‘Vincenzo’ is not just a k-drama, it’s a masterpiece in storytelling with a perfect blend of elements like crime drama, dark comedy, romance, and intense emotions. Premiered in 2021 on Netflix, this series delivers on all magnitudes and leaves a lasting impression among its viewers long after the final episode. Starring Song Joong-ki,  Jeon Yeo-been, and Ok Taec-yeon,  it promptly gained widespread popularity, especially in the hearts of international audiences.

Directed by: Kim Hee-won   

Genres: Action, Thriller, Comedy, Mafia, Crime

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Starring:

• Song Joong-ki (Vincenzo Cassano/Park Joo-hyeong
• Jeon Yeo-been (Hong Cha-yeong)        
• Taecyeon (Jang Joon-woo/Jang Han-seok)           
• Kwak Dong-yeon (Jang Han-seo)
• Jo Han-chul (Han Seung-hyeok)
•  Im Chul-soo (Ahn Gi-seok)

No. of episodes: 20

First episode date:20 Feb 2021

Final episode date: 2 may 2021

Vincenzo: Where the boundary fades between good and evil …

Storyline and Plot:

The storyline starts with Vincenzo Cassano (played by Song Joong-ki), a Korean Italian mafia consigliere.  A lawyer by profession, the morally ambiguous protagonist Vincenz returns to South Korea to recover a hidden fortune following a betrayal within his organization, sneaky within a building controlled by Babel Group, a powerful and corrupt conglomerate. What unfolds is a gripping battle against corporate corruption, as he unexpectedly partners with Hong Cha–young (played by Jeon Yeo-been), a bold yet unconventional lawyer whose father was murdered for unveiling Babel Group’s criminal and corrupt activities.

Acting and Direction:

Song Joong-ki is phenomenal in bringing depth, charisma, and intensity to the role of Vincenzo.  His transformation from a cold strategist to someone fighting against corruption for justice is both cunning and powerful. Jeon Yeo-been as Hong Cha-young is equally lucid as an adamant, independent, and witted lawyer, and is depicted as unpredictable and fierce. Jang Han, as the main antagonist, is initially portrayed as a seemingly innocent intern but unveils his true, cold-blooded nature.

Underlying themes:

Vincenzo – stands out for its unique blend of genres, coherently combining the intensity of a mafia drama with comedic elements, especially from the kinky residents of Geumga Plaza, the building Vincenzo intends to protect.  With excellent pacing and unexpected twists and turns, the drama explores themes of justice, revenge, and corruption. Vincenzo’s mafia tactics- including manipulation, intimidation, and violence to fight against the entrenched corruption are also very gripping throughout the series.

Perfect blend of chemistry

The main lead’s chemistry gradually grows without unnecessary melodrama, which feels quite real and natural. Their romance is not just limited to cute scenes.  There is a depth in it, an emotional connection, which remains strong despite the two being in different worlds. The distance between them, the difference in time and dimensions, makes their love even more engaging.

Some Nuggets of Criticism

Well, not every story is perfect. Some critics have described the pacing as “rushed,” where the plot attempts too much in a single episode and character development is skipped.  Reddit users also highlighted that a little more time is given if certain scenes carry emotional weight and are engaging.

“Vincenzo” is largely well-received and keeps the viewers hooked with its captivating story, high-stakes confrontations, compelling characters, slick cinematography, and satisfying blend of genres. The blend of humour and violence is bold but executed perfectly.  With sharp writing filled with satire, clever dialogue, and emotional depth, the drama challenges conventional notions of good and evil and explores the complexities of justice and morality.

While it faces some minor criticisms for its length of episodes and some aspects of the portrayal of the mafia, the overall experience is thrilling, entertaining, and thought-provoking. It’s very rare to see a series so confidently switch between tones. ‘Vincenzo’ is a perfect package and a worth watching show…..

If you are looking for a Korean drama that has romance, fantasy, thrill, and a deep storyline, then “Vincenzo” is perfect for you.  This show is comparatively slow, but the reward is huge. Visually, emotionally, and conceptually, this drama is impressive from every angle. Indeed, it is a perfect package and a worth watching show….

FAQ

Where can I watch the Korean drama “Vincenzo”?

“Vincenzo” is now streaming on Netflix.