Vivant (2023)

Vivant is a spy thriller that harkens back to the old thriller movies that take place in more than one nation with twists, turns, and intrigue around every corner. It takes place in Japan, Mongolia, and the fictitious Balka, a poor country that's home to one of the world's biggest terrorist organizations, Tent. Agent Nozoki, a Japanese Metro Police's Public Security agent (kind of like the FBI with CIA clout in the USA) stationed in the Balkan Japanese Embassy, gets wind of a possible attack on Japanese soil. Meanwhile, mild mannered businessman Nogi Yusuke gets himself involved as he tries to track down some missing money. The paths of these 2 men cross and become entangled as they both continue their investigations. That's just the tip of the iceberg. Actually, that's pretty much just episode 1, maybe part of 2.

The writing is well done. Toward the end it could've probably been a little tighter (or maybe just less confusing), but everything is explained, except for the very end which leaves it open for a sequel. The cinematography was very good. In my decades of watching Japanese tv, they've never had a show like this. Not that they weren't capable of making one, they just didn't. I think Japan has finally realized there's a global market for things other than anime & manga. I for one am here for it. Let's go!

The cast was stellar. I am a huge fan of Abe Hiroshi (Agent Nozaki). To me he's never better than when he's investigating or being investigated. I'm now a fan of Sakai Masato (Nogi). He was brillant. Meek one minute and kick ass the next. The rest of the cast was also talented, especially Mongolian actor, Barslkhagva Batbold (Balka Police Captain Genghis), who held his own in every scene , especially against Abe; and fan favorite Tomisakae Drum, who played the lovable mute, Drum, Nozaki's assistant who aided him at every turn. I hope to see both of them again.

The music was good, especially the main theme that let you know you were in for an adventure. The re-watch is fairly high, which is something rare for me. I say that because the subs were hit and miss depending on the source. I will probably re-watch to see clues and things I missed.

Was Vivant perfect? Nope. What is? Was it an entertaining watch? Yup! It's a good solid watch for those of us who enjoy spies, thrills, and murder. I recommend getting snacks first because although you can pause, you won't want to.

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De los mejores Jdramas de 2023.

Estoy muy contenta de que Netflix cada vez agregue más y más series japonesas a su catálogo y esta vez me vi Vivant, un drama de 10 episodios que fue un 'Boom' en todo Japón tanto en redes sociales como en medios más tradicionales y desde hace tiempo tenía hartas ganas de ver.

La historia en resumidas cuentas gira entorno a un empleado de cierta empresa que presuntamente hace una transferencia errónea y con ello, se desencadenan acontecimientos muy locos a nivel internacional. El primer episodio está lleno de suspenso y sobre todo de mucha acción que se vuelve adictiva a quedarte viendo más y más siendo estable de principio a fin, aunque eso sí, no se escapa de uno que otro cliché de las series de su género, pero la mayoría de los plot twist que contiene VIVANT son bastante buenos para que el espectador pueda pensar en las posibles teorías de lo que puede suceder en un próximo episodio y además de una producción gigantesta que se nota que hubo muchas ganas (y dinero) a la hora de contratar a los actores (y hacer que hablen otro idioma), llevarlos a otro país a grabar, entre otras cosas. Ah, por cierto, VIVANT en ocasiones tiene 'guiños' coquetos de lo que es el mundo de Hanzawa Naoki (otra serie muuuy popular del mismo canal y con el mismo actor como prota: Sakai Masato).

Hablando de actores, que actuaciones tan más SOBERBIAS las de Sakai Masato y Abe Hiroshi en este drama, una delicia verlos actuar juntos.

En verdad esta serie es toda una experiencia, es muy sólida en todos los aspectos en la que en pleno 2023 todavía podemos decir que se pueden hacer proyectos de calidad ORIGINALES y ser un hitazo. Si buscas de acción a lo japonés y además fuera de lo común, VIVANT seguro se ganará tu simpatía.

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