Kinkyu Torishirabeshitsu (2014)

Veteran Japanese actors play a team of interrogators who 'undress' suspects with dramatic flair using only their cunning and empathy.


This drama is almost unparalleled in Japan. So popular it went on for three seasons, it boasts the brilliant script, the high quality production, and the acclaimed guest stars for each episode. It wouldn't be a big stretch to say that so much effort is rarely put in procedurals. Most importantly, the real human emotions run high every episode giving the show a dramatic edge and universal appeal more genre works usually lack. Great tension, pacing, and consistently witty dialogues keep the viewer engaged.

At the centre of the drama, though, is Amami Yuki. She perfected her presence and charisma during her time as a Takarazuka performer, and she is simply majestic here as the strong female character J-dramas deserve. Her chemistry with other interrogators played by the veteran actors is through the roof.

There are two reasons why this drama in not on top of the Mydramalist Rating.

Firstly, there are no ikemen in the main cast. Admittedly, it's a stupid reason but rare comic relief scenes with Hayami Mokomichi do not an idol drama make (and heart wants what it wants). I'd recommend you to give it a chance nonetheless as the cast is unbelievably entertaining.

The second reason is the case-of-the-week structure of the show. A lot of action happens inside confines of an interrogation room so there is no space for elaborate overcomplicated sensationalistic cases. The final arc of the show has appropriate sinister foreshadowing but would hardly shock anyone.

All in all, it's a brilliant Japanese production with the second season being even better than the first.

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