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Usotoki Rhetoric japanese drama review
Completed
Usotoki Rhetoric
0 people found this review helpful
by Zogitt
Apr 11, 2025
11 of 11 episodes seen
Completed
Overall 9.0
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 8.5
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 8.5

A gentle, meaningful drama and that's no lie

I really enjoyed this drama. Its gentle storytelling resonates with me. This is particularly poignant during the current turbulent times. Life is simpler in Small Town Japan, circa 1926. Of course, I can't help but think the 1930’s is just around the corner . . but I digress.

What is not simple is the FL's life. She has the cliche ability to detect lies. We get the whole audio and visual effects. It came as no surprised that she was driven out of her village with extreme prejudice when she was still a teenager.

Nevertheless, she is lucky to run into the ML at her lowest point. The ML is a gentle soul and wise beyond his age. He etches out a simple existence as a private detective in a small provincial town. He does not judge the FL even after being made aware of her special ability. Instead of rejecting her, he decides to take the FL under his wings and they slide easily into cohabitation.

Now, you would think the ML being a keen observer of people plus the lie detection skills of the FL, they would make a successful crime detecting duo. However, they still struggle to stay afloat. It certainly adds spice to their lives.

Not that there is no work for them, but it is rare and a rather eclectic mix. More importantly, the ML uses these jobs as opportunities to educate the FL about truths and lies. The world is too harsh if we see everything as black or white.

Acting is decent from the ensemble cast. The young cast did their best and the easy-going script kept them largely in their comfort zone. You can feel they had fun making the drama.

I really enjoyed this show because it has such a genteel setting and promote positive messages. It is so easy to be invested in the characters and their lives. The OTP has a n easy going chemistry which is just starting to get more complicated. Their friends and associates are interesting. There are no extremely angsty situations. Yet, the plots are reasonably intricate and reflects the time and societal norms. Their world is a nice place to lose oneself for a few hours.

During my research for this review, I discovered that this series is based on a 10-volume manga of the same name (it is available in English). With so much material from the manga and a well charted plot, you'd think that more seasons would be a given. However, decision regarding live action adaptation doesn’t always play by the same rules. I can only hope. Please give us at least a second season. Pretty please?
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