Vincenzo (2021)

Vincenzo (2021)

A lot to explore in what I thought would be a standard action thriller show. I expected an intense showdown between all three colors of justice at play; black, white, and gray. And yet I bore witness to an oddly humorous and feel good story. A story that, to its credit, did well in maintaining a degree of tension, stereotypical cool factors, and lighthearted goofiness. The writing was fun, consistent albeit a bit predictable.

The show did a good job in balancing the serious and comedic bits from start to finish. It established that identity early on and never failed to remind the audience of that fact. The story draws on the audiences' being tired of the good guys being actual good guys all the time. Vincenzo does away with this narrative and thus the audience, by extension, felt satisfaction in the habitual line-stepping moments. In terms of the story's pacing, the proverbial cat and mouse game played by the characters did grow a bit repetitive as many parts felt overly bloated. I wished they got down to the nitty-gritty a bit faster as there wasn't enough substance to last all 20 episodes.

In terms of the characters, they all worked relatively well. Vincenzo is strong enough to drive the story himself but the villains, their comeuppance, and the resulting schadenfreude were all done beautifully. The female lead started off strong but often seemed to fade into the background. Many of the side characters felt/became filler-ish but I appreciated how they were utilized in the grand scheme of things.

Overall, I still enjoyed watching a guy emotionally grow from being a cold-blooded mafioso to an unorthodox anti-hero of the people. Like they say in Rome... that's just how mafia works--- Grazi e arrivederci, Vincenzo.

Read More

Definitely rewatching this one!

Wow! This is what I have to say about Vincenzo. Just wow! At first I didn’t think I would like it. There was something about those first few seconds that I didn’t like. But I was like: keep going. And I’m so glad I did! Vincenzo was one of the first Korean series I’ve watched and it was so amazing! The whole story, I loved it. But can we just say one thing? How good were the actors?! There were moments I laughed so hard with the things they said and the facial expressions. I personally wasn’t that much of a fan of the way the show ended, that’s the only “negative” thing I have to say about this show. I felt that it was a little rushed.. But that’s the only downside for me personally. I LOVED IT! ?

Read More

Amazing story with amazing characters and amazing cast that you cannot miss!

When I started this drama, I had my own views of it as in, I thought this must be one of the overhyped dramas because of the casting... But after episode 4, I watched it more intently and became more engrossed into it. Slowly, this drama had become the only one I was watching and kept binging it till the end.

If you plan on watching it, then I must tell you: Don't think this is just an overhyped drama because of Song Joong-Ki. It's impeccable!

From the badass scenes to the trickery of Vincenzo in every situation with Babell and with Cha helping him in every step of his plan, they make one of the most memorable couples. The romance of the series was slow burn and this made it better to go through. However, I would recommend that you do not watch this for the romance. Rather, the friendship and chase for gold will take your heart away as well.

While I did predict the ending (or almost did), it still gave a sense of emptiness in my heart but when I thought it was almost over, I couldn't get over how amazingly cool the ending was..

Thank you team Vincenzo for this epic drama!!!

And yes, I would definitely recommend this drama but if you like romance, then let me tell you: You won't find much of it. But the tactics and trickery will steal your heart and make you believe that justice triumph.

Read More

I love love love this

I absolutely love this!! There were no parts of this show that I didn't like. He's the villain that you would definitely love. All elements were on the spot, my favorite was the chemistry of all the characters together. I love how they make me feel warm and surprised, they make me laugh, and thrilled. The Casano family will always have a place in my heart.

Our mc Vincenzo is such a badass but at the same time somehow he'll melt your heart while Cha Young is lovely and strong in her own way, plus I love how she's sassy. I love all the characters even the villains not because their lovable it's because they made a great job portraying their characters, I really wanted to slap all of them that's how great they are.

Finally, My best boy Han Seo. You did a great job. I really love you. Up until now, I still can't believe that you died. I love you so much, you make me so proud. I know if you'd live, you'll become more successful than your brother even without the bad schemes. I know you'll become a better man, you already showed us in the episodes./spoiler> There were many loveable characters there in the story but your development awed me. Your smile broke my heart. I really wished your happy now.

Overall, I absolute recommend this!!

Read More

Awesome Screenplay, Acting

The main motive of the leads is to stop the production of harmful things from a company while fighting against the company's evil psycho CEO. It has a plain story of a mafia fighting against evil jang han seok and things facing on the way. Good projection of story, acting, roles and events unfolding. Theme was affected a little when Jang han seo died. As they tried to show some emotional feel but actually it affected the Vincenzo portrait. He could've taken turn in attacking han seok, while saving han seo and stopped Hong cha yong from a shot. And for the last 4 episodes Hong cha yong doesn't have much screentime I guess. All main leads did an awesome job. And I personally liked Agent ahn ki seok's performance. Events unfolded very smoothly.

And I m giving this a 9 as I really got disappointed when Vincenzo was not Vincenzo-ing at the time of jang han seo's dead as he could've done much better if not for the storyline of han seo to be dead.

Read More

Vincenzo is strangely violent serious drama while being also funny and comedic which is odd but you know what? I really enjoyed this weird mix and to me it somehow worked.
The story is layed down from the start so there are no ridiculous plot twists (or i dont recall one) which often plague korean dramas. Characters are lovable, the show have good pace and everything works good. The music was not bad but not great ( usually i remembr at least one track from each show and later listen to it but thats not the case for Vincenzo). Overall Vincenzo is a strong tv show.
There are some areas that could be done better in my eyes. There could be more romance (i like romance) but i guess its ok cause that wasnt the main focus. What bothered me the most i think were Vincenzo himself. Sometime Vincenzo italian quotes were cringey. I get it that Vincenzo should be a badass but Song Joong-ki doesnt actually look like badass his face is almost like a baby so i didnt buy it when he was telling some badass italian quote. Also i think i would enjoy it more if he wasnt that great in everything. He was like some kind of demigod and he was literally kicking everyones asses from start to finish and sometime i cought myself being sorry for actual villians. It would be nice if he got ass kicked sometimes or if he had some flaws. On the other hand FL was great. I enjoyed her dark side and i actually would prefer if she got even more evil. Villains were... well they were there and they did bad things but they never actually won a single arc against Vincenzo which is sad. Also the main female villian was just... weird. I never understood what were her motives. She is the only character which didnt make any sense to me

Read More

heavily misunderstood

here's a different opinion among all the "unpopular opinions'
hate to admit but the biggest reason all the reviews didn't like it, is because its a popular show.
people tend to hate anything that "everyone likes" whether they admit it or not
movies, shows, music, even people, anything popular WILL be hated because its popular no matter how good it is.
now that its out of the way,
here's what my title means. people found is uneasy how crime and comedy was twisted like that, someone mentioned it even felt wrong to watch.
that's the thing, over a mafia, crime, law show, its a comedy show.
everything, even sensitive issues are comedy. if you were going in expecting a serious crime, law show, you're in the wrong place. the show is bizarre, unrealistic, but thats the theme!! lets not forget this is about a ITALIAN MAFIA? obviously its fiction.
someone had an issue with the lgbtq+ representation and all i can say is, it depends on the intentions of the author.
we are all sick of lgbtq+ rep always being some tragic story, ending in death or them being a bad person.
but lets not forget, none of the characters ever had anything against him for his sexuality.
at the end of the day, queer or not, the dude was a psycho abuser!!
there was no heavy heavy plot. the entire story evolved over 1 thing in 2 parts. the gold under the plaza.
1) stop the demolition of the building.
2) how to reach the gold.
now the 2) of it was not heavily dived into, the story really revolved around 1)
I've watched this show a few times already, and i picked up something new every time.
i thought it wad bizarre hoe the company did so much over one of the many buildings they need to demolish, but if you look into it, there were a lot more personal reasons as to why they attacked it so much.
someone was mentioning how it was weird that all the plaza members could take down HIRED men, good question, but again, tell me one scene where the plaza members have been normal. that plaza isnt a regular one, every single family is unique, every person is questionable, sometimes even bizarre. Even the government spy dude like, there ain't no way someone of that position would be that stupid, and start admiring a mafia who could potentially harm the country and not to mention his misunderstood everything and his view was blinded by bias.
welcome to plot convenience. if the plaza members were "normal" they would've been kicked out any of those moments Vincenzo was away. that would severely effect the story + they were huge comedic relieve after every intense moment.
and if this government dude found about about the real reason Vincenzo was back and the gold and all that, things would head down down. now as much as its not something to praise, the show did it well, it was pretty clear all the bizarre moments were comedic and didn't really effect the story.
there is one thing about this show that i will be upset about forever, we know it, big spoiler ahead everyone.
jang han seo. how dare they. obviously every show does this, kill our dear FAVOURITE most INNOCENT character.
he lived his entire life in fear, i cant even imagine how it would be living with that psychopath. after all he went through, he gets that TOP TEN ANIME BETRAYAL DEATHS?? no funeral scene?? no memorial for him? no being upset over his death? just like that? "you deserve to be my brother" be real right now the only thing you deserve is a punch in the face for leaving him to die. YOU don't deserve to be called "hyung" so lovingly by him. it really added to Vincenzo's character, he's not a softie who'll sacrifice his life for someone like that.
how did they leave him and run like that. so. selfish. he did so much for you. risked his life, got physically abused. helped you to the very END, lets not forget the chip in the watch is what tracked down the psycho. you are alive in my heart forever T T
and lastly. ok taecyon love of my fuc-king life you ate that role so bad.
i dont think ive physically gasped like that for any of those big plot reveals fr.
everyone saying it was predictable bffr all of you came to watch it after yall saw a hundred reels and tiktoks ab it, obviously you'd know.
again, people, will never like something everyone does. because they like being different or "i could predict it from miles away" like sit down lets just appreciate that plot.
the way he switched between the psycho and fluff ball like what the f-cuk he made my blood boil throughout, and since the reveal i never once felt any pity for him honestly. i will never understand people who an love a character despite all the hundred flaws just because they are cute/ hot, where your head at he's a psychopath its not quirky to like him.
i do wish we got more of a backstory on him, was he born like this, how did he turn into this? again if we got a sad backstory people would over sympathize with him and say it was never his fault la la la (me included).
it would lack a TRUE villain you know? but then again are any people BAD just like that, doesn't everyone have a story?
lets not get into that but this show made me think about a lot. in no way were any of characters perfect. (except han seo everyone stop using logic for him i beg u) it showed contrast of human beings, deep down everyone is selfish to an extent, it gave a real picture on what people are like, in the few moments of serious.
this show is more than just what it looks like, and only some people will get that, and thats okay, i give it a solid 9/10.

Read More

Don't be fooled by the FanFair.

I've dropped 3 dramas: 1 being Backstreet Rookie (couldn't handle the dude with the locs with flies in it being a regular character) and the other was a drama that I couldn't get into at the time, but I might revisit. Vincenzo was the worst of the three.

Where do I begin?

Let's start with the plot-
I don't think the general idea behind the plot is a bad one. In fact, I was interested and genuinely enjoying the first couple of episodes. It was as the story progressed that I realized that there was nothing to the story beyond the titular character.
When they named the drama "Vincenzo" they really meant it was the "Vincenzo Show" because quite literally everything was about this character. I don't ordinarily have an issue with this but if you're going to make a story about one character, make the story about them. Don't tell other people's story and force him to be the hero in it.

Things that made no sense-
-Vincenzo was meant to be an Italian lawyer. He was adopted at a young age and went to law school and practiced law in Italy. Realistically, he would have a far lesser understanding of Korean law than the female lead yet she and the other Korean lawyer on their team kept deferring to him for the next move as it related to the trial. That makes absolutely no sense-if anything, the female lead, who's been working at the firm that they're going up against for 8 years should've spear headed their case but because it's the "Vincenzo Show"...you get the gist.

- Our introduction into the female lead character is of her bribing a witness to prevent their testimony at trial while working at the firm they're now going against. However, when their case against the company (Babel) who's being represented by that same firm begins and they have witnesses to testify, she not only doesn't anticipate that this same tactic would be used, but she's surprised by it. She doesn't believe that they could do something as despicable as bribing witnesses WHEN THAT WAS LITERALLY WHAT SHE'S DONE FOR THEM BEFORE! Did the writer forget all about their female lead character once she met the male lead? It's like they decided that she's no more than his sidekick/love interest and he's the only one that gets to utilize his skills but if that were the case, why even bother making her a lawyer? Why even bother establishing her connection to the evil firm in the first place.

- What is Vincenzo's motivation and connection to the story? Beyond his desire to get his gold that's buried underneath the building that's primed for demolition, he's got absolutely no real connection to the story. He's singled out as the largest obstacle in Babel and the law firm's way, but he has no real drive for why. The female lead, however, does. She spent 8 years working for the firm-trusting the people within only for them to betray her. Her father was murdered by the evil corp. Her assistant whom she trusted for years turned out to be the leader of the evil Corp -he not only lied and manipulated her for years, but he murdered her father and grieved with her over the man that he killed yet the focus is on Vincenzo as we move forward with the plot to destroy them.

I feel like it would've been a much better story had they not spent every episode making Vincenzo the magical savior and allowed the other characters to shine as well. They could've split the responsibilities between Vincenzo and Cha Young-since they've already established that he's a morally grey character who's a member of the "Italian Mafia" and Babel is a company that operates outside of the law to get its way, they should've had Vincenzo handle the illegal things-things that are necessary when going up against such a company but ordinary people wouldn't have the means or resolve to do-killing, kidnapping, blackmail etc. while she handled the things in the light-using the law against them. Fighting them in court, with the skills that they taught her and also her ability to anticipate their moves as she's done it all before.

I didn't finish the drama obviously, but I learned that it was Vincenzo, once again who had the final show down with main villain and wouldn't it had made more sense if the one who brought Jang Han Seok to justice/ended him was Han Seok's brother and Cha Young (the female lead)? Han Seo spent his entire life under his brother's shoe, being terrorized by him and when he finally develops the strength to stand up against him, they kill him off so that Vincenzo can have the opportunity of the final show-down with him.

Also, the side characters were exhausting to watch at times unless you have the attention span of a fruit fly and you're between the ages of 12-14.

Vincenzo is the most random character in this story, and I feel as though the writers weren't thinking beyond casting Song Joong Ki and they ended up smothering what could've otherwise been a good drama.

You couldn't pay me to finish this mess.

Read More