Taxi Driver (2021– ) User Reviews

Taxi Driver

[Tweekums · 9/10 · 25 May 2022]

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.

I quite like this...

[refordgarry · 8/10 · 2 May 2021]

(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!

John Wick/Daredevil Vibes

[fake_moviestar · 8/10 · 31 May 2021]

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.

superb

[systemactor · 10/10 · 13 June 2021]

The story is clearly outlined in the other well written reviews, so I just wish to add that every actor and actress in this series was top notch. Recently I have been watching several Korean serials and they all show that South Korea has a fantastic stable of skilled performers. Unlike American Method acting, they seem to follow Stanislavski's system and really become the characters they are portraying. Not two dimensional at any level, you really believe them.

Add to that the superb camera work, thumping soundtrack and clever, non-formulaic script and you have TV which is at last worth watching. If you have not seen this yet, and you're not too slow to read subtitles, then you really should try this; you will be hooked!

Love this show!

[londonmartin100 · 10/10 · 15 March 2023]

This show is just fun, that's the best way for me to describe it.

The actors are great, there is the right balance of humour, emotional scenes and action. It's just great. The stories pan about 2 episodes each and are quite varied in subject material. It really makes you feel for the victims and relish in the justice that gets served.

Lee Jehoon is awesome , he acts out very serious scenes , great action scenes and also comedic!

I can't get the sound track out of my head haha.

Season 1 was great and I've just started season 2, so far so good. Just wish season 2 was ok Netflix already! Keep up the good work.

Justice has been served.

[totalimustv · 10/10 · 15 May 2021]

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.

This show has changed my life

[thenextbigthingismeand · 10/10 · 3 April 2023]

I think many of us have fantasies of getting revenge on those who have wronged us or those we care about.

Watching these complex but beautiful characters get revenge on the worst of sociefy is extremely satisfying. They help the vunerable, and the teams humanity shines through in every episode.

The writing, acting and music is impeccable. Expect to laugh, cry and scream into a pillow all in the same episode. I hope this show gets a season 3 because I need more revenge! I also hope that Esom can return in season 3 because she added a lot to season 1.

Go Kim Do Gi and the Rainbow Taxi Company!

It was entertaining but highly overrated

[stavrosalo · 6/10 · 26 June 2021]

I enjoyed this series, but to be honest it was quite overrated by its rating, it doesn't deserve an 8+, the plot was ok but the cases were not that interesting, and furthermore the 4 main leads are supposed to be average everyday people with unfortunate incident that took place in the life earlier, who had no prior training; so how are we supposed to believe how meticulous they were in planning and executing revenge plots on behalf of their so called clients on the culprits, and furthermore the way clients "find" this so called taxi revenge service was a joke, it doesn't make sense.

However if you ha e much time on your hand go watch it, the main lead actor was not bad.

If you really want to enjoy a series go watch Mouse, that one deserves an easy 9.

Total binge watch

[jit-23697 · 10/10 · 24 December 2022]

Well what can I say this was one of the best series I have ever watched. Each episode was brilliant and I couldn't wait till the next one so watched all 16 in 3 days. Even though its in Korean thank god for subtitles which made it more exciting as I had to watch every single minute of it. Sometimes programmes can get boring but not this one. If only this was real life. Sometimes revenge is the only option for criminals who think they can get away with torturing people and when it's the opposite they beg for their lives which is what got me hooked to this. The concept of the story is never give up on justice!! Can't wait for season 2 which will be more exciting. Definately one to watch totally recommend, well done to the all the actors who played a brilliant role in this and hays off to the director who made this. Keep going I need more of this.

Pander to your sense of.... justice or revenge?

[dumsumdumfai · 7/10 · 18 May 2021]

Season 2 This is much better. The story is more complex and intricate. The cases more interesting the antagonists more evil, and the justice more sweet. Feels like a more polished revision of the 1st season. I'm on to 12 , and the Black Sun case setup is very detailed.

There's a funny instance where the dollar lawyer showed up. Seem like cross promotion. And so is the chocolate and drink ad placement. Too bad the female lawyer is excluded here.

Seaseon1 Ok, I'm on the episode where the taxi team is going after the evil twin brothers. And the prosecutor is finally understanding somethings are outside of the law. But is it revenge or moral values? Think the writer picked the former. Then this is a 6.5 and not a 7 rating.

The setup, as the audience, you can see it coming from how relentless the female prosecutor was introduced. Mixed in with all the different cases of miscarrage of justics it had to come to this : she wanted punish the bad guys since the law can't.

Probably it will end with the law taking down the evil empire of the female boss to balance both sides of the coin.

To be clear I cringe (and fast forwarded) through the reliving of the all the sad parts. And they are milking for your sympathy, really melodramatic stuff here. Because I want to see punishment or the good pleasing counter ending, but not helplessness (or suffering).

Don't we all? Cause real justice and happy ending doesn't often happen in real life.

not really into action movie/drama but this show is exception

[natinkris · 10/10 · 19 June 2021]

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

Gave 8 but thought that change other 8s to 9

[mungunbayarbatbayar · 7/10 · 9 May 2022]

Generally, i liked, but some scenes are too slow and repeating the some scenes and some sentimental scenes were too tiresome. And also some fighting scenes were too fake.

If the series had 12 episodes, it would be great. And if script shows like prisoners fight each other or like that scenes were written, it would be great.

Btw, it should replace main actress by more beautiful or attractive woman to be honest, she weren't bad, just thought.

Not that good

[Jim_Screechy · 4/10 · 2 May 2022]

I came upon this by accident after seeing the 'Taxi Driver' title I was almost certain this wasn't a graphic for the Martin Scorsese movie starring Robert De Niro.

After reading the Netflix synopsis I thought that sounds great! I'll give it a watch. Unfortunately, in actuality it is a poorly executed almost surreal interpretation of what should have been a highly engrossing series.

Its Korean and they have their own cultural inclinations which are very evident here. I'm certain a lot of the plot was misconstrued by cultural unfamiliarity, whilst equally as much was lost in translation by the Netflix subtitles that I imagine are some way off the mark of actual dialogue. Still, the scenes that unfolded were a weird patchwork of over dramatized filler material, odd accompanying music and irrelevant character detail that went nowhere.

There is no sharp concise storytelling here. Rather a long yarn of oddly incongruous screenplay that tries the patience as it meanders here there and elsewhere with an apparent focus all of its own. The writing is fairly sloppy and to be fair even though there is talent here as it is done with some intrigue, it isn't good enough to make the experience worthwhile and on the whole the overall production is poor. Half of this need to end up on the editing floor, and the other half needs some serious rework. Its not terrible just... not really ready.

Its not all bad however. The essential premise is good and some of the plots are powerful and disturbing, but it's very much amateur hour in the production and you need a will of steel to make it through all the episodes.

I'm only surprised by the number of rave reviews. I'm seeing reviews with 8's, 9's and 10's like their giving out sweets and the omnipresent stream of negativity that is continually prevalent on almost any release large and small screen, is oddly absent here.

The series is in an odd no-mans-land between Black Mirror and The Equalizer, it's intriguing but weird, and though I can certainly see the appeal there is no masking the flaws shortcomings in quality. I think after the first episode you will will be fairly certain if its for you or not, but sadly its not for me and I can't in all honesty recommend it, though I would recommend you see at least the first epsiode as a gauge on your tastes.

The best I can do on score here is 4.

Enjoyed it!

[cheyennesky-22337 · 10/10 · 10 September 2022]

Lee Je-hoon was awesome as usual! He took on multiple characters while undercover on cases; he was so much fun to watch. Everyone's acting was very convincing as well, I felt complete hatred for the bad guys. The good guys were all very likable, although at times the female prosecutor came off as overbearing.

Of course it isn't realistic, some things left me smiling and thinking if only things worked like that in the real world. The show is very addicting, from the first episode it grabs your attention. The cases/ crimes involved were very interesting to me, and the action was great! However, I do feel that some episodes were longer than they needed to be.

Overall I personally enjoyed it!

Very fun, thrilling

[thanaporn-30376 · 10/10 · 4 May 2021]

Like the most. Enjoy every scene, win every episode, love it very much.

Nice TV Movie with Strong Cast

[donkrishna-dk · 8/10 · 2 June 2021]

Firstly I want to say that I am glad that Pyo Ye Jin replacing Na Eun APRIL. She is one of my favorite Korean actress. And not to forget exotic beauty of Esom. This TV movie wins almost all of my heart. The script is also perfectly built with many beautiful fighting scenes. The male actors also played they roles perfectly. I am looking forward for Season 2 of this drama. BTW, I support the removal of case expiration in South Korea. 15 years are not enough to let the method and technology in solving cases developed.

A whole bunch of great actors

[magginoods · 8/10 · 4 July 2021]

Kingsman meets Fast & Furious, and then make it a kdrama.

The acting was on point, except for when my man Lee Jehoon uses his batman voice in serious moments.

Is revenge justice ?

[alaningle7 · 7/10 · 9 May 2022]

A team of people who all work at a taxi company deliver their interpretation of justice to criminals who evade or circumvent the law. They are all also associated with bluebird which is a charitable organisation helping people who have lost someone through crimes. As the series progresses and they dish out justice their back stories are introduced explaining why they have chosen this way of life. Running through the series is an upright public prosecutor who suspects their involvement in crimes and abductions and wants to bring them to justice. The stories are interesting but like many of this type of series I find the unrelenting darkness of the criminals who become more evil in every new episode too depressing. Well acted by the full cast but needed some lighter moments as 16 episodes of madmen, murder and revenge is a tad much.

Best 0f 2021

[mannansyed · 9/10 · 30 June 2021]

This is only series that i liked in 2021. It is full of action grea storyline.

Revenge versus Justice

[wheatley-20230 · 7/10 · 29 June 2022]

This was an enjoyable drama despite the violence. Initial episodes begin to take their toll with violent revenge being an unpleasant watch, but gradually the questioning of the morality of revenge versus justice came to the fore and as it did so the series improved.

Vigilantes with a conscience.

[sampah-54190 · 9/10 · 3 December 2021]

Can't wait for season 2. Great storylines, fantastic cast, car chases and action. Lee JeHoon is awesome as Kim Dok Ki and his fighting style is a joy to watch.

Where are the guys in the review section?

[chandrumeca · 6/10 · 30 January 2024]

My crush suggested me this show ,honestly I hate Korean series ,too much clinche and dramas, but because of her I'm here ,came to see the review but got surprised that not a single person who gave reviews is a dude Ig I'm the first😅

Gonna repeat the above one again, don't read same thing My crush suggested me this show ,honestly I hate Korean series ,too much clinche and dramas, but because of her I'm here ,came to see the review but got surprised that not a single person who gave reviews is a dude My crush suggested me this show ,honestly I hate Korean series ,too much clinche and dramas, but because of her I'm here ,came to see the review but got surprised that not a single person who gave reviews is a dude.

Edit, edit, edit

[Bibiliography · 4/10 · 30 July 2022]

I have to say that Lee Je-Hoon single-handedly carried this series and each time he came on the screen I knew we would get a great performance. Not so much the others who all lacked the range to transcend the mediocre script with which they'd been dealt. To add to that, the plot sequencing and editing were horrendous; admittedly, I don't know much about filmmaking but I do know what works for me as a viewer and this show is a mess. Cut the episodes in half, remove the fillers, and maybe we'll get something half way decent. As it is, I fast forward through the scenes that don't involve Je-Hoon's character bcos life is too short to stay watching paint dry.

Ps: With her bland performance in this series, it's hard to believe Esom is an award-winning actor. Her face never moves. How can you be an actor when you're all botoxed up?

I loved it!

[karenwmc · 10/10 · 27 June 2021]

I haven't binged watch a k series in a while and this drama is so satisfying to watch!!! The criminals were taken care of quickly without the show dragging on and some episodes were just so funny!! I really hope there is a season 2 for this drama!

Great series

[utdaxiao · 8/10 · 16 May 2023]

"Taxi Driver" is a gripping and thrilling Korean television series that takes the viewers on an emotional rollercoaster ride. The show has an excellent plot that focuses on restorative justice and revenge.

The series follows a group of vigilantes who seek justice for the victims of heinous crimes that go unpunished. The show tackles themes like corruption, power dynamics, and the flaws of the justice system. The vigilantes operate under the guise of a taxi service, providing rides to the victims of injustice and carrying out their revenge. The concept is unique and engaging, and the show does an excellent job of building suspense and anticipation.

The plot is not only exciting but also thought-provoking. It raises important questions about justice and morality and whether vigilantism is an acceptable solution. The show highlights the flaws in the justice system and how the police are not always capable of providing justice to the victims. This is where the private investigators come in and provide an alternative solution to the problems. The dynamic between the police and the vigilantes adds a layer of complexity to the plot and keeps the audience engaged throughout the series.

Although set in the present, the show has a retro vibe that adds to the overall charm and the sound track is also worth mentioning. The music is a perfect match for the show's themes and complements the action and suspense and it matchs the 1980s vibe.

The only drawback of "Taxi Driver" is that some of the characters are sometimes exaggerated, which can be a bit off-putting at times. Kim Do-gi is a beast in fighting, Go-eun overreacts in crying and her trauma. However, this does not detract from the overall quality of the show, and it is still definitively worth watching.