Drama Digest
Deeply steeped in the cut-throat competitive atmosphere and strict hierarchical setup of the Kabuki theatre, this two-part Edo-period drama is about the life of actor Nakamura Nakazo. It tells the story of his meteoric ascension to the status of a legend. Young Nakazo shows excellent promise for performance arts under Denkuro, a Kabuki actor. Koshiro, the star actor of the time, also notice him. But when it seems his dream of being the ‘title’ actor is realizable, he is forced to give up acting and accept the wealthy merchant Yoshikawa’s proposition to support his ailing father. Later, after marrying Ogishi, he makes a comeback to the theatre, and must work his way up from the bottom, but inspiration runs thin…
The Feel-Good Part
The premise is relatable and involving, as evident in the line, “you will have to start from the bottom of the bottom of the bottom” spoken by Nakazo’s master Denkuro. It is a testimony to the historical rigor of the Kabuki theatre and the painstaking journey that lies ahead for Nakazo. It becomes more challenging since he doesn’t belong to an acting bloodline. But even as the tension rises, the drama is not without pleasant moments of respite. One memorable instance is when Ogishi sings to her husband as he eats. The narrative is replete with historical references, philosophical inquiries, and moral dilemmas. On several occasions, terms or motifs or even characters (ronin, geishas, samurai) jump out at you, which are now a part of popular culture, and it is thrilling to witness them.
The Disappointing Factor
The narrative is rather potent and requires extensive detailing. So some might find the two-episode format limiting. The historical background is rather elaborate and can become even more captivating over longer formats. I find several characters and themes worthy of better development than this short format allows.
In-Depth Analysis
The story of the 47 ronin (“Chushingura”) who avenged their disgraced master’s death is known well in history and popular culture. Lesser known is the 5th act of that play, originally written as filler. Nakamura Nakazo broke new acting ground through his performance in it, which became a standard from then onwards. So the main character of this special is a thrilling figure historically and artistically. The dialogue is intense and well-detailed. It works well with the strong performances to create an economy of conflicting emotions. Even the songs sung by Ogishi hold deep meaning and clever observations about the main character and his habits. The theatre scenes are enthralling, to say the least, and offer a solid second-hand experience for most of us who cannot witness an actual Kabuki performance. The character of the mysterious samurai-turned-ronin is intriguing, and it is pretty rewarding to follow his journey. It outlines the life of a samurai, the honor associated with it, and the imminent fall from grace.
Star Power
Nakamura Kankuro, fatefully sharing his name with the protagonist, delivers a powerful performance navigating various emotional states. Fujiwara Tatsuya is clinical as the samurai/ronin, and Kamishiraishi Mone is a treat to watch as she steals the show in every scene.
Overall Opinion
A work of tangible passion, this drama demands the audience’s attention and commits to providing a steady, inspirational experience. It’s a must-watch for anyone looking for good drama, and a rewarding treat for history buffs.
