Drama Digest
Koko wa Ima kara Rinri desu or Ethics Class Begins Now is a Japanese drama adapted from a manga (and anime) by the same name. Takayanagi is a school teacher who teaches ethics to his students. He is very mysterious and remains so for the entire drama as we go through the problems in his students’ lives and how his teachings help them overcome the difficulties in their lives. The drama will be especially loved by philosophy lovers, who like seeing real-world applications of the teaching of different old-world masters.
The Feel-Good Part
Takayanagi is not overly nosey about his students’ lives and gives off the feeling of being a person with a deep personality who is very observant and enigmatic. This does not make him extremely jovial as he still has a rather cynical view of everything around him.
Takayanagi has a comforting feel to him, which makes you want to explore each and every one of his adventures. Though the series is a short one with only 8 episodes, it does have help from the fact that there is no proper storyline aspect to it, the series bound together by the familiar feel of Takayanagi sensei guiding his student to philosophical lessons and helping them actually understand the ideas in textbook better than just reading the book would have.
The Disappointing Factor
The most disappointing thing about this series is how small it is, both by individual run time and the number of episodes, making the story feel extremely rushed. I would have loved to know more about the elusive Takayanagi sensei, but the series leaves no room for us to actually get to know what kind of person he is in private.
The characterisation of Aizawa was also not fun because she was so full of cliches all around, from the teen angst to falling in love with her school teacher, she felt way too unoriginal. I cannot even tell you how uncomfortable it was to watch her try to seduce sensei.
In-Depth Analysis
The series is a moral lesson on its own, with the pacing of philosophical ideals delivered just enough for them to be able to reach the audience without feeling preachy. Although the character of Takayanagi sensei is elusive and continues to remain a mystery, what is revealed of him is rather humane and humbling. He is more of a guardian than a teacher to his students and it feels so good to watch his interactions with them. The series handles complex problems masterfully and makes each and every emotion feel real and in-depth to the point that the audience feels like it is all actually happening around them in the real world.
Star Power
All characters are played really well, and you will never feel like you are watching fiction, but actual real-life events happening around you.
Overall Opinion
Takayanagi will make you the judge instead of being the one judging. He lets you decide for yourself what you think is right, and what is wrong, and that is the best part about this series.
