Vincenzo
Introduction
“Everybody is a gangster until a real one walks right into the room.” –my recently watched KDRAMA Vincenzo shows how to play with bad and corrupted people in a mafia way. I just loved watching this MASALA KDRAMA with epic storyline and topnotch production, sarcastic dialogues, realistic yet ruthless fighting and a supportive cast. It is definitely a gangster saga with its own twist and turns.
Story and screenplay
This 20 episodes KDRAMA is so engaging, you will be on the edge of your seat TRUST ME!! The story focuses on larger than life character Vincenzo Cassano, played by Soon Joong Ki. He was adopted by an Italian Cassano family. Later he became Italian Lawyer, a consigliere for his mafia family and Don Fabio’s right hand man. After Don Fabio’s death, he came back to Korea due to the betrayal of don Fabio’s biological son, Paolo. Also he had his own mission in Seoul and that includes recovering secret wealth of 1.5tons of Gold stored in Geumga Plaza Basement.
Incidentally he got introduced to Yoo Jae Myung, CEO of Jipuragi Law Firm, chairman of the development opposition committee of Geumga Plaza and his mother’s lawyer. He met his daughter Hong Cha-young (Jeon Yeo-been), working as a lawyer in Wusang Law Firm.
Eventually, He got involved with the colorful residents of Geumga Plaza and fought for their rights against Babel Group CEO Jang Han-Seok (Ok Taec-yeon).As the story progressed, You will be amazed it’s entertaining plotlines, tighter screenplay and with the presence of it’s typical humor, it’s surely adding a cherry on the top.
I adore female character Hong Cha-young (Jeon Yeo-been). She is smart, independent fighter who knows to protect herself well. It’s not a typical lovey-dovey love story yet you will love every scene she is in. This revenge drama is all about Vincenzo yet you will love her eccentricity, presence of mind, straight forwardness and maturity.
Now comes the antagonist you will definitely fall in love, yes Jang Han-Seok (Ok Taecyeon). He played as a charming obedient intern at Wusang Law Firm working under lawyer Hong Cha-young as her personal assistant, but actually he is the half-brother of Jang Han Seo (Kwak Dong Yeon) and the real chairman of the Babel Group. His character is a total psychopath and control freak in extreme way. His strong presence and visual appeal is extreme, I like the way Ok Taecyeon portrays the evil soul perfectly. He is my new favorite villain.
I personally like his brother’s character, Jang Han-Seo more. At the end of the story, you will be satisfied how he evolved for survival; his character growth will blow your mind. I like his cute bonding with Vincenzo.
Soon Joong Ki No doubt is a versatile actor. He gave so many hits so far, but Vincenzo will definitely be his best work. I loved his cold gaze, vindictive smile, ruthless yet sensible mafia vibe. He perfectly fits in handsome grey shades. His innocent play with inzaghi or merciless battle with Bable Group CEO, his silent act as a powerful savior for the tenants in Geumga Plaza, secret care for Cha-young or deep emotional setback with his mother are surely a treat to watch.
Dialogue, OST, Styling and Direction
It’s not easy to direct a dark legal-action revenge drama, Kim Hee-won perfectly shows this grey character , Vincenzo’s journey. Script is unique and dialogue delivery is perfect, my personal favorite dialogue is “If we were in Italy, you would’ve become a fertilizer for the vineyard. You would have become some cheap wine being sold at a buy-one-get-one-free deal”. Also I would like to specially mention his lighter. it’s a mental therapy for him. He had a collection of same lighters and the reason why he got addicted with lighters is still unknown. sad me 🙁 I personally don’t like its OST much, only soundtrack that is still registered in my mind now is “Adrenaline” by Solar.
Now comes to styling part, yes, they nailed it. I love perfect corporate look for both the leads, I love Vincenzo’s all classy suits. OMG he literally looked like a million dollar Consigliere in Bolero suits, striped jacket and striped pants, UA forefront rain jacket, Project Rock knit track pants, and Phantom running shoes. The snap-button coat from Barbour, Joong-Ki looked like a Dark Hero, riding on a white horse! This scene somehow reminds me Baazigar SRK scene 😀 Hong Cha-young is truly fashionable, all her corporate blazers and matching jewelry be it earring, bracelet; all are my dream outfit.
Conclusion
It’s a binge watch from my end and it’s definitely a rare show where you will find the perfect blend of humor and suspense. The series ends with open thread like Vincenzo flew to an island near Malta that he bought after getting his revenge against the Babel Group head. I wish to see season 2 soon as this open ending is definitely unexpected.
It’s currently available on Netflix.
Disclaimer: The above review solely illustrates the views of the writer.