THIS MADE ME WANNA GO TO PRISON!
I had delayed watching this show for a very long time, and I had high expectations. After completing the show, it is safe to say that all my expectations were exceeded. This show is really different compared to the regular shows, so I didn't binge it. I took my sweet time, and it is safe to say that this is one of the best shows I've ever watched. I felt a connection with each and every character, and the show really made me care and root for them. This is probably the best K-drama if you judge based on character depth. The emotional balance and the progression of the story is divine, and the ending is just perfect. Apart from the story and the immaculate casting and acting, one thing that stood out to me was the music. I usually don't like OSTs and Korean music in general, and I find myself cringing most of the times, but of all the K-dramas I've seen, this had the best music by far. I enjoyed almost every song, and the raps were also fire!! This show was really subtle with the romance which was not the main focus, and I really enjoyed that. This show is an absolute gem, and I DEFINITELY RECOMMEND IT TO EVERYONE!!Esta resenha foi útil para você?
Genre : Sports, Slice of life, Comedy
Story : Baseball sensation Kim Je Hyeok get convicted for fatally injuring a criminal. The show starts with a bluesy note but turns extremely hilarious with a slow Kim Je Hyeok who takes time to process to deal with his situations in his own way. There are good people and bad people in this world and the situations that make this transitions are sometimes heart breaking and bitter sweet. This drama told us that "bad people" in the jail were only human beings who had gone astray that need help to realise it. This drama brought out well written characters with a beautiful realistic twist. A lot of characters were unexpected and the personal stories were absolutely beautiful. The humorous editing brings out those particular characters beautifully and making it more funny. I would advice you to jump into this drama right away if you're looking for a light but good drama. The chemistry between the main leads is another thing you need to look out for. It keeps you feeling fuzzy and wanting to see more. I really don't want to spoil it but there is another really sweet couple that i was rooting for :p.(Still not talking about his sister)
Acting : Park Hae Soo is an amazing actor and you can see his dedication to his work clearly in every second of the drama. While i do want to shout out to the director, the actors were almost flawless. Crystal was her absolute best in this drama. She was matured, sweet and worked the chemistry so well, she was almost perfect for the character. Seeing her act was an absolute delight.
Another actor that really stood out was Lee Kyu Hyung playing Han Yang. I was expecting him to be yet another comedic relief but his story turned to be another fight. Keep an eye on him till the end. Not only his acting was beautiful but his chemistry with each actor was really comfortable and bromance-worthy.
Will i watch it again? I might if i don't find a drama this worthy in the next few years.
Will i recommend it to anyone? Hell yeah. This drama deserves it.
Special mention to the OST ok by BeWhy that kept the energy up and Bravo My life by Eric Nam that was so perfectly ironic for the scenes and is now stuck in my head.
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OK I'm done. That's my review right there. Honestly, I should hit submit and then edit because this is my 2nd review. I accidentally loss the first one right at the end. It was good, too. * sigh * ANYWHO... Prison Playbook is an excellent black comedy. It literally became one my favorite Korean dramas while I was watching it. I can't recommend watching it enough. It's the first Korean drama I've seen that bromance is the main part of the story and isn't being used a beard for some sappy romance stories. The 2 or 3 romances are side stories and not really part of or the crux of the story. You can basically remove them without issue.
Prison Playbook's story is one that is well written, excellently portrayed, and masterfully presented. The writing/directing team of Jung Bo Hoon and Shin Won Ho made something special here. In this prison set where women are not allowed except as visitors, they created a testosterone heavy atmosphere that isn't quite what you might think it would be (aside from the cussing perhaps). The 2 also paired for the Replay dramas of which I've watched nada, but think maybe I should. This pair along with the editing made watching Prison Playbook fun. For the most part flashbacks are used to tell the story and move it along, not to sell whatever song is being played.
I got the impression that the staff had fun watching PP being filmed. That's solely because of it's fantastic cast. The cast led by Park Hae Soo as Kim Je Hyuk, a hard working professional baseball player that winds up in jail due to his rage issues, and Jung Kyung Ho as Lee Joon Ho, a correctional officer and ex-baseball player who has known Je Hyuk since grade school. Together these 2 corral an entourage of zany characters with befitting nicknames like Looney ( <3 ) and Headache. Watching the relationships develop and in some cases abruptly end is what made PP worthwhile. In the beginning you may think Je Hyuk is a simpleton, but you realize he's just a simple man. Things are as they are with him. I've got to say this is the first time I've ever seen someone look like a Romulan or Vulcan and not be on Star Trek. His blank stares are precious. In the beginning you think he's thinking 'wtf have I done' then you think he's thinking of how he's gonna get his way. That or he's thinking of using a Vulcan neck pinch. Je Hyuk spends most of his time with the cell members of 2-6: Min Chul, the lovable gangster and cell boss; KAIST, the con-man that thinks showering is optional and has a killer kick; Looney, "that bastard druggie" that says and does pretty much anything he choses and becomes the beneficiary of KAIST's kicks daily; the petition writing Dr. Ko that knows the regs of correctional facilities better than the employees; Capt. Yoo who may be an innocent man; and Crony a gangster that's best as a lackey. There are other inmates, of course, like Jailbird and the aforementioned Headache, who screams for hours on end. There's also the other correctional facility employees that impact Je Hyuk, most especially Lt. Paeng played by the incomparable Jung Woong In. I wasn't sure if he really wasn't Lt. Paeng in real life. He completely embodied the role. I adored every single last one of the crazy characters save 1. I did not like Ji Ho. If you watch anime or dramas based on animes/mangas, you have undoubtedly run into the girl next door/best friend type that never tells him how she feels and doesn't really know how badly she's screwed up until she loses out to the big boobied alien girl with superpowers. Ji Ho is the best friend. There was never an alien girl. Ji Ho won. Now, I now why the girl next door should never win. Why? Because she's annoying af. Ji Ho alone screen time equaled fast forward for me.
The music is pretty good. I RARELY like the music. PP ranges in it's music from Frank Sinatra standards to hip hop. That kept my eyes from rolling. The opening them called OK by Bewhy (produced by Gray) sets the tone for the entire show. I also adore The Door by Kang Seung Yoon (who plays Jean Val Jean in the show) and Mino is produced by Zico and is a great song. Of course there's the overly used little love song. It's not bad, but the Soul and Hip Hop songs kept it alive for me.
I usually preface this part by saying I rarely re-watch a drama because I don't have the time. I already rewatched an episode of Prison Playbook. I was going through withdrawal too fast. I needed a Looney fix.
Is Prison Playbook the best drama I've ever watched? No, but it's one of them. Is it the most entertaining? Right, now I'm going to have to say, it sure the hell is. My biggest issue is that they left us hanging. I'm sure we all understand that prisoners don't usually have long lasting relationships. They come and go, but when your made to fall in love with some of these guys you have the right to expect some kind of finale. Even a brief synopsis on each of them at the end would have been sufficient. Other than that Prison Playbook is utterly enjoyable. You'll love it unless you're some giant emo melo fan that can't deal with laughter, men being men without women, and a few tears every now and again.
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The main character was slightly bland but acceptable as that is part of his character. However, the prison guards and the prisoners which had the majority of screen time really made the drama worthwhile. There was a good blend of tearjerker moments and laugh out loud moments. There was a slight discomfort in the ending as I had hoped there would have been better follow-ups on the characters that grew on me, but wasn't bad enough to ruin the series as proven in many other series.
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Although I wouldn't hype it quite as much as other viewers on here, I still think this is a great drama that should definitely be on your watch list. Though the episodes are long, the journey is worth it, and I feel like the story gets better the further along you go.
I loved the different stories and backgrounds of the inmates and applaud it for showing that not everyone in prison is evil or incorrigible. I loved the variety of personalities among the corrections officers, from bureaucratic authoritarians to the ones who genuinely care about the success and rehabilitation of their wards. We see times where the justice system fails its citizens, and times where it redeems them. We get humor (there isn't a single episode where I didn't laugh out loud multiple time), sadness, and heartwarming moments. I also really liked that we weren't always told the whole story at one time; rather, the clever tricks our characters executed were revealed later in the episodes. Finally, I appreciated that not every character had a happy ending; some endings were sad, some were open, and overall it felt very true to the reality that is life in general and the penal system in particular.
I don't have too many complaints. One thing I could have done without was the story with the ex-girlfriend. I see where it fit into the drama, but for whatever reason I just could not get on board with the character. I didn't find her likable or empathetic, and the romance and chemistry felt very one-sided. Fortunately there weren't too many scenes with that story line, so it wasn't too obnoxious, but I was way more interested in what was going on in the prison and would have preferred staying there. The other "critique" I have is that I wish we got more backstory and exploration with Captain Yoo, his military comrades, and the victim in that crime, as I wanted to know more about the motivation behind what happened there.
ACTING/CAST:
The cast was fantastic. Everyone did so well in their roles. Park Hae Soo was such a good lead. His character was at times hilariously dumb and naive, like a child trapped in a grown man's body, but also so kind and caring to those close to him, possessing a solemn understanding of the more serious aspects of life when the time called for it. Another stand out for me (and I think a lot of people) was Lee Kyu Hung (aka Loony); he made me laugh and cry and was a great addition to the cell block.
MUSIC:
No complaints here. There's a good mix of hip-hop and ballads, and all worked really well in the show.
REWATCH VALUE:
I probably won't rewatch this, but I may be interested in a Season 2 if one comes out.
OVERALL:
Yes, watch this. If you find it a little slow in the beginning, just stick with it. Netflix did a really great job with this one.
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BRILLIANT PRISON DRAMEDY!
One of the reasons why I watched this dramedy ahead of the others in my must-watch list is because it’s directed by the same director of REPLY 1988 and HOSPITAL PLAYLIST (1 and 2), both highly rated series.If we compare REPLY 1988 (2015) with PRISON PLAYBOOK (2017), you’d notice that there’s a big improvement, style-wise. The photography and camera work in this series is superb.
The flashback visual clues are consistent: The screen goes black & white if the scene that follows happened before the current time (whether just minutes ago or years ago). It will turn black & white again to denote the end of a flashback. Yeah, like bookends.
And since it’s from the people who made REPLY 1988, many actors from that 2015 series are also here.
Bear in mind though that this one is a slow burn. Though there are funny and endearing scenes in the initial episodes, I got really hooked starting with EP 4. No turning back from then on. The series actually gets better and better as it nears the finale.
Are prison cells in South Korea really that clean and neat? Well, this is consistent with the theme of the series that a prison is “a place where humans stay” and that it is possible to even thrive there. And that not all folks who are in jail are really bad people; some were framed or were just in the wrong place at the wrong time.
This is not for everyone one though. Like REPLY 1988, many found PRISON PLAYBOOK a great series, but some people did not. To each his own taste.
Also, if you’re looking for romantic titillating moments, these are few and far between here. But there’s bromance, if you like that.
In the finale, I missed Looney. Didn’t expect that the penultimate episode was his last. I was kinda hoping that it was just a bad dream – because THAT scene looked kinda dreamy, right? And also, he was so determined to clean up his act. Oh well. I felt sad and disappointed for his ending. Felt sad for his lover and parents, too.
I’m really glad I stayed on and finished this great series. I rate it 10 / 10.
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I just finished this drama today and even though it took two months, I never got bored once. The only reason it took that long was partly because I was really busy and also partly because I did not want it to end.It's a really engaging drama from the get go with a very gripping and realistic storyline. I'm surprised this was Park Hae-soo's (Kim Jae-hyeok) first lead role as he did amazingly well. In fact every actor in this drama was superb. Lol I miss it already.
SPOILER AHEAD;
My only issue with the drama is the disappearance of Hanyang, Kaist & Ko Park-sa, they were some of my favourite characters but I guess the fact that they disappeared makes the reality of the prison system more realistic.
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A modern day Korean masterpiece Drama
I've watched so many Hollywood TV shows and Korean Drama series. But Prison Playbook is something else. The main reason is all the casts were perfectly did a great job and the background score was so fantastic and emotional. I do appreciate the Director for a great screenplay, it was far better,unique and different from other K-Dramas. I'm a Bangladeshi?? I had no intention to watch this one but I finally did it. It's 2022 Now and I'm realising that I was too late to watch it! I became emotional and I was touched well whenever I listened those Background musics and songs. They were perfectly perfect. Enjoyed this Drama a lot. Thank youEsta resenha foi útil para você?
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This is the kind of drama we all need to watch
I seriously enjoyed watching Prison Playbook all because the prisoners and the guards were hilarious and really adorable at times. Their friendships and bonds are expressed so well, and the way they support each other all the time was very engaging and fun to watch. Of course, all the bickering and fighting inside the cell was the best. I couldn't get enough of fights that happened between looney and anyone else, his behavior and speech were phenomenal and so lovable, and the way he irritates them and they retaliate is wonderful. All the members of the cell were lovable actually, and each of their characters and background were well written and performed.I have two points that made me score the drama down, first, all the memories and the romance between the main couple and the second couple was too long and I had to keep skipping through it. Many times it felt like fillers, and I would have much rather watched more interactions of the prisoners and all. Second part is that the prisoners had a great lot of freedom inside the prison, even the guards were very carefree. I am sure it is not ever like that inside prisons of most countries. Yes surely, it is a drama and the special treatment is exaggerated for our baseball player, but many other parts were exaggerated and the officers were so lovely and friendly. As if they are all friends just hanging out. All the other prisoners had like no presence or effect on the general daily atmosphere or behavior of the guards, only when an actual fight or big issue came out.
Not that I am complaining seriously, I enjoyed watching it an awful lot.
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A Captivating Journey of Redemption: "Prison Playbook"
Rating: ★★★★★ (10/10)
This is my first review, and I couldn't wait to share my thoughts on this drama.
Set in the confines of a correctional facility, "Prison Playbook" takes a refreshingly different approach to the prison genre. Rather than focusing solely on the brutality of incarceration, it delves deep into the lives, struggles, and growth of the inmates, creating a rich tapestry of multifaceted characters that are brought to life by a talented ensemble cast.
The series centers around Kim Je-hyuk, a baseball player who finds himself imprisoned after a regrettable incident. As we follow Je-hyuk's journey, we witness the transformative power of the correctional system on both the inmates and the prison staff. The narrative is expertly crafted, balancing moments of heartwarming camaraderie, intense drama, and even lighthearted humor, creating a seamless blend that keeps viewers engaged throughout.
One of the greatest strengths of "Prison Playbook" lies in its character development. Each inmate and staff member is carefully fleshed out, making it easy to empathize with their struggles and cheer for their growth. The series explores themes of forgiveness, second chances, and the importance of human connection, all while challenging societal stereotypes surrounding prisoners. The characters' interactions and evolving relationships provide a compelling emotional core that will leave you invested in their fates.
The performances in "Prison Playbook" are nothing short of exceptional. The ensemble cast delivers nuanced portrayals, immersing themselves in their roles with authenticity and depth. Park Hae-soo shines as Kim Je-hyuk, skillfully portraying a wide range of emotions, from despair to resilience. The chemistry between the cast members is palpable, creating a believable camaraderie that adds layers of realism to the narrative.
Additionally, the series benefits from its meticulous attention to detail and its ability to explore the complexities of prison life. It presents a realistic portrayal of the prison system, shedding light on the challenges faced by inmates and the complex dynamics between prisoners and staff. The writing is consistently strong, striking a delicate balance between entertainment and social commentary.
In conclusion, "Prison Playbook" is an outstanding drama that deserves high praise. It weaves a captivating narrative with strong performances, relatable characters, and thought-provoking themes. Whether you're a fan of the prison genre or simply appreciate compelling storytelling, this series is a must-watch. Prepare to be emotionally invested, moved, and enlightened by the power of human resilience and redemption.
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This drama easily became one of my favorites. I knew when I watched the first episode that this drama was something different. This drama was really well rounded. Excellent actors, story, production, everything! It’s hard to find a flaw. Even the characters that are bad, you’ eventually get to know them and once you do it’s hard to really hate them completely (well except chief Jo, seagull, chief yeom, officer lee of woodshop, and the other gangsters lol but you know what I mean hehe)
I have watched all the dramas of PD Shin Wonho and I’d say that he is now one of my favorite PDs. He brings so much depth into the dramas he make without really giving in to the normal tropes of dramas these days. And just like his other works, the length of the episodes of this drama is around 1hr 20 min - 1hr 30min each, I do find it long but I’m not really one to complain since I love every second of it.
The only thing that really didn’t sit well with me is the ending they gave Looney/ Hanyang. I mean come on. Beside the fact that he is my fave character here, he showed so much growth and perseverance to change himself. His lover was waiting for him and I’m sure he would be happy to see his mom there. But why? Why did they have to give him that ending. It’s just sad. And after that, they didn’t even showed him anymore. I would assume he came to the same prison since they were driving him there when he got caught. And what’s up with the drug dealer from Japan? Why did he set him up? So many confusing things about him.
Also, Croney. What’s his ending like? And how long was he supposed to be there? Just really curious.
Hoped they showed Min chul watching his game also. That would’ve been nice.
But nevertheless, I give this drama 10/10. It now has a special place in my heart.
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