Roppongi Class J-drama Review: More Realistic and Less Dramatic than Itaewon Class

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qpg9y0jw3a8

Itaewon Class was extremely successful, both critically and commercially, when it was released in 2020. It is undoubtedly one of the best K-dramas ever made. So, a comparison is inevitable if it is adapted. Adapted from a webtoon of the same name, the series talked about mental health and social inequality through completely flawed but likeable characters all at the same time staying within a commercial space. Here is my review of the J-drama, Roppongi Class.

The answer is, yes. Roppongi Class is well adapted to fit the Japanese landscape. K-Drama fanatics might not like it but there are some interesting factors which pull us to watch Roppongi Class. The Korean version is technically brilliant, of course, it had more show time than the Japanese one.

There is less drama in Roppongi class and it does not spoon feed the audience like its Korean version. It just shows things as they are and makes us figure out the characters. For example, the main character Arata is not presented as a lunatic like Park Saeroyi in Itaewon Class. No one states the obvious that he is socially inept so many times. The storyline is not dragged too much and we get the basic story right in the first episode. The actors are exceptional. Even though the costumes are exactly the same as in the Korean version, every actor has added a different charm to recreating these characters. Saotome Taichi who plays Ryuga has given the character some original nuances.

The Acting

Takeuchi Ryoma who plays the lead role might even be better than Park Seo Joon (I know this might be an unpopular opinion). As I said, there is less drama here and Ryoma seems very spontaneous and natural. He has incredible poise and charm and extreme control in showcasing varied emotions. While Park Seo-joon’s gave a projected performance, Ryoma’s acting is more nuanced.

The scene right after the funeral where he attacks his father’s killer is played with unbelievable control and it is not overdone. He outdid his Korean counterpart with his subtlety and nuanced expressions here. He is that actor who always surprises you. Mitsuishi Ken who plays Arata’s father is the embodiment of humanity both in his gestures and looks. Kagawa Teruyuki is perfect as the ruthless yet unapologetic villain.

But there are some aspects which could have been improved in Roppongi Class. The costumes, make up and even the hair styles could have been better. It would also have been better if the show had a different narrative style. There are only some slight changes in certain scenes. The actors are really the saving grace of the show. They engage even the audience who has watched the original.

Arya

Arya is a curious soul and nerd who loves books and cinema. You can read her articles on Medium. You can also follow her on Instagram where she talks about her favourite books and movies.