This must apply as a rule :
"You know a drama is good when the very first scene of it,takes your breath away!"

Or at least this is what happened to me.I had the feeling is going to be realy good.I paused it exactly at the first 40 seconds of the very first episode.That long took me to fall inlove with Insider!I was already captivated by the direction,cinematography and music. The sound of the footsteps.the roulette..the chips.The slow-motion scene plus that thrilling music!Wow! All these,i repeat it-within 40 secs.Iam very serious.After that there was no way i would stop watching it. So even if you don't plan to watch this,please do me a favor and just watch those 40 secs.I bet you will change your mind!

I want to start with...

Music:♬ Howling ♬ and ♬You've Got Me Wrong ♬ the 2 main OSTs are to die for!So dark and moody songs,stuck in my head and i just loved them!I can't say more,go and listen them!All the other music themes were perfect too.You could feel the vibe of any scene just by listening to the music!

Production/Direction/Cinematography:This is a very expensive production.Ridiculously expensive!I was satisfied with everything!Every detail,every choise from props to costumes.Everything was perfect.Special mention to the make-up team.Our ML is beaten like crazy almost in the whole drama!Lol.His wounds,his bruises,his cuts,the blood,his swollen face.You think they were beating him for real!So realistic!Direction was smart and smooth.Cinematography at its best!Everything was well planned and well executed.Nothing was too much.Nothing seemed fake or "staged"Producers,director and cinematographers did an amazing job to bring to our screens the best visuals.


Cast/Acting: Most of the cast are Veterans,Skilled actors,noone can doubt their talent.Producers chose among the elite!So because i was familiar with almost all of them i already knew the acting would be phenomenal!
As for Kang Ha Neul,he was always the Prince Charming to me from Moon Lovers.I had to experience his performance in this drama to truly appreciate his talent!Amazing and Top notch acting.I felt his physical and emotional pain.I was suffering with him.I could feel his sorrow,his anger and his desperation.He delivered all the emotions!
With Insider he hit the jackpot,by choosing this role!And he totally nailed it.He shines here as the brightest star!

Characters: How exciting characters were they!Every char should be praised.Noone was a filler.Noone was a wasted screen-time.Everyone ,from main to supporting, played their part to the story.And i mean everyone.I can't analyze all the chars,i wish i could but it will take me hours because all left me with the best impressions.Even the chars with smaller roles,were well written and with depth.The writer devoted some serious time to develop them.
I have to say though that i haven't seen so many "dirty" characters gathered in one drama.Lol.Usually there is the main villain and 2 or 3 sub-villains!Here every char is dark,shady and rotten!Even the allies of our ML are all bad guys.The best among them at least killed once!The writer has a brilliant and twisted mind!Kudos!

Story/Plot:
The story is not quite original or unique,as the outline is Revenge.But still gets a 10 because is so well-structured.Even if sometimes is a bit confusing mostly cause there are many bad guys you have to memorize and categorize them and their alliances.As the episodes passing by it gets easier though.
I loved the Poker concept.All starts with a game.I play Poker-especially Hold'em-for many years,so this part of the drama wasn't confusing at all to me.The Poker scenes were the relaxing and fun part.The light break from the suspenseful,engaging and stressful story!
The way the story is build-up keeps all the suspense in high levels.The idea of an illegal casino inside a prison was indeed unique.That was something new!Part of the story is the "unfolding" of the characters,layer by layer.Another "trick" to keep our interest high.
The twists and turns are insane.There is a crazy good plot development.Absolutely mind-blowing.Always something keeps you at the edge of your seat.The moment you think you have all figured out,is the moment something big happens and turns all the tables!So you are back to square One,keeping your brain in motion!And that is what i loved the most about this drama.I never get bored.Never get tired of thinking the alternatives,the possibilities,the facts and all the infos i was given.On top of that it was entertaining too!
I can describe the story as a matryoshka doll.
Our ML always has a plan-B.A backup to his plan-B too.Or better say he uses almost the whole alphabet for his plans!!
His plots,his plans,his tricks and his traps!A true Mastermind.Just wow.As i said mind-blowing.
The phrase "Ace up his sleeve" suits perfectly here.Literally and figuratively!
This drama is made of gold.The good stuff.No joke.I haven't found one single flaw.Iam sure there are few but even so,i don't care.This series was a thrilling ride.Gave me fun.Excitement.Brain work-out.Great Visuals.Fine OST.Amazing acting.16 hours well-spent.What else should i ask from a drama?Oh!And don't forget to say.NO Romance at all!The best part was the lack of it!!
So do not ask me if i recommend this one.All i have to say is 'DON'T MISS IT!"