No Side Game (2019)

Now tell me how many series/dramas/movies/shows out there are about rugby?

No Side Game is a special novel based drama dedicated for the currently happening (at the time of writing this review) World Cup Rugby 2019 in Japan. It's a great event that is organized for the first time by a country that isn't considered as powerhouse in this sport.

Unlike the usual sport's theme drama, No Side Game is local-targeted and try to convey several key messages, or should I say this is a drama with mission? One is to create awareness to the Japanese society who would otherwise prefer other sports like football (soccer) or baseball. The difficulty to attract crowd to the stadium (even with free ticket) is one of the things discussed by the writer, as well as the parents concern towards their children's safety if they were to allow them play rugby.

Secondly, it depicts the harsh reality of Japanese rugby system. You will be surprised to know that the official main rugby league in Japan is semi-professional, where the athletes have to do day-job alongside playing rugby. The teams who participate in this semi-pro league are the companies that need to take care of their profit/loss than to waste money over something unprofitable such as sport. The situations dramatized in this series might be more closer to reality than what you could imagine!

The drama also tells how the conventional way of thinking by certain people at top of rugby association would not benefit Japanese rugby in the long run. The reliance to politician makes the association much more harder to be revolutionized. But somehow the changes need to be done especially in boosting league's income and then could be distributed fairly among participating teams.

Drama-wise, No Side Game is a bit less intriguing than few other Ikeido Jun's business dramas, but the warmness of the protagonist's family especially the portrayal of wife character by Matsu Takako is what makes this an enjoyable show. Other actors also did the job well if not amazing. First few episodes are okay but the drama really picks up after episode 5 when more business politic plots got involved in the story.

If this is not for World Cup Rugby, I would just rate it an 8. But I add 0.5 more for the effort Japan put in giving publicity to this event and so far I see the stadium attendance for all matches are full house! Good job Japan!

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Perfect and inspirational

This drama is a good reminder as to by Oizumi Yo is such a sought out actor. I am surprised at myself for not watching this amazing drama sooner.

The story is based on rugby and how a person who hates rugby ends up bonding with the team and ends up loving it. There is a business side as well which wraps up nicely without giving us too much headache or stress. The play shown is amazing. All the cast members and characters are loveable.

The music, what a perfect song choice out of all the Yonezu Kenshi songs. It will leave you teary the way it plays in some of the most powerful scenes.

If you had 0 interest in rugby it will make you love it. At the end of the day it’s so satisfying to watch a great team spirit and this drama will leave you inspired after finishing it.

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