The nomad's desert scene is so beautiful and desperate, and Rachmaninov makes it even more stunning. This is a very streamlined work that many details or foreshadowing scene are just presented by some simple clips. Very clean but definitely clear enough for audience to understand. The first 4 episodes are a little flat, but it turned very captivating from episode 5 in my opinion. There were no nonsense plots from the beginning to the end. Haven't seen an impressed Japanese series for a while and the cast is no joke! All are performed so well. Love Doramu who always repeated the last words. So cute!
15 Reviews
Another Tokyo broadcast hit.
kmhlbeavis28 December 2023
The main characters that stoled this show are Nozaki, Chingiss and Bekis. Their presence is what made this show. Nogi's character didn't really fit the bill as a secret agent. They were trying to make him the japanese version of Johhny English. The actor would have been more suited for a role in maybe a Japanese revival of the hit US series Three's company as Mr. Furley as he looks just like him. Getting on to the story. The first couple of episodes were slow but then started to pick up. The scenery was beautiful and the acting of both chingiss and Noazaki were stellar. Both actors were properly picked for their respective roles as was the actor who played Bekis later on. A definite must watch even though the ending wasn't what should have been.
Amazing plot twists and stellar acting; conventional themes
cindymusic-9222620 December 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Vivant, as it turns out, is the name of an underground informational and military organization that will do anything, lawful or unlawful, to fulfill its mission to protect Japan. As the story carries out, we learn of how powerful and relentless this organization functions, but more importantly, as each character's story and motivation unfolds, they each play a part in the film's retelling of the unique Japanese values of patriotism and loyality, of sacrificing between family and for your greater moral responsibility to your organization and country, of seeking revenge as well as seeking repent.
Can't say film's interpretation of these themes are original or especially inspiring. However, I thought one of the most incredible part of the storyline is the totally unexpected plot twists. Each plot twists uncovers hidden details in previous episodes that left me in awe of the storywriter's genius plotting. The amount of plot twists was a real surprise and enjoyment for me in watching this series, and I was ok with being proved wrong - for example, some performances of the main protaganist that I previously thought were much too exaggerated became reasonable as more details were unraveled. In terms of these plot twists, there is a lot of information being given as the story turns and turns, as enemies become allies and allies become enemies in a short amount of time, but the information is presented to the audience in a very clear manner.
The main actor definitely deserves an award, just due to the fact that he plays himself and his alternate personality in such distinct manners that you have to start reminding yourself they are played by the same actor due to the exact same face. Moreover, he strikes a perfect balance between being emotive and human when enacting strong emotions and being superhumanly intelligent and deceiving and merciless as his character demands.
Can't say film's interpretation of these themes are original or especially inspiring. However, I thought one of the most incredible part of the storyline is the totally unexpected plot twists. Each plot twists uncovers hidden details in previous episodes that left me in awe of the storywriter's genius plotting. The amount of plot twists was a real surprise and enjoyment for me in watching this series, and I was ok with being proved wrong - for example, some performances of the main protaganist that I previously thought were much too exaggerated became reasonable as more details were unraveled. In terms of these plot twists, there is a lot of information being given as the story turns and turns, as enemies become allies and allies become enemies in a short amount of time, but the information is presented to the audience in a very clear manner.
The main actor definitely deserves an award, just due to the fact that he plays himself and his alternate personality in such distinct manners that you have to start reminding yourself they are played by the same actor due to the exact same face. Moreover, he strikes a perfect balance between being emotive and human when enacting strong emotions and being superhumanly intelligent and deceiving and merciless as his character demands.
One of the best Japanese TV Show I have ever watched!
cherylsnt21 December 2023
Love it!
Give it a go! I absolutely adore how the author has written the storyline, a lot of the story scenes were unexpected in a good way. It's full with twist and mystery that just keep you going.
The first 5 episodes were a bit slower to build up the plot, once it hits episode 5 onwards, the story gets more and more captivating and interesting.
The acting was so good! The calibre of the actors is exceptional which helps to bring the TV show to life.
Unlike other Japanese dramas that can be over exaggerating at times, this movie is down to earth and the making of it is intelligent.
I hope there is a season 2!
Give it a go! I absolutely adore how the author has written the storyline, a lot of the story scenes were unexpected in a good way. It's full with twist and mystery that just keep you going.
The first 5 episodes were a bit slower to build up the plot, once it hits episode 5 onwards, the story gets more and more captivating and interesting.
The acting was so good! The calibre of the actors is exceptional which helps to bring the TV show to life.
Unlike other Japanese dramas that can be over exaggerating at times, this movie is down to earth and the making of it is intelligent.
I hope there is a season 2!
Brilliant
moisdaniellla19 December 2023
Vivant, the 2023 Japanese TV series on Netflix, is nothing short of a masterpiece. Its captivating storyline, stellar performances, and impeccable cinematography make it a must-watch. The series effortlessly weaves together drama, suspense, and cultural nuances, creating a truly immersive experience. Vivant stands out as a shining example of top-tier entertainment, leaving audiences eagerly anticipating each episode. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a brilliant and emotionally resonant television journey. I hope they will make this type of series in the nearest future so the whole world could enjoy it.
The Best Japanese TV Show I Have Seen
gracefromabove23 August 2023
No Spoiler Review
The pace of the plot progression is very appropriate (unlike many Japanese shows that are very slow, and become boring); certain unnecessary scenes are just skipped, expecting the audience to understand, which audience definitely can do.
The entire plot is very well-written. The characters in the story make real and intelligent decisions and choices (unlike some tv shows or movies had characters make unreal and illogical choices, in order to advance the story in certain direction, which made those shows unconvincing);
As a result, the story develops very organically and the plot-twist are very natural as well. There are hints, easter eggs, foreshadowing for the attentive viewers. Absolutely great show, and highly recommend it.
The pace of the plot progression is very appropriate (unlike many Japanese shows that are very slow, and become boring); certain unnecessary scenes are just skipped, expecting the audience to understand, which audience definitely can do.
The entire plot is very well-written. The characters in the story make real and intelligent decisions and choices (unlike some tv shows or movies had characters make unreal and illogical choices, in order to advance the story in certain direction, which made those shows unconvincing);
As a result, the story develops very organically and the plot-twist are very natural as well. There are hints, easter eggs, foreshadowing for the attentive viewers. Absolutely great show, and highly recommend it.
Good actors and storyline Bad shooting technique
mmana-1673317 December 2023
The shooting technique and camera movements are too rough. Unable to showcase the strengths of the storyline and engage the audience; the standard should not be like this. The filming technique for action suspense seems quite unskilled. The dubbing and music fail to immerse the audience and do not convey the atmosphere of the scene.
It wastes the skills of professional actors, giving the overall production a sense of wastefulness due to various unprofessional aspects.
The actors are top-notch, but the filming techniques lack immersion. Filters, camera movements, background music, and overall flow noticeably lack quality and feel awkward. It seems the director's style doesn't suit the storyline, impacting the integrity of the work. Handing it over to another director might result in a better outcome. It's a shame considering the excellent acting and storyline.
It wastes the skills of professional actors, giving the overall production a sense of wastefulness due to various unprofessional aspects.
The actors are top-notch, but the filming techniques lack immersion. Filters, camera movements, background music, and overall flow noticeably lack quality and feel awkward. It seems the director's style doesn't suit the storyline, impacting the integrity of the work. Handing it over to another director might result in a better outcome. It's a shame considering the excellent acting and storyline.
The best Japanese series on Netflix
cnxfouillet18 January 2024
The best Japanese series on Netflix. Magnificent landscapes in the desert and in Mongolia, a scenario full of twists and turns that are sometimes far-fetched but we get caught up in following the story. Very good actors. A production with nods to Kurosawa, Hiroshi Abe who plays Nozaki seems the reincarnation of Toshiro Mifune, Beki seems to be a character from Ran and the Japanese ambassador is filmed in a close-up at the end like a Kurosawa heroine. The other characters are just as interesting and even the love story between Yusuke and Kaoru seems a necessary part of Asian series. Despite the criticism, I find that the script holds up, the direction and the photography are excellent. When is season 2?
Nonsense
griffinyapapapa1 January 2024
The plot doesn't make much sense. Why would any of this realistically be happening. Who would risk their life for a company? It's just all a little silly for a serious drama. Also when the actors attempt to speak in a different language it sounds awful. The inflection sounds off and it sounds like they are stumbling through their lines. The main character is also highly unlikable. I was not rooting for him. He was unreasonably annoying. This nonsense drama will fill your time and there are some notables actores in it, however, it's not that good. I would save your time and choose something else. There are far better Japanese dramas to watch.
Talents of the Actors
anarushka-9881923 February 2024
I just have finished only the first episode and wanted to write this appraisal for the Actors here. First of all, great job to the Mongolian actors, especially Chingis and Jamin. But the dialogue and language skills of the main actor and actress is remarkable. Of course they had accents, more noticeably in English, but who cares about that, it is a Foreign language after all. But their Mongolian was almost perfectly done. Especially the intonations, emotions and feelings. A bit more meaning and feeling missed but that is just nitpicking. As well, great job on the localization, changing the labels, uniforms, license plates and few other things and managed to turn locations in Mongolia feel somewhat culturally same but identically different. Kudos 😉💪.
Edit: Ohhhhhh my god, ohhhhhhh my god, the bloody Wooden Toilet scene! I grew up having a phobia on falling accidentally into a Wooden Toilet (Modon Jorlon in Mongolian) 🤢🤢🤢. Brilliantly done. "Yellow teethed homeless guy" should have his own series 😂.
Edit: Ohhhhhh my god, ohhhhhhh my god, the bloody Wooden Toilet scene! I grew up having a phobia on falling accidentally into a Wooden Toilet (Modon Jorlon in Mongolian) 🤢🤢🤢. Brilliantly done. "Yellow teethed homeless guy" should have his own series 😂.
Bin Vivant
alaningle728 December 2023
The series is set over three countries, Japan, Mongolia and the imaginary Balka which is home to a major but mysterious terrorist organisation. An ordinary businessman Yusuke Nogi played by Masato Sakai is suspected of transferring billions of yen incorrectly to a foreign company and he is tasked with recovering it. The story then involves so many twist and turns as he falls deeper into a dark world that it's difficult to keep track of who is good and who is bad. The actors all do a sterling job particularly the lead who seems meek and mild but you soon realise that he is certainly not that. The real star of the show is the scriptwriters who lead you down many different paths and make this an entertaining watch.
Over Produced - Too Much Of Just About Everything!
net_orders11 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
This 10 episode streaming series seems to wrestle with the classical "quantity vs. Quality" dilemma. Quality loses. What might have been an unique and memorable action adventure series is hopelessly buried under an excess of repetitious stuff. To call out a few: the incredulous story line often lacks continuity and is loaded with never-ending, nonsensical twists and turns and way too many subplots involving global organizations dedicated to destroying Japan, global organizations dedicated to protecting Japan, and global organizations dedicated to destroying and protecting Japan (sometimes at the same time!). Most supporting actors seem well cast and deliver fine performances. Sadly this is not the case for the two lead actors - they are clearly miscast. Rubber-faced Masato SAKAI plays one of the heroes and delivers nonstop mugging and silliness (sort of like a standup comic trying to be funny when loose in the wild) until the last few episodes. Not particularly amusing. The other hero is ostensibly Japanese, but certainly doesn't appear to be. Actresses can be overly made up and look a bit like geisha (which they are not). Cutesy scenes involving a child actress are repeated ad nauseam and milked beyond dry. Then there is the sand. The series is packed to the gills with it, both real and virtual. Photography and CGI are outstanding and sets (particularly real outdoor ones) are simply marvelous. Score is uneven. Subtitles arrive before some characters have finished delivering their lines. A movie that requires a lot of popcorn (and strong, anesthetic liquid refreshment) be at the ready. Viewed on Netflix. WILLIAM FLANIGAN.
VIVANT = Viva Nippon Teikoku?
Jyncs16 February 2024
Warning: Spoilers
If the organization in question is Beppan, why did they go through all sorts of fake linguistic jiujitsu to call the series VIVANT? My theory is that this is ultranationalist dog-whistle code for "Viva Nippon Teikoku," i.e., "Long live the Japanese Empire." It's consistent with the plot line of paternalistic Japanese do-gooders saving poor third-world Asian people from their own corrupt government (and at the same time securing precious natural resources to compete against China). The hero sacrifices everything for the sake of Japan, even the life of his own father, and giving one's life to the greater Japanese cause is portrayed as the noblest deed possible. Sound familiar?
Way too long - and that's just the first episode
Queenbee6019 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
This series spans 10 episodes. The first and only one that I saw ran for 90 minutes.
This series is supposed to reflect a madcap adventure that is about an incredibly unbelievable financial mistake which saw $100 million being transferred to a foreign account instead of $10 million. The accountant who made the mistake has to go and retrieve $90 million of it back, or the company he works for, could fold.
I could watch this show if it was made up of 30 minute episodes, because then I would expect the writing to be tighter and unnecessary things tossed out. But the writers have decided to included everything but the kitchen sink, when our accountant and a few others try to flee from the police.
I would've preferred this show be a drama about a family trying to keep from going bankrupt and save their family's legacy. Unfortunately for me, it's not. Yet other viewers who perhaps have more patience than me, liked it.
This series is supposed to reflect a madcap adventure that is about an incredibly unbelievable financial mistake which saw $100 million being transferred to a foreign account instead of $10 million. The accountant who made the mistake has to go and retrieve $90 million of it back, or the company he works for, could fold.
I could watch this show if it was made up of 30 minute episodes, because then I would expect the writing to be tighter and unnecessary things tossed out. But the writers have decided to included everything but the kitchen sink, when our accountant and a few others try to flee from the police.
I would've preferred this show be a drama about a family trying to keep from going bankrupt and save their family's legacy. Unfortunately for me, it's not. Yet other viewers who perhaps have more patience than me, liked it.
Boring nonsense
Hellsinger24 February 2024
Warning: Spoilers
The first 10 minutes or so, we are treated with the plot that begins it all, a boring financial situation. Already then I almost fell asleep.
I think they were trying to do something like Black Lagoon but failed epically! The characters are not exciting, the main character's facial expression always looks like he's chewing on lemon or something bitter, he always has this face of disgust.
The plot is extremely pulled out of the behind as we say. The guy somehow knows a CIA agent (yeah right!) and that agent is able to track Yusuke using a satellite with a crystal clear picture (again, yeah right!). The explosion of Al-Zair also makes zero sense. He's in his tent and has an explosive vest. Two locals who previously helped Yusuke are far away but somehow the explosion kills the guy... at that distance!?
I think they were trying to do something like Black Lagoon but failed epically! The characters are not exciting, the main character's facial expression always looks like he's chewing on lemon or something bitter, he always has this face of disgust.
The plot is extremely pulled out of the behind as we say. The guy somehow knows a CIA agent (yeah right!) and that agent is able to track Yusuke using a satellite with a crystal clear picture (again, yeah right!). The explosion of Al-Zair also makes zero sense. He's in his tent and has an explosive vest. Two locals who previously helped Yusuke are far away but somehow the explosion kills the guy... at that distance!?
See also
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