Drama Review: Tonari No Chikara

Also Knowns As: Neighbor Chikara
9

Rating

★★★

Episodes

9

Drama Digest

Chikara lives with his wife and two children in an apartment complex in Tokyo. He is a ghost writer who writes essays for famous people yet claims to be a novelist. Frequently motivated by a desire to help people and bring harmony to those around him, he strikes up conversations with his neighbors and builds close bonds with them, listening to their issues and doing his best to solve them.

The Feed-Good Part

Chikara is relatable because he is full of flaws. His ability to make connections and get himself involved in other people’s problems is sweet and endearing. He doesn’t always know how to resolve the issues he finds himself saddled with and more often than not we see him retreat halfway through solving a problem. But his efforts and intentions are heart-warming. Chikara inspires his viewers do better and that is definitely the feel-good motivating aspect of this show.

The Disappointing Factor

There are times when you feel like Chikara is stuck in a vicious loop, wanting to help others but not always fully succeeding, and not really growing through the process. For a man who prefers solitude, he is often bored and lonely. While these characteristics somewhat justify his desire to stick his nose in other people’s business, it sometimes makes him out to be an idealist who doesn’t understand how the world works.

In-Depth Analysis

Neighbor Chikara is your typical Korean Drama with a number of interesting characters living and struggling through their lives in the city. Each episode is filled with a lot of heart that invokes genuine emotion in its viewers. The relationships between the characters are lovely, and the solutions they come up with together are not always perfect but what’s best to the capability of the characters involved. The ending of every little subplot is sure to touch your heart.

Star Power

Matsumoto Jun is effortless as Chikara and delivers a compelling performance as the main lead. The supporting cast, too, play their parts well.

Overall Opinion

Neighbor Chikara is inspiring, believable, and definitely recommended for a weekend watch if you are looking for a light-hearted comedy with your family.