Vincenzo (2021)

Vincenzo is strangely violent serious drama while being also funny and comedic which is odd but you know what? I really enjoyed this weird mix and to me it somehow worked.
The story is layed down from the start so there are no ridiculous plot twists (or i dont recall one) which often plague korean dramas. Characters are lovable, the show have good pace and everything works good. The music was not bad but not great ( usually i remembr at least one track from each show and later listen to it but thats not the case for Vincenzo). Overall Vincenzo is a strong tv show.
There are some areas that could be done better in my eyes. There could be more romance (i like romance) but i guess its ok cause that wasnt the main focus. What bothered me the most i think were Vincenzo himself. Sometime Vincenzo italian quotes were cringey. I get it that Vincenzo should be a badass but Song Joong-ki doesnt actually look like badass his face is almost like a baby so i didnt buy it when he was telling some badass italian quote. Also i think i would enjoy it more if he wasnt that great in everything. He was like some kind of demigod and he was literally kicking everyones asses from start to finish and sometime i cought myself being sorry for actual villians. It would be nice if he got ass kicked sometimes or if he had some flaws. On the other hand FL was great. I enjoyed her dark side and i actually would prefer if she got even more evil. Villains were... well they were there and they did bad things but they never actually won a single arc against Vincenzo which is sad. Also the main female villian was just... weird. I never understood what were her motives. She is the only character which didnt make any sense to me

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heavily misunderstood

here's a different opinion among all the "unpopular opinions'
hate to admit but the biggest reason all the reviews didn't like it, is because its a popular show.
people tend to hate anything that "everyone likes" whether they admit it or not
movies, shows, music, even people, anything popular WILL be hated because its popular no matter how good it is.
now that its out of the way,
here's what my title means. people found is uneasy how crime and comedy was twisted like that, someone mentioned it even felt wrong to watch.
that's the thing, over a mafia, crime, law show, its a comedy show.
everything, even sensitive issues are comedy. if you were going in expecting a serious crime, law show, you're in the wrong place. the show is bizarre, unrealistic, but thats the theme!! lets not forget this is about a ITALIAN MAFIA? obviously its fiction.
someone had an issue with the lgbtq+ representation and all i can say is, it depends on the intentions of the author.
we are all sick of lgbtq+ rep always being some tragic story, ending in death or them being a bad person.
but lets not forget, none of the characters ever had anything against him for his sexuality.
at the end of the day, queer or not, the dude was a psycho abuser!!
there was no heavy heavy plot. the entire story evolved over 1 thing in 2 parts. the gold under the plaza.
1) stop the demolition of the building.
2) how to reach the gold.
now the 2) of it was not heavily dived into, the story really revolved around 1)
I've watched this show a few times already, and i picked up something new every time.
i thought it wad bizarre hoe the company did so much over one of the many buildings they need to demolish, but if you look into it, there were a lot more personal reasons as to why they attacked it so much.
someone was mentioning how it was weird that all the plaza members could take down HIRED men, good question, but again, tell me one scene where the plaza members have been normal. that plaza isnt a regular one, every single family is unique, every person is questionable, sometimes even bizarre. Even the government spy dude like, there ain't no way someone of that position would be that stupid, and start admiring a mafia who could potentially harm the country and not to mention his misunderstood everything and his view was blinded by bias.
welcome to plot convenience. if the plaza members were "normal" they would've been kicked out any of those moments Vincenzo was away. that would severely effect the story + they were huge comedic relieve after every intense moment.
and if this government dude found about about the real reason Vincenzo was back and the gold and all that, things would head down down. now as much as its not something to praise, the show did it well, it was pretty clear all the bizarre moments were comedic and didn't really effect the story.
there is one thing about this show that i will be upset about forever, we know it, big spoiler ahead everyone.
jang han seo. how dare they. obviously every show does this, kill our dear FAVOURITE most INNOCENT character.
he lived his entire life in fear, i cant even imagine how it would be living with that psychopath. after all he went through, he gets that TOP TEN ANIME BETRAYAL DEATHS?? no funeral scene?? no memorial for him? no being upset over his death? just like that? "you deserve to be my brother" be real right now the only thing you deserve is a punch in the face for leaving him to die. YOU don't deserve to be called "hyung" so lovingly by him. it really added to Vincenzo's character, he's not a softie who'll sacrifice his life for someone like that.
how did they leave him and run like that. so. selfish. he did so much for you. risked his life, got physically abused. helped you to the very END, lets not forget the chip in the watch is what tracked down the psycho. you are alive in my heart forever T T
and lastly. ok taecyon love of my fuc-king life you ate that role so bad.
i dont think ive physically gasped like that for any of those big plot reveals fr.
everyone saying it was predictable bffr all of you came to watch it after yall saw a hundred reels and tiktoks ab it, obviously you'd know.
again, people, will never like something everyone does. because they like being different or "i could predict it from miles away" like sit down lets just appreciate that plot.
the way he switched between the psycho and fluff ball like what the f-cuk he made my blood boil throughout, and since the reveal i never once felt any pity for him honestly. i will never understand people who an love a character despite all the hundred flaws just because they are cute/ hot, where your head at he's a psychopath its not quirky to like him.
i do wish we got more of a backstory on him, was he born like this, how did he turn into this? again if we got a sad backstory people would over sympathize with him and say it was never his fault la la la (me included).
it would lack a TRUE villain you know? but then again are any people BAD just like that, doesn't everyone have a story?
lets not get into that but this show made me think about a lot. in no way were any of characters perfect. (except han seo everyone stop using logic for him i beg u) it showed contrast of human beings, deep down everyone is selfish to an extent, it gave a real picture on what people are like, in the few moments of serious.
this show is more than just what it looks like, and only some people will get that, and thats okay, i give it a solid 9/10.

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Don't be fooled by the FanFair.

I've dropped 3 dramas: 1 being Backstreet Rookie (couldn't handle the dude with the locs with flies in it being a regular character) and the other was a drama that I couldn't get into at the time, but I might revisit. Vincenzo was the worst of the three.

Where do I begin?

Let's start with the plot-
I don't think the general idea behind the plot is a bad one. In fact, I was interested and genuinely enjoying the first couple of episodes. It was as the story progressed that I realized that there was nothing to the story beyond the titular character.
When they named the drama "Vincenzo" they really meant it was the "Vincenzo Show" because quite literally everything was about this character. I don't ordinarily have an issue with this but if you're going to make a story about one character, make the story about them. Don't tell other people's story and force him to be the hero in it.

Things that made no sense-
-Vincenzo was meant to be an Italian lawyer. He was adopted at a young age and went to law school and practiced law in Italy. Realistically, he would have a far lesser understanding of Korean law than the female lead yet she and the other Korean lawyer on their team kept deferring to him for the next move as it related to the trial. That makes absolutely no sense-if anything, the female lead, who's been working at the firm that they're going up against for 8 years should've spear headed their case but because it's the "Vincenzo Show"...you get the gist.

- Our introduction into the female lead character is of her bribing a witness to prevent their testimony at trial while working at the firm they're now going against. However, when their case against the company (Babel) who's being represented by that same firm begins and they have witnesses to testify, she not only doesn't anticipate that this same tactic would be used, but she's surprised by it. She doesn't believe that they could do something as despicable as bribing witnesses WHEN THAT WAS LITERALLY WHAT SHE'S DONE FOR THEM BEFORE! Did the writer forget all about their female lead character once she met the male lead? It's like they decided that she's no more than his sidekick/love interest and he's the only one that gets to utilize his skills but if that were the case, why even bother making her a lawyer? Why even bother establishing her connection to the evil firm in the first place.

- What is Vincenzo's motivation and connection to the story? Beyond his desire to get his gold that's buried underneath the building that's primed for demolition, he's got absolutely no real connection to the story. He's singled out as the largest obstacle in Babel and the law firm's way, but he has no real drive for why. The female lead, however, does. She spent 8 years working for the firm-trusting the people within only for them to betray her. Her father was murdered by the evil corp. Her assistant whom she trusted for years turned out to be the leader of the evil Corp -he not only lied and manipulated her for years, but he murdered her father and grieved with her over the man that he killed yet the focus is on Vincenzo as we move forward with the plot to destroy them.

I feel like it would've been a much better story had they not spent every episode making Vincenzo the magical savior and allowed the other characters to shine as well. They could've split the responsibilities between Vincenzo and Cha Young-since they've already established that he's a morally grey character who's a member of the "Italian Mafia" and Babel is a company that operates outside of the law to get its way, they should've had Vincenzo handle the illegal things-things that are necessary when going up against such a company but ordinary people wouldn't have the means or resolve to do-killing, kidnapping, blackmail etc. while she handled the things in the light-using the law against them. Fighting them in court, with the skills that they taught her and also her ability to anticipate their moves as she's done it all before.

I didn't finish the drama obviously, but I learned that it was Vincenzo, once again who had the final show down with main villain and wouldn't it had made more sense if the one who brought Jang Han Seok to justice/ended him was Han Seok's brother and Cha Young (the female lead)? Han Seo spent his entire life under his brother's shoe, being terrorized by him and when he finally develops the strength to stand up against him, they kill him off so that Vincenzo can have the opportunity of the final show-down with him.

Also, the side characters were exhausting to watch at times unless you have the attention span of a fruit fly and you're between the ages of 12-14.

Vincenzo is the most random character in this story, and I feel as though the writers weren't thinking beyond casting Song Joong Ki and they ended up smothering what could've otherwise been a good drama.

You couldn't pay me to finish this mess.

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Let me start by saying that I do feel reviews in general are based on an individual’s preference and Vincenzo is definitely my type of Korean drama.

This drama is currently on the top of my “most anxious/anticipated drama to watch”. It is hilariously funny, it’s got suspense, unexpected events, always something new and different to share in each episode. Some people might think this drama is a bit overboard with the comedy but I loved it! I enjoy every bit of it and each supporting actor contributes to that at one point or another. Each one also seems to be an expert in a different field from one another, so they each have their turn to shine and I also enjoyed this.

SONG JOONG KI - he makes an awesome Vincenzo, he’s got the cool, handsome vibe. He’s supposedly serious but that’s also what makes him just as funny. He’s a greater fighter and a sharp shooter. He really does make Vincenzo extremely attractive.

JEON YEO BIN - first time watching her and she’s got a great partner in crime with SJK so I’m hoping they can make her character shine a bit more.

OK TAEC YEON - seeing him play a villain was a bit difficult to adjust in the beginning but his character definitely grew on me. I loved his every so often small English phrases, I enjoyed seeing his anger and his frustration, just his plain evilness, he does a good job.

I feel the only thing lacking thus far is the romance between ML and FL and I’m such a huge fan of a good romance, so I’m hoping we get to see a bit more of it as it’s coming close to ending.

I watch this drama the same way someone would watch a movie at the theater. I need my snacks and drinks ready so I can be in tune, not miss a beat, and glue to my seat. I feel not every drama needs to be 100% serious and by the book, having a mixture of everything brings out the best of all worlds.

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A TREAT TO WATCH <3

I have been watching so many shows simultaneously (thanks to the amazing country of South Korea for giving us these precious dramas all year round) and this one is such a treat to watch I'm in love with the whole concept, the main leads, and even THE VILLAIN heheee WOW I mean I wouldn't want to give you spoilers so i'll just say that everyone on this show has got a really really good sense of humor and that's what makes it a treat to watch.. The neighbors, the main girl, even the villain hahahahha and they all got style especially our Song Joong Ki & Jeon Yeo Been.. I am loving Cha Young's character so much she is smart, quirky, funny and sooooooooooo EXTRAAAAAAAA loove her and uri VincenZo shi ;) is the level-headed one.. That's why they make the perfect pair.. Loving both of them SO MUCH.. Loving the mafia vibe and loving how Vincenzo makes funny remarks keeping a poker face lol Song Joong Ki is an amazing actor.. How does he even do it?? He is funny yet scary at the same time while looking so incredibly handsome in his booralro suits??? Also, the highlight of episode 7, "THE CHILLI SCENE", You have got to watch this show guys every scene is worth it.. You are going to enjoy this show A LOT.. And I'm already so excited for the "heist" part because somehow I feel like all the residents will be involved and it is going to be insanely funny lol but that's just my assumption.. I'm only at episode 7 so let's see how it goes.. :D

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Dark comedy at its peak

Recently I have been quiet tired of all this romance and heartbreak stuff in dramas, so this show was probably the best combination of action, thriller, drama and a bit of romance here and there that you will find. When I first saw that it was going to have 20 episodes I thought it would get draggy or slow at some point, but trust me it doesn't.
This drama will have you sitting on the edge of the seats, glued to your screens for the whole time.

The story apart from the italian mafia part was genuinely pretty common, but the casting and acting made up for it. Song Joongki was his usual amazing hot self, but Ok Taecyeon just- , he played his part too well. Another really really good thing was how the female lead managed to not annoy me at all, she was strong, smart and righteous without being (again) annoying. Girl Power!

Also the guemga plaza people just stole my heart. Those characters had me wheezing. Even thought one that one thing had me crying at the end, overall I was suprememly satisfied and happy at the end of the drama.

So trust me one this one and just watch it. It is one drama that should not be missed.

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I'm the mafia

Where do I start? Again, Vincenzo is one of those dramas that had so much high expectations I was afraid I wasn't going to like it. But, as many times before, I, once again, was wrong.

Starting off with a strong and catching opening scene, we are quickly introduced into Vincenzo's character and personality. The casting team did a really good job at giving Joong Ki the role of Vincenzo cause I think no one could've pulled it off better than him, the character suited him so well I was impressed. He has this charisma that makes you fall in love immediately with him. I really love that Vincenzo has his own principles and ideologies and he lives by those rules no matter what. He has a strong will of justice (eventhough he still denies it in the end, but his actions proved otherwise) but likes to do it by his own rules. He truly cares for the people close to him and will do anything to protect them like family.

Cha Young, another great character, and one of the ones that has the biggest development throughout the drama. She starts as a corrupt and shameless lawyer and changes completely when her turning point hits her life. That moment when she decides to take revange and seeks for Vincenzo's help, that's when her real development as a lawyer and as a person starts. I really like that she brings corckiness to the series and has those funny moments to soothen the tense drama.

Eventhough romance is clearly not the main plot here, I appreciate a little bit of it throught the drama. Vincenzo and Cha Young really complemented each other, and both actors did a really good job. The chemistry slowly grows throughout the episodes and you can feel how both of them start to fall in love. Again, this is not the main plot at all but I really liked their scenes, it felt like a little break from all the action.

Great construction of characters, speacially the "villans". I can't streach enough how much I hated Han Seok and Myung Hee. They made my blood boil, and I think that's what make them good villans. They both have motives to be the way they were and I'm really happy with their endings... cause they totally deserve it. Vincenzo finnaly had his revange.

One of the most endiring things about this drama is the family Vincenzo finds at Plaza Geumga. I always love a good group of people that come together to fight a greater evil. You can see how Vincenzo slowly starts to get attatched to these people and how he would do anything in his power to protect them. I really loved their dynamics and how their relationship starts to grow as the episodes went by.

Han Seo... oh my god that character. The way my heart teared apart every time Han Seok treated him like shit. I really loved how, at the end, he stood by himself and decided to do everything in his power to rule Babel legally. Also I'm so happy with the realtionship he formed with Vincenzo, he found a person who he could call brother withouth feeling guilty or humiliated. And that's why his death pained me the most. He didn't deserve it.

This drama has so much plot lines and it's so well articulated that I can't write about everything. I think the writers did a really great job at developing every single one of the plots till the end. I don't really think there was any plot line left unfinished in the end. Also, the way the subplots thread with each other, amazing. Script on point, visual effects too. I'm pretty shook to say the least with the CGI, and it shows how much budget this drama had.

As a conclusion, I really want to say that Vincenzo exceeded my expectations. I'm not really into mafia/politic/corruption dramas, but this one blowed my mind completely. The mafia thing is just one of the layers. And the story is so well structured and developed that you get completely inmersed into the story.

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Amazing drama

Okay so I’ve been seeing a lot of negative reviews in here and although some do make sense I still find Vincenzo as a very good drama. The cast,ost,cinematography was perfect. The storyline was also great but honestly I found some of the geumga plaza tenants scenes a bit unnecessary but nevertheless it is funny and entertaining. Vincenzo was shown as as a ruthless revengeful mafia but slowly started to become more human and caring because of his partner and mother which was quite the beautiful character development. Song joong ki did an amazing job in potraying vincenzo, his acting is seriously so good. overall for me this is my #1 drama and I’ve rewatched it a couple of times but I’m still never bored of it. I really wish for a season 2 because the story is just so addicting and touching that you wanna see more of them! my favourite drama and recommended for watching to everyone who enjoys comedy,crime & slowburn romance ;)

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