Story:

Kazuma Kiryu is out to do good in the world but by being a yakuza. He has his ways of trying to make Japan a better place to live in, but he has the biggest competition from his own (adopted) brother Nishikiyama. Who will succeed in this battle?

Review:

Since the name of the show (inspired by the video game) itself is Like A Dragon, the focus is on the dragon back who has a story to tell. And his story goes down in the history of yakuza (the story is set in 1995 Japan when the culture was at peak).

Obviously, the series is for someone who loves fights and violence, but it is also for those who believe in a family that is formed rather than gifted.

Ryoma Takeuchi as Kazuma does not leave an instant impression, but he's someone you hope to watch out for. The story really begins from the moment he announces he wants to be a part of the Dragon of Doujima.

One big failure later, Kazuma finds his path. But like always, time changes and he has control when his time is here. And while Ryoma tries his best, he's just slightly impressive as the legendary yakuza. Nonetheless, there are moments, both in his childhood as well as in adulthood, where you are left rooting for him.

The story is set when Kento Kaku's Akira Nishikiyama shows the same passion as Kazuma. Coming from the same upbringing, they are a delight to watch. As for Kazuma, his story begins from saving little Haruna, but it is a little too late for the story to begin.

Masaya Kato as Dojima is impressive as is, but his older version is bomb. Misato Morita as Aiko is a cutie who is just as much a baddie. Her portrayal though, does not justify her traits.

Yumi Kawai as Yumi Sawamura is a woman who knows what she's doing. Her in action is the most pleasant thing you will see in the series.

The pace of the show is slow, but given the time it is set in, that is expected. If you can hold through, there's a lot this one promises.

The best part about the series, though, is how it is set according to the themes of the episode. The second is between ambition and desire, and both the male and female versions fit perfectly.

The story focuses on the different groups of yakuza and their methods. While one believes in killing, the other tries to minimize it. No guesses about which group does what. This story works best in the time period because it was out in the culture back then. Today, even though the yakuza culture is there in Japan, it is not as out there as it was back in the 90s-early 2000s and thus, the series is slightly lesser impactful in that sense.

The stage is set for Ryoma to battle it out in the fighting ring as Kazuma Kiryu, so the real battle is yet to begin. It is in that moment that the otherwise mellowed man looks tough. Thus, after the long wait, the series leaves you with a promise - that great things are to come in a week's time.

Verdict:

Like A Dragon: Yakuza has just commenced. It is tough to judge the series with three episodes, especially because the makers are still developing the story. All the actors promise good work, and the plot has just thickened. Ryoma Takeuchi, in particular, promises an intense battle in the coming episodes. So, time to wait for a week to understand where the first season of the series adapted from the video game is heading to.

Read Also: Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 poster: Battle gets more intense as Kartik Aaryan's Rooh Baba set to fight Madhuri Dixit and Vidya Balan's Manjulikas

HOW DID YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE? CHOOSE YOUR EMOTICON !