Last episode was kind of less impactful after strong 3 episodes. The mystery isn't resolved until then but somehow…
You might be right for Sara's conversation with Rikito, but then again Chiho already know who is Rikito way before they were dating. Remember when she met him the first time at the Shrine and Rikito was covering his face. I'm sure Rikito wouldn't have problem if Chiho actually came to see him at home. Unless all the while when they were dating Rikito was lying about himself....which is not.
I see it more of the writer wanted to trick viewer in the beginning, but in the end they failed to make it 100% made sense. This is murder mystery drama not philosophical drama that you need to read behind the lines. The plot felt a bit inconsistent to me and forceful to return back to that scene before the murder. This is often happening to many mystery dramas not only on this particular one. Oh...and this inconsistency only appeared during the last episode that's why I said in my comment earlier the drama was good for the first 3 episodes.
Last episode was kind of less impactful after strong 3 episodes. The mystery isn't resolved until then but somehow…
"I don't think Chiho agreed to come over on the premise that Rikito couldn't get out of the house because he was a hikikomori. Rather, he was supposedly recovering from a suicide attempt, so Chiho believed he was bedridden and injured. "
Hi, you actually misunderstood my comment here. I was not talking about Chiho....whatever the reason for Chiho to follow/believe Sara doesn't matter. But the chronology in the writing is.
And actually Rikito has no reason for suicide before Chiho's accident. In fact he never attempted suicide.
He even worked well according to people at his old workplace...remember when Kaori interviewed the workplace (factory) and someone told her Rikito was a good employee but suddenly quit without reason?
"Even before he became a "hikikomori," Rikito was unemployed and antisocial. He rarely left the house and preferred the company of cats to that of humans. He briefly opened up while he was with Chiho—which Sara couldn't stand and sought to ruin—but fundamentally he was a quiet, timid guy who stayed at home a lot and was supported (and also abused) by his family."
I think you got it wrong. He was working at the factory until the accident happened as what I wrote above. He only quit after that accident according to the chronology in the drama.
To make things easier I will list down the sequence from what I understand: 1. Chiho and Rikito are seeing each other for quite sometime 2. The sister, Sara read their letters 3. Sara personally meet Chiho when they are in high school to start intimidate her 4. Rikito sensed danger so he and Chiho bury all the letters 5. Rikito and Chiho decided for a breakup 6. Around the same time Rikito promised to work hard while waiting for Chiho finishes college. 7. Sara failed the audition. 8. Sara lies to Chiho and accident happens. 9. Rikito felt depressed after reading the newspaper (remember this is the key prop in the drama) and quit his Job and become hikikomori 10. Sara finally spills the tea by telling Rikito she was behind Chiho's accident. It's not clear how long from the accident that this is taking place but the newspaper is still white and on Rikito's table. 11. Now after knowing the fact Rikito is triggered to kill Sara 12. The candles from the Christmas cake burn the house with their parents still sleeping downstairs. Rikito didn't know about this.
This is a good drama. Compact and binge-able. Good production value. Good acting. I did not recognize Yoshioka…
Last episode was kind of less impactful after strong 3 episodes. The mystery isn't resolved until then but somehow it felt like you don't care anymore because you already can guess how it will end...I mean not the "technicality of the mystery" but the direction it was heading. The scene in the visiting room was a bit cringey IMO.
Speaking of mystery there's minor inconsistency in the writing.
Firstly, Sara failed the audition so she wanted to prank Chiho by lying about Rikito wants to kill himself. Therefore, the accident happened and Chiho died.
Rikito learned about it from newspaper and quit his job and become hikikomori.
But when Sara quarreled with Rikito, she said she wanted to bring Chiho to see him as though Rikito was already a hikikomori at the time.
Sara also mentioned (lie) she was rejected by Idol Agency due to her brother's social problem, but again she already failed before Chiho's accident..which is before Rikito become hikikomori.
It was also unclear how long Rikito was in that state before the murder happened. It felt like it happened few days after Chiho's death but again how long a person would be considered a hikikomori? I don't even think few months time is justified duration to call a person hikikomori.
This is a good drama. Compact and binge-able. Good production value. Good acting. I did not recognize Yoshioka if I haven't checked the drama page, which is a good thing. The mystery is fresh and unpredictable.
Great movie, great visuals, and very funny performance acting. It's very unfortunate that the current subs is…
With my JP reading ability it's hard to keep up with the JP caption...lol...let alone those text on the manga. I usually depend on the audio but the version available online was too inaudible for some of the important part. I guess I should download the RAW somewhere and watch it all over again.
It is good but still not enough to light my cigar. The relationship/interaction between the kids and Sensei was the highlight but Sensei's character needed more depth to make it more believable.
As a person who don't watch the anime or read the manga, I rated this as 8/10. It was an entertaining watch but it did not make me feel like want to check out the anime....if you know what I mean.
Very good drama. It has the pre-2010 jdrama feeling in terms of the production style and writing as well as good BGMs like pre-2000 dramas. The acapella insert song was kind of remind me of Beach Boys...lol
The Water Trouble and the whole of Episode 1 was genius. I wish it could have retained the energy but somewhere in the middle it started to mellow down a bit. Still interesting to see their interaction among themselves. This drama shows what real bromance is.
This movie was beautifully made for the sake of the art. As @Butterfly said in her review Kurosawa fully utilized his first color film. Beautiful opening and closing with pleasing gentle sound of acoustic guitar that gave some sort of melancholic and nostalgic feeling.
However the story was a bit challenging to watch. I watched this movie after the Kankuro's version Kisetsu no nai Machi, so I already know some of the characters and their fate. I wonder what would I feel if I was to watch this first. I wonder what would I feel if I watched this during my younger days.
There was no protagonist in this. It showed many characters at the same time, but none received a "protagonist" treatment. It was like watching Animal Planet. First we see the elephants, then we see tigers and suddenly the story shifted to the monkeys. In Kurosawa case we luckily got to see elephants back at the end so at least there's some accomplishment feeling to it...lol
I still rated it 8/10 though because of some part of the stories and witty dialogues as well as the beautiful color usage.
This is your usual episodic Jidaigeki but it didn't feel repetitive. Loved the brother sister relationship in this one. Would definitely watch the second season.
Looking at the poster and the Ikeido's name I was thinking a business drama with a bit of mystery element. At least mystery with some business tidbits like Yokoso. But I was wrong. This is a pure mystery drama....LoL
Overall this drama has a very interesting production style. The transition between scenes and camera work were very captivating. It felt like TV commercials and Music Videos. It also has refreshing countryside scenery. The suspense element was also perfectly directed.
The actual mystery part however was just okay-ish but it's still worth a try if you're thinking of watching this.
Very entertaining SP. This time it uses more formal classical language so it wasn't as simple as the series if you want to watch it RAW. JP caption is available though. Involvement with Ako clan incident made this feels like a real Jidaigeki. A must watch sequel!
This was surprisingly fun and heartwarming family drama despite how the poster look. No wonder it was extended to 13 episodes and got an SP earlier this year (2023).
Unfortunately it's not fan-subbed and the RAWs are hard to find. There's no JP caption as well. The good thing is the Japanese level used in this drama wasn't too advanced so you could watch it RAW if you know a little Japanese.
It is also on Amazon Prime (based on the torrent info on Nyaa) but not sure if it's streamable with English subs.
This drama had potential with interesting premise but it failed to deliver. It has good production value. The…
Oh BTW I think Episode 10 was the best episode of all. The ending was satisfactory and the most plausible solution for the story. The acting of Mashima improved drastically during this last episode for some reason. I wonder if he was happy thinking he's about to wrap up the job...lol
Other thoughts: 1. The younger Takuro and older Takuro didn't match. The former was more clumsy while the latter was overly cool. There was lack of consistency in Takuro's character overall.
2. Takuro in Manga seem look-alike with Mashima...but since there were many occasions the MC talked about being an OSSAN in the drama, I guess choosing an actor with more OSSAN-Vibe could have fit the role better. Imagine if this character was played by Takito Kenichi, Furutachi Kanji, Serizawa Tateto (from Cinecon drama), or even Kudo Kankuro.
3. It's strange that nobody push Eri and Takuro to be together since according to the story Eri has a thing for Takuro and always be around for him for 25 years and she's always single all this while and everyone knows about this.
4. It was such a convenient writing to chase Eri away from Takuro just because Takuro said her existence was like air. LoL...She waited for 25 years and she knows Takuro inside out but still shocked with how Takuro described her?
This drama had potential with interesting premise but it failed to deliver. It has good production value. The pace while a bit slow for some viewers, it wasn't filled with unnecessary scenes, and I think it fits well with the overall style of this drama.
HOWEVER, the character writing of the MC was lacking. His character was boring and didn't give great impact to the narrative. Anything related to his life and work didn't reach my heart...like I understand what the director was trying to convey but I didn't feel it from the actor. Either they chose the wrong person for the role or the writing was missing something...IDK.
The only interesting character that made me to the final episode was Kurumi. While Eri was the stereotypical one we often see in other dramas.
Not sure how is it in the original Manga, but this drama could be different if they switched the MC from Takuro to Kurumi. Make the story from her POV instead. She has more colors in her character and has more interesting backstory and relationship with people around her.
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I see it more of the writer wanted to trick viewer in the beginning, but in the end they failed to make it 100% made sense. This is murder mystery drama not philosophical drama that you need to read behind the lines. The plot felt a bit inconsistent to me and forceful to return back to that scene before the murder. This is often happening to many mystery dramas not only on this particular one. Oh...and this inconsistency only appeared during the last episode that's why I said in my comment earlier the drama was good for the first 3 episodes.
Hi, you actually misunderstood my comment here. I was not talking about Chiho....whatever the reason for Chiho to follow/believe Sara doesn't matter. But the chronology in the writing is.
And actually Rikito has no reason for suicide before Chiho's accident. In fact he never attempted suicide.
He even worked well according to people at his old workplace...remember when Kaori interviewed the workplace (factory) and someone told her Rikito was a good employee but suddenly quit without reason?
"Even before he became a "hikikomori," Rikito was unemployed and antisocial. He rarely left the house and preferred the company of cats to that of humans. He briefly opened up while he was with Chiho—which Sara couldn't stand and sought to ruin—but fundamentally he was a quiet, timid guy who stayed at home a lot and was supported (and also abused) by his family."
I think you got it wrong. He was working at the factory until the accident happened as what I wrote above. He only quit after that accident according to the chronology in the drama.
To make things easier I will list down the sequence from what I understand:
1. Chiho and Rikito are seeing each other for quite sometime
2. The sister, Sara read their letters
3. Sara personally meet Chiho when they are in high school to start intimidate her
4. Rikito sensed danger so he and Chiho bury all the letters
5. Rikito and Chiho decided for a breakup
6. Around the same time Rikito promised to work hard while waiting for Chiho finishes college.
7. Sara failed the audition.
8. Sara lies to Chiho and accident happens.
9. Rikito felt depressed after reading the newspaper (remember this is the key prop in the drama) and quit his Job and become hikikomori
10. Sara finally spills the tea by telling Rikito she was behind Chiho's accident. It's not clear how long from the accident that this is taking place but the newspaper is still white and on Rikito's table.
11. Now after knowing the fact Rikito is triggered to kill Sara
12. The candles from the Christmas cake burn the house with their parents still sleeping downstairs. Rikito didn't know about this.
Speaking of mystery there's minor inconsistency in the writing.
Firstly, Sara failed the audition so she wanted to prank Chiho by lying about Rikito wants to kill himself. Therefore, the accident happened and Chiho died.
Rikito learned about it from newspaper and quit his job and become hikikomori.
But when Sara quarreled with Rikito, she said she wanted to bring Chiho to see him as though Rikito was already a hikikomori at the time.
Sara also mentioned (lie) she was rejected by Idol Agency due to her brother's social problem, but again she already failed before Chiho's accident..which is before Rikito become hikikomori.
It was also unclear how long Rikito was in that state before the murder happened. It felt like it happened few days after Chiho's death but again how long a person would be considered a hikikomori? I don't even think few months time is justified duration to call a person hikikomori.
However there are few downside in spoiler below
As a person who don't watch the anime or read the manga, I rated this as 8/10. It was an entertaining watch but it did not make me feel like want to check out the anime....if you know what I mean.
The Water Trouble and the whole of Episode 1 was genius. I wish it could have retained the energy but somewhere in the middle it started to mellow down a bit. Still interesting to see their interaction among themselves. This drama shows what real bromance is.
However the story was a bit challenging to watch. I watched this movie after the Kankuro's version Kisetsu no nai Machi, so I already know some of the characters and their fate. I wonder what would I feel if I was to watch this first. I wonder what would I feel if I watched this during my younger days.
There was no protagonist in this. It showed many characters at the same time, but none received a "protagonist" treatment. It was like watching Animal Planet. First we see the elephants, then we see tigers and suddenly the story shifted to the monkeys. In Kurosawa case we luckily got to see elephants back at the end so at least there's some accomplishment feeling to it...lol
I still rated it 8/10 though because of some part of the stories and witty dialogues as well as the beautiful color usage.
Overall this drama has a very interesting production style. The transition between scenes and camera work were very captivating. It felt like TV commercials and Music Videos. It also has refreshing countryside scenery. The suspense element was also perfectly directed.
The actual mystery part however was just okay-ish but it's still worth a try if you're thinking of watching this.
Nobuko went there before she admitted to hospital and ask a random passerby (probably Taro's dad) to take the photo.
Aya must have been imagining the scene after reading the story written by Taro instead of actually saw Nobuko's ghost.
Unfortunately it's not fan-subbed and the RAWs are hard to find. There's no JP caption as well. The good thing is the Japanese level used in this drama wasn't too advanced so you could watch it RAW if you know a little Japanese.
It is also on Amazon Prime (based on the torrent info on Nyaa) but not sure if it's streamable with English subs.
Other thoughts:
1. The younger Takuro and older Takuro didn't match. The former was more clumsy while the latter was overly cool. There was lack of consistency in Takuro's character overall.
2. Takuro in Manga seem look-alike with Mashima...but since there were many occasions the MC talked about being an OSSAN in the drama, I guess choosing an actor with more OSSAN-Vibe could have fit the role better. Imagine if this character was played by Takito Kenichi, Furutachi Kanji, Serizawa Tateto (from Cinecon drama), or even Kudo Kankuro.
3. It's strange that nobody push Eri and Takuro to be together since according to the story Eri has a thing for Takuro and always be around for him for 25 years and she's always single all this while and everyone knows about this.
4. It was such a convenient writing to chase Eri away from Takuro just because Takuro said her existence was like air. LoL...She waited for 25 years and she knows Takuro inside out but still shocked with how Takuro described her?
HOWEVER, the character writing of the MC was lacking. His character was boring and didn't give great impact to the narrative. Anything related to his life and work didn't reach my heart...like I understand what the director was trying to convey but I didn't feel it from the actor. Either they chose the wrong person for the role or the writing was missing something...IDK.
The only interesting character that made me to the final episode was Kurumi. While Eri was the stereotypical one we often see in other dramas.
Not sure how is it in the original Manga, but this drama could be different if they switched the MC from Takuro to Kurumi. Make the story from her POV instead. She has more colors in her character and has more interesting backstory and relationship with people around her.