In a word, Switch is exceptional and definitely the biggest surprise of 2018. I normally do not write reviews, but I want other K-drama fans to see this show so that it can get the attention and viewership that it deserves. The writing, acting, and cinematography are phenomenal. I would recommend this drama to everyone who enjoys an intelligent, exciting, and creative show that will keep you guessing until the very end.
But let’s start with what I didn’t like. You have to suspend your disbelief during certain parts, and a couple of the plot devices are not 100% airtight. Also, there seemed to be more names to keep track of than in most shows. That is about it for the negatives.
While no script is perfect, the highlight of this drama is the writing. The plot is like a fast-paced chess game. I love shows that are plot-driven and have great characters, and Switch does not disappoint. The plot is unpredictable, and deception abounds. I can tell that the writer is smart because the script is thoughtful and shows attention to detail. In fact, some of the plot twists and cons are simply brilliant. I typically expect dramas to begin to lag around episode 12 or so, but Switch had excellent pacing and never lost my interest. The ending was so good that it gave me chills.
The awesome and memorable cast of characters was another key part of this drama’s success. It was a joy to watch the interactions between the crafty Sa Do Chan and the upright, driven Prosecutor Oh Ha Ra. The protagonists were people I really wanted to root for, but the antagonists were also impressive thanks to their brains and resources. Heroes and villains were well-matched, and it was hard at times to know who had the upper hand. The con team deserves a special mention for being hilarious and providing lots of light moments throughout the show.
I was unfamiliar with most of the cast before starting Switch, but I was blown away by the acting. They got the facial expressions, demeanor, and emotions exactly right. Han Ye Ri is perfect for her part, as is Jung Woong In. Jung Woong In was great in I Hear Your Voice and My Sassy Girl, but Switch is his strongest performance. Jang Geun Seok similarly did very well in his demanding role, and he had excellent on-screen chemistry with Han Ye Ri.
As for the overall production, I liked the camerawork and editing. I have no idea how they shot some of the more complex scenes (you’ll see what I mean if you watch the show), but I was seriously impressed. The scoring is also perfect. The OST features a range of instrumental and vocal tracks, including some that would be right at home in a spy film. Switch is one of the few dramas where I would listen to the entire soundtrack on its own.
In short, a wonderful and endlessly entertaining show. Switch is a truly exceptional production that should not be missed.
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This review may contain spoilers
Okay wow, just finsihed it. It was such fun and exciting drama of 32 epsiodes. We get introduced to both Sa Do Chan and Baek Joon Soo right at the starting, and the plot just dives in. I would definitely recommend this drama for anyone looking for a fun drama of prosecutors and our con man ;) [May contain spoilers]
This is a drama about how our conman, Sa Do Chan, who concidentally also looks like Baek Joon Soo- a prosecutor. Due to a number of circumstances, he ends up taking Joon Soo's spot while also having to deal with our main female -Oh Ha Ra, another prosecutor. I think this drama was fun and clever and I never felt it dragged. I like the smart villains were out smarter.
Many of us may consider this drama as Jang GuenSuk's comeback to dramas (apart from his side character in Hwayugi). Now this is one I can call one heck of an actor! Played as both Sa DoChan and Baek JoonSoo and the execution between these two characters is really smooth, I for one fell in love with all the expressions that our conman expressed *-* Heck, i wouldnt say just a double role,maybe triple? for he plays not only Joon Soo & Sa Do Chan but also as Sa Do Chan playing Joon Soo. Romance in this drama takes a backseat really, don't watch it if thats all youre going in for. BUT the chemistry between the two of them is defintely there, and so visible too. Not forgetting our side charcters! They all were very much involved in this, making a fully rounded team I hwoleheartedly fell in love with. As for the music, I honestly did not pay it much mind except the times DC played out his plans flawessly.
This drama ended as playfully as it started out. Rewatch? HECK YES. I went through such a range of emotions that I would very much welcome again. And a seson two if there is, but not hoping for much in that aspect.
Once again, if you are wondering if you should watch this or not? yes yes yes, a thousand times yes. Entertaining and crime-filled, with enough humour thrown into the mix. Still not sure? Get through episode 1. Gurantee suck in if you make it past.
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I found the story nothing extraordinary, but the same political dirty strategy. For 16 hours, they were just keep chasing the same villain who seems very perfect above the law, which is really unrealistic for me. In fairness, characterization-wise and execution are decent enough to be watched and some humor to be enjoyed.
I am not saying you don't have to watch this, but just don't hope too much for some story aspects.
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Summing up, I think that Switch was just an okay drama and it was entertaining sometimes. Just, don't expect too much from it.
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Overall, this drama had a well paced plot, there was a decent balance of lightheartedness and crime-action, and it had a good ending. There wasn't really any romance, but you could see the relationship budding and a true respect for each other developing. I would like to think that a romance is down the road in the hypothetical world of the drama world after the series officially ended. For those of you who absolutely need romance in your dramas, this might not be something that holds your attention. BUT, *I* am one of those people who really thrives off a romance in a drama and I enjoyed this drama quite a bit. The plot was so well-written that I was curious to see what happened in the next episode (there were no lulls in the action which kept me binge watching).
If you're not convinced about whether or not you should watch this drama, I'd encourage you to give the first 3 hours a shot and see if it hooks your attention after our conman and prosecutor start working together for real.
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This review may contain spoilers
Jang Keun Suk oppa, jjang!
ahh when i finished this drama just a while back, i should have written a full review. i didn't write one because i only posted a short synopsis upon finishing. seeing how there are literally only 11 reviews on this drama so far really compelled me to write one.i have to say the story is really great. i found the first several 30 minute episodes a bit dry, mainly because there's not enough sass in the supporting characters of the con team of Sa Do Chan. the other con-dramas i have watched are Legend of the Blue Sea and 38 Task Force, so compared to this drama, those two engaged me a lot quicker because the side characters are as interesting/funny. it didn't help too that the female lead was almost plain unlikeable and boring as hell at the beginning.
but the story and rhythm definitely improved as the episode progresses which pleased me tremendously. i must say the stronghold of the drama lies in the acting of Jang Keun Suk who played both characters of Sa Do Chan and Baek Joon Soo brilliantly and his performance is very gripping and enough to hold your attention for the entire show. but we also have a villain here who gives off a solid performance, of course, played the veteran actor Jung Woong In. i first watched him in I Hear Your Voice and i am glad i found him again here.
the one thing strongly holding me back from almost a full score is with the distasteful outcome of Sa Do Chan's father which was so floppily executed, almost to the point of the writer-director combo clowning themselves. gahh, i still get angry at how badly that scene was executed.
the romance that were hinted at, at the end of it, they ended up with nothing. sighh. i mean she would probably be better off with Baek Joon Soo the stuck-up/righteous/boring prosecutor, but the growing chemistry between her and Sa Do Chan was really cute, so it was such a huge dilemma at least for me, after all those signs of budding romance. but at least we get a small character development on Baek Joon Soo's part when he remembered to call the female guard at the entrance, pretty Mi Ran as Sa Do Chan sweetly addressed her. that was insanely cute!
overall, definitely a very solid con-drama totally worth giving a shot. i don't understand how the rating average gets below than 8.0 but that's honestly sick and fckin ridiculous. a show this good should be rated higher, and i am telling you that it is really a great one! enjoy. ^^
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Still okay to watch
LIKELiked the con-artist & police pair when they catch those criminals
Still vaguely remembered those art pieces were smashed for an investigation
DISLIKE
Felt a little boring at times
MUSIC - personal fav
Raise Me Up - Lee Hong Gi
No One - Saya
REWATCH VALUE
It doesn't matter if I re-watch or not
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I love the villain! He is my favorite villain. His character is always deep, I cried for him in I Hear Your Voice. And here, he loves painting and reading books, he is a one of kind villain. He is just really great!
The male lead, o god jang geun suk just nailed his character don't mention his sexy voice. He made cunning or being a con artist interesting.
All in all, the drama was not at all boring. I'm glad I finished it :)
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A Must Watch Drama
This drama is for someone who's in a desperate need for something...anything. I was in a drama block for about 2 months not being able to find anything to suit my taste. After desperately searching I came across Switch-Change the World |to be honest i had started the drama before but gave up because I didn't like the female lead| and i began to rewatch the drama from epi one and i fell in love and i warmed up to the female. The characters are amazing and the casting couldn't have been better. Anyways I'm not good at reviews but i had to write something for this drama as i just finished it a moment ago and in tears. So yea....go and give it a try and trust me if it seems boring or not like you at first give it 3 episodes |30 mins per epi| and trust me you'll fall in love trust me with either Sa Do Chan, Sung Doo or In Tae...who's to tell maybe even Manager Kim Hyun Wook.Was this review helpful to you?
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The first episode threw me off because I didn't know the main actor was playing dual roles. I guess I should've read the synopsis first. I'm not familiar with the ML but I thoroughly enjoyed the chemistry he had with his cast mates. As a matter of fact I loved all of the cast mates. Including the ones that got on my nerves.
I know I'm odd but when I saw Jo Hee Bong in this I had to watch. Even though he plays in a lot of cop dramas, the characters he portray never disappoint. After seeing The Tunnel and the way that cast got along I try to find dramas with those actors in it.
The one thing that had me sighing was the back and forth 'gotcha' moments. It was portrayed really well but I wanted some of the scenarios to either speed up or move along.
I also loved the ending. I wish it was played out a bit more but then a lot of last episode Korean dramas don't know how to end so I had to take what I can get.
The best part about this whole series was that there was NO ROMANCE anywhere in this! I'm trying to stick to dramas that don't have this. I even liked the end with the bloopers. I wasn't expecting that.
Sometime in the near future if I get a chance I will watch this series again.
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