1I have to admit that I started watching Mystery to Iunakare because I had heard good things about the drama and because I thought it would be a detective drama.
And it IS, in a way, but not a classic example of a whodunit, where you can solve the cases along with the detective character.
I had to adjust my expectations -- because this is more of a psychology lesson, with a focus on parent-child relationships, and with a bit of philosophy thrown in -- characters, their story and their motivations to do the things they do are at the center, not the cases.
Once I did that, I mostly had a good time.
I loved, as I often do, the excellent acting, the use of space and light -- it often reminded me of a stage play, in the way the characters were positioned in relation to each other, or the way the camera used wide shots.
The drama was strongest when it used silence to convey the mood of a scene or to build suspense -- I also liked the two original songs (and I am very grateful for the translation of the lyrics on VIKI, because they do help to understand the drama's themes). But why, oh why?, did they have to use classical music for the background music? The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, the Aquarium piece from The Carnival of Animals, Vivaldi's Four Seasons -- I am sorry, but their original meaning was never "mysterious" or "suspenseful" -- and to hear them used in that way was jarring.
I was also unconvinced by the order of the story elements. We get an interesting dynamic between the main character and another character -- which is completely dropped in favour of a weird romance (?) arc between him and a strange young woman -- and then picked up again in the final episodes. I do understand why they did it that way, but the thing is, it broke my connection to important characters, not once but twice.
(I am also not a fan of romance arcs in mystery dramas, so that did not help.)
Regarding the main character -- I am not sure I like him. He is interesting, yes, and quite mysterious. A 20-year-old philosophising at older people always strikes me as precocious -- but if not the young, who else can make such sweeping declarations about life?
I wish the actor and director had focused more on Totono's imitation of other people's habits -- it was just him imitating tics, like drumming fingernails on surfaces or similar. I think if Totono had mirrored their whole posture or even their facial expressions, maybe a bit more subdued, that would have been much more fascinating and could have added to both Totono's mysterious aura and the drama's underlying theme of "identity". I am convinced that the actor could have pulled it off too!
Another aspect was the shocking and rather sudden explicit depiction of severe child abuse in episode 7. I didn't mind that it was shown per se -- I do mind that we didn't get any warning and that it came very late -- all the other episodes before had been rather conservative with showing violence, or even dead bodies, so it wasn't something I could have expected.
All in all, Mystery To Iunakare (Don't Call it Mystery) excels in pacing, acting, lighting, silence and the OST (not the classical pieces), which all serve to make an excellent philosophical and psychological piece about family, specifically dysfunctional mother-child and sibling dynamics, and how society shapes identities, explored through criminal cases.
So, in conclusion:
Was it good? The acting and the lighting were impressive; the musical choices not so much. The cases presented were interesting -- but why were they shown in this order?
Did I like it? I liked some aspects of it, enough to keep me interested.
Would I recommend it? Yes, especially if you like stories that explore the human psychology.
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A crime series with heart
I have not read the manga, so my comments are all about the series.It's a heart-breaking, delightfully heart-warming experience.
Pros
The cases are unique in themselves. Mostly heart-breaking and sad. The retelling of the cases and their progression are a delight to watch. Don't expect a hard-core, very difficult case. It's all about the human-ness of both the villains and the victims.
Totono is adorable, he embraces his life fully. He possesses a unique insight into each character that he meets. Not surprisingly, he's drawn to people like himself: people without artifice, people who take their lives in their own hands and live it the way they want to.
Cons
The scene flashbacks could be lesser.
Rewatch value:
Absolutely will watch it again.
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Sherlock Holmes meets Agatha Christie meets Harold Pinter…
I’m fairly new to Japanese drama, so I may not totally have a handle on the styles that govern it, but I must admit that I was more than a tad confused at the start of this one.At first I thought I had time-travelled back to the 1960s and was watching a play by Harold Pinter. It has that surreal hyper-normality to it, where bizarre things are accepted as totally ordinary and people stand around and willingly listen to long, quasi insightful/philosophical speeches.
Then, half way through the first episode, it takes on a weird Sherlock Holmes homage logical deduction trip (and to be fair the subs team are called 221B Baker Street). Just when I decide the production isn’t going to take itself too seriously (and mercifully I shouldn’t either), it gets really worthy. With tearful remorse and regret for wrongdoing accompanied by a swelling string section. At which point I nearly give up on it.
But seeing as it is still episode one, I think to give it the benefit of the doubt and get to the end. It finishes up comfortably surreal again and continues that way into episode two, which is a complete Agatha Christie style who-dunnit, even down to the country house setting. And it begins to occur to me that if I knew crime novels better, I’d recognise a series of famous authors - Georges Simenon, Micky Spillane, Val McDermid perhaps? However, crime novels are not something I’ve ever been into, so I’ll leave it to aficionados to comment on whether that supposition is true.
The dispensing of wisdom continues unabated with transformational moments regularly swooping like shooting stars across the faces of the previously afflicted, as Totono offers alternative versions of truth. The question is, how seriously do you take it? I have to go for a pinch of salt myself, otherwise it’s all just a little bit too simplistic and naive for me. But if sentimental repentance is up your street, this one is definitely for you.
As for the cases, which occupy one or two episodes each; they are never over until they are over. They meander through surreal twist after twist and there always seems to be another surprise lurking under a stone somewhere about five episodes later. And the whole thing has a circularity precipitated by flashbacks that leaves you wanting to go back and watch it again just to check the order of things and how they all relate. Definitely not straightforward or predictable and for that you have to hand it to the writer for the originality of the plot (probably the inspiration of the manga author on which it is based.) It is the beating heart of the drama and the reason to keep watching.
The deliberate unreality extends to a great many things in the series and often the plotholes are enormous and the motivations not credible, so be prepared. The role of the police is not fully integrated and mostly they feel like convenient spare parts bumbling around the central action. As though they need to be included to give the whole thing some semblance of credibility, but their inclusion seems like an unfortunate distracting sideshow. For me the last two episodes didn't quite have enough cohesion to give it the ending it deserved.
The acting is rather static and formal which matches the feel of the production giving it a very cerebral and largely unemotional tone for long periods punctuated by intense outbursts. The notable exception being Onoe Matsuya II (Ikemoto Yuto) who is strangely manic. So I’m not going to praise performances here, although Suda Masaki is engaging as the protagonist, Kunou Totono. There are any number of curious and weird supporting characters that play the criminal antagonists who are strange enough to keep you invested.
The soundtrack utilises a whole range of classical music, from Vivaldi through Beethoven to Rachmaninoff and various stops in between. It is quite intrusive and deliberately loud, and can punctuate the action with emphatic “meaning”. There is also an OST of contemporary songs with explainy lyrics especially for the repentance/realisation scenes. Not to my taste to be honest.
This is a really difficult drama to rate as it has a uniqueness that could well foster a cult following. It was consistent in its approach and managed to successfully walk the edge of credibility, such that I found myself still willing to suspend my disbelief even though it was way out of any normal comfort zone. So even though it was not really something I warmed to, I think it was very successful and skilful in doing what it set out to do, which means it merits a higher rating than I would instinctively give it.
What my rating means: 8+ A great drama with interesting content and good writing, direction, acting, OST, cinematography. But didn’t quite have the requisite sparkle to bump it into my all-time fave list. Worth watching.
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A Great Procedural
For avid mystery enjoyers, Mystery to Iu Nakare’s cases might seem rather pedestrian, but in my opinion, the simplicity of the cases humanize the main character, Totonou, and did a good job on making him not look like a “genius detective” and rather an observant person -- and I think that this is a very important factor in terms of the concept and how the story is built. Grounding the show and the characters in reality. Totonou, at the end of the day, is just a regular person; in terms of where the show is, the cases work in the context of his character.Procedural is a tricky genre, as characters flip through the episode and thus it is easy for the supporting characters to just become a blur of faces, but putting the psychological and emotional aspect of the “mystery” is what makes this show work really well. Every of their stories are handled with care and depth; it reminds me a lot of the way Meitantei Conan handled its suspects, just with more focus on character-driven cases.
The tone of the show is also very balanced -- it’s in every aspect melancholy and serious at the same time as funny. The writing is good. Suda Masaki is a wonderful actor and I continue to love his range -- he can deliver any ‘preachy’ lines so well that it still seems so realistic.
Of course, if you prefer more on the crime aspects of mystery shows, Mystery to Iu Nakare is not the right show for you. This is a show that cares more about the why and the how. It’s a show that cares about the lives and the emotion and not just how a murder is done. Go into this show with the right expectations, and you will enjoy it very much.
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Thrilling Puzzles
This show quickly became one of my favorites from the beginning! Suda Masaki is almost like a chameleon the way he blends in to roles time and time again without leaving traces of old characters in them; though he does keep some of his own personality in his characters which is fascinating to watch!The story follows "just a college student" as he helps the police figure out difficult or confusing cases full of puzzles me "what ifs". But with his on point observations and quirky personality, he has a great way of showing that each human (though different) can be such an amazing person!
The story is full of fantastic cast members that have created a superb and amazing story! The funny moments and sad moments are extraordinary to watch unfold, sometimes they're scary and sometimes they're bittersweet, but the humor continues to slip in almost unnoticed and everything balances to make an incredible story unfold!
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This review may contain spoilers
Who can find the culprit first?
The watcher or Totono?At first I didn't plan to watch this, I just kinda skipped it when it was airing and then later I continued to skip it until I actually wanted to watch it.
It was fun and I liked it a lot.
I wondered why I didn't watch it before but if I made myself watch it I probably wouldn't enjoy it as much as I did.
The story
A lot of different cases are solved through the drama, some are connected, some are not but all of them are interesting.
The culprit is mostly hinted at or shown and then we watch Totono get involved and help the police.
I find it funny when a character is not a detective but he keeps getting connected to crimes/cases and he keeps solving them.
I actually liked all of the cases, every case had an unique twist that made it more fun.
Totono, he is smart and cute. I liked how we watched him change a little and make friends.
Garo is my favorite character and I liked the connection between him and Totono. If there is a second season I would like to see more of that.
Raika is another interesting character that left a big impression on me.
All of the characters were nicely written, I wasn't frustrated by any of them (their actions).
When a drama is good, I don't really have much to say. ¯\_ಠ_ಠ_/¯
I recommend this drama to people who like weird mysteries that make you think.
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Incredible adaptation!
Amazing drama!! If you love psychology and criminology and also unique characters, you will love this drama! Totono is someone extremely special, he reminds me to a person with Asperger’s syndrome, he’s is a genius on his special interests. As a autistic person, I can see myself through him. 10/10 I can’t wait for the next season.I also need to agree that I was satisfied with the fact that it wasn't completely similar to the manga, some people prefer when when it's very similar to the manga, but I personally like when the dramas adaptations have their own twist.
please watch it, you will love it! ❤️
actors and actresses 10/10
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Adorable and Intriguing
I went into this drama with zero expectations and WOW I was just blown away by all of it.The first thing to talk about is of course, the main lead. He's eccentric and intelligent and just so lovable. Following the ML and seeing him randomly roped into mysteries was super fun and it never felt convenient. I loved his interactions with every single side character. The way the ML perceives the world is so interesting too; there are a lot of memorable quotes in this show.
Speaking of side characters, the drama also did a really good job of giving every single side character, even if they only appeared in a two-episode case, backstory that actually makes you feel for them. The acting is fantastic for every single one of them. I was really impressed with how fleshed out the subplots were and how they ended up tying together.
The plot is just super smart. This is one of those dramas that gives you pieces of the puzzle out of order, and everything becomes clear once you keep watching and start piecing it all together.
Such a great watch and I can't wait to watch the movie and see a season 2.
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Heart-warming mystery drama with unique touch of criticism on our modern society
Mystery to Iunakare has a common trope of an aloof and eccentric genius who is able to solve even the most unsolvable puzzles, very much like Sherlock Holmes or Hercule Poirot, the police having constantly to rely on their help. This brings along both advantages and disadvantages to the story. Kunou Totono's geniousness IS the character, with his quiet but observant nature, yet one could also wonder if the drama is meant to be a realistic police drama or just a mystery story with an unrealistic plot. When Kunou is able to solve the cases with the weirdest, most random clues, it takes away from the credibility of the story. Kunou appears to use scientific evidence and theories to help him make the deductions but the evidences and theories are at times far-fetched and rely on pop-science, and Kunou quickly jumps to conclusions and outcomes that remarkably always land correct.Hence, the different mysteries and crimes weren't the favorite part of the drama for me. Instead, I loved the criticism it offerered to our modern society. There were many good discussions and remarks that Kunou points out from time to time almost as as a moral or lesson after the mysteries have been solved. From the social position of women to childrens' rights and to the gratitude and observance we should have for life, these arguments were stated with a direct and bold manner, something which I have never quite encountered in Japanese dramas. I really loved it. The arguments that Kunou bring up are straight from the original manga. The story also had certaind kind of understanding and humanity that only Japanese dramas can deliver. Mystery to Iunakare quickly became one of my top comfort dramas that made me relax and forget my own issues for awhile.
Furthermore, what would the drama be without Suda Masaki who amazingly brought Kunou to life with the warmness, quirkiness and soul level deepness that Kunou has in the original manga. Unlike Sherlock, Poirot and company, Kunou doesn't come off as arrogant or know-it-all. He welcomes life with open arms, observing it with a inquisitive mind and always stays humble and down-to-earth, making remarks and opinions that usually hit the nail on the head. He always stays respectful and accepting of others and even creates this special bond with the wrongdoers, trying to understand their motives without necessarily accecpting their actions. Kunou's wonder and celebration of life is beautiful and his patient and compassionate nature that allows him to to try and understand others is something that made me really fall in love with the characther. I hope, as the story progresses, we get to learn more about Kunou himself and his past. Points to the female lead who had an interesting character development!
The mysteries alone were not very interesting and a bit lacking at times. However, the story wraps up surprisingly at the end, tying together some loose ends. The production quality is not at par with many of the modern-day dramas which unfortunately takes away from the magic of the story. OST didn't really stick with me, and the well-known classical pieces being even distracting at times, however the song "カメレオン" by King Gnu was lovely.
Despite the weaknesses, the positives of the drama really shone through, and all in all, I give the drama 8.5 stars and it goes straight to my favorites! I'm looking forward to the movie! :)
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Despite heavy/manipulative way to handle the life lessons...Still enjoyed some of the cases & hero
I enjoyed certain episodes more than others, it felt very episodic and lacked a strong common thread. There was some elements coming back over the course of the story, but I wish those would have been more developped. Still, I had some "favorite cases" of the week: namely the arson case and the Raika case. I also enjoyed the hero Totono and his relationship with the world and others. I was pretty interested by Garo, and by Seiko (the female inspector) but it felt rather flat overall. I wish they mined much more the (b)romance between Totono and Garo. There was a lot of unexploited potential there.Even if that was heavily handed I appreciated some of the societal critics brought up by the series. It remained overal relatively superficial but at least there was an attempt at it. I wish they would have gone much deeper on some topics (for example regarding the women discrimination at the police station which was overall fairly lightly handled) but some were insightful.
I was pretty satisfied by the acting. I feel the main lead made a proper job portraying his unconventional character. There was no obvious bad performances, most were okay. I really enjoyed some of the guest actors, there were a few familiar faces, which is always nice.
The production value was quite standard, no outstanding but sufficient for conveying the story. The editing choices, with a lot of flashbacks, made the script feel a bit redundant. The scenario (and therefore the filmmaking) had a tendency to overexplain things, to make sure the viewer understood what happened and how the mystery was resolved. To that effect, the music was really heavyly handed...it lacked subtlety and felt almost childish somewhat...Each time the central character told a life lesson, there was a (pretty) melancholic music popping up in the background, which felt a bit manipulative to me...
I would recommend this to people looking for a mystery formulaic series. If you enjoy drama with kind of "case of the week" stories, you will likely enjoy this. I also think there are a lot of "reflective"/"life lessons" moments that could resonate with the viewer. For me, those were too heavily handed to appreciate all of them and I wish the various episodes had a stronger common thread allowing me to be more investing in the overall story. The show has a relatively open ending, so I will definitely watch the Special Episode...And then maybe the movie to round it up.
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Cozy Mystery
Fit the bill for (sorta cozy?) mystery and winter weather feelz. ?? All in all, not too bad for a japanese drama. Cons: •Some of the acting was..not the best /but there were good ones too./ •The storytelling and cuts are confusing/discombobulating at times. •Cheesy (it's no blockbuster lol) >Quirky (it's japanese so, yeahhh)Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
What a great series!
Love Masaki Suda in this series. When he makes his curry before going on his date and then processes that this is going to be a date - I have shown that scene to so many people. Always makes me laugh.Love his character. Love the attention to detail. Love the stories and how they all tie together. I won't bog you down with a detailed analysis but, I will say that I keep this in my watchlist so, I can go back to it often whenever I need a Sherlock Holmes type fix. My favorite episode is when he encounters the bomber who has temporary amnesia - so well done.
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