Drama Digest
Under the direction of Suzumura Nobuhiro and Matsumoto Yusaka and script written by Uchida Eihi for the television, Shonan Junai Gumi (湘南純愛組!) is a Japanese live-action adaptation of a popular shonen anime. The anime came out in the late 1990s. With the genres of action, youth, friendship and drama, the story focuses on the main characters, Ekichi Onizuka and Ryuji Danma, and their discovery of slice in life. The series is eight-episode long and released on 28th February 2020 on the OTT platform, Amazon Prime Video.
The Feel-Good Part
Before being crowned as the “Great Teacher Onizuka”, Ekichi Onizuka and Ryuji Danma attended high school. Being notorious members of an infamous biker gang, they traversed the unseen blocks of the city in Japan. The series remains more than just a slice of life as it throws light on the downside and misgiving faced by a teenager. It weaves a story of their falling and standing back up, adding to the maturity of their characters.
The Disappointing Factor
Since the drama is based on the manga written and illustrated by Tooru Fujisawa and remains the best-selling manga in history, it fails to provide a new, fresh perspective. Many have expressed a lack of depth in the plot, even suggesting to instead watch the original video animation.
In-Depth Analysis
The duo is on a quest to explore their sexuality and be in relationships; however, it remains futile, owing to their current habits and lifestyle. The couple yearns for a quick attachment, wanting to lose virginity despite having each other. The narrative emphasises the various delicate themes of attempted suicide, school bullying and street gang fight.
Star Power
The cast of this shonen drama includes Kaneko Daichi as Danma Ryuji, Sato Kanichiro as Onizuka Eikichi, Yanagi Yurina as Murakushi Ayumi, Yoshida Shiori as Ikumo Mariko, Yamaya Kasumi as Nagase Nagisa/Yasha, Morita Misato as Tousaki Shinomi, Okuno Eita as Saejima Toshiyuki, Ijima Kua as Kamada Jun, Mimura Kazunorias Tsukai Tsuyoshi, Maehara Mizuki as Hashiri Makoto, Ono Karin as Ito Yui, Takao Yuki as Tsumoto Katsuyuki, Yutaro as Kamata Kaoru, Inukai Naoki as F-kun, Kimura Fumiya as Mitamura Takagi, Katsuya as Abe Hiroshi, Kuroki Hikari as Yarita Aina, Mizuishi Atom as Shindoji Fumiya, Yoshimura Kaito as Akutsu Junya, and Higashi Keisuke as Kamishima Toshio.
Overall Opinion
The drama artfully discovers the beautiful bromance of the pubescent boys. Along with a zest for action and high spirits, Shonan Junai Gumi is for people in need of lightening their stress with a cheerful bond between friends.
