Gifted (2023)

I'm a sucker for good Japanese mystery dramas, and it was therefore with pretty high expectations that I had started this "Gifted".
The premise was pretty interesting and the episodical structure much to my liking; I must confess not being a big fan of the endless "continuity" of many Western series, and it thusly was with a lot of apprehension that I kept watching when I noticed the underlying "subplot" and most of all when I found out a second season was already in the making. But I'm glad that my fears were not confirmed, as the aforementioned subplot involving Shiki-kun's mom's murder got nicely wrapped up so that the 2nd season can start by opening up a new chapter entirely.
The acting was OK, some of the cast (namely, Masuda and Izumi) were definitely better than the others imho.
Music and "packaging" were also good enough.

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Thrilling Mystery

This may be one of the most roller coaster suspenseful mystery shows I've seen in a long time. At first I wanted to watch the show because of the cast and synopsis, but as I continued through the episodes its like I was trapped in a trance. I couldn't get enough of the story, or the characters. While the story itself seemed familiar, it did not seem like anything I had ever seen before; what I chose to believe was familiar, however, were bits and pieces within the story as a whole, instead of the entire show.


It was nice to see Masuda Takahisa in a suspenseful role while showing off his comedic timing as well. He is one of a few actors that I like who seems to be able to dive so deeply into his character that he seems to truly become them. It was also nice to see a few new faces that I began to like because of this show; in fact, I thought Ukisho Hidaka was Hirano Sho considering their voices sound so similar. Watching Ukisho Hidaka was intense; this is my first time watching a show/movie of his and he is extraordinary! The way he practiced in the dojo, the way he carried himself as an influential person yet somehow under the radar, while still being the definition of a teenager and somehow seeming so grown up. Ukisho Hidaka is truly a mastermind of acting; it would be nice to see lots more of his talent and skill.


The music genuinely paired well with the show as well; it hyped up the story or kept me on the edge of my seat with the suspenseful thrills! I truly could not figure out who did what, or when; or even what was to happen in the next scene, let alone the next episode. To watch Ukisho Hidaka practice in the dojo was honestly beautiful; the way his body moved with force, while staying calm and confident of his movements and handling were incredible. Which only makes me more excited to see him in future castings.


The show is familiar, yet completely different; it has some of the same scenarios that each Japanese crime/mystery show seems to have... But definitely surpasses your expectations, and is most assuredly nothing like anything you've seen before!

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