Dearest (2021)
A suspenseful love story weaving secrets, murder, and forbidden love. Watch now!
MyDramaList Rating
Info
| Original Title | 最愛 |
|---|---|
| Tagline | The truth disappears with love |
| Formats | Streaming |
| Seasons | 1 |
| Episodes | 10 |
| Duration | 45 mins |
| Status | Ended |
| Year | 2021 |
| First Air Date | October 15, 2021 |
| Last Air Date | December 17, 2021 |
| Broadcast Day | friday |
| Network | TBS |
Trailer
Synopsis
Rio Sanada is the president of "Sanada Wellness" and an up-and-coming businesswoman who is selected as one of the "100 people in their 30s who will change the world". She is reunited with her former love interest Daiki Miyazaki, who is now a detective, after 15 years as an important witness to a murder case. In Gifu Prefecture in 2006, Rio is a third-year high-school student who wants to go to the University of Tokyo. She took good care of her younger brother in lieu of their busy father. Before Daiki could confess to her, an incident occurs at the dormitory.
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Editor's Review
A Suspenseful Love Story
Saiai, also known as Dearest, is a captivating Japanese drama that weaves suspense, mystery, and forbidden love into a compelling narrative. Created by producer Arai Junko and directed by Tsukahara Ayuko, this series keeps viewers on the edge of their seats with its well-acted performances, tight pacing, and intriguing storyline.
Plot Summary: The story revolves around Sanada Rio, a successful businesswoman who unexpectedly becomes a key figure in a murder case. Her first love, a detective named Miyazaki Daiki, is determined to uncover the truth behind the crime. Meanwhile, a lawyer strives to protect Rio at all costs. The drama takes an unexpected turn when someone connected to a disappearance case from fifteen years ago reappears in Rio’s life. As memories resurface, Rio grapples with secrets that should have remained buried.
Themes and Execution: Saiai masterfully combines suspense, romance, and mystery. Imagine reuniting with your first love after fifteen years, not as mere acquaintances but as a detective investigating a murder case where you are a suspect. The tension builds as the unsolved case from the past intertwines with present-day murders. The pacing keeps viewers engaged, with revelations and clues unfolding in each episode. The first half and the final episodes are particularly strong, while character relationships take center stage in the middle.
Acting and Cast: The cast delivers exceptional performances, immersing us in their characters’ emotions. Yoshitaka Yuriko shines as Sanada Rio, portraying her vulnerability and strength. Matsushita Kouhei as Miyazaki Daiki brings depth to the role of the determined detective. Iura Arata’s portrayal of lawyer Kase Kenichiro adds layers to the story. While some supporting characters could have had more screen time, overall, the acting is commendable.
Verdict: Saiai is a must-watch for fans of suspenseful dramas. Its tagline, “the truth disappears with love,” encapsulates the central theme. As secrets unravel, viewers are left questioning loyalties, motives, and the sacrifices made for love. The series offers a satisfying blend of family dynamics, crime, and romance, leaving a lasting impact.
In summary, Saiai is a well-crafted drama that keeps you guessing until the very end. Whether you’re a seasoned drama enthusiast or a newcomer, this series is worth your time. So grab your popcorn, settle in, and let the suspense unfold.