21
35
7
WandereR
Borneo
Don't Get Mad, Get Even
When this drama first appeared on my radar, my initial thoughts were of Robert De Niro’s Taxi Driver. It turned out not too different and the themes definitely give off similar vibes for me. Although dark, violent and gritty, it is also ADDICTIVE, COMPELLING and POIGNANT. Taxi Driver is one of the year’s best and must-watch dramas.
The Story
Taxi Driver is based on the webtoon, The Deluxe Taxi by Carlos and Lee Jae-jin. It’s about a team of people who work together in running a deluxe taxi service, Rainbow Taxi company, that provides “additional services” which entails a mix of rescuing people, dishing out vengeance on deserving bad guys and delivering (street) justice - not necessarily in that order - for victims of (especially violent) crimes who have been so wronged, exploited, downtrodden and tormented to the point that they are ready to end their lives just to escape their tragic circumstances.
Every single member of team avengers carry their own chilling backstories - crimes committed against their loved ones where the perpetrators never truly received the punishment that they duly deserved, no thanks to the failings of the local police and judicial system. It is this tragic past that motivates the team to do what they do - seek justice for those who experience the same trauma that they themselves had gone through.
The drama features the general format of case-based procedurals presented in mini story arcs which run for 2 to 3 episodes. There isn’t any overarching plot or underlying conspiracy per se but the story does evolve in the final third where the direction of the team changes course significantly.
The Production
For a SBS production, I was surprised by both the production values and the raw grittiness being depicted. This is a quality drama which doesn’t skimp on budget. The action choreography of men and machines (including the number of vehicles destroyed in the process), set designs and props used, the various filming locations as well as the technical aspects of directing, cinematography and screenplay all contribute to making this drama a top-tier production.
At around the episode 11-mark, the screenwriter was changed due purportedly to creative differences with the producers. I’m not sure whether this is attributed to Lee Ji Hyun taking over from Oh Sang Ho or because the evolution of the story begins at this point, but the change in the overall tone of the drama is quite noticeable. Suffice to say, the amusement factor was no longer present because things became profoundly serious indeed heading into the finale.
The Main Cast & Characters
I have truly enjoyed Lee Je Hoon’s performance here, in what is his best work to date (I have yet to watch Move to Heaven where some viewers claim his portrayal is even better). I haven’t read the source material but I think it’s fair to say the story revolves around his character, hence the drama being titled Taxi Driver. Compared to his singular focus in Signal and bits of what I had seen in Where Stars Land, he gives us so many more different sides to his titular character of Kim Do Gi in this drama.
Think of Denzel Washington’s Equalizer, Liam Neeson’s Taken, Mel Gibson’s Mad Max and yes, even Robert De Niro’s Taxi Driver. Elements from each of these iconic characters all rolled into one irresistible combo. Perhaps his background as a former Special Forces operator has afforded him combat proficiency, coupled with extremely mad driving skills as well as an uncanny ability to blend into any given environment like a chameleon. In any case, what we end up with is Rainbow Taxi company’s employee of the month, every month! This man doesn’t just mete out physical punishment on the villains, he does so without them even realising before it's too late - via utterly convincing undercover and infiltration missions to search and destroy the target from within. Efficient, effective, lethal. Lee Je Hoo executed this portrayal to perfection. However, if there is any criticism of this character, personally for me it would have to be the logic-defying fight scenes when he alone takes on a whole horde of assailants. The plot armour for the ML is very apparent, amidst the very well choreographed sequences.
It’s my first time seeing Esom and truth be told, I’m quite impressed. Little wonder she’s been nominated for acting honours in the past because she exudes talent. For the most part, her character Kang Ha Na subtly projects determination that’s borne of stubbornness, and takes a while to warm up to (at around episode 12 for me) but that’s down to the way it’s written as part of the underscored tension between the prosecutors and our band of avengers. I appreciate her nuanced interpretation of the role and she pretty much showcased her impressive range by delivering those intense emotional scenes really well, it must be said.
Pyo Ye Jin plays my favourite character in the show, Ahn Go Eun. She steals the scene every time she appears on screen and I think that’s not only due to her immense charisma but also her characterization. There are several highly charged scenes particularly in the Udata story arc that enables her to fully flesh out her character, in addition to the rather charming but quirky role that she’s already assuming. She is definitely one to keep an eye out for, and I’ll be looking forward to her future projects eagerly.
Rounding off the main cast is Kim Eui Sung who plays the owner of Rainbow Taxi company, Jang Sung Chul. There’s not much else that can be said about this veteran award-winning actor that hasn’t been said before. Having seen him in Six Flying Dragons and Mr Sunshine, this man is the real deal and his portrayals are often flawless. He gives a very decent account of his role here, which is perhaps somewhat more subtle compared to his previous works.
The Side Characters & Guest Stars
It would be completely remiss of me not to highlight some of the insanely superb performances by the diverse cast of guest actors. Taxi Driver, for me, is made particularly compelling because of this eclectic ensemble. Without them, this show just wouldn’t be the same. I honestly believe it’s a combination of pure joy of acting and the ingenuity in the script that manifests in these “perversely entertaining” story arc characters.
Cha Ji Yeon as Baek Sung Mi certainly deserves a mention. This interesting yet complicated character oozes class, style and villainy in equal measure. It’s not often that we get female mobsters, especially a memorable one at that, in a K-drama. Her lieutenant, Goo Seok Tae who is played by Lee Ho Chul, looks like he came straight out of a Bond movie as the evil mastermind’s oversized bodyguard. This is one character that you will come to despise as the story develops, and for very good reasons too.
Tae Hang Ho plays the uber-violent jeotgal factory owner Park Joo Chan almost too convincingly. Out of so many fight scenes I’ve seen in dramaland, the ones involving him are frighteningly vicious and unforgiving. The top prize for the most disgusting villain (to me anyway) goes to Baek Hyun Jin’s Park Yang Jin. This vile sociopath may appear unbelievably exaggerated but make no mistake, the severity of his crimes and misconduct are pushing stratospheric levels.
The Themes
On the face of it, Taxi Driver is dark and violent. The first half in particular incorporated much black comedy as well. The crimes depicted are not for the faint hearted, with references to subsets of violence, notably sexual abuse, physical assaults, and exploitation. White collar crimes are represented in the form of fraudulent acts, voice phishing, and blackmail. Toxic corporate culture is also vividly portrayed. There are times that I personally find it hard to stomach some of the portrayals of suffering and trauma inflicted on the victims.
I think the most disturbing aspect for all the crimes featured is the fact that they are very real and are currently happening all around us. We may or may not be aware of their existence in our neighbourhood but it would be extremely naive to think otherwise. It’s an extremely visceral and realistic part of the world that we live in, and this drama truly shines the spotlight on all of such elements right before us.
On a more positive note, the depiction of camaraderie among our team of avengers is a joy to behold. Everyone has his or her own strengths, weaknesses and fears, and together they accomplish so much more than any of them individually could. They are each other’s pillar of support, both mentally and spiritually.
Music
There are 2 songs in particular that I really love, which were beautifully integrated into the drama. Pyo Ye Jin’s rendition of the soulful jazz piece, A Walk, which plays during one of her more poignant moments where she stares pensively into the distance from the backseat of the taxi. Kwak Jin Eon’s A Gloomy Letter hauntingly evokes a profound sense of deep sorrow through his richly layered vocals in his slow ballad. Maybe I’m just drawn to evocative and sad songs…
Anyway, full OST listing as follows:
1. YB – SILENCE
2. Kwak Jin Eon – A Gloomy Letter
3. Pyo Ye Jin – A Walk
4. Cha Ji Yeon – All Day
5. Simon Dominic – RUN AWAY
6. Sanha – Moon Light
Overall
Taxi Driver is arguably compelling and essential viewing. As dark as its themes may be, I honestly believe viewers can glean a thing or two potentially life saving survival skills from this drama. This deluxe taxi service might be fictional, but the crimes depicted do not get any more real that what is seen here. I find myself rooting for the team to wreak vengeance upon these truly horrible evildoers during every episode. Although deep down I know it’s probably morally and ethically wrong, I can’t help feeling a deep sense of pleasure and gratification from the street justice being dispensed. Long story short, watching this drama will evoke many emotions and feelings, with nary a moment of boredom. And the best part? I absolutely love the perfect ending.
Fun Facts:
1. The model of car used as the deluxe taxi is the 1996 Hyundai Dynasty.
2. The deluxe taxi faces off against the dreaded White Truck of Doom and “history was created” in that scene.
The Story
Taxi Driver is based on the webtoon, The Deluxe Taxi by Carlos and Lee Jae-jin. It’s about a team of people who work together in running a deluxe taxi service, Rainbow Taxi company, that provides “additional services” which entails a mix of rescuing people, dishing out vengeance on deserving bad guys and delivering (street) justice - not necessarily in that order - for victims of (especially violent) crimes who have been so wronged, exploited, downtrodden and tormented to the point that they are ready to end their lives just to escape their tragic circumstances.
Every single member of team avengers carry their own chilling backstories - crimes committed against their loved ones where the perpetrators never truly received the punishment that they duly deserved, no thanks to the failings of the local police and judicial system. It is this tragic past that motivates the team to do what they do - seek justice for those who experience the same trauma that they themselves had gone through.
The drama features the general format of case-based procedurals presented in mini story arcs which run for 2 to 3 episodes. There isn’t any overarching plot or underlying conspiracy per se but the story does evolve in the final third where the direction of the team changes course significantly.
The Production
For a SBS production, I was surprised by both the production values and the raw grittiness being depicted. This is a quality drama which doesn’t skimp on budget. The action choreography of men and machines (including the number of vehicles destroyed in the process), set designs and props used, the various filming locations as well as the technical aspects of directing, cinematography and screenplay all contribute to making this drama a top-tier production.
At around the episode 11-mark, the screenwriter was changed due purportedly to creative differences with the producers. I’m not sure whether this is attributed to Lee Ji Hyun taking over from Oh Sang Ho or because the evolution of the story begins at this point, but the change in the overall tone of the drama is quite noticeable. Suffice to say, the amusement factor was no longer present because things became profoundly serious indeed heading into the finale.
The Main Cast & Characters
I have truly enjoyed Lee Je Hoon’s performance here, in what is his best work to date (I have yet to watch Move to Heaven where some viewers claim his portrayal is even better). I haven’t read the source material but I think it’s fair to say the story revolves around his character, hence the drama being titled Taxi Driver. Compared to his singular focus in Signal and bits of what I had seen in Where Stars Land, he gives us so many more different sides to his titular character of Kim Do Gi in this drama.
Think of Denzel Washington’s Equalizer, Liam Neeson’s Taken, Mel Gibson’s Mad Max and yes, even Robert De Niro’s Taxi Driver. Elements from each of these iconic characters all rolled into one irresistible combo. Perhaps his background as a former Special Forces operator has afforded him combat proficiency, coupled with extremely mad driving skills as well as an uncanny ability to blend into any given environment like a chameleon. In any case, what we end up with is Rainbow Taxi company’s employee of the month, every month! This man doesn’t just mete out physical punishment on the villains, he does so without them even realising before it's too late - via utterly convincing undercover and infiltration missions to search and destroy the target from within. Efficient, effective, lethal. Lee Je Hoo executed this portrayal to perfection. However, if there is any criticism of this character, personally for me it would have to be the logic-defying fight scenes when he alone takes on a whole horde of assailants. The plot armour for the ML is very apparent, amidst the very well choreographed sequences.
It’s my first time seeing Esom and truth be told, I’m quite impressed. Little wonder she’s been nominated for acting honours in the past because she exudes talent. For the most part, her character Kang Ha Na subtly projects determination that’s borne of stubbornness, and takes a while to warm up to (at around episode 12 for me) but that’s down to the way it’s written as part of the underscored tension between the prosecutors and our band of avengers. I appreciate her nuanced interpretation of the role and she pretty much showcased her impressive range by delivering those intense emotional scenes really well, it must be said.
Pyo Ye Jin plays my favourite character in the show, Ahn Go Eun. She steals the scene every time she appears on screen and I think that’s not only due to her immense charisma but also her characterization. There are several highly charged scenes particularly in the Udata story arc that enables her to fully flesh out her character, in addition to the rather charming but quirky role that she’s already assuming. She is definitely one to keep an eye out for, and I’ll be looking forward to her future projects eagerly.
Rounding off the main cast is Kim Eui Sung who plays the owner of Rainbow Taxi company, Jang Sung Chul. There’s not much else that can be said about this veteran award-winning actor that hasn’t been said before. Having seen him in Six Flying Dragons and Mr Sunshine, this man is the real deal and his portrayals are often flawless. He gives a very decent account of his role here, which is perhaps somewhat more subtle compared to his previous works.
The Side Characters & Guest Stars
It would be completely remiss of me not to highlight some of the insanely superb performances by the diverse cast of guest actors. Taxi Driver, for me, is made particularly compelling because of this eclectic ensemble. Without them, this show just wouldn’t be the same. I honestly believe it’s a combination of pure joy of acting and the ingenuity in the script that manifests in these “perversely entertaining” story arc characters.
Cha Ji Yeon as Baek Sung Mi certainly deserves a mention. This interesting yet complicated character oozes class, style and villainy in equal measure. It’s not often that we get female mobsters, especially a memorable one at that, in a K-drama. Her lieutenant, Goo Seok Tae who is played by Lee Ho Chul, looks like he came straight out of a Bond movie as the evil mastermind’s oversized bodyguard. This is one character that you will come to despise as the story develops, and for very good reasons too.
Tae Hang Ho plays the uber-violent jeotgal factory owner Park Joo Chan almost too convincingly. Out of so many fight scenes I’ve seen in dramaland, the ones involving him are frighteningly vicious and unforgiving. The top prize for the most disgusting villain (to me anyway) goes to Baek Hyun Jin’s Park Yang Jin. This vile sociopath may appear unbelievably exaggerated but make no mistake, the severity of his crimes and misconduct are pushing stratospheric levels.
The Themes
On the face of it, Taxi Driver is dark and violent. The first half in particular incorporated much black comedy as well. The crimes depicted are not for the faint hearted, with references to subsets of violence, notably sexual abuse, physical assaults, and exploitation. White collar crimes are represented in the form of fraudulent acts, voice phishing, and blackmail. Toxic corporate culture is also vividly portrayed. There are times that I personally find it hard to stomach some of the portrayals of suffering and trauma inflicted on the victims.
I think the most disturbing aspect for all the crimes featured is the fact that they are very real and are currently happening all around us. We may or may not be aware of their existence in our neighbourhood but it would be extremely naive to think otherwise. It’s an extremely visceral and realistic part of the world that we live in, and this drama truly shines the spotlight on all of such elements right before us.
On a more positive note, the depiction of camaraderie among our team of avengers is a joy to behold. Everyone has his or her own strengths, weaknesses and fears, and together they accomplish so much more than any of them individually could. They are each other’s pillar of support, both mentally and spiritually.
Music
There are 2 songs in particular that I really love, which were beautifully integrated into the drama. Pyo Ye Jin’s rendition of the soulful jazz piece, A Walk, which plays during one of her more poignant moments where she stares pensively into the distance from the backseat of the taxi. Kwak Jin Eon’s A Gloomy Letter hauntingly evokes a profound sense of deep sorrow through his richly layered vocals in his slow ballad. Maybe I’m just drawn to evocative and sad songs…
Anyway, full OST listing as follows:
1. YB – SILENCE
2. Kwak Jin Eon – A Gloomy Letter
3. Pyo Ye Jin – A Walk
4. Cha Ji Yeon – All Day
5. Simon Dominic – RUN AWAY
6. Sanha – Moon Light
Overall
Taxi Driver is arguably compelling and essential viewing. As dark as its themes may be, I honestly believe viewers can glean a thing or two potentially life saving survival skills from this drama. This deluxe taxi service might be fictional, but the crimes depicted do not get any more real that what is seen here. I find myself rooting for the team to wreak vengeance upon these truly horrible evildoers during every episode. Although deep down I know it’s probably morally and ethically wrong, I can’t help feeling a deep sense of pleasure and gratification from the street justice being dispensed. Long story short, watching this drama will evoke many emotions and feelings, with nary a moment of boredom. And the best part? I absolutely love the perfect ending.
Fun Facts:
1. The model of car used as the deluxe taxi is the 1996 Hyundai Dynasty.
2. The deluxe taxi faces off against the dreaded White Truck of Doom and “history was created” in that scene.
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