Mercy for anyoneA series original Neir Neir of Netflix, previewed on June 6, 2025, with great expectations. Directed by Choi Sung-Eun and based on a webtoon naver by Lee Yoon-kyun AND With the Jin-Soo baeThe characteristics of the series So ji-bub AS Nam gi-junA former fighter attracted to an area without law known as “The Square” to discover the truth behind the mysterious death of his brother.
With a cast dotted with stars included Heo Jun-Ho, Cha Seung-Won, Gong MyungAND Lee Jun-HyukThe series promised a compelling noir experience, especially as So ji-bub returned to the kind of action for the first time since then A man from the company (2012). However, despite the hype and the strong material of origin, Mercy for anyone Eventually he falters under the weight of his ambitions.
A solid premise that cannot deliver
The original webtoon, which took place from 2020 to 2021 in 62 episodes, was praised for its gritty action and its close narrative. Netflix’s adaptation covers seven episodes, extending the narrative of revenge in a wider exploration of the dynamics of power between two dominant factions, GO Bong-San AND Nam gi-jun.
The story opens forcefully: after a ferocious grass war, Nam gi-jun It separates its Achille tendon and leaves the square. Eleven years later, the mysterious death of his brother Nam Gi-Seok He reports it in a violent struggle for revenge. The setting is compelling, the construction of the intriguing world, but the execution begins to crumble soon.
Noir action without narrative weight
The first episodes lean heavily on the stylized action, with Nam gi-jun launching brutal assaults against those connected to Nam Gi-Seok’s death. While visually engaging, this attention to action comes at the expense of a deeper narrative development. There is a minimum motivation of the character beyond the Trope of revenge and little emotional ground to support the interest beyond the bloodshed.
Irony of fate, the emotional nucleus of Nam gi-jun’s The journey – that the creators said were fundamental for action sequences – are lost in noise. As the arch of revenge advances, Its emotional urgency is dissipated, replaced by scenes of unstoppable violence that seem increasingly empty.
Weak plot and inconsistent stimulation
While the show moves to the wider conflict between Bong-san, Gi-junAnd the police, the story becomes even more fragmented. The exhibition dialogue replaces the significant development of the characters and the motorcycle stalls in the central section. When the turn of the plot arrives in the second half, it lacks credibility –The poor prefiguration and narrative misalignment strips him impact.
The plot of the power struggle, intended to lift the stakes, falls. Without solid narrative bases, it is difficult for spectators emotionally investing in changing alliances and betrayals.
An empty ending for a ripping story
In the end, Mercy for anyone It looks like a structure built without foundation. The ending, which could have packed the emotional weight, instead presents itself as a cable and unsatisfactory. The lack of context and consistency makes it difficult to feel the catharsis or the expected closure.
Despite strong performances, impressive images and a promising premise, Mercy for anyone In the end it acts as a history felt on the limits of the action without substance.
