I'm not good with watching dramas that are younger (or older) than at least 2007, I don't know why but none of them seemed to pique my interest. Until I found this drama through my new-found love of Kimura Takuya... because of "Mr. Brain", of course! It was great to see Abe Hiroshi, Kadono Takuzo, Otsuka Nene, Takahashi Katsumi, and so many others in this series as well; the entire guest cast for each episode was fantastic. Kimura Takuya portrayed his character very well, it seems that he does the "air head but secretly a genius" role very well, I think. The script was very well written, the witty banter and the rapport between the cast was fantastically played out as if we were just watching a live camera feed from a prosecutor's office. If you were like me, and don't give "older" dramas a chance, then I feel sorry for you, because you're definitely missing out on this gem!!

Read More

I have to admit, I've marathon watched this series from 2001 till now (the 2014 sequel) since the beginning of this week and I can't remember stopping for anything except mini-breaks (food, bathroom, sleep...)

This series is really good, it all blends in with where the last episode or special left off so you don't really feel like your missing anything; however, if you miss a special or an episode (or whole series) it's like coming in blindfolded! The casting of this series was different than the first, minus a few people here and there, so it was a little hard to get used to; but I liked how it focused on everyone individually and sincerely without focusing solely on one person as a main character, but it seemed to focus on the whole of the prosecution office. You'll know what I mean if you watch this series!

The script is well written, I do have to admit (again...) that I did like the absence of a romance in this sequel; I liked Kimura Takuya's (Kuryu Kohei) romance with Matsu Takako (Amamiya Maiko) in the original, don't get me wrong, but I like that this drama seemed to focus more so on the law/crime/justice genre than pure romance. It's hard to find good dramas that don't have overly cheesy, over-bearing, love triangles, or what have you. Also, don't get me wrong (again.. heehee..!) I do like romance dramas or movies, but that's not why I chose to watch this series. I chose to watch this series (from the original in 2001 up until the new movie in 2015) because of the cast, the stories, the script, the directing, the talent, the unique qualities of each actor/actress, and so on...

Anyways, some law terms are hard to follow and some episodes do move fast, but that's why God invited pause and rewind and fast forward, right? I'm not saying to do that ALL the time you don't understand, but I am saying this is a very interesting drama to lose time and yourself in, should you give it the chance. I watched this on pure faith that I wouldn't be bored since I loved Kimura Takuya in "Mr. Brain", and I was glad to find that I was right! Please, don't let the negatives out-weigh the positives for this series... definitely give it a try!

Read More

This show has the spirit of "Hero" and the genuine feel of "Cold Case" which makes this show an absolute must watch!

I can honestly say that this show is a heartbreaking, bittersweet reality into the truths and lies of many different worlds from the rich to the poor, the right and wrong, the civilians and the police, the lawyers and their clients, criminals and victims, and so on...

The story itself is something unique, but then again I've seen the gist of this story a few times, however, in saying so, I cannot say I've seen this story's specific plot or outline (or ending) in other stories. This show has portrayed humanity in it's good and bad days as well as the real fight between good and evil, light and dark.

Each actor and actress has flawlessly fulfilled their character to perfection. It was amazing to watch each person portray their character so amazingly well! The guests were equally superb in their genuine tales and trials. Each law and case has been very well explained and thoroughly planned and "executed" so (as a viewer) I never felt lost or like an idiot if I didn't understand.

I don't hear a lot about this show and that is a shame because this show is superb and the cast completely takes over the screen with their respect, honesty, as well as their physical, mental, and emotional skills, talents, personalities, and traits. To be honest, as I watched this show I completely forgot who the actors were as I continued to watch and thought that this show was the reality of what happens within Japanese courtrooms and their justice system(s).

This is not a show to be missed! It is a gem!

Read More

This series has quickly become one of my all time favorites, for forever and ever. Kobayashi Kaoru is the absolute perfect man for the role of Master in this series; his voice, his personality and unique traits, and his wonderful talents are mesmerizing to watch!! I've never fallen in love with a series, let alone a show or movie or book, as quickly as I have with the entire "Shinya Shokudo" series.

Everyone's personal stories were so genuine and full of honest, relatable, real humanity, respect, and unique stories I've never seen on screen(s) or read about before. I laughed or cried of worried or got angry with each character of each episode. This show is full of chaos and calm, love and heartbreak, happiness and depression, anger and kindness, respect and fear, understanding and knowledge, but most of all this show has so much honest to goodness love, kindness, respect, light, and relatable humanity! If you have the time to watch this series from beginning to end, I sincerely suggest and hope that you do!!

Read More

I finished this entire series (from 2001 until this 2015 film) in about a week and two days! I'm so proud of myself! :D

Anyways... this movie is fantastic! I love the storyline and the script was very well written, it was nice to see some old faces and some new faces mixed in to the story and the cast; in the past series and specials and movie I liked Kimura Takuya most, but from this film it was hard to select just one actor or actress I liked more. It did move fast in some scenes, but otherwise it was pretty normal for the "Hero" series in general. It made me wish there was another drama or film, too! This series and the cast interact so well with each other it's hard not to want to watch more!

Read More

The amount of amazement I feel toward this show will be hard to put into words for this review, but I'm going to try! The story seems to have flown right off the pages from the manga, but also seems to have gone in its own creative direction!

The story itself seems to follow pretty closely to the original story, but also seems to be created as its own being. The viewers are treated to a very mesmerizing, imaginative, detailed, creative, surreal story! Each actor and actress played their role with such intensity it was almost tangible; the amount of genuine traits from each person that filled the screen was honest and extremely heartfelt.

Each episode had its own story that built such a wonderous bridge to the finale that it seemed almost magical. The attention to detail and respect for not only their work but each person's unique story was something amazing to watch. This show was a complete work of art! The number of feelings each story portrayed shown brilliantly off the screen as if each and every story was real. It can definitely be seen the amount of hard work each actor and actress put into each episode; to balance out creepy with business, not to mention respect and kindness, for each episode.

I do think that the last episode left a few questions unanswered and built up a possibility to a second season or at least a special episode or movie. There are a few people(s) that left the last episode with immense feelings and wonderful stories that I would like to know the continuation of. Though maybe that is the writers, directors, and actors and actresses way of getting us to continue reading the manga!

This show is filled with insanely talented peoples, each story is filled with honesty, respect, and genuine magic for each person the office and employees help. I don't know if this review will help anyone reach out to watch this show, but I hope it does! This is such a heartfelt, bittersweet, gutwrenching show and I really hope more people look into this show, and of course, the manga, too!

Read More

This is one of my absolute favorites of 2018! I definitely think this drama shows off the best of each and every character and is one of Kamiki Ryunosuke's best! Each episode's opening was a little different, but I really liked the song and the "opening act", too; it kind of got you hyped to see what the episode was about. I wish there were more episodes or a second season because every episode was amazing; the storyline flowed well together to fit into the entire story from beginning to end, each actor played their part well and each case was thrilling up until the very end! Kamiki Ryunosuke was a great detective in this series; serious but willing to laugh with others, too. It was my first time watching a drama with Asano Tadanobu, and I'm always cautious with new shows when I know 5 or fewer actors, and I didn't really like his character at the beginning of the series, but he grew on me so quick; his acting with Kamiki was really superb, they made an awesome team! And I have to say that once I looked up this series, I did recognize more actors than I first thought! So I am very glad I gave this show a chance. It was more interesting, well put together, and well made than I assumed; definitely a favorite show I will rewatch!

Read More

To be honest... this was the most surreal, bizarre, interesting, hilarious, scary, nerve-wracking, heart wrenching, heart breaking drama that I have watched this month! And that's saying a lot! The casting was amazing; everyone's personal skill, unique personalities and characteristics came out perfectly and they all balanced and acted off of each other very well! The story, plot line, surprise moments, twists and turns, and especially the entire script was amazing! I never once guessed the unexpected ending, and there were a few moments where I hated/disliked a couple of the characters, but throughout each episode that definitely goes away. There were parts in a few episodes where I had to pause and rewind just to re-watch a certain moment because I couldn't stop laughing! Nakajima Yuto was completely unrecognizable in this drama; I don't know if it was the glasses, the hair, or the way he portrayed his character (aka Kobayashi Kouji) but it was superbly done! Also, this is definitely one of Yamada Ryosuke's best shows; he shows the full extent of his skill, I believe at least. This is one of the oddest shows I've watched, but I wasn't bored and never once wanted to stop in the middle of the series. I'm so glad I finished this show! It will definitely be a re-watch in the future! I seriously suggest that a lot more people watch this show!

Read More

I have no idea where to start off with this review... The show itself is just... Unbelievably amazing! When I read the synopsis and saw the cast, I was not expecting this show to be what it is at all!! Do not let the synopsis fool you, this is a show about laws, however, it is so much more than just laws!

I have watched so many police, crime, detective, lawyer, mystery/thriller genre dramas that sometimes they all seem to run together, however, this show does such an amazing job of standing on its own and being an extraordinary standout from the crowd! This show is surreal in and of itself, do not let the synopsis fool you into thinking this is just some boring law show, please... It is everything but!

Within this show, I have learned so much. Between where I am from (US) and Japan, there are multiple differences in the criminal justice system, from what I know just offhand; when I watched this show I have to say that my knowledge was tested, beaten down, rebuilt, in some ways even reversed, and I even gained some new insights as to what I believe and my what my thoughts on right or wrong are.

This show is harsh in some ways, almost downright scary; but this show has a lesson for anyone who chooses to watch with 100% completely focused attention, genuine feelings, and sincere respect. This show, in its entirety, teaches so much about human integrity, human life, relationships, honesty, and humanity. This show will stick with me for the longest time. It is a once in a lifetime show that not to be missed!

Read More

This drama is so much more than just detectives, investigations, and fraud! The characters are so well created that they themselves seem to carry and create the story, instead of the writer(s) and director(s).

Each scene is so well woven into the next that if you aren't careful you could miss something important; and every little detail in this show is something important to the story as a hole! I do think that this could have ran as a movie or special, but the fact that this show exists as 5 episodes is something that makes this show so wonderful! The feeling of "what will happen next" and the impending cliffhangers and dangers of what could possibly become of each character is something only a show can deliver; because if you're watching a movie or special its all delivered, straightforwardly.

I think the fact that this was a 5 episode show allowed the viewers to honestly see the reality and truth of how life for everyone (from the poor to the broken to the rich to the criminals to the police to the ordinary) can deliver some very swift, very cruel and heartbreaking situations. This show definitely brought to its viewers the truth, good and bad, of reality for each person involved.


PS: I think (possibly maybe) people are expecting this to be a hard, dark, intense detective/criminal/thriller/police/mystery/etc.. genre type show that a lot of people are not giving this the chance it deserves! Please, though this may be hypocritical, do not let other comments and/or reviews sway you from watching, reading, or doing whatever you want!

Read More

Extremely well written, directed, and filled with an amazing cast! This drama is now one of my all time favorites! I binged watched this show within one day and it was absolutely worth it. The story, plot twists, and separate character stories alike were nothing I've ever seen played out in movies or other tv shows, or even read in books. I have to admit when I saw that Kaname Jun was in the cast I was set on watching, however, once I started episode 1 I was hooked from the first minute!

The story is interesting, sweet, filled with mystery, and a lot of light. I laughed with each episode, cried with a couple of episodes, worried over a few characters, got angry a few times even; but overall, this show is literally one in a million and I absolutely adore the story being told.

I think this show could possibly do with a special episode, or two! Maybe even a second season. I loved watching Takahashi Issei at work! All of his expressions, his genuine smile, his reactions to pleasant and unpleasant things, the way he interacted with strangers and family/friends, the way he got along with George and "spoke" with the animals were very amusing and wonderful to watch. I have to say that I really learned a lot from Aikawa-sensei!

This show teaches a lot of different ways of thinking, as well as different ways to go about thinking of new things or the same thing. I really believe this show is a fantastic way of teaching the differences in people, not to mention every other living thing(s), and is something that no one should miss out on.

Read More

This show has so much more depth to it than it's trailers or it's synopsis gives! The amount of realism and sincerity to not only human life but family life, in any form, as well. The genuine honesty this show has was something I haven't seen from a drama or movie in a long time!

This show has a lot more than just Ikuta Toma as the focal point, though it's true that he is listed as the main character, but as you continue to watch it's almost as if everyone blends into the "main character" role. The family dynamic itself is such a unique system/role in society that everyone, at some point, seems to play the "main character" role within their own family system. This show has taken that title of "main character" and turned it upside down!

Each character in this show's story has brought themselves full circle, from beginning to end. Please do not be blinded by your bias for Ikuta Toma as the main character for this show, while that is true, it also isn't in its own way. Each character, including the customers of Bar Clutch and Cafe Polaris, becomes the main character in this show; it almost seems like a chapter book with the different breaks in the episodes. Though the show does seem to focus on Ikuta Toma's character's lifestyle just a bit more than it does any other character, however.

There is romance in this show but it follows along with the show's general genre and is a "coming of age" for all parties involved. As you watch, this show becomes almost familiar, like it could be a family you know or even your own family. Though some episodes also feel like a diary or secret journal entries that someone had written about their own family and they made it into a story later in their life/live(s). This show is extremely close to reality for so many genres; such as: slice of life, coming of age, romance/adult (almost), comedy, miniseries, docufiction, and even sometimes it fills the role of docudrama.

The "family" roles in this show, also, are not just limited to the role of families by blood, but they also include the families we create, that of: friends, lovers, coworkers, acquaintances, neighbors, and even pets. It fills us with confidence, happiness, frustration, encouragement, loyalty, courage, fear, ridiculous amounts of love, friendship, and so on... I can't say that this show is the definition of family in itself, but it comes very close!

I couldn't predict the ending of this show, let alone any outcome of any episode! IIf you're a fan of Ikuta Toma, like myself, then definitely watch! This is one of his best shows, his talent is extraordinary in this show! Though even if you aren't a fan of Ikuta Toma, and you are or are not a fan of any of the other cast members, then definitely watch this show, too! So many members of this show are extremely talented, their hardwork, skill, unique traits, respect, and personalities all shine throughout each episode. Maybe you'll find some new actor/actress to follow, like I did! This show is a gem, and absolutely not one to miss out on!

Read More

This show has so much more depth to it than just a "detective drama". Though I'm sorry that I probably can't say the following well, I can say that this show has so much more to it than your usual police/detective/crime/mystery/thriller show. There are so many more emotions and genuine, unique, honest traits that make this show such the amazing show it is.

First off, and possibly most importantly, is the cast. This show is filled with a cast of amazing stars, to say the least. Whether it be the main, support, or guest cast! Each moment of this show was filled to the brim with thrills, suspense, action, comedy, drama, mystery, and so much more and I believe that was in (at least halfway) due to the cast selected for each episode and for the entire show. With such a strong cast, it is very easy to see how this show has wowed so many people. However, I still think it's a little bit underrated, and that may possibly be because of the synopsis. I mean, I cannot be the only one who thought: "retirees helping a rookie detective? definitely boring or some comedy"...right? If I'm wrong, I sincerely apologize. But, trust me: The above, previous, thought is definitely wrong!

Secondly, the story in itself is something viewers see a lot within detective shows, right? However, this show is different. This show has a story that is just so completely different from the "normal" detective shows that I'm at a loss for words, and I just finished the entire series in one day; that's how amazed I am. This story is so classic, yet so new at the same time. I think that is what makes it so special. For example, while you're watching, you may think that this show definitely has no point and will somehow (maybe even sloppily, very quickly) throw together some random finale episode(s). Which is what I thought as well. However, if you pay attention very closely, you can almost see the entire plot become strung together within each episode, piece by piece. There are hints and there are fake hints, too, but if you properly pay attention to each episode the story may come in to view, or it just may become extremely confusing.

You would think I have a third, or maybe even fourth, point here but I don't. In fact, my first and second points were probably so obvious to other viewers. Trust me, this show is something special; something that does not come around very often. The acting and story were solid, very genuine and real. Each moment was so gut-wrenching, heartfelt, knowledgeable, practiced and perfected through very visible hard work, talent, and respect. Every detail was so painstakingly created with respect and pride and love for the craft from the writer(s), director, crew and staff, cast and guest(s), even the soundtrack and other behind the scenes people(s) that this show is quite literally a "masterpiece".

Read More