Notes on Netflix's "Anti-Hero"

 Team of lawyers with mysterious motivations towards defending those on trial for murder in the first degree. At the beginning the fate of the accused is laid out in front of them for those convicted of murder: scorn by the public, struggles with employment, and even the unfair persecution of those associated with them. With this  presented to them, they urge the suspect to invoke their services where they will use all their wiles, both genius and underhanded, to get the results they want.

Led by the calm and calculating Masaki Akizumi (Hiroki Hasegawa), and including Asuka Shinomiya (Mayu Hotta), Rin Shiraki (Yuko Oshima), Kenji Aoyama ((Yasafumi Hayashi)  and newcomer Shuto Akamine (Takumi Kitamura)...

 This is a team who will investigate even scrap of “evidence” that the prosecuting team has and, taking to the streets, analyzes the statements and systematically pokes holes in each shred of evidence to weaken the team’s case...by hook or crook!

But this maverick team of rebellious lawyers have their struggles set up for them, with lawyers and politicians in high places, some of whom will reveal themselves to run opposite of what the lawyers are trying to do, like the svelte Ayuk Midorikawa (Yoshino Kimura) and politician Taisuke Datehara (Nomura Mansai)…

The two sides go to battle in the courts, with a man’s life dangling in the balance…a man who may or may not be the actual killer!

Will Akizumi and his team end victorious? And just what is his reason for defending murderers? All remains in secrecy for now....will just have to watch to find out!

Hai, Oyogemasen

 Just saw the wonderful, comedic and moving movie “ "Hai, Oyogemasen” (“Yes, I Can’t Swim”), the story of a Teacher named Takanashi (Hiroki Hasegawa) who has an intense fear of water. At a turning point in his life, he decides to take a course in swimming led by the caring and charismatic teacher Shizuka Usuhara (Haruka Ayase).

As he struggles through the lessons, we learn about this man and his past, his strengths and weaknesses, and the reason for his phobia. And through the firm hand of Usuhara, hopefully overcome his fears and address his past...

Besides Haruka Ayase and Hiroki Hasegawa were appearances by Kumiko Aso, Junko Abe and even Kaoru “Midnight Diner” Kobayashi in support roles.

I initially had no high expectations for this film (watched it solely on the Ayase Haruka luv) , and as it was billed as a comedy, didn’t think it would be too heavy a watch. But it turned out to be a really stirring story, with lots of really gripping and touching moments!

Posted by zdorama @ zdoramaagain.blogspot.com