5
Beauty Behind The Madness.
This was an abrupt watch from my side with absolutely no expectations except for the synopsis and that one clip on twitter. Japanese crime drama world is rather unfamiliar to me, but the first episode and the very questionable technology of "MRI Scanning" someone's brain was too intriguing and I binged the entire 11 episodes in one night.
Himitsu reminded me a lot of the Taiwanese Drama 'Oh no! Here comes trouble!' though they are both drastically different from each other -- maybe its because both these dramas' strengths and mysteries are steeped in human emotions, particularly of the deceased as well as the people whom they left behind.
And I'm not kidding when I tell you this -- the drama might mess with your head a bit. There are quite intense and emotional scenes. Unfortunately, I chose to watch it during the wee hours before dawn and ended up dreaming about some old guy who claimed to be Jack the Ripper trying to give me an in-depth explanation about the Whitechapel Murders while I shut the door on his face and tried to lock him out. (Thank you, Kainuma-sensei.)
Now, I'll get down to business.
When a special Department called the "9th" is established with the cutting edge technology of scanning the brains of victims to identify the true nature of the crime, it evokes a sense of intense resentment as well as awe amongst everyone in the Police Force. Leading the team of five, is Chief Maki, backed by his trusted Deputy Chief Suzuki, and three other subordinates, all under the tutelage of the renowned neuroscientist, Professor Kainuma.
However, the members soon learn the unpleasant side of the seemingly glamorous mode of investigation and it isn't long before a shocking death plunges everyone into darkness.
Three years later, a new recruit, Aoki Ikkou, joins the team and begins to learn the ropes under the disapproving eyes of Chief Maki, with whom he gradually develops a complex relationship.
---- The mysteries are the very backbone of Himitsu. Pay attention to the first two episodes in particular, because to me, those were the 'basement' cases, particularly for Chief Maki. The remaining ones where more cemented on emotions and aided in shaping as well as gaining insights into the character's actions. I have to say, Itagaki Rihito kicked the ball off the park with his performance here. Apparently, he fits the manga's description of his character, but even so, giving off the superior aura around him is not so easy.
Maki is definitely one of the most loneliest characters I've seen on screen. So, the sense of relief I felt by hearing his final words was intense.
Which brings me to Aoki. I liked how his character countered Maki-san's and tested his limits, bringing him unwillingly back to life. I wanted to bong him on the head and ask him to come to his senses, shape up and spill out his emotions, but I can guess why he stumbled along the way.
This brings me to the coroner Yukiko-san. She was strongest character, second to Maki. I liked how well in tune she was with her emotions as well as her duty. Girl definitely had some guts, particularly at the end of EP6.
And special mention to Okabe San for his existence. His reactions where a mirror image of mine and his protective attitude and care for Maki made him an instant favorite of mine.
The supporting cast, particularly the episodic ones gave impactful performances.
---- The Ending song, Iris by Buddiis, captured my attention. Also, the BGMS! Special thanks to Kate for the subtitles.
This is no flashy drama with over the top aesthetics or mind blowing scenes. But, the intangible relationship between the characters, and the rather human emotions that were depicted at times amongst all the insane mess made 'Himitsu ~ Top Secret' a worthy watch for me.
Himitsu reminded me a lot of the Taiwanese Drama 'Oh no! Here comes trouble!' though they are both drastically different from each other -- maybe its because both these dramas' strengths and mysteries are steeped in human emotions, particularly of the deceased as well as the people whom they left behind.
And I'm not kidding when I tell you this -- the drama might mess with your head a bit. There are quite intense and emotional scenes. Unfortunately, I chose to watch it during the wee hours before dawn and ended up dreaming about some old guy who claimed to be Jack the Ripper trying to give me an in-depth explanation about the Whitechapel Murders while I shut the door on his face and tried to lock him out. (Thank you, Kainuma-sensei.)
Now, I'll get down to business.
When a special Department called the "9th" is established with the cutting edge technology of scanning the brains of victims to identify the true nature of the crime, it evokes a sense of intense resentment as well as awe amongst everyone in the Police Force. Leading the team of five, is Chief Maki, backed by his trusted Deputy Chief Suzuki, and three other subordinates, all under the tutelage of the renowned neuroscientist, Professor Kainuma.
However, the members soon learn the unpleasant side of the seemingly glamorous mode of investigation and it isn't long before a shocking death plunges everyone into darkness.
Three years later, a new recruit, Aoki Ikkou, joins the team and begins to learn the ropes under the disapproving eyes of Chief Maki, with whom he gradually develops a complex relationship.
---- The mysteries are the very backbone of Himitsu. Pay attention to the first two episodes in particular, because to me, those were the 'basement' cases, particularly for Chief Maki. The remaining ones where more cemented on emotions and aided in shaping as well as gaining insights into the character's actions. I have to say, Itagaki Rihito kicked the ball off the park with his performance here. Apparently, he fits the manga's description of his character, but even so, giving off the superior aura around him is not so easy.
Maki is definitely one of the most loneliest characters I've seen on screen. So, the sense of relief I felt by hearing his final words was intense.
Which brings me to Aoki. I liked how his character countered Maki-san's and tested his limits, bringing him unwillingly back to life. I wanted to bong him on the head and ask him to come to his senses, shape up and spill out his emotions, but I can guess why he stumbled along the way.
This brings me to the coroner Yukiko-san. She was strongest character, second to Maki. I liked how well in tune she was with her emotions as well as her duty. Girl definitely had some guts, particularly at the end of EP6.
And special mention to Okabe San for his existence. His reactions where a mirror image of mine and his protective attitude and care for Maki made him an instant favorite of mine.
The supporting cast, particularly the episodic ones gave impactful performances.
---- The Ending song, Iris by Buddiis, captured my attention. Also, the BGMS! Special thanks to Kate for the subtitles.
This is no flashy drama with over the top aesthetics or mind blowing scenes. But, the intangible relationship between the characters, and the rather human emotions that were depicted at times amongst all the insane mess made 'Himitsu ~ Top Secret' a worthy watch for me.
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