I have not watched the original, but I found this absolutely engaging from start to finish. I’m shocked at the excessively mixed reviews. I haven’t seen reviews this mixed about a show I liked since…ever.

I’ve seen rave reviews of shows I’m lukewarm about (10 when I think it’s a 5), and poor reviews of shows I’ve loved (5 when I think it’s at least 8-10). But never have I seen a show that I was this impressed with range between a 2 and 10. That’s an abnormal range for something of this quality.

I can only guess that perhaps some of the undeserved poorest ratings stem from this not being the original, instead of judging this series on its own considerable merits. Based on the quality of this remake, I’m even more inclined to watch the original La Casa del Papel.

All that said, I had to come lend support through review. This is a high quality, suspenseful, thought-provoking, social commentary series that will have you wondering who you’re supposed to be rooting for, because life is actually just not that black and white.

I really appreciated the aspect that this whole fictional scenario, set in 2025, is not out of the realm of possibility between North and South Korea when money is the object and point. It’s completely feasible that the longing for reunification by the people might make them overlook what could be ulterior motives at the root.

Fair warning: There are a couple of s*x scenes, but they’re not anything to be overly offended by in my opinion, and they don’t last too long. Of course there is a lot of fighting and shooting, but nothing gory or over the top.

I do recommend this drama. I would watch it again and will. And I commend the entire cast for their very apparent hard work.