Vincenzo

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Impossible to finish.

Vincenzo was a series I was looking forward to when tvN announced that they were producing this series with a few actors I tend to like when they are playing on-screen and I must admit that I was enjoying the very first few episodes when this series was released for public. It wasn't a masterpiece in those episodes either, but the series looked promising and decided to give it a full go.

Now about five or six episodes in, my opinion started to shift to a more negative point of view as I found the episodes becoming somewhat of a copy of the previous with a different story line and to me it felt that the producers were simply doing their best to stretch this series out and cash in.

Remind you that I started to watch this series back in 2021, I finished the last episode of this series right now in 2026 as I barely was able to waste my time to actually finish the series and my opinion even worsened over time.

Story was repetitive, weak and one could already see what was coming well in advance.

The acting was reasonable with some actors like Song Joong Ki, however Jeon Yeo Been been the absolute worst in this series (don't like her style of acting) and for some reason I am completely shocked by the fact that she won an award with it.

Music is reasonable to good

And it is fair to say that the rewatch value gets the lowest of the lowest score given that it took almost five years for me to complete 20 episodes.

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Whose vengeance is righteous ? "Heroes" are just as bad as villains.Romance doesn't work.

why the low rating:Song Joong Ki is not the reason ! it's the cast of characters closest around him that foul up the drama. For the first half of the series it was unexpectedly fun -yet the gritty, cold violence increasingly escalates & is very disturbing. The females in this series are all crass, crude, irritating & unpleasant. The good guys are playing the same games as the bad guys, so "good" is a matter of perspective ( who has tortured & killed less ?). Hero's by my definition are not cruel, so this eye for eye vengeful plotline pushed my level of tolerance to it's limit. OK it's fun to have a cool guy going around righting wrongs, but where's the line you don't cross ? Even Vincenzo admits that there is a time when he becomes a monster in order to fulfill his agenda. And the sad thing is that he inspires ( infects is a better word) those around him, putting them all in danger by following his example as well as turning them into deviants.By Episode 14 I just wanted to enjoy watching Song Joong Ki do his snarky cool thing, but the irritating female lead is like fingernails on a chalkboard & you wish someone would "off" her. I have zero desire to see the lead's in a romantic relationship at this point (& that never changed) .I gave myself a week off from watching before finishing the drama- I didn't find the building occupants interesting or amusing & the violence had started to be too much. The rest of the drama was set on driving home the theme that the justice system doesn't work as it should & so vigilantism is the only solution.[wait, by being a torturer & a killer driven by your own moral compass, how are you better than the evil you are trying to eradicate-as you go about unchecked on your self declared righteous "crusade" ?] The last episodes are grim & a blood bath of Vincenzo getting his revenge. They throw a bit of romance in that doesn't go anywhere because he can't stay in Korea & then there is a year time skip with the teaser that there might be a season 2. The ending is unsatisfying & if you step back from the fact that the actor playing the lead is so great to watch do his James Bond sort of thing, then you realize that you don't like the dark character he's playing, who will always be a killer.

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Third time watching and:

It's truly a gem. I don't understand how I can still love this series five years after it came out...
But hear me out : the soundtrack *chef kiss*, the actors are good and their performances are varied YES, i admit, sometimes cliché !
And yes, it's disturbing, it's pure violence, simple revenge, the typical mafia cliché. And there's some scenes quite funny who makes you forget.. just for a few minutes. And then suddenly, a BIG punch in the face, the fun stops completely.
For me, it works; the final episode still makes my stomach churn in 2026.
But DAMN, the journey to get there, I experienced the story so intensely that I felt a void and thought, "OK, so what happens now?" What happens once all that's over?

I can explain this feeling but guys... just tried it.

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Masterpiece of the year

Vincenzo was well written and perfectly executed in my opinion. No overload of romance to the point where it takes away from the story. Highly recommend.

This drama perfectly balances drama, comedy and violence without being overbearing in any aspect.

The ending perfectly captured the way that Vincenzo is neither a hero nor a villain, he still does bad things, and "doesn't care about justice," yet we still see him develop relationships with people and treat others with sympathy, which introduces a dilemma for the viewer.
A dilemma which Hong Cha-young also faces as she learns more and more about Vincenzo.

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I think I can say with absolute certainty that Vincenzo has ruined all other K-dramas for me—I’d even go so far as to say it’s ruined other shows as well.

I started watching it and finished it in 4 days. To finish a 20-episode series with episodes over an hour long in 4 days, one of two things is true: either you’re unemployed or the series is some kind of drug. In my case, it was a mix of both, since I watched it for the first time during the pandemic and spent practically 100% of my time at home. It was quite an experience—and what an experience it was.

Starting with our beloved protagonist, Vincenzo Cassano. And what a performance by Song Joong-ki! It was my first drama starring him, and he didn’t disappoint. When I saw that he’d be the lead and would play a murderous mobster, I was a bit skeptical. The actor had a baby face and didn’t give off the vibe of a bad guy. In my mind, there was no way this could work. And I’ve never been so happy to be wrong. Vincenzo was MADE to be played by Song Joong-ki. I can’t imagine any other actor capable of conveying the character’s coldness and “almost” psychopathic nature, while at the same time captivating the audience with his charisma and making us root for him throughout the entire drama.

I have to admit that when I got ready to watch a series where the protagonist was an antihero, I thought they’d take the character down a path of redemption. The fact that they didn’t do that was a relief. Vincenzo is a man who does terrible, cruel things, who has clear moral flaws, and he remains that way until the end. Many times during the drama, I found myself forgetting about that side of him, precisely because he’s such a charismatic and even funny character, but the fact that the drama is a mix of action and comedy added an extra layer to that. You’re there laughing at a scene, and suddenly the drama pulls the rug out from under you and reminds you: he’s not the good guy in this story.

Following a story where the protagonist isn’t a moralist and makes people pay for their actions is nothing less than satisfying. Vincenzo won’t refuse to do something evil just because he’s “better than that.” In reality, he’s worse. Vincenzo finds justice weak and hollow; he lives by the principle that you only pay for your actions if you suffer an equivalent punishment. I confess that even my own principles were called into question during this series, especially when I found myself laughing out loud at the sight of a woman being burned alive.

I love how, in this show, the famous “power of the protagonist” doesn’t need to be used — at least not as often as it is in other dramas. Simply because the protagonist is self-sufficient on his own. Vincenzo manages to get out of impossible situations because he’s extremely intelligent, but the drama justifies this. He’s the mafia’s advisor; it’s obvious he’ll always be thinking one step ahead of everyone else, he was trained for that. It’s not unrealistic. He loses several times, but for realistic reasons as well.

His growth is also admirable. We clearly see at the beginning how he is a guy completely closed off in his own bubble; he only cares about his own problems and the things that affect him. He pretends not to care about his mother even when he visits her; he has emotional blocks and nightmares that keep him from sleeping due to the violent environment in which he lives. It’s beautiful to see how he gradually develops affection for the building’s residents, begins to understand and forgive his own mother, and falls in love with Chaeyoung. These are such human feelings, but ones he never thought he deserved to feel, since he was taught that “villains don’t deserve love.”

Since 2021, I’ve watched this series more than 10 times, and yes, I stopped counting after the tenth time. I’ll definitely watch it again, because I never get tired of it.

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"Vincenzo: A Darkly Entertaining K-Drama Masterpiece"

"Vincenzo," a South Korean drama that made its debut in 2021, is a brilliant and unconventional masterpiece that captivates from start to finish. This dark comedy-crime series, starring Song Joong-ki as the enigmatic Vincenzo Cassano, combines elements of legal drama, mafia intrigue, and social commentary to create a unique and thrilling narrative.

The show excels in its character development, particularly with Vincenzo himself. Song Joong-ki's portrayal is charismatic and multifaceted, and his character's moral ambiguity keeps the audience guessing. The cast, including Jeon Yeo-been and Ok Taec-yeon, delivers outstanding performances that enrich the storyline.

"Vincenzo" is known for its clever writing and intricate plot twists. It seamlessly weaves together moments of tension, humor, and even heartwarming scenes. The cinematography and production values are top-notch, adding to the show's overall visual appeal.

What sets "Vincenzo" apart is its exploration of societal issues and corruption within the legal system. It presents a thought-provoking commentary on power, justice, and the battle between good and evil.

In summary, "Vincenzo" is a standout K-Drama that transcends typical genre boundaries. Its compelling characters, intriguing plot, and social relevance make it a must-watch for fans of thrilling, morally complex narratives. This series is a testament to the power of storytelling and its ability to both entertain and provoke thought.

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Captivating and most definitely worth the watch !

I just finished ep20 and I wanted to see the ending before writing a review because not only is the plot important to me but the ending is as well. It can really make or break a kdrama/series/movie imo. Vincenzo was chill and amazing. I loved the cast. I loved the fast retribution and the overall pace of the show. If you haven't, i highly suggest you give it a shot. I fell in love with han seo. I'm so happy he wasn't a bad guy. I wish he didn't have to die but i guess it worked for the best. Vincenzo was ofc and exceptional actor in this (when is he never tho?) The scene where he and his mom are at the park talking about each other while not talking about each other make me bawllllllll. His mom saying what she would say to her son not knowing that she was saying it to him all along. And i also appreciate the fact that it wasn't overly romantic. And that romance wasn't the focus but instead friends and family.

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This is masterpiece. The excitement and and the emptiness of finishing this drama is still here.

ACTING/CAST:
Song Joong ki - He is PERFECT for the role. He execute the whole Vincenzo vibes. I still remember the scene where he is punching this one guy, his eyes in that scenes is just so scary. And then how he jump into being our Corn Salad is just so cute.
Jeon Yeo bin - She is not a rising star anymore, she is now shining up there. Brighter than everyone else. Her character and how she portray it, is just so LIT. She really did a good job, better than good job, I have no words. Big thumbs up to her very appealing portrayal and diction as Hong Cha young. (I just love her, I falling to her, though I'm straight).
Taecyeon - To all his dramas that I've watched, Vincenzo is different league. But he freaking spice this drama so well, that you will never think that he is an idol. Han seok, his character, is so freaaaking irritating and I'm really furious at him, meaning Taecyeon did really well for his character.
The lawyers (Choi Myung hee & Han Seuk hyung) - Big thumbs up for the two, especially Kim Hye jon, oooh goodness self, just how many times I've beaten up myself to wish you bad. Good job
Jang Han seo & Geumga Tenants - Everyone portray uniquely and shines individually and as a group. Big spoce in the drama.
And our Inzaghi - you virtual birdie, thank you for saving our Corn Salad.

STORY & PRODUCTION & VISUAL FX:
Story is just ghad dam amazing. Cute, flirting scenes, fighting, guns scenes, death. Just everything is so good in the production. ++ love how colors of every scenes, it just gives totally the vibe of the scenes. Inzaghi and green screens - MAMA MIA

OST:
Every song is soo damn good. Periodt.

REWATCH VALUE:
i WILL absolutely watch this again. Let me finished "Be Melodramatic" (Jeon Yeo bin's drama) She is just a girl crush.

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Tonally disjointed with a nonsensical plot

Sigh. I'm so disappointed with "Vincenzo". I didn't expect a drama about a Korean adoptee who becomes a consiglieri in the mafia to be the second coming of "The Godfather", but I did expect much more than a legal drama that reduced the courtroom to a circus with a seemingly invincible and ridiculously deranged villain.

The first three episodes definitely have their flaws - most notably the strange comedy that feels disjointed from the more serious tone of the main story. However, the plot seems to have direction. Vincenzo's goals are clearly defined, the conflict that prevents him achieving said goal is established, and the event that spirals everything out of control is executed perfectly. The build up of tension across those three episodes left me with my jaw on the floor and ready to see how Vincenzo executed his revenge through both legal and illegal means.

But, by episode 5 I was already beginning to feel tired with the drama: the writer was speeding through so many scenarios, it was clear to see that he was going to run out of steam and that the story would drag across 15 more episodes. And I was correct. Because by the end of episode 9, not only is Vincenzo no longer calm, collected, calculative and cunning, but he's just plain stupid. He executes all his plans in the most haphazard obvious way, its a surprise he doesn't end up dead within five minutes. The writer keeps telling us that he's this intelligent mafioso, but honestly, how the hell did he last as long as he did in the mob by acting so carelessly? There's knowing when to show your hand to your enemy in order to push them into the corner, and then there's being so blatantly obvious it gets you and everybody else around you killed.

The legal stuff in this show requires so much suspension of disbelief it'll make your eyes roll into the back of your head. Anyone with an understanding of the South Korean political, economic and legal environment is aware of how much corruption is rife within the system. But courtrooms have principles and the way Hong Cha Young operates in court would get any lawyer in jail for contempt and could even lead her to lose her attorney's license. Its just so ridiculous. Its straight up comedic.

Speaking of comedy, the humour in this show is just so bad. One minute we go from seeing someone getting their head cracked open with a hockey stick, and the next minute we're suddenly thrust into a slapstick scene with the residents of Geumga Plaza. One episode basically shows a character with a domestic violence record as the source of comedic relief (really homophobic episode too). Even dark shows need moments of reprieve, but these sudden shifts of tone are so silly it undercuts the intended seriousness of the story and even results in the (many!) deaths that occur as feeling like cheap stunts. This show's body count is already so needlessly high after 9 episodes that the deaths lose all meaning. There's absolutely no pathos. And how am is the audience supposed to root for characters who keep getting other innocent people killed? Just highlights how Vincenzo is basically a dumb ass in a nice suit.

The acting and the direction are the only things that kept me going for as long as I did. Song Joong Ki somehow manages to make Vincenzo seem like a smart, cunning, almost Michael Corleone-esque character even though the script is constantly working against him and his Italian is atrocious. Jeon Yeo Bin does the best she can do with her character: her face acting when she's allowed to be more than just an over the top drama queen is honestly really good. She's capable of conveying anger, sadness, grief in ways that don't seem exaggerated at all. I'm definitely going to check out her other work, hopefully she gets more material that helps her shine as actress, because she really doesn't have much to do here besides be a bitch or Vincenzo's lackey.

There are some excellently directed sequences here. Episode three is definitely a stand out in terms of direction. The director is very aware of ways to build tension. But it can't cover for how bad the story is.

Don't waste your time and watch "Flower of Evil" instead if you want a good, tightly plotted thriller that isn't brought down by the more ridiculous aspects of the writing.

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Overall I think this drama has been really good so far. I love the casting, and all of the actors and actresses have been doing really great. You can truly tell that they put a lot of emotion while acting which made the drama even better. And I think Ok Taec Yeon's acting was Incredible and it played a big part in his character. I do think that it's a bit slow in the beginning but once you get a couple episodes in, the plot story starts moving along. The drama is filled with thrilling episodes, comedy, action, suspense and a tiny bit of romance. I do suggest watching the k-drama Vincenzo if you haven't already. I guarantee you will love it. Enjoy!

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