Rugal

Netflix's Rugal, from 2020, invites viewers into an action-packed, sci-fi crime drama. Imbued with palpable suspense, this South Korean series weaves together themes of vengeance, justice, and technological advancement into a satisfyingly complex narrative arc that spans 16 episodes. Directed by Kang Cheol-woo and featuring an ensemble cast, this series is derived from the Webtoon comic series written by Rel.mae.

The series trails the personal and professional life of its central character, Kang Ki-beom, portrayed by Choi Jin-hyuk. Ki-beom begins as an elite detective at the cusp of his career, with a promising future ahead in the Korean police force. However, this gets thwarted following a tragedy: the murder of his beloved wife by a shady international criminal organization, known as Argos.

Argos is known for its unrelenting cruelty and extensive reach, wreaking havoc as the premier villain of the narrative. As Ki-beom seeks revenge for his wife’s unexpected death, his quest leads to dire circumstances. In a gruesome encounter with Argos, Ki-beom is left brutally beaten, blind, and bereaved. But his determination to bring his wife's murderers to justice gives his life a renewed, though brutal, purpose.

Ki-beom's life takes a dramatic turn after being contacted by the National Intelligence Service (NIS), specifically the Rugal team. A special organization within NIS, Rugal employs futuristic biotechnology to equip the chosen personnel with artificial intelligence-enhanced body parts – redesigning them into high-tech super soldiers with amplified physical capabilities to combat inhuman crimes. Recognizing Ki-beom's insatiable thirst for justice and his need for their advanced technological aide, Rugal convinces him to join the team. Ki-beom agrees and becomes the recipient of a pair of advanced AI eyes.

The series follows Ki-beom's transformation into a phenomenally skilled super-cop with a shifting personality induced by his new mechanical assets. The AI-based eyes not only help him regain his sight but also bestow him with superhuman skills. However, these advancements come at a cost. As Ki-beom continues battling on the frontline against Argos, he grapples with existential questions about human morality and his identity as a half-human, half-machine being.

At the heart of the narrative is the riveting cat-and-mouse game between Rugal and Argos. As Ki-beom, drilled with a burning mission for revenge against Argos, navigates this high-stakes warfare, viewers are drawn into the contrasting worlds of two utterly disparate organizations – Rugal’s mission for justice and Argos’s incessant quest for anarchy.

Set in the intricate backdrop of Seoul, Rugal plays with dark and light to create an atmosphere that mirrors its plot — a life filled with despair but lit with the hope of vengeance and justice. While on one hand, the plot showcases the technological marvels of AI-enhanced superhumans, it also delves into character-driven stories of loss, determination, and the existential quandary posed by transformative technology.

The supporting cast comprising of veterans like Jo Dong-hyuk, Jung Hye-in, Park Sun-ho, and Han Ji-wan provide a hearty ensemble performance, enhancing the overall experience of the narrative. The characters work together, even as they face their internal demons, propelling the narrative towards a climactic consolidation of personal and professional quests.

Implying a neo-noirish vibe with its cinematography, the series expertly develops tension and maintains a suspenseful pace, making it a binge-worthy offering for the lovers of the crime-thriller genre. Furthermore, the series incorporates robust action sequences and strategic exchanges that imbue this heroic narrative with an invigorating dose of adrenaline.

Though Rugal can be bleak, the integration of advanced technological science fiction elements with classic crime narratives brings a revitalizing feel to the genre. This series will undoubtedly appeal to viewers who enjoy character-driven plots surrounded by nail-biting action, engrossing narrative twists, moral explorations, and a compelling insight into the increasing influence of artificial intelligence in our lives. However, be prepared for a world where lines blur between man and machine, right and wrong, victory and despair.

Rugal from 2020 highlights the possibilities of future advancements in crime fighting, while at the same time asking thought-provoking questions about the ethical limits of technology. It's an offering that is set in its tone and swift in its storytelling, making for a captivating watch on Netflix.