Good Doctor (2018)

Jpn dramas are the best when it comes to human stories

If it wasn't because a regular subber started working on this sub, I wouldn't have picked it. Boy, am I glad I watched this! One of my favorite dramas of this season. It was sweet, with a wonderful cast, soothing OST, and amazing script. Like Kounodori S.1. Medical dramas in the pediatrician department is usually more moving, and it always depend on the scriptwriter to not make it corny, and it worked with GD.

I have to apologize to Yamazaki Kento, since when I've read he was going to be the lead, I wasn't interested. He is OK, but that's all for me. But he was amazing as Minato-sensei, since the very first episode. Portrayed wonderfully a sweet guy with Autism and Savant Syndrome (I've read that he did a research over the subject, so he was well prepared). I have not seen Freddie Highmore's version so I can't compare.

Of course, to me the MVP was Ueno Juri, such an amazing actress. Very natural, and looked very comfortable working with YamaKen.

I think I shed tears in every episode. I loved each one of them. Every episode was heartwarming, emotional and to the point.

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"Because dreams can give people the strength to continue living." (Shindo Minato, Good Doctor ep 5)

One of the best Jdrama this season. From casts, storyline, setting until BGM music was flawless. My highlight of course the casts' acting skills, they are so natural. Especially the children roles, each of them portrayed so beautifully, they were so amazing, all of them, they made this version standout.

STORYLINE :
This version focusing more into main lead's struggles to be a proper pediatric surgeon, his struggles to be accepted by others, and mostly about doctor-patient and patient-family relationship. So its more a human drama/ slice of life drama for me instead of usual medical drama. If you are looking for real medical drama with a lot of medical actions (like Code Blue, Doctor X or Black Pean), maybe this drama is not for you. But if you like a simple beautiful heartwarming drama, which told us more about moral values, life, dream, passion, tolerance, teamwork, friendship, hardworking, never give up, struggle, love, human and family relationship, i assured that you will love this drama. You know how great Japanese human dramas are.

ACTING :
As for 2 main leads, hats off to Kento and Juri for their acting skills as Shindo Minato and Seto Natsumi. Their chemistry in this drama was so natural, cute and sweet. I love their character development. They practice a lot for their roles. Before they started filming episode 1, they came to a certain pediatric ward hospital to learnt more about the reality of pediatric surgeon in Japan which is only 0,3% in the medical field. Kento also interviewed pediatric professors, visited a pediatric patient also learnt how to use medical equipment inside the operation room for his Shindo Minato role. Please remember that autistic is different in each person, thats why main lead in each version have their own way portraying their autistic role. And i am so proud because Kento also nailed it (his acting was so detail even his legs was acting, please pay attention to it *two thumbs up*)

SUMMARY :
Every version have their own approach to the storyline, depending on their target audience and their own culture. This version is so heartwarming, soft and delicate, and obviously targeting family or all ages audience. In the end, its based on the audience preference, which version suit your taste better. Like i said before, if you like slice of life drama (with Jdrama style), you will love this version.
And overall the storyline was to the point and the closure was like usual Jdrama, but to many coincidences in the last 3 episodes and a little bit too rushed, especially in the last episode, maybe because Jdrama usually only have 10 episodes, so they must create some storylines to fit it, but the story still so good tho. This drama really deserves a sequel (or SP at least), because honestly i am still not satisfied with ending.

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I watch Korean Version first.. And think it is amazing.. But when i watched the japanase version, i think japanese version is better..

The Story.. -> If korean dramas usually have 16 - 20 epsiode of drama. japan dramas just have half of them (around 8 - 10 drama). Because of it, japan version has more focus than korean version. Korean drama will divide the drama to 4 episodes for each phase, so korean drama will make a setup in 3 episodes and make the summary in episode 4. but japan version has solid setup and summary of each episode..

The character or acting -> i like the main character from korean version.. but in japanese version. i almost love all of them. i dont find any single character that i feel to villainy in this drama.. yeah, sometimes they make a bad decision, but i can understand it..

The Music -> Japanese music is amazing and unique.. thats why they add J in any genres in japan (J-pop, J-rock, J-metal). its not because it created in japan, but it because japan has their own style and their own scale in music.. and the kid that got sick in his throat and dont wanna sing anymore so another kid sing a song for him, i think its one of my favorite scenes..

Rewatch value -> when i feel amazed because of korean version,, i cry for each episode in japanese version.. its cool, its warm, its shoot in the right place..

overall -> i will give 10/10 for this drama.. even if i skip many scenes in this drama, it still feel good.. it prove that this drama is very good..

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Dare I say this one was better than the korean? Well, there are some really solid reasons why. First of all, there was no romance. In the korean, the love story kind of ruined the drama, but here, they kept it clean and focused on the medical cases and the lead's struggles to succeed. In addition, the cases were plenty and they were completed in one episode and not dragged for two and three. Finally, it gave off more emotion than the korean one. So, overall, it is worth watching. Kento seems more mature now and he actually performed his character well enough. The rest of the cast did great work as well. My only regret is that the final episode was a bit boring and it didn't coclude the story nicely.

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The Japanese series, emotions driven, is far superior to others. You'll Love It.

It's been said many times, it's still true: nobody does pathos like the Japanese. Impeccable casting and emotionally layered script elevate this Japanese adaptation well above the others. Although this series was made in 2018, this show has lost not one iota of its magic.
Kento Yamazaki, portraying a genius doctor who maintains the joyful spirit of childhood, is one of Japan's top actors of his generation. His performance is magical and truly captures the complexity of this unique role.
Even the most hardened heart will openly weep at the poignant moments, particularly in the final episodes. The narrative unfolds with unexpected twists, seamlessly transitioning from moments of profound sorrow and loss to scenes that inspire gratitude and joy.
In contrast to its Korean and American counterparts, the Japanese adaptation delves deeply into Shindo's professional relationships and his personal journey as a doctor, emphasizing his empathy with children rather than his pursuit of surgery.
It is a great tragedy, that there was just one season. The show could still screen with great success and an alternate male lead.
The incorporation of Shinto culture into the storyline adds a subtle yet enriching layer to the narrative. The scriptwriter also avoided unnecessary romantic subplots, instead choosing to focus instead on camaraderie and contentment, heartwarming moments and genuine smiles.
***Thank you for reading! feel free to Follow for more reviews! ~Fumiyawagi

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[WARNING: the rating and review I give have the possibility to be subjective due to my preference for the genres, scenes or casts]

I watched this series the same time I watch the US version. I really love the US version and that makes me set the standard too high. Maybe. For me, Shindo is too dumb. Yes, he's not normal, but the acting is too whacky for me. As for the dramatic part, I think Japanese people are the master of it (^_^) I wasーalmostーcried in the end of every episode (^_^;) But the one makes me stay is Jurippe, she's my idol since I don't know when.

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the synopsis makes it sound like drama will focus on the protagonis and how he will navigate a world that is biased and different from him and rise above the obstacles but the actual drama is actually mostly focused around the drama of the supporting actors and their misgivings/their negative experiences with neuro-divergent people in their lives and how because of that. the supporting characters know what it best for the protagonist and his patients. which is just (sigh) a narrative that is inherently ableist in nature and not something i am particularly comfortable with.

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Good Doctor is such a wholesome show in that the stories are always about finding hope.

Story: This show is only 10 episodes but it had the potential to be longer. This would have allowed for a more conjoined story line weaving through as most episodes are stand alone episodes. The story doesn't overly rely on Shindo's genius nor does it overly focus on his autism.

Acting/Characters: Yamazaki Kento is my favourite Japanese actor and is so good in everything he does. His acting of Shindo is steady through the 10 episodes in terms of ticks, etc for the characters.

All the other main actors were great too. I'm not the only shipping Seto and Takayama, right?

When it comes to having the amount of children as this show does, it can be difficult. But every child actor they have in the show is brilliant. They are all really talented.

Music: Music doesn't play a big part in this show.

Overall: The show has potential for a second season which I would really like to see.

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