Jin

The Jin series is truly a masterpiece! If you're a fan of time travel narratives, this one stands out as one of the finest from start to finish. The storytelling is compelling, and the performances are pretty great across the board. I could easily name so many of the cast members who brought their characters to life with great skill. However, it's the dynamic between Jin and Saki that truly captured my heart. Ryoma Sakamoto's character adds an irreplaceable personality to the series, elevating it to a whole new level. Without him, it simply wouldn't be the same. Many supporting characters add their own unique flavor, making each moment feel rich and engaging.

A touching series from start to finish, well acted, in a very Japanese style. We get lost in the political turmoil around 1860 in Japan, where war between factions was apparently the order of the day. But the surgeon Jin, who inexplicably travels back in time to this era, brings a magnificent touch of humanity, tolerance and mutual aid, where he puts all his medical and surgical knowledge at the service of all, without distinction. The two seasons focus on how he passes on his medical knowledge and know-how to a team of doctors, including the charming Saki, who is entirely devoted to learning the art of medicine from Jin. The extremely beautiful and pure relationship between them occupies a large part of the story's unfolding. Young Saki is the model of a young woman of great purity and touching idealism. A platonic relationship of respect and admiration grows deeply with Jin. In a very Asian style, the series takes the time to show the feelings between Jin and Saki, through the many adventures the two of them have in saving lives. In Jin's hospital, they reinvent penicillin and other modern techniques inconceivable at the time. The series isn't perfect. There's a lot of repetition, and the reference to Jin's sense of history 140 years before his time can be tiresome. In spite of this, the series is extremely pleasant to watch and has a timeless, universal dimension. You'll be hooked.

Very well done, kept me captivated, several scenes I watched more than once to get the full meaning. The character Ryôma ( actually played by a westerner is multi faceted Samurai one minute, the innocence of a child, very forceful but diplomatic when he has to be, possibly a spiritual guide to keep Jin on the right path. Historical at times yes SciFi yes, Love story yes and no. Many twists in the plot, some you may see coming other you won't especially the ending but it tied it all together, bring a hanky or tissue. Do wish they had dubbed it in English instead of subtitles not that fast of reader.

I HAVE BEEN COMPLAING ALOT LATELY ABOUT THE POOR QUALITY OF WRITING COMING OUT IN RECENT TV SHOWS. THEN I STUMBLED ON "JIN" ON NETFLIX. HERE IS AN EXAMPLE OF THE TYPE OF QUALITY WRITING I AM LOOKING FOR NOW. ALSO "JIN" HAS TOP NOTCH ACTING, DIRECTION, SET DESIGN, ETC. EVEN TIME i HEARD THE THEME SONG i TEARED UP. THE ML RECENTLY STARRED AS THE GENERAL IN THE SERIES OF "KINGDOM" MOVIES. I WAS AMAZED AS HIS PHYSICAL TRANSFORMATION. HE WAS THE REASON I KEPT WATCHING "KINGDOM". THEN I SAW HIM STAR IN "JIN" WOW! PLEASE BRING BACK THE WRITERS FROM "JIN" TO WRITE MORE TV SERIES FOR US NOW! JUST WATCH IT. YOU WILL SEE!

Jin is an utterly remarkable TV drama and a true masterpiece of storytelling and emotional depth. Spanning a total of 22 episodes, the series is structured with sub-stories that seamlessly intertwine, creating a cohesive and perfectly balanced narrative right up to the final episode.

I watched Jin on Netflix in December 2024 and was astounded by its exceptional cinematography and acting, particularly considering that the series originally aired in 2009. Its production values and performances remain timeless, offering a cinematic experience that feels far ahead of its time.

Set against the backdrop of historical events, Jin presents a fictional narrative rather than striving for strict historical accuracy, yet it achieves a level of authenticity reminiscent of NHK's Taiga dramas. This creative liberty may render a few characters unconventional, but it is crucial to remember that Jin is a science-fiction drama, not a historical documentary. The series masterfully blends fictional elements with well-researched historical settings, bringing 19th-century Japan to life in a manner that feels both authentic and narratively compelling. The protagonist, Dr Jin Minakata, and his companions tackle complex challenges of the past with ingenuity and humanity, making each episode both engaging and thought-provoking.

At its core, the drama explores profound questions about the essence of humanity, the evolution of medicine, and the impact of historical events on the present and future. These themes are presented with an emotional resonance that encourages viewers to reflect deeply on the human condition.

Although the drama diverges slightly from Motoka Murakami's original manga in terms of subplots and its conclusion, the television adaptation offers its own unique charm. Its more grounded and realistic portrayal of certain scenes enhances the emotional connection to the story. Fans of the manga will find the drama equally compelling, while newcomers to Jin will appreciate its standalone brilliance.

I wholeheartedly recommend Jin to anyone who has yet to experience this extraordinary drama. Its exploration of humanity, history, and the timeless quest for progress makes it a must-watch masterpiece that transcends genres and generations.