chillingindoors

Hope it's worth it HAHA

https://ok.ru/video/3440701475378

Found it without subs (in spoiler)

I just finished it and this was pretty much all about the crime, with little background on the characters except some tidbits we got on Ayano Go's character.
Sigh.. I wanted to like it :(

Despite the promising cast and interesting premise, I kept my expectations low because this is a Netflix show and Japanese shows made by Netflix, Disney or other streaming sites have hardly gotten it right, barring 2-3 dramas. And unfortunately, it is the same with this drama.
While it was a gripping crime story that was well-made and well acted, it lacked the central element that makes Japanese cinema so charming and beautiful, and that is the ability to make you feel for the characters strongly, whether it is empathy or disgust. This had very little of it, which made the characters appear rather robotic and monotonous. I do have to add that this was based on a true story as shared by a user below, so that might have been the reason why this was more story-driven rather than character-driven. Maybe they wanted to go for a biographical approach, rather than a dramatic approach of having the audience feel for the characters. Either way, their intention wasn't clear because it was a half-baked attempt at both. I'd manage my expectations accordingly if they had been more clear about the approach they were going for. That would also have made the script more cohesive.
It's not a bad drama per se, but it was underwhelming for me. I can see why some people would love it and why some wouldn't. It really depends on what you're coming in for, and what kind of drama you enjoy. It had me invested enough to complete it but I did not love it because I was looking for more depth.

P.S The fight scene in the last few mins of the finale was FANTASTIC. I seriously felt like they were going to break each other's neck. Ayano Go never fails to deliver. And yes, did I mention how that plot twist was way too obvious..

You worded it so beautifully.
I couldn't agree more :)

Yeah this one doesn't have the emotions though it does have a well-made and gripping crime story. There is some back story and tragedy to Ayano Go's character which they briefly covered, but I don't know if there will be more.
I'll let you know my thoughts after I finish it.

I'm so weird! After I just read my reply to you, I realised you're right LOL
It doesn't have the 1 thing that is central to J dramas - EMOTIONS!
But it's a gripping story.

AHHH that! I can see why you think that way. That bit took me out too!
I think the general plot, and cinematography is WOWOW-ish but yeah the production design and score is westernized. Oh yes one more thing, it's gripping but it doesn't make you feel any emotion / empathy for the characters.
So far I am enjoying it. But to each his own really.

I'm 4 episodes in and it gives me the vibe of a WOWOW drama. I don't find it as westernized as the other J-dramas made by Netflix.
Curious.. what made you think that way?

Dramas:
Boku wa Mari no Naka
Doronjo
Meikenchiku de Chushoku wo
Ito-kun A to E
Jimenshitachi

Movies (i haven't watched her movies other than these):
Midnight Maiden War
Sunny
Tori Girl

Exactly.
If you don't enjoy it, don't watch it. As simple as that.
And if you need recommendations, there are tons of people who are willing to provide them.

EXACTLYYY
That's why I always wonder if there's some big conspiracy behind it
Like if you don't like a drama or movie because of the way the plot progressed or something to do with the acting etc then that's okay
but hating on it just for the genre doesn't make sense. Just don't watch it.
And also people need to realise - just because a drama centers around crime or infidelity or sex it doesn't mean they are promoting it or romanticising it.
It's just a freaking story.
And that doesn't mean that's the only thing Japan makes. They literally make the most diverse content but somehow the controversial ones get picked on and then people think that's all Japan has to offer.
It is so damn frustrating sometimes.

I was watching a video a few days back where Hollywood actors and directors were asked about their favourite movies, and so many of them mentioned certain Japanese movies, and I was thinking that people be hating on them in MDL but in real life so many people absolutely adore Japanese cinema...

DUDE TELL ME ALL ABOUT IT.
All the shit so many of people do in the name of religion.
Also I don't get it. As someone who loves Japanese cinema, I just don't get why they always get so much hate for the simplest of things.
Sometimes I wonder if there is some sinister plot behind it all and that's why so many people target it.. HAHAHA

Hey! No worries at all.
I have become a huge J-drama fan over the past few years so I feel the need to defend them when I see comments that generalise. And you're not the only one. Many people have that impression because the dramas that get popular tend to be the ones that are louder or "cringier".

I definitely wish more people would give them a chance because they are absolutely beautiful, diverse and very underrated. So I try to recommend people stuff. Of course if you don't enjoy the stuff that I recommended, that's absolutely fine.

I have only seen 3 episodes of this drama and unlike the few Japanese ones made by Netflix, this one seemed less international (for the lack of a better word). It's like a regular J-drama. Probably the only thing that takes away from the Japanese-ness is the lack of emotions. You don't feel anything for the characters.

And I agree that all cinema around the world has its gems. I can't speak for others, but I think a lot of J-drama fans (including me sometimes) do place Japanese content as superior probably because of the sheer variety of stories they tell. Like you could find any topic in the world and you'll probably be able to find a Japanese movie / drama on it - like that's the range, and the dramas are filled with a lot of research and background work done on any topic they are making and that makes it very realistic. Also if you watch enough Japanese cinema, you'll notice how their script-writing is unlike any other.
So I guess that may make some of us come across as snobbish, but I think its coming from a place where Japanese dramas especially are very underrated while Korean ones are over-rated, and by over-rated I mean they get praised to the skies and are given a rating of 10 even for bad stories, while even the good J-dramas don't get rated well on this site. I think if you try some of the dramas I recommended, you'll understand what I mean.
And I'm sorry if I also sounded snobbish in my reply LOL.. I really love Japanese cinema so yeah I wrote with a lot of enthusiasm on why I love it.

And yes, if I am not wrong Netflix has signed a contract with one of the local networks and is either planning to or has bought a good number of dramas from that network. So I think they'll be putting up a lot of the older J dramas in the future.

For a genre you hate - you watched till Episode 3?
And I'm sorry to break it to you, but many religious figures around the world have been caught doing a lot of things they should not be doing, including sex. Actually no wait, rape and harrassment is the right term.
You should google it, and it will blow your mind.
As I said, this is a fictional story. No where does this drama term monks as evil or encourage people to crime.

I am not going to reply anymore.
And seriously, go spend your time watching something you will enjoy and that will make you happy. Why watch something you don't like and spoil your mood?

I finally caught up with the first 2 episodes! It's pretty interesting so far :)

HUH?!
This is a drama about swindlers. It is a fictional story. They are not encouraging people to cheat / scam. Japan is not the only country that makes stories centering around crime. Almost every cinema in the world makes it.
I am sure there are other genres and stories of interest to you that you will enjoy. Go watch those, instead of hating on this for its genre.

OTSUKARESAMA DESHITA SUBBER-SAN
Sending you a big big hug!
*runs to watch*

Oh yes, he was definitely sad.
And that's the point of the movie in my opinion.
A "perfect day" is not one without sadness or loneliness. It does not equate to having a perfect life, or being happy 24/7.
Rather is about being present with yourself (like he cries in the last scene) but also being present with nature and seeing the beauty around you. Happiness is not about obtaining something, but it is there for you to find in the things you like and enjoy. It is a choice you make, and it is always present, and waiting for you to tap on it.