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| Synopsis |
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| This drama is a remake of the popular suspense drama The Devil that was aired in Korea last year. Ohno Satoshi will be playing the role of a two-faced lawyer, one of which is a kind hearted soul and the other who is plotting revenge, using his brilliant mind, on the person who killed his relative. On the other hand, Ikuta Toma will play the double lead role of the man, who has become a detective due to his dark past, who is pursuing the mysterious series of murders and fighting against the devil (maou). | | Dramawiki |
| Soundtrack and Theme Songs (1) |
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| Drama Reviews (9) |
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!!WARNING!!
The review section may contain spoilers! Please understand
that you may find out about this drama's endings and plots!
| | 1. | It could have been so much better. [Rating: 6/10]
There is a good drama hiding in this series and in abler hands this could have been quite good. The basic story line is good and keeps you interested but it felt like the producers didn't have enough confidence in the material and added distracting elements that just made things annoying.
The main detective is full of passion but a little low on brains. He runs around yelling at people , over-emoting at every turn and missing obvious connections. Impossible to believe this man could have worked his way to detective level.
The acting by Ohno Satoshi was fine and nuanced and Kobayashi Ryoko was well cast as the innocent, kind young woman. While Ikuta Toma's performance as the detective was very irritating, you can't fault the actor as that was most likely how he was directed to perform.
But the element that was most annoying/distracting was the soundtrack. Apparently the producers didn't think we would realize when something dramatic was occurring and added
constantly loud and overwrought music.
With just a little work this would have been terrific and, as is, there are pleasures to be found here if you ignore some of the annoying distractions. | | Reviewed by johnjeon on 24 May 2009 | | 2. | Worth Watching [Rating: 9/10]
Toma's character was a little over the top for the first few episodes. (He was just too loud and too in the faces of the perps, in my opinion) But as the series progresses things really start to get interesting and the acting gets better. I've watched the series twice and I've started to pick up on the smaller details of both Ohno and Toma's performances and I think these little things truly round out their characters. Both lawyer and detective are damaged and are not completely good or evil, just human.
There are times when things get a little too over the top and sometimes the episodes are a little predictable, but you still can't resist getting caught up in the show. It's a dark, interesting, supernatural crime drama.
And the ending is very fitting. | | Reviewed by lastcalendargirl on 1 March 2009 | | 3. | Non-stop suspense! [Rating: 10/10]
This drama is a must for every suspense/thriller lover. The plot is excellent. There is suspense in every single episode, and it just makes you want to keep watching. Once you start, you can't stop! Usually, you don't find out who the murderer is until towards the end of the drama. In this one however, you know who's the mastermind from the very beginning. Its quite interesting to watch the plot unfold from both perspectives: planning and carrying out the murder (mastermind) and trying to solve the murder (detectives). Another plus point is both Ohno Satoshi and Ikuta Toma brilliantly brought their characters to life. This is definitely a drama that should be put on your must-see list! | | Reviewed by doublemask on 15 February 2009 | | 4. | Good but a tad dissapointed in the Ninth episode [Rating: 6/10]
Currently I am watching the ninth episode, I am a bit dissapointed of how stupid Serizawa is, he knew who Naruse really is & call him out for him to confess for who he really is. Yet Serizawa does set a bug to record, or worst to worst using his own handphone (most phone now days able to do it).
Since Serizawa is soo slow in the head,
in the end, I think I can guess that his fate will be in the hand of Naruse.
Got to continue watching now... | | Reviewed by coldeyes on 24 May 2009 | | 5. | Keeps you at the edge of your seat! [Rating: 9/10]
Oh my God this HAS to be one of the most suspenseful suspense dramas I've ever watched. Each episode is gripping and keeps you at the edge of the seat, when it ends you wish you had more. Ikuta Toma and Ohno Satoshi excel as the two male leads; they outshine the rest of the cast as the whole drama revolves around them. Excellent, excellent stuff, though the ending is a bit predictable, highly recommended. | | Reviewed by Limes on 18 October 2008 | | 6. | so worth watching! [Rating: 10/10]
i've been putting this drama off, i'm glad i've finally made time. so fast paced but the story didn't stray at all. ohno and toma were heartbreaking in the respective roles. | | Reviewed by weetzie_bat on 5 May 2009 | | 7. | Manipulation [Rating: 9/10]
Great suspense, love to see how's a person being manipulated by 'the devil' to became a murderer. | | Reviewed by ester_grace on 22 December 2010 | | 8. | amazing [Rating: 10/10]
the dorama is the best story dectetive-mystery that i ever see | | Reviewed by yellow01 on 1 November 2008 | | 9. | the Story is not bad! but [Rating: 7/10]
.... | | Reviewed by jed_ka on 19 April 2009 |
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| Comments From Users (100) |
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!!WARNING!!
This section may contain spoilers! Do not proceed if you
do not want to read about this drama's endings and plots!
| | 1. | Comments by d0npian0 [Rating: 6/10]
The problem probably was that I watched the Korean version first.
While the storyline is interesting, there are major plot holes. For example, just HOW did the lawyer place false afterimages on objects? There was nothing said about him having special powers. Also, some events happen too smoothly. You just get some odd facts and no explanation.
This isn't the fault of the Japanese as they've just taken the original and shortened it. Of course, I saw those problems with the Korean one, too but I didn't really mind because there's the major difference between both dramas: The Japanese placed the actual story the centre, the Koreans the characters.
I loved and hated and was scared of the Korean lawyer. I really felt for the cop. Their Japanese equivalents seemed shallow to me and I didn't really mind them. The Japanese cop was immature and I really wondered how someone like him was able to rise his position while the Japanese lawyer really didn't seem capable of revenge. (Now, I could of course rant about how I hate that they choose actors for their popularity instead of their talent but I won't.)
What bothered me most though was what they made of the girl who read the afterimages. In the Korean version her character was more important and stood between the lawyer and the cop (while I usually hate love triangles I preferred that version). Thanks to her there was a balance. Also, while the Japanese was just naive, the Korean was down-to-earth and strong. I remember how the Japanese got scared of the lawyer when she found out about his real motives while the Korean accepted him.
So, yeah... maybe I'm just a sucker for love stories but there are also others things I preferred. It's maybe because the Korean version was twice as long. They had the time to flesh out their characters... and that they did well! | | 2. | Comments by EstherM [Rating: 7/10]
A modern Count of Montecristo story, this one tries to explore darker territories, unusual for a JE-populated drama. I enjoyed these kind of mystery (?) dramas a lot, but this one had its weaknesses. For instance there were a few obvious plot holes and it relied too much on deus ex-machina (the magic elements for example). I am convinced if all the protagonists would have used public transports, cars or taxis, it would have had a very happy ending. The actors were good (a bit too young perhaps for the positions they held) although Ikuta Toma overacted but at least he wasn�ft wooden and can show a certain range of emotions, and I really felt for his character in the last episodes. Also, the drama intended to conflict the viewer, trying to have them decide who was good/right (the police officer or the lawyer) and having them choose a side. Ethically speaking I wasn�ft torn at all, for that the police officer did no real wrong but caused a tragic chain of events. | | 3. | Comments by SayaOtonashi [Rating: 8/10]
This is one of those doramas I could write and write and write about, but almost everything has already been said in other comments and reviews. So: This would have been great for a 2 hours long film. It was long (11eps) and I felt it went on repeating the same things, the same faces, the same troubles. I understood Sakita Shiori's role, but they didn't know how to play with it. I find Ikura Toma wonderful, but he overreacted many, many times (but he was really good at the end). They were all so young... And why the hell did they choose different actors to play their old selves? That just confused me. But I was hugely impressed with Ohno Satoshi: he's able to show a really wide range of feelings with the smallest movement; 1mm movements of his lips, evebrows, even eyelids. Impressive. Don't misunderstand me, I loved this dorama: dark, different (showing both perspectives: detective and criminal), strong. I just wanted to know how would it end. Must watch. | | 4. | Comments by RedSamurai [Rating: 9/10]
Really really grand art we have here! It's almost perfect, and deserves the absolute mark... the reason why I noted it otherwise (actually, I wanted to go for a 9.9, but...) is that no matter how I tried, I just can't stand Jhonny's fella --I'm sure many of you must be readying their anger hammer :)--, it's not that he can't act because he was did his part damn pretty good, it's just that I can't help but feel that he looks much too young for a detective to be taken seriously or at least melt into the group.
Anyway, That's just my opinion. Apart from this little 'thing', you will deal with a very solid and complete package when watching 'Maou'. From the high level acting to the excellent soundtracks, through the masterfully adapted plot, you can only be immersed into an intense story full of suspense and twists for you to enjoy.
N.B: Gotta love the end, I could never have anticipated that! Soo not like an American ending, right? ;) | | 5. | Comments by lastcalendargirl [Rating: 9/10]
Toma's character was a little over the top for the first few episodes. (He was just too loud and too in the faces of the perps, in my opinion) But as the series progresses things really start to get interesting and the acting gets better. I've watched the series twice and I've started to pick up on the smaller details of both Ohno and Toma's performances and I think these little things truly round out their characters. Both lawyer and detective are damaged and are not completely good or evil, just human.
There are times when things get a little too over the top and sometimes the episodes are a little predictable, but you still can't resist getting caught up in the show. It's a dark, interesting, supernatural crime drama.
And the ending is very fitting. | | 6. | Comments by yurifly [Rating: 8/10]
Considering this is the first time I watched Ohno's acting, I was pleasantly surprised that he did quite a good job. I am used to seeing his silly expressions and so his serious face in here totally adds to the suspense and theme of angel in disguise. I found it quite overwhelming the way his character manipulates others to do his dirty job and also his own struggle to pursue his vengeance. The scene with his "sister" was absolutely heartbreaking. I wasn't impressed by Toma here although I think it was bc the way his character was written than his own acting. I felt like he spent most of his time running around and being emotional. The ending was not completely shocking to me, but I think a nice way to wrap things up. | | 7. | Comments by nishishi [Rating: 9/10]
Well... Maou is amazing!!! OMG... Ohno is quite a good actor... he did one of the best acting i've seen from an Arashi member (well... Nino still my fav. one...) Didnt imagine that he could do the role of the "bad guy" so perfectly.... and yet he proved me wrong (i mean.. c'mon.. his face makes him the Arashi's nice guy).
nways... bout the dorama... AMAZING CAST!!! SUPERB PLOT!!! Everything goes right in this dorama....
If i have to point out a negative point in this dorama that would be the last 5 seconds.... i mean.... Do the dorama REALLY need something THAT cliche? (thnx God it doesnt affect the story.... Let's hope they dont have a sequel... lolz..) | | 8. | Comments by ryouji [Rating: 10/10]
This is the japan's version of korea's the devil!! IKUTA TOMA as serizawa naoto a detective who, eleven years ago, killed Manaka Hideo by accident when a knife was found in Hideo's jacket, Naoto punched him in the stomach, and Hideo fell on top of Naoto and was stabbed in the stomach. To get revenge Naruse Ryo (OHNO SATOSHI) his older brother who changed his name wanted revenge for the death of his brother. With his smart thinking he murders many people close to Naoto, at first it's no one really close to Naoto but with every death it is a person who gets closer and closer to Naoto. =) | | 9. | Comments by ginger ale [Rating: 10/10]
The best drama of the summer season. Storyline fantastic, Satoshi Ohno's acting was superb, Ikuta Toma as the detective was amazing. Oh-chan's glare of death and restraint emotion less portrayal of the angel lawyer cum maou -devil was the hardest thing to do in the movie and he gave a brilliant performance. I wanted to hug him everytime I got a chance to give him the love he craved but couldn't have. I like the fast pacing of the series, never a dull moment indeed. But when one's life is dedicated to seeking revenge, there can never be a happy ending. | | 10. | Comments by gopro [Rating: 7/10]
1st 6 or so episodes were quite fine. The rest were somewhat boring and lame. 10 seconds before the drama finished I was going to give this a 7.5 but after the 10 seconds finished I dropped it to a 7. Horrible Ending. The ending was bad enough but the ending ending just made it even worse. Decent drama with little plot twists. Better to watch Chakushin Ari, Nemureru Mori or Taiyou no Kisetsu.
(Watched Fall 09) | | 11. | Comments by Susan [Rating: 10/10]
I loved this series! I knew the ending before I started the series, but it was still awesome to watch! Ohno Satoshi was just amazing. He did a fair bit of stage work before this and I feel like that's really colored his acting style and ability. Ikuta Tomo overacted quite a bit, to the point where I came to hate his character, while Ohno really stole the screen. This was one of the best dramas of the year! | | 12. | Comments by aliceeatcow [Rating: 9/10]
The first couple episodes seem to be a bit rushed and over-acted, but starting around ep. 4 everything starts to hit its stride and it just becomes an intense, engaging ride from there. Ohno really shines in his first lead role and his portrayal of both sides of Naruse was just spot on--you were rooting for him the entire time, nevermind the fact that he was in all honesty a murderer. | | 13. | Comments by PaperCaged [Rating: 10/10]
I adored Maou so much that it was hard waiting for it to be subbed every week. The storyline was pretty dark and interesting. Ikuta did well, like always, and I loved Ohno's subtle acting and the genius character he played. I liked all the minor characters too, like Soda and Kasai. Many parts of the drama were really intense and the ending was amazing. | | 14. | Comments by oonqy [Rating: 8/10]
one of the best drama plot ~
really shldn't compare w korean version.. then u will enjoy the drama better as a standalone..
i mus say ohno-riida's eyes gifs me creeps ~
the last few episodes are really exciting~ both toma and ohno's acting are gd esp the crying since~
though i mus say the ending is abit too extreme.. totally negative | | 15. | Comments by ABINTRA [Rating: 9/10]
We have a winner! This is a gripping, interesting, smartly done drama... one that raises questions and really makes you think about "right" vs. "wrong". It's actually more of a character study than a mystery, which surprised me, but what it does, it does extremely well. Good acting all around, moving finale, etc. etc. Highly recommended! | | 16. | Comments by jPs34n [Rating: 9/10]
This drama was addicting to watch, ended up watching the whole series in one day. Had great actors such as the guy who acted as Naruse Ryo. He had a facial expression face that can make people angry, great actor to use for being Mao. Also, the storyline was fantastic; all the murdering that was going on was related to the protagonist. | | 17. | Comments by aoi_dolphine [Rating: 10/10]
I seriously can't erase Ohno's expression from his hosting shows to this drama here. However I got to admit Ohno is good in his role as a bad guy. I feel that he can do an evil and sinister role for future dramas to come. Of cos not to forget Toma is already a good actor in his own way and he proved it in this drama. | | 18. | Comments by Nermal [Rating: 10/10]
Fantastic remake! I am always very skeptical about remakes but this one surely proved well done. It had my friend and I glomping each other on our couch every week as it finished airing just because we knew we had to wait for the next Friday at 10. This was very addicting and my favorite drama of the year so far. | | 19. | Comments by shortmei [Rating: 7/10]
Beginning could've been better, I was irritated with most of the characters until the later episodes when they were more developed. I honestly thought Ikuta Toma did a better job in his role than Ohno. Nonetheless, thought this drama was well-done, but also had its flaws. Still a good watch. | | 20. | Comments by in.the.cold.breeze. [Rating: 9/10]
wow. this was good. i mean very repetetive and mostly predictable, but somehow the atmosphere carried over perfectly to the end. some great moments for the director of photography, and musical director. i guess i just wish they left more characters alive^^ worth the marathon. | | 21. | Comments by katsup [Rating: 7/10]
Started out really slow.... I really didn't start liking it until around episode 4 or 5 but then I got hooked into it. Ohno is such a good actor. I don't like Toma, so that's probably why it took me a while to get into it. But I defenitely think it was a really fun drama. | | 22. | Comments by nickylynn [Rating: 8/10]
A heartbreaking, dark, tragic drama anyway you look at it. Ohno Satoshi wowed me toward the end. His performance was impressive. It's amazing how one man's revenge could destroy so many lives...and eventually his own. | | 23. | Comments by moeru_h [Rating: 9/10]
It was very entertaining. I've always had a thing for anti-hero character types. Rooted for Naruse til the end. Ohno did a great job as Naruse. Apparently, this drama is quite old. It's like Ohno didn't age at all! | | 24. | Comments by highandmighty_ryuude [Rating: 9/10]
POSITIVE : this drama is fantastic and the best drama this season...
the acting is amazing from both lead and also the rest of the casts...
excellent storyline and very addicting OST.
NEGATIVE: ..... | | 25. | Comments by rafinharomano [Rating: 8/10]
At first I thought it wouldn't be an interesting story, but I like it more and more each episode I watched! It is a very great story with inteligent plot and Ikuta Toma is soooo cute!! xD | | 26. | Comments by chibichan [Rating: 9/10]
wow, this dorama is sooooo great, it thrilled me in every episode i wonder who is Naruse next target, and the ending was soooooo cool (altough i prefer happy ending).
recommend it | | 27. | Comments by Jhvx [Rating: 10/10]
really good, it's so amazing, mistery dorama!!! Satoshi Ono has a cool rule as lawyer Naruse, it's a very thrilling dorama, a little bit repetitive. But is one of 2008 best doramas | | 28. | Comments by nienna [Rating: 9/10]
BEST SUMMER DRAMA OF THE YEAR!!!
It leaves you craving for more. The strong potrayal of each character is just too incredible for me to deal with. And the plot is just flawless. | | 29. | Comments by elletosatoshi [Rating: 10/10]
I loved this drama so much. It in-tells everything for a perfect drama. Great Cast. Satoshi <3 Great acting, a bit of romance, great story line, loved the thrill of watching it. | | 30. | Comments by toyotaku [Rating: 9/10]
Absolutely incredible... each week took forever until I could watch the next episode. Amazed by Ono Satoshi's performance and was blown away by the emotion of the ending. |
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Read all 100 comments from users
| Users who voted for this drama (47) |
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| 1. | Kiyomi L. Denise
This dark drama did not glamorize murder nor the smart tactics of the human mind, neither does it focus on the loopholes of legislation; telling instead of a severely bruised human soul trying to find comfort in seeking revenge, turning himself into a devil he had never desired to be. As the drama reveals more deeply how dangerous the inner being of a person could be, it neglects not the known-to-everyone same old same old, �gevery human being started out with a good innocent soul�h, ensuring us all that there is always a painful reason behind all bad deeds of a fellow human being. It is indeed saddening to see the struggles of another person to deny his own heart, doing what his conscience actually despised, yet too numb to notice it anymore.
Love the twists the production team made, so it's not exactly the same as the original Koren version. Ohno and Ikuta did a great job is playing their roles too! | | 2. | ryouji
a great drama all the time.. i didn't know that this drama will be so great cause i thought it was so boring!! every episodes is so exciting but the i didn't like the ending.. no one need to be killed!! | | 3. | tofuuuuu
A great remake of a masterful original. Wonderful acting all around but especially for Ohno Satoshi who surprises everyone with his performance.
The climax was devastatingly beautiful. | | 4. | akira luver
this drama is fantastic and the best drama this season...
the acting is amazing from both lead and also the rest of the casts...
excellent storyline and very addicting OST. | | 5. | nienna
It leaves one breathless. The twists in the plots and the strong potrayal of each character is so intense that it leaves one shuddering with awe by the end of each episode. | | 6. | happyfez
great acting from both ohno and toma. great supporting cast as well. with a compelling story to work with. and great execution of the story. | | 7. | oonqy
highly recommended drama~
worth watching ~
ohno's acting is really not bad ~ is a pity that he only managed to act a drama now~ | | 8. | disenchanted
loved this drama. Ohno is very talented. most of the cast also performed well. serizawa's character could have been better.. | | 9. | meoinkie2
love the dark theme of the drama, toma and ohno's acting were really superb, the music totally rocks!! | | 10. | kiwisannnn
SO GOOD! I couldn't stop watching. And I was so touched by the end, I couldn't stop crying either. | | 11. | Kouseibutsu
amazing story, amazing artists, even the sountrack is amazing. really worth to watch it. | | 12. | SaPpHire_
One of the best drama for year 2008. Ohno did very well. Toma also has improved a lot. | | 13. | nanaKM46
Tomapi played awesome & I loved his character & the storyline!!! | | 14. | Higashi
One of the things you can't stop watching when you once started... (T_T) | | 15. | chibichan
love the dark side of Ohno, and the helpless Toma, they're soooo great | | 16. | w-kassy
Amazing story, Amazing Actor. Great! Really recomended for everyone! | | 17. | enen_shun
one of the most intensed jdorama, great plot and casts! | | 18. | ABINTRA
If only all dramas had this amount of depth... | | 19. | brokenparadise
One of the best drama I had ever seen. | | 20. | compaqmac321
RANK 1...best show ive seen so far | | 21. | doublemask
Suspense until the very end. | | 22. | salvator
the best thriller drama | | 23. | doodazh
i love ikuta toma!!! | | 24. | crvn107
Brilliant! | | 25. | lotr195 | | 26. | aliceeatcow | | 27. | gulugutca | | 28. | Aysha | | 29. | Hagumi-chan | | 30. | tsukikei |
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Read all 47 votes from users
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