Informa (2023)

Blood Thicker than Water

Genius screenwriter, impressive camerawork, stunning cinematography and remarkable acting ? ?

It was well written crime plot.. This drama is mind blowing that makes every episode keeps you at the edge of the seat.. I got hooked after one episode.. Yakuza, Journalist, Police & Government.. Common connection but twist here and there that you won't expected.

The development from one episode to another episode perfectly ties together.. Sometimes all it takes one trivial matter to push someone.. Nowadays you never know what people are thinking, so watch out!! Huhu..

Other than that, it was packed with action and there's spine-tingling moments that makes your heart rate up ^_^ Also while there's serious moments, I love how they delivered humor here and there without trying hard xD

Mishima character being a timid, uncertainty without drastic change is perfection.. He's not to the point being annoying but realistic till the end.. Kihara, Nana and Kawamura also outstanding portrayed their roles.. I love how they showed strong relationships between them in this drama.. Their chemistry are great!!

Overall, it was intriguing and truly captivating drama.. I was really enjoyed watching it!! Highly recommended to watch ^_^

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Good, but *could have been* Amazing!

Why?

What I liked:
- the characters - and the brotherly camaraderie
- the dynamics between the two male leads, Kihara & Mishima
- the action scenes
- Mishima's character development
- the plot twist

What was iffy:
- there weren't any scenes that were memorable
- storytelling was muggy at times - not clear what the nature of the corruption was all about
- not clear on the backstory of how and why the tabloid chief and the police captain were willing to collaborate with Kihara,
> someone who has close ties to the yakuza
> if found out, could consequently discredit them and put their work/reputations in jeopardy
> underdeveloped villains and antagonists

What I would have liked to see more of:
- the journalists working alongside Mishima
- especially the office assistant and the editor-in-chief, Nagasaki
> would balance out the currently disproportionate amount of characters involved with the yakuza world
> would make positive female characters
> (Nana the hostess doesn't count bec. she's directly involved with the yakuza)
> more of what a tabloid magazine worker deals with

For a film that claims that its premise is about a journalist and a former yakuza working together, it tends to focus too much on Kihara, and subsequently ends up glorifying the yakuza more than anything about the work of a journalist. Mishima's character becomes more of a sidekick rather than a formidable equal.

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