Story 10/10: The storyline is actually pretty unique, at least from what i've seen. It's about a Hero who has to go out and defeat an evil entity who is bringing evil in this world! As someone else mentioned, it's somewhat like Monty Python, but it has it's own uniqueness. It also reminded me of the anime Gintama in a way.
Acting 10/10: They were all flawless.
Music 7/10: The music was good. It wasn't really memorable but it did it fulfilled its purpose.
Rewatch Value 6/10 : Since this drama doesn't really have many twists or turns, it's actually a good candidate for rewatching. I generally don't rewatch shows though, but if i'm ever extremely bored and for some reason cannot watch anything else, i'd watch this.
Overall 9/10: This was a short drama (12 episodes of 24 minutes each), but it was funny and interesting.
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The plot follows a ragtag team of heroes as they travel through a strange land fighting monsters (many of which are paper mache). This show has a sense of humor I have not seen in a Jdrama before. It's very random and silly on an elevated level. I found it thoroughly entertaining.
Although the characters are far from realistic, they are consistently developed and draw you into their bizarre world. The actors have wonderful comedic timing. While I"m not sure if the jokes in this drama will be as effective upon reviewing, it is definitely the type of show that would be in syndication in the US.
I gave this drama a 10 overall although the rewatch value and music were not rated highly because it is a stellar example of its genre.
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I like the way its producer and scriptwriter (as well as the director) deliver the random jokes. This show is full of nonsense jokes and absurdity. However, unlike other hate-it-or-love-it, absurd shows like Jikou Keisatsu (also boasts the same vibe, but I still like both, though), you do not have to know Japanese puns to enjoy the jokes.
Acting-wise, the actors only needed to rely on their comedic timing, and they nailed it. As a matter of fact, it takes a lot of improvisation to do Hotoke roles, as he seems forget his lines almost every time he's on screen. Funnily, it still generates unique sense of comedy.
I'm giving 10 not because of its technical merit, it's for the entertainment value.
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Before getting into this dorama, we need to set our expectations right so we acknowledge the genius applied here. As it says in the opening sequence, this is a Low Budget Action Adventure Story. This is the type of drama I can confidently say only Japan can make, and excel at it. I love the fact they don't even try to mask that it's a low budget. The story is generic and purposely predictable and cheesy. This isn't about the story or the action, it's all about the comedy. It is purposely stupid, and boldly blunt and fun. I just love how the heroes are so into their role when those around them just react in such pragmatic ways, totally killing the moment. It's just hilarious.
The drama itself is a parody of video games.. I'm not into video games myself but from the bit that I've seen my brother played, I got to appreciate some details here that I would've otherwise found weird. One example is when the heroes prepare for a fight, the way they stay on one side only and their movement felt exactly like what I see in video games the movements before the player actually starts fighting.
One of the most critical aspect in this drama is acting, and needless to say it was effortless. All did a magnificent job, including guessed stars. I don't know if there exist anyone better than Yamada Takayuki for the role he took. He has such a serious face perfect for dramatic scenes used in such a priceless way. All three sidekicks were spot on and did great. Not a moment was boring being around them. We also got some of the most surprising guest stars and their roles were nothing less than hilarious. I also have to add the sister, her character did spice up the story enough to wonder what the hell is going on with her.
I wouldn't say the drama is without flaws. For instance I found some some tropes just became too repetitive. It definitely isn't for everyone and it's sense of humour is pretty unique. It took me a couple of episodes to warm up to it and actually fall in love with it. Getting into it you have to get ready for the package of cheesiness, predictability, since it is done purposely, to fully appreciate the comedy.
Basically if you need a good laugh, appreciate Japan's unique sense of humour, and/or enjoy parodies, then this is a drama for you.
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Actually, it’s a parody of the video game series Dragon Quest (Dragon Warrior here in the west), which is a HUGE thing in Japan (even the enemies, such as the adorable slimes are here!
If you've never played a JRPG (or any RPG), you'll miss about 20% of the references/jokes; but I'm sure you'll be able to enjoy it.
The story is quite simple and straightforward; a young man is elected as the "village hero" by mistake and sets on a quest for (nothing less) than defeat the "evil lord" and restore peace in the country. On his journey, he'll find the usual RPG characters to be his companions: the wizard, the rogue and the warrior.
All the performances are great (although Takayuki Yamada -whom I adore since the crows saga- as the hero; Tsuyoshi Muro as the wizard; and Jiro Sato as the budda who guides them are outsanding).
As a parody is perfect (at least for me being an ex-Dragon Quest player), and although some of the jokes are used more than one time, is never boring.
If you're looking to a low budget action comedy, this one's almost perfect; and if you're an RPG player, is a must.
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