The only reason it doesn't get a higher rating is I feel the ending is a bit too abrupt as it literally just ends which sort of threw me off. But if you can look past that it really is worth watching.
In comparison it's Korean equivalent does not match up at all! If you were to pick one I'd say start with this version first.
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A big downside was the length sadly it only has 13 episodes of 30 minutes each and because of that the ending seemed a little rushed.
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As the manga did the drama also tries to educate about very basic fighting moves and tends to keep the fights on the realistic side. It isnt about flashy moves. It follows the story of a kid who is trying to find himself in a world where all he has every recieved was pain.
The only weak part of the series was the occasional bad acting/overacting and few bad scenes. Also they kept the whole thing very short(13 episodes, around 24 minutes each) and i would have prefered if they had built the story up a bit better. They relied too much on the manga, and sometimes you just have to take a different approach to different kinds of mediums.
Overall i would say it was enjoyable.
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This review may contain spoilers
Enjoyable to watch
The Japanese version of Holy Land is enjoyable to watch. Since I watched the newer Korean version first, I'm assuming I have a different perspective for both. If you're looking for a quick answer, this is the better version (although it is close, and both versions are good and if you like a good story with a theme of martial arts, you will easily enjoy both).The main positives here are the fact that the 13 episodes (although only about 20 minutes long) enable for better character development and a greater storyline so it makes you feel more invested. It didn't feel rushed and actually the pacing with every episode was perfect. The theme song is catchy and for 2005 standards the production (camera work) wasn't half bad either! Also, I felt like each character had their own time to shine, even the supporting characters, which was a nice thing that I didn't expect.
The main negative is the cast. Don't get me wrong, their acting was very good, but I had difficulty believing they were supposed to be in school, when they looked more like teachers than students. Another negative, although small, would be the directing.
I think both versions had great fight scenes and action. Both enjoyable and would recommend. Try this Japanese version first though.
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I have re-watched this maybe 4 times and every time I immediately slip into the MCs skin and start empathizing with his POV. The whole "bullied kid who is good and kind and talented and yet constantly made to feel weak, useless at school and at home because he is different from the general crowd and doesn't fit in " trope is a weakness of mine and I cant help but jump with joy every time he wins a fight and looks cool doing so. Masaki is very pretty and his boxing moves are great to watch as well. Enjoyed this immensely and identified closely with the longing of the MC to find his own people and a place to belong to. Every time he said, "there's no place for me but here, so I will fight for it", I died a little inside. I feel you my dear! Quite fun to watch especially the street boxing and other types of fights.Was this review helpful to you?
Holyland 2005
original adaptation is best ！ not great fan of yankee or gang dramas but I like here how it shows Yu transforming as an individual and also realising importance of friends both personally and in fighting 〜 and at a deeper level this drama shows a man in a real fight for existential survival and this lifts this drama above simple entertainment：he fights or he's bullied、 but even fighting and winning the battle never ends as life itself is a battle〜don't agree this is too short it is just right to ensure the pace and development of the story without useless repetitions of fights just for their own sake and for me there is no boring episode〜fights are exciting but scary〜 theme music great🔆Was this review helpful to you?
