Vivant (2023)

Vivant is a spy thriller that harkens back to the old thriller movies that take place in more than one nation with twists, turns, and intrigue around every corner. It takes place in Japan, Mongolia, and the fictitious Balka, a poor country that's home to one of the world's biggest terrorist organizations, Tent. Agent Nozoki, a Japanese Metro Police's Public Security agent (kind of like the FBI with CIA clout in the USA) stationed in the Balkan Japanese Embassy, gets wind of a possible attack on Japanese soil. Meanwhile, mild mannered businessman Nogi Yusuke gets himself involved as he tries to track down some missing money. The paths of these 2 men cross and become entangled as they both continue their investigations. That's just the tip of the iceberg. Actually, that's pretty much just episode 1, maybe part of 2.

The writing is well done. Toward the end it could've probably been a little tighter (or maybe just less confusing), but everything is explained, except for the very end which leaves it open for a sequel. The cinematography was very good. In my decades of watching Japanese tv, they've never had a show like this. Not that they weren't capable of making one, they just didn't. I think Japan has finally realized there's a global market for things other than anime & manga. I for one am here for it. Let's go!

The cast was stellar. I am a huge fan of Abe Hiroshi (Agent Nozaki). To me he's never better than when he's investigating or being investigated. I'm now a fan of Sakai Masato (Nogi). He was brillant. Meek one minute and kick ass the next. The rest of the cast was also talented, especially Mongolian actor, Barslkhagva Batbold (Balka Police Captain Genghis), who held his own in every scene , especially against Abe; and fan favorite Tomisakae Drum, who played the lovable mute, Drum, Nozaki's assistant who aided him at every turn. I hope to see both of them again.

The music was good, especially the main theme that let you know you were in for an adventure. The re-watch is fairly high, which is something rare for me. I say that because the subs were hit and miss depending on the source. I will probably re-watch to see clues and things I missed.

Was Vivant perfect? Nope. What is? Was it an entertaining watch? Yup! It's a good solid watch for those of us who enjoy spies, thrills, and murder. I recommend getting snacks first because although you can pause, you won't want to.

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Nonsense and Ridiculousness Rivals "Descendants of the Sun"

If this were made to be a satire with a lot of humour, it might have worked. Too bad it was made to be a drama/action/thriller/(fantasy) because I simply cannot take it seriously.

If others can believe such ridiculousness as was presented in episode 1, then perhaps they can watch the rest of the drama. For me, I am dropping it.

What I liked:
Hiroshi Abe

What was unbearable:
- the main characters, Businessman Nogi and Doctor Yuzuki.
- Masato Sakai plays the bumbling idiot well, but the character is too obnoxious
- what is with the over-acting from Fumi Nakaido?
> her character is supposed to be a highly trained doctor > being able to hold down a job in a foreign country and culture means she should have the temperament and experience to behave more rationally and sensibly
- an incompetent businessman from Japan knows an American CIA agent? And is like a brother to him? When he can barely speak English properly? (the ridiculousness continues)
- an ordinary businessman goes on such a tricky and dangerous mission in a foreign (fictional) country that is rampant with corruption *alone*
> without any aid from the Japanese Consulate > without any aid from a local guide > without even so much an an interpreter (because let's assume that people everywhere can understand the Japanized version of their language)
- portrayal of most foreigners (natives of Balka) as antagonists, while all the protagonists are all Japanese)

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