Whatever you think this story is... You're wrong
Never in my life have I watched such a backwards, upside down, twisty, spiraling roller coaster like I have this show! At no moment in any episode could I even GUESS who the criminal was, not only for that part of the story but for the story in it's entirety!The cast truly pulled off a remarkable show! There were a couple of people I was unsure of at the beginning, however, the more I watched, the more I was mesmerized by the cast and the story... Everything fit together perfectly! Each member of the cast is an incredible member picked for their role to show off such a fascinating show!
I had to take a break from watching the final two episodes because of the intensity from the first six. However, I hadn't seen much intensity until I watched the last two! I believe that the last two episodes are extraordinary. I don't think I've seen a mystery, suspense show any more captivating or curious than this story. I honestly figured out one person the third or fourth episode in, though now I definitely see that person in a completely different light!
I promise you that you will most definitely never guess the ending! This show has so many plot twists and turns that it truly is like ivy growing around and around and around..... Do not be deceived! Trust me. you won't want to miss this!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Thrilling Mystery
This may be one of the most roller coaster suspenseful mystery shows I've seen in a long time. At first I wanted to watch the show because of the cast and synopsis, but as I continued through the episodes its like I was trapped in a trance. I couldn't get enough of the story, or the characters. While the story itself seemed familiar, it did not seem like anything I had ever seen before; what I chose to believe was familiar, however, were bits and pieces within the story as a whole, instead of the entire show.It was nice to see Masuda Takahisa in a suspenseful role while showing off his comedic timing as well. He is one of a few actors that I like who seems to be able to dive so deeply into his character that he seems to truly become them. It was also nice to see a few new faces that I began to like because of this show; in fact, I thought Ukisho Hidaka was Hirano Sho considering their voices sound so similar. Watching Ukisho Hidaka was intense; this is my first time watching a show/movie of his and he is extraordinary! The way he practiced in the dojo, the way he carried himself as an influential person yet somehow under the radar, while still being the definition of a teenager and somehow seeming so grown up. Ukisho Hidaka is truly a mastermind of acting; it would be nice to see lots more of his talent and skill.
The music genuinely paired well with the show as well; it hyped up the story or kept me on the edge of my seat with the suspenseful thrills! I truly could not figure out who did what, or when; or even what was to happen in the next scene, let alone the next episode. To watch Ukisho Hidaka practice in the dojo was honestly beautiful; the way his body moved with force, while staying calm and confident of his movements and handling were incredible. Which only makes me more excited to see him in future castings.
The show is familiar, yet completely different; it has some of the same scenarios that each Japanese crime/mystery show seems to have... But definitely surpasses your expectations, and is most assuredly nothing like anything you've seen before!
Was this review helpful to you?
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!
Was this review helpful to you?
I have to say that I have written this in a lot of detective show reviews, yet once again: I could not figure out who the suspect was before the end of the episode. This show did confuse me sometimes, however, if you watch carefully you will pick up on each and every detail; though that isn't to say that the motives and suspects are easy to figure out, or that the stories themselves are simple! The entire show itself is very new to me; each plot for each episode is something the writers and actors painstakingly brought to life, their hard work definitely shows!
The acting in this show was superb! Sometimes in shows with a synopsis like this it can become a little cheesy or even a little easy, yet throughout this show it seemed to become tougher and tougher to figure out who did what to who and why! The female actors in this show did not seem like the "please rescue me, prince" type, and the male actors were definitely not "overprotective muscle heads" either. Each person portrayed their character as if it was the most natural thing in the world; as if they were one in the same with their characters. In fact, everyone's acting in this show is so solid and (almost) perfect that it is one of the reasons why I enjoyed the show so much!
There are a few points that seem slightly ridiculous or redundant that make this show a little cheesy, but each episode seems to "fly past" so quickly that you don't really notice them for too long, if at all! I can honestly say that this show could have lasted for much longer than 7 episodes, and there were times where the show itself felt a little rushed or jam-packed; however I also like where it ended.
If you're looking for a challenge, something a little happy yet filled with mystery and thrills, then this is definitely the show for you!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Somehow this show is definitely not at all what I thought it would be! The synopsis isn't exactly misleading but it isn't exactly the complete truth of such a fantastic show! Though I suppose that is what a synopsis is meant for. This show is such a spectacular showing of crime-fighting, thrills, hilarity, bravado, suspense, and is so exhilarating that I cannot believe I took so long to watch it!Each story does seem to be its own story, however, if you take notice of some tiny details throughout the show then you may notice a few pieces of the complete story build-up to its superb finale. Each episode was filled with interesting stories, some that seem pretty generic to a detective/police genre show, but mostly within these 9 episodes were stories that I've never really witnessed. It's almost like a movie cut up in to separate episodes, but if it wasn't cut into those 9 episodes then I do not believe it would be as fantastic as it was!
The partnership between each member of Unit Zero was something extremely amazing to watch grow from beginning to end; some partnerships seemed a little more built-up than others at the beginning, but it actually proved fulfilling to the entire show. Which, I think, is sometimes rare to see in detective shows, sometimes they just fall out in big fights for multiple episodes, but in this show, it was very interesting to watch as each partnership grew from new members to trusted buddies.
The cast was perfection for this entire show for all 9 episodes! From the main cast to the guests; and to be honest, I only wanted to watch this show because I knew Ito Hideaki was part of the main cast, however, as I continued to watch, I noticed the cast of superb actors and actresses appear in the show! The guest cast was amazing to watch as the story builds to the final climactic event, and I was not expecting a few members of the cast to be such tangible, honest, and very genuine people. The respect for each story, not to mention, for the other members of the cast, production, directors, and writer(s) was so fascinating to watch throughout each episode! Some people I've seen in other shows, however, this is completely wonderful to watch them in such a different light; and some I've seen within the same genre as this show, though while remembering the earlier shows I've seen them in, I can tell that this show is part of a building block that built their amazing skills and talent to become who they are as actors, people, and their characters was built.
Each episode was full of thrills, suspense, laughter, mystery, wit, and vast knowledge of multiple different skills. I think this show is a fantastic "showing" of what dangerous realities a policeman/woman, detective, and even a civilian can face within different realities (and of course in Japanese tv dramas/movies lol). This show is honest, heartfelt, bittersweet, gutwrenching, and extremely intense! This is not a story to miss!
Was this review helpful to you?
The cast for this series really threw me for a loop, too! The past 3 series I almost had it all figured out, who was the bad guy and what the end conclusion would be; however, this series had me completely stumped! The actors and actresses left me in awe; I was afraid to watch this series at night, to be honest, because a couple of the episodes (not to mention Kaminuma himself) just gave me the creeps.
This show is full of wonderful talents and is not one to be missed if you enjoy detective, crime, suspense, mystery, police, or thrilling dramas! Also, this is a good series to binge-watch!
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
Do not watch without tissues. This has to be one of his greatest performances, that I've seen anyway. And the cameos from the other Arashi members are hysterically well done! The children play out their roles well and it really has the feel of a working daycare. Definite must watch!!
Was this review helpful to you?
What Is Real and What is... Fake...?
This is one of the more curious drama story's I've watched in a long time. I was intrigued by the synopsis and the actor Tamaki Hiroshi is one of my absolute favorite actors to watch so I really wanted to not only give this show a chance but enjoy it as well. The progress is quite fast, if you miss a beat you may miss a few important moments; though I never really felt confused or that I misunderstood something in the long run.I'm curious as to why this only has so few episodes, but while watching it kind of fits the five episode range; toward the end it felt like if more was added then it may feel like it was an improbable idea or a completely different show. Watching Tamaki Hiroshi work as someone who remembered faces was fascinating! I've never seen him work so hard to create such a mesmerizing character. It was nice to see the character's not only succeeding but also failing in their work(s). Only seeing the success of a character(s) is good, but can get boring after a while; so to see that the writers/creators/directors/etc... included the bad along with the mundane and the good was truly interesting and had me on the edge of my seat during the last couple of episodes.
I have to add though, if you aren't good with strong violence, then this may be a show you watch in the daylight or with a partner or not at all. It isn't AWFUL and it isn't too prevalent, there is a few points where I thought "okay time to watch some child cartoons" to try and calm myself down before bed, but that may just be a personal issue. However, the violence does not control the show, it doesn't overtake any point of the story and it isn't too gory or unbelieveable.
This story is honestly great for the five episode line up... Less is more and all that. Each episode was jam packed, though, with so many emotions and mystery and thrills that I was on the edge of my seat, biting my nails in anticipation! If you enjoy thrilling suspense, unsolvable mysteries, dramatic action, and story's that make you think... REALLY THINK what is real and what is fake and what is only in your imagination... Then give this show a try!
Was this review helpful to you?
Original and Unique Yet Familiar
The story within this show is most definitely an original script, however, there are a lot of similarities in the show to other shows I've seen before; in a "read between the lines" sort of way, though. It also felt a little familiar to the American show "Criminal Minds", which made me curious if maybe this was an attempted remake or an attempt to "open the door" for a show remake.Let me restate/re-word the above: this story is definitely an original story, however, the "feeling" and/or the "atmosphere" this show has is familiar. Which makes me wonder if it's the script, if it's myself comparing this story to other story's, if it's some members of the cast (since I've seen them in other criminal/detective shows), or if the creator/creators wanted it to be familiar in a way. In saying all of that, though, I'm not trying to say "do not watch this show"; on the contrary!
The hard work of everyone involved in this show is almost tangible through the screen; watching each case unfold made me want to continue from one episode to the next as soon as possible! While some parts of the episodes are cliche and a little confusing, each episode is clarified towards the episode's end and each episode creates a piece of the puzzle that fits so perfectly together, I was holding my breath while on the edge of my seat.
While some episodes are truly scary, not all of the episodes are, and not all of the episodes are too scary to watch. I have to admit that I did want to watch this story because of a few interesting sentences in the synopsis, though the cast really gave me the extra "push" to continue the show. I wasn't expecting so many popular and famous stars, watching their skill and talents in action really made each episode exciting.
I don't know why only Kitagawa Keiko was set as the "main character" in the listing here on MDL, because after watching the show in its entirety it truly felt like each person had their "five minutes of fame" in the spotlight... Or "limelight" as it were.
If you like thrilling, suspenseful, rollercoaster dramas, or if you're a fan of any actor in this show, then give this show a try!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Rental Clarity
Its been a while since I've been so emotionally involved with a show. Each episode, from beginning to end, was so intense and left me on the edge of my seat of what would happen next. I feel like this could have been a movie, it all flowed so perfectly together. But I believe this story was made in to a 12 episode show to give viewers time to collect themselves and review (talk about) the information from each episode before moving on to the next and the next, until the end. As the story continued to build, each character really created a special position for themselves within the story. It was really great to watch each character grow as their own person, but it was really nice to see how it reflected on the main characters, too.As the Kotaki brothers continued their work, it was nice to see how reflections of each character mirrored back to the brothers. It was like watching a strong foundation being built from the ground up, and how each crack and "imperfection" would be fixed along the way to make the best foundation possible. It was interesting to see the differences in humanity, too; supporters, heartbreak, new relationships, etc.
People have compared this story to "Midnight Diner", and I can see why, the ambience or atmosphere of this show is pretty familiar; but that's where the familiarity stops. I think this show is an underrated gem, it has great power to stand on its own as a fantastic story of mystery, familial and friendly love relationships, etc; and the story of humanity at its best. How to get back up on your feet after falling down, how to ask for help even if you don't want to, how to change, or how to be the best version of yourself.
This show really had a wonderful back story. It was extremely interesting to see the differences between, not only the brothers, but in the humans and community around them. It was nice to watch them build up their careers as well; I really like the idea of a "rental person" to help with personal, private, or just random things. The story, without giving too much away, was very beautiful; about building connections, building oneself, and the hardships while doing so. This story is absolutely one of the best I've seen this year.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Manga Live Action Done Right!
This live action make really holds the manga original very, very close! The similarity in the episodes is uncanny and produced so well, it was like watching the manga float right off the pages, which can be a difficult thing considering this is an extremely original and unique type of story.Granted, there are some cliche Japanese Drama/Movie tropes within the show, but they really take on lives of their own. They don't come across as too cheesy or ridiculous, each moment has just the right amount of balance for the serious, hilarious, and many more! I've never laughed out loud so much, so loud, and so often within a show as I have with this show; granted, not every episode and not the entire episode(s), either. This is one of the funniest yet sincere, honest, and most beautiful shows I have watched in a long time.
The music was really wonderful, the voices more so than the melody I thought really created a nice atmosphere for the show and built up the curiosity to find out what happens next. There were a couple of episodes where I was on the edge of my seat with anticipation! Hiroshi Tamaki and Kawaguchi Haruna really blended into their roles so well that I completely forgot who they were as an actor and actress and fell totally in love with their characters; its almost as if all the actors and actresses within this show came to life from the original story, they all fit their roles and carried them out with the highest pride, dedication, respect, and, of course, enjoyment! It was nice to see some actors/actresses that are new to me and that I will now follow their paths because I liked them in this story so much, and actors/actresses that I know and already follow in different roles that I'm used to seeing them in; especially for Takito Kenichi. I would really like to know how they did some of these scenes without dying of laughter.
I'm so glad this story continues in so many ways (manga of course, a sequel, a spinoff, the anime, a Netflix adaptation, and a movie) because the world needs to see more of these wonderful people and the story of the yakuza house husband needs to continue. This show is a hilarious yet serious and sincere, honest and genuine, raw true story of love, family, relationships, and life. I've enjoyed it very much and hope more people will, too!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Otori no Yu is Perfection
First off, let me start by saying: no, this isn't a "typical drama", however, this is one of the most hilarious and epically entertaining shows I have seen in a long time! I laughed out loud multiple times within an episode. I got worried in a couple other episodes. This is a skit show, even says so at the beginning of each episode, though the way the story builds and continues (unlike most skit shows in America) this show is also a drama. A very exceptional even split between skit/sketch comedy and a drama story creating a fantastic show!I thought the laugh track/live audience laughter would be annoying, but it was kind of helpful in a sense and was really nice to hear as the actors and actresses showed off all of their hard work during the 10 episodes. I wish there were more, or the episodes were a little longer, but seeing how physically demanding, imaginative, fulfilling, and creative each episode was, it's easy to see how the actors/actresses and staff/writer(s)/director(s) were giving the viewer all of their hard work, respect, and dedication to their characters and each other while working.
I like how the setting was created. Building such a wonderful set and atmosphere around the characters, instead of letting the setting build the characters. I saw a few different sides of actors/actresses who I really like and it was ridiculously entertaining. I don't really think this show can be considered a launching pad to put the actors/actresses out in to the celebrity world, but in some ways it sort of felt like it. I really enjoyed watching actors I was familiar with and unfamiliar with come together to create such a spectacular story without making it seem like one actor/actress was more popular or favorited than the others.
The story itself was really interesting! The build up from episode one until the finale was intense, it's small and unassuming, but if you pay attention the story is truly one the more genuine, unique, honest, and emotional stories I've seen. Granted, nothing like murder or the like happens, but this story has got a severe punch to the gut that will take your breath away with laughter!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Intense Mystifying Thrills
This story is not at all what I thought it would be! I've never seen such thrilling dramatics in my life, except for maybe in a couple of movies. This show had such a fantastically unique story that I had never seen before except maybe in manga or anime; in fact, this story is like an anime or manga come to life, which I'm sure a commenter or reviewer already said (lol). IF you're looking for something different with intense story telling then try this show!At the beginning, I wasn't sure about the main character's, they seemed like a mish-mash of people from different "acting ranks" (is that a thing?) brought together to somehow hype up the show. However, the more I watched, the more each actor and actress seemed to fit their role(s) perfectly, like beautiful pieces of a puzzle. For a story like this with its curious plot, a "mish-mash" of people involved is quite really the best reasoning. People who are brought together by something bigger than themselves to work together as a team, drawing from everyone's strengths and filling in where there are weaknesses.
The music for the ending really threw me, at first it didn't really fit within the first few episodes, and it kind of annoyed me at times so I skipped it. Though, as the show went on, and I kept watching all the way to the end (to see if the end credits had secrets lol) the song grew on me, and it even made me feel like I had a hitch in my throat; like I was on the edge of a cliff waiting for something to happen with full dramatics... which is usually did in the next episode. The music for this show was spectacular in helping to create such an amazing universe for this story.
This story is intense, very interesting, and leaves the viewer wanting more! The backstory could have been filled in more for a few characters, but I also like the way they left it blank; as if leaving it to the viewers imagination. But it also makes me wonder if this show was meant to have longer episodes, a special, or even a second season. Some things seemed left to the imagination, while others seemed either forgotten or meant to create a type of bridge to another episode/special/season two. I would love to see more if that is a possibility, of course! However, the sword fighting in this show was so amazingly talented, you could see just how respectful and cautious each person was with the scabbards (sheaths?) and the swords, as well. That had to have been a lot of hard work that pushed the body(bodies) to their limits.
The theme of this show is superb, very interesting and great at catching the viewers attention. The synopsis is a great tantalizing temptation, then you throw in the trailer, too.... and I was hooked from episode one!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Never Underestimate the Fly on the Wall!
I have never been so terrified of a secretary in all my life. First of all, these women are the epitome of "strength" and I can see why they are all so popular, yet go unnoticed. It's not like they do so purposefully, but that people usually take them for granted so they just don't seem to give them any attention, let alone respect, nor the time of day... Like they don't even exist! Which is just perfect for the seven (or is it 8?..... maybe 9?) "someone who isn't great enough to be identified" persons.First of all, I was unsure of a couple of casted individuals, but that was dispelled right away! The more you watch, the more you realize that their "invisibility" is actually perfect. Through their hard work, they are all recognized at work but they are also taken for granted and treated as nothing more than servants or a pawn. As each story builds the pressure, I found myself waiting with extreme anticipation on the edge of my seat! The cases were different, extremely different, than anything I've seen before; granted there are a few moments of "ah this is typical for a Japanese police/detective/crime drama", but they go by in a flash! This story really does pride itself on its remarkable originality!
The climax was spread between multiple episodes, which sort of felt dragged out on purpose but really the more I watched the more the building blocks of a fantastic story were being created. I never imagined the outcome, though it was sort of expected in some places; even so, I could never predict what actually happened! The twists and turns within this case seriously threw me for a loop more than once. The music really helped to encourage the cliffhangers and empower the epic scenes. A few times, I cried way too much; a couple of episodes, too, I felt like all the air was sucked out of me.
This show is full of life. Hard fought, grateful, appreciative, raw, genuine, honest, respected, happy, sad, mad, unexpected life!
Was this review helpful to you?
