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Prison Playbook korean drama review
Completed
Prison Playbook
29 people found this review helpful
by AnanyaS
Jan 23, 2018
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed
Overall 9.5
Story 10.0
Acting/Cast 10.0
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 9.0
Prison Playbook, a slice-of-life drama set in a prison. I won't say I didn't have my doubts about the series, although it wasn't because of the premise alone. What I didn't expect was that over these last few weeks this drama and it's character would become this close to my heart. But it has, and that's the reason I'm writing this review.

- This drama has so many things to offer to the viewers, and amongst all those things, one is the heartwarming friendship. This drama has one of the most wonderful portrayal of frienships that I've seen, and not just between the prisonmates. They might be at that place for different reasons, but they learn to lean on, rely and look out for each other.

- One of the most enticing things to look forward to in dramas (I guess this comes under the 'friendship' point mentioned above, but I have to mention this separately)- Bromance! This drama has plenty of it. Not just between the two 'main' characters, but between every single character in the drama.The bromance moments aren't just that'll make you laugh, although those are present. But also, there are bromance moments that'll make your heart feel like it's brimming over with feels.

- This drama has some serious #SQUAD-GOALS. The 2B6 wing is freaking awesome!!

- The comedy in the drama is top-notch. It's more subtle in it's approach, but that doesn't negate it's effect. Infact that fact alone makes those comic scene laugh-out-loud worthy. Those humour scenes mostly result from Je Hyeok's various interactions in prison. As he himself likes to put it, he's a bit 'stupid' when it comes to things other than baseball, which leads to some hilarious situations. Ofcourse, other character too, more than contribute the comedy in the drama.

- This drama is about each and every character, not just the main lead(s). It focuses on every single character, whether they are inmates, correction officers, or their families. And that's what makes the viewers fall in love with the characters here. It's hard to find a drama where you love (almost) all the charaters, whether they have minor or major role. I loved so many characters here, I think it's even hard to pick a favorite. But Lieutenant Paeng does come really close.

- Every character has a story. Of who they are. Of how they got here. Of what they dream of. Of what are their hopes for the future. Their story gives us insight into their personalities, and is one of the many things, that makes the viewer close to them.

- Aside from the individual acting of all the actors, which ofcourse is truly commendable, the chemistry between the characters here is crazy good! From Je Hyeok & Joon Ho, Joon Ho & his brother to Looney & Kaist, every character interaction will have you craving for more!

- For the romance lovers, there is romance. It's a bit subtle and can't be considered a main genre. But it is a sub-genre, and it's more than enough, believe me.

- Let's be honest for a second, and admit that there's a lot of prejudice attached with the word 'prison' alone. And there's a reaso for it. Whether they are rightly or wrongly convicted, for the law, and henceforth for the 'general public' they're still criminals, whatever their crimes may be. Hence the prejudice. But in this drama, the writer tries, and is successful, in breaking our preconceptions about those matters. The writer, through this beautiful drama, stresses on the fact that the convicts are, before anything else, human. And just like everyone else, they are also trying to live their life. Some are trying to make the best of their situations, trying to learn from their past mistakes, and are hoping for a better future. At the same time, there are also those who have despaired, and given up on their future. The writer beautifully captures both these types of inmates,

- Have to mention the OST, ofcourse. The songs were good and fitting with the series. I specially liked the songs the 'theme song' "OK', ", 'Bravo My Life' by Eric Nam, Would Be Better' by Heize & 'Like A Dream' by Park Boram

- If you're hesitating because of the run-time of the episode, or if by any chance, you find the first few episodes 'slow', my advice for you would be to keep watching. With this drama, you just need to find your rhythm and pretty soon you won't even notice how long the episodes are. Of course, you could always love the drama right from the start!


Well, that's about it for the review. I hope you give this one a chance, because otherwise you'll be missing out on a wonderful drama.
Happy Watching!!
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