Sunflower

An outstanding drama that only gets better as the story unfolds

Before I begin my review, let me briefly summarize the plot. The story revolves around a girl named Nozomi, who was in an accident at the age of 10 and has been in a coma ever since. However, 25 years later, on her 35th birthday, she miraculously regains consciousness - only to realize that she is no longer 10, and the world is neither the same as it used to be nor how she had hoped it would be. She then embarks on a long journey toward adulthood with the help of her family and a childhood friend.

Although the time-travel plot isn't particularly unique, what sets this drama apart is its thoughtful portrayal of growing up. Unlike many dramas with a similar concept, it doesn't rely on cute or lighthearted moments. Instead, it takes a more realistic approach to the protagonist's emotional development. She begins with the mind of a child trapped in the body of a 35-year-old woman, then gradually experiences the different stages of adolescence - from middle school to high school - before finally maturing into an adult.

I also loved the portrayal of the family - the individual members, their flaws, and the way they relate to one another. They’re imperfect, yet somehow perfect in their own way.

Lastly, can we take a moment to appreciate Shibasaki Ko’s incredible performance as Imamura Nozomi? What impressed me the most was how she captured even the smallest details of a child’s behavior - the way they cry, the way they speak, and even how they refer to themselves in the third person. Honestly, I can’t imagine anyone else playing this role as perfectly as she did. She was simply phenomenal.

Of course, no drama is without its flaws. While I wouldn’t say there were any major issues, there were a few moments that could have been handled better. For example, I wasn’t entirely satisfied with how the mother’s death was portrayed. Although it wasn’t unexpected, it felt a little abrupt. I also had mixed feelings about Nozomi’s job, Mana’s award, and Tatsuya’s career. Everything was wrapped up so quickly that the final 10 minutes felt a bit rushed and, at times, unconvincing. It almost seemed like the drama was trying to give every character a happy ending, when a more subtle conclusion might have felt more natural.

Aside from that, everything else was nearly perfect, from the supporting cast’s performances to the cinematography and even the OST. The soundtrack, in particular, is probably one of the best I’ve heard in a J-drama, and I don’t think I’ll be forgetting it anytime soon.

Overall, I’d highly recommend this drama to anyone looking for something simple yet captivating, with a heartfelt story that avoids unnecessary cringe or exaggeration. It’s definitely worth checking out.

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A beautifully intense romance mystery filled with passion, secrets, and stunning visuals

Watashitachi wa Douka Shiteiru (aka Cursed in Love) is a drama based on the manga of the same name. It tells the story of a girl named Nao, who enters Kogetsuan, a traditional Japanese confectionery shop, under a false identity in order to investigate her mother’s death and prove her innocence.

I was initially hesitant to start this drama since I rarely watch Japanese dramas. However, once I hit play, I was completely hooked. I ended up watching the first seven episodes in one sitting, which is something I've never done before.

What I especially liked about this drama is that it offers a little bit of everything - romance, murder mystery, a strong female lead, interesting side characters, and an evil matron. On some levels, it feels like a typical soap opera, but what makes it truly stand out is the way it was executed. The plot, the cast, their chemistry, and the overall pacing were all just perfect. Plus, if you're into kimonos and Japanese cuisine, you’ll enjoy this show even more.

As of now, this is easily one of the best Japanese dramas I've watched, and I can definitely see myself rewatching it in the future. If you're on the fence about watching it, I'd highly recommend giving it a chance - you might end up loving it as much as I did.

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One of those rare series where every word, every action, and every silence carries meaning

Beyond Evil is a 2021 psychological thriller drama starring Shin Ha Kyun and Yeo Jin Goo in the lead roles. In summary, the story revolves around two fearless detectives in the police force who (somewhat) work together to track down and identify a serial killer from 20 years ago. However, as they dig deeper, new evidence emerges, suggesting that there might be more than one killer and that the killer could be among them. Hence, no one can be trusted, not even themselves.

The show started off a bit slow and, for me, slightly boring, but it really picked up after episode 5. After that, waiting for each new episode felt like an eternity. What truly set this show apart was its originality. It avoided the usual clichés and kept me completely hooked, constantly guessing who the real killer was. I found myself searching for hidden clues, analyzing facial expressions, and trying to piece everything together. Every time I thought I'd figured it out, the show introduced a new suspect and completely changed the direction of the story. Beyond Evil delivers genuinely unexpected twists without relying on recycled plot devices.

Aside from the storyline, another aspect the show excels in is its casting. Both Yeo Jin Goo and Shin Ha Kyun are brilliant actors who clearly knew what they were doing, so there wasn’t a single weak performance throughout the drama. Lastly, the soundtrack, including the background music, is one of the best I’ve heard in a long time. If the creators ever decide to release a CD featuring all the songs, I’ll definitely buy it.

Finally, to those wondering whether to check this show out or not, definitely give it a try. I’m absolutely certain you’ll love it. And if you find the beginning a little slow like I did, make sure to stick around until episode 5.

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