If you're squishy about blood and real world happenings - do not watch! Stunning actors who unfolded the storyline with ease and fun. Music was fine, never got in way and complimented the series. Overall, Netflix offered a gem with this series for a mature viewer needing more than the standard fare with a compelling
If you're into tattoos - watch this for sure.
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The bromance is great with great suspense plot and backstories with ample disturbing content but naturally because it's TV it's not quite as gory but it's definitely dark and twisted.
And it's just so gripping! You won't be able to stop till you've finished.
I really liked the way the character arcs came together but the best part for me was the way they were always there for each other even when they've all suffered traumatic events. Just a great storyline overall.
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Stylistically beautiful, graphically violent but unexpectedly warm
No spoilers. Proceed safely.I was sceptical about watching another Japanese Netflix production because the two I have tried so far haven't been impressive. Well, “Smoking” broke that barrier to say the least. During the 6 hours I have been watching “Smoking,” not only have I been impressed but I have grown quite attached to the story, which is quite weird considering the amount of death and macabre.
❝In the end, people can't be saved. The only thing I can do is to peel away their human facade, and reveal their true nature.❞
“Smoking” was like a violent parable; four men with their individual haunting pasts assassinate people for money and somehow, despite being the bad guys that they are, I formed a bind with them. I feel bad having to quote Vin Diesel, one of America's worst actors from Fast and Furious, one of America’s trashiest movies, while describing “Smoking” but his quote is quite effective here–I don't have friends, I have family.
The four guys of Smoking, Uncle Sabe, Hifumin, Haccho and Goro are not just friends or a team. They have seen each other's darkest sides, their terrible pasts and in a way, have helped each other out of it. Sabe is like the glue which holds them together, going by the name of “The Flayer,” he is the most terrifying of them four. And no matter how many people they murder, there is a certain poetic justice to it which is moving. For such a violent show, this was unexpectedly warm.
This was also really too beautiful. They wonderfully incorporated metaphorical shots and that beige-brown aesthetic that I love. It was also graphically wretched and gut-wrenching.
The story in itself might seem mediocre and the brilliance of “Smoking” lies in its tasteful execution which blends a certain amount of mystery and intrigue, blood and gore and its morally grey characters portrayed by superb actors. Absolutely worth the watch.
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There is also that perverse satisfaction of watching and accepting lynch as a right form of seeking justice on murderers, rapists and members of the mafia. The fact that all of this happens in a criminal 'demimonde' is almost like a permission to accept that unlawful method thus our deepest desire to punish those monsters is alleviated.
Every piece of the story is well thought out and it comes together into enjoyable, thrilling and satisfactory ending. Definitely worth a watch especially if you're in the mood for something bold, ruthless, unusual and weirdly entertaining.
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"Let me peel away this human façade and expose the devil underneath."
'Smoking' is a very well-produced, well-acted, character-driven drama. The opening scene introduces the concept and the characters in the most compelling way. There are many intriguing visuals and action-packed scenes. The charismatic characters, each with a past they have to overcome, make the viewer root for them despite their immoral actions.There are disturbing scenes and acts of violence presented throughout, including some cringe-worthy moments, but despite that, it was an enjoyable watch. Given that there are 12 episodes, 24 minutes each, the plot is well structured, gradually revealing each character's devastating pasts and how they formed such a strong family bond. The story remains engaging until the very end.
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A Gripping Journey of Homeless Assassins Unmasking Evil
Smoking was both unsettling and engrossing from the start. Despite the fact that it was a really disturbing watch for me, it surely held my undivided attention. It's loaded with violence and gore, which made me cringe and feel uneasy several times. As a result, this drama is not suitable for those sensitive to excessive violence. However, if you can handle it, I highly recommend it.The drama has some very intriguing individuals, each with its own set of storylines that gradually unfold. All of the characters are distinct and three-dimensional. Together, they create an unconventional found family that will surprisingly warm your heart at times. They are cruel people, but they still have rules and morals that they follow. Hifumin, I believe, is not cruel like the others since he is a very vulnerable character. The actors' portrayal of the characters was believable.
The drama is short and fast-paced, making it easy to binge. The story progresses very well, and it's full of tension. It's action-filled, though nothing impressive, it was good enough. There was a point in the story when it was trying to evoke a lot of emotion from the audience, but unfortunately, it didn't work for me.
In terms of technical components, the drama does not disappoint except for the music. It's a visually appealing drama with a grim tone. The atmosphere in some scenes is also spine-chilling. There are several screenshot-worthy moments, and the camera angle is also rather fascinating in some scenes. In brief, it's a solid and intense drama worth checking out.
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Although I typically don't lean toward the staccato flow of story lines (which has been my experience so far with j-dramas), it worked really well here. Sure, you won't be hand-held with details or be fed with long emotional scenes and some character introductions may seem abrupt. But it gets to the point and gives you just that right amount where you as the viewer will actually be able to use your imagination to fill in the blanks. Seriously, I have a newfound appreciation for this type of directing.
Highlights:
- Most episodes are somewhat episodic while still connected to the underlying arc.
- The juxtaposition of our four leads' characters between fulfilling their contracts and just living normal live.
- The number of times I've smiled. Who knew there would be any smiling with such a dark atmosphere?
- There is much more action than just flaying tattooed skin and it took away from the initial dread of repetitiveness.
This isn't one you watch if you're looking for an in-depth, psychological theme. There really isn't much camera panning on the actual gory actions, but there is just enough imagery with good sound effects. However, this isn't just a shallow slash and hack either. Nicely well-rounded for such a "rapid" series.
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Simple and understated
There's something in a story that doesn't rely on fancy props, heavy action and locations to draw in viewers. This was a great watch. Admittedly, I'm a fan of assassin revenge stories but this series hooked me in. The characters and actors were top notch but what drew me in was the tight plot. I got a lot of information from the half hour episodes. I liked how each character had a back story and how their stories tied with their current line of work.I hope that there's another season because I would love to see how the characters and the group evolve.
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Take the Trash Out,Please!
I just finished this one and there are no words to describe the level of my excitement.I will not talk about technicalities,direction camera use etc.The story and the acting takes over here so the rest is meaningless.
This is a little gem but not for the faint-hearted,Is for the hardcore fans who have the stomach to endure the violent and gore story this drama tells.
I blame myself for not discovering this ealier.Iam telling you this is one of the most underrated Dramas out there.
Brilliant.Dark.Disturbing.
It has Dexter logic and vibes.
The dynamic and the bond of the team is something you don't find easily in Dramas.They are skilled assassins(3/4 of them) but not sadistic murderers.
Smoking is Family!
The acting is superb.Realistic,Brutal.
We get to know our main leads background.Their stories are deep and emotional.Their past is dark and troubled.We can feel all their pain and we can justify all their actions.
The only bad about this is that is too short.But iam sure you are going to get hooked so you will binge-watch it.
So please go watch this now.You can thank me later!
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This review may contain spoilers
Dark, but brilliant
I'm mostly doing this review because this drama is incredible and i don't think people really talk that much about it.It is very dark, our ML's kill people for money. It is not only for that, they only kill bad people but they do it in a very gruesome way and they don't get any remorse.
During the 12 episodes will see how all of them got into this little group that felt like family in a way and how tragedy shape them.
It is hard for me to really say why i found it soo good: it is basically a look to the worst kind of people in japan, the yakuza being the main focus point. There is not an option for a real happy ending, something we see in Goro's story arc: I didn't expected what happened and was really shocked by it.
The four ML are fantastic in their performance but i specially like Kaneko Nobuaki and Haccho's story.
i will 100% recommend it but is not for everyone, mostly if you like dark dramas.
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Just Go Watch It
This was one of the most amazing non romantic J-drama I have ever seen. I didn't really expect much, as it started playing on Netflix after I had completed at different series and was too lazy to find something else lol. If you love the "Found Family" trope then this is for you. I love how they all had their own personal struggles and storylines that intertwined with one another. Its amazing and definitely worth your time.P.S. I happened to Alice in Borderland and realized that the actor who portrays Hatter is in this drama as well.
Why are you still here?????? GO WHAT SMOKING NOW!!!!!!! XO?
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