This review may contain spoilers
Toying with Law Can Be Exhilarating
One of the most exciting things of a drama sub-genre is the ability for common viewers to learn a topic specifically via entertainment media. Law School is an epitome of that when it comes to legal drama sub-genre. Not only the series being set in a learning environment of masters degree but it also incorporates the academic community facing real-life-like problems, in extreme measures. While some events occur *too* coincidental from one to another, the insertion of law generates a decent a visualization for viewers without particular law backgrounds (like me).Law School has successfully executed an eagerly complex law-heavy plot. While the first few episodes might bring viewers into confusion due to rapid and excessive delivery of law articles, the later episodes appear to be more relaxed. Seo Byungju’s death is the obvious main topic of this drama. However, the writers did not disappoint in bringing up his past thus creating subplots that neither interfere nor being too far off from the main case. A bit of detour happened with Yeseul’s trial but it breathed a new air to the drama once the main plot started to stall. Although Law School keep its plot focus on legal/courtroom and not romance-related, some subplots felt like they were left hanging. Yoo Seungjae’s case started with enticing movements yet they left him off the screen during his whole trial. Seo Jiho’s case was also left with an ending open to interpretation. There might be differences against each other, but there is a unique thing that laps over the other: a strategy of toying with law to set yourself free from the case.
Apart from the favorable plot, Law School likewise offers appealing characters. The overly-rigid Professor Yang might be annoying at times but his clever instinct is one of his redeeming qualities, a terrific portrayal by Kim Myungmin. With most dramas, the writers tend to latch into romance to develop more subplots and characteristics while this is not the problem in Law School. The exclusion of romance did not necessarily means bland interaction among the characters, in fact most of them (especially the study group) appears to be very natural. I personally found Han Joonhwi and his friends (especially Kang Sol-A’s) bond to be entrancing. The supporting characters are generally fine and stayed in their lane.
Furthermore, Law School is backed with decent supporting elements. The sets, cinematography, music pan out to be good but nothing particularly special. The series already had a thrilling plot hence having average supporting elements is already enough to construct the drama to be good in general.
In closing, Law School is a great drama with strong plot and characters and decent supporting elements. In the end, it’s a one way of enjoying entertainment while learning law by watching people toying with it. Although, I would like to end my review with this common saying, “Law school taught me one thing: how to take two situations that are exactly the same and show how they are different.” — Hart Pomerantz
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This review may contain spoilers
'The law is imperfect justice'
This show may not be perfect neither did it serve us an outstanding performance of law, thriller or suspense but either way I have to say this show had to be one of my favourites this year! It might be an average law-related drama but it did keep me on the edge of the seat at the ending of every week's last episode. The first few episodes were quite slow-paced probably to try and keep us in suspense and for the whole story to start to fold out later but that didn't keep me from not continuing and I did continue it and trust me the story does get a little faster later.As for the OST, they had a really catchy one for this drama which didn't really go that well with the first few eps but it started matching the overall theme of the episodes later.
And as for the cast, this show really had a great cast and honestly, it had one of the best squads I've seen in kdramas. All of them performed really well and Kim Beom and Ryu Hyeyoung's chemistry was my favourite. Professor Yang was one of my favourite characters in this show - HE IS SO SMART AND A TOTAL BADDIE. Loved his iconic entries and lines!
One thing I really quite didn't enjoy was that the last episode felt like it was rushing to tie all the open knots and give us an end but it ended up making me feel kind of empty because I'm glad we got to see Sol A and Joonhwi's future careers but what about everyone else? Does Bokgi finally get to be a human rights lawyer? How old would Seungjae's child be by now? Is Sol B a judge? Could Yeseul be a legislator? What does Jiho do now? Or even Yebeom? JTBC could've given us maybe one more episode to cover everything else since they never thought about giving us a second season.
Either way, I would give it a 9/10, it was a good one~
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STOP, Just Go Watch It Already PLEASE, I BEG YOU
Man I don't even know where to start. This drama was exceptional. I really enjoyed it down to the core. Every week was a painful wait because every episode left me with suspense and questions. This drama and the mystery in it was executed brilliantly. I now want to become a lawyer helpppp, I want Yang to be my professor omg.Anyways, I found that the cast was really good, each of them played their characters so well. I really liked how there were many stories in this drama and it gave each character a bit of importance and an important role to play. The only thing I'd warn people about is if you're looking for romance, this isn't really a romance drama. it's more of a mystery law drama that focuses on justice. And let me just tell you, as an avid romance drama watcher, I did not find this drama uninteresting in any way. It was very good, I usually skip my way through dramas sometimes, but this made me want to rewind. I really would die for a season 2. I feel like any watcher would enjoy this so sit down and please give it a chance! It'll leave you craving more. I really really enjoyed this so much. I hope you guys enjoy it as much as I did!
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A Must Watch LAW Drama
Law school is the perfect mix of thrill, suspense, humor and portrays many cases surrounding laws. It shows how the law isn't perfect but if you make the right use of it, then the law is perfect and you can punish all the evil doings by law.Plot: I would say, definitely it's well written, from the start till the end, it'll never keep you bored. The writer has well-researched and shown us different shades of law and how well can it be used. Once in a blue moon, we see such courtroom scenes with full interest and powerful dialogues. Not to mention it also has humor, friendship, and family elements in it. It was a total fun ride for me !!
Acting and characters: The actors are just wow, their whole chemistry and teamwork, their dialogues in sync - everything is just perfect. Especially Kim Myung Min as Yang Jong Hoon was just mesmerizing and his on-point dialogue delivery, hilarious reactions always caught you off-guard. There are many characters but the highlight everyone is given high importance, and we get to see them evolving over various struggles and difficulties. All of them stood out, and they'll remain forever in your heart. The whole is cast is just amazing and well-casted.
Others: The drama is fast-paced, it slows down but only when it's required. There are many jaw-dropping scenes, Understand this is not a thriller but more of law based drama, so you get to see a totally different genre of drama. The ost 'we all' is till on my mind right now, the bgm was really good.
Cons: Maybe the ending felt a little bit rushed, not too much but yeah all questions were answered and all loose ends tied together. The major one you may find it confusing but don't drop, it'll get cleared at the end, the more you go, the more you'll get familiarized with the drama style and characters.
Overall, I really enjoyed it from the beginning till the end, it's perfect for binge-watch cause it'll give you anxiety too lol. So it's totally worth a try, do watch this !!
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This review may contain spoilers
Thankfully NOT How to Get Away With Murder. Hint: It's much better
I don't think this is a criticism. But this drama definitely wasn't 'Stranger' or 'Forest of Secrets' or 'Watcher' where the plot was in the driver's seat and the characters took their lead from the story. There was no nuanced exploration of how small steps and slips into corruption for the greater good lead to dark deeds and dark ends. There was no deft questioning of how the suspect motivations of the Law Professors impacted their students. And, disappointingly (the show flagged this as an issue re Sol B and Joon-Hwi but then ignored it) no questioning of how the insular world of privilege and relationships creates economic and social schisms as demonstrated by the students of Hankuk. But what it did show over and over was how evil, banal though it might be, diminishes us all.No, this was very much character driven. In that respect, the cast was stellar. I enjoyed how the members of the ensemble cast had their own storylines, which were explored in detail. And I particularly liked the fact that women protagonists got equal screen time and dialogue to their male counterparts. This is, quite often, missing in other dramas. They were fleshed out, well articulated, and fierce. No milk-candy-water misses or candy queens here. BAMF women with personalities and outlooks much like the women I know in my life. A terrific change of pace in representation! After Ye-Seul's story concluded, I felt the drama ran out of steam. However, her story was well handled. I'm grateful that the writer and director carved a space for Ye-Seul to be her own avenger. After forensically examining the gaslighting she experienced, she had control over the narrative and her decisions. The acting was top-notch too! That arc was a hard one to beat: as the remainder of the drama proved in the lead up to Ko's anticlimactic takedown.
Like several other viewers, I find highly entertaining that a drama billed as not romantic ends up giving us electrifying chemistry between Ryy Hye Yeong and Kim Beom. And that too chemistry that would beat out most of the other rom-com duds that have aired this year. I lived for the thrill of their 5 minutes of togetherness per episode! Thank you to all the incredible fanvidders who fed my obsession. I swear their chemistry in a rom-com would be mind blowing ala my faves in CLOY. Anyone have a crackling script for them?
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Will make you like legal dramas!
OVERALLThis drama is one of the few (way too few!!!) ensemble Korean dramas out there and that's great! Watch if 1) you like legal dramas, 2) you're looking for a well-written show, 3) you enjoy dramas with a (mostly) serious and realistic vibe. Think twice if 1) you want fluff or lots of comedy, 2) you're craving some romance, 3) you're into suspense or you like philosophical-type shows. But I'd say still give it a try, you might be surprised by how much you still enjoy it. I know I was.
THE STORY
It took me forever to start this drama because I'm really NOT a fan of legal dramas, but I eventually got bored (*cough* desperate *cough*) and had a look. It was unexpectedly quite good! Probably the drama that does legal the best (imo)!!!
The Good
- There is an overarching plot in this drama, but since it's about an ensemble cast (students each have their own story, plus the main prof), there're also lots of smaller plotlines and they are ALL super interesting. No skipping needed in this drama at all! It's also great how the drama weaves in all these smaller plots into the main one so effortlessly. That's good writing!
- This is linked to the first point, but almost all the characters (I'd say all but some of the villains) have considerable depth. They have their backstory, they have their weaknesses, their flaws, their little something to overcome. And of course, they have their strength. It's nice to see a drama in which characters are more than plot devices!
- I say this drama does legal the best because as someone who hates legal dramas and finds them boring, it managed to actually get me to care about the trials and the clauses and laws. How it succeeds where others have fail is still a mystery to me, but I think it's because the drama made me root and care about the characters a lot. Also, the entire drama isn't spent in courtrooms. We see what happens backstage the most (the crimes, the preparation for trials, the lessons, etc.). It's pretty cool!
The Bad
- Maybe they didn't care, but there's close to zero suspense in this drama. Although it's set up as a whodunit, it's pretty clear from episode 1 who is probably responsible for the murder. The same applies for a few other crimes in the drama. So it becomes a bit irrelevant how 2/3 of the drama, if not more, tries to postpone the reveal of who is really guilty.
- The ending is very underwhelming for me. Underwhelming and just...dissatisfying. Too rushed, too shallow. Not sure why they decided to go for the choices that they made.
- Overall, I think the drama was meant to encourage thought on justice and law. That's how they set it up in the pilot. But it really sort of...doesn't? I feel like it's a bit of a let down in that department. Especially at the end; they try to wrap it up nicely but it just feels like empty words...
THE ACTING
Pretty good, I'd say. Some performances felt a bit more extra (especially villains and less important students), but nothing that ruins the experience.
THE MUSIC
Not a fan, but it was fitting. It's a shame that the BGM didn't stay as good as it is in the first episode though. The first few minutes are pretty awesome!
REWATCH VALUE
Not very high. Don't get me wrong, it's a nice watch. A really nice watch. But it doesn't have the "umph" factor that will make me want to watch it again. It lacks grip, and I typically prefer rewatching addicting shows. Still recommend though!
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Never regret my decision to watch this drama since it strated :))
Actually i didnt knew anything about this drama, i was too busy hyping another dramas back then and didnt really pay attention to the upcoming drama.When i ran out of ongoing dramas, i found this on my netflix's dashboard and it took my attention.
i watched this drama without putting any expectation!! after watching the 1st episode im VERY confused "whats this drama about??" "wtf???" "i dont understand law" the confusion continued until the 4th episode? (tmi, i took notes until the 6/7 episode so i didnt missed anything??) AFTER THE CONFUSION i finally understand whats going on and IT MAKES ME VERY EXCITED TO CONTINUE!!! And here i am, have completed the all 16 episodes :)))
The main story itself was not quite complicated at first, but once it revealed one by one ITS REALLY COMPLEX. One plus point for this drama, it teaches us a lot of moral value. I suggest you guys to give this drama a try. the cast are also good playing its role!! The story wont disappoint you and the bgm is just perfectly fit for the drama????
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Spell bounded storyline with unique characters arch
The premiere episode sets the mood and is slow at times, the continuous time lapse leaves you confused but still manages to keep you hooked on wanting for more, the music and cinematography deserves it fair share of credit due as it is not only exceptional but helps viewers to understand the tone and emotion of the respective sceneThe way this show showcased light on dating abuse is applaudable the clear cut details which are at times disturbing but shows only a drop of reality is a eyeopener to the corrupt society, the power struggle which the law at times ignores and completely turns their eyes away end up causing a huge difference and trauma to certain individuals , the way the victim's side was explored, the hesitation, the emotions the individual feels when going through such toxic phase in their life and how hard it for them to accept the fact that they are indeed victims and require courage and determination to overcome such phase to start new and learn from such disturbing incidents and their aftermath of finding hope
The first four episodes are rather slow and makes you question your sanity at times but it least in a good way and does not make you feel overwhelm with the amount of information the show wanted to convey
Han Joon Hwi our golden boy who seemingly has it all but the the emotional scars he has due to feeling of betrayal by a close one remains hidden to the outside world at least for a bit, a uncle whom he considers the most important person and gradually drifting away from him and the emotional imbalance with such changes. His close relationship with the professor how he cares for him or at time you really question his intentions towards him, his down to earth personality but with a notch of arrogance from all that academic excellence really makes him stand out , the emotions he displays in the initial episodes really gets to you and you sympathize with him and at times question what is he even doing
I really loved how Kang Sol A she was hella relatable we always see these bright smart kids who end up in a prestige institution but never learn the struggles one has to go even when giving it your all, the way she never gives up and works hard it's rather unique and quiet admirable character trait which many of shows do not showcase . In the initial episodes she was exhibiting as a dumb and immature FL but gradually you see her character arc broadening I love her character development and admire her courage she never holds back from expressing her opinion and her priority to clear her doubts which often leads to her giving us second hand embarrassment is a con and a pro but hey we've all been there ain't that the case chief
The professor's dedication towards his students is some next level shit man even when is being questioned to prove himself innocent he strives and changes his course to treat that as a lesson for his students , without making it obvious he always motivates and encourages his students to strive harder for their goals and is always there for them , even when one doesn't believe he gives them benefit of the doubt and never lets judgement from society get in his way to treat every individual fairly. In the second half which can be clearly observed and his morals which even lead him to resign being prosecutor shows authenticity and sincerity to once profession and importance to certain element in life
The focus on power struggle and rich getting away from their crimes have been highlighted but karma comes to you and gives you the taste of your own medicine it's enjoyable to see the responsible individuals losing their mind and paying for their crimes.
The storyline is quiet enjoyable in the first half but the last few episodes becomes increasingly predictable the story lost the attention of viewers at times gets kind of draggy that but still you can't really predict what gonna happen and who is responsible for it
Overall really enjoyed the show kinda wish it had bit more romance but oh well the storyline and characters made that empty hollow in my heart go away
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Thrilling plot with a "who done it?" at the end of each episode.
Firstly, if you are interested in the investigative/law genre this series will not disappoint, I often found myself questioning each of the characters, as parts of their timeline were revealed surrounding the incident.Initially, I found the character of the first female lead slightly immature and overdramatic. However, her character grew on me as I could empathise with her desire to prove those who doubted her wrong, and eventually, she became the comedic relief in some scenes, despite the heavy storyline surrounding the students.
The cast delivered exceptionally by individually portraying the different personalities of the characters and their chemistry on-screen felt natural and the interactions ranged from light-hearted bickering to serious conversations regarding the incident. Even the main villain of the story had an outstanding performance, to the point that I was so frustrated and praying for the character to be brought to justice
For me, I went into this drama without any expectations and the story blew me away, to the point that I wish I could watch this drama again without knowing what happens in the end. I still got the intro music in my head and now that I have completed the drama it makes me miss looking forward to watching a new episode.
Overall, I gave a 10-star rating because I honestly could not find anything wrong with this drama and will definitely re-watch it in the future.
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I wish uni would actually be this exiting but also not... You know :D
Law School is, as the title suggests, a drama about a group of law students and their courses.During a training process (which looked quite fun) a professor gets killed and all the people whose footprints are found at the crime scene are suspected, which leads to a professor and some students being the prime suspect. Some students are sure that their acquaintances are innocent and want to find the true murderer.
I do not know anything about the law and how it works (on that base), but I found it very interesting. I watched some American shows, which deal with similar topics already, so I knew that I would probably like this one, too.
What was absolutely amazing was that all of the characters had a story line. Nobody was there to only have a helping, commenting or antagonistic function. Everyone contributed to the story on their own, and everyone had to carry their own baggage. Especially, Jeon Ye Seul story got me on the edge of my seat.
Repeatedly I was unsure if somebody was on the main character's side or if they switched. In addition, the audience's minds were challenged by the falsification of scenes, which I found genuinely interesting. This is also one of the dramas where you are delighted to see the group growing together over time. People will break out of their comfort zone and realize what's best for them.
I gave the story 9 stars, because it also had length in-between which could have been avoided.
The cast was impressive, no expectation, and I immensely liked the dynamics between them. I think they had a lot of fun of the screen as well, because of the behind the scenes. Shortly to the main lead, Kang Sol [A], played by Ryu Hye Young really portrayed Kang Sols struggle. I am a university student myself and not naturally gifted. To be on the top, I have to work harder than everyone else, and I could see myself in her very well. It made me feel less alone. I guess.
A lot of people in the comments say that they found her pathetic or weird, but I enjoyed watching her.
The drama has two amazing soundtracks. They fitted the situations well and are catchy. But besides them, I did not find the music very remarkable.
You can definitely watch the show again, but it takes some tension, if you know who murdered the professor and how the other problems get solved. But, of course, this is one of the dramas which will be seen from a different side afterwards.
Overall, I thought Law School was a pretty decent drama for people interested in crime scenes, investigations or strong friendships.
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A peek into Korea’s legal structure
I love the fact that the drama starts with a bang – a murder in the mock courtroom and it moves ahead from there. If you aren’t familiar with the legal terms like me then I suggest go a little slow…maybe rewind a bit to understand it. This is only for the first two episodes. Subsequently, you will get used to it and start enjoying it.I cannot attribute the success of this drama to any one particular character. They are all important and very good in their roles. The core cast of the legal students all have stories attached to them and they all point out to the main culprit somehow.
The professors are the strength of this school. I am glad to see that they have showcased more positives than negatives as far as teachers go. We need to restore our faith in our teachers. There are good ones everywhere too.
The drama showcases the typical innocent getting charged while the actual wrongdoers go scot-free.
The strength of this drama is its cast and its amazing performances. Kim Myung Min as Yang Jong Hoon is a teacher who is revered and feared at the same time. The experience he brings to the classroom is priceless(since he was a former prosecutor). The students respect him and he becomes the main suspect for the crime much to his student’s horror. They know he is innocent. We know he is innocent but does the legal system? Obviously not. And that’s where the story begins – with a flawed legal system and the corrupt power of the rich and mighty. But Yang Jong Hoon is not deterred. He is determined to clear his name and catch the real suspect. Imagine the strength of this character.
His peer Lee Jung Eun as Kim Eun Sook is as smart in the classroom as she is in the courtroom. Her support to him and the students carry this drama forward too.
The students portrayed by Kim Bum, Ryu Hye Young, Lee Soo Kyung, David Lee, Ko Yoon Jung, Hyun Woo , Lee Kang Ji and Kim Min Seok each probably represent students in real-time law school with their real problems. Here each of them have their own demons to deal with and they are beautifully incorporated into the flow of the plot. There is a subtle undertone of romance but its really not the focus of this drama.
The character of Lee Man Ho played by Jo Jae Ryong has to have a special mention as the plot rests on his side of the story. He is creepy to the core and that’s brilliant acting if he manages to evoke those emotions. His character apparently has been coined on the lines of a real time offender (Jo Doo Soon).
Jin Hyung Woo played by Park Hyuk Kwon is this sleezy know it all prosecutor whose aim is to bring Yang Jung down no matter what. He teams up with the corrupt Assemblyman Ko Hyeong So in all his evil doings. Both these characters are well played by their respective actors.
This was a refreshing change for me. Well tackled and kept the thread of interest alive throughout.
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