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| Synopsis |
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| Tsukumo Ryusuke is quirky, yet brilliant neuroscientist working for the National Research Institute of Police Science (part of the National Police Agency). He is generally incapable of reading the atmosphere of a situation, but when it comes to science, he is well respected. Whenever something catches his interest, he thoroughly sticks to it and never gives up, chasing down the criminals with certainty. | | Tokyograph |
| Soundtrack and Theme Songs (1) |
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| Drama Reviews (14) |
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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. | A different way of making suspense dorama [Rating: 10/10]
Great dorama with some similarities to some US TV shows. You can see Patrick Jane (from "The Mentalist") in Tsukumo's clothes and acting (he even wears a vest). You can salso see "CSI" in some science scenes (noticed those colours while working in the lab? or the skyline views), as well as in the intro. "Bones" is also seen there, in some of the strange tests they do in the IPS premises, as well as the premises themselves (though the skull was pretty worse than in "Bones", ne?). And finally there's some "24" as well, in the last episodes. I'm sure some other TV shows are portrayed...
Anyway I just had a great time watching it. It was wonderfully written and produced, and it casted great actors such as Nakama Yukie, and some surprising ones such as Gackt. Pace was incredibly good and action scenes were some of the bests I've seen so far (in a dorama!). I'm sure they tried approaching another style of making doramas. Don't miss the slow motion scenes, they are just wonderful. Besides that, Mr. Brain still maintains some characteristics of a Japanese TV show, like jokes or specific comic scenes. And cases are somehow believable and more complex than in other doramas. Definitely a must see.
Watching it just after 4 shimai tantei dan makes the difference... | | Reviewed by SayaOtonashi on 12 October 2010 | | 2. | bad science [Rating: 6/10]
I would have to describe this series as a dim-witted, over-caffeinated combination of CSI and The Mentalist.
Kimura Takuya as Mr. Brain gives a very, and literally, in-your-face
performance that often gets annoying. For someone supposedly so intelligent, he does a lot of dumb stuff that only works because the
screenplay says it works and not because it makes any sense.
Ayase Haruka as the assistant does a good job but, again, her character should have been a lot more intelligent given her job
position.
Too much of the action is, as said by others, very chessy and overly dramatic with an almost constantly pounding soundtrack trying to increase the tension.
In too many cases the science is laughably bad. In most episodes the criminal ends up confessing which is a good thing since the "scientific" evidence against them would in many cases
never stand up in court.
Having said all that, if one approaches this as a slightly comedic science fiction/fantasy show then some enjoyment can be had. I had just hoped that a series called "Mr. Brain" would have been a lot smarter. | | Reviewed by johnjeon on 5 August 2009 | | 3. | Fabulous cast, mediocre drama [Rating: 6/10]
There's so much acting talent in every episode that Ryoko Hirosue is reduced to under ten minutes in the introductory episode - which as as tense and thrilling as anything you'll find in doramas. Takuya Kimura plays a man whose recent brain injuries spark an interest in novel approaches to crime prevention, and heading the "brain" unit lets him assist in solving crimes unsolved for years. In two episodes, Yukie Nakama shines as a victim of multiple personality disorder - a highlight of the series.
Haruka Ayase, whose proven her skill at comedy and action, falls between the cracks in her lackluster role as Mr. Brain's assistant.
The drama take its inspiration from programs like The Mentalist, but with added production gloss. Ultimately, it comes of as somewhat shallow and even puerile at times, calling upon high-tech graphics to suggest an approach to crime solving that's often preposterous. A major antagonist is never quite brought to justice - which suggests that MR. BRAIN 2 is always a possibility.
Never boring - it's just a waste of top-flight acting talent. | | Reviewed by jdoramadotcom on 25 May 2011 | | 4. | Not very good for Kimutaku, but coulda been worse [Rating: 7/10]
This series had an all-star cast and very high budget, but it turned out very cheesy and acting was very bad, especially Kagawa Teruyuki, who is an EXTREMELY talented actor when he's not rushed in dorama-pace rushed productions.
The research lab was excessively futuristic, and unlike American tech investigation drama (i.e. Numb3rs, CSI), the technology used by the institute lacks plausibility (at least not for another 50 years).
But one thing this series has is an incredibly good pace. All the cases were somewhat interesting. Amazing cast of special guests for each cases were very cool (especially rare appearances like Gackt). I don't know if the series got better or I got used to the cheesiness, but I enjoyed the latter episodes a lot more than the first half.
Overall, fun series, but excessive plot holes and poor direction. | | Reviewed by 8thSin on 17 July 2009 | | 5. | Good entertainment [Rating: 7/10]
A perfect example of what happens when the Japanese decide to copy an American show (or should I say, when they decide to copy several American shows and movies). They don't just copy it, they import the concept and transform it into what they know how to do and enjoy: jdoramas !
This one had a bit of CSI, a bit of "24" and a bit of some more, but then... completely different because it has become a dorama with less-than-optimal detective work, home-made special effects, some overacted roles, but good Kimutaku acting and comedy as usual, lots of typical Japanese situational humour, dorama themes and comedy.
So it's a good series to watch for pure simple entertainment, if you're looking for a good comedy dorama, and not for a CSI - Japan :-)
It is full of cameos too, including some good actors and actresses. | | Reviewed by Jackykero on 29 September 2009 | | 6. | Disappointing [Rating: 7/10]
Bit disappointed with Kimutaku.....script is not that great and everything seems really cheesy. Characters seem almost like cardboard and you don't get any sense of there being any 'real' characters in this drama. Would have helped if things made more sense but that just further subtracts from the drama. Wouldn't watch this again if I had the chance. | | Reviewed by Shindou on 5 November 2009 | | 7. | Oh dear ...... [Rating: 6/10]
Even Kimu Taku has off days. Bad Japanese imitation of CSI, Rinjo does this so much better.Unfortunately although this drama has a star studded cast both Ayase Haruka and Kagawa Teruyuki who are both very good actors are both wasted in this.Ayase Haruka is reduced to being a porcelain vase. Yukie Nakama was great though in her episodes. | | Reviewed by Sun_Shang_Xiang on 6 January 2011 | | 8. | Entertaining, BUT [Rating: 7/10]
Not Kimura's best, but still pretty entertaining overall. More watchable than his recent stuff. I *really* didn't like the curly-haired guy though (the assistant police guy,) his acting was terrible here! All googly-eyed shock and exclamation points :-/
Oh, and imho, it's more like Lie To Me than CSI :) | | Reviewed by snowqueen on 1 September 2010 | | 9. | FUNNY DRAMA WORTH WATCHING [Rating: 10/10]
Kimura Takuya done it again, this is so funny and very very interesting, i can't believe that most of the things can really be explain by behavioral science. Ayase Haruka, Mizushima Hiro the cast are certainly interesting. Finish this j-drama in 2 days and wants more.......... | | Reviewed by arleneong912 on 16 October 2009 | | 10. | Hilarious [Rating: 10/10]
Mr. Brain seems to be an odd drama for some people but for me it's worth watching it, I enjoyed each episodes; never a dull moment. I will recommend this if you want a short (8 episodes), funny and mystery drama. | | Reviewed by jugatsu15 on 17 August 2009 | | 11. | MUST WATCH!!!!! [Rating: 10/10]
The role of kimura is very good, ayase haruka was also very good as his assistant and so does mizushima hiro. The logic behind evry episode is very practical...definitely a must watch. | | Reviewed by arleneong912 on 12 October 2009 | | 12. | GOOD [Rating: 8/10]
not bad,, I thought it was interesting and kept the storyline alive,, not a bad acting cast either,,,so overall RATED! | | Reviewed by KAZdoramma on 4 October 2009 | | 13. | A copy of CSi Miami [Rating: 10/10]
A Japanese copy of CSi Miami, and all this with the Japanese sense of humor! with current best Japanese Actors | | Reviewed by jed_ka on 29 August 2009 | | 14. | Kimu-taku [Rating: 9/10]
Smart dorama..great acting from many famous artists (kame, gackt, koyuki, yukie,etc) | | Reviewed by ester_grace on 23 December 2010 |
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| Comments From Users (112) |
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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 Jeanxi [Rating: 8/10]
I watched the first episode when it first came out, but I was really disappointed so I never bothered to continue following the drama. After seeing all of the rave reviews, I decided to give it another try, which was a good decision since the drama does get better after the first episode. Still, I think the good part of the drama is mostly because of the amazing guest stars as opposed to the main cast. Gackt was probably the criminal that freaked me out the most, though I'm not sure if that's attributable to his acting skills =P Kamenashi Kazuya really impressed me with his performance so my opinion of him has certainly gone up due to this drama. He also looks less girly with glasses on so that helps. My favorite guest star was Nakama Yukie who did an amazing job portraying a criminal with multiple personality disorder (or not). I wish she would star in more challenging roles like this instead of playing generic cheesy character in a cheesy drama 'cause she really is an extraordinary actress. Also, the last part of the last episode with Katori Shingo is really funny. Overall, I wouldn't say this was a particularly memorable drama, but it was decent and a good way to pass your time if you like crime/suspense dramas. Comparing this drama with others in a similar category though, I prefer Tantei Gailileo more. | | 2. | Comments by Jackykero [Rating: 7/10]
A perfect example of what happens when the Japanese decide to copy an American show (or should I say, when they decide to copy several American shows and movies). They don't just copy it, they import the concept and transform it into what they know how to do and enjoy: jdoramas !
This one had a bit of CSI, a bit of "24" and a bit of some more, but then... completely different because it has become a dorama with less-than-optimal detective work, home-made special effects, some overacted roles, but good Kimutaku acting and comedy as usual, lots of typical Japanese situational humour, dorama themes and comedy.
So it's a good series to watch for pure simple entertainment, if you're looking for a good comedy dorama, and not for a CSI - Japan :-)
It is full of cameos too, including some good actors and actresses. | | 3. | Comments by Lucian Dureau [Rating: 3/10]
Takuya Kimura, the Golden Boy from last 90's and early 2000, and Haruka Ayase, the heir of the last two Golden Girls, Takako Matsu and Ryoko Hirosue, star this mistery dorama which pretends to be a kind of crime investigation show that are quite popular in the States like CSI or NCIS.
About the show it's a pity that actors like Kagawa Teruyuki (Hanzawa Naoki - 2013) or Haruka Ayase (Sekachu - 2004 or Jin - 2009 & 2011) have to lower themselves to that level to allow Kimura stands out in this bad imitation between The Mentalist and Trick, created specially to suit him well. For this reason the only interesting thing that I find in this dorama is seeing all the cameos who appear in it, like Ryoko Hirosue (Departures - 2008), Koyuki (The Last Samurai - 2003) or Yukie Nakama (Shinobi - 2005). | | 4. | Comments by SayaOtonashi [Rating: 10/10]
Great dorama with some similarities to some US TV shows. I just had a great time watching it. It was wonderfully written and produced, and it casted great actors such as Nakama Yukie, and some surprising ones such as Gackt. Pace was incredibly good and action scenes were some of the bests I've seen so far (in a dorama!). I'm sure they tried approaching another style of making doramas. Don't miss the slow motion scenes, they are just wonderful. Besides that, Mr. Brain still maintains some characteristics of a Japanese TV show, like jokes or specific comic scenes. And cases are somehow believable and more complex than in other doramas. Definitely a must see.
Watching it just after 4 shimai tantei dan makes the difference... | | 5. | Comments by aiscess [Rating: 8/10]
This series, although original, reminds me of Galileo and SP (for the last 2 episodes). The highlight of the show for me was Nakama Yukie and Gackt�fs episodes respectively. Although if rank accordingly would be: the most interesting is by Nakama Yukie, second would be Gackt then third would be Sato Takeru, then the last 2 episodes tied with the first one and lastly, Kame�fs episode because there is no need for a scientist to figure that one out, a detective would do. Although this was a fun series, I can't helped but notice the poor acting performances from the main characters especially from Kimura, Kagawa and Mizushima. | | 6. | Comments by Susan [Rating: 10/10]
Best drama of 2009? Looks like it to me! Kimura Takuya once again knocks a series out of the park and into the realm of masterpiece! This series featured interesting (though undeveloped) characters, engrossing stories, an amazing main cast with equally amazing guest stars (Gackt, Sato Takeru, Nakame Yukie...), and some of the funniest moments ever! The only drawbacks to this series are its length (8 episodes, though longer than usual, was not enough) and the unfinished overreaching plot. I NEED MORE MR. BRAIN! I hope for a sequel of some kind, and soon! | | 7. | Comments by strawberrynkiwi [Rating: 9/10]
You can't really go wrong with Kimura, although I thought the beginning was completely random. In the end I don't really know why Tsukumo changed after the accident, other than the magazine with Yuri's face on it. I guess I'm looking too much in the science sometimes to actually enjoy the drama. Nevertheless, it was entertaining and I enjoy seeing different actors and actresses in each episode. I was on the floor laughing when Shingo was at the veryy end. | | 8. | Comments by Swedish_Japan_Lover [Rating: 10/10]
Yes yes yes! A very amusing and thrilling drama! Great acting from both Kimutaku and Ayase! The same structure of every episode but diffrent stories, typichal "criminal-drama". Loved the guestroles like Koyuki (<3) and Gackt (which scared the crap out of me). The scenes at the lab was fun with all that supertechnology and there's great comedy in here as well. I don't really have anything more to say, it's just very entertaining! Watch it! | | 9. | Comments by outlaws0025 [Rating: 8/10]
Very good dorama. Very exiting and good tempo all the way through. I also liked the fact that it was on only 8 episodes - made it a little more exiting.
The acting could have been better, tho. I love the actors, but it could get a bit corny some times.
Loved the cameo appearances! Pretty cool to see a new famous face in every episode. Unsure about Gackt at first, but he actually did a good job as the crazy serial killer. | | 10. | Comments by ScrappedShinigami [Rating: 8/10]
Really good show, pretty short and left with a few ends untied so I assume they will do a sequel or special or something. I did enjoy the ending though it was funny, love Tsukumo's laugh XD
There were a LOT of big names playing the cameo roles I think Gackt and Nakama Yukie had the most impressive parts.
It was a fun series and it seemed a little different from Kimu's normal roles, he was quite quirky in it I liked it :) | | 11. | Comments by pinkokoro [Rating: 7/10]
I have soft spot for mystery/detective drama. And that might be the reason of my fun ride watching Mr.Brain. The drama is with comedic undertone, mostly because of the eccentric character's of Takuya's character and his interaction with others. For case by case evaluation, they are not that great and memorable but while watching some cases did made me curious much. All in all, it makes a good watch. | | 12. | Comments by WhiteHawk [Rating: 9/10]
Much fun. Liked Ayase Haruka much better here than I did in Hotaru no Hikari. Kagawa Teruyuki was superb, Gackt and Nakama Yukie were creepy as heck, and whoever played the really short lab tech (can't remember) was hilarious. I think "Kimutaku" modeled his character after Tom Hulce's portrayal of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in the 1984 movie. The odd social behavior, and that laugh! Fun stuff. | | 13. | Comments by tachan [Rating: 8/10]
I liked this more than I thought I would. Episodic with a different case each time, but this worked out really well because each case had really famous guest stars. I like how he outsmarts everyone and explains everything in detail, makes you think... The ending isn't complete, so maybe there will be a movie or second season in the future. | | 14. | Comments by oonqy [Rating: 9/10]
I watched it for Hiro. but i think unexpectedly, Kimura is so cool and funnie in this drama.
i like the story and the casts. every episode is worth looking forward to.
the only thing that i dislike is the ending. could have a better ending with proper explanation.
now i know how to lie better and the importance of bananas. XD | | 15. | Comments by Oba-chan [Rating: 10/10]
Great Show, Great science.
There are top guest star in each episode. Gackt, Koyuki, Kamenashi kazuya, Nakama Yukie, and Kamikawa Takaya, They make the story more interesting to watch.
I don't know why the other people so upset about this drama.
Soundtrack: JUMP [Van Halen]: 2 (It's suppose to be japanesse music) | | 16. | Comments by Mimori [Rating: 9/10]
Very good drama, I agree that it wasn't the best from KimuTaku but he still pulled it off close to perfect. It reminded me of how funny he is on SmapxSmap. The guests and the stories were really good, as well. But the end was left way to open ended, it left me wondering if there'll be a 2nd season or what. | | 17. | Comments by loveaomori [Rating: 7/10]
To make a note to this dorama try to imagine it without Kimura Takuya, for example with a totally unkown actor... Yes, it's awful just thinking of it.. The script and the stories are too similar, DNA, DNA... yes I understand how to check DNA.. no, it's a poor story but entertaining and with Kimu Taku. | | 18. | Comments by 5irokami [Rating: 10/10]
Using an interesting technique to solve each case COOL!
Playing a lot of actors / actresses who popular (^U^) ..Starting from Kimura Takuya, Ayase Haruka, Mizushima Hiro (three of them is so funny in this dorama) HAHAHA ...then Gackt, Koyuki, Kamenashi Kazuya, and Yukie Nakama ..I love them all <3 | | 19. | Comments by iluvhyde [Rating: 7/10]
MR BRAIN is overall entertaining. However, despite the huge cast, it was not very "addictive". If you get what I mean.
Kimura is as usual, nothing outstanding or fantastic, but I think Sato Takeru did a great job in here. Oh! I forgot about the GACKT cameo. | | 20. | Comments by sweet_tapioca [Rating: 10/10]
One of the best drama of the year. I was hooked on it since the beginning. I had the urge to keep watching. I love Kimura, really entertaining and funny. Wish the ending was more conclusive though, guess it leaves the room for part 2. All in all, loved this. | | 21. | Comments by EstherM [Rating: 7/10]
Starladden superficial drama, which wants to be all at once in 8 episodes: a sometimes funny, high tech, psychological, mystery, smart, dumb, scary, gory, violent, cute, fangirl loving, big budget cop show. Easy to watch, but not the finest moment of drama. | | 22. | Comments by aik0 [Rating: 7/10]
Quite hilarious to pick that 80s-ish song for OP. Then you have the nerdy professor type. Some popular fluff about the brain, and the usual deer-in-the-headlight look of the female protagonist. But have to admit most of the cases are intriguing. | | 23. | Comments by suerinn [Rating: 7/10]
I loved all the stories except for the last two episodes: that bomb episode was really boring. Also, Ayase and Mizushima actings were so bad and mostly overacted. But I did enjoy all the guest appearances! Specially Koyuki and Nakama Yukie ones. | | 24. | Comments by bilal [Rating: 7/10]
Kimura Takuya can do no wrong in my eyes. Every part I've seen him in is brilliant. Here, he plays a Dr. Who-type who solves crimes with a dollop of Dr. Kawashima's Brain Training. Nice cameos from the likes of Nakama Yukie (Gokusen) and Gackt. | | 25. | Comments by Ezalor [Rating: 6/10]
Star vehicle. You can feel how Kimura forces himself into this role esp. until ep.5
All stories but the one with Nakama Yukie had no atmosphere, and everything seemed a bit laughable and half-assed. I want Kimura's old romance roles back! | | 26. | Comments by compaqmac321 [Rating: 10/10]
kimura takuya is a genius idc what anybody says he doesnt make bad shows......i wish it was longer than 8 episodes, but those ratings it put our were great, 20, only kimura can do it...great cast acting story everything...!!!!!!!!!!! | | 27. | Comments by Shindou [Rating: 7/10]
Decent, entertaining drama but certainly lacks the appeal of Kimura Takuya's earlier works. Episode are rather forgettable and the rest of the cast isn't that strong. A nice time-passer but nothing that stands out in particular | | 28. | Comments by misaki697 [Rating: 10/10]
SO GOOD!!! i really liked this series and was super sad to realize it was only 8 episodes. the characters are really fun and all had really good chemistry together and the show moves at a very nice pace. definitely recommend! :) | | 29. | Comments by ryouji [Rating: 9/10]
Kimura Takuya is a legendary actor of johnny's entertainment! This mystery drama got me so much... at the first look of the picture my hearts beating so fast and getting excited to watch this!! SO FAR i LIKE IT... | | 30. | Comments by russia [Rating: 7/10]
ok kimu vehicle. flashy computer graphics. gruesome murders. handsome guy - kimu. some very 'scientific' concepts on truth and lies. not sure how much of the concepts are truth, since i am no scientist, haha. |
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Read all 112 comments from users
| Users who voted for this drama (17) |
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| 1. | docalion
Woohoo!! Takuya Kimura all the way!!! Very nice high technology facility setting!! The way of solving the case is amazing. Not to mention, all the guest stars are really STARS~ | | 2. | ongrina82
Didn't like the starting part but as I watched on, I was hooked on this drama...i oni used 2 days to finish the whole drama. Enjoyed this drama :)
Will there be any part 2? | | 3. | zi-chan
What can I say.. Takukimu proves his "magic" or I can say his "brain" fufufu.. | | 4. | WatThePho970
I love the interesting facts and etc. that they add into the episodes. ^.^ | | 5. | Soina
It was like a mixture of The Mentalist and C.S.I .... aka amazing ! | | 6. | anon001
love..love..love kimutaku..from gigolo to einstein! | | 7. | Srey-Leak
Since a long time i didn't watch a good drama. | | 8. | sweet_tapioca
Best drama in 2009 with an all star cast :D | | 9. | desert-raven
Good series, I hope there will be more. | | 10. | togu
Voting just because of Kimu Taku haha | | 11. | tagnickname55
funny show | | 12. | blue_imaginary | | 13. | Higashi | | 14. | Aysha | | 15. | Indojinjosei24 | | 16. | raina | | 17. | Megumi_Nagase |
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