Kim Young Kwang and Kim Seul Gi were my main draws to this show, and Key was a secondary draw. I've never seen anything with Lee Shi Young, but she was awesome! She is a strong female lead and kicks serious butt in this show. Kim Young Kwang as Jang Do Han is a character that you almost hated, but still loved him in the role because he was owning this character. Kim Seul Gi had great emotional scenes, and Key was adorkable as their resident hacker. I loved how they all came together for a common goal, but developed a bond with each other over the course of the drama. Each one knocked my socks off.
You really have to pay attention and focus while you watch this - you won't want to miss any detail. The plot, as with most action movies, is convenient for our anti-heroes. But it still keeps you on the edge of your seat, biting your nails, hoping the best for them. The story had its flaws, I can't deny, but for the most part I enjoyed this show quite a bit.
The music was very edgy and well chosen.
Won't be high on the re-watch as the genre just doesn't lend itself well once you know the outcomes. However, I would recommend this one to action lovers.
Was this review helpful to you?
From the first minute of this drama, I was hooked. Phenomenal cinematography alongside amazing actors -- I cannot recommend this drama enough.
STORY;
When it comes to crime and political dramas, I have seriously high expectations, but this drama met them instantly. Hell, it even surpassed them,
It is very different from the usual cliche dramas and does not sugar coat anything. If you want a plot line that will question your morals and have you seriously perplexed with what to think and lookout for (no pun intended); watch this.
Because it is crime and politics, you would think there would be cliche twists and over-used action *cough* The K2 *cough* BUT it is all seamless, well shot and written, with a highly intense story line with really well developed characters who have depth.
I also do not like dramas that shove the romance between the leads down our throats, basically, almost all kdramas, and hence, do not like general romance between characters. BUT because of the characters' well written backgrounds and development, I AM BEGGING FOR SOME ROMANCE TO OCCUR BETWEEN THE LEADS.
But due to the mind blowing twists, you have to inevitably accept the tension and lack of romance between the leads (but still hope for some romance)
This drama has changed my views and thus heightened my expectations for kdramas even more.
CAST;
I honestly was hesitant to watch this when I saw that Key from SHINee was in this, but oh man, he is good.
I am damn impressed with Kim Young Kwang, not to mention his height and demeanor is attractive as fuck. I always look for main leads that are psychologically complex and use their mind to play tricks, and Kim Young Kwang's character is emotionally complex, well executed and hot as fuck. He certainly plays the character well, as well as the character himself (Jang Do Han) is written for him perfectly. He has oozing charisma and makes you think why the hell is he being slept on.
I have a strong dislike for weak female leads which is no wonder that I do not like 90% of kdrama female leads, but the one in this drama is strong willed, determinate, independent and can sure as hell beat up someone. Lee Si Young is the perfect actress for this role.
MUSIC;
The first two are R&B and have a very unique vibe to them, very different from the typical ballads in other dramas that are overplayed at the wrong scenes.
OVERALL;
Watch this drama. Watch it.
I guarantee you that you will be hooked.
From complex characters, intricate questions regarding morale, intense and not over-used action to amazing acting and suitable OSTs and background music; this drama is the whole package.
UPDATE; after completing this drama, my heart's been broken.
Was this review helpful to you?
The acting was superb. Every actor, from the main leads to the supporting characters were incredible. I am especially impressed by Kim Young Kwang's performance. I have always liked him, but here he shines. His character is very complex and right from the beginning he steals the spotlight from the other leads with his charisma and presence. My favorite scenes of him are the close ups of the face when he laughs, and in his eyes, you can see that the character is somewhat insane. Definitely one of, if not the best, lead male performances I have seen this year.
I also want to remark about two of the other lead actors. Kim Seul Gi was also already a well liked actress for me, but she really impressed me here. As someone who suffers from social anxiety disorder myself ( though not nearly as extreme as her character here), I thought she was very authentic, right down to the spot on panic attacks. This was the most honest portrayl of it I have seen in dramas.
Also Key. Him being an idol, I was not expecting much in the way of acting chops from this young man. Well, he proved me wrong, alright. He most certainly is one to watch for in future projects.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a good action/suspense drama, this one is the one for you. In my opinion, it is darn near perfect. Check it out. 10/10
Was this review helpful to you?
Amazing drama with weak ending
Well this drama took me by a pleasant surprise, i kind of knew what to expect from the reviews but you never really know till you try for yourself so here is my take on the drama.This drama reminds me a lot of healer with a more serious tone and without the romance tag (ps i dont know why they don't really make dramas like that anymore). i really loved the plot twists, i loved that the characters were smart at least till the final 4 episodes.... (i hate when drama detectives, police etc do clown shit that isn't even logical to viewers). in the final 4 episodes everybody's IQ reduced by at least 70!
kudos to the psychopath, chile.... he nailed his role so much i think i hate the actor now. the ML was such a cute bad ass two faced dude. the FL was too much sometimes and over zealous, apart from that she was badass too. The hacker guy and video girl were smart and cool, video girl had two episodes of clownery but aside that she was pretty smart , consistent and mostly the voice of reason in the group. The priest...... just wow such an eye candy, i remember him from dr romantic 2.... the lead police lady was really cool until the last few episodes , loved her sarcasm. Her daughter on the other hand was dumb from start to finish.... i really wished for the worse for her.... anyways the prosecutor that loved the female lead was annoying at first trying to overdo himself but in later episodes i really liked him and all his decisions.
The reason i think this drama didn't get the hype and love it deserves is because of the final 4 episodes! apart from the sudden reduction in IQ levels, there was absolutely no closure on the characters, both the villans and the hero.... now i wasn't expecting a full blown happy ending where everything worked out, evil guys die and good guys live BUT the final episode especially was filled with a whole bunch of nothing instead of giving details as to what happened to the main characters... it was just too sloppy and very different from the initial strong episodes.
Was this review helpful to you?
The pacing in this drama is really good, some twists are good, and the characters are just the way they are, you can hate them or love them. (personally i just hated almost all, like detectives, especially Soo Ji).
The story is nothing new, is about revenge and justice, is full of cliches, full of plot holes, at the begining the main theme is revenge and justice, in the midle is corruption and politics, and at the end is about...*rolling eyes*...secondary characters their stupid desitions and the impact in the whole story, so don't expect nothing for the end, the writers/ director/producers complicated a story that could have had a much better conclusion.
The acting is not bad, but the cast could have been done better and i´m talking about Lee Shi Young, i feel like she wasn´t the right for the role the drama needed, a more complete actress capable of make her character simpathize with the viewers like Hwang Jung Eum in Secret or Lee Boo Young in I can hear your voice. The other actors i think they fit their roles Kim Young Kwang has an inusual character,but i really enjoyed Key, Kim Seul Gi and Shin Dong Wook, Kim Tae Hoon was a litlle bit disapoiment in this.
The music is diferent even if there are only two songs, i enjoyed them.
Someday maybe i will rewatch some episodes in the middle only because they were so enterteining.
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
The plot is fairly basic when it comes down to it, but the writing is tight enough that you don't feel bored or as if characters shouldn't act like this because no human acts like that. Since this involves police work I have to say it's the typical tv approach to police work that doesn't seem realistic or ethical in the slightest, but the characters and actors are compelling enough to make it work.
Lee Shi Young and Kim Young Kwang were fantastic as the two leads, you really feel for their pain and desire to get the justice that was denied them before. Kim Young Kwang especially stands out as playing someone who has to be slimy and borderline evil to reach his goals but we are given more than enough time to still be able to sympathise.
Key and Kim Seul Gi are the two bright lights in this, providing badly needed levity and cuteness to balance out the dark overtones the plot could drown in.
Solomon Park is another standout for reasons you will see very quickly, so props to him and I hope to see him in more now.
The writing and directing/editing is tight for the most part, but I did get tired of the constant flashbacks, recontextualising a scene we had already seen. If it had happened a couple of times it would have been fine, but it felt overused, especially at the end and I felt jerked around as a viewer, because although it kept the plot from getting easily predictable it also always pulled the rug from under me because every assumption I made as a viewer was wrong because I was only given half the information while the characters had more.
I don't mind the way the show ended but it felt like there were a couple of things the show didn't answer and there was definite sequel bait in the last episode that feels wrong if we're not getting a second season.
The action itself was great though and there is a lot of that and Lee Shi Young was really committed to this role which demanded a lot of physical work from her so kudos for that.
The music was okay, nothing stands out particularly, but on the other hand they didn't overuse their theme songs like so many other shows did or do (*cough*Healer*cough*).
All in all a very good show with a few flaws that keep me from giving it an even higher score.
Was this review helpful to you?
The main theme of the story is thriller based on four to six different characters holding different occupation, came from different background who were vigilantes by heart and by action but were in disguise under protectors of law to avenge the injustice which had befallen on their beloved ones. In the process they tried to save some other innocent lives as well. Their fight was against the corrupt judicial system, depravity and avarices of the protectors of laws. All sounds clichéd which is right. It is clichéd. Overall plot looked promising but the scriptwriters failed to give each story shown, a concrete background. Most of the time I couldn’t feel attached to them because it seemed like just to show a man evil, they forcefully made him act like an evil and took all the cases to an extreme dramatic turn which was completely unnecessary. The reasons shown for the demises of individual protagonists’ dearer ones are quite baseless and fragile. The reasons for which the prosecutor convicted the innocents or tortured them were not at all intense or logical enough. Even the young teen kid’s character who played a monstrous role is somewhat obfuscated. Just for a mere thrill he was inclined to do such heinous crimes? It was understandable he lacked emotions however it was still full of ambiguity that why he particularly hated Jo Soo Ji? Therefore, in one word the antagonists’ roles are not written immaculately. Everyone’s story was relatable to one another yet there were some major loopholes which resulted into incoherence. The ending was unpredictable but was quite nonsensically exaggerated. As a result the actual essence of the drama had eventually lost.
Acting of the ensemble was good though not excellent. I always have high expectations from Kim Young Kwan. He could have done better. Few times his emotions seemed unnatural. It is again good to see two female characters playing strong roles which typically portrayed by men. Although Lee Shi Young pulled of the fervid and brave role as a detective, nonetheless, she should work on her facial expression as well. All through she mostly maintained a stoic expression which didn’t match with the courageous character portrayal. Key and Kim Seul Gi looked sweet as a couple and pulled their characters well. They showed reasonable amount of emotions through their good acting skills. I have to specially mention teenage actor Park Solomon who left me wowed with his negative performance. He truly is a gem who has extremely bright future ahead of him. He did a commendable job in this drama.
The background score was alright along with the OSTs. None of the songs are found to be exceptional.
In conclusion, there’s no harm in trying this drama. As many people already liked it, you may like it as well but Lookout has failed big time to keep me allured.
Was this review helpful to you?
The plot twists were INSANE
My hands are shaking as I type this
I can feel some serious withdrawal approaching :'))))
In terms of story, this drama certainly delivered. The twists were everywhere and quite a lot of them were vERY surprising (i'm still shaking). While there were a few plotholes here and there, generally the whole story came was engaging and exciting. I'm a sucker for action and crime dramas with plot twists and complicated plans so this was right up my alley. Every episode left me craving more and there was never a dull moment. Especially the last few episodes. It was so tense that I had to pause and go watch something else to calm down because I was feeling so overwhelmed. There were a few things that never got explained and a few things we never got the satisfaction of seeing, but that didn't really take away from how great the overall story was. The withdrawal is hitting me hard :')))
The cast. Don't get me started on the cast. I love the cast. Each character was great and I loved them all. My favourite character was hands down Jang Do Han (played by Kim Young Kwang). His character was just the kind I like. Seemingly happy and bubbly but with a dark (and rather sadistic at times) side. I loved every single second that he was on screen. Jo Soo Ji (played by Lee Si Young) was great as well. Her emotions were very realistic and you really felt for the character. Also, she was a badass and I loved it. Key and Kim Seulgi's characters were great too. I really loved the whole dynamic of the little team they had going there. I also really liked the interactions between Jang Do Han and Kim Eun Joong (played by Kim Tae Hoon). Those, although few, were hilarious and very interesting to watch. The villains did a great job making you hate them too. Overall, there was nothing lacking when it came to the cast.
I only really noticed 2 OSTs, Amen and Watchmen of Dawn (the two most commonly played throughout the drama) but they were both lit and lent themselves well to the scenes they were played during. Definitely going on my Favourite OST Spotify playlist.
This is the kind of drama that isn't that enjoyable when rewatched because you know all the twists and there isn't really any suspense. Since it's the kind of drama that thrives off of suspense and plot twists, so I don't think it'd be too fun to rewatch. I might anyway, because I enjoyed it a hell of a lot and because the characters were so great (esPECIALLY JANG DO HAN).
SO overall, it was a great drama and I recommend it to eVERYONE. Seriously though, I hadn't seen a drama this good since Chief Kim (which, now I think about it, is pretty similar to this... huh). 10/10 would erase it from my memory so I could watch it again from the beginning. I really really really recommend it. Now if you'll excuse me, I gotta go watch everything on Kim Young Kwang's discography.
Was this review helpful to you?
And in that way the drama tells a phenomenal story. Although I wasn't hooked by its first episodes right away, I grew to love it to bits even though the basic summary doesn't differ much from other revenge dramas.
What makes this so special are its characters and the construction of their stories - and the bond between them. Like the plot is built up in layers, so are its partakers. Every detail is played out so well that you're stunned when you reminisce about it. It makes you excited to watch each twist unfold, to guess and to see whether your predictions come true or not. And it never lets you rest. Each turn of events is shocking, moves you to tears or riles up your emotions to an unknown degree.
What I loved so much in the acting of the characters were those subtle, tiny expressions, almost too small to notice but you DO notice them. There is no one who is truly good or bad. Everyone has their flaws and inner fights and struggles, and sometimes the selfish desire wins over. It shows how good this drama is, that it makes you focus automatically, so you won't miss anything. One big strength of this drama is that it makes you try to imagine to be in their shoes. You might think that you will never extort to their lengths and methods but deep down you have to admit that you can't be hundred percent clear about that either. Human instincts are one big mystery and only if you face such situations yourself, you'll learn some new truths about yourself.
Thinking of the cast makes me seriously happy because everyone, and I mean everyone, did such a good job with each and every role they were given. It made you enjoy all their interactions, either good or bad. A big shout-out at the young teenage actors, too, because they were utterly amazing! Also one of the best villains I've seen in a drama. I always prefer the calm, smart ones over the impulsive stereotypes they use so often. And Lookout has one intriguing badass whose gaze gives you the chills because he's just so incalculable. He's like fog where you can't see far enough.
Though all of them were amazing, the one who gets the biggest bouquet of flowers is Kim Young Kwang. He is simply surpassing every role he's done so far. His character was so well written and his performance was mind-blowing. And I'm not even exaggerating. He played Jang Do Han with such perfection and perception that I can't wait to see more of his acting in future roles with likewise impressive characters. I don't even want to talk about this too much, just watch it yourself and let yourself be mesmerized.
Also, Lee Shi Young. I was five minutes into the drama, and she already knocked me off my socks. She's such a badass female lead who makes you root for her almost all the way through. She is strong and no matter what happens stays to her beliefs. And although it might become a lonely fight, she never willingly depends on others but takes matters in her own hand.
I did have some issues with the last episodes which is why I can't give this drama a full 10. But I was still very satisfied with its wrap up, and to know that it's over now, makes me shed a tear or two.
Was this review helpful to you?
I just finished watching the last episode and, honestly, I'm still feeling all the excitement that made me watch 10-15 episodes in a row. I'm a big fan of Shinee so when I knew that Key was acting on It I (almost immediately) searched for the first episode and started watching it without even checking out what was it about. Since I'm used to my sweet romantic/comedy dramas, its needless to say that I was so not ready for this.
The story was one that I've never seen in a drama before (maybe because of my lack of 'experience' with action dramas) however I know that the story, just as it was, wouldn't go anywhere without what really kept me at the edge of my seat each episode: the acting.
You've probably seen a lot of comments about Lee Shi Young's character and how sometimes ´she overreacts' and 'just messes the plans of everyone else' (literal quotes from some comments on the drama's page) and I cannot say that I don't agree, I won't lie to you either because she does overreacts and she does messes up the plans more than once for other characters. However, that's exactly what her character should be like because of what happened to her... Maybe I think that way because I lost someone I loved dearly for unjustified reasons, when it wasn't really their time to go, so I believe that if I was given the chance, I would react the exact same way to make sure that justice is made. I think she did an amazing job at portraying a mother in grief and although her methods are, most of the times, not the best ones, that's exactly what a REAL person would do. Realness in her acting is what made me love her. (Besides I'm a sucker for actresses/actors that perform their own kick-ass action scenes).
Now, Kim Young Kwan... Just thinking about his work in this drama leaves me speechless. I first saw him in Pinocchio as the sweet, lovable second male lead so he was, by far, the best and most memorable of the surprises I encountered watching this. At first, one may think that his character is just obnoxious or even stupid but, oh no, if you think that right now just letting you know that you're the most wrong you've ever been. Kim Young Kwan was able to portray perfectly what a mad man can do just for revenge and, honestly? I could watch the scene where he notices that his plan has worked a million times, not stopping, on a loop, because its THAT good. So, TLDR, his acting even gave me chills.
Kim Seul Gi, Key, Choi Moo Sung, Jung Seok Yong, Kim Sun Young, Park Solomon, and everyone else in the cast did a fantastic job on their characters as well. Each of them contributed in a big way on making this drama what it is to me right now: one of the best ones I've watched in years. The music, if I remember correctly, was two songs, maybe three, if I heard right. However those 2-3 match the drama and each scene so well that you won´t even notice you´ve heard it before, that´s how good they are.
The ending was absolutely perfect from my point of view. Once you consider everything they characters went through, once you consider how the drama actually started, you will also see that there was not better ending than the one they chose.
So, summarizing, this drama started interesting and remained the same until the very end. I may be the only one thinking this (in comparison to other reviews I've seen) but, I would still strongly suggest anyone to watch this drama with an open mind and to also put yourself in the shoes of the characters because that just makes the whole thing 200% more enjoyable. Even if you're not a big fan of action, suspense, etc. Even if you just can't watch a drama without the protagonists not having a romantic relationship (there is a romantic relationship on the drama, just not for the two lead protagonists). Even if you think is too long. This drama is, for me, a MUST SEE.
Was this review helpful to you?
quite fun for its genre, but has a surprisingly deep, sad undertone
yasss, finished finally!what a great drama. really enjoyed this.
obviously this can't beat Mad Dog. Mad Dog was like the perfect drama for its genre in my book, it's full of sass and badassery.
the story here caught me by surprise by its very sad undertone, as the FL is a single mother who suddenly mourned and sought revenge for the loss of her only child. and the ML's backstory is very sad too. in fact Bo Mi and Kyung Soo's stories are also very sad and traumatic, making this drama very heavy to the feels. so, i wasn't able to watch this drama as a time-pass.
in terms of the last 2-3 episodes after the Chief Prosecutor was finally caught, the story moved on to the story of his teenage psychopath son and his 'final' move to screw them over. some people think that this part was unnecessary, but i actually really liked that. the father villain didn't give that much of an impact for me, and it was the psychopath son that really steals the show throughout and keeps me fully engaged (Solomon Park, boyyy you're too good!!!). and i really appreciated how the writers ended the story by showing his part instead because the ending for his father was nothing special (just send that bastard to jail once the evidence is secured, that's it).
so i can appreciate them giving full screentime to the psychopath son to wrap the story though the ending's execution was weak AF (the writer made the detective team leader a fool, just like her daughter LOL) for complying completely to the abductor request instead of reporting and approaching the case strategically as a seasoned police officer, lmao.
i don't like the ending. i don't know. i am probably in denial because the tragic ending somehow fitted the drama's undertone so much and i can somewhat respect that, but i was at least expecting a happy reunion between the team members, sighh. people also seemed to notice that it was an open ending that should allow for second season, and i am hopeful for that though i'm not sure if MBC has done multiple season series. i only know of such a thing at OCN's dramas. i really liked that although Prosecutor Jang is the secret team leader, Soo Ji is the first cast in the actor's order list which means this drama can indeed continue on using her as the main character just like Director Kang in Voice series.
actually, i am really happy to be watching this drama LOL. i get introduced to so many actors i haven't watched or watched much like Kim Young Kwang, Lee Shi Young, Key, Kim Seul Gi, the hot priest and Solomon Park, haha. i don't know if i should feel grateful that the boy plays his psychopath character so well that i really wanna choke him to death, LOL.
Was this review helpful to you?
