Legal High - My review
Feb. 3rd, 2015 11:51 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
Again, I am thankful I am a hyphen or I would have never known this wonderful dorama. It started because I love, LOVE Junno, and I've read the good reviews he had on this series. True, his role is tiny, very tiny, but even though he weren't in the dorama, I would have loved it any way. My, Sakai Masato is a terrific actor! The way he talks... incredible fast, but he modulates his words so well! At the beginning, I though his hairstyle was the most ridiculous I've ever seen. But it suits him! With time, I got used to it. And wow, when I watched this actor in a variety show, he looked so quiet and nice! Nothing at all like Komikado-sensei; really, an amazing actor. Aragaki Yui was also great ar Mayuzumi, and the butler... Summary, (like our sensei likes to say) the cast was excellent, no doubt about it.
As for the comedy, it was very Japanese-like; meaning, very anime-like sometimes. Like the silly expressions Komikado-sensei makes most of the times; or the faces close-up, etc. That is one of the reasons why I love to watch J-doramas.

As for the comedy, it was very Japanese-like; meaning, very anime-like sometimes. Like the silly expressions Komikado-sensei makes most of the times; or the faces close-up, etc. That is one of the reasons why I love to watch J-doramas.

Season 1.
Season 1
Of all the law related dramas inside and outside of the country, a majority of lawyers are depicted as heroes, either bringing tears to your eyes helping the weak underdog, or trying to advocate justice to the extreme. This has led the general public to view lawyers with eyes of respect and envy.
However, the main character of "Legal High!!" stands miles away from that stereotypical identity of a lawyer. Komikado Kensuke is stubborn, abusive in his language, sarcastic, moody, and an extravagant spender. To the contrary, he has never lost a case in his life. A genius at bargaining and building strategy, winning is everything to Kensuke. His love for money, fame, and women obviously collects the dislikes of other professionals in the field. Kensuke loathes the textbook of justice the young lawyers try to brandish.
Unexpectedly, Mayuzumi Machiko is a lawyer who passed her bar exam through hard studies. She is overly earnest in her mission of saving the weak, and rather clumsy and incapable of planning ahead. Her lack of versatility and strong righteousness drives her reckless, without compromise to her convictions. Passionate and determined, she is the complete opposite of Kensuke's character.
"Justice is the winner," Kensuke stands by this belief without doubt. Despite the skepticism he receives for his sensational efforts, the people surrounding him begin to see that their view was but a pipe dream. In the courtroom, Kensuke reminds us of the feeling we had all forgotten: To fight with all our energy and to never give up. --Fuji TV
First season was definitely the best. I love that Komikado-sensei has a firm opponent in Miki, and that despise all his attempts to defeat Komikado-sensei, he can't. Miki brings several fierce opponents, such as Komikado's father; Komikado's ex-wife, etc, but he is undefeated. I also liked his relationship with Mayuzumi, who does agree with his methods, and who is kind of forced to work with him (the reason? kind like Haru-chan in Ouran HSC... she is in debt, and basically has to work with him until the end of her days).
Junno's character is Ranmaru, a happy (and very handsome) young man who works for Komikado-sensei, as "his ninja". Almost all the cases are solved because Ranmaru does a bit of help, disguising himself as whatever role he needs in order to change the vision of people. Also, he loves to eat Hattori-san's food (the butler, who is exceptional talent in everything he does).
Regardless of the case (some of them were silly, some of them more difficult), Komikado-sensei always wins because of his cunning methods. But also, because he is always right!
My rating: 9/10
SP 1.
All the main characters are back. Eikura Nana has a role as a teacher in a school where one boy is bullied. He fells of the top and he is seriously injured. Enter Mayuzumi, our Asadora heroine. She convinces Komikado-sensei (after winning loads of money thru cards) to defend the boy and put a stop to bullying. Two things impressed me the most in this special: 1) bullying, because it is a subject I am always interested; and 2) Eikura's hair! Why that haircut?? She is such a pretty girl, but that haircut was seriously awful.
Another new character, who we will get familiar with, is Judge Beppu-san, played by Hirosue Ryoko. She is excellent with her icy glare! And the chemistry with Komikado-sensei was great as well.
My rating: 9/10
Season 2.
Komikado-sensei is back!! And together with him, Mayuzumi and Hattori. This season, a new employee joins their team. Hanyu Haruki comes from a rich family. His father owns a highly profitable trading company, while his mother is a children's books writer. Hanyu has lived in England, Saudi Arabia and USA, before returning to Japan to sit for his bar exam. After finishing his apprenticeship, he joins the Public Prosecutor department. To broaden his experience, Hanyu is loaned out to Komikado's law firm.
The weak point of this season was the main rival. It is no longer Miki :( but a new attorney, Hanyu, who wants nothing more than bring peace and love to the world. He is not a bad guy, and that may be the main reason I could not like him. I mean, he truly wanted justice! But of course, some of his methods were not right. And although he is an ikemen, sometimes his smile was a bit annoying (the actor was good then, now I think about it). Mayuzumi kind of wants to work in his company, but at the same time, she doesn't. But our good (a first time!) Komikado-sensei releases her with the kindest of words. Eventually, as expected, she comes back :)
The main case of this season was to defend a woman from penal execution. It was played by the beautiful Kato Koyuki, who truly sells her image as a Black Widow.
Still funny and crazy, and all the cases were interesting, but the antagonist is the reason I could not like this season as much as the first.
My rating: 8/10
SP 2.
Thank God Miki-sensei, as well as his team, is back! Only that he is not the main antagonist, but at least he gets involved in the case. The case is about a medical malpractice (a new drug) and the attorney is a veteran guy with a sad past. This special is the least funny among all. And Ranmaru's role was the tiniest of all, much to my dismay. As additional cast is Ayame Goriki. I am still not into this actress, no matter how popular she is. And the guy who played his fiancee was, in my opinion, so much alike to MatsuJun!
My rating: 8/10
I hope there will be a Season 3!
Season 1
Of all the law related dramas inside and outside of the country, a majority of lawyers are depicted as heroes, either bringing tears to your eyes helping the weak underdog, or trying to advocate justice to the extreme. This has led the general public to view lawyers with eyes of respect and envy.
However, the main character of "Legal High!!" stands miles away from that stereotypical identity of a lawyer. Komikado Kensuke is stubborn, abusive in his language, sarcastic, moody, and an extravagant spender. To the contrary, he has never lost a case in his life. A genius at bargaining and building strategy, winning is everything to Kensuke. His love for money, fame, and women obviously collects the dislikes of other professionals in the field. Kensuke loathes the textbook of justice the young lawyers try to brandish.
Unexpectedly, Mayuzumi Machiko is a lawyer who passed her bar exam through hard studies. She is overly earnest in her mission of saving the weak, and rather clumsy and incapable of planning ahead. Her lack of versatility and strong righteousness drives her reckless, without compromise to her convictions. Passionate and determined, she is the complete opposite of Kensuke's character.
"Justice is the winner," Kensuke stands by this belief without doubt. Despite the skepticism he receives for his sensational efforts, the people surrounding him begin to see that their view was but a pipe dream. In the courtroom, Kensuke reminds us of the feeling we had all forgotten: To fight with all our energy and to never give up. --Fuji TV
First season was definitely the best. I love that Komikado-sensei has a firm opponent in Miki, and that despise all his attempts to defeat Komikado-sensei, he can't. Miki brings several fierce opponents, such as Komikado's father; Komikado's ex-wife, etc, but he is undefeated. I also liked his relationship with Mayuzumi, who does agree with his methods, and who is kind of forced to work with him (the reason? kind like Haru-chan in Ouran HSC... she is in debt, and basically has to work with him until the end of her days).
Junno's character is Ranmaru, a happy (and very handsome) young man who works for Komikado-sensei, as "his ninja". Almost all the cases are solved because Ranmaru does a bit of help, disguising himself as whatever role he needs in order to change the vision of people. Also, he loves to eat Hattori-san's food (the butler, who is exceptional talent in everything he does).
Regardless of the case (some of them were silly, some of them more difficult), Komikado-sensei always wins because of his cunning methods. But also, because he is always right!
My rating: 9/10
SP 1.
All the main characters are back. Eikura Nana has a role as a teacher in a school where one boy is bullied. He fells of the top and he is seriously injured. Enter Mayuzumi, our Asadora heroine. She convinces Komikado-sensei (after winning loads of money thru cards) to defend the boy and put a stop to bullying. Two things impressed me the most in this special: 1) bullying, because it is a subject I am always interested; and 2) Eikura's hair! Why that haircut?? She is such a pretty girl, but that haircut was seriously awful.
Another new character, who we will get familiar with, is Judge Beppu-san, played by Hirosue Ryoko. She is excellent with her icy glare! And the chemistry with Komikado-sensei was great as well.
My rating: 9/10
Season 2.
Komikado-sensei is back!! And together with him, Mayuzumi and Hattori. This season, a new employee joins their team. Hanyu Haruki comes from a rich family. His father owns a highly profitable trading company, while his mother is a children's books writer. Hanyu has lived in England, Saudi Arabia and USA, before returning to Japan to sit for his bar exam. After finishing his apprenticeship, he joins the Public Prosecutor department. To broaden his experience, Hanyu is loaned out to Komikado's law firm.
The weak point of this season was the main rival. It is no longer Miki :( but a new attorney, Hanyu, who wants nothing more than bring peace and love to the world. He is not a bad guy, and that may be the main reason I could not like him. I mean, he truly wanted justice! But of course, some of his methods were not right. And although he is an ikemen, sometimes his smile was a bit annoying (the actor was good then, now I think about it). Mayuzumi kind of wants to work in his company, but at the same time, she doesn't. But our good (a first time!) Komikado-sensei releases her with the kindest of words. Eventually, as expected, she comes back :)
The main case of this season was to defend a woman from penal execution. It was played by the beautiful Kato Koyuki, who truly sells her image as a Black Widow.
Still funny and crazy, and all the cases were interesting, but the antagonist is the reason I could not like this season as much as the first.
My rating: 8/10
SP 2.
Thank God Miki-sensei, as well as his team, is back! Only that he is not the main antagonist, but at least he gets involved in the case. The case is about a medical malpractice (a new drug) and the attorney is a veteran guy with a sad past. This special is the least funny among all. And Ranmaru's role was the tiniest of all, much to my dismay. As additional cast is Ayame Goriki. I am still not into this actress, no matter how popular she is. And the guy who played his fiancee was, in my opinion, so much alike to MatsuJun!
My rating: 8/10
I hope there will be a Season 3!