Wakamonotachi

This is a remake of a popular old TV drama and made as special for Fuji TV 55th anniversary. Hence a very talented and popular cast was assembled. So one would imagine that this drama should be both good and popular. Opening with some 12% Japan audience rating, the second episode recorded a huge drop in viewership that stayed low for all episodes.

Now I have seen the cast in many other TV dramas and films. Because I enjoy their performances I was really looking forward to seeing this as, I suspect, was the Japanese TV audience. Well... watching this was one of the most annoying TV experiences I have ever had. The acting is turned up so high on the drama level with constant high volume yelling and physical fighting. I am not against drama or conflict, but it was beyond what normal human behavior and family behavior is like. Plus it occupies the bulk of screen time. I know the actors are all seasoned professionals so I can only think the director and scriptwriter ordered this be done.

I read some blogs saying the writer was trying too hard. Yes. some of the scenes / settings were beyond belief. I won't comment specifically as this is supposed to be without spoilers.

I rate it two stars. One point for the casting and one point for the theme song.

The high octane acting and pace might have worked for a 2 hour TV movie special. But it is very hard to endure for 11 episodes.