This drama's strongest point is the relationship between the characters and how it evolved. Seeing the characters bonding was very touching. Unfortunately, that's about it. There are no interesting events happening , no surprises , nothing else to keep the person watching interested. I know for a fact that if I watched this drama while it was still ongoing , I would have dropped it as it's merely a narration of events. The ending was very disappointing for me as there was no closure, just a typical korean drama ending. I still gave it a 6/10 because the acting was just so brilliant and touching that by the end , I felt connected to characters of the show.
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THIS MADE ME WANNA GO TO PRISON!
I had delayed watching this show for a very long time, and I had high expectations. After completing the show, it is safe to say that all my expectations were exceeded. This show is really different compared to the regular shows, so I didn't binge it. I took my sweet time, and it is safe to say that this is one of the best shows I've ever watched. I felt a connection with each and every character, and the show really made me care and root for them. This is probably the best K-drama if you judge based on character depth. The emotional balance and the progression of the story is divine, and the ending is just perfect. Apart from the story and the immaculate casting and acting, one thing that stood out to me was the music. I usually don't like OSTs and Korean music in general, and I find myself cringing most of the times, but of all the K-dramas I've seen, this had the best music by far. I enjoyed almost every song, and the raps were also fire!! This show was really subtle with the romance which was not the main focus, and I really enjoyed that. This show is an absolute gem, and I DEFINITELY RECOMMEND IT TO EVERYONE!!Was this review helpful to you?
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Romance ruined it
You know this would be a decent watch BUT they just had to ruin the heck out of it by adding a filler creepy, awkward, meaningless romance. That nobody needed. Especially the main couple like bruh main lead looked like he was with his daughter he looks his age so why do they have to do this to my eyes, the director is one of my favs too i will just pretend that he didn't do this crap and give him redeeming points for reply and hospital series that are masterpieces, if you are considering to watch this just skip skip skip. Oh another thing is the FLs are just there for the romance they don't serve a purpose other than make me annoyed. I would give this a solid 8 minus the romance but I am sorry it ruined it for me so damn much that I had to drop several times, I was watching it while it was airing and I managed to finish it just now. I want to say I would recommend it but honestly no!Was this review helpful to you?
My standards went high again...
This is the first time I would write a review in here... I've been recommending this to others and even posted a good scenes in YouTube...I've watched more or less 500 dramas and movies so everything for me became less interesting and exciting. I would fast forward most of the boring scenes just to reach the climax or the end of it, until someone recommended this to me.
I thought it would be a typical crime, thriller drama because of the title and I wonder how this would end up to a comedy tag.
I never regretted that I took time to watch it, I didn't skip any scene nor do fast forward.
Every episodes are worth to watch.
It won't fail to give you a good laugh.
And at the end, your standard on choosing what to watch next would went higher than before. every kdramas would feel a little boring to watch, and it will took you a weeks to move on from this, unless you'll find better than this like GOBLIN...
Believe me, it's worth to spent your precious time...
Less romance, a little thrilling, with a lots of funny and idiotic scenes, that's PRISON PLAYBOOK (The Craziest Squad I've Ever Watched)...
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Honestly, I had my doubts going into this drama, as I didn't find the synopsis interesting. But I decided to give it a shot, and right after watching the first episode I immediately knew that I'll add a new drama to my "favorite dramas list". Seriously, give a shot, for sure you won't regret it. Like I haven't said it enough, THIS DRAMA IS PERFECT! If I were to be overly critical and change one thing.......... just watch it yourself, I'm sure everyone would want to change "that" one thing in this drama.
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Emotion. Emotions. Emotional.
Prison Playbook makes you think leaps and bounds about the society of the world which has been structured into the modern day. Okay, well, maybe it's not that deep, but it could be on the perspective. An all-star cast and the chemistry that goes along with it create a spectacular story which will open your hearts and at least open your mind into having a conversation to yourself about the real world. Maybe not ALL prisoners are bad people.The OST was perfect, it included songs from all different genres and was placed in perfect appropriateness when in-line with scene selection. The rewatch value may be a little high, but thanks to lockdown it has an advantage. Plus, although the episodes are roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes long, it really doesn't feel that way.
I suggest everyone to watch Prison Playbook - that is, of course, if they like amazing dramas.
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BRILLIANT PRISON DRAMEDY!
One of the reasons why I watched this dramedy ahead of the others in my must-watch list is because it’s directed by the same director of REPLY 1988 and HOSPITAL PLAYLIST (1 and 2), both highly rated series.If we compare REPLY 1988 (2015) with PRISON PLAYBOOK (2017), you’d notice that there’s a big improvement, style-wise. The photography and camera work in this series is superb.
The flashback visual clues are consistent: The screen goes black & white if the scene that follows happened before the current time (whether just minutes ago or years ago). It will turn black & white again to denote the end of a flashback. Yeah, like bookends.
And since it’s from the people who made REPLY 1988, many actors from that 2015 series are also here.
Bear in mind though that this one is a slow burn. Though there are funny and endearing scenes in the initial episodes, I got really hooked starting with EP 4. No turning back from then on. The series actually gets better and better as it nears the finale.
Are prison cells in South Korea really that clean and neat? Well, this is consistent with the theme of the series that a prison is “a place where humans stay” and that it is possible to even thrive there. And that not all folks who are in jail are really bad people; some were framed or were just in the wrong place at the wrong time.
This is not for everyone one though. Like REPLY 1988, many found PRISON PLAYBOOK a great series, but some people did not. To each his own taste.
Also, if you’re looking for romantic titillating moments, these are few and far between here. But there’s bromance, if you like that.
In the finale, I missed Looney. Didn’t expect that the penultimate episode was his last. I was kinda hoping that it was just a bad dream – because THAT scene looked kinda dreamy, right? And also, he was so determined to clean up his act. Oh well. I felt sad and disappointed for his ending. Felt sad for his lover and parents, too.
I’m really glad I stayed on and finished this great series. I rate it 10 / 10.
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A Captivating Journey of Redemption: "Prison Playbook"
Rating: ★★★★★ (10/10)
This is my first review, and I couldn't wait to share my thoughts on this drama.
Set in the confines of a correctional facility, "Prison Playbook" takes a refreshingly different approach to the prison genre. Rather than focusing solely on the brutality of incarceration, it delves deep into the lives, struggles, and growth of the inmates, creating a rich tapestry of multifaceted characters that are brought to life by a talented ensemble cast.
The series centers around Kim Je-hyuk, a baseball player who finds himself imprisoned after a regrettable incident. As we follow Je-hyuk's journey, we witness the transformative power of the correctional system on both the inmates and the prison staff. The narrative is expertly crafted, balancing moments of heartwarming camaraderie, intense drama, and even lighthearted humor, creating a seamless blend that keeps viewers engaged throughout.
One of the greatest strengths of "Prison Playbook" lies in its character development. Each inmate and staff member is carefully fleshed out, making it easy to empathize with their struggles and cheer for their growth. The series explores themes of forgiveness, second chances, and the importance of human connection, all while challenging societal stereotypes surrounding prisoners. The characters' interactions and evolving relationships provide a compelling emotional core that will leave you invested in their fates.
The performances in "Prison Playbook" are nothing short of exceptional. The ensemble cast delivers nuanced portrayals, immersing themselves in their roles with authenticity and depth. Park Hae-soo shines as Kim Je-hyuk, skillfully portraying a wide range of emotions, from despair to resilience. The chemistry between the cast members is palpable, creating a believable camaraderie that adds layers of realism to the narrative.
Additionally, the series benefits from its meticulous attention to detail and its ability to explore the complexities of prison life. It presents a realistic portrayal of the prison system, shedding light on the challenges faced by inmates and the complex dynamics between prisoners and staff. The writing is consistently strong, striking a delicate balance between entertainment and social commentary.
In conclusion, "Prison Playbook" is an outstanding drama that deserves high praise. It weaves a captivating narrative with strong performances, relatable characters, and thought-provoking themes. Whether you're a fan of the prison genre or simply appreciate compelling storytelling, this series is a must-watch. Prepare to be emotionally invested, moved, and enlightened by the power of human resilience and redemption.
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The story:
Very well written! Each and every character had its own backstory, and I am usually the one who skips those scenes because they just feel useless and not contributing to the story at all. But not here. Never have I ever loved the supporting cast that much (Looney I love you!). My only little critic point would be the huge age gap between the ML and FL, but seriously it didnt bother me that much by the end.
The acting:
There is seriously no flaw. Everyone gave their best.
Music: I dont really give that much importance to the OST, so its a neutral rating
Rewatch value: I never rewatch, but I might rewatch this one haha
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Prison Playbook‘s plot is primarily driven by its characters, focusing on their internal strifes to propel the drama forward. These serve as intriguingly damning social commentary on two overarching themes: a flawed justice system that unjustifiably ends up punishing the innocent and political corruption. Many other K-dramas that aim to uncover these just end up getting bogged down by convoluted side-plots, but Prison Playbook suffers from none of that. Most of the various major storyline threads flow organically into each other, interspersed with side-splitting dark comedy and remarkably engaging tension.
Characters :
For me, the characters in the story were unique, and each character has a special feature and a story in drama .. For me, all the characters complement each other in an amazing way. If you deleted one of the characters in prison, the story would be incomplete ..
Performance:
Any story would suffer from a poor lead but Prison Playbook had no such issues — Park Hae-soo was perfect for the role. Kim Jehyuk was his first role as a lead actor but he was able to pull off a suitably nuanced performance as the wide-eyed fallen hero. This was a role that needed someone who was not only likable but could also believably handle the ever-shifting power dynamics in prison. Park Hae-soo easily ticked off those checkboxes. Furthermore, he was able to establish an incredible onscreen rapport with every character with whom his character formed an alliance. The result is a drama that made me emotionally invested in everyone who was on his side, even the ones who had once committed terrible, hard-to-forgive crimes.
Music :
The music that accompanied Prison Playbook isn’t likely to be the sort that sticks with you but neither is it all that distracting. Instead, it’s sort of a happy in-between. Suitably tense instrumental music helped enhance the drama’s narrative progression but none of it truly stood out. Its OST album featured major figures such as Heize, Zion.T, Eric Nam, as well as Winner’s Mino but they were mostly just there.
Cinematography :
One would expect a drama about prison life to be underlined by completely muted colour palettes but Prison Playbook seemed quite determined to challenge every expectation. Although the prison walls themselves were as dreary as it gets, Prison Playbook‘s cinematography was subtly underlined by crisp pops of colour that were made possible by props within each mise-en-scène. Consider the scenes shot within Jehyuk’s shared prison cell after he was transferred. The inmates have been there for so long that they’ve practically made some semblance of home for themselves by adding brightly coloured storage spaces, books, and other knick-knacks. This stands parallel to the almost overwhelmingly bright colour palettes outside prison walls as if these items were needed to keep the inmates hold onto any shred of hope or signs of humanity. It’s details like this that make this such an outstanding drama.
It was a great drama and I regret being late to watch it, but it is better than not watching it so happy that I followed it ^ ^ And if I am hesitant then watch it and you will not regret ..
Finally, I hope my review helps you
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Bravo, bravo my life! A drama that radiates comfort ♥️
I’m definitely going to write a pretty long review about this drama since it was super beautiful, so bear with me please.I was honestly hesitant to start watching this drama. This drama has been in my plan to watch list for so long, and I never had the urge to start watching it. If I had known it was this amazing, I would’ve watched it a long time ago. I was actually in search for a funny drama, ones that made you laugh, and ones that would make you instantly forget about your worries, ones that don’t require you to think much. I knew somehow that this drama would make me cry, since it was a stereotype for prison movies/dramas. I always have a special spot for prison dramas and films, I loved Miracle in Cell No. 7, Harmony, Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile, etc, and I knew that prison movies are one of the genre that would never fail in making me cry like a baby. That’s probably the biggest reason why I would avoid watching this drama for so long. But I picked it up anyways during quarantine.
And boy, how I was wrong! This drama is the perfect package! You get all those super hilarious moments, you get tons of “UGH I HATE THIS GUY I NEED TO HAVE SOME REVENGE SCENES” moments, you get tearjerking moments, and you also get tons of happiness and comfort watching this drama. I can’t actually explain why this drama became really special to me, but this drama comforted me and made me laugh during one of my darkest times: when I got tested positive of Covid for the very first time in my life. I needed a drama where I could forget all the stress and worries I’ve been feeling this past few days, and I finally got an answer.
Prison Playbook teaches you a lot of important things in life, despite having murderers, con-artists, drug dealers, and many other criminals as main characters. Although some of the characters here seem unforgivable, you’ll watch them here thinking the same thing I did: all of them deserves a second chance. The main characters here are super lovable. What I really love about this drama is their ability to make me cry and then laugh in the other second, just like it did with Hi Bye Mama. The writers succeeded in playing with my emotions and I really love dramas that could do just that. The characters were written in such a way that could make you hate and then really love them. No one is perfect in this drama, but who is though? Being realistic is important.
This drama shows you a realistic point of view of life and law. How it seems unfair sometimes, you don’t always get what you want, but don’t give up, because good will always win. Like Je Hyeok who looks like he’s the unluckiest man on Earth—a successful baseball player who got sentenced for murder after saving his sister from a rapist, then got a lot of haters in prison who was trying to kill him, was then unable to do baseball because of the injuries he had—if you are good, and if you do good whenever, wherever and to whoever, even those who did evil things to you, you will always find a way. Kill those evil people with kindness, just like Je Hyeok, this is one of the biggest lessons I learned from watching this drama. Instead of giving you a scene where the bad guys die or gets punished for what they did until the very end of the drama, this drama shows you about forgiveness. Sometimes it’s good to forgive eventhough it’s hard to do.
Asides from all the lovable and super hilarious and entertaining characters in this drama such as Liutenant Paeng, Officer Song, the warden, Looney, Mr Kaist, Dr Ko, Captain Yoo, Kim Min Chul, Crony, Lee Joon Ho and Lee Joon Dol, Jailbird, and everyone else, I really love every night broadcast that was shown in every episode. Lee Min Joo from Borami Broadcast gave this drama a touch of comfort and meaningful quotes that I really really love.
The music really stands out for me. As a fan of one of the OSTs here even before I started watching—“Bravo, My Life!” by Eric Nam—I would give the music score a 10 right from the beginning, but a lot of songs that I know was played as well, like “I Choose to Love You” and “Time to Say Goodbye”, and that certainly made the scene more memorable for me. The instrumentals was perfect in every scene. Although I’m not a big fan of the rap songs, the other OSTs made up for it.
Lastly, I would like to thank everyone involved in this drama, from all the casts, the directors and the screenwriters and all the staff for creating this beautiful masterpiece. If I could write something that bothered me is that I would really love it if I could see Mr Kaist, Jean Valjean, Dr Ko, Looney again, and probably a little reunion in the end of everyone, but like my father always told me everytime I wanted more from a happy ending, “It’s up to the viewers to imagine the ending, you don’t really need to see everything and they don’t really need to explain everything to make it a great happy ending.” It is enough for me to watch those happy smiles at the end. And I’m thrilled. I’m sad that it’s over now, but goodbye, let’s meet again someday. Overall, a definite 10/10. Bravo!
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