Control - Hanzai Shinri Sousa (2011)

This is my first completed drama after one months of desperately searching for something that will keep me on the edge most of the time. This one succeeded at it, i have to say. It's a great watch for those who like crime dramas, and above that, for those who like psychology.
It was a very informative drama - every episode felt like a criminal psychology lesson. Some cases were predictable for me, but even then, psychology lesson haven't failed. It has induced me to observe a criminal's behavior, to pay attention on the small things like facial expressions, body language or anything that could help determinate their true face. And what amazed me the most are guest roles - most of them fit perfectly and they have shown us a range of emotions - fear, anger, animosity, anxiety, pain, repentance, madness. Especially the guy in 8th and 9th episode who played a robber (i think it's Kohama Masahiro, but I'm not sure). The main characters were great as well. Some of them evolved, some have stayed the same, but overall they were all amazing. Personally, i think they could make a bit more of a story about our main characters' life (and i don't mean romance between them - i don't find it necessary, but i wouldn't find it unnecessary either if there was a bit of it), i think that it would add a bit more volume to the story if we knew more facts about their life (we do know few facts, but I'd like more :P) and that would certainly make a better background story and final battle.
As for the music, the ost was great - i would call it 'a professor's theme', somehow whenever i hear the ost, the image of Fujiki pops up in my head. The background music was nothing special, but personally, i don't think it's of big importance.
I'm not sure about the rewatch value. Probably after some time, when you forget about all the details you will enjoy rewatching it.
So once again, if you're fan of crime/psychology dramas, you wouldn't want to miss this one. Enjoy!

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I can see why people wouldn't like this show, but please do not let other reviewers and commenters bias you by their statements! Yes, this show does have it's bad points like it's a bit rushed in certain scenes, or you can figure out the criminal easily, or that a character is a bit annoying; but trust me when I say that that is not the entire show and is definitely not something that should stop you from watching this show! And yes I know that was a little hypocritical.

To be honest, what makes this show is it's cast! The entire cast was selected very carefully and the pride they take in their work shows so strongly it's almost tangible; each episode is full of real, honest, raw emotions that will draw you in immediately. The characters alone build this story, each actor/actress really put their all into each episode and has reminded me of why I wanted to watch in the first place.

The story itself is very interesting, not a lot of detective/police/crime/mystery dramas take this approach to their storylines and it's something very unique that can only be done if the right actors/actresses, writers, director, and staff are present. This story builds on each episode like stairs: each time you go up a step to a new story, bits and pieces of the main storyline surfaces. Not one moment in this entire show is wasted!

Also, if you like Fujiki Naohito then this show is a definite must watch!

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