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Surprising Depth and Social Truth
Watched this for Akaso Eiji and was truly impressed with this series. The ensemble cast were magnificent and very well selected. Yamada Yuki is the most amazing actor who portrays human frailty and strength at the same time. We watched the entire series in 24 hours. The real magic of this series is the microscope in human behaviour, especially in the 24/7 social commentary age. The script is very thoughtful and intelligent; viewers will be thinking about it, long after. Very enjoyable.Was this review helpful to you?
Humour & Heart That Grows Slowly
Found via Netflix Australia. Initially I dropped this after Episode 1 but returned a few days later. I LOVED it. Would very much like to see a second season with deeper character development. Part legal, part detective show ... All actors are all very charming, entire show is populated with gentle humour and pace is brisk. Legal topics are quirky and courtroom dramas restrained.As the show develops, the audience learns of the various vulnerabilities of the protagonists. I believe there is potential for an intriguing love triangle. In particular, I enjoyed the show's suburban setting. This made a refreshing change from the typical "bright lights, big city" legal dramas. There are car chases, runs through the street, but also a great many plot twists and fabulous funny moments and great musical score to match the fast pace. The show's director has exercised appropriate degrees of intensity and restraint.
This series reminded me of an old 1980s show, "Remington Steele" where Pierce Brosnan assisted a lady detective, where he appeared to be the front of the business but in truth they were an equal team.
I would dearly love to see a Season 2 made, but as this was made in 2022, there not much hope. Well worth watching ... Vote UP and let folks know you want more!
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Shocking, Intense, Glorious Retro. Must Watch
Netflix have some clever folks at the helm these days. Reviving great productions for new audience, is a masterstroke. This one began as a delightful trip down retro lane and halfway became Dynasty with several shock twists. Fantastic viewing, watched it all in a week. Beautiful, moving, perfect dorama. Captain Kimura delivers a well rounded performance; be sure to notice the "three faces" of his character. Take note also, of several co stars who are now big names. 100% Must See viewing. It's also a delight to watch shows that faithfully attempt to reproduce a time that doesn't exist anymore. Costumes, cars, streets and advertising. A sensory experience and delight. Enjoy !Was this review helpful to you?
The Must Watch Young Love Story
I normally steer away from school romances, but this one took me by surprise with its chemistry and I have since rewatched it 3X. Outstanding production, pacing, direction and acting. The two male leads, while fairly new in their acting careers, display maturity and natural talent well beyond many peers. Haru in particular is extraordinary for his first acting role at age 18, and promises to be both a well regarded comic and serious actor in the decade to come. Maeda showcases a full range of intensity from anguish to complete joy, constantly a sheer delight to watch, and this reviewer believes he is destined to become one of Japan's Thinking Actors, akin to Satoh Takeru or Watanabe Ken.Special mention for Leo Matsumoto, who elevates key scenes and adds depth to his support role and Itakura Toshiyuki who brightens the show with humour, as the teacher who relishes handing out detention to bright but lazy students.
Music: Fast paced, lively soundtrack and a gentle acoustic score that lifts the beautiful moments, based on J-pop and performed at times in carefully curated half and quarter tempo. Keep the Shazam nearby and you'll have some wonderful additions for your Spotty!
Translating manga faithfully to live drama is always tricky and there are a couple of overused tropes but the entire series, just 2.5 hours, makes for magical viewing. Enjoy.
Well done Netflix Asia, for promoting this series and please keep syndicating the fantastic Japanese content.
Thank you for reading! Follow to be notified of future reviews! ~ Fumiyawagi
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Impressive Production, Fantastic Music, Watched It Twice
We were very impressed with this movie adaptation of the long running manga: a dynamic paced film with fantastic music score, impressive settings and costume, actors who have made considerable effort and trained hard to portray professional grade dancers. Also impressive is the delivery of the few lines of English conversation by the leads. This is a production with the typical high quality Netflix stamp, with minimum waste and maximum enjoyment. For those who have not read the manga, one of the more intense conversations may be slightly difficult to interpret. It's best to keep in mind that both characters are trying to "best" each other, to motivate the other to be true to their ambitions and be their authentic selves. Will there be a sequel? We certainly think so!Was this review helpful to you?
A Masterpiece of Time Travel, Medicine and History
JIN (now on Netflix) is a masterpiece. Set in the 1860s peak Edo period, with detailed costumes, sets, superb script and researched historical moments. As a a time travel/ medical drama, it delivers so much enjoyment. Superb acting, direction and screenwriting. I binged through the whole series in a week, the drama was so intriguing and an absolute delight to watch. The leads are highly reputable actors, some of whom are big stars today. If you love Japanese culture, history and intricate detail, you'll *LOVE* Jin!Was this review helpful to you?
Possibly the funniest recent J-comedy ever
Do Not Miss! 👍🏻 I didn't just laugh at the funny bits, I *HOWLED*. 😂 Then I howled through Season 2, then the spin off series ... a full week of the funniest comedy. If you need to switch brain off, smile again and have a fun time, Ossan's series will do that for you! Fantastic physical acting from key cast, excellent dramatic acting from support cast, realistic sets and numerous outdoor scenes, all add to the light happy feel of the show. Would be wonderful to have another season later, but not sure what that would look like. The 3 MLs are some of the most talented dramedy actors in Japan, with perfect timing and emotion. Brilliant show. Enjoy!!Was this review helpful to you?
Heart warming, short and sweet
This short and sweet 5-part series, reminiscent of many outstanding Japanese dramas of late, delivers a story that leaves us craving more episodes and deeper character exploration.The always reliable and charming Keita Machida, sporting his Cherry Magic haircut and brown attire, portrays a charming barman in an unpretentious suburban bar that he runs with 2 former school mates.
We were pleasantly surprised to discover the 3 Star Bar served canned food, expertly prepared by a chef — a twist that adds an unexpected layer of humor to the plot, compared to step-by-step cooking shows such as Fermat's Cuisine and What Did You Eat Yesterday. Yet, somehow, this plot device works! Adapted from a manga series, of course, which often have a quirky point of interest.
Although it takes a few episodes to build momentum, viewers will find themselves drawn to the characters, guest and the stories. The show skillfully used flashbacks of the late bartender, akin to a cherished grandfather, imparting wise advice to patrons and loved ones. Further exploration of this character would have enriched future episodes.
Some dramas, much like the sakura season, dazzle with their brilliance only to fade away all too soon. The final episode highlights the overall production quality of the series, which does not insult us with rushed stories and silly resolutions; just a quietly enchanting tale that leaves us yearning for more.
A second season or more episodes would have been a marvellous opportunity to explore the back stories of the 3 leads with greater depth: the published Hemingway-esque writer grappling with writers block and divorce, a humble bartender with a nightly chauffeur, a chef who loses and recovers his sense of taste. However, all three of the leads have been very busy since 2021, so clearly this will remain a limited and very short series.
Embrace this series for what it really is —a fleeting cherry blossom that warms the soul for a brief moment in time.
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Charming, funny and possibly one of Japan's best tv gems
It's easy to see why millions of viewers fell in love with this little gem. You won't regret! TLDR: The person who's 'not your type', may just turn out to be exactly who you need. I really enjoyed this show so much, towards the end I started to feel a bit sad. It's a fantastic production and soooo easy to binge. Both Seasons 1, and Season 2 are 30 minute episodes with a telemovie in between. Shiro and Kenji are an endearing odd couple in their late 40s; Nishijima Hidetoshi nails the emotionally restrained, hilariously frugal and very private Shiro, a small firm lawyer with a heart of gold who favours neutral colours, salaryman suits and loves a bargain; his partner is a warm, enthusiastic hairdresser in white jeans and bright T-shirts who sees ice cream as not a rare luxury, but an essential occasional happiness. Uchino Seiyou, as Kenji (Ken) is a natural physical comic who provides many moments of amusement.Also wonderful to see an ensemble of various characters and ages, that reflect the diversity of real life, work and home. Each actor brings something special to the role. Adachi Naoko's script highlights changing social attitudes in a subtle and impactful way. The directors are also to be commended for creating a tight, easy rolling, easy to binge show that will bring a little smile to your face often.
***THANK YOU FOR READING! "Follow" to be notified of more reviews! Say Hello! ~Fumiyawagi
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Passes time, but wastes talent.
🌟 Welcome to (Less) Sex In The City, Tokyo 2023 style. Is it ok to have ex sex? Why can't we just live de facto and stay in love, instead of being married and miserable? Should i just do the same thing my parents did, or live like a millenial would in most parts of the world?These modern relationship dilemmas are explores through Mukai-kun, a hesitant young salaryman. The show, reminiscent of the John Cusack film, "High Fidelity", navigates love's complexities and missed opportunities. Despite a capable cast aged up to 60 including Akaso Eiji in a role that massively ignores his amazing comedic and emotional talents, the series falls short. Haru shines as a progressive female lead, but the lack of mature plot and physical intimacy diminishes its impact. Okayama Amane is the hidden gem of the show, with his comedic timing and comic physical presence.
The show's pace and limited exploration of modern adult themes, hinder its potential. Like so many modern Japanese dramas, this one largely pretends physical intimacy does not exist.
Still, this show offers a moderate viewing experience, best enjoyed without high expectations and while waiting other releases.
🌟 Thank you for reading! Follow to be notified of future reviews! ~ Fumiyawagi
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Takahashi Is Set For Big Things
One of the few Japanese romances that doesn't rely on the tired old "trip grab and hug" trope. Takahashi absolutely smoulders as a moody ML who has his own private burdens. He is a versatile actor with a big future and it will be very interesting to see which roles he is offered as an older adult. The world is ready for Asian leads in Hollywood and European film, and it would be wonderful to see Japan's incredible talent receive greater recognition and roles.Overall this is a very pleasant teen romance, with fantastic Japanese rock and a fabulous twist when how the two leads finally come to understand each other. All of the actors are highly capable and although it is a school setting with some compulsory scenes, the dialogue is modern and fresh. Stay watching to the very end!
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A TOUR DE FORCE ... NOT TO BE MISSED !!
Mysterious, Intriguing ... Gong Yoo's Finest Acting To Date 🌟Psychological thrillers are not for everyone, especially when paced to tease out the clues like a fine silk web. Gong Yoo displays heartbreaking vulnerability as a shell of a broken man in permanent state of anxiety, in crisis and seemingly incapable of living a normal life. His natural ageing adds realism to his mental wounds. Apparently in interviews Gong Yoo has noted that his face is changing in middle age, but this is attribute will lend substantial depth to future roles.The set designer and music director have gone all out with interiors and score that absolutely invigorate the senses and alert viewers to subtle clues amid all the love voodoo.
Almost every actor, especially the FL, is perfectly selected and the series is a delight to savour. The only criticism one might make is that the ending could have been 10 minutes shorter or open ended.
Give this powerful series a chance - watch at least 2 or 3 episodes, before you decide. And btw, this show is not written for "second screen viewing" ... leave your phone out of reach, or you'll miss a vital clue ... ! Enjoy!
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super charming, very funny, superb dramedy
What a wonderful way to pass a few hours! Here is a time travel/ fix time fantasy with some romance mixed right in. Tomahisa and Kamenashi are a great comedy team, and just about every actor shines even in the smallest role. Definitely a highly fun show for anyone to enjoy. Kamenashi surprises with a few scenes of deep pathos and clearly even 8 years ago, looked like an actor going places. if you haven't checked out his other roles, highly recommend The Lumberjack Monster and Destiny. KK has an incredible knack for performing fantastic villains, but in this show he's in character as a young man seeking love in a hurry to save the world. I know you will really enjoy it, as a few hours of great fun!Was this review helpful to you?
A Truly AMAZING, heartfelt survival drama - with loads of cute dogs!
A beautifully produced, absolutely riveting drama with realistic scenery, outstanding animal acting and the always excellent value Takuya Kimura as "The Captain", alongside outstanding established senior actors and cast. 10 episodes of an hour each, that highlight the politics, post war mood and national ambitions of 1950s Japan. The finale is indeed gripping and a reminder that early explorers truly risked everything to create new knowledge and science. I know you will love it and will rush straight out the next day to get an Alaskan hound ... maybe! 😃Was this review helpful to you?
A Perfectly Crafted 2 Hour Masterpiece of Joy. Do Not Miss
"Old Fashion Cupcake" stands as one of Japan's finest live-action dramas in recent years, deserving global recognition as a future classic. There are a thousand moments that will make you smile.Every aspect of the show - direction, cinematography, musical score and screenwriting - has been carefully considered by a cohesive team to create a series with zero waste and maximum impact.
The premise revolves around finding happiness and joy in life, when a 29 year old office worker Togawa, convinces his jaded nearly 40-year-old boss Nozue to heed his own advice, to embrace the present moment and let go of regret.
Tatsunari Kimura, a veteran stage actor at just 28 when this was filmed in 2022, highlights why he is one of THE actors of his generation, who uses minimal blocking (physical movement) and dialogue to conveys incredible depth, intense emotion and outstanding vulnerability. He also acts with his eyes, a rare skill in young actors. Unfortunately for millions of viewers, he works primarily in stage theatre and rarely does tv work. We hope he will reconsider for an excellent role. Satoh Takeru, please team up and find the perfect opportunity to foster this incredible talent!
Kouhei Takeda, as Nozue, is sublime as he struggles to disguise his Honnae aka true feelings, with minimal facial movement. That's expert skill. His beautiful portrayal of the lonely 39 year old hits home sharply, a man who thinks he can stay in a position of safety, but in reality he is in danger of letting life pass by. We are uplifted by his efforts not to drown in apathy and to seek adventure and embrace joy once again.
Here, a special mention is made of "Morning Dub For N", a beautiful heartbeat instrumental piece by Daisuke Nisihimura (Dunk) that resembles the traditional Japanese koto instrument, to evoke emotions in key scenes - particularly the opening sequence where Nozue contemplates his boring safe life. We also absolutely LOVED the joyous opening tune, Blue Blur, an uplifting bilingual R&B theme song with retro elements by Ryu Matsuyma featuring Mabuana. The entire score and soundtrack are perfectly positioned throughout the series and substantially enhance moving moments, and the entire viewing experience.
Viewers may feel lost when it is over. Should there be a Season 2? After careful deliberation: No. There is nothing left to add or remove. The art is perfect, as is.
Don't Miss It. You Won't Regret.
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