Orangevine
Famous actors play two-dimensional characters in the whimsical drama about a detective who solves crimes using dubious science.
This drama undoubtedly boasts stellar cast. Kimura Takuya and Ayase Haruka need no introduction. Kagawa Teruyuki and Mizushima Hiro play support roles while Koyuki, Gackt, Kamenashi Kazuya, and Nakama Yukie are among the guest stars. It's like they gathered together all of the actors who had played main roles in the dramas hugely popular at the time. They even casted Sato Takeru who could not act to save his life then but who is getting the best actor nominations at the academy awards now.
Thus, this drama was destined to become popular. The detective drama of the same magnitude in 2020 would cast Sato Takeru as the detective, Arimura Kasumi as his plucky side-kick, and Aragaki Yui, Suda Masaki, Yamazaki Kento, Toda Erica etc. as guest stars. Of course people would tune in. To this day, those who love classic J-dramas remember Mr. Brain fondly.
However, all of the other qualities of this drama are suspect. The setting is not just over-the-top, it's downright bizarre. J-dramas often employ exaggerated emotional reactions as comic relief that gently gives way to a touching profound message underneath. Here, though, the hyperbole goes too far turning the story into a literal fairy-tale. And fairy-tale that throws around real scientific facts is very bizarre thing indeed.
All of the characters are two-dimensional and only great charisma of their actors saves some of them. Kimutaku and Ayase Haruka played many iconic roles but their characters here never quite manage to become those sympathetic leads the viewer roots for. Whether it's due to Ayase Haruka's character being too dumb (I feel really bad writing this) or to Kimutaku's character being too arrogant is hard to say.
The cases are done in the style of classic British detective where incongruous puzzle is more important than realism (think Agatha Christie or Detective Conan). To the dramas' credit, the cases are coherent and fast-paced if over-the-top to the n-th degree.
What really drives me nuts, personally, is the way the story uses real scientific facts. For example, it's true that some types of brain trauma can cause the person to acquire a super-human ability. But it doesn't mean that this person will be exactly the same as before only with additional ability. I wouldn't call treatment of various psychological conditions in this drama offensive but it does make one want to roll their eyes a lot.
How much weird silliness can you tolerate for the sake of your favourite actors playing not that interesting characters? That's a question to ask yourself if you are wondering whether to watch this drama.
This drama undoubtedly boasts stellar cast. Kimura Takuya and Ayase Haruka need no introduction. Kagawa Teruyuki and Mizushima Hiro play support roles while Koyuki, Gackt, Kamenashi Kazuya, and Nakama Yukie are among the guest stars. It's like they gathered together all of the actors who had played main roles in the dramas hugely popular at the time. They even casted Sato Takeru who could not act to save his life then but who is getting the best actor nominations at the academy awards now.
Thus, this drama was destined to become popular. The detective drama of the same magnitude in 2020 would cast Sato Takeru as the detective, Arimura Kasumi as his plucky side-kick, and Aragaki Yui, Suda Masaki, Yamazaki Kento, Toda Erica etc. as guest stars. Of course people would tune in. To this day, those who love classic J-dramas remember Mr. Brain fondly.
However, all of the other qualities of this drama are suspect. The setting is not just over-the-top, it's downright bizarre. J-dramas often employ exaggerated emotional reactions as comic relief that gently gives way to a touching profound message underneath. Here, though, the hyperbole goes too far turning the story into a literal fairy-tale. And fairy-tale that throws around real scientific facts is very bizarre thing indeed.
All of the characters are two-dimensional and only great charisma of their actors saves some of them. Kimutaku and Ayase Haruka played many iconic roles but their characters here never quite manage to become those sympathetic leads the viewer roots for. Whether it's due to Ayase Haruka's character being too dumb (I feel really bad writing this) or to Kimutaku's character being too arrogant is hard to say.
The cases are done in the style of classic British detective where incongruous puzzle is more important than realism (think Agatha Christie or Detective Conan). To the dramas' credit, the cases are coherent and fast-paced if over-the-top to the n-th degree.
What really drives me nuts, personally, is the way the story uses real scientific facts. For example, it's true that some types of brain trauma can cause the person to acquire a super-human ability. But it doesn't mean that this person will be exactly the same as before only with additional ability. I wouldn't call treatment of various psychological conditions in this drama offensive but it does make one want to roll their eyes a lot.
How much weird silliness can you tolerate for the sake of your favourite actors playing not that interesting characters? That's a question to ask yourself if you are wondering whether to watch this drama.
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