TEN, TEN ACROSS THE BOARD ! ( best drama I've seen so far this year)

I have to say I understand that this type of drama isn't to everyone's liking. I get that, I do. I also felt dumbfounded at some really popular dramas that I didn't quite like.

With that disclaimer out of the way, Vincezo is one of the best things I've seen come out of drama land this past couple of years. I loved every side character and their quirky and lovable personality. I loved that they had a pretty good backstory and each and everyone was a stand out cartoon like human beings.

I really enjoyed this almost slap stick aspect of this show. They mixed perfectly the seriousness of the story with the comedic relief that at times felt like a Tom and Jerry episode. I feel like it was a really refreshing take on this type of story.

Now, let's talk about the main leads. Vincezo's relationship with all the side leads had a pretty steady progression from distrust to a family like bond. The Geumga-Cassano family, what bonds them is their resolve to survive and then the silly gold rush plot that I actually think it was really fun to see unravel.

I can't not acknowledge the very strong and very present plot armour around the whole main and side cast. I can't complain about it too much because from the first episodes I knew this will end in a happy ending. Again, I don't think that this drama's purpose is to show the real life corruption of the system. If you want something that comes close to that I recommend "Stranger" https://mydramalist.com/21934-stranger.

The chemistry on screen between Vincenzo and Hong Cha Young was flawless and their dynamic perfect. Again, I think that this drama doesn't take itself too serious most of the time and so HCY over the top personality felt right in that universe. But it still managed to make my cry like a babe at times, especially at !!(spoiler incoming) !! Vincezo's mother death and HCY father's death. Those scenes really tugged at my heartstrings. But, I would've loved to see HCY relationship to her father fleshed put more. I found it weird that Vincezo's relationship with Hong Yoo Chan was more sketched out than with his own daughter.

VC character was really well made, it had the bad-assery of the classic stereotype of the Italian mafioso, the cunning of that world that mixed itself with a traumatised child now turned adult, that subconsciously wanted to feel like he had a place in his mother-nation. I liked to see his vulnerable side peek through with his mother and the scene when they take the pictures together was really good and showed his yearning for a relationship with his mother.

His realtionship tp HCY is very enjoyable to watch and see how it changes and grows in a subtle, grown up romance that feels really real. As a fan of course I would've loved to see more skinship but the way their relationship was portrayed made a lot of sense for HCY and VC personality. !!(SPOILER ALERT) The ending felt a little bit lackluster and rushed, it made sense in a way but still didn't feel right. At least I would've like to have more closure for VC and HCY even more if a second season is off the table.

The Babel plot was really entertaining to watch, especially the whole chess/cat-mouse chase that spanned to whole series right to the very end.The elaborate plans were well made and creative even if at times were too far fetched and chaotic.

I felt really satisfying to see the villain get what they deserved and the gore was watchable even though at times it felt like all the violence was gratuitous. Also, the foreshadowing with the corporation's name was a clever touch.

I have to applaud Kim Yeo Jin and Ok Taec Yeon performance. They really blew this one out of the park. It was spot on, over the top, scheming corporate greedy monsters.

Also, honorable mentions: Inzaghi's "plot" was hilarious and matched the silly energy of the drama perfectly. And the OST was amazing, I still listen to it. And I liked the small details like the sound of the buddhist monk drumming and the Nirvana tote bag.

I think the best way to describe this drama is a over the top cheesy wattpad in real life story with amazing acting and cinematography. It created a genre of it's own and a unique feel. Really a big breath of fresh air.

It isn't a flawless ( The first episode was really confusing and tbh unnecessary, if you skip to the half of the episode you honestly didn't miss anythiing important, and there are some plot holes that are never tied up and it can feel a bit choppy sometimes) and faultless drama ( See the homophobic reactions of Vincezo in that episode) but it works so so so GOOD!

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