“Hierarchy” – Promising Concept, Poor Execution
Overall Rating: 6/10“Hierarchy” promised an intriguing plot with its premise set in the elite social circles, reminiscent of “Elite” from Netflix. However, while the idea had great potential, the execution left much to be desired.
First and foremost, condensing such a drama into just seven episodes was a significant misstep. The storyline had the foundation to be much more engaging if given at least twelve episodes to develop. The current format felt rushed and incomplete, failing to deliver a satisfying experience.
Characters and Development
The characters in “Hierarchy” were disappointingly shallow. There was a noticeable lack of depth and complexity, which made it difficult to form any meaningful connection with them. The interactions between characters were devoid of chemistry, leaving the relationships feeling forced and unconvincing.
The main character, who had the potential to be a strong lead, did little to earn the audience’s sympathy or admiration. The plot’s conclusion was particularly lackluster, with the final episode wrapping up so quickly that it was hard to register that it was indeed the end. This abruptness left a lot of unresolved issues and did not provide the closure that viewers look for in a drama.
Comparison to "Elite"
Comparing “Hierarchy” to “Elite,” it’s clear that it falls short. “Hierarchy” felt like a diluted version of its counterpart, missing the intense character dynamics and gripping plot twists that made “Elite” so compelling. The drama tried to mimic the high-stakes, glamorous world of the elite but failed to bring the same level of intrigue and engagement.
Production and Acting
On a positive note, the production quality was commendable. The lavish settings, luxurious houses, and high-end cars did add to the visual appeal of the series. The aesthetics of the upper class were well-portrayed, creating an attractive backdrop for the story. However, this alone was not enough to compensate for the weak narrative and character development.
The acting, unfortunately, was another letdown. It lacked the intensity and emotion necessary to elevate the script, resulting in performances that felt flat and uninspired.
Soundtrack
One of the redeeming aspects of “Hierarchy” was its soundtrack. The music was well-chosen and complemented the scenes effectively, adding an extra layer of atmosphere to the drama. It was one of the few elements that stood out positively.
Final Thoughts
“Hierarchy” had the potential to be an engaging drama with its intriguing premise and visually appealing production. However, its rushed pacing, shallow characters, and unsatisfying conclusion left much to be desired. While it’s a quick watch, it’s unlikely to leave you feeling fulfilled. For fans of dramas set in the world of the wealthy and elite, it might be worth a look for the visuals alone, but don't expect to be captivated by the storyline or characters.
Overall, “Hierarchy” is a drama with a lot of missed opportunities. With a stronger lead and more episodes to flesh out the plot, it could have been much more impactful. As it stands, it’s an average series that’s visually pleasing but ultimately falls short in delivering a compelling narrative.
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too dramatic
it's like a telenovela and not in a good way.there's nothing breaking up the drama and the heaviness.
it's simply all bad things happening all the time.
some of the plot twists were laughable.
the actors did a good job with what they had to work with. the entire reason I wanted to watch this was for Rian's actor cause I enjoyed him in King The Land. I prefer him as a nice guy, but he did show off a good cry face in this.
the fact that all the suits had the tags on the outside was super weird, too.
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let’s be real
RIGHT I NEED TO TALK ABT THIS SERIES so at first I enjoyed it it was good the story line was great and the overall series was pretty good the only disappointing thing was the end it was all sloppy and just stupid and far from what I expected or wanted in fact still now I don’t really know what happened in the end because they left it so empty also after the crafts they had a little suspense but it felt like they just wanted viewers to acc consider watching a second season because if it didn’t end like that I defo wouldn’t watch a second season as there would be no pointWas this review helpful to you?
Esperei demais, recebi de menos
Producão visual: absultamente perfeita, a ambientação, as casas modernas e luxuosas, ambientes totalmente elegantes.História: De inicio pensei que teria uma vingança propriamente dita, mas me decepcionei demais com o que entregaram.
Sonoplastia: gostei da escolha de musicas para cada momento.
No geral: uma vingança meio meh, tudo se resolveu mto rapido, não teve uma construção profunda dos personagens a fim de fazer o telespectador sentir a raiva e a dor que ele sentiu. E a atuação poderia ter sido melhor. Virou apenas um dorama genérico de vingança
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Acceptable
May be some people didn't like the show that much but its their own opinion. This drama is just 7 episodes long, and, of course they rushed the ending, however I think the cast was great. And I'm expecting a better and long story if there will be a season 2.I think FL was indecisive but there was a reason for it. She lived her life alone without any parental guidance, so when a lone child faces problem, then it becomes hard to find right from wrong, and she was high schooler, and then a burden of pregnancy was just wild.
And I don't understand why the writers are obsessed with sending the FL to New york, you will know after watching.
Ri-an was a main character but he has not gotten a single real scene, like when ML solve some mystery or act like a hero. Writers did him wrong.
I think the story is all about Kang Ha and him solving the mystery of his brother's death, it would be better if the writers just made him the sole main character.?
Overall the cast was good, they could make a better story.
If you watch it, it would caome to and ened before you know, so I recommend you to watch this, the views are just great.
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Looks pretty, sounds pretty, interesting premise, but the plot goes nowhere
The first episode promises a lot: mystery, sex, intrigue, and scandal. Except ultimately, the plot, character growth, and overall message of the show fell flat. Pretty cinematography, good acting, and a decent soundtrack can't make up for that. In the end, this drama comes off as a quick, shallow Korean remake of Gossip Girl.The set up of the plot and characters is quite good; each character's motives and personality is well established, and is consistent with the actions they take. But that becomes a problem when it feels like the plot is going nowhere. When you've revealed to the audience the two biggest mysteries of the show by episode four, what do you do with the last three? Nothing it seems. Everyone at the school has these deep, juicy, life-ruining secrets about each other and yet there's no truly dramatic moment of rash revelations or impulsive angry decisions to expose one another. It feels like a missed opportunity that leaves the show directionless and empty.
The show was too concerned with trying to make its characters and relationships redeemable by the end that they chickened out with the scandalous antics. (For example, betrayal feels half-hearted when you screw over a character that was introduced that episode. Why not your best friend instead? That would be much more impactful.) Like yes, the point of the show can be that these are no-so-nice people doing terrible things, but they love each other and learn to grow. Despite the attempts in the final episode, it feels like none of the main characters truly received any tangible consequences (besides guilt lol). And that would be okay if that was the story you were trying to tell, but that isn't what's happening here. The final message is about atoning to your mistakes and accepting the consequences. But truly, there were none for these characters, leaving the entire message of the show fake, performative, and hollow.
In the end, this show had an interesting premise that fell flat into a disappointing mess of half-hearted character growth. I would only recommend the first couple of episodes.
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This review may contain spoilers
Not the best, could do with a few improvements, but not a complete waste of time...
I think first off the actors did pretty decently, I really appreciated the acting of the main cast, however, no matter how good the cast is, if the plot is 'eh' the show is gonna end up being 'eh'.I think the show's idea was good, just executed in such a hasted and messy way. With only 7 episodes, we aren't able to fully connect and understand enough of the characters that we need do. Some of the plot ideas seemed a bit out of place and pointless, but then again that could be because we didn't have enough time to explore the characters and backstories. Some things felt rushed and shallow, e.g, the teacher being Kang Inhan's killer? And Woojin's shallow and unexplained relationship w/ the teacher when apparently he liked Hera all this time, but we never were really shown that till the end. The lack on context w/ Jae-i's mother. Of course not everything is meant to be explained, but i feel like we could've gotten more out of this show. The idea was good, just could've been executed a bit differently. At times it was a bit messy and a lot was going on with not much meaning or depth i think. But it wasn't boring. It had potential, and I think with the ending credit scene they showed, there is definitely potential for a better season 2, if they so choose to make one. The end scene where it's hinted that Kang Ha maybe isn't done with his revenge and starts to threaten Kim Rian, if continued correctly, could make for a very interesting season 2.
Oh, another thing i wanted to mention is that the whole plot line with that class president kid and his mum(principal) was not explained enough and there's a lack of context about him and his backstory which would have been relevant as he was the only blackmailing Jae-i. I don't know, a lot felt unfinished with this show, however i will say that the ideas were good and i think it could have been a hit show if planned more carefully like penthouse or sky castle or class of lies, idk. But yeah!
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Slow, but ok.
My review contains a little bit of spoilers but it doesn't reveal too much? if you get what I mean? like detail complaints. not storyline or story progression.I didn't think this was that bad compared to the other written reviews. I do feel like the drama series was missing in the story development and character depth (which are the two main points of a story), the cast is pretty good enough to distract us from that gap.
After watching this drama, I have so many questions.
1. This is a high school, right? What do you mean drugs and parties? How would parents even fund for that?
2. What do you mean pregnant at 18 in a prestigious high school? Do they not attend classes?
3. also how does a grown woman disappear out of thin air (jung jae-i's mom) and have a little kid believe that after all that prestigious schooling?
4. who is the anonymous Instagram messager?
5. after this high school experience, how would the directors even depict their college? Because the school's vicinity alone is massive.
6. How long is this story's timeline? They can't be high school seniors forever right?
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This review may contain spoilers
As long as the story has thrill, i am in for it
I got off the 1st episode with great difficulty bcz it seemed like the same rich kids vs poor kid plot and rich girl falling for the poor guy but then after watching 2nd episode I was totally into the show and completed it in one go.There were things that brought excitement into the show and kept the audience curious. I wanted to know why Jae-i broke off with Ri-an and who was blackmailing her. Although He-ra was a bitch but she was quite the character. She added the spice in the show. Kang ha, the hero of the show was kind of okay. It was typical of him to actually fell for the rich girl even thou he knew his brother’s death is linked to her. The thrill got me going till the end. Especially episode 5 and 6 were soo fire. Loved them. It wasn’t bad at all for a 7 episode show. The new faces were refreshing to watch.
I know the plot has similarities to the series ELITE but nevertheless l enjoyed the Korean version of it.
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This review may contain spoilers
All yall sleeping on this show, and ion wanna hear nothing.
If you’re reading this review to decide whether to watch this show, I say watch it. Before you saw my review, you probably came across others saying things like, “Oh, Ri-An had the same facial expression,” or “The plot was so bad” (paraphrasing). But did they even watch the show?Also, I went in expecting something intense, like a mafia-type thing, or some dirty drama where someone killed my brother, and now I have your sister in my basement, and my dad is the police officer. That would make for a fire show, but anyway…
Spoilers Ahead!
Here’s a little background: the main character gets pregnant, leaves, comes back, and breaks up with her boyfriend. That’s Drama #1. Then, a scholarship kid comes in, defies all the rules, and causes problems—Drama #2. This scholarship kid gets with the main character, and now everyone but her friends wants to be nice to him—Drama #3. I could go on forever, but I won’t.
The actors’ performances were almost perfect, considering their characters’ backgrounds and personal lives. Jae-I and Ri-An didn’t get love from their parents, so they found a substitute in each other. Because they’re teenagers and stupid (before you come hating I’m a teen), she got pregnant. Hera was lowkey funny, but she had no real reason for her actions, just like the other dude involved in the teacher affair—crazy stuff.
The scholarship kid’s storyline confused me. If someone killed my brother, I would absolutely not take it lightly. I’d bring down the whole school if I had to. He’s too smart to let them go scot-free. Also, how did he fall for someone who has a boyfriend? I don’t get that part. But his brother is cute, though.
This might be more of a rant than a review, but it’s only my third ever review, so I’m learning. BUT WATCH THE SHOW. It had me pausing to run and jump around every time something crazy happened.
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This review may contain spoilers
So "Hierarchy" isn't your typical high school drama, it's more like a peek into South Korea's fancy world. Imagine this big-shot school, Jooshin High, where only the super-rich and powerful kids get in. You've got Jae Yi from the Jaeyool Group, Ri An who's taking over Jooshin Group, He Ra from International Yoon, and Woo Jin, whose family is big in politics. They've got it all or so it seems. Then Kang Ha joins. His appealing and seemingly innocent smile hides a hidden agenda that will put everything where it's supposed to be. The friendship between Jae Yi and He Ra is just not giving, if someone were truly your buddy, they wouldn't act in such a way.
Why didn't she go for Kang Ha? I mean, seriously, he's like the whole package. Tall, smart, handsome, cool, you name it. Plus, he's genuinely into her. But hey, I get it. Sometimes the heart wants what it wants and they've been together for so long.
Anyways, this drama is really my cup of tea
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Disaster of a ladder
If the ladder was to climb, that ladder would have broken into piece. The show seems to show promise episode 1 and then just turn into a bunch of missing information. What on earth is this? The ML is a coward, the FL just makes bad decision, and the evil person??? Nowhere to be seen. That is the weakest sauce I have ever seen. I felt like I lost more braincells than needed. This show could have gone the route like pyramid games and would have been top tier. Instead goes the conservative route of building a triangle. When did we have a kdrama that has a love triangle that does well? The answer is never. Skip and don't even bother. The OST is great so might as well add those to listen.Was this review helpful to you?
