Vincenzo: A Review

From Netflix FB page

With possible spoilers. Read at your own risk.

This drama made me realize how difficult it is to be Lawful Good. We have always been educated and even reiterated in other dramas that criminals, though how evil and despicable they are, should be dealt with in accordance of the law. Moreover, with their human rights protected. But there will always be a part in us that will yearn for biblical justice--an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. And suffice to say, this drama successfully wooed my bloodthirsty side.

Throughout the whole series, we've seen how the people of Babel group lead by Chairman Jang, superbly played by Ok Taecyeon (and I say that without prejudice), kill people ruthlessly without blinking an eye. We grieved with the victims and even cheered them on when they were able to get justice at the end. And that justice, oh wow, it was so satisfyingly delivered. I should feel pity on how our hero, Vincenzo, dealt with their punishment but it was so so SOOOO deserved.

There were those who only saw Ok Taecyeon for the first time. He was actually the main reason (yes, Song Joong ki was the second) why I watched this drama. OTY is a member of the kpop group, 2PM, before he ventured into acting (he's still a member of the group and still promotes with them. In fact, they have a scheduled comeback later this year). This is actually his 6th drama that I've watched not counting his reality show appearances (3 Meals a Day and 2PM Wild Six!). Amongst all his shows, Vincenzo is where he managed to show more depth and improvement in his acting. I'm SO proud of him!

A lot of viewers were also not happy with the death of Jang Han Seo. I felt ok with that as it made me despise Chairman Jang Han Seok more. If ever I felt pity for that psychotic chairman, it disappeared when he killed his own brother.

Kwak Dong Yeon, the actor who played Jang Han Seo, again showed his notable acting chops (I can still remember his memorable appearance, albeit a cameo, in It's Okay Not to be Okay). If it's character development that we're looking for then his is the one that deserves an applause. After being physically beaten by his own brother for years, he found the "brotherhood" that he was looking for in his former arch-nemesis. It made his death more bittersweet and touching.

I should also mention the awesome cinematography of the series and the OST too! I love the instrumental violins (?) that were played at the end when Vincenzo was walking away. Makes you really want to give it a standing ovation.

Am glad they did not go too heavy on the romantic scenes. I liked his chemistry with the female lead but am more focused with Vincenzo's relationship with the other characters--the Geumga Squad for one. They're my favorites here, most of all, the president of Vincenzo's fanclub (Oh My Consiglieri). Gosh! That was a riot! Hahaha!

If I were to have a peeve it would be the product placements (PP). South Korean dramas are notorious for their PPs especially if the lead is a hallyu wave star. However, if the PP is smoothly done, it doesn't bother me and I just laugh it off. In this case, it's effective as I want some Maxim and Kopiko.

I originally thought that this drama was a tad too long at 20 episodes and 1.5 hours each! But at its conclusion, there were still so many things that I wanted to see--a reunion with the Geumga squad, the destruction of the building, Vincenzo's new "family island" etc. But I rest easy knowing that this drama entertained me enough for the past 3 months.

Highly recommending this!

Rating: Five Tissue Boxes

For the entertainment and for the superb cast.