it up" storyline that seems super common among Korean crime dramas (and for good reason.. funnily enough this drama is airing as the burning sun scandal is being exposed in Korea). The execution is less serious for the most part (it lives up to its comedy tag), and sometimes bridges into being a little campy, but they always bring it back so that the more emotional scenes never feel forced or out of place. The emotional scenes (character backstories) are engaging and genuine. I'm hard to sell on edgy, tragic character backstories, because they're a) super common and b) often used as an excuse for why [this character] is now a douchebag in the present, but the backstories in this show (especially Father Kim and Detective Dae Young's) are less of that and more of a glimpse of what their characters are suffering with alone.
It's not extremely suspenseful or mysterious, and there's no doubt who the bad guys are from, like, the first few episodes, but it's a solid plot and the writers throw in enough important events to keep it moving along. It's not boring, and it provides plenty of scenarios for the characters to shine.
Acting/Cast: 10/10
This is definitely the star of the show for me. I tend to be a character-focused watcher, with a good plot being an added bonus, but this drama really blows my expectations out of the park for character writing and acting. Usually there's at least one (usually multiple, if I'm being honest) actor/character I think is unrealistic or wooden, and it puts me off, but all the actors are absolutely fantastic.
I've never seen any of the main actors before, but I've been especially appreciating Kim Nam Gil and Kim Sung Kyun's acting. Kim Nam Gil is the obvious star of the show, with perfect execution in the comedy scenes and a heart-wrenching look in his eyes in the more emotional ones. Even Lee Na Hui, whose character is my least favorite out of the three (and, honestly, kind of annoyed the hell out of me for at least the first 15 episodes, but that's just personal taste), acts well enough that I only disliked her character just because her personality wasn't my type, not because her acting was poor or the character was poorly written. She's growing on me. Even the weakest actor IMO (I won't say who) isn't anywhere near the level of annoying over-acting that I dislike in dramas. The cast is a solid A, with even side characters' actors delivering a convincing and engaging performance that adds value to the scenes they're in and makes the characters likable in their own right, instead of being treated like convenient props to further the main characters.
Every interaction feels genuine, and every scene runs fast enough that you're never left thinking, god, this dialogue is dragging and the characters won't stop staring silently/dramatically at each other. (Plus, I'm not an eye-candy watcher, but Kim Nam Gil is almost ridiculously cute in every scene he's in. Watch out for the scenes when he fights and his bangs fall into his eyes. Cute, right?)
The fight scenes are also an absolute delight to watch, even if you're not a fan of gritty action (the show has a martial arts director on set, so the choreo and execution are great.) Filming technique, cinematography, the occasional unique lighting choice, and other visual cues are used well in each scene.
Music: 10/10
OST usually isn't a huge factor in how much I like a drama, but a good one is always a plus. This drama's OST is great: the emotional scenes are paired with delicate orchestral pieces, and the fast-paced and fight scenes aren't afraid to use rock, rap, and raunchy songs with an exciting beat. I downloaded the ending song to my phone.
Rewatch Value: 10/10
...I've been rewatching each episode probably at least twice each after they air, and the whole series when I feel like it, so there's not much else I can say about rewatch value. They're just funny as hell, and I'm a sucker for humor. The scenes don't feel like they get old, and even rewatching a stupid joke for the 4th time is at least 50% as entertaining as the first time. As long as the writers don't drop the ball by a huge amount in the second half (and, honestly, even if they do) this is probably going to be one of my comfort rewatch series and one of my all-time faves.
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1Divine Wrath strikes with unabashed humor, yet healing wounded souls of black, gray + shorn sheep
"The Fiery Priest" is all about Korean humor. You might have to get used to it. At least I did. The first time I approached the series I probably wasn't ready and possibly not in the right mood for such cheerful, tongue-in-cheek fun à la Korean style. I gave up quite early (probably after the first episode). On the second try tough, everything just fell into place. And by now I can say from experience: "The Fiery Priest" is ideal for repeat offenders. I had even more fun then... (And that probably wasn´t the last time I watched...)Nonetheless. Korean humor is special, especially when it comes to the fascination of the intestines - often enough they are gladly celebrated in a wide variety. Here as well. Utter confusion and frenzy are also a must. Instead of tried and tested bar fights and brawls of the western type however, the focus here is rather on choreographed martial arts.
Humor reigns supreme in "The Fiery Priest". Humor determines the pace, the timing, the nuances and the ambience. Slapstick, situation comedy, dialogue jokes, parody, irony - hardly anything is left out. "The Fiery Priest" doesn't take itself too seriously. The central storyline says it all: in the robes of a priest a former NIS agent ensures order and justice. Even the Pope has his brief appearance here. But also the 'sects' with self-appointed saviors flourishing in the country.
And yet, the "The Fiery Priest" has some serious tones to offer, too - besides and in the middle of all the slapstick. The plot background is once again fueled by South Korean backroom liaisons between executive, judiciary, politics and crime. With regard to the personality development of the individual characters, touching emotional moments also come along here and there - comparatively modestly, but nevertheless with impact.
Finally, "The Fiery Priest" also plays out another strength of KDrama: Here you can experience a lot of cheerfully and yet subtly touchingly executed bromance and womance. (However, there's no romance. But nobody has to miss it.) Bromance and womance as well as the variety of embedded side plots inspirit dramaturgical facets, that may touch the heart, having quite something to offer between soft touch and punch. It is simply a pleasure to watch the various dynamic personality developments. (Outstanding actors all along, by the way!)
"The Fiery Priest" spectacularly succeeds in balancing a tightrope act - good-humoredly and mischievously dancing above an unspeakable swamp of injustice, bribery, abuse of power and human greed.
Divine Wrath strikes with unabashed humor, thus along the way healing the wounded souls of the black, gray, and shorn sheep.
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To me, this is one of the best Crime-Comedy Drama that I have watched for 2019.
Cast members are absolutely fantastic. Comedy and humour are really effective. The Writer has taken time out to basically referenced Kim Nm gil's movies, which is great! As a fan of him, I have to say that this is one of the dramas that sparks his talent.
This drama brings all emotions into the audience. From Laughter to tears and to anger. It is such a unique piece of work.
I highly recommend anyone who has not watched it. Watch it and enjoy :)
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This review may contain spoilers
Left Breathless
Okay so I NEVER write a review for a drama I'm still watching but I have to make an exception. GO AND WATCH THIS DRAMA IF YOU HAVEN'T!!! Who needs romance when you've got a fiery priest, a crazy woman, a rapper lady and a silly detective???? Nobody that's who. I just finished episode 26 and the last scene with Song Sac doing Muay Thai on the bad guys gave me life ahhhh, It's the reason I'm writing this review.STORY: Let me start by giving the writers a standing ovation. The story is genius, yes It takes sometime to get to the synopsis but even the build up to it is amazing, not a single moment of boredom! I dare you to skip lol. I don't know but I - just like a lot of the other viewers- think this story has to be referencing the Burning sun issue. There's a lot of similarities and even if it has nothing to do with it, let me say kudos to the team for bringing this issue into light. Also that one scene where they referenced Reply 1988 with Ryong and the detective really had me rolling lol.
ACTING: WOW! Could Kim Nam Gil get any finer? He manages to draw you into his emotions, you start believing that everything is real. Honey Lee also, I've loved her since I watched Rebel and even if her character was sooooo infuriating at first, you managed to crack up whenever she did something silly. The whole cast is amazing. The villains/Antagonists make you hate them so much and the Heroes/ Protagonists make you love them.
MUSIC: Honestly the only OST I've really paid attention to is the one with the rap, that aside the two BTS songs that were briefly played - Fire and Idol - and the Honey bgm that plays for Honey. Still I rate the Music a 10 in general lol.
OVERALL: This is a must watch, yes I haven't finished watching but I know I'm not going to be changing my rating lol. I'll edit this after I'm done with the drama.
EDIT: Just finished it and I was right, this drama did not fail my expectations. Thank you to the team for bringing us this gem and like I said earlier, EVERYONE should watch this!
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What i liked the most at this drama was the cast and the caracters. Like someone said if Kim Won Hae is in drama then must be a good one. His caracter, Vladimir Kozayev, is unique and made me to laugh hard few time. Another supporting actor who catch my antention was Eum Moon Suk (Long Dragon), his acting skills are really good. And of course the big suprise for me was Kim Nam Gil. I heard a lot about him but it's my first time when i am watching a drama with him. No doubt that he is one of the best actors from South Korea.
The story was intense. I saw this drama in 2 day and i stayed all the night awake to see it. All the drama i was waiting to see how the bad guys will be punished. My heart skiped a beat everytime when the plans of good guys didn't work. Corruption is something scary. And this drama was so close to reality regarding to this topic.
The OST for this drama are really good. Recommed to listen // 정동하(Feat. La. Q) - Fighter [열혈사제 OST Part.3 // .
This drama brings a huricane of emotions. From happiness to sadness. From love to hate. You will feel along with the caracters frustration, determination, excitement and hope.
You will not regret to watch this drama. ^^
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Don't Look It In A Religious Way and ENJOY THE RIDE!
Another masterpiece by Park Jae Bum writer!By looking the title and the plot it doesn't really interest me to watch, but I know it was "Chief Kim"'s writer so I will definitely give it a try! and INDEED, it was as good as Chief Kim! :)
I mean for people like me who don't really know about religious stuff, oftentimes don't quite understand about all the religious part but you can simply just ignore it and don't take it too seriously. Enjoy the main plot of it and you will realise it was SO WELL WRITTEN.
I love how the main characters come together despite being so different, they were so skeptical against each other from the start but so unite at the end! The whole show was like a rollercoaster where you thought they were getting ahead but then they failed again, trying again and again to win the battle, but it was not boring at all!!! Just, FULL of EXCITEMENT!
*Not to say, their acting made those funny scenes REALLY hilarious, to the extent that made me laughed out real loud. ?? Definitely need to give some credits to the team for keeping the story thrilling while bringing so much laughter throughout the entire series.
I knew Kim-Nam-Gil got a Daesang for this show and honestly he totally deserved it!!!! His action scenes were SOOOO GOOD and not to say how his acting impressed me a lot. I'm looking forward for their second season and I hope it will be the original cast too :) I LOVE THEM!
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At first, I wasn't sure how they would be able to use the religious aspect without making it seem boring or touchy but they used it as a double edged sword. It brings an original comic aspect in many situation but they also used it to convey a message more serious.
Every single character brought something unique to the story and the cast ... just wow.
It's my first time laughing so much in front of a drama after chief Kim. Totally worth watching and even re-watching !
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This review may contain spoilers
FIRECRACKER!
The Fiery Priest is such a firecraker! There's no dull moment in this one... all 20 episodes of it!I got curious with this series when Kim Nam Gil won the Daesang award at SBS Drama Awards 2019 beating Lee Seung Gi who I was fangirling with at that time. Little did I know that it would start my Kim Nam Gil obsession! What with his flawless acting, handsome face, long legs and uber interesting personality!
He got me from the very first scene. He was perfect for this role. His comedic timing is never out of place. His emotional scenes are heart wrenching with those eyes that seems to exude all the feelings he doesnt need to say with words. His action scenes are superb with his amazing kicks and stunts he did himself. Watch out for the fight scenes with his bangs falling back into his eyes and youll know what I mean! He deserved all the best actor awards he received for this drama. Its really really good! Jinja!
The storyline, character growth and back stories were so well written that each of them will grow on you... yes, even the bad guys! There are no extras in this series, all the characters from the leads to the supporting roles were each given their time to shine. I laughed hard with all the comedic parts especially the spoof of Mr. Sunshine and Reply 1988. I liked how the funny takes gave the audience a chance to breathe and exhale from the well choreographed action and devastating emotional scenes. As a catholic myself, I felt Father Kim's frustration against fighting the injustice of society without defying the will of God. I cried when he cried, and felt so proud when he succeeded into changing the people around him without making them do the things they dont want to do. I loved how subtle the life lessons were conveyed yet delivered like a slap to the face. I loved when he said that just like the saints have their past, the sinners have their future. I felt his humanity and faith when on the brink of pulling the trigger he chose to forgive his nemesis not just 7 times but 77 times. I loved that in the end he didnt left the church and stayed true to his character. Theres nothing I didnt like about this series, hey I even loved the soundtrack and will forever feel giddy eveytime I hear that guitar tone theme while Kim Nam Gil enters the scene in slow motion! Along with millions of fans around the world, Im patiently waiting and praying for season 2 ?
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if you noticed my early comments on the first half of the drama, i actually thought there were so many things that i didn't like about the comedy. i thought ahh if only they'd lose the comedy bit it would make the drama less annoying.
but then when the dream team slowly came together, the slapstick comedy has reduced a lot, and the comedy part has gotten significantly better. there's almost a marked difference between the first half and the second half in terms of quality.
i thought carefully about how best to score this drama between 9.5 and a 10, and then i consider other dramas that i have rated a 9.5, and thought i liked this so much more overall; i could not deduct points from it even though i acknowledge its obvious flaws. IT'S REALLY THAT GOOD.
this drama is also one of those where ALL the actors i thought are perfectly cast for their respective roles. some characters can be annoying at first, but the way the writers skillfully threaded redemption arc for them while maintaining that sense of realism is just outstanding. Kim Nam Gil ouh my God what can i say about this gorgeous, very fine specimen of a man LOL. you're my new crush in town WTF my heart is weak. >.>
if you can ignore some of the more ineffective/lame comedy in the first half, i guarantee you are down for one of the best story/dream team written in kdramaland ever!
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