Hierarchy (2024)

Love, Revenge and Redemption

This show revolves around Kang Ha and his journey into a school called Jooshin, which only the super-rich kids can afford. His goal in attending the school is to get revenge but along the way, he starts sympathizing with the rich kids who caused his sibling to die and forgets his original plan. The only thing I truly liked was the beautiful relationship between the female lead (Jae Yi) and the second male lead (Ri An). They are like each other's life and destruction at the same time. They love each other a lot, which I appreciated because, in most high school dramas like this involving super-rich kids, there are usually many cheating scandals and other dramas. However in this show, this couple focused only on loving and protecting each other. Jae Yi hides a big secret from Ri An, which eventually causes damage to her friends and she was insufferable throughout the whole series with her actions. I actually don't need a season two of this because I feel like the ending is satisfying in some way.

When it comes to the plot, just like everyone said, it was so messy. It was all over the place in the middle but the ending kind of wrapped up nicely. The acting was fine but I liked Hera's character (2nd FL) more because she was such a 3D character. She honestly carried the show with her acting and the uniqueness of her character. I love how they portrayed her love for her dad ( which is rare for a rich mean girl). I would give this a 7.5 out of 10, but this show honestly has room for more improvement.

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Exciting Opening, But Dull Closing....

I will start this review off just like my previous reviews. I loved most of the cast here, I loved RJE in 18 Again, and also excited to see JHW and LCM as "Main Leads". This is one of the drama's I've yearned for... I've waited for this drama to come out, and when it did, I couldn't even watch it thanks to some stuff I had to do before I could binge watch it. I had really high hopes for it, and it's disappointing to say the least. I personally think that all of the actors and actresses did their part, but it still turned out quite disappointing.

Story, the story starts off quite well, making us drawn into the fact that there's something wrong with this highly prestigious school. It's almost like the drama Pyramid Game, where the rich and powerful are feared by the less fortunate or in this drama's case, the student's that are scholarship students. The main leads' introductions were forward and clear, like Rian (played by KJW) being an athletic and rich figure that everyone has to respect to, Hera (played by JHW) being a flirty and spoiled rich girl, Woojin (played by LWJ) being the more calmer one out of the group, and lastly Jae Yi (played by RJE) being the 'queen' of the school. As we progress we can see why Kang Ha (played by LCM) resents them (mainly Rian due to his suspicions) and even went out of his way to annoy and trigger Rian and all the adults responsible for his brother's death. But as it progressed further, we can see that Rian is not even the perpetrator and that all his efforts was useless and a waste of time and that what he did (kissed Rian's girlfriend, approached her and even fell for her, protected her) is slightly immoral in the end. I actually felt bad for Rian because throughout this drama all he did was love her sincerely (even though sometimes he can seem a bit clingy), in the end since if I'm not mistaken, she even left him to go to New York with another guy as per her agreement with her father to help Hera's father's company. I... don't quite understand Woojin's correlation with the whole story, I mean he is important yes, but it was only discovered near the ending that he has hidden the story with the teacher. Woojin's entire character was only flirting with the teacher, being victim to Hera's flirtatious acts (and also revealed that he actually likes her but just doesn't know how to say it) and then he suddenly becomes important near the end. I mean he could've had a romantic relationship with Hera instead or maybe chased after her instead of not really existing until the "twist" came. As for Hera, her character is a typical rich girl who has everything going and doesn't like when what she wants isn't hers. From the beginning she is already aiming to steal her best friend's boyfriend (remember that here Jae Yi is only ghosting Rian, and their relationship is not yet over) and is also a typical gossiper. I've long predicted that she would get karma, and yes she got it. Her redemption arc is also slightly believable, considering the flashbacks show that she actually cares about the friendship between her and Jae Yi (shown by her actually crying in the car after they cut off their friendship ties). The story itself it quite confusing towards the end and there are a lot of open-ended things that we just have to imagine ourselves, such as the ending itself where Jae Yi met her mom? Also what happens to Rian, Hera, and Woojin? Is the story ending with Rian being sad since Jae Yi left him, Hera being a better person overall, and Woojin is being Woojin? Overall, I end the story part with a sentence that I sent to my friend as soon as I finished this drama...
"i went from oh shit thats good, to what the fuck just happened, to oh its because of that, BUT how and why? And why DID that happen."

Casting, I have 0 complaints about the casting, the actors and actresses DID a VERY GOOD JOB despite the terrible plot.

Music, I actually quite like the opening scene music and also the other soundtracks. They did a really great job composing it and also the usage of the music was perfect in each scenario. You can check out the full soundtrack playlist by searching for "[MV] 'Hierarchy' Official Soundtrack Playlist | Netflix" or
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULATL_g0WOE -> the official Netflix K-Content Youtube Channel

Rewatch Value, no.. just no.

Dictionary for the Abbreviations:
1. RJE - Roh Jeong Eui
2. JHW - Ji Hye Won
3. LCM - Lee Chae Min
4. KJW - Kim Jae Won

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okayy

at first I felt a really strong connection to this drama. Particularly the first episode was really good. the ones after that (2,3,4) were also really good, but after episode 5 it went downhill. I think they should’ve focused more on the revnge plot than the romance + the romance plot was very weak. if they wanted to do it, they couldve at least make it better. beside that I still give it a 7/10 because I think if there will be a s2 then this is okayy. Don’t expect too much, if you really wanna watch a great high school “getting revenge for my brother who was killed” go watch revenge of others!

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Old theme served in a delectable plate

A student was seen running through a dark alley, before ending up blood smeared on road.



After Pyramid Game few months back, Korean drama is back with another high school hierarchy drama. The backdrop is an international school which is regarded as one of the most influential school of Korean. The school works with the mood of Ri an - son of the founder of the school. His mood is souring each day with his tumultuous relation with Ji Ae. Enters a student with scholarship - Mr. Ha.

Reasons to watch the drama

1. The first thing which will work is the plot. Watching a thriler is always fun. And here thriller has been served right.

2. Fresh chemistry: Chemistry does not lie within leads only. The performance observed between characters in charge of pulling the story must align well which is identified in the story.

3. Performance delivered by actors have been terrific. They bore the burden of pulling the story well off.

Why skip..

1. Same hierarchy issue in school. Korea should focus on reducing this hierarchy order in their school. They infact harbour bullies in school more than in other place.

2. Well know theme makes the story predictable at many places. Even though twist is fresh, you just know what's coming next.

Verdict

A school drama with no melodramatic love angle. Twists and turns loaded as story peddling through the mess life of both upper hierarchy and lower hierarchy. If you have missed Pyramid Game, go for it. Also this time it is a boy who is up for revenge.

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Oh my

This series had potential, but it was just way too messy, too much loop holes, no solid plot/story line. A lot of questionable & unanswered scenarios, it’s like throwing 3 different stories & combining it as one the squeezing it out in a short 7 episode series, it lacked so much on the foundation of the story line, shifting from issues at school, family, power but it all seemed pointless because there weren’t any solid plot to begin with.

The FL’s half brother is such a psychopath even with the way he smiles, laugh etc. The series could have done better too bad it was all too messy. but since it’s a short series it was bearable to finish in one sitting, but I had so many questions… acting wasn’t so bad but it was really a bad writing.

They could’ve at least shown a better backbone of the story, instead it was all over the place, Pyramid Game was top tier not just for the excellent acting, but somehow there was a solid story behind it, that made you anxious to know what would happen next. I feel bad because hierarchy had so much potentional, but for some good point I like the chemistry between the 2 ML with the FL it’s there & it was pleasant in the eyes, but that’s about it.

The FL’s best friend was so pathetic & annoying, she was very shallow & too self absorbed. But she had her good points too don’t get me wrong, slapping the hell out of her best friends half brother was so rewarding! and she somehow showed that she values their friendship, and for that I like her. it goes to show how effective her acting was because I felt so many emotions seeing her throughout the 7 episodes.

The FL could’ve reached out to her BF I mean after seeing their sweet past why can’t she just be upfront with him, her reasoning not wanting him to get tainted and be on a bad light is bull tbh. Now that I’m writing more I’m getting more and more frustrated because they could’ve done so much better for this series aaghhhhh, The teacher who had an affair with the student looks & acts psycothic too!

I should stop, there’s so much more I would like to point out but it’s just upsetting, but if you have the time go watch it it was really bearable, it’s not like those other series that you dislike and instantly drop, Too bad this series, Hiearchy lacks a lot…

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Cliche but amazing casting

6.5 might be a bit high but I did enjoy it.

The story is insanely flat and dull for what it is, however the cast made it work. I found their acting amazing enough to enjoy the drama.

While giving similar vibes as Sky Castle, and Penthouse, and all the other dramas revolving around wealthy children with bullying all over, Hierarchy falls behind with the lacking plot. Everything was handled very simply and contain little complexity but I guess that isn’t a horrible thing.

As lacking as the plot is, there is one thing I enjoyed and that is the emotional intelligence the characters had, and the cast potrayed it amazingly. The main rich kids didn’t have a clear, straight goal from the start, however, their emotional development was clear. The 4 of them had a great relationship with each other and having known each other for a long time, their bond shows to an extent. Their actions do not scream high school at all, and I almost forgot that they were in high school - but their emotions were clear signs as they all show development in that aspect throughout the show. My favourite character development has to be Hera’s as she truly considered Jaei as a best friend but simply didn’t feel she got treated right, and despite her father’s business going down, she didn’t lash out on him but took their situation as is which changed her mindset towards scholarship students, all while reflecting on her friendship with Jaei.


The main stars of this drama for me were the supporting characters! Inhan and Han Jisoo (teacher) played small parts but they had strong impact on the story, most specially Inhan as his character was insanely potrayed well.

Kim Ha’s fluctuating emotions was one of the biggest dislikes with this as his character was full of uncertainty and made so much things frustrating. His goal and background was predictable but Chaemin is hot so its okay

Aesthetic wise, this drama did amazing. The cinematography was amazingly done.

At one point I thought it would take a similar route as Class of Lies and Solomon’s Perjury but it didn’t which bummed me as those 2 dramas were amazing.

This review seems like such an amazing praise but the story is empty and I found other reasons to enjoy it hahaha

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The acting was amazing

I went in with high expectations and enjoyed every episode. The writing was good but not great. The acting from the MAIN characters carried this show and that's ok.

It was really great to see the characters develop and grow from start to finish. People have to remember this is a highschool setting. They're going to have flaws, make mistakes and possibly forgive.

The story started out about revenge but if you kept an open mind and paid attention it was a story about love and growth. There are so many types of love and it's displayed beautifully throughout the show.

Only thing I would've changed was the ending but I understand why it ended that way.

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Li muitos comentários negativos a respeito desse drama e por isso demorei a decidir se devia assistir ou não. Mas como gosto de dramas ambientados no cenário escolar resolvi dar uma oportunidade. Talvez porque minhas expectativas eram baixas acabei gostando mais do que imaginei.

Bem, logo no primeiro episódio achei tudo um exagero. Desde figurinos, cenários até o comportamento das personagens. Percebi que para curtir minimamente essa história teria de usar da minha suspensão de descrença, ou seja, teria que assumir como verdades aquelas premissas hiperbólicas. É tudo verdade dentro daquele universo ficcional com propósitos de entretenimento. Mas se esse tipo de história não agrada a você como expectador, procure outro drama mais realista para ver.

Com relação ao enredo, podemos dizer que não é muito original. Histórias de bullying e acidentes fatais resultado de assédio escolar tem aos montes. Só esse ano acho que já vi pelo menos quatro ou cinco dramas como o mesmo tema. Mas com relação a execução posso dizer que foi atraente o suficiente para me manter interessada até o desfecho final. Queria entender as razões da Jung Jae i para se afastar do Kim Ri An, apesar dela gostar dele, torci pela Yun He Ra e queria saber se o Kang Ha iria conseguir descobrir o assassino do seu irmão. E, claro, não via a hora da professora ser desmascarada.

Quanto a atuação dos atores, vi muitas críticas sobre a atriz que fez a Jung Jae i e a sua falta de expressão. Sinceramente acho que a atuação blasé tinha mais a ver com o papel sem graça que ela interpretava do que necessariamente com a capacidade de interpretação dela. A personagem dela também estava "atuando" o tempo como um fantoche do pai, sem expressão mesmo, porque a qualquer "comportamento vulgar" ela seria mandada embora. Então, acho que diz respeito ao roteiro e não a atriz em si.

Sobre o Kim Ri An, meu Deus, que rapaz fofo. Acho meio impossível ele fazer papel de vilão com aquele rostinho de garoto bonzinho. Em nenhum momento achei que ele estivesse ativamente envolvido no bullying, embora estivesse, sim, por omissão. Mas não consegui sentir raiva da personagem dele, só senti pena mesmo depois que ele descobriu tudo por trás do afastamento da Jae i.

As pessoas também criticaram muito o fato deste drama lembrar produções ocidentais. Sim, em alguns aspectos lembra mesmo. Inclusive a Yun He Ra me passou uma energia meio Blair Waldorf, não apenas pelas tiaras e penteados, mas por ser aquela segunda protagonista que rouba a cena da protagonista principal por ter mais carisma e mais camadas. Achei até que o subenredo dela com o Lee Woo Ji lembrou um pouco a história do Chuck Bass e Blair, especialmente uma cena dos primeiros episódios onde ela está dançando em cima de uma mesa e ele olhando para ela muito apaixonado. Quase uma reprodução de uma cena de Gossip Girls. Mas isso não é demérito para o drama, apenas uma referência. Queria ter visto muito mais da história deles, inclusive.

Para finalizar gostaria de comentar a cena pós-créditos. Aquela cena é um gancho para uma possível continuação, porém para mim foi meio... anticlímax. Tudo já estava resolvido, nenhuma ponta solta para o enredo apresentado, personagens seguindo em frente, mais amadurecidos, com suas lições aprendidas, porém aquela cena me deixou um pouco frustrada. O Kang Ha já não tinha conseguido prender o culpado pela morte do irmão e levar o pessoal do bullying para responder no comitê antibullying? Até o Ri An tinha assumido a responsabilidade sobre sua omissão. Então por que fazer aquilo e se tornar justamente aquilo que ele tentava combater? Essa é talvez minha única ressalva sobre o drama.

Enfim, não se deixe levar apenas pelas resenhas e comentários negativos, se você gosta de dramas ambientados na escola, com intrigas escolares, assista e tenha sua própria opinião. Mas se não gosta desse tipo de enredo, melhor passar longe.

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