Entertaining Dramatics
Without skipping much in the way of thrills or epic scenes typical to Japanese police/detective dramas (ie: suspect chases, dramatic buddy/partner pairs, exciting cases) this show is one of the most superb stories. I wish there were more episodes, but I do feel that they left off on a good note with more tabs closed than cliffhangers. This story was dramatic, hilarious, heartfelt, genuine, and very smart.I could see how hard everyone worked (especially since this is during Covid-19) to fulfill their roles. It is hard to wear all of the police gear that they are actually required to, so to see them put it on each day like it was "nothing" or "not that big of a deal" during the summer and Covid, was really something. I think it's very respectable to actual police officers that they cast/writers/staff/director/etc. diligently put in so much hard work for their story to be so accurate, respectable, honest, and relatable.
Some parts of the story were a little predictable, and some parts I kind of got bored with; but those only lasted for a fraction of a second. Its such an even paced show, and the dialogue was really well written. It seemed like everyone was on the same page and were on very good terms while they were working, it's almost tangible within each scene!
If you like the people in this cast line up, even if they only appear for a second or two, then this show is a must watch. They really show off each actors/actresses "best side" when they filmed and created this story. I'm definitely a little sad that its over!
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Clearing Crimes from the Public and Even the Police..?!
This story is fascinating and had me captivated from episode one! I still have unanswered questions about a few of the episodes, and I believe this show should be given either an updated remake or a second season; the cast, the mystery, the drama was intense and way too epic to just leave at eight episodes!In all honesty, I'm not entirely sure what to write in this review. The music was an interesting choice, but most definitely escalated or calmed the story when necessary; like adding fuel to a fire! It was nice watching a few cast members I'm familiar with go out of their "ordinary" roles (at least that I've seen them in) or what seemed like they were either trying something new with this casting or testing their limits of what they are capable of. I think my favorite, oddly enough, was Suzuki Kosuke as Shibata-san, truly. The way he was portrayed felt like the rise and fall of an ocean wave; you don't know whats coming next, could be high tide could be low tide could be a jelly fish. Does that make sense? Even though I ironically began this series for two other actors, Takahashi Katsunori and Koizumi Kotaro. Also, am I the only one who thinks Hirayama Hiroyuki sounds like Okada Masaki? I'm excited to see what other shows he is in as well.
I enjoyed seeing the private lives of the detectives as well as the tumultuous lives they led within the police bureaucracy. The higher ranks dragging along the lower ranks, while at home dealing with personal issues ranging from familial to money to relationships. Each issue throughout every episode felt so raw and honest that I began to feel sorry and/or angry for a couple of the characters. Each feeling was portrayed so gutwrenchingly well that I felt sick to my stomach in a couple of the episodes.
I wish this story had 9 episodes, though it doesn't feel like the show was left on a cliffhanger, it sort of was left on a cliffhanger. I most certainly was left with unanswered questions, but I think that's just me and my hope for more episodes! Watching and rooting for the team of underdogs is always entertaining, and in some cases inspiring or even life changing.
If you enjoy dark, twisting, suspense and crime dramas... Then this story may be for you!
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Spirals of Mystery and Confusion
I want to start by saying this show is both familiar and one of a kind. Ridiculous, I know. Honestly, though, I have never seen a story like this before; however, there were also a few familiar pieces. Though most were cliches or repetitive plot lines of the Japanese crime/police/mystery drama genres, I think, This story is quite unique on it's own, but paired with such a fantastic cast it is truly mesmerizing!When I began the first episode, I wasn't entirely sure if I wanted to keep watching, though this show does grow on the viewer the more they watch. Almost identical to a roller coaster, slowly and slowly the story climbs to the top of the climax (aka hill) before launching into the finale!
I could never predict who was the true culprit behind the main story/plot line, I tried and tried and had finally convinced myself that either the show wasn't complete or they were going to leave a cliffhanger for a season two or a movie/special. I 100% did not see the ending coming!
All of the intrigue and mystery kept me on the edge of my seat, and the unexplained had a strong pull on me to keep wanting to know more and more. Toward the end of the last two episodes, things began to feel a little rushed, like they were running out of time or something; but never once did the story become too cheesy or inexplicable, or too farfetched. A few of the cases had me biting my nails with worry. The feelings in this story are so raw and relatable that they're almost tangible through the screen! The actors cast for this incredible story really put forth their most spectacular work!
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Truth is...
....No one knows except one certain, specific person. However, where that person is.... Also, no one knows.Multiple mysteries and thrilling stories are told in a mesmerizing and fascinating fashion. Each episode was full of honest, relatable curiosity; who truly is who they say they are? This story shows the reality of people, their issues with trust, the masks they wear, and the truth they show to other people. This entire show had me contemplating and calculating just who the mastermind honestly was... And I never once would have guessed the answer!
If you are a fan of any actor in this show, a good mystery where the thrills continue to build and build while you watch on the edge of your seat as if on pins and needles, extraordinary raw emotions that are relatable and heartwrenching then definitely give this show a chance. There aren't a lot of confusing definitions or legal terms it's like the viewer is led through the Japanese court system with each episode. However, murder, mystery, and lies are not the only things being "taught" or shown throughout this story, though none of this story is told as if the viewer is being preached to or things are overly cheesy or dramatic, either.
While there wasn't any real cliffhanger at the end of this story, personally there were a few questions I would have liked answered. This story is one of the most "I had no idea [this person] did it!" shows I have seen in a long time. At no point did I expect the story to become what it did in the end, nor did I believe [culprit name] was the actual culprit! This story will leave you guessing up until the very last minute!
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Komoda desu~
This story was one of the most relatable, mesmerizing, thrilling, heart wrenching stories I have seen in a long time. Each character seemed to have a certain challenge or aspect of their personality that just resonated with me, something that seemed familiar and unique and genuine all at once.This town was full of differences. Loud, quiet, annoyed, anxious, friendly, shy, frustrated, sneaky, helpful, curious, etc... The whole wide rainbow of different personalities was included in this show; and with such a wonderful cast that was chosen, it's no surprise to me! While it does list a main character here, I really think the entire cast was a main character, as well as the town itself. It was really nice to see how beautiful, different, and similar the Japanese country side is.
This was an uplifting sort of show, inspiring the townspeople (and viewers) to "do their best where they are planted", sort of. While the show gathered an incredible cast, it confuses me as to why there was only seven episodes, and why the last episode sort of feels cut short. No cliffhanger, per say; but... No answers. Seeing the different sides of people during each episode was fascinating, as well; taking "people watching" to a whole different level. There were a couple of episodes where I thought "oh so its gonna go this direction".... But nope! I was completely wrong! I tried to guess a few scenarios throughout the show and each time I was wrong. One episode had me laughing way too hard, but a word of warning, be prepared with tissues for a couple of episodes.
I feel like this story had more depth to it than just seven episodes. It feels like something was trying to get started but then it was shut down at seven episodes. Whatever that "something" was, I couldn't tell you, however so I wonder if other viewers will notice or not. The story was told beautifully, the heart and joy that went in to making each episode was almost tangible. If you're a fan of (pretty much) any actor/actress in this show, or the slice-of-life, inspiring/uplifting, good versus evil, friends to enemies genres, or just want to see some gorgeous Japanese country side, then definitely give this show a try!
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Too Good To Be True
I don't want to say this isn't a good show, because it's quite the contrary! The story this time is one of the more interesting ones I have seen in a long while, however, that isn't necessarily true for the show in its entirety, unfortunately....The cast was wonderfully picked, but I do think (if a remake was/is to be made) I would recast a few roles; though that may just make this story more focused on the popularity of the actors alone instead of both actors and the script, which is well deserving of a lot of attention! Honestly, this is truly a curious and exciting story to watch as each episode had me on the edge of my seat, mesmerized and wondering what happen next!
The plot and story themselves were very original; each episode had me holding my breath while I tried to put the pieces together of what would happen next.... and I could never figure things out. The first few episodes were probably my favorite of the series, really; the reference to some popular artists was a highlight and kept the thrilling action rising right up to the peak point in the final episode(s).
Watching the teamwork throughout each episode was fun, too. Seeing them grow as a team during each case and "Marutai" was fascinating; it wasn't like watching a lot of "bodyguard" or "special police/security" teams in dramas, shows, or movies now, but it does seem to be the script/storyline does seem to be the base-line for a few. Not so much, though, that things are familiar and I can immediately point them out in other shows, but enough to realize I've seen them before. Though this script truly is one of a kind, most definitely a story unlike any other! A lot of creative minds must have collaborated and worked diligently to create such an interesting and spectacular show.
If you're looking for a good mystery, a show to begin your viewing of Japanese dramas, or if you're an Okada Junichi fan then this show would be interesting to keep in mind!
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Underrated Beauty~
The story of this drama is amazing! There aren't any big, epic dramatics, nothing is exaggerated, cheesy, or too complicated... This story is simply the story of life, growth, love, and death.The major "epic" of this story is really Mother Nature and the natural disaster(s) she throws humanity's way, and then the aftermath of how humanity rebuilds, grows, strengthens, and fights to live in many, many different ways. This show is truly the definition of the "slice-of-life" genre. Giving the viewers a little piece of the aftereffects/affects of what happened on March 11th was truly eye-opening, gut-wrenching, and heartbreaking. I don't know if this was the studio/staff/director/writer/etc or the government's choice, but the fact that the show only told a little bit of the March 11th story was, in my eyes, respectful to the citizens and the country. While we can watch what happened on the news, we will never know the true horrors of what really happened; and I don't think we should know. I'm glad that the story showed respect in this way, is what I think.
Watching the characters go through their hardest and happiest times during this story was really interesting. Each one had their own circumstances, each one had their own "traumas", each one had their own difficulties, each one had their own faults, and so on. It was as if the story I was watching wasn't a drama created by writers or the manga creator, but a docu-drama based on a true story.
Watching the characters develop throughout the story was fascinating. I was rooting for the best of each character throughout the entire show. A few episodes were devastating to watch, but seeing how every bit of each episode's story fit together to create the perfect puzzle only made me even more curious to watch and find the truth and circumstances of each person. I could really relate to the panic and anxiety that was felt during a few of the episodes; and the heartbreak of losing someone tragically, traumatically, and without warning.
This story is a very beautiful, heartfelt, respectful, loving, raw, unique, genuine, and honest story. It's strong because it shows its weaknesses, the cracks that we try to hide away from society, the relationships we lose and build and rebuild as life continues. This show shared the truth of life with the viewers, truly a tearful and loving story.
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What Can You See..?
This story is truly one of a kind, heartfelt, bittersweet, and gut wrenching. Watching each case as it unfolded was truly mesmerizing! This was a nice, subdued role for some of the actors cast in this show which gave the story itself a big spot to shine.This story wasn't fast or slow paced, it was really exciting to watch how evenly each episode was as it built up to the final episodes. Fair warning, I watched this series with the last five episodes not subbed, so while I do understand the bare minimum of Japanese, it was a little tricky to fully understand. Though nothing was too confusing or inexplicable really. The music was really beautiful and fueled my need for wanting to continue watching. Even without subtitles, I am really very glad that I continued watching Natsume Emi's story.
I feel like this show may be a bit more philosophical than mystery in genre; though the detective's cases were interesting and a few were impossible to figure out. The cast for each episode was extraordinary, especially the last 2 or 3 episodes. Though that may just be my bias since I really like Kubota Masataka. Also, if you want to watch this show specifically for a certain actor, then that may be okay, too; depending on who it is. Every person cast got their moment in the spotlight, so it never really felt like there was ONLY ONE main character.
If you like detective, slice-of-life, family centered, criminal, about 40% (or 45% i can't really decide) thriller, roller coaster of emotions stories then give this show a chance!
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Some Lives Can't Be Saved...?? Or Can They?
In all honesty, I procrastinated watching this show because I assumed it would be a little too scary for my tastes, not to mention way too cheesy and over-the-top unrealistic. However... I was completely mistaken and completely mindblown!The attention to detail, the cast, and the genuine reality of the word "emergency" brought to life was done so realistically and honestly that I had to remind myself, multiple times, "no this didn't really happen if it did i definitely would have seen it on the news"...... In all seriousness, the stories within each episode were truly epic. Sure a few bits and pieces of the episode, or the emergency scene(s), were exaggerated but nothing was too unrealistic, nothing was too "hollywood cheesy", and pretty much everything made sense as the episode and the story as a whole continued on. The medical jargon is a little hard to follow, but they don't use it too often and theres no cluttering of the screen with long definitions. It really is like watching a live medical rescue.
The casting was a little more than half of the reason why I continued watching, too. I didn't realize Kaname Jun was in this series, even though I've poured over the cast list a few times, but his stern, stoic, and kind character was a good balance between reality and television stories. I wasn't sure about Suzuki Ryohei, but watching him act opposite Kaku Kento as both their characters and as their own person was incredible. I have to say that I see them both in a new light and am excited to see them in many more roles, even ones that I don't expect or agree with.
The opposing of good and evil, or "i'm scared" or "i hate this" and "i'm proud of this job" or "i have confidence/trust i can do this" was fascinating to watch build within each MER team member. I do like that the show seemed to prioritize the story as a whole and did not delve too deep into filler episodes of past lives; though that doesn't mean they never did, it was just done efficiently and almost privately, as if revealing bits and pieces until the big climax moment for each character, the episode, or the show's finale.
If you like thrilling mysteries, epic adventure, medical dramas, then I definitely suggest giving this show a try! My only complaint? The finale episode wasn't long enough. Hah!
Although, there are a few more stories to be seen in the TOKYO MER special, spin-off, and movie!
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Love School or Magic?
This may be one of the best roles I have seen Hongo Kanata in; it was as if Ueno-san was written specifically for Hongo-san. The way he portrayed such an "evil-yet-kind-hearted" character was truly one of a kind, very unique, genuinely relatable, and even, at times, a little funny.Watching "Ichijo-kun" go through the motions of all the trials and tribulations of dating was hard to watch, and again, sometimes funny, and a little sneaky. However, none of the "lessons" felt cheesy or like they were a little too "snake-like". It seemed like all, or most, of the lessons learned throughout this show could be used in any type of relationship... Though, not in their entirety...
While this story seemed a bit exaggerated at first, toward the middle it all seemed to balance out as the episodes continued and what became the finale was something really spectacular. I have to say, I laughed a lot during this show, though watching the touching-heart-felt moments and the bittersweet-unfortunate moments really added to the show's authenticity. The ending was a bit of a cliffhanger, but even if it didn't end the way it did.... I would still definitely want to see more of Gotanda Kingdom!
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Completely Unexpected
This show was absolutely what the synopsis said it was.... However, it was also the complete opposite! From episode one, I did not expect this story to be so exciting. I read the synopsis, saw it had 28 episodes and completely judged a "book" by its cover!The cast really sold this story well. From the beginning, I only knew about 3-4 actors/actresses throughout the entire show; however, as I continued watching it truly was the cast of wonderful actors and actresses that made this story so fantastic. I laughed, cried, got angry (i've never disliked a character so fast lol), was scared, and even held my breath in some spots. Each episode was a surprise. The story seemed to move pretty quickly, though it didn't feel like there was any cliffhanger moment or any questions left unanswered.
This story is great for a binge day or if you're just starting out watching Japanese dramas, since it has a little bit of every genre in one story. I do wish they had more than 28 episodes, honestly; I would really like to see more of Kanaka, Masa, and everyone! This show is the definition of "dont judge a book by its cover"... I hope you give it a chance!
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Surprise~
This show delivered the most unsuspecting twist I've seen recently... Completely blindsided me!However, in all honesty, at the beginning, it was hard to fully get into. Through no fault of the cast though; the cast assembled was fantastic! Watching their special skills and unique talents come into play was almost tangible throughout each episode. While this story did have some familiarity with other Japanese detective/crime/police/mystery stories or plot lines, this show really stood alone on its own two feet quite well!
I would have liked to of seen more back story in to a few characters, and because this show and its characters were incredible to watch, it also would have been nice to see a few more episodes before the big dramatic ending. I have to say the finale was a little anticlimactic, but the cliffhanger most definitely left me with an emphasized feeling of wanting more.
Each character really held their own individuality with pride and it was almost like they were showing off. Watching them all work alone but towards the finale come together like perfect puzzle pieces to create such an extraordinary story was fascinating to watch! Made me wish there was more story for Miki Clinic; it was very obvious that the show was created with a lot of respect and care.
I never could have guessed the final though. I definitely thought the "criminal mastermind" was someone else, though the "big trouble" was kind of generic to other stories, it sort of felt like they were going one way with the story and then said "ah yes, we'll just add this in right here and over there", not as a last minute they forgot feeling, but more so they weren't sure how to add it in or where to begin with the mysterious "big trouble". I hope that mind sense!
I know my reviews aren't the most literary or movie perfection, but maybe my more simple reviews help someone out there. This show really does have a fantastic story, so I hope you'll give it a chance!
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I'm really glad....~
I am thrilled that I began this story, the twists and turns were like a roller coaster and it truly felt like the fine line between the predictable and the unknown was held in high regard while the show was being created. While there are familiarities within the second season just like the first, I could never truly predict what would happen next! This second season, however, left a bit of space for a cliffhanger, unfortunately.I enjoy watching Masuda Takahisa act, and with each role, it appears that he is only getting better. No matter the role he is cast in, it is very obvious that he is putting in a lot of hard work, diligence, respect, and raw unfiltered honesty of his self as he creates each character and the story(ies) they live in.
Watching Ukisho Hidaka and Nakayama Yuma was a treat as well, they are very skilled actors and seemed to immerse themselves within their roles as if they were acting as their true selves. Which is kind of scary if you watch the show. However, both Ukisho Hidaka and Nakayama Yuma have piqued my interest in Shikigami-ryu, wondering if it is a real thing or if it is just something created for the show/story. Watching Ukisho Hidaka and Nakayama Yuma train during the two seasons was so extraordinary; watching the way their bodies moved in deliberate yet effortless movements of strength was truly a beautiful art.
In all honesty, part(s) of me could guess what was going to happen but the show continuously threw in a wrench just as I thought "aha! thats the explanation" and whatever I thought went out the window as completely wrong. But, again, there were some predictable moments, too. So I think it will differ for each viewer.
I really enjoyed how they worked in the "fantasy" pieces of the story. The writer(s), director(s), staff, actors, and so on, truly weaved in those moments with the reality of what was happening during the story. It was almost tangible the pride every person involved with this show, from season one to season two, took in their work to tell an intriguing, curious, suspenseful story that would leave viewers grasping at straws for answers.
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Sakurako-san no Ashimoto ni wa Shitai ga Umatteiru
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Each bit of this story fits together like a skeleton (pun intended) and the thrills and suspense within each episode fit together piece by piece to create a magnificent story filled with genuine, raw human emotion and honesty that is something very fitting with reality.
The actors and actresses that portray each person have a wonderful talent and respect for their skill and their work that is almost tangible and feels as if they've been swallowed by the character they are acting as, while the viewer(s) watch the story unfold. Each episode is very unique and completely different to any stories I've seen or read before, this show and its story are very intriguing!
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