Bloodhounds

A Korean action romp and a great notch for Netflix. Another unexpected hit in the style of My Name. Finally, the Koreans have stopped experimenting with sci-fi, post-apocalypctic and similar genres that they don't do well yet, and have gone for what they do best; a strong buddy story spiced up with realistic and brutal gangster-themed action, and once again they have succeeded spectacularly. Here we have two young, skilled and talented actors in the lead roles who become friends after a boxing match, both former marines, likable to the core – Woo Do-hwan in particular shows incredible character and humility throughout the series, there are few people like that anymore. Both start working for a nice man who wants them to protect his granddaughter who is on the trail of a cruel and ruthless loan shark. Park Sung-wong gives an Oscar-winning performance as a truly sleazy, sneaky and caustic loan shark with a mischievous smile reminiscent of the Joker at times, it gives chills and provides the series with an unreal level. I like that the Koreans focused on the not too common theme of loan sharking and strayed away from guns, drugs and human trafficking. The series not only has an interesting story and likeable characters, but also an amazing drive where action scenes are not spared (there are usually two per episode, which is great), and I have to say that they had me falling to my knees and going crazy with excitement. When I think of all the famous martial arts flicks that have used countless martial arts from Silat, Wing Chun, Kung-Fu, Krav Maga, Eskrima and Muay Thai, I can't recall one that used pure box but outside the ring on the street with no rules, and I have to say it was beautiful. Both of these dudes have incredible talent and all those one shot knock outs looked great against numerical superiority. There was also some of the traditional Korean weaponry of knives and baseball bats, which I also thoroughly enjoyed – Koreans don't shoot, they cut. I also really enjoyed Park's gorilla, he was a tank and gave the main characters the most trouble. It was literally a middle weight vs heavy weight fight on the street! I must also highlight episode 6, which was breathtaking in its uncompromising attitude towards the characters, and something even Game of Thrones would be hesitant to do! For me, a series that has found its way to my heart, it's right up my bloodline and showcases my favourite old Korea at its best. 9/10. (18.06.2023)

Bloodhounds offers a well-balanced dose of entertainment and bloody action, as we've come to expect from Koreans. It also benefits from an incredibly charming main boxing duo (one extrovert and one introvert). In terms of characters, the show excels (for instance, the villain Bom... he resembled a Terminator more than anything else... he really stole the show). But the story is also far from outdated. Sure, it starts with a revenge plot that seems unremarkable, but the twists can be quite shocking (I’m still recovering from the sixth episode... it really shook my emotions). The fights are once again superbly filmed, and incorporating boxing elements into the action sequences was definitely a plus (where else do you see that?... and it’s accompanied by some serious brutality). The only downside was the ending, which felt a bit rushed. I would have appreciated two more episodes. But overall, it’s a great watch in every respect. I’m giving it 8/10. P.S. To be honest, I liked My Name from 2021 just a bit more :). But I can definitely see a second season for Bloodhounds. So we’ll see. (11.10.2023)