Favorite Dramas and Movies Watched in 2024

Often very funny, I got attached to the characters even as they make questionable decisions that eventually hurt themselves and others. I loved the two crooked leads and their earliest "followers" and how they genuinely care about each other and help each other. And for a drama about fake religious sect, it's surprisingly nuanced in its portrayal of religion/belief and its adherents.

This is the kind of story that I love, about relationship(s) that transforms you into a better version of yourself. The titular character, with her courage and big heart, inspires her younger friends to become better people, and they in turn offer her genuine friendship based on love and respect.

In a way, this is a typical asadora that gives paean to hopeful optimism, community, and hard work. But in its celebration of individuality and diversity, it is also very much steeped in 21st century values. Ito Sairi shines as the titular Tora-chan (real name: Tomoko), and even though she is an exceptional woman, it is her curiosity and openness and her willingness to bridge gaps that at first seem insurmountable that the drama emphasizes, not how great she is all the time.

Very chill drama about life in a post-war apartment complex. The friendship between the two main characters--and their interaction with their fellow residents--is the heart and soul of the drama. It's generally lighthearted and funny, but it does broach difficult facts of life too--mostly to do with aging--with a light touch

Funny, irreverent, and with a big heart underneath it all. Classic Kudo Kankuro.

Perfectly captures that mix of idiocy and maturity that young teens have. Young Suneo is the true star (and heart) of the drama--imaginative, a bit dumb, and genuinely kind. His adult counterpart has such good rapport with her supportive but exasperated editor, and their interaction very much resembles that of a comedy duo.

Unusual friendship is one of my favorite tropes so of course I liked this. The yakuza might've learned how to sing from the kid, but the kid learns so much about himself thanks to their friendship (by "friendship" I mean hanging out in the karaoke together, with the yakuza singing and the kid criticizing him and eating fried rice--it's great).