Like UNNATURAL, MIU404 takes a social commentary approach to the traditional police procedural / crime dramas. The first few episodes are seemingly disconnected in storyline (ie. each episode has its own crime to solve), but as the story goes on you'll see how the bigger picture connects. There's more at stake than what meets the eye. And the plot and acting all play critical roles in conveying that to the audience.
I particularly enjoyed the lines said by the MIU captain. I think the scriptwriter really made good use of the character to bring out her worldview and her morals/ethics. The amazing storyline aside, MIU404 is essentially Nogi Akiko's letter of complaint about the current police hierarchy, how the Japanese society treats juvenile crimes, as well as the problems with fake news and internet trolling... and I love it.
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Well-written police procedural
This script has everything - good humour, interesting exploration of humanity and justice, excellent character development, solid chemistry between characters, and a mesmerising villain to top it off.The earlier cases may come off as small and insignificant. Unlike most police procedurals, only a handful of cases revolve around a murder - some are probably just misdemeanours. What's interesting in these earlier episodes is that there are clues, characters and concepts dropped in which feature in a more significant way later on. I think that's the appeal about this whole series, because the fact that things that occurred in an earlier episode have a bearing later on makes these characters' lives feel real and present.
There's a lot I can say about the story, from the very nuanced depictions of not just the main characters but also of their female boss, who's probably one of the most convincing and well-rounded female police bosses written in Japanese TV. It's also full of ideas that's worth further exploring on a rewatch, like the idea of smaller crimes not being insignificant, the lack of (and urgent need for) an appropriate witness protection program, the prejudice against migrant workers (which is applicable to most developed countries), the dangers of internet vigilantism (and how apt it was to get Suda Masaki to do this role after "Class 3A"), or how fragile and vulnerable justice is, even for people who society expects to uphold justice.
Suda Masaki is a scene stealer, and his portrayal of the insolent and enigmatic Kuzumi makes him one of the best villains to come out of this genre (I don't think that's a spoiler since in his first appearance he shows an underage kid a drug). It will be such a shame not to have a second season of this.
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So,about MIU 404...
...this drama might be the FIRST one to finally capture the true essence of what BUDDY COP trope means. So let`s talk about it.First of all,I like to start every review of mine by thanking everyone involved in the making of this drama. As an aspiring writer,I`m well aware of exertions one must undergo in every production. Therefore,thank you,actors,producers,writers and the rest of the staff people do not usually mention,for giving us such a great project.
With that out of the way,shall we dive into what sets `MIU 404` apart from many dramas whose backbone lies in unity between the characters? I`ll be the first one to say,I didn`t have high expectations for this drama. Although I generally prefer Japanese dramas over dramas from other countries(though hypocritically two of my absolute favorite dramas are from South Korea,alas),that cover really didn`t inspire much. To be completely honest,I was so put off by this drama`s cover,I had to set it aside for MONTHS. Despite the fact Gen Hoshino(of `Nigeru wa Haji da ga Yaku ni Tatsu` fame,amongst MANY other projects and ventures) was in this,I still had to think about whether to give this a try or not just because of that damn poster. But,only 48 hours after I started this journey,I`m here to say it was WELL worth it. Because,what a great drama this was. Seriously.
In my circle of friends,I`m known as an S class,thorough SCEPTIC. And that title is not for naught. Because I`ve written,seen and read so much,there aren`t a lot of projects,especially referring to dramas,that can really move me nowadays. I`ll find good,even great dramas. And whilst I can recognize their objective value to the medium as it is,many of them fail to move me in any significant manner. I am happy to report `MIU 404` is not one of those dramas. This one has a quality that is rarely seen today. And that `something` cannot be explained rationally for it`s something based on an completely irrational concept: soul. The type of chemistry this drama sports is often tried,yet rarely executed well. Even though the premise is quite so simple.
Two members of unit `MIU 404`,department of Metropolitan Tokyo police force,Ibuki Ai(a rough around the edges outlier whose seemingly only redeeming quality is his running ability) and Shima Kazumi(your good to Ibaki`s bad cop trope if you will) are grouped together,hoping to make a difference in the world...by running after high school pranksters,finding a little girl`s toy,uncovering a body covered in cat`s litter and the like. You know,the usually stuff. Yeah,this drama couldn`t`ve been made by any other country than Japan.
On paper,this is a true and tried formula Hollywood in particular,does good with. Get a character who wants to do good,by the book deeds,and one who`s so volatile and funny,together. Boom,magic. However,the way they went about showing this unlikely friendship form is so understated,yet easy,that I can`t,for the life of me,understand why some dramas INSIST on making everything so complicated. On Captain Kikyo`s orders,this odd pair is shoved in a melon bread van(figuratively of course...) and sent on their way to catch the baddies of Tokyo`s society. What we get,in reality,are two completely different people with the same goal clashing,discussing,philosophising and talking over each other,with everything being filmed in an almost documentary type of style. It is GREAT. It is quite exhilarating seeing one of my favorite types of characterization explored in a buddy cop drama. This is,quite probably,one of the quickest ways you,as a writer,can employ,to get me to care about your characters. People like to rave about D.P. and the like(which,there is a lot to like there,no doubt),but the first buddy cop drama duo that really got me to care was this one. I can genuinely see these actors as their characters,which should attest to the level of pretty much everyone here. Which brings me to my next point. Most of the performances here are so great in their heartwarming oddity. I`ve already mentioned Ibuki,Shima,Kikyo,but Jinba and Kokonoe also have my heart. In fact,the whole MIU 404 gang has it. Even Kuzumi(though his is a character that holds my biggest critique incidentally). Heck,even Shima`s previous partner Kosaka(played incredibly by Murakami Nijiro) in his brief cameo had me caring. One thing you`ll learn quite quickly with this drama is that you`ll come to care.
Another point to its advantage is just how bingeable it is. Seeing as this drama(for the most part) relies on the `new case per episode` approach,whilst many discoveries and dramatic turns(which many dramas would MILK and make it as overly dramatic as they could) happen in the background,it is quite understandable why I mention this. You`d be able to watch one episode of this drama per week,and due to it having such memorable characters,I`d wager you`d still remember what is crucial. I won`t reveal much about our antagonist,but just know,he`s charismatic,dramatic,takes over your screen entirely and played with such ease by none other than our veteran at this point,Masakik Suda. Yes,I was pleasantly surprised too,don`t worry.
Subsequently,the comedy used for many of the scenes is, drumroll please...ACTUALLY FUNNY. And NOT readily based on slapstick. The laughs aren`t derived from someone simply farting,or hitting a wall,or a misunderstanding. A large portion of that fun comes from Ibuki,Shima and the rest of the crew just eating udon,spewing cute burns and enjoying the banter that ensues. And it all feels so NATURAL. For example,one`d start talking seriously about something and the other(usually Ibuki with his intrusive thoughts) would join in and take it to another direction,while the first one didn`t even finish talking. Can you tell how desperate I am for another season of this yet?Huh?HUH?
This type of drama lends itself to possible great subsequent seasons,that`s all I`ll say.
The OST,as well,is understandably awesome. Penned by Kenshi Yonezu,it is expectedly JPOP-y and exhilarating at points. Even the cases themselves,being as insignificant as they are,paint a more realistic picture of police duty and,like Shima says,when topic of guns and arms came up:`Most number of cops don`t even reach for their gun in their whole entire career. I`m talking about firing one,forget about that. They don`t even REACH for one.`
After all of these accolades,I wouldn`t be myself if I didn`t mention SOME drawbacks. They mainly concern the latter batch of this show,especially the actual antagonist. Or rather,how they spliced the great tension about him with some questionable editing choices. There is a specific confrontation between him and Ibuki that is just magnificent. It`s not played up to be dramatic,but you can feel something brewing. Dialogue is pretty surface level,yet body language discerns irritability. And when it comes to a boiling point,it`s quite...underwhelmingly cut down. I won`t reveal more than this,but it does make for some immersion breaking moments I wasn`t a fan of. Some anime level immersion breaking moments.
However,whether this drama put me in a forgiving mood or there`s something else at play,is no concern of mine. What is,though,is me urging people to give this one a watch when they`re in an explorative,fun yet not one for dramatics state of mind. It`ll be worth it,I can vouch for this one. I just know it will.
Also,Hokada udon IS too soft. Only the real ones know.
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This review may contain spoilers
Curious Combi
Before starting this show I saw a few comments about how they were unsure of the cast of Ayano Go and Hoshino Gen being partners, or of Hoshino Gen being a police officer.... But let me tell you that that worry is severely unfounded! I mean sure, to each their own with personal biases of favorites or dislikes, but I promise you: Hoshino Gen and Ayano Go make the perfect combination!The story does follow a pretty interesting turn of events considering it was filmed before and during the Covid-19 Pandemic! The plot line itself is similar in small places to most police/crime/detective dramas but only for short periods of time; nothing is ever too confusing or feels rushed. In fact, in my opinion, it sort of feels like they cut the story short; whether that is because of the Covid-19 Pandemic or it was the original story, though, I don't know.
The cast was superb! Each one filled their roles perfectly; the skill and respect and their talents each were shining and absolutely spectacular to watch! From the dramatics, to the running, to the tricky criminals... MIU 404 is a hilarious, heart felt, genuine, extraordinary show!
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Great Acting coupled with Good Production and Story
LIKES:The theme throughout being consistent.
Decently developed plot, with some character development for all the main characters and some of the supporting characters too.
The chemistry between the 2 main characters and their whole dynamic.
Comedic relief/ humour did bring a lighter feel to the crime drama.
No romantic involvement with female characters, like the female captain and her house mate.
Colour palate, scene lighting and action was all well filmed.
Directing for the most part was good.
Early episode moments had an impact on later episodes.
I also liked how the tackled certain social issues, such as racism and prejudice of migrant workers or fake internet news, etc.
This show has an excellent scriptwriter.
Actors/actresses were well selected and were very good at portraying their characters.
FX were decent, but nothing truly amazing.
DISLIKES:
MUSIC: too loud sometimes and you couldn’t hear what the actor/actress was saying.
PRODUCTION: sometimes it was so obvious that streets had been cleared for filming.
WRITING: The ending was a little rushed and the capture of the master mind wasn’t as interesting or satisfying as it normally would be. Also too many times cases were solved do to coincidences and if that was done on purpose, it doesn’t respect the hard work that police detectives do. So perhaps the writer meant to have this whole show be a satire.
FX: some of the camera work gave me a headache, (but at least they mostly used film stabilizers).
OVERALL: I did enjoy this show, humour included. I didn’t binge watch it, but I was into each episode and watched all of them. I would recommend this to anyone who likes crime or police type dramas, especially those that have good teamwork. I’m not sure if I will watch it again, but I am satisfied with the show.
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Incredible music!
I WILL RECOMMEND THIS TOMystery Lover out there.
likes funny yet serious plot drama?
Who like Kenshi Yonezu? haha
MUSIC
Firstly, lets talk about the BGM, Ending Songs, etc. Cause that's the best part of the drama for me
I'm actually speechless the first time I watch this drama. The timing, the cut, the volume of the BGM, are SO ON POINT! After watching the first episode, I immediately realize how amazing BGM can be if used to its potential. I don't know how to explain it better and this might sound exaggerated, but, when you decide to watch this drama, even for only the first episode, please listen and enjoy the drama and the music.
Btw, I assume you didn't live under a rock, so I wont tell you about how amazing the ending song are.
STORY
It got some mystery and interesting turns of events. I heard that it surprised most of my friend who watch this drama.
But to be honest, most of the plot twist didn't really surprised me, but what surprise me is how they end the story for each episode. It was neat and some were so wholesome. It was like a nice frosting in a cake.
ACTING/CAST
I can see that the cast all do their research, cause they nicely portray each emotion the character have. Especially the main characters, they have both have a different way to show their emotion, but regardless we can see the character's state of emotion changing in the entire movie and the actors nailed it.
REWATCH?
I enjoy watching this. But I personally didn't think I'll rewatch this whole drama, just because of the genre. For a light story lover, this is a bit heavy for me. But maybe I will rewatch some clips or episode of this drama in the future.
ps. I know this aint BL, but man, if people shipped them, I can see why.
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A 9.5 / 10 POLICE CRIME DRAMA! A TRUE BROMANCE !! :)
As a lover of Crime Thrillers, LOVED EVERYTHING about this police crime drama✨Well written and Well executed.
Every scene is interesting to watch, since it's a good blend of a Police officer duo solving criminal cases with good proportions of humour, emotional stories of how a deep bond is developed between the duo, how there is a good character arc to one of them who gets out of his trauma with the help of the other, story of the bond among the team members & good team work and finally, a thought provoking take on different crimes depicting the issues in society (like teenage drug cases, foreign migrant workers' issues etc)
The two male main leads are police officers - Partners In Investigation in a special department called Mobile Investigative Unit (MIU), which targets at solving a case within first 24 hours after the report.
This duo along with other MIU teams, work on different cases.
The cases are DIVERSE dealing with a variety of crimes & around, ONE CASE per EPISODE.
Not every case is a murder crime but depicts different crimes in the society.
Each case looks different but in the end, as the episodes progress, it's a surprise that how most of those crimes are pointed towards the villain.
The Team Work among different teams is well depicted.
Direction, Acting, Plot, Story Progression & Story Narration are Good.
The Storyline and Story writing of the cases n that of main leads, are Good (to be honest, could be better at times).
How some of the cases are related to the villain n how the duo stops him, is well written.
First half of ep 1 looks little weird n slow but maybe that is to form the base of the characters but by the end of that episode, gets interesting n remaining episodes are fun to watch with the boys in action!
*** CHARACTERS & ACTORS:
Both Main Leads' characters are impressive in their own ways and have different styles of reacting to a crime n acting on it, to bring justice to every victim in a case.
Ayano's character, Ibuki is very funny, empathizes with the victims & it's hilarious watching him cry along with them, Silly Ibuki! haha.
Hoshino's character, Shima looks stoic but is Cool.
One (Shima) uses Intelligence n the other (Ibuki) uses Physical Strength.
One (Shima) is Serious n the other (Ibuki) is Silly, haha.
Shima has trust issues while Ibuki trusts anyone easily.
Ibuki is like a goofy pup (haha), very emotional and very warm & pure at heart.
Looks messy and reckless but good at work.
Shima is good, mature and intelligent at work but is serious n lil grumpy bcz of the trust issues.
Initially, Shima didn't like the reckless Ibuki but he started liking his company, seeing his dedication towards work.
Ibuki, right from the moment, they are assigned as partners, tries different ways to be close to Shima, which are very funny ;)
The bromance is cool and sweet.
Initially, Shima hates the silliness of Ibuki but the way their bond is developed over each case in each episode, is Sweet!
Each of them goes to any extent to save their partner in investigation, such is the bond formed, a True Bromance! :)
The way they tease each other about their girl crushes, is very funny.
Shima is suspected to be the reason for the death of his ex partner in investigation.
The way how Ibuki takes that extra effort which is not asked for but takes as a friend, to solve that ex officer's death case thereby to save Shima from his trauma, is impressive and heart warming :)
Very fun to watch Ibuki n Shima at work as Partners! :)
Overall, I love their Dynamics -- Sweet n Funny! :)
Actors Ayano and Hoshino have made these charcaters Ibuki and Shima, more Lively and Lovely! :)
Their female boss and the other team members are cool.
I love the character dynamics among the teams -- very funny at times, haha
The villain looks soft but an evil mastermind behind many crimes, that actor's performance is Good.
All characters are well written.
Not just the main lead duo, villain n the supporting characters, even the plot of each case is well written.
*** EPISODES & CASES :
11 episodes with different crimes each episode and Pacing is Right.
Initial episodes are a bit dull since the plot of the crimes is simple & plain and also felt rushed but it gets interesting with the other cases, as episodes progress.
Each ep, a different case -- initial cases are related to small crimes n only the cases in later eps got serious.
For the cases till ep 4, they look rushed to be solved n closed without clarity or elaborate details but by the end of each ep, for each case how it is solved or the commentary of the writer/director about the issue in that case, is well done.
Some cases are not criminal cases, they are just societal issues which need police to take an action n so the take on these problems in the society, the sad reality, on everything, the writers' thoughts are well discussed through the characters.
Ep 5:
This one is sad, maybe the dark side of their country -- the issue of foreign migrant workers and their troubles.
Ep 6:
In other police units /departments, Shima is defamed of being a murderer of his ex partner in investigation and so he got an emotional trauma & trust issues, out of that guilt.
So Ibuki tried hard to solve that partner's death case to relieve Shima out of guilt & trauma.
I love their Friendship! :)
(Here at times, it's funny -- Ibuki just says "Eh eh eh" and nothing else, to make Shima start a conversation and Shima in return says "Eh eh" but not an actual conversation, Silly them! haha.
BTW, I do the same with my mom n she scolds me n so found that silly scene, hilarious :) )
Ep 8:
Ibuki's senior who is admired alot by Ibuki, gets involved in a murder case which affects Ibuki very bad, emotionally.
Then, Shima really supports Ibuki so well that it helps Ibuki to recover.
I love their Bond! :)
Ep 10 and Finale (11):
Their friendship, that bond, their sacrifices to save each other n so a temporary break of the duo n each working independently bcz of being manipulated /blackmailed by the villain and finally capturing him by the duo, all are written well n emotional.
There are some funny scenes too here.
There are Two scenarios, two Endings -- one sad n another a happy one.
(Just watch, am not going to spoil it here ;) )
*** OST:
Ending song -- Kanden by Kenshi Yonezu is Good.
***
My Rating is 9.5 / 10.
To be honest, only the Duo really made this drama Good & Interesting than the cases shown here.
9.5 exclusively only for them, for actors Ayano - Hoshino and characters Ibuki - Shima :)
I miss this duo Ibuki - Shima! :)
I want these partners in investigation with more seasons coming, more episodes n more cases to solve ! ✨
Crime drama ardent lovers will definitely enjoy and crave for more cases with the duo solving them in their own styles.
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The sentiments are worthy, the drama is is not
I was hoping for more from this drama with an MDL rating of 8.5 (at Feb 2023), but it failed to deliver, mainly because the writer has little grasp of how people actually talk and interact with each other—and it’s nothing to do with the subs. The script is occasionally insightful but mostly a clumsy, preachy, info-dump with totally non-credible convenient coincidences and unfathomable leaps of logic. The characters are strange, half-baked affairs that don’t have much depth to them. The overall result is chicken stock with some minuscule bits of interesting stuff floating around in it.I wasn’t that impressed by the acting either. Although with this script it’s going to be a challenge delivering the lines and nothing is helped by the stilted directing. The supporting cast were not given enough of the story line and they felt like spare parts just wheeled in to lubricate the plot when necessary. I think Hoshino Get as Shima did the most creditable job.
The writer has chosen to highlight some current social issues, and yes, they are worth highlighting. But… There is little room for the viewer to form their own opinion from what they see. Instead of sympathetic emotions arising naturally, we are told (as if we are attending a sociology lecture) in strangely manufactured voice-overs and unnatural conversations what the problem is and how we should feel about it. All too common an approach at the moment, I’m afraid. As though I can’t be trusted to come up with an appropriate empathetic response all by myself, but need to be forcibly spoon-fed a sanitised, acceptable attitude. So instead of a natural compassion flowing from me, there was just a somewhat cold, cerebral understanding. As though I’d been provided with the correct answers so that I could pass the exam.
What my rating means: 5+Meh! Don't bother, it's full of platitudes and clichés with boring characters and plots.
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must watch drama >>no kidding it's a master piece
دراما أسطورية جدا و و سلطت الضوء على المجتمع بشكل مقنع و خالي من الكرنجية اللي ممكن تقع من أي دراما يابانية من جد التمثيل و الكتابة والحبكة لا غبار عليها و اللي مكمل العمل كمان هو الثيم سونق للفنان كينشي يونيزو اللي تعجبني كل ما دخلت في أي حلقةالقضايا كانت ممتعة و تطور الشخصيات طبيعي و واقعي و الاكشن مبهر وكل هذا بفكاهة ونكت و اسقاطات عالواقع موتتني ضحك ههههههههههههههههههههههههههههه
هالدراما من الدرامات اللي مو بس تركز عالبطلين بل برضو على كل الشخصيات كلهم سهل تتعلق فيهم 3>و قعت في غرام شخصية سودا ماساكي هنا وقوينق أختم باقي أعماله اللي شكلي مقدر من كثرها هههههههههههههههههههههههههههههههههههههههههههههههه
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JOY TO THOSE WHO LIKE PROGRESSIVE JDRAMA PLOTLINE
This, Unnatural, and Married as a Job have hit the nail in the coffin as hands down my favorite Akiko Nogi's works, and also making Akiko nogi as my favorite screenwriter, alongside Kim Eun Sook and Greta Gerwig.It's typical buddy cop drama with opposite leads (hotheaded one vs lethargic one). ayano and hoshino encapsulated this stereotypical trope perfectly, their chemistry top-notch. What made this drama different with thousands others of comedic cop drama is that they actually touch different aspects in japanese society that is rarely being exposed at all, because jdorama (as much as i know) tended to "shy away" from hard hitting topic. This is what I like about Akiko Nogi's works.
all in all, im giving it overall 8.
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"Mystery, Laughter, and Suspense Blend Perfectly in MIU 404: A Must-Watch Japanese Drama"
MIU 404 is a captivating Japanese drama series that left a lasting impression on me. The show's unique premise revolves around a mysterious university department that deals with unsolved cases. The combination of mystery, comedy, and drama is executed brilliantly, keeping viewers engaged throughout.One of the standout aspects of MIU 404 is the exceptional performance by the cast, especially the chemistry between leads Ibuki and Shima. Their characters, who couldn't be more different, create an engaging dynamic that adds depth to the storyline.
The writing is sharp, offering a perfect blend of humor and suspense, with each episode leaving you craving the next. The show also manages to tackle some serious social issues within its episodic cases, adding a layer of depth and relevance.
However, MIU 404 might not be for everyone, as its pacing can be slower at times, and the intricacies of Japanese bureaucracy may be hard for international viewers to fully grasp. Nonetheless, it's a rewarding watch for those who appreciate character-driven mysteries with a touch of humor.
In summary, MIU 404 is a must-watch for fans of Japanese dramas, mystery enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a series that combines comedy, drama, and thought-provoking cases in a unique way. It's a gem in the world of Asian television that deserves recognition.
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