Jin

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.

It's a very interesting idea which it what got me interested and kept me watching The development of characters that you genuinely grow to like and care about Acting was top notch as was the typical music in these dramas I'm afraid to say too much to give away the story of events so it's gonna be hard to get to the required character requirement That said I think it's a must watch at only 22 episodes we'll only becoz I've watched some that are 70 or 80 episodes I couldn't wait for the end and how they tied it all up and it was moving and just perfect.

Big props to the writers and whomever started the concept. Enjoy!

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.

This TV series is truly a masterpiece,full of emotions in every episode.The plot is amazing and the actors are wonderful. It's meaningful and it brings tears to my eyes a lot of times. I strongly recommend everyone to watch this at least once.

Just as the title says, I recommend you ignore the low ratings. This is because I truly believe those who have rated this drama as under 7 have either a) never watched a Japanese drama or b) truly did not understand the story.

Without containing any spoilers, I will try to summarize what I believe to be the primary motives, or rather the point of the whole story. Please keep in mind that I'm also accounting for Season 2, which doesn't seem to be recognized in the actor credits here.

Jin (or Time Slip Dr. Jin in the manga) is the primary protagonist of this story but he, like every good protagonist is fundamentally flawed. He can't forgive himself for his mistakes and it plagues him throughout the story; whether it be with reference to Miki, or any other patient he attends to, this uncharacteristically good nature of his inevitably disables him as a person, especially a relatable person.

For those who have felt as if they haven't made a difference in the world, or what you do is not enough for others, HE is your character foil. But the story isn't about how flawed he is, it's about understanding one's limitations, and accepting the fate that has been handed to you -- in essence, accepting that you, like any other human on this planet, has their limits. Does that mean that fate is inescapable? Not necessarily, it simply means that we sometimes have to realize that whatever paths have been laid out for us, fate, or destiny is drawn out by those who surround us just as much as it is effected by us.

Ultimately, this story does raise questions (perhaps religious ones), but allows us as the viewers to draw conclusions for ourselves. If that isn't your "cup of tea" then I suggest you watch something less thought provoking... like a Twilight movie.. maybe that'll be better suited towards your tastes.