Ishitachi no Renai Jijo (2015)

Don't let the title of the drama fool you - I thought it was going to be just another tawdry Grey's Anatomy-esque romantic-melodrama-with-hospital-backdrop and the first two episodes kind of leave you with that impression. In the beginning, it feels like they're trying a little bit too hard to be sexy and scandalous, but that soon takes a backseat as the real plots begin to unravel.

I ended up falling love with every main and supporting character, and becoming invested in every subplot running throughout the show. Every storyline is strong without convoluting the overarching story or making it clunky. The interwoven relationships in this story take precedence but the eventual main conflict is career-based with a dash of social commentary; the fact that their work also takes part of the centre focus is exactly what made it more than just a romantic melodrama.

Most of all, the conclusions that are drawn in the end are both realistic and satisfying, which is normally such a hard balance to strike. Every character, even the main antagonist, is done justly without oversimplifying the end of their respective arcs.

Ishitachi no Renai Jijou is by no means a flawless drama - it has its own tendencies to fall into the regular Japanese drama tropes at times - but overall it's clever, modern, presents us with complex characters and a refreshing outlook on love and work without being too preachy.

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Found this drama by accident and was pleasantly surprised - especially since the glut of DOCTOR dramas have flooded the screens.
Story: not new a medical drama story-line, oppressive working environments, doctors attempting to have a personal life (men & women), smexy male doctors. This series cross the path of mature subject matter, love and yearning to be better doctors. In some aspects if you like Dtr X1,2,3 you will enjoy this.

Actors: Three key coupling the main couple have serious chemistry, the kind you feel through the screen. All other couples have chemistry, not to the level of couple 1.

Music: semi-memorable and fitting
Rewatch: No - will look for other Jdramas with lead actors. Not a bad drama since there are so many to find.

Have been in search of dramas that are not full of kpop idols, kids learning to act, poor kissers. This Jdrama is a decent watch for those wanting a more mature story-line.

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