Vigilante Review: When the Law Fails, the Vigilante Rises

Title: Vigilante

Episodes: 8

Genre: Revenge, Crime, Action, Thriller

Main Cast: Nam Joo-hyuk, Yoo Ji-tae, Lee Jun-hyuk, Kim So-jin, Lee Seung-woo

Streaming Platforms: Disney+, JioHotstar, Netflix 

Image Credit: IMDb

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What happens when the law punishes too lightly and someone decides to punish harder? Vigilante follows a model police student who becomes a secret enforcer of justice by night. With its intense action, moral dilemmas, and sharp social commentary, this drama explores the thin line between justice and revenge, leaving viewers questioning what true justice really means.

“Vigilante” is a South Korean television series aired on Disney+ from November 8, 2023, to November 29, 2023. Written by Lee Min-seop and directed by Choi Jeong-yeol, this action-packed revenge series is available to watch on Disney+ and other streaming platforms.

Plot Summary 

Kim Ji-yong is a model student at National Police University, but on the weekend, he sets out on a different mission at night. In his childhood, Ji-yong witnessed his mother's brutal murder by a local thug. But that murderer received a sentence of only three and a half years using technical loopholes in the law. 

After being released from prison, he kept beating people without showing any remorse for his actions. Ji-yong tracks him down and avenges his mother's death by killing him. After this hunting, it becomes routine for Ji-yong to track down the criminals who escaped the law and punish them on weekends. 

Ji-yong's friends at the academy, mainly Min Seon-wook and Hwang Joon, as well as his professor Lee Jun-yeop, find his behavior suspicious but can't point it out. 

Choi Mi-ryeo, a reporter at a broadcasting station, discovers a pattern in Ji-yeon's crimes and names him Vigilante. She portrays Vigilante as a dark hero and provides him with information about criminals whom the system failed to punish properly, through her broadcast program. 

Soon, Vigilante gains massive public support and popularity, while some people try to mimic him. Jo Gang-ok, the vice-chairman of the DK group, becomes a fan of Vigilante. He figures out that Ji-yong is Vigilante and suggests allying to take down the criminals. 

However, the Police form a special team to catch the Vigilante and appoint Jo Heon as a team leader of the regional investigation department. 

Meanwhile, Choi Mi-ryeo digs information about Kim Sam-doo, the CEO of Sewool Future Resources, and Ji-yeong decides to punish him after seeing the broadcast. But, this time the case involves many powerful figures and dangerous criminals spanning over wide range of offences. 

Heon warns Ji-yong and Mi-ryeo to stop chasing the criminals and put a stop to their vigilantism. But Ji-yong relentlessly pursues his targets with the help of Gank-ok and Mi-ryeo to prove that the system has failed to serve justice.

My Thoughts 

The writer has crafted an action-packed thriller storyline with a fast-paced narrative. It delves into the topic of vigilantism while questioning the failure of the justice system to punish the criminals. 

The cinematography of the show captures the loopholes in the law that favour the offenders through the victim's point of view. The environment is dark and cold, which enhances the theme of justice versus vengeance. 

The whole cast showcased outstanding performance, but I would specifically like to praise Nam Joo-hyuk for an exceptional portrayal of his character. His every action scene will leave you awestruck. Ji-yong's raw emotions and empathy towards the victims will deeply touch your heart. 

Despite its concise format, this action thriller series conveys many thought-provoking questions for the audience. It will make you question whether the law is made to help the criminals or the victims. 

Is vigilantism really justice or revenge? Will taking the law in own hands resolve anything or destroy everything? By the end of this series, you will witness the consequences of vigilantism and be able to form your own opinion about it. 

The themes explored in this show are not superficial; they encourage deeper reflection on what true justice really means. The series concludes with an open ending, leaving a lasting impression on the audience. 

The show remains engaging from start to end due to its fast-paced and concise narrative. If you enjoy watching action-packed thrillers with sensitive topics, I highly recommend watching this series. I really loved this show and can't wait for the next season!

Vigilante is more than a crime thriller; it’s a powerful look at a broken system, a troubled hero, and the dangerous appeal of taking justice into your own hands. Dark, fast-paced, and thought-provoking, this drama is a must-watch for anyone who loves stories that keep you on edge long after the episode ends.

Have you watched Vigilante? Share your thoughts in the comments section below. Your suggestions matter! Drop any topics or ideas for future posts.

Fan of action-packed revenge thrillers? Check out my review of Taxi Driver.

My Rating: 7.5/10 

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