Q.E.D. (2009)

This is based on the manga 'Q.E.D. - Shoumei Shuuryou' by Katou Motohiro and is quite faithful to the original. I've always been a huge fan of the manga and must've read each chapter at least 5 times. That being said, I'll probably review this w.r.t. the manga and be prejudiced at times. I had huge expectations from this drama, but they all came dripping down, if not pouring down. Pardon my language, but I feel like murdering the casting director if I can get my hands on him/her. The secondary characters are all fine, but Nakamura Aoi and Takahashi Ai just don't fit the characters. I never give much importance to height, but a shorter guy would've suited the timid character of Toma So more.

Story: It's the story of genius boy Toma So who graduated from MIT as a teenager and returns to Japan to enjoy high school life. There he meets Mizuhara Kana, a highly energetic girl and member of the kendo club. They get involved in various cases which they solve using his brain and her brawn.

Acting/Cast: If I had not read the manga, I would've appreciated the acting more, but now I'm unable to do so. Being a manga fanatic, I like to see characters portrayed accurately, which didn't happen here.

Music: Worth listening to a few times, nothing more.

Rewatch: In two minds here, though I guess I'll give it another try sometime.

Verdict: if you've read the manga, you might be disappointed. If you've not, watch this first and then read the manga - you'll appreciate it more that way,

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Nice old-fashioned school/mystery story for teens and "teen adults". The idea of a 15 year old graduating from MIT and going back to school in Japan is of course crazy i.e. pure manga~~~but I like Nakamura Aoi, though he really needed a hair styling makeover when he did this (or perhaps that was part of the old-fashioned setting). If I was him I might feel the urge to kick her ankle now and then, but it was an endearing show, it really felt like a school story, though a really old-fashioned school, the clothes were pretty awful. I loved the end music. I especially liked the episode with time travel. I may well watch again in future.

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