BrightestStar

Enjoyable watch! And I can't wait for the upcoming movie :D

There was something that prevented it from becoming too addictive. I guess it was too dark at times, while taking itself too lightly. The characters were interesting, but we didn't get too deep into who they are. Specially the women there.

My favourite role of Matsuda Shota up until now. He was very natural here and full of fun.

Ever since Geanina described it as an alternate world we discover in our back alley, I felt that's EXACTLY it. It's exactly how I felt about it.

The main subject matter of this drama is about illegal immigrants. They make great arguments and counter arguments about the notion. As always I love the way it was brought up and approached, and as we see the different views of it. It's also interesting to have a drama in Japan about it since 1. it isn't known to be the land of the immigrants :P 2. We're at a time the whole world is going on and on about that subject, so it's interesting to be brought up in this part of the world.

Lool LOVE IT!!!

Well overall I enjoyed the watch. I love our trio and their interactions, I totally fell in love with the personality of San, our vampire here. The episodic cases were interesting and I liked how in the end each tied up a bit with our main case. I totally loved one of our main antagonist, the other one was too petty I just wish they weren't given such an important position in the evil organization.

I find the way the organization was created was interested as well.

The way things were revealed wasn't the best but also not the worst. What annoyed me though is a lot of things happened because Yong Goo Hyung (Oh Jung Se) was very stupid at times. For that reason the last episode was very frustrating.

Also there are times when some characters joke around "how can you be detectives and not check into this or that" the characters are right because I'd be asking myself the same question. That's definitely a plothole whether it's made into a joke or not.

Can't wait to see what you think of it :D

And EXCUSE ME! After 10 years of causing grief to each other, things can just be erased like that? I don't think that's realistic in any way. Yes they could find peace with one another, and stop their petty war and constant hate towards one another, but friendship doesn't go back just like that. And they call each other "Best Friends" now? Seriously makes no sense. I would've appreciated the last 2 episodes used to rebuild the trust at least.

1- wouldn't say better just different
2-again each reflect their own distinguish culture
3- no one can argue that :P

This article isn't to say which is better and which isn't, but just telling people to give it a chance.

Excellent work! Weaver you made me discover things I wasn't aware of before ;) Kamiki with his young age, as you said, is an experience actor with many titles under his belt. He has so much energy that always carries you through his works.

The first work I watched him in was Keizoku 2: SPEC. Initially I was like "what is this making a kid to be the "main" villain, can't they bring someone older more mature looking?" and a couple of episodes later I realized OH how wrong I was. He was TERRIFIC! The most dangerous I had seen then. And way more talented than the other older "main villain". I've been keeping an eye on him since. I need to watch his movies. I'm SOO looking forward to his movie with Nagase Tomoya "Too Young To Die"!!! (That reminds me I've been wanting to write a guide for Nagase but really haven't had the time!

Well drama based on mamga that are somewhat over the top would also be over the top. Personally I don't mind it but I get what you mean by it being unnatural. I suggest watching original works you'll be awed with the acting and how down to earth it is.

My top fave is Soredemo Ikite Yuku (although it's very sad it's a brilliant show), long love letter, Utahime, Saikou no Rikon, Suzuki Sensei, Ikebukuro West Gate Park... Lol there are too many

As someone who loves Japanese dramas and obsessed with Japan, there are still quite a number of really good kdramas. I feel recently they are starting to explore different themes so don't cross them out totally ;)

You know that's a great idea! I wouldn't be a good one for that but I hope someone decides to write it ;)

I loved Red Cliff! Not sure if the other 2 are my thing I'll check them out thx for the recommendations ;)

I don't know other than the action I wasn't crazy about Crouching Tiger. I guess what hindered my enjoyment was my hate towards the main crazy teenage leading girl.

Hmm you're saying that korean dramas show relationships are as important and explore them, and I do agree with that, but I do find that many times the emphasize is more on the romance than other relationships. I'm just wondering if you are implying that isn't the case in Japanese drama, because if you think so then I'd like to assure you that it is. The most recent drama Kazoku no Kitachi is a perfect example, and this isn't a 1-off there are plenty. Japanese dramas do have most dramas focusing on boys/men but they also have those focused on women. The morning dramas for example, long running dramas that always concentrate on women's lives. Also historical taiga drama has one focusing on a woman in their history every second year.

I'm not saying that you're wrong in your remark, but that just like you noticed the positive in kdramas, you may be missing out on the positive in the Japanese dorama world.

Also kdramas may be written by women for women, but many time I feel they are merely selling a fantasy. It's all well and good until they strat over-selling it.

I give you a heart too, and 10 other people did too ;)

lol yea that may be an extreme of an example :P, but you have to admit that's how it is with kdramas in general. It makes me uncomfortable. I prefer the down-to-earth look with sometimes looking good, others not so great, sometimes looking tired, in a human way.

+1 YES that's why we need more fans! For the bigger probability of more subs at a faster rate XD

Japan may be 1 extreme, Korea is another. I hate that the people are too neat in an unrealistic way. For example a character is supposed to be living in the streets of thailand, selling juice why stealing IDs yet she constantly looks too neat and clean and well dressed... it's too unrealistic.

I have to disagree with you on your last point. I know that some of the ways Japan shows their solution isn't satisfying at times, but saying that it only explores things on the surface, that is untrue. They go deeply on a subtle manner, they go most deeply compared to other dramas from other countries I've watched, ESPECIALLY if you compare to kdramas.

Idols are all over Asia.

Women acting cute - depends on the type of drama you're watching, it's so diverse you can find many different kinds.

It could be that Japanese entertainment is not great recently, but that is the case for many places, but there is still good shows being produced and worth cheking out.

Yup agree with all (Obviously :P) Just needed to add that YES Japan has too many idols, but the industry in all of Asia is full of idols. From what I've seen of South Korea, China, Taiwan, and from what I read about Thai production, it's all full of idols. Japan does't have more than any country. So if that is someone's excuse and they watch asian dramas from those other countries, then they are looking at the wrong part of the world.

Thanks for the reference Sumi ;)

I totally agree with you, specially about acting and romance. Yes sometimes acting can be over the top, but that is what brings the ratings in Japan. Even so there are many subtle Japanese dramas and even those over the top can have a sweet and heartfelt message, as long as you're willing to open your heart to it ;)

As for Romance I'm exactly like you, so I guess that's why I don't mind what most people call it Japans "lack or romance" It's actually there, but intertwined with other themes like slice-of-life or family, or sometimes deeper societal issues. At the same time when people want straight up romance, I just want to assure them they can find them in the Japanese dramaworld.

I love how you explain Japan's population "half restraint, half exuberant."

There thing about Japan that can be what makes it so precious, and at the same time its undoing is that they make their dramas for their people only. They don't care much what foreigners will feel about it.

Oh I love the references. Even without cameos they have characters references their past roles XD

My 2 fave are Gunshi Kanbei & Ryoma den.