"You wanted to be a bureaucrat because you want to serve the people and be of help to the helpless."

The Journalist is a story of brave and conscientious newspaper reporter and a few people whose moral conviction was strengthened by the hardships they had undergone. Seemingly powerless, they work together to expose the truth behind the shameless corruption and abuse of those in power.

This is my second J-drama after Miss Sherlock and I must say that the Japanese delivery awesome cinematography and their shots are as neat and organized as they are known to be as a people.

I decided to watch this drama after being frustrated by the results of the national and local elections here in our country. I wasn't expecting much, expect for a satisfying ending where truth and justice eventually prevail despite being seemingly impossible.

STORY
The relevance of this drama's plot hits close to home. It was presented in a straightforward, gloomy way but one can sense hope along the way. Some moments were dragging but generally acceptable. It would have been better if there were more scenes that show how the problem was resolved but showing them made me feel like I was reading a book: it was up to me to imagine how things turned out. Just to add, opening credits of the drama felt more meaning towards the end. Nicely done.

ACTING/CAST
The actress who played Anna Matsuda did well not to hog the spotlight for herself, even though she had the strongest personality among the characters. This made a chance for the others, especially the characters Mayumi, Ryo and Murakami, even Mayu, to bring more meaning to the story.

MUSIC
The soundtrack did well to bring out the suspense part of the drama, but it didn't strike me as outstanding.

REWATCH VALUE
Watching this drama again for the sake of satisfying one's thirst for good governance might be a good idea. Same is true if you're a fan of the actors involved.

To conclude, The Journalist is an excellent drama that helps inflame one's love for country and inspires to do one's part to make one's nation become a just and corruption free society. If you are in need of fire for those aspects of your life, or if you're a journalist who seems to have forgotten the purpose of your work, this drama will remind you of how your profession becomes a mission to become a voice for the voiceless.