realdeal

I already had an idea where all of this is going but the reveal made it an emotional journey for me. First half is really slow but the latter half is non stop catharsis that I couldn't take my eyes off screen. Just like any Nakagawa Ryutaro films cinematography and music is its strongest points, dragged shots without much dialogue may bother some but to me those are the ones that made it an immersive watch. The use of animation to show what words can't tell is a stroke of genius and the quality is top tier as well. After the so many live actions, shoujo, cheesy roles Hamabe have for her career she will add this character on her resume, let's see what doors will open after this. She did very good job here but it is Kishii Yukino the standout for me, she's the soul of this film. The one in the poster is a well crafted shot and she nailed it able to give what the scene requires. Nakagawa Ryutaro did it again, he's really good using what he has, his canvass but great in capturing natural sounds as well. I'm starting to think he's the male Naomi Kawase well not really the same but there's a similarity.

9/10

Perfect pacing with very good acting but it is the writing the standout for me. It is good to hear the writer won an award, she indeed achieved something remarkable here the dialogue in ep 4 and 8 is a masterpiece, love that ending it is so satisfying some movies achieved that with a wedding scene here they found their safe haven. Let's hope this drama will end up in a bigger platform gem asia, viki or maybe netflix could pick this up.

9/10

So far haven't seen brilliance yet. Will it end up good or just remain as great concept....let's see.

She's really good actress another underrated one....hope she will shine.

It is the first time I've seen cult members portrayed this way, this film just humanize them, most of the time it's either they are blatant evil or just serves as comic relief, I think even in documentaries I haven't seen they were given this perspective. I also like how this film portray those people around her, there is sincerity and realism on how they approach her. I know Ashida Mana has great dramatic acting chops but to me this film highlights her versatility even more.

8.5/10

Dialogue heavy but the pacing flows naturally thanks to naturalistic acting approach from the actors. It has some funny moments but it got really serious at the end. The subject it tackled is indeed heavy don't think of it as an easy watch so yeah that's your trigger warning.

9/10

Seino Nana will shine here.

Even up to the very last episode the drama manage to give you a message "a small act of kindness gets rewarded".

8.5/10

Episode 3 is a masterpiece of storytelling..the writing, themes, execution, everything is perfect. This is what separates great Jdramas to others sadly other episodes are not as good but still a very good slice of life Jdrama overall.

I watched the trailer didn't expect the road trip element felt the pace would be something similar to I wish.

They are hinting there would be romance I wouldn't mind tho I like the chemistry between Kimutaku and Hikari here and Uchida Yuki is dangerously hot in this drama. The story is cliche but the good type of cliche we love about classic jdramas, the execution is good so far. Watching this made me want a lost judgement drama, producers realize the potential of that right?? there are rumors before still hope that will happen tho.

Sometimes she looks like the female version of Kamiki Ryunosuke.

I have no plan to watched this but the bgm got memed a lot that it always appear on my recommendation I thought the bgm is so good so might as well watch it. My only concern is it is too fast paced for me especially at earlier episodes. It maybe because they adapt the hanazawa naoki style which resulted to some characters not developed really well, it might work for hanazawa naoki but this is coming of age so a well developed character is really important. Two characters for example felt wasted as they appear to be the most realistic representation if your aim is relatabilty but they are not given enough time due the said pacing issues. Sadly I know the actress is very good and I'm sure she will nail it given the chance. There is also a character that is well written has the most depth but sadly the actress doesn't have enough range but still good casting for the screen presence alone. To be honest it is only fujii the most well rounded character at the end. The drama is still very uplifting though Abe Hiroshi's speech is what carried this show for me plus it is less formulaic and not that predictable.

8.5/10

This is very good human drama it explores the intricacies of relationship between coach and player. I've seen this told many times but this is well thought and what I saw doesn't seem artifical. Great performance from the cast even Kawaei Rina manage to pull her own weight. Get your tissue ready you may shed tears near the end.

9/10

Bob cut connoisseur/doxxing expert solving the case. lol

What song is playing at that kannonji scene?

First episode is capitalist gone wrong.

This is a really good closure to the entire series if there won't be another season. It tackled important points that was missing in the first 2 seasons.

I really like this one interesting dynamics between these 2 female leads, very complex characters played by really good actors that was still young at that time. It made me think what if this character by Kanno Miho was available today, I think Takahata Mitsuki would be good to play such roles. Also, That ending I didn't expect but I like it a very strong way to end the movie.

8.5/10

I like the latter half than first half especially when all these cases got tied together. Some random cases are also not useless as those had some of the most thoughtful writing, those running time forms totono as a character. The mystery at latter episodes are also much better, some of those tricks are fresh, I haven't seen those before. This drama is so popular and the story is nowhere finish so no doubt it will have a sequel, momentum is important tho it should be sooner than later.

9/10

" japan is still "old-fashioned" so to speak, and japanese media"

As a country yes but Jdramas got some of the most progressive writers out there especially NHK dramas. The way they do it also doesnt felt forced which I really appreciate. It will happen because it made sense which will make the characterization and in the end the drama better. This drama is based on a manga tho and most of them use it as a bait but who knows I haven't read it.

Finally it's finished atleast I enjoyed most of it plus it has random funny moments like that youtuber and the cult leader lol. The writer is the king of red herrings, mystery is like visual novel anime, I think it works better in anime or in games than live action because here you see real people. I just can't turn off my brain and accept it as realistic so I won't recommend if you are looking for realism, the human condition element in this drama is its weakness but entertainment aspect is very high given of course that you can ignore its flaws.

8/10