Drama digest:
Ikebukuro West Gate Park, abbreviated as IWGP, is a classic urban mystery story. The town Ikebukuro is a shelter for a lot of violent gangs. It’s also the hometown of the protagonist, Makoto Majima. The series revolves around Makoto’s struggle with numerous dangerous situations.
The feel-good factor:
The power ranger-style concept of the show with a gang protecting the people in need is an interesting one. The series depicts a relationship with a modern society, which is appreciative. The realism of the drama, like the daily struggles with one’s mind, and the domestic issues that we face that scar us for life, are the best examples that make a drama ‘for the people.
The disappointing factor:
The drama does not do Justice to its genre- crime. The drama sounds like violence and everything related to it, but the manga fails to depict things that would be seen as a crime. The series is a slow burn. Moreover, the illegal businesses, prostitution, and violence portrayed in the series require viewer discretion.
In-depth analysis:
A town named Ikebukuro is the home to many violent gangs and businesses that are illegal. Belonging to the very same town, the protagonist, Makoto Majima, is a trouble-shooter for any fights/disputes happening around him. He’s a 20-year-old guy who has a charismatic personality. He is always approached by a lot of people for help, as he’s the one who’s always helping others. Makoto’s family consists of only his mother, who runs a small fruit shop in his neighborhood. Makoto has always been a dispute solver. He’s always convinced people that violence is not the way of solving anything and hence there should be negotiations to come to a neutral point of view of both sides. However, this opinion of him changes enitrely after the murder of his beloved girlfriend, Rika Nakamura, a prostitute, who was strangled to death in a motel by one of her clients. The death of Rika makes Makoto a different man. This also changes his view on violence. He becomes more aggressive than ever and does not hesitate to use violence now. He also has ties with a local gang called ‘G boys’ and can contact them for help whenever required. The leader of this group is Takashi, an old schoolmate of Makoto. But even after all the injustice Makoto faces, his conscience doesn’t give up on the idea of fighting for justice and gets him to fight for whoever is in need.
Star power:
The star of the show is its lead, Makoto. Despite his charismatic personality, he deals with some negativity of his own. He’s the most realistic character of the drama as he teaches us that no matter what life throws upon you, it’s important always to remember your roots and strive for justice.
Overall opinion:
The realism of the story is something to look out for.
