Ever since the funny Suteki na Sen Taxi and Kamoshirenai Joyuutachi, Bakarythm has shown that he is one of the most talented jdorama writers because there is a thoughtfulness in his script that you can't find in most jdoramas.
Hot Spot is a story set in town in Yamanashi where Ichikawa Mikako who works at a hotel discovers that her colleague played by Kakuta Akihiro is an alien with super powers. Mr Alien is very secretive about his identity but the more he helps Ichikawa Mikako, the more people find out about his powers.
Hot Spot is sort of like Minna, Esper Daiyo! except this one has a clean feel good vibe. A sign of a good writer is foreshadowing and Bakarythm knows how to set up some issue in the beginning of the episode and then tie it back to the issue at the end.
Bakarythm also knows how to write character voices. What I mean is they all have their idiosyncrasies and quirks. I love how the Alien wants to keep his secret but at the same time he wants to be accepted. He is reluctant to help but will not hesitate when someone's life is on the line. I also like that he is not a perfect character and is prideful and will tell white lies.
Suffice to say, all the characters from the hotel manager to Kaho's persistant character are all endearing and really grew on me throughout the show.
Often when watching jdoramas, I would just wish that they had slight more money to do be able to big scenes. With Hot Spot, I marvel at Bakarythm's ability to tell a fun story about multiple characters mostly using a hote, cafe, mountain roads and an onsen in a hotel. Hot Spot is an example of how writing and acting is the most important thing in telling a story and not budget. You can have the biggest budget in the world but without a good script, you have nothing.
Thanks to Robert for recommending Hot Spot! It really is a gem. Bakarthym turned a story about aliens and superpowers into a heatwarming story about friendship and finding one's place in the world. Must watch and is on Netflix.
I have been recommended Bakathym's Brush up Life which will place in the queue.
5 comments:
I've watched this show twice and now your review makes me want to watch it again... glad you enjoyed it. I laughed so much through this... it's just so funny and yeah extremely well written.
Brush up life is also an excellent dorama, although with different setting and storyline. Love how all characters get to tell their stories.
Please watch Brush Up Life! Hot Spot was wonderful and delightful and lovable but – for me anyway – Brush Up Life is a masterpiece. I think it's Bakarhythm's high-water mark, and I've seen all his shows.
I enjoyed Hot Spot as well. Sometimes I get slightly bored at their conversations but overall it was an excellent slice of life. No one is perfect and every character is relatable in some way. One of my favorite moments was when Endo-san sees the old guy (played by Kohinata Fumiyo) and thinks to herself, this is an old man, if I'm nice to him he may pass me down some money lol
One of my recent favorite dramas is Tokyo Salad Bowl (Amazon Prime). It's not often you see NHK dramas being shown on streaming platforms and it did not disappoint. The ending was underwhelming and a bit abrupt but the rest of the drama was great. Very respectful and empathetic treatment of immigrant characters.
HH: Yes I enjoy that the characters are not all goodie too shoes and do things for their own benefit, which we all do!
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