Ajin: Demi-Human

Kei Nagai (Takeru Satoh) dies in a car accident, but his body is recovered and he is revived. From the accident, Kei learns that he is a type of immortal known as Ajin (demi-human). Ajin are considered dangerous by humans. Kei as an Ajin is found by the government and sent to a research facility. There, he is held in custody and undergoes painful experiments.

Sato is also an Ajin and a terrorist. He is the only one to extend a helping hand to Kei, but Kei can't take part in Sato's plans to commit mass murders against humans. (asiawiki-2017)

I loved this movie, a pleasant surprise because I didn't know the plot (I have not read the manga), so everything was unexpected. I loved that it was 1 hour and 45 minutes long... most of the times a 2 hour movie or longer feels like dragging for me. But this movie was ACTION, ACTION, ACTION.

The idea of the Ajin is pretty cool, and the fight scenes were awesome. I think this is the kind of plot that HW would love to adapt, so I wouldn't be surprised if in a few years in the future we get or a remake or a movie similar to this one.

Personal opinion of each actor:

- Ayano Go: loved him. His action scenes were excellent, and he gives a bit of fanservice by showing his 6packs, ha! He suits the villains so well (GANTZ, CROWS ZERO), I only wish he had a different hairstyle... longer hair would have been awesome.
-Sato Takeru: not a fan of him, but he does very well the action films. He should stick to this kind of roles. He also provides a bit of fanservice as well XD
- Chiba Yuudai: too bad his role is so small... I wish he had Shirota Yuu's part... CY has a devilish baby-face, which makes him ideal for not nice characters, and I hate Shirota's hair covering his eyes (also, he is a MEH actor).
- Kawaei Rina: the former AKB girl, who lately seems to be acting with Ayano Go many times (Kounodori, Frankenstein...) I like that she also has fight scenes. Her relationship with her boss is kinda blurry, we don't know her background and what are his feelings for her.

Excellent ending, and the OST was perfect for the movie.

***My rating: 9/10***

Nankyoku Tairiku

Set in the 1950's, a Japanese Antarctic research exploration team and 19 dogs that accompanied the team are stationed at the Showa Base in Antarctica. After a year, the exploration team is ordered to withdraw from the Antarctic station due to severe weather conditions. The dogs have to be left behind. The following year, the next team arrives at the Showa Base station and a miraculous reunion occurs between a dog handler accompanying the new tean and two dogs, Taro and Shiro, that are brothers. (asiawiki-2011)

A very well done drama, there is no doubt there was a big budget on this production. The setting, the cast... all top notch. In that sense, it reminded me of JIN; the OST was also kinda similar, and besides, there were Ayase Haruka and others who also worked on JIN.

To be honest, first episode was MEH; so MEH that I didn't continue it. I picked this up months later and episode 2 was better but still not WOW. Episode 3 is where it picked my attention and I was hooked and rooting for all members in the Antartica.

While it was a good story, inspiring and interesting, I didn't like the script nor how certain things were filmed. I don't like when a story is embellished to make the audience cry... in fact, I am against "tears-inducing" dramas. Almost never work on me, and just makes me roll my eyes. Kimura Takuya's part was so much like a hero who loves the dogs and fights for justice. There are numerous tears, which was exhausting. The dogs were filmed so much for that motive; the children (the children in rags who give their only coin to help the expedition... the little kids who are the masters of one of the dogs... Ashida Mana was there just to pout and cry...)

The last 2 episodes or so drag because the director loved to show again and again how the dogs suffer alone, tied to a post under heavy snow. Yes it was sad, but since it was the intention of the director to make the audience go "waaaa, poor dogs", it was exhausting after a little time.

**My rating: 7/10**