Shinigami-kun (2014)

Not quite what I was expecting. The description I read gave me the impression that Shinigami-Kun somehow saved his charges or rescued the good guys. But that isn't really his job here. Instead he helps them accomplish their final wishes, protect or prepare their loved ones for the future, and generally set things to right. He is kind of like a gentle companion, walking them through the difficult moments and easing the stress of death. I must admit, the thought that someone is there with you at your final moments is comforting.

This show is partly a tear-jerker (people die obviously) and partly humor (poor Shinigami-Kun's confusion about human habits makes for some amusing situations). It helps that there are a couple nods to Soul Eater in the special effects and set design. The music and Shinigami-kun's bow tie also lend a perky, peppy touch to the storyline. Personally, I think they find a great balance between enjoying the funny parts of life and the strangeness of humans versus the solemnity deserved by its topic.

Sweet story. Unique in plot, excellent theme, and well done altogether. It did sometimes randomly drop off a plot point (or character), but we had fun making up stories to explain away the answers, so I can forgive it that sin. There is also the question of why the Shinigami does or does not know the things he knows ~ he understands human behavior, but not what "piss you off" means. He knows the concept of death, but not crabs for dinner. It's a little strange, but mostly just funny.


The star (and his immediate supervisor) were amazing, and I loved the akuma (devil) character (particularly his outfit). Although the speed with which the characters were willing to sell off their souls to a known akuma (devil) requires some suspension of disbelief. But, as Shinigami-Kun says, "He's a surprisingly nice guy!:"

The supernatural elements were surprisingly, well not realistic, but very well-staged overall. I was very impressed. They've come a long way from the early dramas. The supernatural-earth scenes flowed really well, better than I see in most Japanese shows. The guards chasing after the flying suitcase ~ AWESOME! Perhaps not the most suave, sophisticated, or smooth show, but that doesn't detract. It is based on a teenager's manga, and this is reflected in the show's audience. Great for young adults!

BTW--the two guys are HOT! :)

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This was a lovely series which despite being themed around Death wasn't overly heavy with the subject- while at times I did get teary eyed I also laughed at the comedy that the cast brought. The stories weren't overly dramatic but that cast (including the guests) acted it superbly and I couldn't fault them. Ohno Satoshi was just lovely as Shinigami No.413- his comedy and facialy expressions made me smile. I also really like the guest cast member Hayashi Kento from episodes 1&2. Suda Masaki, playing Akuma, was just delicious! He played the part very well and despite him being the villain of sorts I was always wanting him to come into the episode in one way- I also really like the hair- Lol! The main theme (by Arashi) was great but I really liked the opening music since it really fit the show.

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This drama is about Shinigami # 413 trying to accomplish his role of informin people of their pending death and bring them to heaven. However there's a few complications. The shinigami world is similar to that of a corporation. Its brutal and you're basically the slave of your manager, shinigami # 45, who is also a slave of the higher ups. Like any big corporation, you're expected to do your job devoid of any emotion. The more you get emotional, not accomplishing your task By-The-book, the more you will be in trouble.
Whats more, there is the devil, or Akuma, who's job is the exact opposite. If akuma gets in the way of you accomplishing your job, you will be terminated.

I like that they set rules which they follow more or less, giving the story a logic of its own. I also like the showdown between Shinigami and Akuma, because I don't necessarily see them as good vs evil, but 2 people who believe in 2 very different things, and do their jobs according to their beliefs.

I wouldn't say that the acting surprised me here, but they knew where to cast each actor to best represent the character. I like the comedy and while the episodes were mostly predictable, we did get surprises here and there.

Although it isn't a high budget dorama (didn't look like it) I still like the decorations used, and the costumes would bring out the characters more as well.

Overall a constant enjoyable watch, I especially liked the last episode, where I wasn't sure how our shinigami would solve the issue and at what cost. I think it was a satisfying ending.

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This show is just as great as the first time I watched it, maybe a few years ago, but I still laughed and cried with every story! Ohno Satoshi is a wonderful actor, in every series/movie I've seen him in its like he completely BECOMES that character and I forget that he is the leader of Arashi! Also, because of this series, I followed after Suda Masaki who is also a wonderful actor! This series has a lot of great guests for each episode, the child actor's I've seen are very talented! The script is really well written; there is a lot of humor, but that doesn't get in the way of the seriousness of the story line. Also, there is a bit of romance, but not too much to make this story fall in to the romance genre. The ending really showed the true Ohno Satoshi! Definitely recommend this series!

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