This review appears on: https://frommelbtoseoul.wordpress.com/2020/04/12/heartless-city-cruel-city-2013/

The drama is amazing from the get go. It relies on a lot of flashbacks throughout the drama to explain the characters more but I actually like it that way because there’s no excessive introductions. The drama just starts and flows on, without ever stopping to explain what the viewers already know. Also, the flashbacks add to the element of surprise in which the drama executes remarkably well.

I love how they decided to go with a noir style filming instead of typical Korean crime dramas. It’s darker, more violent and doesn’t shy away from subjects that is normally hidden in the conservative world of Korea. There’s a prostitute neighbourhood that’s tainted by corruption but also creates bonds between people. There’s escorts, who have lavish rooms and wardrobes but seem so professional, it’s almost luring me into trying it out. Okay, not really. I just want the clothes. You watch the drama knowing that there’s no light at the end of the tunnel, only glimpses yet, it’s still satisfying.

The characters in Heartless City have actually been the best I have seen in quite a long while. There’s so much depth to each character that even attachments can be formed with the minor characters. In fact, I grew to love the minor characters much more than the mains. Except for Si Hyun because he will forever be number one. His two companions, Lee Jin Sook (Kim Yu Mi) and Kim Hyun Soo (Yoon Hyun Min) had me eating out of their palms.

What makes it so much better is how the actors portrayed their characters. I’m pretty sure everyone nailed who they were suppose to be. Kim Joong Go played Chairman Jo, a ruthless and insensitive killer. He deserves to be mentioned. Kim Yu Mi as Lee Jin Sook – honourable mention. Choi Moo Sung as Moon Deok Bae (Safari) – outsanding ovation. His character won me over and I’d have to say his acting was one of the best. For his first drama since release from the army, Jang Kyung Ho played his role excellently. It was a different role to other dramas he’s starred in but it shows how versatile he is. Yes, he is cold and intelligent in Princess Ja Myung Go but he was never as badass as he is playing Shi Hyun.

The relationships in the drama take you places. I think it made the drama so much more successful. It wasn’t just simple links between people but bonds made upon levels and levels of trust, loyalty, fear and love. For those who expect to have countless scenes with Shi Hyun and Soo Min building their relationship, you’ll be disappointed. The plot does involve a love story between the two but it’s not central, just a device used to develop the characters and add to the plot. Their cute though, I can say that. Also, watch out for Shi Hyun and Soo’s bromance. It is to die for.

The ending makes or breaks a drama for me. But with this, I think the ending was done well. It’s not everyones cup of tea but it worked for me. I wasn’t left feeling confused or angry at having wasted my time on the show. Instead, it just made my feelings for the drama stronger. It was realistic, the most accurate interpretation of real-life I’ve seen in a drama, but it wasn’t disappointing. There was an alternative ending but after reading it I felt like maybe the writer did the right thing by changing it.

The show wasn’t without it’s flaws but then again, what isn’t. However, the pace, characters, plot and even the music is enough to look past it. I can see myself re-watching (in fact, I have been when my dad watches it) and it’s probably risen to be in my top favourite dramas. Granted, sometimes the moments could be expected or stereotypical, even totally absurd but in drama land it’s okay.

I’m just telling you to watch it. That’s it. Go, now.