Brilliant Ensemble And Riveting Detail
I work in a field in which legal interpretation is a key element. This drama held my rapt attention both times that I watched it. I also enjoyed the clever word plays such as "Yangcrates" for a professor enamored with the Socratic method. Each member of the cast brought things to both the story AND its evocative skills. I really like Kim Boem as the intellectual star who needed help understanding his complicated feelings towards his uncle. Having said that, he is by no means--the only star in this ensemble. "Yangcrates," "Professor Kim," "Jiho," Kang Sol B/A were Very Memorable. I hope hope hope for a sequel!Was this review helpful to you?
A gem of a Legal drama
Short: A very clever legal drama, if you enjoy the legal dramas where it's all about winding your way through the "devil in the detail" clauses and exceptions, the machinations and maneuverings of the various characters as they try and achieve their goals and all on the legal stage then you will absolutely love this. I think it comes off really pretentious, but is perhaps justified through its quality. "We Are" sound track still going around and around in my head too!Detail:
I'll start by explaining the use of the word "pretentious" above. It was the first thing I was thinking as the drama starts, wow, this one is taking itself SUPER seriously... deep voices, stern comments, powerful people, important phrases and people reflecting sternly and importantly on the statue of Lady Justice. In the first episode especially, it's almost too much, I remember thinking "oh geez just get over yourself and get on with it". It does lighten up, but this tone persists throughout.
Now that i've finished it however, I think it earns the right. There's a lot of detail and effort gone into the story and some really clever twists and turns as the characters fight to gain the upper hand through the use of the law. It definitely feels like you're watching a chess game played by experts.
Characters are great, they have flaws and strengths. Sol-A was definitely my favourite - she's the complete underdog, the under achiever, she barely belongs in the university at all and is struggling to keep her grades high enough. But what she lacks there, she over compensates with her drive and passion and when the genie is unlocked proves that she at least as good as everyone else.
I thought that Sol-B's issues were also nicely done too, there's a common thread in many dramas about how the wealthy are often driven horribly by parents who place unreasonable demands on them, and I liked how this one was handled. It was a well played character and must have been quite challenging to both write and embody, she's cold and has flat expressions and constant tone but she's not uncaring or unfeeling and she's there for her fellow students and friends.
There was one scene that I thought just felt really off, and it was another "oh here we go taking ourselves too seriously again" moment, in the court, one of the characters is in the defense and the professor is her defense council. At a key moment he announces sternly and proudly, that he we will be resigning as council, shocks and gasps from the viewing gallery... and then he says he will allow his student (the defendant) to use her write to defend herself and proceeds to turn the whole thing into a lecture, even at one point rebuking the prosecution when they object to something by saying "in MY lectures, there are no objections", completely ignoring that this is actually a court room and a real proceeding... but it's ok because the judge also forgets that too, so we carry on with the "lecture" :) I mean it's not the end of the world, it worked for the character development very well, allowing him to empower the girl to find her strength and stand up for herself in a situation where she'd otherwise been on the receiving end of everyone elses manipulations.
Overall it's a superbly written story, if you like the legal maneuverings and careful interpretations of phrases, all that super detailed stuff that's the essence of the law, then you will find that in spades here. There's some great twists, great characters, fun moments too, and a nice sound track (the song "we are" is still going around in my head and will be for some time i'm sure!).
Definitely recommended.
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This review may contain spoilers
Well built, but with an uninteresting villain.
Somehow the legal plots have always attracted me, the construction of its world, its mysteries and entanglements are interesting to see.The series portrays some little-seen topics in Korean series, at least within the mainstream, including sexual abuse and harassment, manipulation of the media, corruption of the authorities, murder, among others.
I would especially like to talk about how the issue of sexual abuse is approached, from the beginning we see that Jeon Ye Seul and Ko Young Chang maintain an abusive relationship, although as a spectator we realize this, it seems that for the environment in which that the characters exist, these abuse problems are not so clear, until the physical effects of the abuse (blows) are seen. The situation that Ye Seul lives is unfortunately the situation experienced by a large number of women, who under the idea of being "loved" endure being in a relationship where they are damaged; when the problem escalates to sexual abuse and manipulation through an explicit video and everything goes to trial, one of the topics discussed is the public scrutiny that her character receives and how the defense thinks to justify the whole situation by a alleged infidelity in their courtship, which speaks very deeply about how society (in this case Korean, but actually appeals to practically all societies) is more willing to judge women and blame them for the problems of abuse that can lead to live in your relationships.
This theme is one of the best explored in the series and Go Yoon Jung's performance is brilliant, the evolution of his character is brilliantly well treated, although we see moments where his character suffers and doubts and makes bad decisions, in the end we see how he overcomes all obstacles, and how he has found his own path both personally and professionally and even how he found the strength to help people who live the same situation that she once lived in their own flesh.
Now speaking of the main theme of the series, it is also very well treated, from the beginning it generates intrigue, and the way in which Yang Jong Hoon, Kim Eun Sook, Han Joon Hwi and Kang Sol [A] are involved in the conflict at times does make you doubt their intentions, but as the series progresses and we get to know them better it is impossible not to become fond of them, I think my only complaint in itself is with respect to Ko Hyeong Soo, since this character is the typical bad guy, we don't know so much about him beyond his ambition for power and we never really see an evolution or internal struggle, so it seems to me that he is the least interesting character in the whole series, perhaps I would have enjoyed more than the conflict would have included a "villain" with more nuances and with whom the public could feel more connected.
Another of the conflicts I have with the series is Kang Dan, we really don't know much about her and when she returns we don't see her solve her conflicts with her family either, when she is supposed to run away from home and has not maintained contact with them in a long time; which initially seemed to be a conflict for her sister, but afterwards she is given absolutely no explanation and serves more as a “deux-machina” to solve the plot of the series, it is an easy resource to give her a solution in the last episodes.
Han Joon Hwi and Kang Sol [A] are the most interesting characters in the series, because the two of them are just innocent students when all the conflict begins and they are involved, many of the things they believed are broken, little by little they even come to doubt the course of the laws, however they never give in to all the bad things that are happening around them, they trust that the only tool they have to fight is the law and they cling to that ideal, their convictions become every stronger, until they truly become top lawyers, following the example of their mentor Yangcrates.
The last topic that I would like to explore is the manipulation of the media, it is well known how important image is when we talk about politics (especially in societies like Korea, where reputation and appearance are more important than achievements) and what some people are able to do to get good comments from them in the media (even if they are not true), I found it very interesting how we see that on the show, the basements with people who dedicate themselves day and night to producing content and comments false in order to harm or benefit one or the other, and how this seems to be so easy to control if you have the appropriate amount of money.
It is possible to combine in a very good way, the fact that most of the characters are university students, so despite being surrounded by a world of corruption, they still have to deal with the normal things of any university: grades, exams, friendships, loves, parents, etc; and within what is possible, it is possible to maintain a certain youthful spirit, especially with characters like Min Bok Gi and Jo Ye Bum, on many occasions, they lighten the emotional load of the series.
The main advantage of Law School are the performances, the entire cast does an incredible job, they are truly committed to their roles and they achieve a good mix between the seriousness of their occupations and the situations that you are living and the normality of being students trying to survive a little longer, especially Kim Bum and Kim Myung Min did a spectacular job, they felt so comfortable in their roles, and despite using a lot of legal terminology the show does a good job of explaining well the necessary points to understand what happens in court and in his studies.
The series, in its quality, does not disappoint in any aspect, the direction, the photography, the script, the montage are very well done and create a show with a more compelling atmosphere.
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This review may contain spoilers
one the best law dramas ive watched !
i really loved this drama the cast was really well done everyone played their character really well ! i also loved the chemistry between sol a and joonhwi even though no relationship was formalised , it didnt need to be spoken because how they acted with each other said enough… id love a season 2 with them all now they are finishing their degrees and taking on more legal work !at first the ost bugged me but now im obsessed with it hahaha ,, i also liked that it was set with uni students since im also a uni student
one of my fave lines is the closing line;
“because unjust law is the most cruel violence”
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confusing beginning but pays off later
I was thoroughly confused for the first 3/4 episodes. It only started to make sense later.....and then I really enjoyed watching it. The fast pace of the storyline, the constant drama, the characters ...all had me hooked. Then towards the final episodes I started to lose sense of what and how everything was unfolding lol.But I have to say the episodes in the middle really made up for anything I didn't like about the first and end bits of this show.
Prof Kim Eun Sook was an interesting character...I liked that I couldn't figure out whether she was 'good' or 'bad'...refreshing!
Pretty Jeon Ye Seul (as her number was saved in Sol A's phone) was another refreshing character. I am glad she had a happy ending. I felt portrayed vulnerability as well as quiet strength really well. There wasn't any need to have a big, dramatic action to show realisation or need for catharsis. The writers did a good job writing her character.
Yangcrates with his majestic voice and screen presence was perfect for this role. I don't believe I've seen his work before and I am really interested to dive into his body of work.
I am only familiar with Kim Bum from his Boys Over Flower days. He did good.
Really enjoyed Kang Sol B...she was frustrating to watch...but I could sympathise with her and could see where she was coming from. The mother was annoying AF!!! Anyway, I was so invested in Kang Sol B that when she smiled at the end, I almost rejoiced alongside King Sol A.
Ah, Kang Sol A.....where do I start? I loved the scenes where she stepped up to confront problems even when Han Joon Hwi was trying to protect/defend her. It was shown in such a casual, matter of fact way, too. I liked that she was a smart person, not necessarily book-smart or top of her class, but intuitive and clever.
I'd recommend to anyone who is interested in a fast-paced legal drama.
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OMG MY ALL TIME FAVOURITE DRAMA
Law School is probably my favourite K-drama of 2021. Even as a person who knows nothing about law, I found it very interesting. Every single character and case was connected in some way or the other and this made the drama have a more continuous storyline unlike some other dramas based on law. We saw the hardships law students face during their time in law school. The cast did an amazing job in portraying their characters. The main leads had immense chemistry and so did the supporting cast. The episodes always ended on a cliff-hanger and that made the viewers thrilled and excited to watch the next episodes. The acting and production of the drama was so good that I still think such a school exists somewhere in South Korea. My favourite character in the drama was Kim Eui Sook played by Lee Jong Eun. There were times where I wondered if she was one of the main leads. That's because her character didn't have much impact in the first few episodes. But after episode 10, it all started coming together. She was working behind the scenes but her hard work payed off in the end. Overall, Law School is a drama I enjoyed a lot. I'm sure I will find the cases interesting even if I watch the drama again.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Amazing drama
Law school!!!!! It was nice drama with many twist and turns but we all need season 2 for it is end . I really love high school with court dramas like some dramas (Solomon perjury or class of lies). But this drama is quite opposite of other two because of it ‘s story and as well as it suspense , I love the main character ( hero) helps the children how to learn and survive in this world as well as he protects them with his intelligence, only one thing that left me who killed professor seo ? In his cabin it became more mysterious from start till the end they did not reveal the killer ! But they suddenly ended the story like nothing happened at all, like he died ! Whether it is a homicide or murder nobody knows ! Ah, as well as when they will release it’s season till then it will be a suspense how he was killed and why! I neeeed season 2 for series.Was this review helpful to you?
If you like suspense and mystery this is the drama for you
I watched this while it was still airing and im very glad i did.It is a very fun watch the will leave you at the edge of your seat, it has a cast of very likable characters that you will enjoy seeing. It has a lot of lessons of law, politics and corruption, winch the story handled well for the most part.
It is not a perfect story, the ending seemed rushed and a few story lines just fizzled out or never got completed. at the beginning it has a very complex way of seeing the world and how the law works and how corruption is inescapable, but at the end everything just got resolved in a fairly simplistic way.
But overall i really enjoyed watching this show and it made me feel interested in law, so i recommend you give it a watch :D
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Courtroom Drama can't get better than this
Law School laid a strong foundation from the very beginning with twists and turns, and never once distracted itself from the intense court sessions in proving who's guilty and who's not.The performance of overall cast was terrific, especially of Myung Min as Prof. Yang along with Kim Mun as Han Joo Hwi and Hye Young Ryu as Kang Sol A. The screenplay was tight and the execution of the story was very effective. Adding a cherry on top of the cake, the OST was brilliant reaching straight to my heart.
Law School displayed a great execution of laws that prevail in South Korea and the way they are executed in a very effective manner, leaving the audience with nothing but awe for its entire premise altogether. This is definitely an addition to my Top 10 dramas of this year.
My Rating : 9.5/10
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The plot is really interesting but...
This shows is one of the few shows that I enjoyed vary much and I would definitely recommend it to others. This show can be a great opening for those of you that havent watched kdramas before. I have watched many kdramas so far and Im a strict person but this show really surprised me. My expectations are sky high now but there’s only one little thing that pissed me off towards the ending: the “identical twin” thing. I just find it overmwhelming. To be honest many of the recent kdramas had atleast one pair of identical twins. Its good when you see this kind of thing every now and again but too much of it is just not good. So of I were the director, I would definitely delete it. The casting and the acting was so good. Music really surprised me it was better than other kdaramas Ive seen.Was this review helpful to you?
Amazing
I am not going to lie, I was debating whether to start it or not because many law dramas are kind of fictional. I was so wrong for even thinking about not starting. This was mindblowing! I was immersed from episode 3 with not only the story but every character and their background. This story perfectly narrates the potholes when it comes to law and how justice may seem achievable but it is far from easy. I love the bond between the characters where it doesn't get toxic but instead strengthens as time goes. I recommend this a hundred times so please start watching... also happy ending:)Was this review helpful to you?
Ending of each episode keeps you hooked
One of the best law based dramas i have ever seen. I was surprised at the ending of each episode. You will keep guessing for answers. They say the chemistry between leads in a non romantic dramas are always the best, i agree .The side glances by han joon hwi to kang sol A gives me the feels. I think i have questioned almost every character in this whether they were good or bad, if you watch tze drama you will get what i mean. Anyway would recommend watching this 10/10.Was this review helpful to you?
