Review "Prison Playbook" (Netflix): a Korean drama in the heart of prison!

For our second K-Drama of the month, we discuss with you a subject that seems to have been of great interest to the Korean public since the beginning of the year. A drama that plunges us into a very closed environment but which is nevertheless a good concept: Prison Playbook available at Netflix.

A dive into the heart of the prison environment for a subject that is clearly off the beaten track, far from the series we are used to seeing.

This review contains important elements from K-Drama and contains spoilers. To be read at your own risk.

Prison Playbook

Original title: 슬기로운 감빵생활 – Seulgirowun Gamppangsaenghwal

Alternative title: Prison Playbook – Wise Prison Life – Smart Prison Living

Genre: sport – legal – friendship

Country: South Korea

Episodes : 16

Channel: tvN

Streaming platform: Netflix

Release period: November 22, 2017 to January 11, 2018

Director: SHIN Won-Ho (Reply 1988)

Scriptwriter: JUNG Bo-Hoon

Synopsis :

Just before his long-awaited entry into a prominent baseball team, a famous pitcher lands in prison and must learn to survive in this new universe.

Spring: Netflix

Main cast

An original concept

Prison Playbook is a real favorite for the editorial staff as well as the first K-Drama that conquered us for this year 2018! Already when it was announced, we had a good feeling for this drama.The only thing that made us hesitate so much was its duration of about an hour and a half per episode. Fortunately, from the first viewing, any apprehension was dispelled with the story of Kim Je-Hyeok, a baseball player accused of murder.

A start that was quick and that did not bother to drag out the story, quickly putting us in front of the fait accompli. Indeed, after a brief presentation of the main protagonist, we then get to the heart of the matter. Namely, the daily life in prison and the arrival of other characters who will gravitate around the hero. However, the drama is not content with the unique vision of the detainees, we discover more about the functioning of the place. While inmates undoubtedly hold the first place, it is impossible to forget the police personnel ranging from the simple maton to the director of the prison. The whole will also be enhanced by visits from prisoners' relatives, which are also part of an important reality on the well-being of the latter.

Most of our expectations and expectations have therefore been fulfilled or even exceeded, as the drama has literally taken us to the guts.

Inmates

The series has set the bar very high by offering us a concept that takes place in a rather closed environment. However, it is successful!The prowess of the actors is to be highlighted since despite the large number of characters present, you will not get lost. Here, we will address some of these protagonists who have marked us the most, a list far from exhaustive but which will allow you to better understand the drama.

First of all, the actor playing Kim Je-Hyeok is rather specialized in theater and musicals so little known to us. The fact remains that the pronounced character of his character fits him perfectly to the skin and we were charmed by his presence. Under his benêt and not very expressive air hides in fact a man very attentive to others and of great sensitivity. He is truly the anti-hero for whom we take affection.

In his cell, we find Yoo Han-Yang, an only son whose mother runs a restaurant caught in the act of drugs. He is super endearing and especially serves to relax the atmosphere thanks to his arguments with Captain Yoo or Kaist. Captain Yoo is a former soldier wrongly accused of murder. Finally, Kim Min-Cheol, a former gang member has been imprisoned for twenty years but looks so mistaken like a real teddy bear who also knows how to bang his fist when necessary.

Staff and entourage

We stay in the characters with Lee Joon-Ho, the prison guard and former best friend of Je-Hyeok from the time when both wanted to break into baseball. Unlike his friend, he has given up his dream but still has a deep admiration for it. The relationship of the two actors is so perfect and realistic that we believe in it. The man is considered a fan of Je-Hyeok by others, his attention and work often clash with his colleague: Officer Paeng. Officer Paeng is under his vulgar and gruff air a real daddy hen for the detainees. Quite the opposite of Joon-Ho who prefers to be authoritarian and respected repressing his true nature.

You were probably wondering if women were not excluded from the series which is predominantly male? Well, there are still some like Kim Ji-Ho Je-Hyeok's girlfriend or Kim Je-Hee his sister. Two women whose distinct presence and character bring a little freshness to the drama.

Finally, know also that even if Je-Hyeok is a celebrity admired and supported by many fans, he will also have to deal with detractors. Whether it is the stooge, Yeom Sang-Jae head of carpentry or prison officer Lee who will brilliantly represent the bad guys.

A real slap in the face

The K-Drama Prison Playbook is the series to see this year whether for its subject, its relationships around the characters or its realization but the main thing is obviously the inmates and the guardians of the peace. And on that side, we have everything, good and bad. 

At the level of the scenario, nothing to complain about except that at first, you will have to get used to the many memories that will punctuate the story unexpectedly. But, just pay attention to the realization that passes in black and white to get used to it. The same goes for the very well done scripted division taking place in several parts Thus, at first, you will be immersed in the functioning of the prison, you will discover relations sometimes friendly sometimes rival between the inmates. Then, the questions, the romance or the low blows will accumulate for the greatest pleasure of the spectator.

Finally, the conclusion will be realistic just like the series as a whole, with those who come out or not. In short, you will understand, Prison Playbook focuses mainly on human psychology and the strong moments that people in the penitentiary live. Let's face it, the resolution of some cases is not very realistic but good. We also recommend the OST which are beautiful, whether it's Zion's rap.T, the voice of PARK Bo Ram or that of Eric NAM !

Prison Playbook is a Korean drama that made a big impression and so it's no wonder Netflix took an interest in it. A real pearl that is aimed at a wide audience and especially those who are looking for a complex and human story!

Prison Playbook Trailer: