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Let me start by saying the synopsis not only does not do this wonderful justice, it sort of misleads you; having you believe this show could or could not be what it is as written. The story, and stories, were a spectacular showcase of character growth, dynamic, and genuine, unique talents. The only downside is the fact that there were not enough episodes!The relationship between each character, as a group and as two people, with and without the guests for each story was very strong! It was interesting to see the backstory building instead of "exploding" within one episode; it was a great cliffhanger to keep the viewers watching. Though I wish there were more details, this sort of "vague" story seemed to fit within the 9 episodes perfectly. It gave more "view time" to the characters' stories, personally and as a group of peoples, and allowed the mystery of each episode to stay in the limelight.
Full disclaimer here!!
This may be listed in other reviews/comments or the genre listing, but this show seemed to have the possibility of becoming a BL (boys love) story, and I won't say that it is, because it didn't really seem to "cross that boundary". However, if you start watching this show based on that alone then you may be too biased to see what amazing storytellers the actors, actresses, and (of course) writers are! I haven't seen a show like this before! This was a fantastic, real, bittersweet story that I only wish had more episodes because it is almost tangible how lovely this story was!
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1.) No, this is not all sunshine and rainbows and happy times; prepare tissues and wait for a multitude of emotions.
2.) No, the previous statement does not mean it is a terrifying or scary show; it's just a serious look on a certain way of life.
3.) No, you should definitely not pass this drama up!
Having said all that, let me get straight to the point now. To be honest, I watched this drama only because of Abe Hiroshi; after seeing him in "Hero", I was addicted to his talent, skill, and unique personality (not to mention his height and voice) almost immediately. Also having said that, the more I watched this drama, the more the story drew me in. I recognized a few more actors/actresses (Endo Kenichi, Yoshitaka Yuriko, and David Ito; just to name a few) along with the small comedic and light-hearted moments drew me in to the story as a whole. At times, I was angry at a few characters and I cried with a couple others, while I laughed with another. This story is very unorthodox in the way it is written and played out; I could predict a bit of the ending, but most of it I couldn't even imagine! I did get bored watching at some slow points, but then something happened and I was immediately drawn back in; I even paused to rewind and rewatch a few moments! This is definitely unlike any other drama I've ever seen and I am so glad I watched this story; it is now one of my favorites! I hope a lot of other peoples will give this heart wrenching (and heart breaking), touching and kind, honest and real, sad and happy, not to mention bittersweet, story a chance! I'm sure a lot more people will love it!
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Feel Good Epic
This story is simple, sweet, and extremely charming. There are a lot of dramatic scenes within this story, as there were in season one (maybe not as thrilling as some hope, but still), that pair very well with the calming, "serotonin" giving scenes, as well. The "main characters" really do blend in to the show, not once did I think one character/person was the top shining actor/actress; throughout this entire season, everyone involved seems important and has the strength of their own "main character"!There were so many twists and turns, laugh out loud, worrying and anxious, curiouser and curiouser moments throughout the entire season! I've never wanted to binge watch a show so quickly in my life. Without any added special affects (effects?), such as explosions or the like, the story always managed to keep me on the edge of my seat! The story really focuses more so on the heart of a town's community, the society and humanity of things, the good and the bad (and sometimes the ugly, too).
Saying that, however, this show is not at all "preachy". Not once did I feel or think that I was being "taught" or treated like a child. Each episode really does show the strengths of the characters as they grow from who they were to who they wish to become; a stronger fighter, smarter in politics, work out family troubles, create new businesses, etc... Leaving me with the feeling that the first season also left me with: that I was in the middle of an RPG video game, watching and creating a town that would prosper all while facing difficult, sometimes scary, tasks!
If you're looking for something dark and dramatic, this may not interest you. But if you are looking for something calming, cheerful, cozy, beautiful, and are in to fantasy stories that transport you so completely to another world(s), then this may be your next favorite!
PS: I need to find the song for this season and the first season, I'm way too addicted :P lol
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Beautiful Story Telling
This show was like reading a fantasy book, or watching a fantasy RPG video game in action. Each episode was charming and cozy within Tavern Nobu. The familiar feeling of Midnight Diner was certainly there, however, this tavern really does have a life of its own!I really liked how each character began as a brand new interaction and then slowly integrated into the story; almost as if you were growing your traveling party in a game. With each new character you got a new set of information about the town, or new powers or skills to add to your group. This show has a very calming-"serotonin"-like feel to it, which the music supported very well; almost sending me in to a trance a couple of times! Each episode introduced a new character or a new food for Nobu, so it was like learning something new each time without the need for unnecessary and sometimes cheesy dramatics. If you're looking for a calm, cheerful, enthralling, magical show then this show is definitely for you!
I'm curious as to why they only had a handful of backstory for the "two main characters" (i don't think there was truly any "main" character[s] within this show; everyone really had their own time in the spotlight), however, and I would love to know more about not only their backstory, but where they and Tavern Nobu go from here! I'm so glad there's a special and two more seasons!
I can see why people would compare this show to Midnight Diner, but I can guarantee that, while it is definitely familiar, that it is also definitely NOT Midnight Diner's exact copy within a fantasy world. This story is whimsical, full of fantastical things and epic stories, not to mention the atmosphere of the show is completely different. With this show, I feel like I stepped in to a video game or in to a fantasy anime or book. This show had me captivated from episode one! This is one of the most creative, imaginative, unique, talented, genuinely realistic(ish), funny, honest, and enthralling shows I have ever seen.
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Curious Combi
Before starting this show I saw a few comments about how they were unsure of the cast of Ayano Go and Hoshino Gen being partners, or of Hoshino Gen being a police officer.... But let me tell you that that worry is severely unfounded! I mean sure, to each their own with personal biases of favorites or dislikes, but I promise you: Hoshino Gen and Ayano Go make the perfect combination!The story does follow a pretty interesting turn of events considering it was filmed before and during the Covid-19 Pandemic! The plot line itself is similar in small places to most police/crime/detective dramas but only for short periods of time; nothing is ever too confusing or feels rushed. In fact, in my opinion, it sort of feels like they cut the story short; whether that is because of the Covid-19 Pandemic or it was the original story, though, I don't know.
The cast was superb! Each one filled their roles perfectly; the skill and respect and their talents each were shining and absolutely spectacular to watch! From the dramatics, to the running, to the tricky criminals... MIU 404 is a hilarious, heart felt, genuine, extraordinary show!
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Enthralling Mystery
It is super hard to write a review without any spoilers, but I will try my best!This show, this story, was so intense; it was like nothing I've ever seen before. I've seen a few stories that uncovered the dark side(s) of government organizations or scientists or people that had an overgrown ego, but this story was so superb and realistic that it was scary!
As the story began to unravel it was becoming more and more enthralling and thrilling at first, I couldn't believe what was happening because it all seemed too easy, too convenient, too predictable but the actual truth behind each case was so tangled up within the REAL truth that I never saw the ending coming; give or take a few moments.
The music for the beginning and ending themes as well as the actual scenes for the beginning and ending themes really added suspense and cunning charm to the story! I like that it showed each person as the story unfolded, something like their own back story but more so how they live their day to day lives even though all this is going on. It sort of felt like watching someone in their own space quarantining during this COVID-19 era.
The cast at first seemed a little forced, like it was just a mishmash of popular actors tossed in together; however, as the story unfolded the cast really made the story as perfect as it is!
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Exhilarating Action
The story of this show is quite unique! I've seen the "family member/lover/best friend/co-worker" murdered storyline a lot, but this show seems to give more importance to the specialty skills of the DCU and Japanese Coast Guard and police more than the story itself.The techniques, technology, skill, talent, and respect each actor/actress has for each other as their characters and as their own person really seems to be a true, strong bond; which is important and common for jobs within the police and military. Watching them work together as a team in the Japanese coast guard, as DCU, and as friends/co-workers/family was like watching a live police/military documentary or television show. All actors and actresses seemed to perform their roles as their characters and as police/military members perfectly, with respect and admiration for their jobs and the military/police and themselves. It makes me wonder what training they all went through for this role. The women within this story are some of the strongest people I have seen in any show, Japanese or otherwise.
If you are looking for an interesting, slightly predictable, mystifying, thrilling, funny, heartwarming yet bittersweet, epic action filled show then this is definitely a story for you! There's intrigue and heartbreak, lots of information within the backstory and as the investigations go on. It is a little fast-paced, kind of like you're jumping feet first (diving pun - get it? lol) in to the middle of the story, but it isn't too confusing that you could/would get lost!
Absolutely a wonderful show!
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I really wish there was more of this show, it was really cute! Though I can see where a couple of people in the first few comments may be right, there is a little bit of a BL undertone towards the end of this story, however, it doesn't really overtake so much as match the meeting of new friends while trying to get over prejudices within the community. That being said, this show is one of the most heartwarming and silly shows I've seen in a while!Even though this show is only 5 episodes, and I do believe the manga is still continuing, it was really wonderful to watch each character grow as a person from beginning to end; which is why I suppose I would like to see more episodes of this show! The acting for each person was really genuine and very spot on to each personality. I feel like the actors and actresses really did their best to respectfully and honestly bring each persona from the manga to life!
The story line itself was kind of easy to see, however, it did seem rushed in a couple of episodes and slow in a couple of others; but that feeling didn't really drag on, and although it stayed within the manga storyline throughout the show, I feel that this series definitely has a very strong life of its own!
A cute and charming show to watch if you're just getting into Japanese television, it has something for everyone! With such an outstanding cast, it also is a great doorway to enjoying other shows!
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There is a little bit of awkwardness as the story continues, however, it is the awkwardness that comes with growing as a person after big decisions, once in a lifetime challenges, regrets or happiness, arguments or resolutions; etc...
This story is a fantastic continuation of how life continues no matter what choices or regrets or moments we as people make in our timelines. I cannot imagine a better continuation of a series, let alone the telling of multiple and/or separate life stories than this series!
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The cast was spectacular! It's always nice to see Sato Jiro in any role, but he was hilarious! It was also very interesting to see Sometani Shota as Buddha; he was really fun to watch throughout the show with his different "emotions" and I'm very interested in seeing how he will reprise the role in the movie and the upcoming special. This is, however, my first time seeing Matsuyama Kenichi in anything but it will not be my last, he makes a very convincing and adorably hilarious Jesus!
The show itself is 10 separate shorts instead of full-length episodes and I believe that that is why the show is such a laugh riot and is so charming to viewers. However, I think it would have done just as well as a special or movie; each short blended into the next so well, as if it were already a movie or you were reading from the manga. Which makes me wonder how true the live-action version(s) are to the manga?
This is a good show to watch if you're a fan of the series or if you're just starting to watch Japanese dramas. It isn't too religious but it does have some "teachings" within each episode, but it doesn't really get preachy or even too comical when it comes to discussing or mentioning or even describing certain people, places, aspects, or reasonings within any one religion. It's more so a teaching guide that is very honest and "real" with how Buddha and Jesus lived and are as people(s).
This show is hilarious and very sweet; definitely a good one for rewatching or if you're just starting out with foreign/Japanese dramas and/or shows!
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The amount of work that must have gone into this film, research, practice, and genuine talent for the culture, history, and creation of each artifact of the "true antique" must have been ridiculously intense. Watching Sasaki Kuranosuke make the bowl was one of my favorite parts in the entire film! The amount of devotion and immense strength and respect he put into creating such a fabulous bowl shows very well it's almost tangible. It makes the viewer(s) wonder how long he knew how or how long he was taught about the creative process. It was also interesting to watch Nakai Kiichi work with his customer(s); his buying and selling process of each item was very thorough and well instrumented with just the right amount of detail for each historical piece.
I think I would have liked to have seen a little more of the characters' relationships; not long backstories, per se, but something along those lines. This film gave a very witty, comical, honest look into the creation of the genuine artifact and its copy. Almost teaching the viewer(s) something about history, culture, and antiques while doing so; and maybe a little more historical/cultural information would have been nice, too, but I did like Tsukaji Muga as the historical/museum official and what information he gave was very telling to the story and creation of the antique in question.
This film feels like such an underrated gem to me, and because of the cast and it's unique story that made me laugh and cringe and worry and proud all at once, I really believe that more people should see this movie! And it's sequel!
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Has anyone noticed how fast Kagawa Teruyuki can speak?! In my review for season one of this series I said that I wanted to watch this story because of Hidetoshi Nishijima, however, the more I continued to watch this series the more I seemed to fall in love with Kagawa Teruyuki, Maki Yoko, Kohinata Fumiyo, Hasegawa Hiroki, Aoi Yu, Ikematsu Sosuke, Ito Atsushi, and Hirayama Yusuke!The cast of this series was so perfectly brought together that the story seemed so insanely real and tangibly scary! I'm glad I have some new (and old) actors and actresses to follow, though it will be hard to follow this amazing story.
To be honest, and I think I've said this in my review of this series' first season, the genre type of this show isn't really something I normally watch; since I'm a huge chicken! Although, this story isn't as scary as it appears... At first, that is. This entire series is full of spooky and creepy feelings, not to mention the most mysteries and suspenseful twists and turns I have ever seen or read.
The story itself is very unique, something that is genuinely real and honest, and shows every bit of deep hidden darkness within humanity and everyone (no matter their lifestyle or career or 'status') within reality alike.
I won't say this is a hidden gem because I believe a lot of people love this series, as well as the special and movie, but I will say that I hope many more people try to enjoy this series for a long time! This story is superb and nothing like you've seen before, the synopsis and trailers do not give season 1 or season 2 any justice, so I really hope more people will take the time to enjoy "Mozu" series!!
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I have to say I was surprised at the difference between each season of this series, however, as you watch this series (season 1, the special, season 2, and of course season 3) in order you can pick up pieces from each that create a very intriguing chronological story!To be honest, it's as if the viewer is following the lives of multiple detectives throughout their work and (sometimes) personal lives. Each person's back story is pretty vague, but that only seems to serve to help the characters and the story. Without so many filler episodes or different side stories, I believe that the writer(s), director(s), crew, staff, and cast have created a show completely unique yet genuinely honest to the world of detectives/police, crime, humanity, and the bittersweet truths of reality.
I hope a lot more people will give this show and the entire series a chance! Not one moment of this series is wasted and each piece of each episode from season 1 episode one to season 3 episode ten continues to build a concrete platform where a solid, superb show stands!
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Season two of Kounodori is just as warm-hearted, full of joy, bittersweet, and completely perfect in every way!Each story is so different and unique that you can feel all of the hard work, love, and respect that each actor and actress (main, support, guest, or even baby) had while creating each special story that leads to such an unprecedented ending!
I fell in love with Kounodori's story immediately from season 1's first episode, it was hard to watch the last episode of season 2 because I knew it would really be over, but binge-watching them straight through season 1 episode 1 until season 2 episode 11 made it very easy to see how the stories od each specific doctor, nurse, technician, social worker, parent(s), friends, family, and society dealt and raised and loved each person; and of course each baby!
To watch a few of the characters grow throughout both series was very special to see, too! The difference in each person was so amazing, but the paths they all chose will equally be hard to walk since the medical field alone (plus the specialized fields) is difficult to maneuver and understand.
I really hope more people come to enjoy the family at Persona! This story is a perfect story of life, love, friendships and families, hard life and "ideal life", not to mention the surprise twists and turns! Definitely keep a few tissues on hand, too!
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How and why it took me this long to watch this series I will never know!!Each moment of this show is filled with so many different stories of precious moments that may seem to focus only on what's going on within the hospital but if you pay attention you can and will catch every single second of a wonderful series that tells the story of each unique birth.
The actors, actresses, guests, and of course, the babies have all done a spectacular job to bring the realities, love and fear, hopes for the future, as well as tears and laughter to the screen. It's almost tangible and as if the viewers are watching a reality camera show within a hospital. Though that wouldn't be possible considering all the risks.
I don't think this is an underrated show, I've always seen a lot of people comment or review their love for this story. Though, I do wish more people would watch and fall in love with this series! Each story is so real, and sometimes scary, that the only thing I regret while watching is not having enough tissues!
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