Hakozume: Koban Joshi no Gyakushu (2021)

Entertaining without cheap thrills

A light comedy with a fine cast (except, perhaps, for Nishino Nanase, who appears a bit weak and timid to look like a police officer). The scene in the first episode when the station chief does his routine inspection of the men and women under his command is hilarious. Toda Erika has the maturity of age and looks to be convincing as the stern but caring training officer, and Nagano Mei is refreshing as the starry-eyed rookie. The narration takes the form of her letters to her father and has the authenticity of inner thoughts confided by a daughter. Muro Tsuyoshi is always good in his quiet, withdrawn way that combines affection and distance, wisdom and cynicism. Miura Shohei and Yamada Yuki also perform well and add a comic touch to many of the situations. Kudos also to the direction and editing that make it an endearing series.

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Light hearted entertainment

This drama is about how two lady cops worked together to look after a small rural town in Japan. The icy cold disciplined senior Fuji and the nervous rookie Kawai. On the surface, it appeared as a light hearted stab at policewomen. On a deeper level, it was about friendship, trust and finding happiness in the work they did together. I thought Kawai did a fantastic job from beginning to end. Her role managed to salvage some of the unnecessary jokes and follies which slowed the pace of the drama down. I almost gave up then. As the drama went on, one could genuinely felt the incredible bonding between them. One must stay to the end to appreciate what comradeship was all about. This was well acted out. Nevertheless, an enjoyable watch. The original sound track was good too. I don’t think I will watch it again.

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