Erin
Charleston
1.) I laughed like hell and repeated the beginning of episode 2 (on dramanice.to) it was absolutely hilarious!
2.) I'm not afraid to say I cried a few times during this series!
To me, this seems like a completely different Ohno Satoshi. The story was like a children's book played out, but made for "older kids"... if that makes sense. The cast was fantastic, Hamada Tatsuomi was really wonderful; I liked him on the VS Arashi episode, too! This is a cute, funny, heartwarming show that just so happens to star an Arashi member; instead of an Arashi member making it famous, it's like they both balanced each other out. I seriously recommend watching this show!
Now on to the specials and movie! I can't wait!
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I have to say that I have written this in a lot of detective show reviews, yet once again: I could not figure out who the suspect was before the end of the episode. This show did confuse me sometimes, however, if you watch carefully you will pick up on each and every detail; though that isn't to say that the motives and suspects are easy to figure out, or that the stories themselves are simple! The entire show itself is very new to me; each plot for each episode is something the writers and actors painstakingly brought to life, their hard work definitely shows!
The acting in this show was superb! Sometimes in shows with a synopsis like this it can become a little cheesy or even a little easy, yet throughout this show it seemed to become tougher and tougher to figure out who did what to who and why! The female actors in this show did not seem like the "please rescue me, prince" type, and the male actors were definitely not "overprotective muscle heads" either. Each person portrayed their character as if it was the most natural thing in the world; as if they were one in the same with their characters. In fact, everyone's acting in this show is so solid and (almost) perfect that it is one of the reasons why I enjoyed the show so much!
There are a few points that seem slightly ridiculous or redundant that make this show a little cheesy, but each episode seems to "fly past" so quickly that you don't really notice them for too long, if at all! I can honestly say that this show could have lasted for much longer than 7 episodes, and there were times where the show itself felt a little rushed or jam-packed; however I also like where it ended.
If you're looking for a challenge, something a little happy yet filled with mystery and thrills, then this is definitely the show for you!
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The cast for this series really threw me for a loop, too! The past 3 series I almost had it all figured out, who was the bad guy and what the end conclusion would be; however, this series had me completely stumped! The actors and actresses left me in awe; I was afraid to watch this series at night, to be honest, because a couple of the episodes (not to mention Kaminuma himself) just gave me the creeps.
This show is full of wonderful talents and is not one to be missed if you enjoy detective, crime, suspense, mystery, police, or thrilling dramas! Also, this is a good series to binge-watch!
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Do not watch without tissues. This has to be one of his greatest performances, that I've seen anyway. And the cameos from the other Arashi members are hysterically well done! The children play out their roles well and it really has the feel of a working daycare. Definite must watch!!
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Rental Clarity
Its been a while since I've been so emotionally involved with a show. Each episode, from beginning to end, was so intense and left me on the edge of my seat of what would happen next. I feel like this could have been a movie, it all flowed so perfectly together. But I believe this story was made in to a 12 episode show to give viewers time to collect themselves and review (talk about) the information from each episode before moving on to the next and the next, until the end. As the story continued to build, each character really created a special position for themselves within the story. It was really great to watch each character grow as their own person, but it was really nice to see how it reflected on the main characters, too.As the Kotaki brothers continued their work, it was nice to see how reflections of each character mirrored back to the brothers. It was like watching a strong foundation being built from the ground up, and how each crack and "imperfection" would be fixed along the way to make the best foundation possible. It was interesting to see the differences in humanity, too; supporters, heartbreak, new relationships, etc.
People have compared this story to "Midnight Diner", and I can see why, the ambience or atmosphere of this show is pretty familiar; but that's where the familiarity stops. I think this show is an underrated gem, it has great power to stand on its own as a fantastic story of mystery, familial and friendly love relationships, etc; and the story of humanity at its best. How to get back up on your feet after falling down, how to ask for help even if you don't want to, how to change, or how to be the best version of yourself.
This show really had a wonderful back story. It was extremely interesting to see the differences between, not only the brothers, but in the humans and community around them. It was nice to watch them build up their careers as well; I really like the idea of a "rental person" to help with personal, private, or just random things. The story, without giving too much away, was very beautiful; about building connections, building oneself, and the hardships while doing so. This story is absolutely one of the best I've seen this year.
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Intense Mystifying Thrills
This story is not at all what I thought it would be! I've never seen such thrilling dramatics in my life, except for maybe in a couple of movies. This show had such a fantastically unique story that I had never seen before except maybe in manga or anime; in fact, this story is like an anime or manga come to life, which I'm sure a commenter or reviewer already said (lol). IF you're looking for something different with intense story telling then try this show!At the beginning, I wasn't sure about the main character's, they seemed like a mish-mash of people from different "acting ranks" (is that a thing?) brought together to somehow hype up the show. However, the more I watched, the more each actor and actress seemed to fit their role(s) perfectly, like beautiful pieces of a puzzle. For a story like this with its curious plot, a "mish-mash" of people involved is quite really the best reasoning. People who are brought together by something bigger than themselves to work together as a team, drawing from everyone's strengths and filling in where there are weaknesses.
The music for the ending really threw me, at first it didn't really fit within the first few episodes, and it kind of annoyed me at times so I skipped it. Though, as the show went on, and I kept watching all the way to the end (to see if the end credits had secrets lol) the song grew on me, and it even made me feel like I had a hitch in my throat; like I was on the edge of a cliff waiting for something to happen with full dramatics... which is usually did in the next episode. The music for this show was spectacular in helping to create such an amazing universe for this story.
This story is intense, very interesting, and leaves the viewer wanting more! The backstory could have been filled in more for a few characters, but I also like the way they left it blank; as if leaving it to the viewers imagination. But it also makes me wonder if this show was meant to have longer episodes, a special, or even a second season. Some things seemed left to the imagination, while others seemed either forgotten or meant to create a type of bridge to another episode/special/season two. I would love to see more if that is a possibility, of course! However, the sword fighting in this show was so amazingly talented, you could see just how respectful and cautious each person was with the scabbards (sheaths?) and the swords, as well. That had to have been a lot of hard work that pushed the body(bodies) to their limits.
The theme of this show is superb, very interesting and great at catching the viewers attention. The synopsis is a great tantalizing temptation, then you throw in the trailer, too.... and I was hooked from episode one!
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The Great Reversal!
This is one of the few times where I have been extremely invested in a story of any kind. It was really wonderful to watch a "behind the scenes" look at how a hotel is always thinking of their guests with consideration! A type of story rarely seen recently, I think, the "behind the scenes" one; but it was amazing to watch how everyone worked very hard to muster up all their courage, pride, motivation, and excitement to create the greatest hotel reversal.The heartfelt charm and magical skills of each staff member was fantasy like, as if they really went through hotel staff training for their roles. It was really enthralling and exciting to watch them make beds, diligently work hard in their respective area(s), and power through the difficult moments. If you're looking for political or bureaucratic then this is not the story for you.... This is the story of a phoenix of sorts.
The music really added to the charm of the story, creating intimate moments and even suspenseful ones. There was some mystery within this story; episodes 6 and 7 had me on the edge of my seat, and episode 8 was really special! The atmosphere and the sharp attention to detail within this hotel were so amazing to watch as the staff cared for each guest, the hotel itself, and their ally's and coworkers was so sincere and full of respect, admiration, and genuine care that it was almost tangible through the screen!
This story is full of hope, wonder, and magic~ definitely not one to be missed on story alone; I laughed, cried, got mad, worried, and had almost had anxiety a couple of episodes. This story is full of the unimaginable and yet somehow is the most real, unique, and straightforwardly genuine group of people who truly care about their work, their friends, and their guests
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Differences in Kawaii
Everyone has their own idea of what cute is and isn't, everyone has their own thoughts about themselves whether that be self confidence, courage, low self esteem, or bravery to try something new. This show really shined a bright light on what people cherish and how they can be a better version of themselves!This story is something completely different than what I've seen before, but it does have some feelings of familiarity -- like bits and pieces were taken from different dramas and movies, nothing too huge to be obvious but little pieces were oddly similar to other story's I've seen. The dramatics of this show are completely different to normal slice-of-life or in the office dramatics; this story showed a very honest, raw, very genuine human way of living after finding ourselves lost or disappointed, and how we can build ourselves up to try again!
This is a wonderful story that shows how even if you hate where you are right now, you can still make the best of situations and create something new and fantastic for yourself!
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Becoming a Crow
This show itself is a fantastic stand-alone story because it is one, however, the more I watched the show (from beginning to the end) I couldn't help but find some similarities between this story and a couple of other drama's I have seen within the court/lawyer/investigator genre. Which only fueled my interest and admiration for this show!Some similarities lie within the cast and others within the "feel of the story", and the story itself. I left a few recommendations for this show on the recommendations page, and they may clarify for other viewers what I mean if they choose to look into the recommendations made. Also, if someone has any difference in opinions or shows that are similar, I would like to hear from anyone, if you feel comfortable enough to message or comment to me, that is.
The seriousness and the humor are a perfect balance, with each episode just as the moment became too dark and mysterious, someone within the "Ichikei" team managed to lighten the mood; whether that be with humor, a confident speech, a story that seemingly has nothing to do with the topic at hand, or just a simple "i agree" as a form of "back up" to whatever plan was created or a person in general. It was really nice seeing everyone within the "Ichikei" team as main characters. Even though it is listed that there are only two main characters throughout the show, I couldn't help but disagree. Everyone within the "Ichikei" team seemed to be "main characters" as per my own definition; the spotlight really never specifically seemed to focus on one person in particular, and none of the characters seemed to fight over who would be most important or more involved as the "main person".
The relationship within each case, and each episode, was obviously built with tangible respect, kindness, and honesty. No matter the rank of the actor/actress held in the story: clerk, judge, lawyer, prosecutor, criminal, civilian, victim, defendant, etc. It felt like the show was continuously giving life lessons within each episode, though as very comforting, self-illustrated children's books (you'll know what i mean if you watch lol). Nothing spoken about in the show, and nothing that happened was too cheesy, confusing, or hard to understand; the show progressed at a very even and thorough pace. Not one bit of this story feels left out or left behind; though the end was a bit of a cliffhanger... I, too, would very much like to see what kind of judge(s) Sakama Chizuru and Iruma Michio will become!
I do like that they took this drama, not from a criminal or law perspective, but from the judge's perspective. It was nice to see human issues that I could relate to in a show that I really liked. The weight of judging a person, the weight of having a stranger's life in your hands, their future, is really terrifying! After watching this show I feel like I can see the truth and honesty of humanity with a very raw, genuine, and unique sight. After watching this show, I feel like I can hold myself to a higher purpose; making sure I always tell the truth, and things of that nature. I'm not going out to pursue the job of a clerk, judge, lawyer, or prosecutor. But I do have to say that this show left a very strong impression on me; something very deep, very beautiful, and very honest. This show is a must watch! You will laugh, cry, get angry, worry, and almost become a detective; it is a very enthralling, mysterious, charming, intense, and immensely entertaining show!
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Favorite Comfort
This drama put me through so much in such a short time! I have never cried nor laughed as hard as I have when I watched this lovely story. The characters were absolutely perfect; the definition of small town friends and family joining together to create their own picturesque, charming, and perfect community. This is the definition of slice-of-life, there's romance and friendship and family drama(s), but there is also the medical drama(s) even though it isn't too dramatic (like emergency issues under little to no supplies or skills)... But this drama is the absolute definition of "perfection", all around!The characters and cast were picked so well, everyone fit together so amazingly! I really liked watching everyone rally around Yukino-san; and the interactions between Taiyo(u)-san and Saku-sensei. Their relationship to be boss and subordinate while also being best friends was something really special to watch; also, it was absolutely hilarious! The emotions and reactions of Taiyo(u)-san, Saku-sensei, and Masora-sensei really was fantastic to watch; I laughed, cried, worried and got angry during each episode.... Well, mostly laughed and cried. The feelings within this show are absolutely tangible; I was scared, angry, worried, happy, envious, sad, and enthralled by all of the immense and intense emotions and connections this show portrayed!
The music really helped to lighten or dramatize the moment. The music either chimed in or quietly came to a stop at just the right moment. I believe the music really helps build up a story, or it can tear it apart; even without car chases and explosions, the music really created a wonderful chemistry for everyone.
I really liked watching the villagers come together as a very tight knit community, and grow as their own person or as co-workers or friends, during each episode. To watch all the hard work everyone (staff, camera people, director, writers, producers, actors/actresses, etc) put in to the show come to life was so immaculate and depicted the perfection of raw, genuine humanity, kindness, and love. A very heartwarming, bittersweet, honest, unique story full of talent and fantastic imagination, knowledge, and respect for the human condition -- no matter what!
This show is an instant classic and my absolute favorite! Please do not skip this absolute diamond of a story!
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Freshly Brewed
...the headline is way too corny, sorry~!This show was so much more than what I thought it was going to be. The synopsis definitely encapsulates a good portion of the show, but mostly the "silver lining" and hides the "bitter, dark, muddy" stuff for later.
You really do build up an affection for the characters in this show, no matter where Aoyama-san parked his mobile coffee shop. I thought it would be something heartwarming and uplifting, a feel good show about the ups and downs within life and how we can overcome them to be better versions of ourselves.... and I don't want to say I was wrong, but..... I was maybe 50% wrong?
This show really delves in to the "past" versions of how people act(ed) and how they "saved" themselves to recreate their lives, for better or worse, and all the dangers in between. There's nothing like a warm cup of coffee or tea to help relax the mind and body, but with the right atmosphere and human connection, sometimes it can also help to heal your soul. Without being too preachy or corny (like my headline) or belittling, this show really told a fantastic story of how wonderful the human connection can be at times.
This story felt a tad like how "Kazoku Games" plot line did: by getting to the core of the issue and starting slowly from ground zero, piecing things together like a puzzle piece until you've learned what went wrong and how to fix it or how to begin again from where you're standing right at that moment. If you wander around thinking everyone else is wrong and you are perfectly correct all the time or everyone else is too bothersome to deal with or you are too smart/powerful for anyone else, then life gets boring and lonely really quick. This show really stands out by showing the viewers that not everyone is a "lone wolf", while some people need a whole flock to follow them and praise them, some people just need people to be there and listen to them, or to just drink a cup of coffee with them in silence; their company is comforting enough.
The entire world is made up of different people, full of wonderful places and things to visit and be part of. I believe that what this story showed was just that: the comfort of familiar even within the unfamiliar and the strength of humans, even at their lowest, can be immeasurable. There isn't a lot of coffee information, which I thought there would be; but it is discussed in a few episodes. None of it is very confusing, in fact it's pretty interesting! I laughed and cried, got scared in a couple of episodes, even! If you're looking for a "slice-of-life" or romance story, then this may not be for you; it isn't really heavy on either genre. But, if you're looking for something relaxing, with an entertaining story that is packed full of charm, integrity, kindness, humanity, and love... Then this is the show for you!
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Exciting "New" Sherlock
The plot line follows the origin story(ies) of Sherlock Holmes, however, with a few tweaks and changes, this show is something completely new... yet familiar.The story does have the comforting (?) and typical feel of Japanese detective shows; but when you throw in the "eccentric Sherlock and his witty sidekick (friend?)" then you get a completely different drama. Combined with the technology, thrills, suspense, and mystery that a Japanese police/detective/crime drama already has plus the Sherlock story itself seems to make this drama quite interesting; something new, yet something old and familiar. Which is why I think it's a "comforting" show. To say it's a predictable show is an overstatement, the feeling of it is but the story itself is something brand new!
I like how they did not dwell on the "major evils" throughout the show, nor did they build up to a big bang finale. Towards the end, the show created the "major evils" one step at a time; sometimes a line, sometimes a person, sometimes an entire criminal plan, etc...
The cast selected made this show what it is, I believe. Dean Fujioka was the perfect choice for Sherlock; though I can think of a few others who I would like to see in a few of the same roles, but it would just be my personal preference(s) based on what I've seen of their acting and because I've seen the entirety of this drama.; so it would sort of be like me superimposing a role from one show in to/on to this show. Which wouldn't be too interesting, but it wouldn't be too bad, either. So I think the cast was chosen with that in mind; something like "pick a couple of A-list actors then fill out the roles with B and C list", sort of thing. The entire cast had me completely mesmerized right up until the end! Their skilled talent full of respect and genuine humanity is what made this show such a success!
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