Netflix viewers are being urged to binge a "perfect" hidden gem crime drama that first aired in 2019, with fans hailing it as a masterpiece and British drama at its best. The series, Giri/Haji, is now available on the streaming platform, offering a compelling watch for fans of shows like Line of Duty.
A Cross-Cultural Crime Thriller
Giri/Haji, which translates from Japanese to mean Duty/Shame, debuted in 2019 and joined Netflix in 2020. The series stars Takehiro Hira, Kelly Macdonald, Yosuke Kubozuka, Will Sharpe, Masahiro Motoki, Justin Long, Anna Sawai, and Charlie Creed-Miles. Set between London and Tokyo, it features dialogue in both English and Japanese, adding to its unique cross-cultural appeal.
The plot follows Tokyo detective Kenzo Mori, played by Takehiro Hira, as he travels to London in search of his brother Yuto, portrayed by Yosuke Kubozuka, who is believed to be dead. Yuto has been accused of murdering the nephew of a gang member, sparking threats of violence in Tokyo that loom over the narrative.
Navigating London's Underworld
As Kenzo attempts to navigate the complexities of London and uncover the truth behind his brother's disappearance, he meets Met Police officer DC Sarah Weitzmann, played by Kelly Macdonald. Together, they confront the darkest elements of London's criminal world, including yakuza, gangsters, and the Albanian mafia.
The official synopsis teases: "Family duty sends a lawman to London to look for his mob-assassin brother as a yakuza war threatens to engulf Tokyo. Trust is even tougher to find." This sets the stage for a tense and emotional journey that blends action with deep personal stakes.
Critical Acclaim and Fan Praise
Fans have overwhelmingly praised Giri/Haji, with one calling it a "must see" and another stating: "I rarely feel strong enough about a film or series to write a review, however this show was so perfect I just had to rate it. The acting, the direction, the production, the music, the script, everything was perfect. I was gripped from the beginning and each episode didn't disappoint."
Another viewer highlighted the series' innovative style, writing: "Exceptional storytelling and direction in this compelling series which broke the mold and reinvented the genre with its brave and brilliant style. Everything about it was outstanding - directing, writing, casting. It had humor and wit despite the bleak subject matter and it was all done with incredible style. British drama showing the world how its done."
Further accolades include descriptions like "British drama at its best" and "one of the best TV series I have ever seen." A fan specifically praised Will Sharpe, who won an acting BAFTA for his performance as Rodney, noting his "brilliant direction and fantastic performances." Others have labeled it a "masterpiece," with one saying: "The cinematography and production values are off the scale, I doubt a more visually amazing masterpiece has ever been made."
Creator's Inspiration
In 2019, creator Joe Barton shared his inspiration behind Giri/Haji with the BBC. He explained: "Although it is ostensibly a crime drama, I wanted Giri/Haji to really be a show about misfits - broken people lost in a big city, trying to put themselves back together again."
Barton elaborated on the personal themes, stating: "Kenzo finds himself battling the Yakuza, London gangsters, the Albanian mafia and the Tokyo and Metropolitan police forces, sometimes all at once. But his real challenge is overcoming his inner turmoil. He and his wife are stuck in a dying marriage, plagued by guilt and unspoken pain, both of them needing to escape."
Reflecting on his own experiences, Barton added: "When I wrote the series I had recently come out of a long-term relationship and I wanted to explore the oddly unique experience of feeling at once that the world is suddenly full of exiting new possibilities whilst also being endlessly, unbearably, sad. Which is admittedly a tougher pitch than 'Yakuza gangster goes on the rampage in London'. At its heart I think Giri/Haji is a tragic romance about two people with an instant attraction to one another who meet at the worst possible time. Also there are gun fights. It's a whole thing."
Availability and Final Thoughts
Giri/Haji is currently available to watch on Netflix, offering viewers a chance to experience this critically acclaimed series. With its blend of intense crime drama, emotional depth, and cross-cultural storytelling, it stands out as a hidden gem in the streaming landscape. Fans continue to celebrate its originality and quality, making it a top recommendation for those seeking a gripping and thought-provoking watch.
