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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Different Forms, Different Meanings of Love and Heartbreak
This story was the absolute definition of its synopsis... And then some. Do not watch this if you're ONLY looking for a happy-go-lucky love story/family story/coming-of-age story. There is so much more to this story than those genres alone; considering my own life and circumstances, this story is one of the most relatable, gut-wrenching, yet heart-warming stories I have seen in a long time.A true story, in its own right, of love in all of its forms; good, bad, ugly, first, last, friends, family, new and/or old relationships, too. Toward the end, it was almost hard to watch. This story showed the most realistic view of love, friendship, family, new beginnings, and old relations. Honestly, it was one of the most relatable, raw, and real stories; incredibly true to life in more ways than one. Without sharing spoilers, because I truly would like a lot of people to watch and experience this show, to explore the feelings of this show within themselves as they watch.
This story showed the good, the bad, and the ugly sides of life and all of its characteristics and events. Meeting new people, making new friends, starting new adventures, trying new things, exploring or creating new versions of yourself... From birth, through life, and then some... All of life's ups, downs, uncomfortable moments, exhilarating moments, and everything in between. A thrilling adventure, indeed!
*** SPOILER ***
"Every spring, the cherry blossoms bloom, but you need a ticket to view them: your life. As mentioned in the Kokinshu, the cherry blossoms bloom every year, but in order to see them, you need to continue living. For both flowers and people, it's meeting once in a lifetime. Wholeheartedly enjoy every single moment as it will never come again. Now, dance and go crazy as much as you like. Everyone, let's be intoxicated with the joy of living for a while."
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Beware Watching on an Empty Stomach!
A cozy, curious, satisfying story showing off Japan's different lively and beautiful towns full of delicious, umami, and stunning foods and beverages, while including a rich and in depth history of, not only Japan and/or a certain town, the food and drink featured. However, be careful not to watch on an empty stomach; honestly, it can get dangerous...Each episode features specialties from the town that Takamiya Susumu-san (played by Mashima Hidekazu) is visiting; the variety of interesting feasts range from the adventures to the comforting "soul food" types. Each meal is thought out and planned from beginning to end, including snacks, with a lot of thought and careful selection to ensure a special and tasty meal to enjoy. The delicate choosing seems to be tangible through the screen; each episode looked immensely fun!
I really enjoyed watching the interactions between Susumu-san and the local artisans, chefs, restaurant or station staff, and citizens around the town as well. It really became a close tie in what I enjoyed watching more, his adventures around the towns he visited, the food and drink he carefully and happily chose, or the characters of the show! It was nice seeing more of his "home life" throughout a couple of episodes, though I really liked seeing Zhiwei-san enjoying Japan while thinking of his family and trying new things, too; I felt as if I (the viewer) were participating along with Susumu-san's "food prep"!
Learning about the history of Japan is one thing, but I believe that learning while engaging one or two, if not all, of the human senses (see, taste, hear, touch, position, etc) while learning can be extremely helpful! Like in a couple of episodes they showcased a few moments of Japanese history dating back to (if i remember correctly) the 1800's and while doing so the story showed off a few special drinks or food dishes that were not only popular during the time period but even now, during this day and age... In theory, if I went back to study about that certain time period, it's possible the food and/or drink I tasted when I first learned the history could help me remember and remember and remember for a long time.... Hopefully.
This show has a sneaky way of showing off the best, unknown secrets of food, drinks, and the country itself, making me want to adventure outside of my comfort zone and try new things! Tofu, mushrooms, crab, sea bream, prawns, liver, sake, craft beer, etc... A mesmerizing comfort show specializing in adventure, history, culture, umami, and even a little bit of the love of traveling. If you're interested in learning about Japan, whether that be the culture or food or beverages, or enjoy a slow-paced calming story of lively adventure, then please give this show a try!
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TOKYO AIRPORT - Tokyo Kuukou Kansei Hoanbu
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Ground Control to Tokyo Tower
I started this show years back and for some reason it didn't hold my attention then, but giving it a try now was a completely different story. At first, I wanted to watch this for the synopsis and for Tokito Saburo (since I had just finished watching Dr. Koto Shinryojo). Kaname Jun is also a good reason to watch, too!I'm not entirely sure what to say about this show, honestly. There are no confusing or long terms to misunderstand, there are not any extreme dramatics or cheesy romances, but it does show its age in terms of phrases, fashion, the way people interact with each other, etc. I feel like maybe they were aiming for more episodes, or maybe a movie or special. Though it doesn't really feel like the show ended on a cliffhanger or left things unresolved. It just feels like there was supposed to be more.
The cast must have had a very hard time while practicing and filming this show; everyone in the tower, and most likely everyone cast, must have gone through some intense training to make sure they were close to a perfect match with reality. A lot of the personal issues, along with work troubles, seemed very relatable to me, as well. Watching as everyone found their place within an already formed team after a new airplane controller was added, how they created trust and respect among each other to expand outward and create a happy, healthy, and honest work place was fascinating to watch. Toward the end of the story it was like everyone had been doing this for a long time, it all came together easily and looked flawless. Considering some bits of the story and the characters involved, I would have liked to of seen them more in the spotlight or heard more of their backstory, but all in all each character was truly unique.
If you like thrilling shows where you can learn a little as you enjoy an incredible story with an extraordinary cast, shows where you feel like you're fully mesmerized by the suspense and excitement on the screen, where it's almost tangible, then please, definitely give this story a try!
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"Its Okay, Its Okay..."
In all honesty, I wanted to watch this show for the synopsis and the cast was an added bonus.... Though I have to say, as both cast and story came together an incredible story was told!Honestly, this felt like an hour lead up to a series of at least 10 or 11 episodes, and I am so confused as to why that never happened or why this was a special/movie and not a drama series in the first place. The team work created throughout the scary, sad, gut wrenching moments had me on the edge of my seat the entire time! I was curious about how things would work out with the school or how things would work out with the "security guard onii-chan".... The last few moments of rescue(s) gave me goosebumps even.
The script didn't explain much in way of back story, though it also didn't ignore the backstory(ies) either. Each character seemed to have a wonderful build-up of information to form a solid person that was relatable and interesting to the viewer; again, something just seemed to be missing or the feeling of "the next episode" or "to be continued" fell in to some places throughout the show.
The story(ies) weren't exaggerated, either; each one seemed like a piece taken right out of the headlines or from past security guard company log books. Though they weren't downplayed, either. Each story and case had a proper amount of thrill, sympathy, caution, danger, and comfort at their outcome. I don't want to say that this show needed more "drama", because really it was epic as it is now; but... again, I go back to: "i just wish this story had more!"
The story itself was incredibly relatable, almost as if it were a "docu-drama" and the viewers were watching the remake of true-real-life stories. The action throughout this show, as with many other Japanese dramas, too, is fascinating to watch! Most American shows and movies always include guns or bombs or explosions of some kind; however, Japan seems to entrust the dramatics of their story's to the script and the abilities of the chosen cast, staff, composers, producers, directors, etc. I believe the beginning of the finale was meant to be heard and not seen, so as to add in another layer of "fear" to the process. Which in turn made me super curious as to how things were going to end!
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Unexpected Yet Exciting
I began watching this show for two reasons: the synopsis and for Sakaguchi Kentaro. The story/script was one that I've heard of before, and in fact felt similar to a few different shows I've seen before (though mostly by their atmosphere or the story in the episode more so than the show as a whole). Watching this show was like re-watching a comfort show, an old familiar favorite... And it was much more thrilling than I expected!While there are a few terms that I don't understand, the story does explain them all with a purpose so it isn't like there's no reason or the only purpose for the terms is to be confusing. Each episode is certainly one of a kind, a very original story, and even in some episodes, it seems like the story as whole is abandoned and they're only focusing on the main issue for each episode... Though that turned out not to be the case!
Watching as the team built each case along with their trust amongst each other, while seeing different sights of Japan and the behind the scenes workings of not only the government but many different kinds of politics, stores, traditions, cultures, and lifestyles was truly the reason I continued watching this mesmerizing story!
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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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Insufficient Excellence!
This show is an underrated gem! The story alone is superb, but when you add in such a fantastic cast it makes this story even excellent!The curious bit that this show leaves behind is the past of all their characters; though it does fit with the storyline. I'm left wondering why this show only had seven episodes, it would have been nice to see more of the partnership between Kubota Masataka and Kitamura Kazuki as they went through the ups and downs of life along with the work of being a bodyguard, which in itself is an interesting story.
While there are only seven episodes, it does not mean the story is lacking content or moving too fast. Quite the opposite! This show packs a punch in to a little bit of time by telling an epic adventure story! I appreciate the few flashback scenes and the importance the script put on "moving forward"; it was nice to see characters that are looking for the "happy" sides of life while using the upsets of their past, instead of always brooding and dwelling over things.
I think this show can make a comeback, maybe with the same cast or maybe with a different cast; the "side characters" at Asahina-san's side were extremely interesting and I would have liked to of seen more of their interactions. This story really is unique and relatable in many ways. Please give this show a try!
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In Between
This special was really nice to watch the little "in between" moments of the family and the life they lead. I wish there was a little more focus on Tsugumi's character, but that could be a personal wish considering she was a very adorable child who portrayed her role incredibly well!This special was also interesting to watch, it was sort of as if the story told here filled in the bits and pieces of what happened between season's 1 and 2, and what happened behind the scenes of some bits within the episodes. Once again, this story truly shone a light on the truth of family, friends, co-workers, and the reality of everything surrounding them. Honestly, if you look up the definition of "slice-of-life" then this show may be pictured. Though that isn't to say that the series is boring or not creative or imaginative. Truthfully, this show has one of the more suspenseful and mesmerzing stories I have watched for a long time; and the music fuels the expectations of each upcoming episode, while shining importance on the episode that just ended.
Some moments are hard to watch after getting to know the family and all of the characters around them. Some episodes, this special included, really tugged at my heart and caught my breath in my throat. This show really is an incredible epic.
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Medical Misfits Turned Heroes?
The stories that took place during this show were nail bitting, gut wrenching, realistically terrifying, and completely had me on the edge of my seat fascinated! I truly never knew what was going to happen next.At the beginning I was unsure of the cast (like "should so-and-so really be in this story or he/she/they may be better), however as each episode began and the story, as a hole, progressed, I could see how each and every cast member (from the main to the supporting cast) fell in to their own pace and the cast, as a whole, created a rapport with each other so well that it was as if they were truly nurses and doctors. Each case went from calm to terrifying and back to calm dramatically, however that doesn't mean that out of the hospital was a "smooth ride down easy street" either. The balance between work and personal lives was so realistic that I could truly sympathize and empathize with both doctors, nurses, firemen, emt's/paramedics, patients, and the friends and family of each.
The music really helped to fuel a lot of the roller coaster like ups and downs in this show. I really never expected a lot of what occurred throughout each episode; including extreme dislike for two of the characters.
I wish the ending was a little different and the show was a little longer. Japan honestly knows how to create an epic medical drama/movie without it all becoming too cheesy or unrealistic or completely fake. (America not so much...)
I truly enjoyed learning throughout the stories too. Each patients medical care was excellent! Honestly I thought I was watching a documentary or reality show. I like how they showed just enough "gore" to explain/show how traumatic the case was without going overboard; though there were a few cases were I was curious if something like what happened to a patient was writer made or truth.
I believe the cast makes this story excel, though the writing and filming is also extraordinary!
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Full of Twists and Turns and Hopeful for More!
This story is one of the most realistically honest, bittersweet, dramatically epic, extremely thrilling stories I have seen in a long time; each episode was incredible! Watching each episode's story unfold was truly fascinating. The ego, or should I say arrogance... Or maybe... The confidence of the people involved in each story was surreal.This story is one of the most captivating and curious stories I have watched in a very long time. It was exciting to see a few of my favorite actors in roles that were enthralling and seemed to be written for them to act in as if to show off their skills and talents.
Each episode took my breath away, like a punch to the stomach. Watching the team work together through their past(s) and proceed in their future(s) was mesmerizing; the way they moved through society and their personal lives was curious, almost like watching two different people cast for one role; like twins or parallel universe situations. The Twilight Zone comes to mind.
I don't want to get future viewers' hopes up for "100% happy endings" and this isn't exactly as dark as the synopsis says it is, though watching the risks each story's cast takes on has been immensely scary and has kept me on the edge of my seat the entire show. The story had a lot of hilarious moments as well, including a few that I believe could only have been pulled off by the selected cast members. Especially Fujiwara Tatsuya, his dead-pan reactions were amazing. I also found a few other actors to follow and a few more that I already knew of that completely surprised me with their talents. It was nice to see familiar faces expanding their talents in similar areas/casting while also showing completely different sides of themselves.
The ending was not at all what I expected! Honestly, this story is something special an intriguing; not one to be missed!
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Junkyouju Takatsuki Akira no Suisatsu Season 2
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Curiouser and Curiouser....
The second series was just as epic and thrilling as the first! While I do wish it was like the first series, with different mysteries inside each episode, to watch what transpired in this series was incredible and had me guessing on the edge of my seat up until the very end of the last episode. In all honesty, while I do think it was a little anticlimactic, I do like the ending for what it is.I wish there was more to this series, though the end doesn't feel like a cliffhanger; the story was just so amazing with each new cast member and/or piece added to the puzzle. While a little of this series felt familiar, it didn't feel rushed or over-done, or too cheesy, like it was a last minute thought. It was kind of expectant, though, in some places. After watching the first and second series, this show has made me want to watch more shows/movies/specials with Inoo Kei, Jinguji Yuta, Okada Yui, Yoshizawa Hisashi, Koike Teppei, and Suga Kenta. This cast fit their characters so well! Watching the mannerisms of each person and how they brought their characters to life, from the personality to emotions to how they supported each other or acted while on their own, was truly amazing to watch. It definitely didn't feel like watching one episode alone, it sort of melted together like a movie or special episode.
I wish there was more to this story. It was really fascinating to learn about Japanese history, myths, legends, and the supernatural. While the show as a whole does get a bit scary in places, it's not terrifying and definitely not something I would skip watching even if you're afraid of a lot of thrilling or suspenseful shows. The ending was interesting, it was nice to see something anticlimactic actually, as odd as that sounds. I would like to see a follow up, a lot; if only because I truly enjoyed their story!
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Like a Roller Coaster
As the headline says, this show really starts out pretty "normal", slowly growing with each episode to become a spectacular dive in to an incredible story.While I have seen a few Japanese myths, legends, and/or curses told within dramas, anime, manga, variety shows, movies, or even music videos, the way they are told during this series is completely different. I tried looking in to the manga that this show is based off of, and after reading a few chapters came to the decision (or realization maybe) that this show is telling the same story but in its own way. I can honestly say that I have never seen anything like this show!
The cast created a beautiful, gut wrenching, thrilling, suspenseful story that really had me on the edge of my seat toward the end. I do like that they didn't toss in a lot of cheesy romance or "bromance" inuendos, they did show a couple but they did it tastefully, I think. This story seemed to bring different types of "romance" to light, such as a "bromance" or "friendship" or "community". It was really wonderful to watch the story grow from one little track to a large hill up until the dramatic ending.
The charm of this show I think is that its familiar, we've all heard stories like these before, however, the way the extraordinary cast pull the entire show together really is a testament to their hardwork, character(s), and trust between themselves, the other cast members, and staff.
This show had a wonderful balance of "funny" to "dramatic" to "majorly serious" not only throughout the entire series, but sometimes within one episode. I really enjoyed seeing the strong female characters, as well. While I believe that the last episode ended things quite well, I do have some lingering questions that I wish could be answered. I know there's a second season, but I kind of wish there was a special episode or movie in between or even after the second season.
Truly this show is one epic story to not be missed, especially if you are fans of the two lead actors or even if you are new to watching Japanese dramas and/or movies. There wasn't anything truly terrifying in this show, but I do have to say some moments in the episodes definitely had me covering my eyes! Seriously, give this show a chance, you will not be disappointed!
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Left wanting more...
I enjoy the manga this series is based on so I was nervous about watching, however, I can tell you that I was extremely and pleasantly surprised about how each episode came together. Though I'm not too sure I will have a lot to say in this review, only because I feel like the show itself, or maybe it's the story, was too short, but here is what I thought....I really enjoyed watching Hashimoto Ryo and Takaishi Akari in their roles, especially as I continued with each episode. I haven't seen either of them in a show or movie before, and I usually stick to show's where I know most of the actors, so it was very refreshing to see some new faces. Especially because they both really managed to act out their roles similar to how the manga characters are. I think the story itself is new, I do remember some episodes or pieces of the episodes that were in the manga, but because each actor/actress brought the character to life while simultaneously showing themselves as well, I believe the live-action is an incredibly real, honest, relatable, genuine journey through high school, the awkward years, and the difficulties in growing up (not to mention over coming issues from the past).
I do wish that there were more episodes, I feel like there is so much left to say and I wish that we could have seen a few more characters from the manga make an appearance. I don't feel like there are any questions left to answer, other than I wanted to see more acting from Hashimoto Ryo and Takaishi Akari both as themselves and as their characters, Haiba Jin and Ochiai Mikoto. Watching this show felt like watching the manga come to life, I believe the embodiment of the characters from the manga and the creation of them in live-action form was spectacular, fascinating to watch, and most definitely full of charm. I really hope there will be more to this story; I also wonder why they stopped at 9 episodes.
Apparently I had a lot to say.... Oops....
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The In Between
The story and stories within the 6 episodes of this show far exceeded my expectations. We all have loved ones, friends and family, arguments and happiness, internal conflicts, external conflicts, dreams and ideals, thoughts and convictions, worries and fears... That's obvious. However, what isn't obvious, is the in-between....Watching each flight arrive and each case being handled with the utmost respect, care, and genuine humanity was truly something to watch; it shook me to my core through and through. Some stories are a little harder to watch than others, so keep that in mind as you watch; but each story has importance, and relevance, and watching the Angel's Hearse team take care of each person, each soul, was truly an artform.
The cast assembled was perfect for this one-of-a-kind, most extraordinary show told by an incredible cast. Each member seems to have their own story of why they joined the company, Angel's Hearse, and the mystery behind those reasons for each character helped to fuel the curiosity of each episode; the expectation of what may come or what would happen. As I continued to watch, it truly felt like the "celebrity" of the actors fell away and they devoted their entire self to creating a "happy ending" for each soul coming home.
Watching as Takaki Rinko grew through the episodes to "find her place" in her new job was very relatable. Not everyone has a place to belong but slowly, with each new experience, and cautious step, she creates a space that is all her own. Taking care of the deceased is not an easy job, no matter the relation or reason they passed or job connection or whatever else, to be close to any deceased of any time for any reason is difficult and gutwrenching; to be able to do Angel Hearse's job, even as actors with written scripts, was not only extraordinarily incredible but also fascinating. This show expertly shows the reality of anger, depression, fear, joy, doubt, and human connection. The writing is most definitely unique and truly special, absolutely and equivocally a gut-wrenching, heartbreaking show full of stories that show how life can go from the mundane to the extreme, from pure bliss to complete sadness, from knowing everything to the confusion of so many unanswered questions.
This story is one of the most relatable, true-to-life shows I have ever watched. Unfortunately, there is one worry: a cliffhanger. Each episode is full of laughter, tears, and epic storytelling. Honestly, it was like watching a true life story. I would love to watch more of this show, to see more of these characters' doing their utmost best to take care of each lost soul returning home.
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