REEL JAPAN

Limited series starring Shibata Kyohei, Iura Arata

In this cold case murder mystery, a middle aged cop finds his elder mentor is at the center of the mystery. Further, the cold case once reopened spawns new deaths. 

Veteran Japanese actor Shibata Kyohei, known for his former onscreen detective persona and numerous guest roles (excellent as the dad in GUNSHI KANBEI) occupies the emotional heart of this mystery as retired detective Shibasaki Sachio.. The script gives him ample opportunity to express the grief he carries around as Job-like, he endures one loss after another. His junior, family man Kawasumi Shigekatsu, tries to square his professional duties with his loyalty to her mentor and savior. Iura Arata is one of those Japanese actors who turns up all over the place, playing serious and light fare, historical epics and modern dramas. He certainly has range. To date, the best performance that I have seen would be his role as the unlucky and haunted Emperor Sutoku in the NHK taiga drama, TAIRA NO KYOMORI. Usually encountered as a supporting actor, here he anchors much of the script while remaining the cipher through which the audience comes to grip with a complex storyline. Iura illuminates a slightly stooped, messily dressed dad and husband, tired, often impatient with his colleagues, his eyes hidden behind overgrown bangs. 

A detailed multigenerational saga from Wowow studios, known for their grittier and glossier productions, it requires the viewers’ attention. On the one hand, that attention is repaid in spades by Shibata’s performance. On the other hand, without getting into spoilers, the resolution requires a certain amount of suspension of disbelief. 

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