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If you're familiar with director Ninagawa Mika, you know that she’s all about playing with bright, loud colour, and she definitely isn’t afraid to do things outside the box. This drama is dazzling, hypnotic and oh so gorgeous. Every scene is a complete sensory overload. You can tell that this is a high-budget drama, not only because of the great cast, but because every episode is filmed like the most eye-catching Hollywood movie you’ve ever seen. The music, the costumes, the sets, everything is so well done.
To keep it simple, Followers is about women working in the entertainment business, an industry that both loves and hates successful women. This drama touches on a lot of hot button topics that you probably won’t find on network jdramas: there are multiple LGBTQ+ characters, a LOT of feminism, women of different ages being unabashedly open about their careers, sexuality, motherhood etc, and not so subtle societal critique thrown in as well. This isn't your average network jdrama, that's for sure!
My only complaint (and it’s kind of a big one) is that the drama has a lot of characters and probably tries to cover too many storylines in only 9 episodes. 2-3 more episodes to develop some characters and tie up lose ends would have been great. It just felt like there was a rush to end everyone's storyline just perfectly, even though some characters probably deserved a bit of imperfection.
Last but not least: KOM_I was a total scene stealer in this drama and I hope she continues to pursue acting!
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The only thing about it is that I really wish that the director made it longer in episodes. With only nine episodes, I feel like it had too much going on in the plot and too many characters for just nine episodes. It's hard to focus on all that's going on in a short matter of time. Other than that though I really love the plot. At first, it seems predictable and generic especially with the main character Natsume. But there are plot twists that happen and things that make it more interesting along the way.
The soundtrack was very very good, it really does fit all the scenes. In my opinion, it's very memorable and I love it so much. The acting was also very good, everybody played their characters well and I really loved the lgbtq+ stuff they added in this series. I really love the cast too.
I really would consider rewatching this show again. I also doubt it but I am hoping for a season two.
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The story was okay, but it could have been way better. There were so many issues that the drama touched, like having to choose between family and wokr. But the drama focused more on the bringht lights and the beautiful colors rather than the story. So, it felt like it was presented a bit superficial, without taking a deeper dive into what the characters felt. The romance was nice and subbtle, and the monbebe mother was just reletable and funny. Also, the second couple felt odd, as the guy seemed more connected with the son rather with the mother. The final episode was a bit rushed and it was more like it was trying to wrap things up with an unrealistic happy ending. Still, the cinematography was breathtaking and the performances were great from everyone in the cast.
So, overall, six out of ten.
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Movie comprehension and symbolism play a big part in this series, something that those who liked older 90s and early 00s movies on passionate slice of life tales would immediately be able to pinpoint. You'll discover that in Followers, it is not just the dialogue being spoken that's important, but even their surroundings and the context of how they're acting in certain scenes.
If you're familiar with Quentin Tarantino films, you'll find this series very similar to how a lot of his past films are done - from the different uses of POV (point of view), to close up and birds eye scenes, to even the following and tracking shots. The series itself is sort of like an ode to the filmmaker's works, but the good thing about it is they made it work to its potential while subtly thanking the director throughout the whole run.
Ninagawa Mika's aesthetically pleasing play on colors have made each episode such a delight to watch, you'll wonder if you're still watching or been transported to another dimension while glued to your screen. The way each scene inside the series was carefully color graded to showcase different ranges of emotion, is one thing that should truly be applauded. Even the subtle touches of changing surroundings to depict the change in each character's disposition in their life were not to be missed. Everything inside Followers' cinematography and set design were well thought of, and well crafted.
In terms of storyline, this is where it could have been given better treatment - we see that the shift in the characters' lives wasn't gradual but more rushed to meet the 9-episode deadline. Although a dragged pace for this series was also not a good choice, viewers in my opinion could have been treated to a better stretch of the storyline to expound on each character's individual stories. The series' theme centering around moving forward in one's life was conveyed in different stances, all that could have benefited from a deeper context should they have decided to lengthen the episodes a bit more.
Over-all, I would definitely say one should give Followers a watch, as it's worth binge-watching even until the wee hours of the morning. Be there to follow each of the colorful lives the characters live, and step into their world that's peppered with the current problems of a digital-savvy society.
Oh, and close the door when you watch, there are some scenes better watched alone ;)
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Natsume's character was so predicable and very annoying in the beginning; I hoped she would grow. And she did, but she needed other people to basically tell her what to do. It left me very disappointed with her because she had potential, but ended up being my least favorite in the series. Her storyline was also a very preachy "don't get caught up in social media/fame" which has been very overused since the early 2010s. Her ending was also unrealistically happy, and makes it seem so easy to make an amateur film and get noticed, when it reality it can take artists years of film-making to gain recognition.
Natsume's entire character and story line aside, I loved everything else. The drama did seem to tackle more than it could handle, but I thought the LBGTQ+ representation was somewhat well done and Sunny's character was a breath of fresh air. I wish we saw more of her. Even the side characters like Akane had alot of depth, and while Sayo, too was annoying, at least she grew.
What makes this drama good is that is heartwarming and easy to connect with most of the characters, it tackles subjects surrounding ambition and circumstances. However, where this drama fails is in its unoriginal portrayal of fame and social media. I honestly wish it cut out that bit to focus on the more interesting issues that the characters struggle with: family vs career, unrequited love, new relationships. They focused on "finding yourself," but the execution on that end was mediocre.
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However, as I progressed, I honestly felt bored. I don't know why but I didn't feel the same rawness I have always felt whenever I usually watch Japanese dramas. I love the cinematography, but I think it overshadowed the intention of the drama. It was supposed to be an empowering story about the ladies and how they balance several aspects of their lives such as career, love life, motherhood, and friendship but for me, it fell short. It managed to touch on some important subjects and could be a great conversation starter but unfortunately, the message wasn't richly disintegrated so it didn't feel satisfactory to me. The characters also appeared shallow to me, so I didn't feel attached to them at all (which is a little bit disappointing because most of the time, I have a hard time parting with the previous Japanese dramas I have watched because of the emotional impact they've created on me).
But this doesn't mean that I hate this drama. I'm still entertained because I actually enjoyed watching its glamorous production and the cameo of some well-known Japanese stars. The outfits and styles of the characters are also eye-pleasing, which makes it one of the main reasons I like about Japan because their fashion is my cup of tea.
Overall, this drama wasn't that bad but could have been a lot better. I'm glad that Japanese dramas are starting to become available on bigger platforms like Netflix because it's about time for others to see how flexible their plots can be.
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This review may contain spoilers
basically for the girls and gays yassss
I have to say without a doubt this is one of the best drama or show in general that I’ve ever seen. I love everything about this. Minus the Tarantino praise, but I mean that’s just a minor opinion and didn’t really effect the story line LMAO. This is not your average jdrama. It covers Feminism, LGBT, talks about real life issues and so much more. I loved Limi’s friendgroup, that was probably my favorite part of the show. I love how they all found their way, especially Akane starting fresh with Sayo. Sunny has to be one of my favorite characters as well although in the last two episodes she wasn’t shown as much, I love how she grew from her art and was able to confess to Natsume. NATSUME...honestly she went through so much but ended finding her way and I couldn’t be more happy. Limi too, she is such an inspiring character. This story feels very real if I’m being honest like wow.....This definitely teaches a lesson to follow the path you want and don’t care if people talk. The visuals were AMAZING, the music was amazing too. The acting was top tier as well,, especially Limi’s actress?? Like wow. NO BC THEY REALLY WERE ACTING.!:&:& in all seriousness I just can’t get over how much this show actually inspires me and how good it really is. I don’t think I’ll regret my 10 :)Was this review helpful to you?
Amazing visuals with gradually raising quality
I have to admit that for a first few episodes I was not very enjoying the story. It was just plain for me and I just enjoyed the spectacular visuals - the work with colors in this drama should really get some award! Really great...In the middle of the series I noticed I am starting to enjoy all the characters and their stories and at the end... Especially with the final speech... I was just amazed and couldn't stop my tears... It was fantastic...
So if you are bored at the beginning, don't stop watching this series, because you will be rewarded later.
I suggest to watch this if you like great visuals and stories about strong women in this mad world dominated by social media.
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Follow your truth
Possibly the most women-empowering jdorama. A refreshing nonconformist among the usual sight of submissive or somehow oppressed women in j-media and society. Had me hooked with the artsy, interesting characters with relatable stories. The art and style made a feast for the eyes. Loved the friendships. The men were likable characters though it was the women's moment to shine I guess. The spotlight was given to women in various stages of life facing various life events. Limi's empowering personality was almost too perfect, though inspiring to anyone for sure. At it's core is a message to follow your heart and be you. Enjoyed it.Was this review helpful to you?
