Nippon Noir (2019) - First Impressions

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Drama: Nippon Noir
Romaji: Nippon Nowaru: Keiji Y no Hanran
Japanese: ニッポンノワール ―刑事Yの反乱―
Director: Ryuichi Inomata
Writer: Shogo Muto
Network: NTV
Actors: Kento Kaku, Ryoko Hirosue, Arata Iura, Kazuki Kitamura, Kaho, Asuka Kudo, Yoshihiko Hosoda, Tetta Sugimoto, Yui Sakuma, Eri Tachibana


Things to expect in this drama:

 

Detective with amnesia

 


 Exaggerated acting

 


 Bearded Kaku Kento



Now for the review:


I have mixed feelings over this one. First, I love plot; it is intriguing like those you don't know where the story is going, but it's very over the top in my opinion. The execution is off; some of the characters' actions don't make sense at all. It is like a live-action of a murder-mystery visual novel game. LOL


Yes, I know Japanese dramas are known for being over the top, and it has its charms, but in my opinion, it could only work with comedy or business dramas written by Jun Ikeido. Is Nippon Noir starting a new trend like a murder mystery with over the top vibe?


It shares the same world with the drama Mr. Hiiragi's Homeroom which is also over the top, but Nippon Noir is totally on a different level, not just the acting, but the plot has zero logic. It has a different vibe like it was written by a different person; even one actor who has a recurring role in this drama acts very differently.


But having said that, I'll continue watching this drama, and just like I've said It shares the same world with Mr. Hiiragi's Homeroom, so I'm curious how this story will connect. I'm also a fan of visual novel games, so maybe I'll think of it as a visual novel game when watching. LOL


Kaku Kento is becoming one of the most versatile young actors in Japan right now. His role in this drama is very different from his comic characters, such as Afro Tanaka and Mitsuhashi (Kyou Kara Ore Wa!!). The cast also consists of veteran actors like Hirosue Yoko, Kitamura Kazumi, Kaho, and Iura Arata, but Just like I said, there is something off with the script, so this could be a case of lousy writing ruining great actors.



Conclusion time, watch it without expecting too much. It doesn't mean if you like Mr. Hiiragi's Homeroom that it's automatic, you would also like this drama. It has the same writers but a different vibe.

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