Usotoki Rhetoric Live Action Review

Usotoki Rhetoric Review

Drama: Usotoki Rhetoric

Japanese:  嘘解きレトリック

Network: Fuji TV

Actors: Suzuka Ouji, Honoka Matsumoto

Set in the early Showa era, the story is about Urabe Kanoko, a girl who can hear lies from people. This ability became a curse to her as she was ostracized in her village even with her own mother. She left her village with no money in her pocket, traveled to another town, broke and began to look for jobs. There she met Iwai Soma who is a detective with no client. Soma spends his day freeloading for food and from time to time does jack of all trades work. Once he discovers that Kanoko can hear lies he offers her to be his assistant.

Usotoki Rhetoric is a comedy Agatha Christie mystery type of drama, I am very a huge critic when it comes to the genre but the mystery is surprisingly engaging and fresh that I ended up really loving it. The vibe is an upbeat Showa period drama. The comedy doesn't try hard but it is funny. Since it is a period drama the production quality is really important and from what I've seen it is good, colorful and vibrant just matches the tone of the show.

The best part is the characters, two goofballs solving cases with their unique ability. Their chemistry is really good, fun banters, they are like an old couple that have been together for many years but sadly the romance is just subtle and it is coming from me who is not a die hard fan of the romance genre. Matsumoto Honoka as usual is really good with quirky roles and she nailed it. Every expression and gesture she makes is like the manga character that comes to life. Suzuka Ouji is the one that surprised me the most. I thought he was too young for this type of role but he proved me wrong. He has the charisma and skills to play such a character. It is fun watching maybe my favorite couple this 2024.

Overall, this is a fun and cute drama with no overdramatic and no complicated plot, just a story with a simple message, love yourself for what you are and don't hate yourself for what you aren't.