Ultimate Fan Guide: Minami Hamabe
I was just browsing through Netflix, finding something to watch when I stumbled upon Smoking. I decided to watch it since it was just 25 minutes per episode and it just the standard length, 12 episodes. I did not have any expectations whatsoever when I started watching the show, I've been burnt a lot in the past with expectations, so...
Imagine my surprise when after just the first few minutes of episode 1, I got hooked. I can't believe it!
A little background, SMOKING is a group of homeless assassins. What other backgrounds would you be needing? LOL.
A/N: Smoking is not for the faint of heart.
WARNING: There may be SPOILERS ahead!!
Let me tell you a few reasons why I'm hooked.
1) Storyline - The story is unusual and it's not something you see every day. At least, it is not something I see every day. I liked how they were able to piece together the lives of all the characters in one solid story. The kind of "job" they are doing is also very unique. What they do is called flaying, also known as skinning. They basically flay off tattoos from their target and give it to whoever hired them as proof of a job well done.
2) Characters - All the cast played their characters very well. The background story of each character was very well plotted (at least for me) and I loved how each story unfolded. Each one of them has a past they're trying to make amends for or something they're trying to work hard to get away from. I like all the characters but I like Hifumin's humility, of sorts, more than the others.
3) Violence and Blood - As I mentioned, the series is not for everybody as there's definitely loads of blood and violence. There may be a lot of those but it was done not in a gruesome way. There still is a sense of, how do I put it, finesse into it. Even when they flay their tattoos, it's a bit cringey but they do not really show it while being peeled off. LOL. The mixture of blood, action and drama is just right! *OK emoji*
4) Relationships - The group bonded as a family and even if they have their differences they stick together. They also want to die together as a family. Mr. Sabe was like a father to all three. He was the one who saved them from dying.
In conclusion, this dorama is definitely a YAY for me!
I do hope you take the time to watch it as I can definitely say that it is not a waste of time!
Hoping for a second season!!
Would you give it a try?
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