Mashup of Genres
This series is an original that pulls very different genres together in a bold experiment that works on net. There are cases when it fails miserably but these tend to be offset often enough by what works to make it an enjoyable experience.One one hand it contains a lot of slapstick comedy with the loose plotting that goes with such comedies, but there is also frequent violent action with broken limbs and dead bodies (often done in by Vincenzo) littering the screen. Sometimes the transition from one to the other is jarring. Usually, an action comedy will downplay or hide the violence - think cartoons. And usually a gory action thriller will go light on comedy staying with witty one liners here and there. Vincenzo boldly throws these together and on net it works more often than not.
After a few episodes we get used to outlandish contrivances to get out of deadly situations.
On the serious side Vincenzo is an unapologetic mafia member straight out of southern Italy who by the last episode indulges in some seriously torturous contrived endings for the main villains of the story. The producers did not shy away from showing the blood and gore. In Vincenzo series we've put aside any pretensions to an absolute good vs bad and entered a world where relativistic laws prevail. Someone can be construed as 'good' if they only do bad to someone who is worse, in other words someone who deserves a painful ending delivered outside the law.
The show and character Dexter come to mind. Dexter is also an ostensibly evil character (he kidnaps and tortures people to death with a knife) who is the hero. Dexter in the show was toned down from the character in the book series. In the written version Dexter, in an uneasy alliance with a demon cohabiting in his mind, killed his victims by a long hours long torture - vivisection to be exact. The demon was delighted with the torture and in exchange endowed Dexter with some supernatural perception. Dexter followed a code which limited his hobby to people who really deserved it. For the show in early episodes this torture was alluded to but not shown, and then later it was suppressed entirely with Dexter dispatching each victim with a clean stab to the heart. Was Dexter, the hero of his story, evil? The writer ensures sympathy by making sure the reader is well aware of the sins of Dexter's victims (all serial killers). Dexter becomes a vigilante helping society cleanse itself of the hidden evil its justice system is unable to find and deal with. The TV show producers were not comfortable with the vigilante angle and eventually destroyed the character by portraying him as insane (no demon so no bargain),
In Vincenzo the producers are well aware of the issue of good vs evil and how problematic Vincenzo and his actions are. By the last few episodes there are a few occasions where Vincenzo candidly looks into the mirror and acknowledges that he's often doing what the average person would condemn. He offers a fatalistic justification, but the key is that he, the character, is well aware of the issue. And we the audience more or less are rooting for him.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
It was fascinating
It was fascinating. But it really could have been made shorter. It was very long and each episode was 1 hour and 20 minutes. It really had a good sequence. I didn't like that little brother died. He was innocent. Vincenzo was also very indifferent towards her... his romance was really enough and I liked the ending
Was this review helpful to you?
Keeps one guessing
The male lead is fantastic and the character is so well-executed. The storyline, and the supporting characters -they all shine, whether we see ourselves in the characters or not. It was at times hard to follow all the new situations/plot twists/cunning schemes behind the scenes. That said, there is no doubt that it makes for an interesting watch and a series that stands out in several ways.Was this review helpful to you?
the plot
tbh I really enjoyed this, but after episode 10 it kinda got boring. the only interesting scene after ep 10 was when Vincenzo killed the guy who killed his mother. the story and concept were interesting and fresh and the actors were amazing too, but there’s only so much you can do with a storyline like this. the whole babal plot just felt so pointless. and yes I know that babal was the main plot device but that doesn’t mean that it was necessary to drag it for 20 whole episodes!Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Here for SJK, but fell for Babo!
The acting of both MLs are on fire! I mean....who would have thought a cute innocent intern turned out to be a psychopath Babo? Are they even the same person? Geez!Not to mention the ruthless mafia lawyer turned a sweet gay prince charming turned a flower boy shaman. Its like watching costume play! haha
This shows the acting skills of both MLs are top tier, its SO good and its what really save the show!
Without them, this show probably wouldn't be as good and enjoyable
Now, these are minor details I feel would have made it 10/10 if its better
1. It could be cut down to 12 episodes or so. The 1st 7 episodes are so thrilling and it just went on draggy and complicated. It really doesn't have to be that fancily complicated, it just becomes a nuisance. Also, too much emphasis on the "finding gold" part that its just irritating. Like, I get it..now, can we find it?
2. The first few episodes are cringey, which I feel what made people dropped. They could improved the style of comedy. Actually, after that few scenes, some of the comedy are really good. Its just that few scenes
3. The lack of sparks between ML and FL. IT's non existence and then they end up kissing? Like, where does this come from? I know the focus isn't on the romance which I am okay, but at least, there gotta be some sparks, so we are excited when they kiss, right? I usually am excited with such scenes but here, Im just like...how and why and wtf?
Also, the show gets darker and darker...not to mention gruel towards the end. Its not for everyone definitely
I'll still recommend this because of the excellent acting. If its not to your liking, you can drop it then.
Was this review helpful to you?
A Riveting Tale of Justice, Redemption, and Mafia Intrigue
Introduction: "Vincenzo" isn't just a drama; it's a journey filled with twists, turns, and unexpected revelations that kept me eagerly anticipating each new episode. From its intriguing premise to its stellar cast, "Vincenzo" captured my attention from the very beginning and held it until the very end.Characters: One of the highlights of "Vincenzo" is its richly developed characters, each with their own distinct personalities and motivations. Vincenzo Cassano, portrayed by Song Joong-ki, is a character shrouded in mystery and complexity, making him a fascinating protagonist to follow. Jeon Yeo-bin's portrayal of Hong Cha-young added depth and dynamism to the series, with her unwavering determination and quick wit making her a standout character in her own right. The supporting cast members also delivered memorable performances, further enriching the world of "Vincenzo" with their diverse range of personalities and backgrounds.
Plot: The plot of "Vincenzo" is a masterclass in storytelling, expertly weaving together elements of crime, legal drama, and dark comedy to create a narrative that is as compelling as it is unpredictable. From Vincenzo's initial quest for revenge to the intricate power struggles within the Babel Group, every twist and turn kept me on the edge of my seat, eagerly awaiting the next revelation. While there were moments when the pacing slowed down, particularly in the middle of the series, the overall momentum of the plot never faltered, ensuring that my interest never waned.
Music/Cinematography: The music and cinematography in "Vincenzo" deserve special mention for their contribution to the overall atmosphere of the series. The hauntingly beautiful soundtrack perfectly captured the mood of each scene, enhancing the emotional impact of key moments and adding depth to the storytelling. Likewise, the cinematography was visually stunning, capturing the beauty of both Italy and Korea with breathtaking precision. From the bustling streets of Seoul to the picturesque landscapes of the Italian countryside, every shot was a feast for the eyes, further immersing me in the world of "Vincenzo."
Themes and Messages: At its core, "Vincenzo" is a story about justice, revenge, and redemption, exploring complex themes of morality and the nature of power. Through its thought-provoking narrative, the series prompted me to reflect on my own beliefs and values, sparking discussions and contemplation long after the final credits rolled. Whether grappling with questions of right and wrong or the corrupting influence of greed and ambition, "Vincenzo" offered a nuanced portrayal of the human condition, leaving a lasting impact on me as a viewer.
Critique: While "Vincenzo" is undeniably a masterpiece in many respects, it's not without its flaws. There were moments when certain plot points felt rushed or underdeveloped, leaving me wanting more depth and exploration. Additionally, some of the character motivations seemed inconsistent, particularly in the latter half of the series, which occasionally took me out of the story. However, these shortcomings were minor in comparison to the overall strength of the series, and did little to detract from my enjoyment of "Vincenzo" as a whole.
Conclusion: In conclusion, "Vincenzo" is a triumph of storytelling, with its gripping plot, memorable characters, and stunning production values setting a new standard for Korean dramas. It's a series that left a lasting impression on me as a viewer, captivating me with its compelling narrative and thought-provoking themes. Whether you're a fan of crime thrillers, legal dramas, or dark comedies, "Vincenzo" is a must-watch that will keep you hooked from beginning to end.
Rating: 8.5/10
Was this review helpful to you?
Chef's kiss ?
Someone has replaced Goblin as my top 1 kdrama. Never did I think it would be Song Joong-Ki. Trust me, I'll say it again—I'M NOT A FAN OF HIM, and I just watched his shows this 2024.Okay, this show was recommended by a friend, so I gave it a try. Damn, the first three episodes were so boring, and it felt so long. Who knew episodes with an hour and a half are still a thing??? I even changed the setting to 1.5x to watch it faster. It was wasting too much time. I really considered dropping it, but my gut said this show has potential, so I continued watching.
After episode 4 where Cha-young's father died, little by little, it captured my attention. Fun fact, I really like watching law series. This show got me screaming and nervous at the same time. Too many revelations, and the visuals? Best casting ever. It got me hooked until the last episode. Taecyeon's English-speaking skills are so good 😩
I got post kdrama syndrome because of this. After watching it, I felt empty and kept posting TikTok edits of them. I really liked how this show focuses on law, corruption, and exposing Babel rather than making it romantic for Cha-young and Vincenzo. Also, I liked Vincenzo's relationship with the tenants, how gradually their relationship progressed.
P.S. my score really is 10 but I don't remember any ost from it so I gave its music score 1.0 with the overall of 8.
Was this review helpful to you?
vincenzo
a well made thriller with engaging factors each episode have different twist and scene b/w Vincenzo and flat members will be heart touching and funny and climax will be blast but ending is little disappointed for mecoming to bgm and song it will be too good and 17th and 16th episode will be the biggest banger character development is too good and this series has re-watch value
hope 2nd season will be there for Vincenzo
but they won't show what happened in Italy and backstory of Vincenzo.... expecting in season 2 if it's there mean.....
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
A good story, but not well executed
So we have a Mafia boss from Italy who was adopted from Korea and he drops random phrases in Italian all the time. it's basically the antithesis of Daniel-san's master in Karate Kid.Anyway, the drama is packed with very charismatic characters and very serious topics, but it has a great sense of humor. It's a big achievement from Song Joong Ki and Taecyeon who were the dreamy righteous male lead in many dramas before, Taecyeon is more of the rom-com type while Song Joong Ki had this 007 thing going on in which he's a man on a mission with many action scenes and taking responsibility for a bunch of other men. In here they are just two despicable men trying to one up each other committing crimes and public humiliations. It would be pretty nice, if it had a good conclusion sequence, the ending felt very bland. Also the dynamics with Hong Cha Young who was supposed to be a romantic lead for both of them kinda had to be left aside, which pains me cause she had much more chemistry with Taecyeon's character (but this narrative line had to stay kinda ambiguous on the sidelines, with Vincenzo it felt much more like a fun friendship and they pushed it to be more romantic but it doesn't float my boat.
The characters in Geumgadong are living in my heart and I ADORE their participation in this.
Overall, a good time, but it lacked a good conclusion.
Was this review helpful to you?
Vincenzo
Ok Taec Yeon's acting just stole this drama, he was just simply amazing, how well he played a cute and later psycho character, just wow. Kwak Dong Yeon also stole cause his character in the end was so easy to like. Villains were annoying - which is good thing, we were not suppose to love them.To be honest it really is a good drama, there is action, comedy, thriller, even romance and great acting but.....in my opinion to many episodes and too many, sometimes too slow (or just boring?) I think I would like it better if there were 16 episodes. And unpopular but I do not think that it needs second season.
Was this review helpful to you?
Makes your blood boils
This is a drama jammed packed with action and humour, although at times a bit snapstick. This drama is quite violent by my standard and I would only recommend it to mature adults.Vincenzo, a consigliere of an Italian Mafia family was in Korea to retrieve an illegal hidden trove of gold. But instead he found himself drawn into a fight for justice after the villain and his accomplice murdered a number of innocent people to cover up his illegal activities. Together with the daughter of a murdered friend, they pitted their wits against a duo of psychopaths: a sly ruthless lawyer and a wealthy cunning narcissistic brat with their network of corrupt politicians and bureaucrats. Did he manage to retrieve his gold in the midst of the distraction?
What I like about this drama?
1. Full of action
2. Fight for justice
3. Demonstrate how corruption can infiltrate a democratic society
4. Smoking hot first and second lead actors. Very often a second lead could make a lot of difference and sometimes overshadow the lead. Although Ok did not overshadow Song in this drama, I must say he is really good and smoking hot.
5. Outstanding cast, both lead and supporting - all were outstanding
6. Very entertaining
What I dislike about this drama?
1. Vincenzo's fight for justice is commendable but the final episode when he raved about how he handled his enemies back in Italy is a bit twisted.
2. The story has a number of loopholes and this is the biggest: the idea of buying a commercial building, digging out a basement to hide a large load of gold and then killing all the movers is a bit silly in a modern day setting. The construction of the basement and move of the gold could be very inconvenient - almost impossible for the rest of the tenants not to suspect anything.
3. It seems a bit too easy for Jang and Choi to manipulate the politicians, justice system and investigation bureau - is the system really so fragile?
4. It would be nice if Vincenzo has done something for the tenants especially since they had helped him so much. It seems he just pocketed almost all the gold except for some for his few immediate helpers.
Overall, an excellent production - highly recommended.
Was this review helpful to you?
WHATS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE
i briefy scrolled through the review and im wondering, did i watch the same show as you guys because guess.VINCENZO IS THEE BOMBOCLAAT BESS. i loved everything about, nothing i would change because everything played its own part perfectly. i love watching show with creative and smart people and this was it. Even the minor leads played very big parts in making the show what it needed to be. this will always and forever be recommended by me. I have watched this 3 times within a year and not 1 episode is skippable!! i even found 1 of my favourite songs in here. Always by your side<3
must watch
Was this review helpful to you?
