Runaway - Aisuru Kimi no Tame ni (2011)

I give this drama a 5.5 out of the kindness of my heart. I really had to struggle not to give it a 5 or lower. If you're thinking that you want to embark on this journey, I'll merely ask that you use your imagination right now. Imagine a choir of about fifty people all gloriously arranged to be able to shout the most melodic and anointing message possible. Which is SUSPEND BELIEF~~ Say it again, SUSPEND BELIEF. Seriously, that is the first rule you must absolutely follow to watch this.

If you find yourself a person who is logical and analytical about dramas then you must really follow that rule in order to enjoy this. This is one of those types of shows you enjoy solely for entertainment purposes. You aren't looking for things to make sense but simply to be entertained.

With that said, welcome to this story. Four men escape prison motivated by different things. They initially work together because they are motivated by the same goal, then later, simply because they are all saintly beings who would shame even the Mother Theresa. I assume they're far more good at being saints because these are the worst fugitives on the planet. I ask you to think of really bad fugitives, then think of something worse, then think of these guys.

However, what's worse than really crappy fugitives? Well, welcome to the most incompetent police force on the planet. They give the guys in I hear Your Voice a run for their money. This police force that cannot catch a bunch of fugitives who are tweeting their locations and running away with a seven year old girl. Yes, a seven year old girl can outrun this bunch. These fugitives constantly call their significant others, utilize cell phones and payphones to call people, visit their significant others and the cops can't track them nor catch them. In fact, most of the chase scenes involve the cops accidentally bumping into this bunch. This gives birth to a repetitive sequence of Tom and Jerry.

However, this drama has its strengths. For one, I think the main focus is what is motivating these fugitives. They all have different and touching stories that motivate them to break out of jail. It's these stories that manage to somewhat solidify this mess. The main focus is especially on Ataru. He initiates the jail break because his daughter is dying; he wants to save her at all costs. In between this is a sub plot that is steeped in mystery.

Strangely enough, this drama surprisingly captures something I don't quite think it was even trying to focus on, which is politics in the police force. It really gives a glimpse on how the people in power can disregard corruption in the police force in order to not tarnish the reputation of the police. I doubt the script writers intended the person watching to note this but this was the one thing, they oddly manage to do well.

Unfortunately, every fugitive show cliche is featured here. From making quick escapes to doors being opened only to find our fugitives are not there. Unlike many, this for me was not a nail biting experience, there were great twists when it mattered but it quickly became obvious that this crew was practically invincible, it really becomes Tom and Jerry or Wile E Coyote and the Road Runner if you prefer. Furthermore, your typical cliche prevented this from being the jittery experience some reviews promised. Especially, not if you've watched just about any fugitive show that's aired. At one point, apathy began to set in and I just could not be emotionally moved.

Furthermore, themes intermingle so strangely making me question my feelings. It's at times humorous, cute, ridiculous, heart warming, ghastly and even comedic. It's a blend of strange themes that work yet don't. Almost like a bizarre concoction of food.

Bottom line: Do I recommend this? Bizarrely, yes. It's entertaining for what it's worth. It could be that I'm on a phase of perving over the lead, I still don't know his name but this does mark the third drama in a space of two days that I have decided to watch in order to enjoy his presence (Also, I am a sucker for a buzz cut). Perhaps, that made this more entertaining for me, but yeah, if you're looking for something action filled. To me this isn't really a thriller, go for it. It's entertaining for what it's worth.

Finally, I remind you to SUSPEND BELIEF!

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