Ganbare!
One of the best medical dramas that I’ve seen in recent memory, this has been an absolute viewing pleasure. Not a single moment felt dull, slow or tiresome. This unequivocally goes right into my all-time favourite productions.Tokyo MER: Hashiru Kinkyuukyuumeishitsu chronicles the events surrounding the newly established Tokyo Mobile Emergency Room (MER) medical team. This team of medical professionals comprises doctors who function as field surgeons as well as an anesthetic specialist, professional nurses and an engineering technician. Their sole directive is the rapid deployment in emergency response, usually for large scale crises involving numerous casualties, in the Tokyo Metropolitan area. The MER refers to the specialised vehicle that functions as an EMS ambulance, transport and ER where it not only houses the team and medical supplies on their missions but also a sanitized operating theatre. This set-up is an initiative by the Governor of Tokyo as part of her political campaign for the PM’s office.
This TBS production was helmed by Aya Matsuki, Shunichi Hirano (Nihon Chinbotsu: Kibo no Hito), Maiko Ouchi, and Masahide Izumi. The original screenplay was written by Tsutomu Kuroiwa, notable for having written numerous highly-rated dramas, one of which that I’ve seen and also enjoyed is Unsung Cinderella: Byoin Yakuzaishi no Shohosen. The original score was composed by Kei Haneoka, Tatsuhiko Saiki, and Miki Sakurai. The upbeat and heartening theme song, Akira was written and performed by four-member pop-rock group GReeeeN which plays during the end credit sequence. The medical and surgical procedures were guided by Kitasato University Hospital Emergency Critical Care and Disaster Medical Center.
The first Japanese drama produced for Disney+ channel, it had won a total of five awards at Japan’s 109th Drama Academy Awards (第109回ドラマアカデミー賞), including Best Picture, Leading Actor for Ryohei Suzuki, Supporting Actor for Kento Kaku, Supporting Actress for Nanao and Best Director for all four directors involved. In addition, a spin-off drama was spawned while a sequel movie is planned for 2023.
What I Loved
First, a disclaimer. I’m neither a medical expert nor do I possess extensive knowledge on the subject. Therefore I won't comment too much on the accuracy of medical procedures applied. My observations are based purely on my enjoyment of the dramatisation and depiction.
Just wow. I had a lot of excitement and fun watching this episodic procedural that focuses mainly on on-site medical emergencies and disasters, with an overarching political theme, underlying mystery and social commentary subtext on the ideals of the Japanese healthcare system. It’s evocative, provocative, inspiring, heartwarming, fascinating, intense… What a thrilling rollercoaster! The script is wonderfully crafted because it blends all the storytelling elements seamlessly to present an incredibly immersive, engrossing and pulsating viewing experience. The frantic and frenetic nature of the agency and urgency in the storytelling, the catharsis at the end of every episode that follows the suspense, tension and emotions imbued into the sheer variety of extreme emergency situations that progressively becomes more challenging as the story unfolds. Let’s not forget as well the tremendous inspiration drawn from conquering the overwhelming odds to emerge triumphant over adversity - it compels you to jump up and shout ganbare at the lifesaving heroes of the MER team!
None of the positives would have been justly presented were it not complemented by the commendable production quality and technical execution. Fantastic cinematography throughout, particularly the excellent camerawork, in framing the well-choreographed action sequences, and the convincingly-guided surgical skills on display. The coordination of massive numbers of extras involved ranging from the disaster victims to the collaboration between rescuers of the fire department, police, and medical personnel. The varied set designs and special effects may not appear as high-budget or expansive in detail but are nonetheless decently manifested to convincingly encapsulate the realism of the atmospherics. Likewise the music in this production truly is on another level. I love the rousing qualities of the multifaceted dramatic score that enhances each crucial moment in the story.
There is a reason so many of the cast won acting awards - their performances in this drama absolutely justifies their accolades. My first time seeing Suzuki Ryohei, this man encompasses the qualities necessary in connecting viewers to a character they could root for. His portrayal of the ML Kitami Kota is remarkably stirring, to say the least. Altruistic, charismatic, down-to-earth yet energetic and motivational, watching him in action is simply a delight. He is undoubtedly convincing in appearance, speech and manner akin to a bona fide member of Médecins Sans Frontières - the volunteer doctors who serve in disaster and war zones.
Among the supporting cast, Nanao’s Kuramae Natsume is my favourite side character and as one of two nurses in the team, she delivers a sparkling portrayal of depth in characterization and emotional range despite the limited role. Kaku Kento’s Otowa Nao, the bureaucrat with questionable motives, provides a compelling demonstration of character development behind the persistently cold exterior and grim facade throughout the entire drama. His interactions and the hint of romance with Sato Shiori's adorably sweet Kitami Suzuka is rather endearing.
Nakajo Ayami’s Tsurumaki Hina is another supporting character that experiences massive growth in her trajectory from being an inexperienced and prejudiced resident doctor to a mature member of the MER team. Phuongchi's transfer nurse from Vietnam, the bubbly Hoang Lan Minh has poignant moments of her own as well. Their amazing camaraderie and team dynamics are indeed the captivating highlights of the show. Ishida Yuriko’s Akatsuka Azusa, the Governor of Tokyo, is worthy of mention for her version of the ambitious, driven and charming politician who has to manoeuvre the political minefield brimming with unethical, corrupt and scheming rivals.
What I Didn't Like
One significant event that transpired in the penultimate episode, Final Chapter Part 1, which I wish would have occurred differently. Although it sets up the climax for the finale, this remains the single aspect which dampens somewhat the positive vibe of the story.
Final Thoughts
Regardless of my complaint about that singular event, for the most part there isn’t much else to criticize about this drama, IMHO. Perhaps a slightly bigger budget would have provided a more cinematic feel to the visuals or higher quality production designs but for what it’s worth, it does the good things very well with a great cast and loveable characters. It not only manages to sustain my interest but injected a lot of life into the storytelling to flesh out the enthusiasm and excitement. I was emotionally invested all throughout and I believe it definitely deserves more viewership than it currently has.
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starting this drama with zero expectations and came up with one of the best medical jdrama.Be it the acting, the plot, the dramatic accidents, everything is so perfect for the story.
Every episode is very heartwarming in the essence of saving peoples’ life and prioritizing the injured one before themselves.
I’m a fan for any medical drama especially the one with emergency situations, and all I could say that this one is one of the best one.
Watching this halfway already made me wanted a second season.
Will definitely goes into my rewatch list when I need those fast-paced drama and the heartwarming of saving peoples’ life
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Cheese deluxe, unrealistic but still a GREAT watch.
'The people at MER only have one job. Leaving a scene with no casualties'This drama is about a new medical team going to accident sites saving peoples lives with the ideal to not let anyone die and the show gives you not a dull moment doing this. Even though some scenes are very cheesy you can't help to get excited and jump for joy as they do their job and cooperating with people around them.
Of course, like many dramas like this, it's not easy. In the beginning no one is trusting them and think they are in the way but as the show goes on people can't help but to be swayed by the main doctor of the team: Kitami Kota.
The same goes for the team itself. Not every member want to be there but as the show goes on, they grow as medical personal and can't help but to admire Kitami-sensei as he does everything in his power to help the people around him that need help, no matter what. This reckless behaviour is a high risk but high reward way of thinking and would probably not work in real life, but that why we can truly enjoy it here
Every episode comes with new excitements, we get to see people grow and change their way of thinking. Well, most of them at least. Like many dramas out there, there is villains in form of politicians that wants the MER team disband for politics, which makes the work harder for the MER-team for no reason. Asian dramas loves childish politicians as villains after all.
I love medical dramas that are not just stuck at a hospital. Code Blue and Dr. DMAT comes to mind, so if you like this one and haven't seen the others I would recommend those whole heartedly, BUT they are heavier than this one.
Cheese deluxe or not, this was a great watch and I'm excited for the movie that's coming out. And I would mind more season of this show. We need more medical dramas that puts us at the scene, let's hope for more in the future.
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This review may contain spoilers
Oh wow, what a drama we have here.I've never watched a medical drama which keeps me excited and thrilled from start to the end like this. Usually when the main plot starts to be unfolded, the story might quickly de-escalate towards the last 2-3 episodes but not the case with Tokyo MER. They managed to have a balance in the medication, character growth, and also the power struggle. There are some sprinkles of well-delivered life lessons in between too. You still can find some usual tropes and there are times where the CG effect is a bit low in quality, but for me it did not really affect how the story progresses.
I really liked Suzuki Ryohei as Dr. Kitami and Kaku Kento as Dr. Otowa here, they delivered the two contrasting main characters really well (especially Otowa's face expressions). We also have great actors and actresses as the MER members that made the supporting characters are not just a mere extra people for the team. The politicians and Shirota Yu also deserved the credit for making the story even more exciting.
For me this is the best drama I've watched this year. I would definitely recommend it because this is not your usual medical drama. Go watch it if you haven't!
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This review may contain spoilers
Some Lives Can't Be Saved...?? Or Can They?
In all honesty, I procrastinated watching this show because I assumed it would be a little too scary for my tastes, not to mention way too cheesy and over-the-top unrealistic. However... I was completely mistaken and completely mindblown!The attention to detail, the cast, and the genuine reality of the word "emergency" brought to life was done so realistically and honestly that I had to remind myself, multiple times, "no this didn't really happen if it did i definitely would have seen it on the news"...... In all seriousness, the stories within each episode were truly epic. Sure a few bits and pieces of the episode, or the emergency scene(s), were exaggerated but nothing was too unrealistic, nothing was too "hollywood cheesy", and pretty much everything made sense as the episode and the story as a whole continued on. The medical jargon is a little hard to follow, but they don't use it too often and theres no cluttering of the screen with long definitions. It really is like watching a live medical rescue.
The casting was a little more than half of the reason why I continued watching, too. I didn't realize Kaname Jun was in this series, even though I've poured over the cast list a few times, but his stern, stoic, and kind character was a good balance between reality and television stories. I wasn't sure about Suzuki Ryohei, but watching him act opposite Kaku Kento as both their characters and as their own person was incredible. I have to say that I see them both in a new light and am excited to see them in many more roles, even ones that I don't expect or agree with.
The opposing of good and evil, or "i'm scared" or "i hate this" and "i'm proud of this job" or "i have confidence/trust i can do this" was fascinating to watch build within each MER team member. I do like that the show seemed to prioritize the story as a whole and did not delve too deep into filler episodes of past lives; though that doesn't mean they never did, it was just done efficiently and almost privately, as if revealing bits and pieces until the big climax moment for each character, the episode, or the show's finale.
If you like thrilling mysteries, epic adventure, medical dramas, then I definitely suggest giving this show a try! My only complaint? The finale episode wasn't long enough. Hah!
Although, there are a few more stories to be seen in the TOKYO MER special, spin-off, and movie!
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