Soredemo, ikite yuku

Still, Life Goes On (2011) (Japanese Drama/Thriller Television Series).

15 years after his little sister is murdered, a young man befriends the sister of the murderer. This is an impressively written series (11 episodes, 45 minutes each) that uses its unorthodox premise as an exhibition for long-term suffering and healing. The family members of the victim are obviously devastated, while the family members of the murderer face unending persecution and guilt. This series uses a very psychological approach with a number of highly developed characters that face their inner demons through the unorthodox main premise. Dialogue and interaction are gripping and realistic, with events unfolding in unexpected ways. There are even long stretches of slow-burning suspense too. Performances are excellent all-around, but Eita and Hikari Mitsushima are especially outstanding in the lead roles. It's no exaggeration to say that they give the best performances of their already notable careers. All of these positive elements create an experience that is unique, emotionally devastating, and fascinating all at the same time.

This is a very unconventional story. Just like A Taste of Honey. The writing stays true to the character and their motivation. And the tone, pace, and objective seemed to stay true, on course. They would like to surprise you but the ending fits.

The story revolves around the murder of a child 15 years ago. (What's with 15 years - is it because of the debunked law of statue of limitation?). But this is not a detective story but how the 2 families deals with facing each other.

Eita and Hikari are the 2 main leads and they are fantastic. Subtle, effective, do not over act. They are 2 main from either side of the tragedy, both from small town or the country side. And the small touches shows, to the costumes, the behaviour (I'm guessing on this one).

Each episode give chance to different members or combination of members of 2 or 3 families to face each other. Now some are emotional, some may only exists in that culture, and I respect that. Overall, very well thought out, especially in one occasion of the mother of the victim's side, there was 1 long speech of 5-7min. Excellent take.

But it is the moments between the 2 leads, few and far between, that are most memorable. There exists a gentle love story. True, proper, love that fills with anticipation, thoughtfulness, kindness, best wishes for each other and eternal hope.

Brilliant. A masterpiece. There is not one false moment throughout. Many scenes pack an emotional wallop. Although the overall tone is heavy, there are also some light moments. The performances are excellent. If I had to pick a standout, it would be Shinobu Otake. But this series is perfect. I highly recommend it to everybody.