Erased

Once you get past the fact you're watching a Japanese show, and have to read the subtitles -- which doesn't take long -- Erased becomes addictive.

It's a drama/mystery/science fiction series involving Satoru and those around him. I won't include any spoilers. As is the case with many shows, the less you know about it, probably the better.

Binge-watched the first six episodes.

I know nothing about the manga or any previous tellings of this story. I was pulled in during the first episode and binged the entire series. I thought the younger actors were nothing less than phenomenal. The secret of the evil doer was kept until the script demanded. I loved the fidelity the characters portrayed to the very thought of doing good. I rate this high because more people need to watch it!

Half way through the first episode and I am starting to have deja vu feelings. Have I watched this one before? Yes, this one is the live action of the anime, probably the manga too (?), erased. And it does follow the anime plot wise, up to a certain point at least. One thing I have to comment about this drama was the ability of the leading actor to look older at times and like a teenager in other scenes. That gave a good time progress for the story. Also, the kid actors and actresses were extremely good! When it comes to the story, it is a mystery-fantasy plot with great performances and a gripping mystery.

I'll be very simple and objective here. As someone who watched the anime and considered it as the top three ever, here is my opinion: The series are completely accurate compared to the anime they've managed, actually, to get some details even better! Not to mention the ending wich is different from the anime and also slightly improved. Now, how about to contemplate an insane quality of photography? How about a perfectly fitting soundtrack? And about good acting? Boku Dake ga Inai Machi is the whole deal. It will impress you even if you know the manga and the anime. Even better for who doesn't know japanese live actions at all neither animes, they will have so much good times watching it. This show must be an example of how things should be made. And this time we should thank Netflix for bringing this piece of art to us. Thank you very much!

I'm not particularly a manga or Japanese movie/tv fan and I didn't know the cartoon and movie existed. I might have to check them out.

From the perspective of someone who is watching this without any expectations and randomly found this on Netflix:

This show is absolutely amazing. Just bingewatched the first 6 episodes. The acting is brilliant, the characters are so amazing, and I'll admit I almost shed a tear in several episodes out of sheer glee. This reminds me of how I enjoyed the film Amelie; a pleasure to see all the unique nuances, especially after watching one of the most terrible films I have ever seen in my life a few days ago called Stasis.

I hope the rest of the season is as good but I could probably die happy after only 6 episodes. Thank you sincerely to those who made this with such endearing people. I want to hug you and them.

By the way, the show Haters Back Off needs more 1 star reviews. Please take the time to downvote terrible shows so I can experience more of this and less of that.