Zero no Shinjitsu (2014)

I just finished watching the 8-episode Japanese Drama Zero no Shinjitsu starring Takei Emi, Sasaki Kuranosuke, Maya Miki, Namase Katsuhisa, and Wada Masato. It's a medical drama, sort of, but more of a mystery drama. Except for Sasaki and Wada's characters, who are police, the rest are medical examiners.

Takei plays the lead character named Matsumoto Mao. Off topic: I can't help but remember Hana Yori Dango. An assistant at the laboratory named Hosaka describes Matsumoto as someone who is "not interested in people who are alive." Omoshiroi ne. A lot of people may not like this 2014 drama but I am not like most people.

I am more interested with the overall story. I also find each episode interesting, though not initially. If you've read negative comments about Zero no Shinjitsu, your outlook may be affected. Perhaps it's not for people who are looking for the initial kick or thrill. I prefer stories that build up, keeping me intrigued most of the time.

Zero no Shinjitsu is the second drama I've watched where Takei Emi was the lead character. However, I've also watched her in Hana Kimi but she was not a lead character there. It was a minor role that she played. Of course, I've already watched the Rurouni Kenshin trilogy where she played Kamiya Kaoru. Going back to the J-Drama led by Takei, I also liked her W no Higeki. I loved her there and I loved the drama. Like Zero no Shinjitsu, it was also a mystery drama. Very interesting.

Speaking of interesting, I have become interested in doing something because of this J-Drama. I first saw it done by Hua Ze Lei (Did I spell that right?) of Meteor Garden. I'm thinking of doing it too, but I'll have to strengthen my arms first.

Kore desu...

Now Playing: Ninomiya Kazunari - Niji

Riaru Kanzen Naru Kubinagaryu no Hi / Real

Real got to be one of the best movies I've watched, storyline or plot wise. I knew there was something quite off, but I just got carried away that I forgot to try figuring it out. There were a few ideas at the back of my mind while watching, but none hit bull's eye.

This 2013 movie casts Satoh Takeru (Tonbi, Rurouni Kenshin) and Ayase Haruka (Hotaru no Hikari) as Koichi and Atsumi, respectively. This film was based on the novel Riaru Kanzen Naru Kubinagaryu no Hi by Inui Rokuro.

The plot? Koichi and Atsumi have been friends since their childhood days and they eventually became lovers. About one year ago, Atsumi attempted to commit suicide and fell into a coma afterwards. Koichi, desperate to know why Atsumi attempted suicide, takes part in a new medical procedure that involves the central nervous system. Koichi will enter the subconscious mind of Atsumi through the medical procedure.

When Koichi enters the subconscious mind of Atsumi, shes asks Koichi to find a picture of a "plesiosaur" she drew as a child. The drawing is the key that brings back a suppressed childhood memory that brings their minds together.

Nanka! It was really interesting. As much as I want not to praise Satoh, well.. he was amazing as Koichi. Satoh had played characters that are likely to get stuck in your head. No one would forget him playing Himura, but I did not see Himura here. Not even Ogawasara Aki from The Liar and His Lover. As for Ayase, I've read a lot of praises about her but I couldn't conclude anything yet. I could say though that like Satoh, she did not bring Hotaru from Hotaru no Hikari. I haven't watched her other projects yet.


Updated. I usually post photos when posting especially if it's about movies, dramas, and books. However, I can't do that here because uploading photos in Blogspot seems to be not working. It's annoying and disappointing.


リアル is a sci-fi medical mystery film. I would recommend this to anyone, especially those with medical background or just interest in medical science.