The drama is based on a manga that I haven’t read so I can’t compare but from the overview, I am sure this story can make a fine anime if that’s ever planned. I always said that Japanese tend to pick interesting and different plots for their dramas; this is definitely one of those intriguing topics that invade Japanese seasons each year. The plot may seem a little heavy due to some episodic procedures but it’s smartly written to overtake certain sensitivity against the episodic pattern.
S - Saigo no Keikan (aka S - The Last Policeman) is about Special Forces in the Japanese police organization and their way of handling terrorist attacks or situations. The main focus of the drama is NPS, a new special force that gathers the qualities of two older Special Forces SAT and SIT. NPS’s purpose is to secure criminals without killing them, that’s the main belief of the force, its members and our main lead. The operations’ build-up feels quite real although the final outcome can be fairly dramatized for the sake of emotions.
Despite being a straightforward action drama with lots of gun shooting and explosions, the drama’s main focus was the ethics and the feelings behind each case. It’s indisputably not brainless action for the sake of entertainment, it’s also not action games for the sake of thrills, military techniques or the suspense; it’s action for the sake of human emotions and relationships. It was an interesting take of the police, its higher-ups and the power struggle between Special Forces.
Acting wise, this drama’s producers knew how to choose their leads, supporting roles and even guest stars. Mukai Osamu and Ayano Go had a good chemistry as opposites in the same line of work. Although Ichigo’s character would sound a little cheesy with his over-concentration on not killing any criminal but he managed to keep the character interesting until the very last end. However, Ayano’s Soga was more penetrating with a cold character and a detailed back story. Another interesting character must be Odagiri Joe’s Masaki Keigo, the actor does crazy roles so well; I am glad I will be seeing lots of him this year. If we talk about acting then we shouldn’t forget the veteran Omori Nao and other cast members that delivered so well no matter how small the role was.
The action department was quite intriguing at times, even though shooting and bombs’ explosions weren’t present each episode but the Special Forces techniques and operations’ codes were believably made. The OST and cinematography were also pretty fitting for the drama.
Watch if:
-You’re looking for a good Japanese action drama.
-You like dramas that focus on special themes.
-You’re looking for a good casting line-up.
Do not watch if:
-You can’t stand the episodic pattern.
-You dislike the Japanese way of making action dramas.
-You’re looking for romance.
S - Saigo no Keikan is an entertaining drama with lots of action to keep you entertained mixed with dramatic moments to stimulate emotions. I will be impatiently waiting for the film!
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The story is really interesting, which there’s a lot of secret and conspiracy. Although I’m not too fond of political topics, but since this drama consist of a lot of combat scene, I keep watching until the end and I didn’t regret it ^_^
The casts are great, but in my opinion Ayano Go is superb ^_~ His cold and serious expression fit him best. Mukai Osamu indeed a male lead, but somehow I feel his existence and spark less than Ayano Go. LOL.
But overall, this is a great drama and worth to watch ^_~
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This review may contain spoilers
Learning life
I was able to watch this drama in my free time after so much that has happened and I feel refreshed from watching a police drama (mostly cause I watch rom-com or medical drama) and sometimes the story just hits hard I feel everytime I watch a police drama whether it be investigation, mystery, action, it has it's moments for slice of life and bring back the character that they could die or they are just human like us sometime we wish we could do something in those moments but we can't I really like episodes 5, 6, 7, and 8 these are the episode that brings emotion to the viewer sometimes it can make you cry there are moments when the ending just starts playing or the ost in the background gives the scene more emotion and what they are trying to portray towards the viewer these dramas always get the better of me and some of it can be directed towards our reality other than that the show is really amazing I would come back to it sometime later on if I need a pick me up or I'm starting to burn out from the many dramas that I watch.Was this review helpful to you?
