Giri/Haji (2019)

A special series that is not always well balanced. At a certain point it seems to want too much and therefore to fly a bit out of control. The ADHD on speed tempo doesn't help either. Nevertheless, it is an interesting series that reflects the culture clash between Japan and the west. I liked that it was set in England for once because that is also a nation struggling with the legacy of the past. The story is about a Japanese detective who goes to track down his brother who is a member of the Yakuza in England. Little brother has come into conflict with his boss in Tokyo and is hiding with British mobsters. I hope that in the second season it will all be more balanced and better developed because in itself the series has potential.

Translated from Dutch · View original

One of the best (mini-)series ever – a captivating story between Scotland (because, yes, Kelly Macdonald), London, and Japan, with Yakuza in perfectly tailored costumes and blue-black color grading facing sweaty police officers. And it's brilliant how the human touch is found in so many ways, while remaining completely believable. And that's thanks to countless subtle details that all just click – like Rodney holding Taki's ears when her uncle is screaming. I'll give just one example, because there are countless such details, and you might need to watch all the episodes at least ten times to grasp them. And that's precisely what makes this series so good.

Translated from Dutch · View original

As said before, this crime thriller starts off well and entertaining. But then sinks very far with a messy tale of revenge, mafia and shadowy underworld. Kelly MacDonald is the bright spot, but her scenes are sparse. Quickly forget this British-Japanese collaboration.

Translated from Dutch · View original