It is true that this drama is flawed, but I enjoyed every minute of it. It is very suspenseful, with creepy characters (most of the times creepy characters are far more enjoyable than nice characters) and a mystery that you can find in any Agatha Christie book. In this episode you will suspect of A character; next episode would be B character.
So there are still many questions unanswered. And that ending was O_O so unexpected. Like WOW, I was-left-speechless-kind-of-unexpected.
I wasn't going to watch the SP, because I didn't have any interest in Shota's and Nana's love story, but I surprisingly liked it. Will definitely watch the sequel, no doubt. In fact, can't wait for it.
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Nonetheless, it was exactly because of the suspense that I enjoyed this show. Did suspect someone from the start but the ending was really unexpected. However, had to deduct some points from the fact that parts of the mystery were still unsolved and unexplained. Though, I figured they probably left those to be explained in season 2.
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I don´t speak English very well, so I apologize in advance for my spelling mistakes
The drama it's amazing in every sense. The soundtrack is great. The plot is the best I've seen in years. After finishing each episode, you feel the need to watch the next episode to know what happens with the protagonists, and who are the murderers. There are moments in the plot that everything happens very slowly, but it's still very entertaining
I loved the interpretations of all the characters. Some of them are very spectacular like Tanaka Kei, in the role of Tezuka Shota, or Nao, in the role of Ono Mikiha.
Some actors I already knew from other series or movies, as a Nishino Nanase (member of Nogizaka46, first generation), Namase Katsuhisa ( what makes a great performance in Gokusen, as Goro ,School Vice Principal), etc.
I think if you like series mysteries ,murders or crimology , you will love this drama. And most importantly, it has an incredible season finale, that leaves you wanting to see the second season
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Very unique storyline, great thriller and murder mystery!
At first it just seems like a lackluster series - the actors aren't particularly likeable or good looking. The concept felt cringey too - a murderous game played by neighbours who barely knew each other? Who would even participate in real life, and how does it make sense for it to escalate into what it was??As it went on though, the storyline proved to be very well thought out, so many twists and turns and left meeee reeeling! loved it!
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Head spinner
Although it didn't make any sense for me to randomly talk about the possibility of murdering someome in the middle of gathering, it is still an interesting premise.There are so many characters! You will get confused if you were not familiar with Japanese names. I felt like I'm studying a drama where I need to give 100% attention to each character. You probably need a paper and pen too to arrange the murder sequence.
I like the main couple so much although it was a disappointment in the last episode. Shota is a good man and Nana is brilliantly nice. Such a great, full of trust and loving couple.
I was so frustrated as the story progressed because I couldn't trust anyone. The writer knew how to twist actions, words and set my head spinning.
Every episode ended with a surprise and made me anticipate more. Definitely unputdownable!
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Don't trust anyone
I remember that a lot of my mutuals were talking about Anata no Ban Desu back then, and decided to binge watch this during lockdown back in 2020, and this was one of the J-doramas that really have gotten my attention. It is easily one of my fave J-doramas. This review will be for season 1.If you're into thriller, mystery and murder; this drama may be up your alley.
Things I've liked about this drama:
- There are a lot of characters to suspect. Each one of them have their own quirks, and unusual behavior. Due to their mannerism and how they react, sometimes you have to question everyone of them 'Are they the culprit behind the murders of the tenants in the drama?'
- Despite the unrealistic attitudes of some of the tenants of the building, I really have to commend the acting of those whose characters have the weirdest and creepiest personality. Kudos to them, they really brought their characters to life and made me feel so uncomfortable with their characters throughout the drama.
- This whole drama was really interesting on how they executed it, each end of the episode makes you want to crave for more and see how the next scene/murder will unfold.
- I love the tone of the drama, let me just say the eerie background music really does set up the mood especially when discovering a murder or when investigating someone.
- The sudden plot twists that happen along the way. Honestly I loved how things would come up unexpected. Let me just say that I wasn't prepared on how they ended this season. I was seriously shocked.
- I'm a huge Aimer fan, so I absolutely love the opening song 'STAND-ALONE' for the drama. And the title name, kind of match the series, because the series makes you feel that you should stand alone and not trust anyone.
Cons:
- I felt off with the game they played at the meeting in the first episode and that lead to the start of the murders. Let's be honest, who in the right mind would bring up that kind of game during a tenant meeting?
- Even though I like the acting and that we have tons of suspect with their own personality in this drama. I felt that all the tenants are just not realistic to real life. I know it was another way to set the mood up for the drama, and make you suspect each one of them and also get creep out; but I felt it was a bit too over the top.
- Not all characters were fleshed out. If I'm not mistaken, we have to watch the spin off series to see every tenant's back story.
- It kind of bothered me, despite being married. The FL didn't really open up to the ML until things started going haywire.
- I'll be honest I wasn't really feeling the chemistry with the main leads for this. But this didn't really bother me too much, as I was more invested with the actual premise of the story.
Overall:
If you really love suspense, thriller, murder and mystery; you should definitely try this series out. Despite the weird characters, it's a drama that can get you hooked too and make you crave to see the following episodes and find who the culprit is. Re-watch value, yes I definitely would still want to watch this again but maybe after several years when I have forgotten the story.
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