Netflix's Bloodhounds: Great bromance, gripping, high-intensity action, but brutally violent

Woo Do-hwan as Kim Gun-woo in Bloodhounds. Credit: Netflix

Adapted from a webtoon by Jung Chan, Bloodhounds (사냥개들) is a fairly straightforward story set during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, near the end of 2020 into 2021. Vulnerable families and small businesses in Seoul are struggling financially and turning to predatory loan sharks in desperation. Written and directed by (Jason) Kim Joo Hwan, the drama is a classic David and Goliath-type tale about two very talented boxing nobodies seeking justice and revenge as they attempt to bring down the most powerful, vicious, and ruthless of loan sharks.

Bloodhounds likely won't leave you in a show-hole, but you'll be on the edge of your seat the entire time, heart thumping madly, and rooting for Gun-woo, Woo-jin, and the rest of the team. Chase scenes, for example, often bore me, but the ones in Bloodhounds were among the most thrilling, adrenaline-filled, suspenseful aspects of the series. At just eight, intense and fast-paced 60-minute episodes, the drama is an effortless binge despite the relentless violence and absolutely ferocious fights (of which there are many). With breathtaking build-ups, ridiculous, tension-filled cliffhangers, superb pacing, and tightly choreographed fight scenes and brawls (does it matter that they’re probably also unrealistic?), getting sucked into this drama and leaving some logic at the door is easy.

None of this would work, however, without a strong cast to bring the story to life. Woo Do-hwan (우도환) continues to demonstrate his acting versatility. His characters in The King: Eternal Monarch and Joseon Attorney: A Morality really showcased his dramatic range. Here, Gun-woo is much more low-key, requiring a more nuanced and subtle portrayal, like the one Woo gave in Save Me. To bulk-up and train for the drama, Woo prepared his own meals every day and tried to eat four meals a day, according to a Netflix news release. “I trained extensively before and after filming, gaining about 10kg," he said. "I believe viewers will notice the changes in my physique throughout the series."

The greatest highlight of the drama, however, is the close friendship between Gun-woo and Woo-jin, played by Lee Sang-yi (이상이). One-time rivals in the ring, their contrasting personalities complement each other perfectly and their chemistry is immediate. The actors are close in real life as well, Woo told Netflix: "We are closer than real siblings. I really count on him."

The drama is obviously not without its weak spots. The story is not especially complex or deep, and the characters, while compelling, could be more richly developed, especially some of the side characters — I wanted to know more about Mr. Choi, the Knifers, and Mr. Oh. I also wanted to know more about Woo-jin. The unfortunate consequences of Kim Sae Ron's DUI, can be felt towards the end of the series as well. And I wanted just a little more from the ending too. Despite its deficits, Bloodhounds is a solid watch from start to finish -- if you don’t over think the details and can stomach the brutal violence.