Tokyo Vice (2022-2024)

In Belgium, Telenet subscribers can watch the entire season. Normally I don't watch series.. the last one was The Bridge and that was a long time ago. Gave this one a chance because Michael Mann is the driving force behind Tokyo Vice.

The result is typical neo-noir based on real events. The characters and the relationships between the characters are extremely strong, and that's what captivates the most. But the young journalist who is trying to find his way in a society with its own social codes also makes it extremely interesting. He sometimes falls on his mouth but learns from it. Furthermore, quite a few storylines (not all equally fascinating) that navigate between journalistic adventures, yakuza intrigue and police investigation. The more the series progresses, the more journalism begins to fade into the background and Adelstein becomes more deeply involved in the battle between police and yakuza.
There must and will be a second season... it ends with a lot of open storylines... and if it doesn't come I'll file a complaint. Definitely a good series, but in my opinion it lacks a bit more action and a bit more pace because it all progresses very slowly, although it never gets boring. The last episode is one of the least because you know there will be no climax.

Translated from Dutch · View original

It takes novice crime reporter Jake Adelstein (an excellent Ansel Elgort - Baby Driver) quite an effort to find his place in the editorial office of a leading Tokyo daily newspaper. But once cooperation with both detectives and the Yakuza - the Japanese mafia - gets off the ground, developments follow each other at a rapid pace. Many characters are introduced in Tokyo Vice. That makes the first two episodes a bit messy and requires some concentration.

But the reward awaits. Because understated and subdued, an exciting story about loyalty, lies, sacrifice and (impossible) friendships unfolds. Michael Mann (Miami Vice) directs the first episode and is also executive producer. The screenplay by JT Rogers is loosely based on the true story of Jake Adelstein. It results in a fresh series that is related to journalistic drama, a mafia thriller and is full of Japanese traditions and customs. Recommended.

Translated from Dutch · View original