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DVD Box
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| Synopsis |
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The police raid a club in Roppongi, Tokyo - a trendy area of the city that attracts youths and more recently drug trafficking. When a drug dealer tries to escape from a club with a gun in hand, the whole club goes into chaos. But one man ignores the gun pointed directly at him and blocks the dealer's path. It's Ichiro Munesue, a cop from the local police station. The drug dealer struggles to get away, but Ichiro subdues him and makes a brilliant arrest.
When Ichiro returns to the police station, his boss announces his appointment to Central Headquarters - a great promotion for a cop working the local beat like Ichiro. Off the clock, Ichiro is very gentle, but when it comes to being a cop, he is obsessed with arresting criminals. At times, Ichiro does spin out of control, however. His superiors consider his actions brave and driven by a strong sense of justice - which is why he was promoted. His new boss, Eizaburo Nasu is looking forward to Ichiro's arrival.
One day an African-American man is found dead on a small island in Daiba, Tokyo. He has a deep wound in his chest, indicating that he was stabbed by a very sharp knife. The man seemed to have been walking along the long land bridge that connects the beach and the island. Ichiro teams up with a veteran cop, Atsushi Yokowatari, to tackle this case. But their investigation goes nowhere. The man was found dead at the entrance of the land bridge, but it would have been almost impossible for him to walk the distance with such a deep wound. The police conclude that he was killed elsewhere. However, witnesses near the bridge claim that nobody else but the American man passed through the area.
No one knows who the man was. And he had no identification on him. The only clue to the case is his final words heard by a passerby - "stoha."
What is the mystery behind the man's dying message? | | Fuji TV |
| Soundtrack and Theme Songs (1) |
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| 1. | A Place In The Sun [�͌����� Kawaguchi Kyogo] | [ LYRICS ] |
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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. | Takenouchi Yutaka is a class actor [Rating: 8/10]
After seeing him in this drama, I must say, it's hard to see him not doing this when he's 80 years old. He's seems to just hold his own so well on camera, perhaps even more confidently than Kimura Takuya (although many fangirls may not like to agree and dramas like this one, aren't as glossed up like KimuTaku's). The drama's plot is quite complex and this is largely due to the excellent work done by the screenwriters. Admittedly, at times I thought the detectives spent whole episodes unravelling the simplest of discoveries and although this could get quite frustrating for the viewer, it did add the overall feel of the drama. The main problem I felt was the actual portrayal of the crime, as it just seemed so unnatural to me - when I saw it I thought I was watching a children's play, it was that bad. But the cast is excellent, the way in which the stories intertwine is also commendable, especially in a time where the trend is that drama producers go for style over substance. A must watch for a drama lover with a keen eye for crime mysteries. | | Reviewed by dekatrain on 21 April 2008 | | 2. | It's a great drama [Rating: 9/10]
I was surprised that nobody has reviewed or at least make comments on this drama. Personally, I love this drama and it's not merely typical police-detective story investigating a murder crime. This drama also depicts many aspect of human characteristic that led us into some scene where you will experience many mixed emotion in the characters. You might be able to guess who killer is but the main aim of this story is not just how to catch the killer but how to deal with human who has complex character
The casting was great and everyone played their role really well. You will be able to see Takenouchi's ability to speak English in which I found it very surprising that he could do it so well. | | Reviewed by Akakage on 12 December 2004 | | 3. | Excellent adaptation, top notch drama series [Rating: 9/10]
This is one of the best Japanese drama I have seen. It's unjustly underrated in my humble opinion. The whole cast is excellent. Especially Yutaka Takenouchi and Keiko Matsuzaka. The former is at perfect at the role of Koichiro Munakata, my favorite from the various adaption that has been done. The supporting cast is excellent as well!
The score, the story (even though there're some changes made from the original novel) and the camera are all excellent. The whole series is beautifully shot both in Japan and abroad. And finally I must add the ending credit and the music is brilliant. I would highly recommend anyone interested in a good suspense and thriller series to get this DVD! | | Reviewed by pippi on 18 July 2010 | | 4. | Interesting plot [Rating: 9/10]
This has got to be one of the most intriguing doramas I've seen to date, I like the different twists & turns and how each character is sort of connected to another in this dorama. I thought Takenouchi put up a really good performance in this dorama.
My only dissatisfaction with this dorama is the fakeness in using a Japanese man and covering him with black paint and an afro weak so as a disguise him as a half Japanese, half black man. It's so fake. And for someone who grew up in the US, this character can't speak English to save his life, the producers should have spent more effort in hiring a more suitable person to act as Johnny. | | Reviewed by momoechan on 25 August 2005 | | 5. | where have all the good things go.. [Rating: 10/10]
I only had a chance to see this drama only recently and I have to admit that I enjoyed every minute of it. Everything is perfect both the storyline and the acting of the whole ensemble. My thump up for the talented Yutaka Takenouchi whom I have never been disappointed, such a great acting from him. After watching this drama... I kept on asking myself... where have all the good things go.. how come ... I can hardly find any drama of this kind anymore ... then I realized that .. yes, there was one .. ''Rondo" of which Yutaka was also there... a big hand for him for choosing the be in only quality drama... thanks ! and thanks a lot ! | | Reviewed by Tukata on 13 September 2007 | | 6. | Scattered at first, then finishes strong [Rating: 7/10]
Frankly, I am a bit saturated with the kind of drama where fate plays such a big role and is essentially the connecting factor to otherwise separate and irrelevant matters, and this is exactly what this drama is. I had to convince myself that fate and coincidences of such frequencies are probable not only in love, but in crime solving in order to sit through this drama. Ok, once I got past that, I had to sit through another 8 episodes or so before things start picking up steam and the whole "case" starts to have a focal point. Otherwise it's a good detective story, and if it weren't for Yutaka, I wouldn't bother with this one. | | Reviewed by Hiro Toyo on 27 October 2005 | | 7. | one of the best i've ever watched [Rating: 10/10]
i was surprised in takenouchi yutaka's english really goodD for a japanese.. and of course not forgetting ikeuchi hiroyuki starred as johnny.. no idea y he wasn't listed here.. but his english is good too.. | | Reviewed by juliana_phang on 2 January 2005 | | 8. | Call me overly sensitive, BUT... [Rating: ?/10]
This drama is too racist and too stereotypical for my liking. I just finished episode 2 and I don't think I can watch anymore. I find the writing too offensive and over the top. | | Reviewed by spazzy06 on 24 March 2011 | | 9. | Top Notch! [Rating: 10/10]
A must see! Good plot, acting, directing. Great ending. Takenouchi's English was a surprise...just flawless. | | Reviewed by RISAKO on 23 December 2004 |
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| Comments From Users (25) |
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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 nadrika [Rating: 8/10]
Many thanks to Malaysia's 8tv for broadcasting this drama in 2006. Otherwise I wouldn't be here, hopelessly addicted to Jdrama once again.
After about five years of not watching Jdramas, I admit that I had high expectations of this drama. As I am a fan of mystery/investigative dramas, this was a MUST WATCH for me. This drama is like a jigsaw puzzle. Small bits and pieces are revealed in each episode. Everyone seems disconnected. But all will be connected in the last episode.
I would say that the pace of the drama is quite slow. Or is it because I haven't been watching Jdramas for a long time? Or watching on TV means one episode each week. I don't know. I have watched Koori no Sekai years before and I find myself comparing the two dramas all the time. I would advise others not to do that. These two dramas have different story-telling styles. Comparing would only kill the enjoyment of the drama. Just sit back and enjoy it.
First time seeing Yui Natsukawa acting. Love her very much. What a great actress. And Yutaka Takenouchi. WOW. Amazing, as always, in portraying such a character like Munesue who was fighting inner demons. He doesn't need to say much, his eyes, facial expression and body language is enough. And also his English, very good given my high standards. | | 2. | Comments by Jeanxi [Rating: 9/10]
Wow...this was a truly captivating drama. I finished this in one day, too. Very fast paced with lots twists in the plot...the muderer I guessed about halfway 2/3 of the way through the drama tho. It also got me thinking a lot about humanity and family values...ending made me cry like crazy. Also really liked the soundtrack although I think they probably should've just used the original American version of the ending song 'cause the Japanese guy has really bad pronunciation. I was also impressed by Takenouchi's English; he certainly had an accent, but he probably has the best English I've heard from any Japanese person by far =P I was a bit disappointed by the guy who plays Johnny tho; it's a bit weird when your character is black and was raised in America but speaks worse English than a Japanese character in the story (Takenouchi).....but that probably didn't matter to the majority of the Japanese audience =P Last note: really like the title of the series, very meaningful and thought-provoking ^.^ | | 3. | Comments by dekatrain [Rating: 8/10]
After seeing him in this drama, I must say, it's hard to see him not doing this when he's 80 years old. He's seems to just hold his own so well on camera, perhaps even more confidently than Kimura Takuya (although many fangirls may not like to agree and dramas like this one, aren't as glossed up like KimuTaku's). The drama's plot is quite complex and this is largely due to the excellent work done by the screenwriters. Admittedly, at times I thought the detectives spent whole episodes unravelling the simplest of discoveries and although this could get quite frustrating for the viewer, it did add the overall feel of the drama. The main problem I felt was the actual portrayal of the crime, as it just seemed so unnatural to me - when I saw it I thought I was watching a children's play, it was that bad. But the cast is excellent, the way in which the stories intertwine is also commendable, especially in a time where the trend is that drama producers go for style over substance. | | 4. | Comments by jade_frost [Rating: 7/10]
Ningen no Shoumei struck me as more a study of humanity than a detective series. It is interesting yet not absorbing probably because one doesn't really care for the characters. The drama starts of in a meandering, unfocused manner that requires much determination to watch to try to link seemingly unconnected people and incidents together. Midway through, it became obvious who the murderer is and the only reason I stuck through it was to find out how they'd nail the person. I thought too much was attributed to coincidence and fate, and having a Japanese portray a black person bothered me. | | 5. | Comments by IniQx [Rating: 10/10]
This drama really stands out from the other crime-themed Japanese dramas. Not too sure if this is the first collaboration between Japan & US television network company, but it is indeed a very good production. The drama talks about humanity & the complicated relationship between people. How your past will haunt you & how you free yourself from within yourself. Takenouchi Yutaka's English is surprisingly good! | | 6. | Comments by syu77 [Rating: 9/10]
haven't watched yet..just bopught it...i'll write later!!!
Ok I have just finished watching this drama last week...and i found this drama a bit different from other japanese drama...but it keep me wanting to watch it until finish. Many stories with one ending...its really good to watch!!! | | 7. | Comments by calico [Rating: 10/10]
Deserves a 10 for standing out waaayyyy above the other generic drama out there. Intriguing plot with enough twists to surprise you, strong cast, catchy and bittersweet ending track....Takenouchi, Ikeuchi Hiroyuki and even Matsuzaka Keiko spoke English very very well, very natural. | | 8. | Comments by hitomi #1 [Rating: 8/10]
Closer to an 8.5, really good mystery/crime drama with good performances all around. Quite a bit of it was filmed in America, only real qualm about it was how fast and neatly it ended. | | 9. | Comments by polygonebye [Rating: 10/10]
A wonderfully written and acted drama. I especially enjoyed the complex relationships between all the characters. Highly recommended. | | 10. | Comments by aki_07 [Rating: 8/10]
Quite good and meaningful... though to bring across issues on humanity, some scenes are compromised and become unbelievable. | | 11. | Comments by pippi [Rating: 9/10]
In my opinion the best adaptation yet. Excellent series, well acted and well produced. Makes me wanting more at the end. | | 12. | Comments by gaijinmark [Rating: 9/10]
Great police drama, second only to Odoru Daisousasen. And probably my favorite Yutaka drama of all. | | 13. | Comments by juliana_phang [Rating: 10/10]
really gooDD! took a day to finish it.. great plot, great cast n i love the way the story flows.. | | 14. | Comments by minitotoro [Rating: 10/10]
every actor/ actress brought their characters to life and the story never boring to the audience! | | 15. | Comments by lovejdorama [Rating: ?/10]
Avail for Trade! 7 VCD, Chinese Sub
http://www.geocities.com/reddashay/jdorama.html | | 16. | Comments by Shani [Rating: 9/10]
Yutaka is amazing in this drama. The story is pretty interesting as well. | | 17. | Comments by hananako [Rating: 10/10]
munusue ichiro wa hontoni kakkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkoiiiiiiiiii!!!!! | | 18. | Comments by Ikuko [Rating: 6/10]
Good drama with many suspens. I loved the end but it was very sad. | | 19. | Comments by Aunty Coco [Rating: 7/10]
Just ok for me... watch it because of Takenouchi Yutaka | | 20. | Comments by rafinharomano [Rating: 10/10]
Perfect drama! Full of details! Very worth watching! | | 21. | Comments by idetakun [Rating: 6/10]
not bad!!!
Good story. A bit boring, though... | | 22. | Comments by dango [Rating: ?/10]
very cool. ������ǂ�ł݂����B | | 23. | Comments by DoramaOnna [Rating: 7/10]
Seven out of ten. | | 24. | Comments by Boogoo8 [Rating: 8/10]
Good good good! | | 25. | Comments by loveaomori [Rating: 7/10]
futsu.. | | 26. | Comments by fuyu [Rating: 5/10]
| | 27. | Comments by ct_subang [Rating: ?/10]
| | 28. | Comments by qiqi_16 [Rating: ?/10]
| | 29. | Comments by sabriel [Rating: ?/10]
| | 30. | Comments by ditmercury [Rating: 9/10]
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| Users who voted for this drama (6) |
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| 1. | calico
A very engaging,thought-provoking drama. The plot revolves around fate, and the twists and developments makes the story and characters interesting. The pacing of the plot is good, the actors are top-notched. One of the best drama to come along for a long time. Takenouchi has again convinced me why he deserved and received a Best Actor nomination - he is an actor that can really ACT. | | 2. | RISAKO
Top notch, great drama...the story has a lot of heart..not your typical police-detective story investigating a murder crime. Great story line. Story takes place in Odaiba area in Tokyo and in Mississipi in the US...I was taken back by how good Takenouchi's english is... although, I didn't really care for him before, now I am a fan. Cried at the end. | | 3. | Jeanxi
I like how all the characters seemed disconnected in the beginning but everything slowly comes together. Though the extremely repetitive flashbacks do become annoying after the 2nd episode ^^||| | | 4. | Shani
This drama was so excellent! Yutaka was wonderful as always--he amazes me each time. This story was dramatic, suspenseful and well acted all around. | | 5. | pippi
Excellent adaptation. Well acted, well produced. A much underrated series. | | 6. | fone |
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