Higanbana: Keishicho Sosa Nana ka (2016)

A crime solving show with women at the forefront, yes please.

Disclaimer: I have not watched the prequel to this so this review is purely on the mini series.

When I read the synopsis about a crime solving unit made up entirely of women, for women, I jumped in with high expectations. I'm all there for a supernatural crime show. This gave me some very light Memorist/He is Psychometric vibes, and I wanted a lot from this show. I would have been totally happy watching twenty episodes of this with a fully fleshed out backstory and mystery/romance line. Although I felt it was too short to completely show the storyline the love it deserved, they did put as much content into ten episodes as possible.

The story was definitely there though, and they work hard to give you a gradual reveal. I enjoyed the development throughout the episodes, along with the side crimes that they solved to connect the dots and fill time. The music was fun and catchy, and they used instrumental pieces in scenes to set the tone nicely. There is a tiny amount of cheesiness, but I think that goes along with the territory of most J-dramas. I loved the cast and the diversity of the woman on the unit, and what each brought to the screen. There is sadness, humor, mystery, and some very light romance in this.

A quick TW: There is a full episode devoted to a serial rapist case that has a couple scenes which could be triggering for some. (Some scenes where they pin girls, talk provocatively to them, and wave a knife in their face) The episode was great for addressing the way society views rape, and its affects on the victims, but could be sensitive for some.

All in a good, light commitment, watch, and definitely girl power friendly. I would recommend if you're in between series or looking for short but enjoyable watch.

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