The tale of a determined detective who switches bodies with the psychotic serial killer she is chasing took the best acting efforts from both Haruka Ayase and Issei Takahashi, and I have to say that by the show’s conclusion this may be some of the finest acting I’ve ever seen by either of them!!!
Also props to Kazuki Kitamura, the brash, arrogant and yet highly intelligent and motivated detective Mitsuo Kawahara who is always hot on the heels of the body-swapped duo as they try to wrangle themselves out of their predicament- This was a character that I never quite knew what to expect from and he surprised me every time!
An A+ drama that had me on the edge of my seat as the show took you through its elaborate twists and turns culminating in an entirely satisfying Wrap-up!!
I was excited about this ever since first hearing about it in the new drama announcement, blown away by its first episode and throughout its entire run, Tengoku to Jigoku has always been my #1 favorite drama on the air! A definite 10/10!!!
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When heaven and hell collide
Tengoku to Jigoku: Psychona Futari is a body-swap drama that focuses on the central characters of a female police detective and a suspected serial killer, and what happens after they “switch bodies''. With their roles now reversed, from the pursuer to the pursued and vice versa, how will both characters deal with the aftermath? Will justice somehow prevail or will the serial killings continue? And will these two characters revert to their original selves before the story ends? These are the questions that will be answered as the story unfolds in what has been an intriguing roller coaster of emotions.This TBS “Sunday Theater” production is co-directed by Yuichiro Hirakawa (Tenno no Ryoriban, Tonbi, JIN), Takahiro Aoyama (Grand Maison Tokyo), and Aya Matsuki (Hanzawa Naoki, Tokyo MER). The story is based on the original screenplay by Yoshiko Morishita, who has written for many well-known dramas such as JIN 1 & 2, Tonbi and Tenno no Ryoriban, among many others. The prolific composer Yu Takami (BG: Personal Bodyguard, Library War, Ichiro) serves as music director. The 1st movement Allegro con brio of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 (Fate) is used as the opening theme where the famous motive recurs throughout the drama.
The concept of the body swap is based on the Japanese myth of the Moon and the Sun that originates from Kagoshima and Amami Oshima, where legend has it that “the moon was supposed to be the sun and the sun was supposed to be the moon" in a dark twist of fate that changed the positions of the two entities forever. Interestingly in the drama, the body swap actually takes place during a full moon.
This drama attracted much attention on MDL last year and I can finally comprehend why. The hype is truly justified, so much so that it had garnered a number of accolades including the 24th Nikkan Sports Drama Grand Prix with Leading Actress Award for Haruka Ayase and the 107th Television Drama Academy Awards with Leading Actress Award for Haruka Ayase and Supporting Actor Award for Issei Takahashi.
What I Liked
The acting is truly phenomenal, as reflected by the awards won. The thing with body swap stories is that the role reversals have got to be very well executed, otherwise the entire concept would fall flat. Fortunately that is not the case here and the portrayals by both leads are absolutely on another level, particularly that of Takahashi Issei. How he switched personalities from a gender perspective and utterly assumed the personification of both distinctively disparate characterizations is remarkable beyond doubt. Seeing is believing and having witnessed the performance firsthand, I’m completely mind-blown! From the overall body language down to the intimate mannerisms and subtle quirks, Takahashi Issei killed it as both female detective Mochizuki Ayako and psychotic Hidaka Haruto.
Ayase Haruka is no less impressive herself and demonstrates a masterful display of juxtaposition between the freneticism of Mochizuki Ayako and the ultra coolness of Hidaka Haruto. Generally the more subtle of the two leads, Ayase Haruka brilliantly projects the nuanced microexpressions that convince viewers to immediately buy into the personality switch. The interactions between Takahashi Issei and Ayase Haruka are a particular joy to watch and certainly elevates the storytelling even further because they share such wonderful chemistry that adds profound depth to their characters’ dynamics.
As far as the story is concerned, there are two components to the plot - the criminal investigation and the body swap mystery. I was actually more captivated by the body swap segment, for obvious reasons. Nonetheless, the investigation aspect is quite smartly written although it isn’t a particularly inventive or refreshing take on the crime genre.That said, I do appreciate a certain unexpected twist thrown in towards the end. In fairness, this isn’t a drama that is overly complex on the uptake and it does not take itself too seriously either. Despite the gruesome nature of the crime and depictions of gore, as well as certain dramatic moments of emotionally heavy dialogues, the drama is mostly lighthearted with instances of comedic relief interspersed throughout.
From a technical perspective, the art direction and set designs are quite decently rendered. There are gorgeous vistas of the Amami Oshima filming locale on full display while I also enjoyed the costuming aspects where both leads sported rather fashionable wardrobe selections. The poignant theme song Tadaima (I’m Home), beautifully performed by Aoi Teshima, is one of the highlights of the drama as well.
Final Thoughts
Tengoku to Jigoku: Psychona Futari is a relatively engaging viewing experience that isn't without imperfections. Where it leaves a deep impression is through the acting of its leads. It is the one single aspect that literally blew my mind away and because of that, I won’t be forgetting the performances any time soon. If you weren’t a fan of either lead before this, you might have to change your mind after watching this drama.
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This review may contain spoilers
AMAZINGGGG
this drama was beyond my expectations, it was seriously so so good. First off, the casting for this drama was incredible, I don't think I can think of anyone who could've pulled the two main characters off any better. the way the actors were able to pull off the personality changes between the switches, and even drastic octave changes LOL, it was so fun to watch. I've seen body-switching dramas before, but this one was nothing like I've seen before.I mean, a police officer switching bodies with a criminal suspect?????!!!! LIKE COME ONNNN, that is one of the most basic yet most genius concepts, it's so replicable yet I have never seen anyone produce it until now. not to mention the amount of plot twists!!! it had you guessing again and again and each episode was just as exciting as the next.
I enjoyed all the characters, and i liked how it was more than just a cat and mouse chase, there were also many emotional scenes. i really enjoyed kawahara's and riku's characters, they were than just your average "villain" and "sidekick".
I feel like this drama really needs a sequel or spinoff, it's too good!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!SPOILER AHEAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Out of all the predictions I made the only one that was true was the one about riku's co-worker being somehow involved, but even then I was second-guessing my prediction throughout the whole drama until the truth was finally revealed.
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天国と地獄 ~サイコな2人～
I started watching this drama because of Ayase haruka and Takahashi issei, two of my favourite people on tv. This drama is about Ayako Mochizuki is a 35-year-old detective. She is a hard worker and seeks out justice, but she lacks flexibility. Ayako Mochizuki investigates a murder case. From the evidence she collects, she targets Haruto Hidaka as the murder suspect.One night Mochizuki meets with Hidaka on the bridge and they fall down, there is a myth that when it's full moon the two people will change character. Their bodies are switched and the plot twist begins.
This drama was so powerful and well acted. I would totally recommend if your looking for a good drama ^^
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So much fun to watch
The rating of 9 is a bit relative. I would not compare it other shows with similar ratings ("Flower of Evil", "Beyond Evil", etc).I based my rating on:
- was it fun to watch: definitely yes!
- was it hard to not press the "Next" button at the end of each episode: also yes!
The show's atmosphere swings between serious thriller and comedy in a pretty unusual manner, but it's well done.
The story is interesting and well acted, and because of the humorous tone, you forget about the things that you would pick on in a classic mystery.
Give it a go!
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This review may contain spoilers
an okay drama
It was an okay jdrama. I felt like there was too much narration and the music was a bit over the top. We were never allowed to figure stuff out by ourselves, instead the music and narration told us everything. The portrayal of them when swapped wasn't that great either.The story was good, but I dont believe the police would work like that. so many stupid moments or times when they just changed their minds too fast. I get that the story needed it, but Mochizuki would never be released that fast if evidence was found in a police home, as well as the rest of the evidence against her.
I do like the actors. for a side character, sexual harasser was perfect in that role. the main characters were of course good as well.
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I LOVE THIS DRAMA
It is absolutely perfect. Love this drama. This is on my must-watch list. The story is fantastic, background music is amazing, and there is no need to talk about their acting skills. At first, when I biased the main actress in the poster, but after watching this show, my admiration for the main actor is bigger. So devoted and respecful. I also appreciate other supporting role, they play an important part in this drama. This show deserves 10 point average. The plot twist hacked my brain, totally indulged in this drama. I heard there will be season 2, I'm so excited. Hope to see it soon. Can't wait!!!Was this review helpful to you?
Masterpiece
This is an excellent thriller + psychological + criminal story.I wonder if the screenplay is based on a manga. In any case it kept me interested.
I'd suggest that you prepare at least 2 hours and watch the first two episodes together.
If you do so, then you get the whole flavor of the story and a perfect
impression on the power and maturity of the two main actors.
There is no better match for the two characters than Ayase Haruka and
Takahashi Issei. Their acting is formidable! I enjoyed every second of
their fabulous work. I had to watch several times some parts (especially of the episodes 2 and 3),
because the multitude of expressions and feelings that were conveyed were overwhelming.
The other actors were also chosen very well and each of them did a great job.
After the 4th episode I wanted to watch very slowly, because I wanted to
prolong as much as possible the pleasure of seeing the actors at their best time.
10 episodes seemed not enough. However, the action is a bit rushed towards
the end, there is a clear limit of such a drama. I liked very much the end.
It might make possible a continuation, yet I do not believe that it could be as good
as this period.
The music isn't too bad, yet not enough to be noted. There are much less good dramas
of this kind with much better music.
This drama is 150% worth its time watching!
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IT'S AN AMAZING DRAMA
I have never written a drama review and never thought that I need to. But this drama is an exception. I almost gave up on episode 3 as I can't bear the thought of a murderer becoming a detective, but I didn't. The plot is really good. I have watched so many dramas related to criminals; thus, sometimes I can sort of guess the twist. But this drama wasn't the case. I am so glad that I found this drama. I even rewatch the last 2 episodes several times as I can't get enough of it. Takahashi Issei is a talented actor, but I was surprised at how good his acting in this drama, I am so in love with him.PS: I know, the music is not that good, but I didn't really care as I was really into the story.
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My favorite body switch drama (so far)!
I like how the story slowly wrapped open. Mystery was written really well!! The plot is original and interesting! It was so much more than just average body shift! Super entertaining and had me at the edge of my seat!I didn't have high expectations for this. But it really started to be good in ep 3. Acting was amazing! I was really skeptical of Issei's way of acting after the switch, but after the while it does get more suitable for the character. I think Riku was my favorite character! The last episode was little lacking. It felt little bit like they tried to but a lot on the shoulders of the last episode.
It had couple of those "enhance" -scenes. Where police can do impossible things (e.g. finding what someone face looks like from their profile), which I don't like.
(When I first read the synopsis I thought this was a crime drama, but it doesn't even have the tag xD)
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Rollercoaster
+Fast pace, no fillers+Every episode has something unpredictable happen
+Memorable and likable cast of characters
+Good acting from mains, especially the ML
+Humor mixed with serious moments
+Good soundtrack
-Soundtrack is occasionally too loud and in your face
-Some of the overacting and dramatic camerawork fails and gets cringe instead
-The overall cartoonish style of characters talking to themselves, punching walls and being overexpressive might not be for everyone
It is, however, fine with me and I enjoyed Tengoku to Jigoku a lot.
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Great crime drama
This is a fantastic fantasy crime drama - great pacing and no wasted moments. The story is a bit predictable in the first few episodes when they are crime solving but thereafter when the reach the main plot point (the body swap), the plot development is solid.There are subtle social issues touched upon such as the strong chauvinism in a male-dominated workforce and vocation. For that, I give Ayase Haraku a thumbs up for a solid performance not only in acting as a suppressed feminist but also as a neurotic detective and then an over-confident killer. To begin with, I only watched the drama because of her and I wasn't disappointed! Issei Takahashi however is prone to overacting. I cringed every time he came on.
I've also deducted points for the hackneyed work of the music supervisor/editor. For goodness sakes, stop playing sound effects to emphasise a certain look the killer gives or inconsistencies in his testimony. We're not idiots. It's the equivalent of putting emojis to highlight clues the writers want us to take note of. Yes we get it, he's the one. That's childish and takes away any enjoyment I had in trying to figure out the clues myself.
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