[Bloodhounds Netflix Review] Intense non-stop action!

Bloodhounds  Original Korean Netflix series with 8 episodes In order to pay off their debt, three daring youths jump into the money-lending business while confronting the rich and powerful who prey on the weak.

 

Bloodhounds Netflix Review (No spoilers)

A webtoon-based action crime series featuring two teenage male boxers who accidentally find themselves immersed in the criminal underworld of an illegal loan shark syndicate. The story gradually intensifies as it delves deeper into the complexities of this world. Simultaneously, it skillfully incorporates the art of boxing and the MMA sport into the narrative, blending both elements seamlessly. The fusion of these two aspects creates a captivating storyline.

The story kicks off by introducing a gang involved in an illicit loan shark operation. They deceive their victims into falling into a unfair contracts before resorting to ruthless tactics to extort money from them with exorbitant interest rates. This type of narrative is prevalent worldwide, The victims are usually ordinary individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.. However, this particular series takes it a step further by making the targets of the gang the Chaebols, a wealthy and influential family that holds significant power in South Korea’s business sector. Typically, Korean dramas portray Chaebols as villains, but in this story, they become the victims of both exploitation and blackmail. The series unfolds with a deeper plot that helps escalate the narrative to a national scale, making it highly intriguing and worth following.

In this story, there is also a benevolent faction of the illegal loan shark gang, led by a philanthropic billionaire who offers interest-free loans to help those in desperate situations. The plot gradually involves both of the young male boxers in a war against the antagonistic gang, driven by hidden vendettas from the past. Each side has skilled assassins who are well-developed characters, adding depth and individuality to the story. The fight scenes are raw and gritty, with no guns but only knife and close combat weapons, creating a dark and intense atmosphere reminiscent of Japanese yakuza films. The main storyline continues uninterrupted throughout each consecutive episode, without subplots, making the narrative tightly paced and engaging. Each episode ends with a cliffhanger, leaving viewers eager to continue watching. It’s a series that keeps you hooked, making it difficult to take a break from watching

What stands out is the creation of two protagonist characters with different boxing styles, who build their relationship through boxing matches. They transform from boxing opponents to brothers, and boxing becomes the central theme of the action scenes, making it exciting and exhilarating. It’s as if skilled boxers are fiercely fighting against a criminal gang. Although it may seem somewhat exaggerated, it is still within an acceptable range. The fighting sequences progressively evolve, with defeats leading to new training, increased body weight and muscle mass. The actors portraying these characters are both physically fit, with highly realistic muscles. The villains include an MMA practitioner who uses grappling techniques to counter the boxers, blending different martial arts styles into the melodramatic story in a compelling way.

Although the story is filled with intense fighting scenes throughout, it also incorporates warm and heartwarming melodrama in the style of Korean dramas. The main protagonist characters are portrayed as good-hearted individuals with positive outlooks on life. They are sincere and genuine, yet ready to fight for justice. This aspect adds depth to the story and makes it more engaging, as viewers can sympathize and root for these characters even more.

While the story has been well-executed and worth following throughout, there is a problem that arises in the later episodes, specifically from episode 7 to 8. The storyline deviates from the intense and serious theme that has been maintained throughout the series. After episode 7, it transitions into a lighter and easier-to-digest narrative, losing the depth and complexity that characterized the earlier episodes. Additionally, the writing for the characters deteriorates, which is primarily due to the departure of the lead actress, Kim Sae Ron, who had to withdraw from the series due to a drunk driving incident. Her character played a pivotal role in adding freshness and vitality to the story. The subsequent removal of her character in the later episodes resulted in a decline in quality. Although attempts were made to provide a reasonable explanation, it still feels abrupt and leaves a sense of discontinuity as the series concludes without resolving these issues.

 

In general, this Korean series stands out with its unique and innovative approach. It creatively incorporates the world of boxing to create thrilling and intense action scenes outside the usual conventions. It is a fun and exciting watch, particularly for those seeking new and refreshing Korean dramas. I highly recommend giving it a try.

 

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