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I've seen a few reviews that compare this drama to the anime, but, I can't help but feel that as I watched each version of the girls' story told different stories. From the manga to the anime to this live-action, the story/plotline is exactly the same, however, each one came to life with a completely different type of feeling. From calming story's to comedic dramatics to growing differences in each person's lifestyle.Each version of this story is, essentially, the same; however, they all have their own differences too! No wonder it sparked a movement of camping enthusiasm! This story, from the manga artist(s) and author(s) to the directors and voice actors and actresses/actors in each television adaptation, shown with such adoration and a strong respect for each series before it. It's rare to see a series such as this one carried out so well from book to television, I think.
You can tell with this live-action that each person on the show studied hard to learn "how to camp" and to fulfill their character's original story from the manga and anime. Each story made me laugh and it was so charming to watch each person's relation with the next fall into place as the story grew and the girls continued to grow within their friendship and as themselves. This story is a quick watch, just like the anime was, and maybe that's just for me, but the story itself is so calming and really beautiful to watch! It was such a treat to watch the story unfold, even though I knew (to a certain extent) what would happen next between each episode and each person... It was spectacular to watch as they traveled to different campsites to have adventures and see the beauty that is Japan.
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There is one word and one word only that comes to my mind immediately when I watched this show: INTENSEThis is the most intense, dramatic, detailed, high octane, interesting, creative, and informative show I have seen in a very long time! The emotions within this show are raw and genuine, from the writers to the director to the camera people to the staffers and especially the cast. It's been a long time since I've been so infatuated with a show that I, at first, had reservations to watch. The reservation to watch was based on my own biased thoughts and opinions, mostly because of typecasting, so please do not let this stop you from watching.
There is so much packed within 5 episodes that some parts may seem rushed, but this show is amazing as it is because of that feeling! It would be a waste if it was one long movie or special episode. This show is bittersweet, gut-wrenching, and extremely (as voiced earlier) INTENSE! This is not a show for people who are averse to yelling, blood, and things a little more rated "R" than "PG-13", mostly because this show airs the dark side of humanity and the difficulties of bringing it to light through multiple cases of "red tape". The amount of reality in this show to human emotion and life, in general, is so outstanding that it's surreal.
This show is surreal, but this show is also honestly raw, genuine, and real. Do not avert your eyes from this very intense story!
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The bit of Ikuta Toma being Arashi... that's just a bonus I think! (;
I definitely recommend this to many Ikuta Toma and Oguri Shun fans; but, this cast has many spectacular supporters and main roles as well, so don't leave anyone out even if you watched for a specific person. I feel like this drama is what it honestly is: a DRAMA. There was so much to swallow that towards the end I was afraid I couldn't keep up, but the recaps helped and if you follow the subtitles closely it helps a lot too. Otherwise, you may get lost because there are some episodes that move fast. Also, prepare tissues...
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Mr. Nietzsche in the Convenience Store
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This show is one of the fastest moving, well detailed, insanely dramatic shows I have seen in a while. Yes, this show is a remake of a Korean show (the same title I believe), but I haven't seen the original version, only the Japanese remake. Even though comments I've seen say that this is only a copy but, in my opinion, I believe this show is capable of standing on its own and does so very nicely! Then again, I haven't seen the Korean version...This show has great specific detail of how a policeman and/or detective in a certain department works, from the inside out, and how they all cooperate together from the 911-call-center (or 110-call-center in Japan) to how they are sent out and how they "work" each call. It was amazing to watch them handle each case!
If you are a fan of Karasawa Toshiaki, Maki Yoko, Kimura Yuichi, Masuda Takahisa, YOU, Iseya Yusuke, or ANYONE AT ALL IN THE ENTIRE CAST, then you definitely need to watch this show! It is an action-packed, emotional, fantastic rollercoaster from start to finish! It was known from the beginning that there was one large case for the show in its entirety, however, the amount of time and detail used in each episode was spectacular! It was a very detailed, intense, and dramatic showing of a "cat and mouse game".
This show, even if it is a copy, should not be missed! The cast, the way the show itself is filmed and created, is one of the most superb views I have seen in a long time!
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1.) No, this is not all sunshine and rainbows and happy times; prepare tissues and wait for a multitude of emotions.
2.) No, the previous statement does not mean it is a terrifying or scary show; it's just a serious look on a certain way of life.
3.) No, you should definitely not pass this drama up!
Having said all that, let me get straight to the point now. To be honest, I watched this drama only because of Abe Hiroshi; after seeing him in "Hero", I was addicted to his talent, skill, and unique personality (not to mention his height and voice) almost immediately. Also having said that, the more I watched this drama, the more the story drew me in. I recognized a few more actors/actresses (Endo Kenichi, Yoshitaka Yuriko, and David Ito; just to name a few) along with the small comedic and light-hearted moments drew me in to the story as a whole. At times, I was angry at a few characters and I cried with a couple others, while I laughed with another. This story is very unorthodox in the way it is written and played out; I could predict a bit of the ending, but most of it I couldn't even imagine! I did get bored watching at some slow points, but then something happened and I was immediately drawn back in; I even paused to rewind and rewatch a few moments! This is definitely unlike any other drama I've ever seen and I am so glad I watched this story; it is now one of my favorites! I hope a lot of other peoples will give this heart wrenching (and heart breaking), touching and kind, honest and real, sad and happy, not to mention bittersweet, story a chance! I'm sure a lot more people will love it!
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Curious Combi
Before starting this show I saw a few comments about how they were unsure of the cast of Ayano Go and Hoshino Gen being partners, or of Hoshino Gen being a police officer.... But let me tell you that that worry is severely unfounded! I mean sure, to each their own with personal biases of favorites or dislikes, but I promise you: Hoshino Gen and Ayano Go make the perfect combination!The story does follow a pretty interesting turn of events considering it was filmed before and during the Covid-19 Pandemic! The plot line itself is similar in small places to most police/crime/detective dramas but only for short periods of time; nothing is ever too confusing or feels rushed. In fact, in my opinion, it sort of feels like they cut the story short; whether that is because of the Covid-19 Pandemic or it was the original story, though, I don't know.
The cast was superb! Each one filled their roles perfectly; the skill and respect and their talents each were shining and absolutely spectacular to watch! From the dramatics, to the running, to the tricky criminals... MIU 404 is a hilarious, heart felt, genuine, extraordinary show!
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Enthralling Mystery
It is super hard to write a review without any spoilers, but I will try my best!This show, this story, was so intense; it was like nothing I've ever seen before. I've seen a few stories that uncovered the dark side(s) of government organizations or scientists or people that had an overgrown ego, but this story was so superb and realistic that it was scary!
As the story began to unravel it was becoming more and more enthralling and thrilling at first, I couldn't believe what was happening because it all seemed too easy, too convenient, too predictable but the actual truth behind each case was so tangled up within the REAL truth that I never saw the ending coming; give or take a few moments.
The music for the beginning and ending themes as well as the actual scenes for the beginning and ending themes really added suspense and cunning charm to the story! I like that it showed each person as the story unfolded, something like their own back story but more so how they live their day to day lives even though all this is going on. It sort of felt like watching someone in their own space quarantining during this COVID-19 era.
The cast at first seemed a little forced, like it was just a mishmash of popular actors tossed in together; however, as the story unfolded the cast really made the story as perfect as it is!
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Exhilarating Action
The story of this show is quite unique! I've seen the "family member/lover/best friend/co-worker" murdered storyline a lot, but this show seems to give more importance to the specialty skills of the DCU and Japanese Coast Guard and police more than the story itself.The techniques, technology, skill, talent, and respect each actor/actress has for each other as their characters and as their own person really seems to be a true, strong bond; which is important and common for jobs within the police and military. Watching them work together as a team in the Japanese coast guard, as DCU, and as friends/co-workers/family was like watching a live police/military documentary or television show. All actors and actresses seemed to perform their roles as their characters and as police/military members perfectly, with respect and admiration for their jobs and the military/police and themselves. It makes me wonder what training they all went through for this role. The women within this story are some of the strongest people I have seen in any show, Japanese or otherwise.
If you are looking for an interesting, slightly predictable, mystifying, thrilling, funny, heartwarming yet bittersweet, epic action filled show then this is definitely a story for you! There's intrigue and heartbreak, lots of information within the backstory and as the investigations go on. It is a little fast-paced, kind of like you're jumping feet first (diving pun - get it? lol) in to the middle of the story, but it isn't too confusing that you could/would get lost!
Absolutely a wonderful show!
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I really wish there was more of this show, it was really cute! Though I can see where a couple of people in the first few comments may be right, there is a little bit of a BL undertone towards the end of this story, however, it doesn't really overtake so much as match the meeting of new friends while trying to get over prejudices within the community. That being said, this show is one of the most heartwarming and silly shows I've seen in a while!Even though this show is only 5 episodes, and I do believe the manga is still continuing, it was really wonderful to watch each character grow as a person from beginning to end; which is why I suppose I would like to see more episodes of this show! The acting for each person was really genuine and very spot on to each personality. I feel like the actors and actresses really did their best to respectfully and honestly bring each persona from the manga to life!
The story line itself was kind of easy to see, however, it did seem rushed in a couple of episodes and slow in a couple of others; but that feeling didn't really drag on, and although it stayed within the manga storyline throughout the show, I feel that this series definitely has a very strong life of its own!
A cute and charming show to watch if you're just getting into Japanese television, it has something for everyone! With such an outstanding cast, it also is a great doorway to enjoying other shows!
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There is a little bit of awkwardness as the story continues, however, it is the awkwardness that comes with growing as a person after big decisions, once in a lifetime challenges, regrets or happiness, arguments or resolutions; etc...
This story is a fantastic continuation of how life continues no matter what choices or regrets or moments we as people make in our timelines. I cannot imagine a better continuation of a series, let alone the telling of multiple and/or separate life stories than this series!
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The cast was spectacular! It's always nice to see Sato Jiro in any role, but he was hilarious! It was also very interesting to see Sometani Shota as Buddha; he was really fun to watch throughout the show with his different "emotions" and I'm very interested in seeing how he will reprise the role in the movie and the upcoming special. This is, however, my first time seeing Matsuyama Kenichi in anything but it will not be my last, he makes a very convincing and adorably hilarious Jesus!
The show itself is 10 separate shorts instead of full-length episodes and I believe that that is why the show is such a laugh riot and is so charming to viewers. However, I think it would have done just as well as a special or movie; each short blended into the next so well, as if it were already a movie or you were reading from the manga. Which makes me wonder how true the live-action version(s) are to the manga?
This is a good show to watch if you're a fan of the series or if you're just starting to watch Japanese dramas. It isn't too religious but it does have some "teachings" within each episode, but it doesn't really get preachy or even too comical when it comes to discussing or mentioning or even describing certain people, places, aspects, or reasonings within any one religion. It's more so a teaching guide that is very honest and "real" with how Buddha and Jesus lived and are as people(s).
This show is hilarious and very sweet; definitely a good one for rewatching or if you're just starting out with foreign/Japanese dramas and/or shows!
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