Cavalerul în Negru (2023)

It’s so basic, but so good.

There is exactly nothing innovative about this show. Typical exaggeration of the unfair social structures currently existing in the world, typical villain with selfish motivations, typical hero with personal story. And yet, I had so much fun watching.

I would agree that the world buildup and storytelling is rather vague - lacks the details on how the society truly works, what are the motivations of all the characters and groups. Some do things because they are good people, some because they are selfish or desperate, some scared, sometimes (most of the time) it’s personal story or revenge, but we don’t really get a proper and more elaborate exploration and explanation - neither about the past, present nor the future.

I might be in the minority here, but it honestly did not bother me at all. I think with post-apocalyptic stories, I actually prefer when a lot of things are left with a question mark that I have to think about and find the answers for myself. For me, the process of filling the gaps with my own ideas is actually a part of the entertainment. All that consider, I can see how others might view it as a rather big flaw.

The performances were great. Do I think they will be remembered for a long time? No, since the characters were not exactly that complex and well written. That said, the actors did a phenomenal job with delivering performances that made the characters seem real and cohesive, even if the writing was rather imprecise. The brotherhood between 5-8 and Sa Wol was both entertaining and low key heartwarming - all thanks to good on screen chemistry between Kim Woo Bin and Kang Yoo Seok.

Being a fan of Song Seung Heon, it was rather disappointing how little acting this man had to do. Probably one of the weakest aspects of the show performances wise, and it’s all on the character’s writing and not the actor himself. Since the character was rather boring, I honestly don’t think anyone could make him stand out more.

Directing wise, everyone should look at this drama as a great example on how to end episodes - these were true cliffhangers that made you curious! I honestly could not stop watching. Binge watched all 6 episodes with just pee breaks.

What’s more, the pacing is great. They don’t focus unnecessarily on unimportant bits, highlighting the scenes that matter the most. Sadly, the final confrontation was a let down. It ended before I could even register what’s going on and I was left with the thought: that’s it? Well, that’s anticlimactic.

As for the production - I loved the set design. You know what is one of the most ridiculous things in post-apocalyptic and sci-fi shows? The over the top complex designs. The world is shattered, people would lean towards the simplicity that would be cost efficient, except for the rich elites who would try to pretend the reality is either the same it was in the past, or not as bad as it truly is. We got just that here - simplicity for the poor, trying to maintain the idea of normal life for the rich.

For the negatives - the show is really dark during some scenes. Yes, in context it makes sense, but you still need to think about your audience and not just the realism of the situation. Watching just a black screen is not entertaining. If you make it impossible to see, you can as well just make it into an audio book. That problem mostly existed in the first two episodes and lighting got a lot better later on. There were a few scenes that managed to create a beautiful picture just with the right lighting in the right spot.

A small bit that got me laughing - truly questionable blood splashes during the fight scenes. The gun wounds were fine, but the poorly animated CGI blood during fist fights was just comical.

Overall, I had a blast watching. It can be both: brainless entertainment and a start for some conversations and reflections about social issues and structures as it reflects our reality rather well.

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Halfway through I knew this won't be getting a season 2.

A star-studded cast, grand production, and enthusiastic promotions have resulted in a lacklustre show. I don't know whether it's the limitation that a 6-episode format provides or poor direction that made this show purely average. The action, the dialogue scenes, the setup scenes everything could've been so much better. A very hopeful concept which is why the viewer is intrigued, yet repetitive details same as every other story told before this one. There's nothing to expect from the show, because what good is a brilliant set if it doesn't contribute to a proper story. I am disappointed because it had so much potential. It did make for something good to binge on, only because of the cast. But I am sure I won't be giving this a rewatch.

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One of the most forgettable dystopian series.

Hold on to your popcorn, folks, because this series is about as exciting as watching paint dry in a dystopian wasteland. The plot is so cliche and predictable that you'll be able to predict every twist and turn from a mile away. Seems like a disingenuous, lackluster cash grab banking on the views from the casts' fans. It's like the writers used a Mad Libs book to come up with the storyline.

And let's talk about the characters. Apparently, in the Kdrama industry, the definition of "strong and intense" is to act like you just sucked on a lemon for an hour straight. The only thing intentionally made to stand out in this world is the ML, who's apparently invincible, making the rest of the cast look like they're auditioning for the role of his groupies, everyone in this world setting is in awe of the ML.

The action scenes are about as thrilling as watching a sloth race, with the main character walking through a hail of bullets without even breaking a sweat. And don't even get me started on the absurd number of cuts in the fight scenes. Maybe the action choreographer was on vacation, or the actors were practicing their interpretive dance moves. But, really, is the action choreographer lacking or the actors/stunt actors are incompetent?

The music is forgettable, intense music could have been used similar to the music from Sicario or the new Blade Runner.

The only reason you'll remember watching this series is that you wasted your precious time on it. I mean, I get it. I watched it too, hoping for a glimpse of something worthwhile & the beautiful Esom. But all I got was a snooze-fest.

Overall, this series deserves a solid 3 out of 10, which is only for the dystopian setting and the one redeeming actor, Esom. But if you're looking for a series to keep you on the edge of your seat, you're better off rewatching paint dry.

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Binge watch an excellant futuristic sci fi drama feat. Kim Woo Bin

So much happens in six episodes, and yet everything so well written and so well paced, it's amazing to watch it unfold. Kim Woo Bin does an excellent job driving this drama from start to finish. The plot is very linear, but sophisticated. You have to pay attention to every detail, because this drama won't repeat itself twice. Our characters are full of life, and love, and the actors portray them very well. Our three main characters, 5-8, the dashing deliveryman, and the 'hope' 'legend' for the refugees is the man leading us to equality, and freedom. Our second character, Sawol, the future deliveryman wants to follow 5-8's footsteps, and we come to know he is a mutant in later episodes. Because of Sawol's mutant blood, our antagonist, Ryu Seok, wants him to cure his own illness. Then we have our Major, Seol Ah, who will do whatever it takes to protect her family, and the citizens of Korean.

I highly recommend this drama. A very good binge that won't leave you craving for more, and with a satisfied ending. If you are a Kim Woo Bin fan, you are in for a treat. Not only does he look healthy, and dashing, he portrays a superhero characterized very well by his amazing acting.

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Corny

It was not a terrible series but it wasn't anything new. Basic premise that we've seen in other movies but setup with a different backdrop/theme. The movie that draws the closest comparison is Snowpiercer, for me.

Black Knight is basically a series about classism and how the rich yet again are evil and take advantage of the poor to continue to grow their empire, while the poor people fight for their survival and freedom.

Acting was good, but there were a few things lacking with the story. I say the series was corny because there were a lot of moments that were very predictable, due to having seen other movies with a similar premise.

Overall, it's not a bad series just not great either. Actors did a good job though. And the series isn't set up for a season two so it was nice to have a conclusion to the story within the 6 episodes.

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One time watch & short

Black Knight
2023 ‧ Sci-fi
6 episodes

PROS:
◇Seeing Kim Woo-bin back and in an action show was a huge reason I picked it up🙌🏽
◇The acting was fantastic of everyone.
◇Really liked seeing so many familiar faces. (Taxi Driver cast 3 members)
◇The special affect were done really well.
◇Enjoyed how it was a short show (6 episodes)


CONS:
◇Never got fully invested in the story.
◇Small plot holes here and there.

⚠️Content Warning ⚠️
◇Strong language
◇PG-13 Violence
◇💀 Bodies


A one time watch for me personally.

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Oh you could have been a 10, but end up being a generous 5

This show's premise was kick-ass, I loved the story, the world, the actors, it had absolutely everything to be a top contender, a 10/10 as we would say.
HOWEVER, nothing really holds up because they rushed through everything to fit into 6 episodes.
And while we're on the subject.... 6 episodes???? I've sat through horrible Dramas that had 20 episodes! why this one was so short?
They had no time to build characters, no development arcs, it's pretty much just people showing up, people dying and I couldn't care less because, how can I be emotionally invested in a character that was just introduced 5 minutes ago?
They had the potential to fly that balloon to the sky, but the balloon got deflated before really taking off the ground.
DISAPPointing, knowing what it could have been.

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Dusty Delivery Man /SWAT/ The Resistance!

After finishing the first episode I could not help but wonder if this had anything more to offer than dust and Kim Woo Bin. And while it did have so much dust I almost felt like taking a shower after watching it. Kim Woo Bin did not disappoint and was indeed pretty present throughout the show. The drama did indeed offer some more dust, fights, blood, evil, political stuff ( that where not very far fetched from things past and present). There was a hint of Hunger Games, some Holocaust, a dash of the Matrix some more dust...and the odd yet beautiful combination of delivery man/SWAT team making me feel just a little more appreciation towards the people out there who deliver stuff to our doors! Fighting!

While some twists where more interesting than others, there where not a lot of surprises. However they had a good flow, and though the pace was fast at times I do feel that we got some pretty decent closure. the drama is short and a very easy binge that you can easily finish in an afternoon. Just make sure you have time to shower afterwards.

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Ineffective dystopian worldbuilding

As much as its attempt on the dystopian worldbuilding, it never comes effective due to the largely sloppy plotlines. A world set in the recovery stage of a worldwide mass destruction after a comet disaster, most of the scenes and situations didn't feel believable as it lacks surrealism, the imagination it has is also pretty vague. The main villain is a resource hogging conglomerate heir, the protagonist is a rebel employee planning to wage a war to change the system for refugees, it's a great source material yet this Netflix adaptation was poorly done, the direction of the story is unconvincing, tension between characters is weak and everything just seems forgettable.

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