Dandarin Rodo Kijun Kantokukan (2013)

Story:
Each episodes deal with different violations of labor standards and how Danda Rin and her colleagues would deal with it. The show tackles serious issues but the comic nature of it is what makes every episodes interesting. The non work-related chats in the office and the meetings are hilarious. Still, with that said, it manages to maintain the social relevance of the story.

Casts:
Takeuchi Yuko did an amazing job as the overly strict labor standards officer Danda Rin. Kitamura Kazuki is also noteworthy as section chief Doteyama (one of the best bosses in jdrama imo). The supporting casts and guests also did well. Fortunately, no overacting here.

Music:
The music fits well as it emphasizes the comic/superhero vibe of the show.

Rewatch value:
Totally rewatchable.

I highly recommend this drama to everyone.

Leggi di Più

This is one of my favourite j-dramas!
Story:
It's an episodic show - each episode focuses on a different aspect of labor standards in Japan. I know it doesn't sound very exciting, but the show manages to keep everything interesting and fresh. Not every resolution in the show is a perfect one; there are negative repercussions and not every ending is necessarily a happy one. Despite that, the show is quite funny and it never feels too depressing, even in its heaviest moments.

Acting/Cast:
It subverts a lot of workplace j-drama cliches - Danda Rin is not your typical, overly idealistic protagonist and her new co-workers are pretty competent (just a little complacent maybe?) and they don't hate her for no reason. Everyone is actually pretty charming and likeable.
Takeuchi Yuko plays our titular Danda Rin, an uncompromising labour inspector who made her last boss lose all his hair from stress. She's principled, but not preachy. Like I said, the supporting cast (or her coworkers at least lol) is quite likeable. The eventual comradery that develops between them and Danda is lovely to watch. For me, the two bosses Doteyama and Manabe, played by Kitamura Kazuki and Sano Shiro respectively, were the most enjoyable and memorable of the bunch. Doteyama is particularly entertaining and I loved his side-story.

Music:
Music is pretty well used and never overwhelms the scene. It's nothing to write home about really, but the background music was always complementary.

Rewatch:
I've actually watched this show I think a total of.. 3 times? Something like that. I typically like to rewatch this show in its entirety, so it's not something where I'd just reach for an episode when I'm bored.

Overall:
A really excellent drama. Would recommend to anyone!

Leggi di Più

With a cast of so many wonderful talents (Kitamura Kazuki, Matsuzaka Tori, Takeuchi Yuko, Sano Shiro, Ishino Mako, Sasai Eisuke, Shida Mirai, and so many more!) I am so surprised that this show is not more well known. At least to me, it isn't. I did not watch this drama for the story; two of my favorite actors are Kitamura Kazuki and Matsuzaka Tori, so to be honest, I began this show for them. This is also my first time watching a Takeuchi Yuko drama/movie, too, but I have to say, immediately from episode 1 I was hooked!

The entire show is heart-wrenching and very charming; the cast has made this show a complete success, in more ways than just the obvious celebrity way(s). This show has so many feelings embedded deeply into each moment of each episode; I've laughed, cried, gotten angry and scared, and even had the goosebumps and felt my stomach drop to the floor with anxiety. The fact that this show is so real and honest is definitely due to not just the cast, but the writers and directors, staff, and crew. Everyone who was working on this show has put forth so much respect, effort, and hard work so much so that it is a very tangible existence.

This may be one of Matsuzaka Tori's and Kitamura Kazuki's best shows! Though I may just be biased.

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