Watch Giri/Haji

Giri/Haji is a gripping British drama television series that follows the story of a Tokyo police detective Kenzo Mori (played by Takehiro Hira), who travels to London in search of his younger brother Yuto (Yosuke Kubozuka), who is believed to be dead. However, to Kenzo Mori's surprise, he soon discovers that his brother is alive and may have links to a local Yakuza gang.

The series is set in both Tokyo and London, and it portrays the Japanese culture, which is juxtaposed with the city of London's diverse and multiethnic society. Kenzo Mori's journey to London is filled with intense actions and emotions as he tries to find his brother and understand the complex web of relationships between the Yakuza and a British criminal family.

Alongside Kenzo Mori's search, the series follows the lives of those connected to Yuto, including Sarah Weitzmann (Kelly Macdonald), a middle-aged detective inspector in the Metropolitan Police Service, who is ambitious and struggling with her marriage; Rodney Yamaguchi (Will Sharpe), a half-Japanese, half-British rent boy who falls in love with a client; and Taki (Aoi Okuyama), a teenage schoolgirl who is linked to the Yakuza and has her own agenda.

The performances of the actors in Giri/Haji are outstanding, with outstanding chemistry between the cast. Takehiro Hira's portrayal of Kenzo Mori is strong and intense, conveying both a sense of anger and sympathetic vulnerability. Kelly Macdonald's Sarah Weitzmann is a flawed character torn between her career and family, and her performance is both engaging and gripping. Yosuke Kubozuka, who plays Yuto Mori, gives an enigmatic and raw performance, which adds to the mystery that surrounds his character.

What stands out about Giri/Haji is the way it portrays a crime thriller in a unique and artistic way. It is beautifully filmed with flashes of animation sequences and kinetic visuals, which complement its stylish tone. The show is full of vivid, visceral and frenetic scenes, capturing the energy of Tokyo's nightlife, as well as London's eclectic characters and urban landscapes.

The series also explores themes such as morality, loyalty, expiation, and redemption. The characters have to deal with their past mistakes and learn to accept their present reality before they can move on with the future. Giri/Haji eloquently embraces both Japanese and Western culture, highlighting the similarities and differences between the two.

In conclusion, Giri/Haji is an outstanding and captivating series that explores both Japanese and British cultures, which may resonate with international audiences. It combines crime thriller with family drama, and although it has intense action sequences, it also explores deeper human emotions. The series is a brilliant showcase of the talent and cultural diversity. Giri/Haji is a must-watch for anyone interested in international drama, crime thrillers, and artistic visuals.

Giri/Haji is a series that ran for 1 seasons (8 episodes) between October 17, 2019 and on BBC Two