I would say it's an acquired taste, I ended up liking it. The mystery part hooked me already. No wonder big actors such as Tsubamuki Satoshi agreed to this.
Sakaguchi Kentaro is a huge miscast in this drama. He is 10 years younger than Shibasaki Kou. I guess they need ikemen power for ratings sake even Ai Hashimoto seems to be miscast too. Well atleast Honami/Shibasaki combo is nice, they are both great. Typical jdrama where theme/message is more important than anything.
Sono got some really gooooood amateur talents here just saying, they are only amateur by name but I guarantee they know acting more than any cute but mediocre mainstream actors on TV, heck their names aren't even listed here on MDL. It just goes to show how f*cked up casting policies in Japan, or the rest of the world for that matter, because for people in suits making movies is business first before Art. More than gore Sono is known for his random well constructed narrative but also for putting his own commentary in his movies, in particular criticizing the whole society, here it felt so timely that when he breaks the fourth wall in end, it just hits you different.
Tanaka Taketo showing some promise in that trailer. He could really be something big in the future. Japanese auteur directors keep casting him and that says a lot for his potential.
Not your typical shoujo live action adaptation but you could also view it as a normal shoujo and enjoy it if you want. The movie is a commentary on the bad and ugly side of young people in Japan or the whole society in general. Peoples happiness is based on the suffering of others, but sometimes miracle happen, and that miracle exist in the form of Machida, a super nice guy like he's the second coming of christ. The casting for the other students may seem off because they look older but I think it was intended as they represent different age group that belong in same era ( heisei era). I don't know how accurate it is from the manga but I think the director, Yuya Ishii put a different take on the whole story. I highly recommend it, it's very enjoyable but heartwarming at the same time.
Its overly emotional nature makes some events unrealistic at times, melodrama for the sake of an engaging storytelling, but the human drama element is without a doubt unmatched. For a revenge themed drama no one here felt like caricatures , human condition was well explored not just for the main characters but for the side characters as well, especially the main villain.
Where did you watch this? I'm looking for English subs.
I think I download the raw on nyaa and english subs you can find at d addicts, hppriest sub it. You can also check those popular sites like kissasian if they have that.
Tanaka Kei has been the most in demand actor this year, but his late found popularity push him to some shitty dramas playing the most mediocre roles you could ever imagine. This dude used to play some of the most interesting side characters in jdrama. He is way overpushed lately however when I read the synopsis this would be the perfect role for him. I also like the casting for the students Kubota Sayu is a decent actress and Morita Kokoro is an actress to look out for.
I love the movie and if the director manage to expand it the right way then it could become the most popular Japanese show on netflix. Everyone expect alice in borderland to be huge but it could even be bigger than that. The theme is just so timely and netflix audience should have no problem relating to it.
1 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JgxjJudHMo
Woman
Love Exposure
Sawako Decides
Wakamono Tachi
Quartet
Villain
Traces of Sin
Moteki
9/10
9/10
9/10
8.5/10