Hierarchy (2024)

Hierarchy: A Letdown

"Hierarchy" contains familiar K-drama elements: relentless bullying, unsolved murder, ultra-rich high school students, a poor student seeking revenge, drug and power abuse, and inattentive parents, similar to "Penthouse," "Sky Castle," and "Revenge of Others." However, it disappoints on multiple fronts. The story starts slow and only gains pace in the last two episodes, where the rushed and lackluster revenge plot finally begins. The ending feels abrupt and unsatisfying, leaving viewers with a sense of missed potential.

The characters are underdeveloped, making it hard to invest in their journeys. Despite a talented cast and high production values, the drama's exploration of heavy themes remains superficial, used more as plot devices than for serious commentary.
Nonetheless, I liked the male leads acting. If I could complete the drama it was because of them.

Overall, "Hierarchy" squanders its promising premise, failing to deliver a compelling or engaging narrative, and ends up being a waste of time for viewers expecting a gripping drama.

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who done it mystery

Slow and dragging with story and characters.
School full of moral decay
Good cematroghpy.Flim crew gets a plus.
Spoiler
who gets bumped off in the credits , Moss? A poor attempt to revive it for season 2
The really wasn't a love triangle. The heroine did seem to still love her first love, though the script did put a couple of holes there. but overall she did seem to stay true to her first love. I'm ok with that.
The brother you wanted to wind up with someone better. But in the ending credits the story twists there too. Not really believable for his character.

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It's not bad nor good cause it started of good but kinda lost it towards the end

Imma be honest.. this is the most non biased review you'll ever get...
The directors of this k drama failed to capitalise on a great roster of its cast
The main idea of the story was Kang Ha looking for revenge to whoever killed his little brother but it was unnecessary to make a whole teacher an actual killer.. that wasn't it & also Kim Ri-An was supposed to be somehow punished for bullying In-Han

& also my problem is Jung Jae not accepting Kang Ha's feelings.. I just hope Season 2 exceed our expectations as Season 1 definitely disappointed all of us because it's trailer actually looked good

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In the Hierarchy of kdramas this will not have a memorable spot !

I mean who didn't sign up for the eye candies and tbh we all know we loved it somewhere ....then the thinking brain comes into play and maybe just maybe ruins your watch experience because well -- we all need a plot ( and it can't be just hot oppas) !

The plot was all over the place or maybe non existent-- we can say a highly westernized drama like elite gets a kdrama touch and again Netflix saves the day with it's visual appeal but for how long will they dwell on such script-less dramas !?

story -- just like always we have a teen drama where everyone is pretending to be an adult ! -- a rich lifestyle and parties traded with mental health and freedom and there comes a variable -- a literally poor one this time ! it's not a revenge story of a poor puppy in the realm of rich brats knocking them down it's a damsel in distress romance and by the end very much a "MORAL SCIENCE " lecture !

So let me tell you my expectations with this and then we'll progress to how disappointed I was with this !

I was looking forward to having a visually stunning and planned nerve-racking revenge plot that will go down in the books-- a romance that shatters the foundation of this well build school and all it's riches !
but in turn --
This show stands out as a perfect example of DO NOT JUDGE A BOOK BY IT'S COVER ! -- while in the initial stages the show is very promising of all your expectations it falls flat on it's face by the end ! -- the mystery the villains the chemistry the storyline everything !

I would have appreciated if background for characters was explored in depth-- like he's not just the always happy guy , she's not the always untouchable queen and the perfect prince or so and so ! - i wanted to know them for who they are and not just what the world knows of them it kind of weakened their role and made them superficial !

What I liked -- the actors ! -- all of them give their best ! all the eye candies perfectly in place even to the side characters !

WHAT I DID NOT LIKE -- (oh hell we have a list) --

THE CONFUSION -- They should tell me who do I root for, the writers themselves got confused mid way about their final ship !
THE FRIENDSHIP -- either shallow or deep -- there's not supposed to be an in-between -- cuz there is no in-between !
THE VILLAINS -- even tho i was disappointed by the story -- their acting disappointed me even more !
THE REVEALS -- even if there was a strong build up that had my attention -- they revealed it in the dumbest and most convenient way possible !
THE MOTIVES -- it was just so weird for everything to be that predictable and illogical by all means !
THE TEENS -- man never for a moment they behaved their age (and i don't mean the parties !)
THE END -- They did not have to have me so uninterested in the ending and make it so over the top !
THE MAIN CHARACTERS -- (I'll put it in a spoiler tag comment )!

Overall this is the drama that you normally dote on -- if western, so i can't say I am disappointed but then if you are a kdrama fan then you don't look forward to western touch I mean I would love more netflix productions and high budget hyped shows with the most amazing cinematography but ones that do have substance !

Please watch it -- do not look for a plot -- just enjoy the ride you have in front of you -- do not get your hopes up due to initial eps ...I am hoping you'll love it if you follow this !!!

my fav line --
"I want to protect him even if it means to give up all I have - I want to protect him because he's all I have" !

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A Bland Blend of High School Drama and Unfulfilled Revenge

"Hierarchy" initially promises an intriguing blend of mystery, high school drama, and intricate character dynamics but ultimately falls short of its potential. The series struggles with pacing issues, lackluster character development, and a revenge plot that never fully comes to fruition.

One of the most significant issues with this drama is its inability to establish a clear identity. It attempts to blend elements from popular series like "Elite" with traditional kdrama tropes, but the execution is inconsistent. The show's tone oscillates between dark, gritty drama and lighter, more conventional high school scenes, creating a jarring viewing experience.

The central revenge plot, which could have been the driving force of the series, takes a backseat to less compelling storylines. Kang Ha's quest to uncover the truth behind his brother In-han's death is diluted by subplots involving superficial high school romances and power struggles that lack depth. Instead of focusing on the core mystery and building tension around it, the series meanders through trivial conflicts and repetitive interactions.

Character development is another area where this drama falters. The main leads, particularly Kang Ha and Jae-i, fail to evoke empathy or investment from the audience. Kang Ha, despite being positioned as the protagonist, is bland and one dimensional. His motivations are unclear, and his actions often feel inconsistent with his character. Jae-i, who is supposed to be a complex, conflicted figure, comes across as cold and detached. Her chemistry with Kang Ha is almost nonexistent, making their romantic scenes awkward and unconvincing.

Ri-an, another central character, shows some growth over the series, but his arc is not enough to salvage the show. His character's transformation from a typical bad boy to someone seeking redemption is poorly executed, and the final episodes' attempt to humanize him feels rushed and unearned. He-ra, on the other hand, stands out slightly better due to her strong performance, but even her character suffers from inconsistent writing and a lack of clear direction.

The supporting characters, who could have added layers to the narrative, are underutilized and poorly fleshed out. They serve more as plot devices than as integral parts of the story. This lack of depth makes it difficult to care about their fates or understand their motivations.

The show's pacing is another major flaw. The episodes are often padded with unnecessary scenes that do little to advance the plot or develop the characters. Key revelations and twists are either shown too early or dropped without sufficient buildup, resulting in a lack of suspense and engagement.

Visually, this drama has some redeeming qualities. The cinematography and production design are polished, capturing the opulence of Jooshin High and its surroundings effectively. However, good visuals alone cannot compensate for the weak narrative and character flaws.

The final episode attempts to wrap up the numerous plot threads but ends up feeling anticlimactic. The revelation of the true events behind In-han's death is predictable and lacks impact. The post-credit scene, intended as a cliffhanger, feels more like a desperate attempt to hook viewers for a potential second season rather than a satisfying conclusion to the story.

Overall, "Hierarchy" is a disappointing series that fails to capitalize on its intriguing premise. The acting, especially from the main leads, is subpar, and the writing does not do justice to the complex themes it tries to explore. With unlikable characters, a sidelined revenge plot, and inconsistent pacing, the series does not offer enough to make viewers care about the outcome.

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Another Big Budget Disappointment

It is as I expected just a korean version of elite + bullying. None of the characters especially the rich brats be it the FL or SML or others are likeable as each is just selfish.
The cast has surely done a decent job with their characters and makes us want to root for some and hate others. Although I would say this is RJE's weakest performance till date.

ML is out for revenge but has gotten wavered by a pathetic FL who only cares to protect SML.

Fl's character is a total damsel in distress who all she does is cry and beg. I really didn't like her character at all. A cold ice queen type who slowly opens up to ML or SML about her inner pain surely would have been better instead of a FL who is a weak crybaby from the start but anyhow this is how the show makers wanted it. RJE was a total miscast for this role and has zero chemistry with any of the leads and was bland the entire time with her acting.

SML is an A grade trash who deserves to be sent to prison. Dude is ruthless with no remorse for his actions. I am glad he doesn't get ML's forgiveness till the end.

Frankly Both SML and FL deserve each other as both were pathetic. One enjoys bullying other students while the other one only watches it and not once tried to stop it and then both acted all guilty and how sad they felt for ML's brother death. Not even once did any of these two tried to stop it, had they done it he would be alive.

The bullying shown in this drama is something I have seen many time before in Kdramas and is quite prevalent in South Korea's schools and colleges.
The show's story screams how much it is influenced by spanish drama "Elite". All the bullying, sex, drugs, filthy rich morons and their brats, parties, pregnancy ..... just reminded me of it. The only good thing about the drama is the production value and nothing more.

It is another disappointment after "The Impossible Heir" although the acting is good in this one.

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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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Visually pleasing, but the rest made zero sense

You wouldn't believe how excited I was after looking at the cast and watching the trailer. I really had high hopes for this one. Unfortunately, the only things I liked were the vibes and aesthetics. The story made no sense, the characters made no sense, the flow of the show made no sense. The whole drama felt pointless. It looked cool enough for me to finish it and I like the main cast from other dramas, but this frustrated me a lot. If you want to turn off your brain completely to watch rich people nonsense and impressive glamorous high school parties, and don't mind the characters not having much personality, I'd say go ahead. Otherwise, you wouldn't miss much and it that's really disappointing for me.

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