Taxi driver

(Deluxe) Taxi Driver could easily have fallen into that destructive trap of victimhood, sexism, the vicious circle of low expectations, bigotry etc., but fortunately the Korean writers had the wisdom to feature a nuanced story not only about Restorative Justice but also to question whether it's right to take the Law into one's own hands? So we have two opposing forces - Kim Do Gi the Deluxe Taxi driver with a mission to right wrongs and the Cop on his tail, Kang Ha Na, (better known as Esom) who represents the voice of reason, the rule of Law, and the "right" and "civilized" way of doing things. So it is a relief to see amid the melodrama of sobbing victims an intelligent point or two made. Kang Ha Na has certainly shown for me a depth of personality that stands her out from other characters, not to mention female roles in other K-Dramas. So far, so good!

This Korean series is centred on Kim Do-gi, a Seoul taxi driver. He is a former special forces soldier whose mother was murdered several years before; the killer died in prison but our protagonist is still left with a desire for revenge... it turns out that a small group within the taxi company, including its owner, is helping others get revenge on those who wronged them and got insufficient punishment. Over the course of the series they help several people seeking revenge; these include a woman whose 'employers' were treating people like slaves and an internet hosting company that has a bullying culture. Those they 'arrest' are taken to a 'prison' run by female crime boss Baek Sung-mi. Prosecutor Kang Ha-na has noticed the disappearance of several criminals and starts investigating; she soon suspects the involvement of the taxi company but finding evidence isn't easy.

I thought this series was really good. The central story was really good; while most viewers will get behind the revenge seeking taxi firm it doesn't shy away from raising questions about the morality of their extrajudicial actions... especially when we see how those they take to their prison are treated. Before each arrest the group investigates the 'accused'; these tend to expose some disturbing practices which make uncomfortable viewing at times. There is a decent amount of action; these scenes are exciting and well-choreographed. While this is by no means a comedy there are some fun amusing moments. The cast is solid; most obviously Lee Je-hoon as Kim Do-gi, Esom as Kang Ha-na and Kim Eui-sung as taxi company boss Jang Sung-chul. Overall I'd definitely recommend this to fans of Korean dramas.

These comments are based on watching the series in Korean with English subtitles.

Currently 10 episodes in and I am absolutely in love with this show!

Who do you turn to when the systems that are set in place to protect you, are doing nothing or even worse, are a part of the injustice that you have to constantly face? Deluxe Taxi Service.

There's so much satisfaction in seeing horrible people, who abuse others for their own gain, getting punished. And punished not just by being sent to prison or some meaningless fine, but in an eye for an eye kind of way.

It also doesn't get stale, because every 2-3 episodes there's someone new that they are helping, while also having story development that lasts the entire show. It's all very nicely tied in.

If you are on the fence on whether to commit to this show or not, just check out the first two episodes which pretty much have a self-contained story and decide form there.

The action scenes in this drama are superb and the story line are great. I love this drama so much, waiting for season 2.

I was very impressed by this drama, as it wasn't anything I was expecting and managed to turn out a very satisfying watch each and every episode. Dark and crisp cinematography sets the mood along with a fantastic soundtrack to accompany it. The acting is fantastic, especially from our lead Lee Jehoon, who plays one of the best characters I've seen in k-drama; a sad and soulful eyed bad-ass who takes revenge for those who can't themselves. There are some of the best fight scenes I have ever seen in a k-drama, along with some incredible car/taxi chase scenes.

Was everything perfectly realistic? No, but seriously, who cares? This show is incredibly entertaining, with an interesting mix of John Wick and Daredevil vibes that makes it an amazing show that is extremely satisfying to watch.