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  • Last Online: 10 hours ago
  • Gender: Female
  • Location: Charleston
  • Contribution Points: 88 LV2
  • Birthday: July 15
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  • Join Date: February 6, 2016

Erin

Charleston

Erin

Charleston
Completed
Crisis: Kouan Kidou Sousatai Tokusou-han
2 people found this review helpful
by Erin
Sep 6, 2019
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers
I began watching this drama because of Oguri Shun, however, once I began watching everything seemed to melt together and as I realized who was cast I became even more intrigued to continue watching. After falling in love with episode 1, I binge-watched the entire show! This script is well written, the episodes are all well shot, each story is never disappointing. I cannot remember a time when I fell in love with a series so quickly and completely.

As I continued to watch, it's like who the actors are (personally) faded away and I was watching an exceptional group of experts in their field of fighting, protecting, hacking, building, creating, defending, revealing, and much more. I wish there were more episodes that continued to show off these talented group of unique, real, fascinating human beings. Each one had a special skill that seemed to melt in with the group of five so perfectly to create a magnificent team.

The premise of the show is something used a lot, however, it is also something completely different than anything I have seen before! Each episode was shot so clearly, that it seemed like everything was filmed in real-time. I cannot believe how real and relatable this show felt; it left behind all trace of being a show and completely felt like reality.

Some scenes may (or may not) have started off as a tactic for this show to gain popularity, but it seems to have been perfectly executed. The few who you thought would be weaklings actually ended up the complete opposite; no talent, effort, skill, or time was wasted in the making of this show. You can see just how hard each actor and actress portrayed themselves and worked themselves for the success of this show.

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Completed
River’s Edge Okawabata Tanteisha
2 people found this review helpful
by Erin
Jun 28, 2019
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers
This is one of the most unorthodox, unique, interesting, and enthralling shows I have ever watched. Japanese drama or otherwise!

The main characters in this show were one in a million, absolutely perfect for this show's story, and the clients were also well chosen; everyone working on this show made it something of its own, they made the show as if it had a life of its own. I don't know how to explain it very well, but once you watch this show you'll see it is not something typical of the detective, mystery, suspense, crime, investigation genre(s).

I like how each character has their own backstory, client or Ookawabata employee, and each had their own story to follow; this show became somewhat of a novelty in a way. Being that it doesn't divulge too much of the backstory of any character, yet focuses on what needs to be done for each client, this show differs greatly from the detective/investigation/crime dramas I've seen so far. I was mesmerized by each story that played out as if by magic, I was hooked from episode one and binge-watched the entire show.

The show itself does seem a bit underrated, and I don't even remember when I put this on my "plan to watch" list, but I am so glad I did! Odagiri Joe is wonderful, and his character in this show only seems to be him showing off his talent, hard work, and respect for his profession. At least to me. The team that makes up the office of Ookawabata Tantei are truly amazing to watch at work, their involvement in each story differs from one story to the next depending on the client or circumstances, but not in the way a typical detective drama would handle it.

This show in and of itself, all over, inside and out, is a detective/mystery/investigation/crime/thriller drama, that is 100% accurate truth! However, this show has a life of its own and is definitely not one to be missed!

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Completed
Shirato Osamu no Jikenbo
2 people found this review helpful
by Erin
Jun 26, 2019
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers
This show was full of nonsense, absurdity, and romantic antics; however, it was also full of detective reasonings, mystery, and suspense! For a comedic detective show, this series really had most, if not all, of the genre's, covered.

There wasn't one episode where I could figure out early on who the culprit "maybe" was behind all of the thrilling stories in this show. I never would have thought Chiba Yudai and Hongo Kanata made such an amazing pair of co-stars, but they were both fantastic in this show, you could definitely see their friendship as well as their amazing talent within each episode. Though everyone cast in this show was very talented as well, I have to say that I personally think Chiba Yudai and Hongo Kanata were a stand out above the rest. There were a few familiar faces in this drama, as well as some actors/actresses I've never seen before, but their talents and hard work were all shown off very well in this series.

I never could have imagined a plot like this show has. As intricate as it was nonsensical, this show was created and carried out with detailed perfection and skilled people who take pride in their work. The two episode split was really interesting, they definitely took in to account the "detective show cliffhangers".

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Completed
IQ246: Kareinaru Jikenbo
2 people found this review helpful
by Erin
Jun 20, 2019
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers
I watched this show mostly because the synopsis sounded interesting, and it is a very interesting show, however, it took me a few episodes to get me hooked. But that has nothing to do with the show, it's all my personal taste(s).

The cast was really well picked for this show, especially episode 5 because I'm a fan of Narimiya Hiroki. To be honest, I think they made a lot of things over exaggerated at some points or rushed at other points, and I really don't understand why one person had to be the "stupid commoner" scapegoat for the first few episodes, though I do realize that all of it was what made this show so interesting! Each story had an extremely difficult plot that was full of suspense and was thrilling to watch! Each character's personal story and growth was really amazing to see; it was like they became a different person altogether as the show continued through the episodes.

Though I was confused sometimes, it didn't last long and everything made sense toward the end of each episode and even more so toward the end of the show itself. I have to say this story is very unique to anything I have ever seen before, and as I continued watching I definitely grew more fond of the show as well!

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Completed
Radiation House
2 people found this review helpful
by Erin
Jun 19, 2019
11 of 11 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers
This is the first time I've watched a simulcast with Japan and it was amazing! I believe the story was impeccably written, the storyline and plot twists were very interesting, and the cast was perfect! Kubota Masataka was the right choice for Igarashi Iori and I think Tsubasa Honda was the right choice for Amakasu An as well, though at the beginning I didn't really like her character (even though I like Tsubasa Honda); I think it was just because I was so focused on what was happening in "Radiation House" with all the different patients, stories, diseases, and the daily lives of the technicians.

Each technician had their own, very interesting, back story and I am so glad they took an episode for each person to explain all of the characters personalities because in doing so, it didn't seem like there was just one main character in this entire show. The director was especially interesting with all of her different drinks and the way she popped up; so was Dr. Kaburagi who was a tough one to like at first, but he definitely grows on you!

I really did watch this show just because of Kubota Masataka and Kenichi Endo, though as I watched the entirety of this show it was really great to see some familiar faces and some new actors/actresses were also introduced, and that lead me to find new shows! Each story in Radiation House was really well told, down to each minute detail, and I really commend each actor, actress, the writer(s), director, and everyone else in this show (production or cast) for getting so well informed about the medical jargon, treatments, diseases, information, and equipment.

This show was a delight to watch! I laughed, cried, got angry, worried, and loved each and every story!

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Completed
Keishicho Zero Gakari Season 2
2 people found this review helpful
by Erin
Jun 16, 2019
8 of 8 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers
This is the first time I've watched the second season of a series without writing a review for the first season. This show is just too good! If you're a fan of the "Honcho Azumi" series, or the show "Career", then this show is definitely a great one to watch, too!

The cast is wonderfully picked for this season as well as the first, though there are a few changes. Each person fulfilled their persona as an officer perfectly, though definitely not to typical detective/police/crime drama standards. You'll know what I mean if you watch the show, absolutely! I have to say there were a couple of people I didn't like throughout the show, but when the end came I was completely surprised; I never saw the ending for the second season of "Keishicho Zero Gakari" coming until the very end!

I like how Torami-senpai and Kobayakwa superintendent's relationship progressed from the first season until now; I feel like everyone completely respected them as people and partners in their division and the police force, even if they're from the "anything consultation" office.

The story was amazing, in itself. The script was well written and there were moments where I sympathized, held my breath, cried, got angry, hoped, and laughed with throughout every episode in the entire first and second season of this series! I think this show is very underrated for who was cast, how the script was written, and the plot itself!

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Completed
Honcho Azumi
2 people found this review helpful
by Erin
Jun 14, 2019
15 of 15 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers
I am so glad I watched this series! Definitely one of my absolute favorites shows for this year (2019), even though it came out 10 or so years ago! Not to mention, I have the vague memory of wanting to watch this series, but since there were 6 seasons I wasn't sure I would be able to find them all subbed, so I took it off my "plan to watch" list... What a mistake that was!

However, I am insanely glad I happened upon this series once more! Though I'm not even sure how that happened either. I binge watched the first season of "Honcho Azumi" within two days, I just couldn't tear my eyes away from the screen. Each episode literally gave me "all the feels"; I can't remember a detective series, let alone drama or movie, where I was laughing, crying, getting angry, holding my breath, worrying, hoping, frustrated, relieved, understanding, caring, sympathetic, etc... throughout the entire series, let alone one episode.

I can honestly say I've never disliked men from "HQ"/"Headquarters" as much as the men in this series though; they irritated me beyond belief, but after seeing the entire season one I can see how essential they were to this story. It's like they were the constant "big brother" in the sense of someone always watching you and someone from your family who always teased you. Does that make sense?

The cast picked to play Azumi's team was amazing; each one fulfilled their roles as a detective to perfection. I've never seen the actors in this series before so I was overwhelmed with how immediately I liked all of them; so much so, I was looking in to their careers to see if they were in any other show or drama or movie that I may have seen or would like to see in the future. The story was amazingly written, as well. Almost like it was made for the actors who were in this series! Each case seemed so realistic it was almost scary! The bits of humor in this show were wonderful; each one-liner, joke, surprise scare, a playful tease, or bashful moment came just at the right moment for each episode, and the person the "humor bit" was meant for. No matter what the case was, each person on Azumi's team always respected, trusted, honored, believed, and worked hard with everything they had for each other and for the case. It was refreshing to see from most detective/police dramas and movies I've seen.

I almost gave up on this show from the first few episodes, but that's just because of my personal preference since I'm not one who likes watching older (this show was from 2009, apparently that's old to me lmao) dramas/movies/shows, sometimes because I find it ridiculous (the style or story or, etc...) which is insanely superficial and ridiculous, trust me, I know. Even so, this drama really had me hooked from the first episode, within the first few minutes!

There were some moments where I was scared, and it may just be me because I'm the biggest scaredy-cat, but this may not be for the faint of heart. Though being from 2009 I can't really say it's as violent or "gory" or horrific as the more recent detective and police dramas and/or movies. I think I may have laughed just as much as I had gotten nervous or scared in this series. This superb story is definitely one worth watching!

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Completed
Hi wa Mata Noboru
2 people found this review helpful
by Erin
Jun 7, 2019
9 of 9 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers
Like the other reviewer, I started this drama on a whim and mostly because of the cast; however, as I watched, that quickly became untrue.

I miss seeing Narimiya Hiroki in dramas, movies, and tv so I looked for things he was cast in and found this show. It wasn't until after episode 1 that I realized this show was in my "plan to watch" list and had a few more actors/actresses I recognized and like. Though I have to say I didn't find this show interesting until episode 3, I do have to say that it was an amazing show, very worthwhile in watching for a multitude of reasons; not just for the cast alone.

The story itself is something I grew to admire with each episode. I can't say that I liked all the characters immediately at once, however, the people grew on me; as actors, as characters, and as people themselves. For example, I've only seen maybe one other drama Miura Haruma was in (plus an episode of VS Arashi), however, I can honestly say that I was not a fan of his... until this drama. Watching this drama as I did (aka... binge watched lol) showed me a new side to a few people cast in this drama. It was refreshing to see people as actors/actresses that I adore(d) being different to the first, second, or even fifth show I've seen them act in. Including some people whom I immediately disliked in one show or people who inadvertently made me drop a show because of them. Somehow, I've grown to like them because of this show.

Sato Koichi definitely fulfilled the role and definition of tough love, hard-ass, demon teacher. Yet, his teachings were crystal clear and even I learned something from this show just by watching how he carried out his life, let alone his classroom or police skills. A lot of people or even just a few people may not like this show because of his "tough love" demeanor, and I too believe that in some cases he went over the line or was not as caring as he could have/should have been, but I do agree with his reasoning from time to time and I believe the outcome of each episode, each student, and even the ending had something to do with Sato Koichi as a person and as Tono Kazuyuki.

It was an amazing thing to watch so many people grow as much as they did within a 9 episode drama. I feel like I've left this show proud of my child/friend/brother/boyfriend/husband/etc... graduating from the police academy; even though I'm a fire chief's granddaughter. I would have to say, most definitely this drama tried to play off the typical: hard ass, uncommon teacher + demanding, strict, yet common and afraid of change/different school + ridiculous, even insane dramatic circumstances + feel good, emotional stories. You know the ones, right?

Although I believe this show took that typical genre to the extremes. Yes some parts were cheesy or overbearing, and yes some parts were taken way out of context or even given too little context, and yes... sometimes it was way too predictable or even frustrating at how little information they crammed into a 9 episode drama; but this drama is definitely, absolutely, 100% perfectly one of a kind. This is my longest review here on this website, but I can absolutely promise you that this show is worth watching.

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Completed
Hotel Concierge
2 people found this review helpful
by Erin
Jun 4, 2019
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
This show really was dramatic. You will not find a lot of the stereotypical "drama" in this show at all; this show is definitely able to stand on its own, however. If what you're looking for is the stereotypical drama, then this may not be for you; however, this show is absolutely stunning.

Each person in the cast was amazing, honestly. They did all of their jobs perfectly to make it seem like a fantastically run, fancy, hotel. Everything that goes on in a hotel, from check-in to the restaurant(s) to the housekeeping and bellboy staff to the management, was extremely precisely detailed. Each episode was filled with a very interesting, exciting, and thrilling story; I laughed and I cried throughout this entire show. Each actor and actress gave this show moments where I laughed and cried with them, got mad with them or for them, held my breath in anticipation and fear, and so much more.

This show is more toward the job/career genre than "drama" specifically, however it is interesting to see how the inside of a company, let alone a hotel, works. It's insane all the detail, planning, supplies, problems, surprises, mysteries, excitement, fear, and even disappointment that comes with the stressful and stimulating job of a hotel, or any other company, employee. There was not a lot of character story for the hotel's staff, that is true, but I believe this show relied a lot on the feeling of an actual hotel: it was all about the guests.

I think this drama is something different that maybe a lot of viewers just didn't like, but I found it very enjoying, thrilling, entertaining, and a wonderful show from the story of each episode to the music to the entire show's theme/storyline... It is definitely forever one of my favorite shows!

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Completed
Biblia Koshodou no Jiken Techou
2 people found this review helpful
by Erin
May 19, 2019
11 of 11 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers
You don't usually see dramas revolving around books/manga/manuscripts/back-story magazines, or at least I don't anyway, so this show is very unique within the storyline itself. I think the cast was well picked to play each character as well, and it was wonderful to watch each mystery unfold with the cast working as hard and diligently as they did for each customer. I have to say though, even though I do like how it ended, I also didn't really like the ending, too; it felt like there were some loose ends at a few places. Even so, I think this drama is very unique in its storyline and if you're looking for a leisurely mystery/suspense/detective drama without too many thrills (aka dramatics/theatrics or over the top danger/etc...) then this drama may be for you! I laughed a lot and sympathized a lot, too; so while it does have romance and detective work, it leans more toward slice-of-life, mystery, comedy, and maybe even a little suspense. There were a few episodes that I couldn't figure out, so I was hooked by episode 2, to be honest; but by the end of this series, I sort of recognized some of the "tells" for each scenario, and even though it took me a while to catch on, I was still thrown for a loop in some cases. This show is really underrated, I think a lot more people should give this series a chance!

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Completed
Fuben na Benriya
2 people found this review helpful
by Erin
May 18, 2019
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
This is one of the most hilarious shows I've ever seen. Each episode was packed full of different genre types; comedy, romance, suspense, action, drama... and each part was balanced very well so as not to seem overwhelming or too cheesy or too intense. The cast was perfectly picked for each episode and it was perfect to cast Endo Kenichi, Suzuki Kosuke, and Okada Masaki as the lead roles; they were an amazing team that carried this show with just the right amount of comedy and drama and morality. That last bit sounds sort of heavy, but it absolutely isn't. I've laughed and cried through each episode. This is definitely a good drama to watch if you're just starting to watch Japanese dramas of any kind and genre. It will absolutely show you some amazing actors!

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Completed
Mahoro Ekimae Bangaichi
2 people found this review helpful
by Erin
May 17, 2019
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
I was intrigued by the drama series before I even found the movie, but once I watched the (2011) movie I knew I had to continue with the series! I binged the entire thing, the (2011) movie, and every episode from this drama series, in one day! You definitely will not regret watching this series, from start to finish!

It is a heavy drama, at times almost "rated R", but it's so amazing that I cannot even begin to explain how because I don't want to risk any spoilers. Which is kind of stupid considering this is a review...

Either way, Eita and Matsuda Ryuhei are once again amazing cast together as the Benriya-san, they take on each request with respect and diligence to see it through to the end, no matter what, which sometimes makes things dangerous and risky, but that is what makes this drama amazing! There's just the right hint of romance to make this show perfect for me personally because I'm not much of a romance drama/movie watcher.

The music really stuck with me too. For some reason, Eita's shows/movies seem to have really good music no matter what genre of show/movie or music. I would suggest watching the (2011) movie before the drama series, it may be confusing as to some scenes and/or characters, but to be honest, I don't think it's 100% necessary either. I really hope more people will watch this series, movies and all!

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Completed
Tada's Do-It-All House
2 people found this review helpful
by Erin
May 16, 2019
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
Once again Eita and Matsuda Ryuhei do not disappoint! This movie was a little farfetched but that is what made it amazing; the outlandish characters, ridiculous storyline, thrilling plot twists... Definitely not a movie to miss.

It all seemed to follow different directions every now and again, but I was never actually lost throughout the whole story. I guess that's the wonder of movies; everything once jumbled up in a mess finally comes together in the end. This is a very interesting story; each character has their own outstanding personality and it seems that even though the focus was on Eita and Matsuda Ryuhei, they didn't seem like the typical "main character" stereotypes... to me, it seemed like everyone they came in to contact with was a "main character", and they each had their own story to tell.

The camera work was wonderful, it sometimes made me feel like I was following them personally, instead of behind a screen. This is a good movie to start my day off with, I'm glad I watched!

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Completed
Kohiya No Hitobito
2 people found this review helpful
by Erin
Sep 14, 2018
5 of 5 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
This drama has so much for only 5 episodes; it is honestly one of the most unique and talented drama series I have ever seen. It has so much more than MyDramaList's genre categories can label. I laughed and cried and got angry and worried and was curious with each episode. I am so glad this drama was made into a 5 episode show and not just one special; if it was made into a special, I feel like it would have lost something. The casting was wonderfully selected and each person felt very open and real with their acting, too. The stories were different for each episode but fit perfectly within the show. This is a good show to watch for your first Japanese drama, too! I absolutely recommend this show to anyone looking for something new!

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Completed
Sennyuu Tantei Tokage
2 people found this review helpful
by Erin
Sep 13, 2018
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
Once again, it was nice to see a few actors/actresses that I really like cast in parts that I'm not used to seeing them in. It is nice to see a different part of people every now and then. The last drama I watched had an actor from this series as the "bad guy", so it was nice to see it reversed with another actor I'm used to seeing cast as a "good guy".

This drama takes on each case in the series almost in a "brand new" system with each episode; it was like watching someone slowly put together a puzzle to find out who the real evil was. It was interesting to watch it all come together throughout the series. Also, the music is wonderful.

Each casted person fits their role with superb chemistry through the whole series. I do wish, however, that there was something like a follow-up (not a special or 11th episode, but something like '2 months later...') but the ending was very nice! Definitely one of my favorite shows!

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