Why watch? I confess, I own a bookstore ;) and yes we have all these kinds of characters enter our store&life;.
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For a start, the entire drama is something quite unique. It's a mystery series, yes. But instead of the chilling tension of a gruesome murder, each episode fills you with warmth and endearment as you slowly uncover a beautiful, heartbreaking secret through the soft worn pages of that person's favourite book.
Some of the episodes do include a crime, but emphasis doesn't usually fall on it. Instead, the reasons they committed those crimes are the true mystery Shinokawa (the beautiful bookshop detective) seeks to solve. She is one of the most interesting characters I feel I've watched in a drama to date, and although I started off a little unsure of her (seemingly) emotionless character, you learn the reason she is like this as the series moves along.
Biblia Koshodou isn't a perfect drama, but one thing I love is that its "faults" seem to make it even more charming. For example, some of the plots are way, way over the top - you wouldn't try to injure others or end your marriage for a book. However, to me it feels as though this "overexaggeration" is the writers' way of trying to illustrate just *how much* they love books. You can see this in the incredible detail and research they put into each episode, each one being based off a real book and its history.
Also, the music sometimes seems very out of place; autotune and synthesisers in a drama about a quiet, beautiful girl who owns a bookshop? However, I feel this "mismatch" stops the drama becoming over-sentimental and cliched, which I eventually realised and respected the writers for.
Overall, a beautiful, heartwarming drama that I can guarantee you'll want to watch over again and again. Grab a hot chocolate, turn down the lights, and enjoy. :)
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The first episode did very well its job. It reeled me in with Daisuke's family mystery and it made me interested in its main characters. I really liked that both main characters had their own mysteries to solve. Then, the opening of the show rolled in and I was a total goner. I loved the concept of everyone being a book you need to read to know its story. At least, that's what I gathered from it.
I, also, really enjoyed the way the actors portrayed their characters. The chemistry between Gouriki Ayama and Kurosawa Ryohei was really good. And I thought Shioriki and Daisuke were awkwardly cute when they were together.
Although the drama is slow paced and has a really mellow atmosphere I think it fits. It helps keep up the mystery and suspense as Shioriko and Daisuke try to solve the mysteries they encounter in each episode. And even though each episode had a different story, it still had a main underlying one running in the background. For me, this made it feel a little less episodic.
The OST was also good. I loved the instrumentals, they seemed to fit the moment just right. And while I did hum and failed to sing along to the ending credits song "Never ending story... la la la.." I doubt, I will be listening to it anytime soon. Unless I rewatch the drama. I think that's the only way I'll listen to it.
There were some things that bothered me though. Why did she have to dress like a bag lady grandma just because she likes books? I tried not to let it bother me too much since I was really interested in the story. The other was the romance. Yes, there was some, but you had to use a microscope without blinking to get a glimpse of it.
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There's no violence, bad language or sex - the lure is in the storytelling, and you won't be disappointed. Give this one a try!
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This review may contain spoilers
You don't usually see dramas revolving around books/manga/manuscripts/back-story magazines, or at least I don't anyway, so this show is very unique within the storyline itself. I think the cast was well picked to play each character as well, and it was wonderful to watch each mystery unfold with the cast working as hard and diligently as they did for each customer. I have to say though, even though I do like how it ended, I also didn't really like the ending, too; it felt like there were some loose ends at a few places. Even so, I think this drama is very unique in its storyline and if you're looking for a leisurely mystery/suspense/detective drama without too many thrills (aka dramatics/theatrics or over the top danger/etc...) then this drama may be for you! I laughed a lot and sympathized a lot, too; so while it does have romance and detective work, it leans more toward slice-of-life, mystery, comedy, and maybe even a little suspense. There were a few episodes that I couldn't figure out, so I was hooked by episode 2, to be honest; but by the end of this series, I sort of recognized some of the "tells" for each scenario, and even though it took me a while to catch on, I was still thrown for a loop in some cases. This show is really underrated, I think a lot more people should give this series a chance! Was this review helpful to you?
The Story of Books & People
"I love old books. Not because of the story written inside, but because they are passed from hand to hand. That writes its own story too."This is a short drama about a man who can't read books, and a woman with books in her blood. It's a very light-hearted story with a Sherlock Holmes vibe mixed in to keep it interesting.
While not fast paced, Biblia is sweet and to the point. Each episode centers around the main characters, with some new ones coming to stay or pass through, and deals with a new mystery. It was a fun watch as the characters solved the cases, mended relationships and people, and developed their own storylines. This is by no means an infinitely deep drama with a spellbinding romance, nor an ultimate plotline behind it, but nevertheless is a nice quick watch. The villain was a nice surprise in the last few episodes, and made them a little more personable by hitting closer to home. I would have liked to explore more of Shinokawa's background, but I was left with a nice feeling after finishing the drama, so it wasn't a big deal. There's a good, upbeat soundtrack to this, and the acting feels homey and warm.
All in all, I would recommend for book and mystery lovers, especially if you're looking for a light but fun drama to watch.
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For Book Lovers!
A Books' related Drama?Yes please.Sign me in!Sounded a very unique and interesting story and as usual the Mystery Genre lured me in immediately.My very first thought was "Inkheart" and i wished to find the same "magic" even without the fantasy element.
Well the title couldn't be more obvious!And i loved the use of the Greek word "Biblia" which of course means books.I think this is the third Japanese Drama with references to Greece(either Mythology or words)Just a fine touch to me.
Direction was interesting and smart,gave the right vibes.
Music was just ok.IMO it didn't really fit the mood of this Drama.It was way too "modern" and most of the time with too much beat.I wanted more nostalgic and old fashioned music themes!But is just my personal opinion and taste.
The first episode was quite slow but gave fully the whole idea of the Drama,introducing us to the main characters,the main concept and the pace as well.And yes,it has a slow pace,FYI.
A lovely and shy sweet girl who loves books and she runs a Second-hand Bookstore.Her deduction methods and skills are amazing!
An accidental customer who doesn't love reading books but had to visit the store to find out about his grandmother's book collection.
The strange and practically stranger old man who also owns a bookstore and shares the same roof with the FL,completes the trio team.
And more or less this is how this journey starts.
The first impression was a heartwarming feeling because i know exactly how it feels to lose yourself inside the pages of a book.It was almost like i was smelling that unique and exhilarating smell.Old or new books,all excites me the same!
Each episode has a story to tell and a mystery to be solved behind this story.And that is exactly what our main leads do.Solving mysteries,comforting and healing souls too!
The Mystery is not heavy and is definitely not a Crime Drama.But it has its own appeal especially if you are a book lover.
-Side Note:For Non Asians like me,most of the time it was really hard to follow with the book titles mentioned in the drama,the authors and all these,just because almost all references were upon Japanese literature.Iam sorry but iam completely clueless.-
There are not thrilling moments,not much of suspense either and the mystery plot is not exactly what we say engaging.Is ok not to binge-watch it.(although i did)
It is a quiet,slow and sweet drama,mostly about human relationships and how books can somehow bring people together.A nice and kinda unique story,well executed.If any of those details sound interesting to you,you can give it a try.Is more a slice of life than mystery so watch the first episode to decide whether you are into it or not.
P.s. I liked it so i gave an 8.But being strictly objective,if you are not interested in books at all,this could be a 5!
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