Tokyo Vice

It took a while for this show to be made but the result is pretty cool! Michael Mann knows how to do interesting thriller and delivers again. Great atmosphere, great camera work and a great cast! Good stuff and shows that HBO is still the gold standard...not Netflix!;)

As Episode 1 of "Tokyo World" (2022 release; 8 episodes of about an hour each) opens, we are following two reporters, one of which is Jake Adelstein. They arrive at a restaurant, only to find out that their hosts, members of the Yakoza, have moved the meeting to a private room. We then go to "1999, Two Years Earlier", as Adelstein is prepping to take a qualifying exam at a major Japanese newspaper, having moved there from Missouri three years earlier. At this point we are 10 min into Episode 1.

Couple of comments: the series is nominally based on the memoir of the real life Jake Adelstein about his years as the only foreign reporter at a major Tokyo-based newspaper. This mini-series immediately appealed to me for several reasons: it provides a "fish out of water" setting (American reporter at Japanese newspaper), along the way offering a glimpse into Japan's (sub)culture and ultra homogeneous society, and brought in a highly stylish setting. It certainly helps that major talent is connected to this series: from executive producer (and director of the opening episode) Michael Mann to Japanese actor (and executive producer) Ken Watanabe to Ansel Elgort ("Baby Driver") in the lead role (Elgort seemingly learned to speak Japanese for this), etc. Last but not least, the story telling is strong, and I am completely invested emotionally into this series.

"Tokyo Vice" premiered on HBO Max a few days ago, and I've seen the initial 3 episodes. New episodes will be released on Thursdays. How this high caliber/high quality mini-series is showing only on HBO Max (meaning not even on HBO) is a mystery to me. If you are in the mood for a dark-ish crime series set in the underworld of Tokyo, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.

UPDATE 4/16/22 Now 5 episodes into it. This is just getting better and better. One of the best shows I've been watching.

I've walked part-way in Jake Adelstein's shoes. I used to work in a Japanese IT company in Tokyo as the only Japanese speaking caucasian employee. I took hour long trips through the crowded train stations, learning to sleep while standing up, jammed between other commuters. Finally returning home after a late night karate lesson to what can only be described as a hole in the wall. Only to get up again with little sleep and do it all over again.

The scenes in Tokyo Vice are as authentic as I've seen - given it's based on a true story, filmed on location, and advised by Jake himself.

From the English teaching, the casual racism, long hours, the stifling bureaucracy and office culture, to the heavy smoking and drinking, to the Russian girls in the hostess "snack" clubs. The neon wonderlands of Kabuki-cho and Shibuya are here on display, but it's portrayed dark, gritty, and noir given the subject matter. People unfamiliar with Japan will be struck by the seemingly absurdist culture which juxtaposes young men trying to act and look tough in a world surrounded by sexual objectification, neon lights, video games, and cuteness - and a near impenetrable ancient culture.

Viewers might also be struck by the Japanese constantly trying to practice their English on the foreigner all the time - despite his high Japanese fluency. When human relationships are fraught with distrust and are only resolved through transactional quid-pro-quo in Japan - something which this series highlights - getting a freebie language practice opportunity is worth it's weight in yen. It's certainly a lot cheaper than the hostess clubs.

Ansel Elgort's attempt at Japanese is a pretty good one, playing the role of the "gaijin" - the well meaning, Japanese speaking, and learned foreigner who is never taken seriously by the culture he's immersed in.

Ken Watanabe is - well - not much else to say. He's brilliant as usual, and his moody detective certainly plays the part.

Can't wait to see the rest of the series, as the first three episodes are extremely watchable.

Tokyo Vice was so much better than I expected. It looked good to me and I'm a Michael Mann fan and heard he was attached and it still exceeded my expectations. It's based off a true story and shows a realistic view of Japans criminal world. This show is exciting and will keep you on the edge of your seat from the very first episode throughout the series! The entire cast is great and led by especially great performances by Ansel Elgort and Ken Watanabe. I absolutely recommend this show!

Tokyo Vice is a dark, gritty drama that builds intrigue from the very beginning. The criminals have deep traditions like the Sopranos. The police and the crimes committed are violent and shocking, similar to The Wire, and the cinematography is dark, like Boardwalk Empire. It's everything you want in a classic HBO Mobster/Gangster story with a very talented ensemble.

As always, if you made it this far, thanks for reading, and if you watch this series, let me know what you think.

Stay Channel Surfing!

Damian at TalkTeaV.