Based on Jake Adelstein’s book about his experience as an American working for a Japanese newspaper 20 years ago, Michael Mann’s Tokyo Vice shows a whole different view of a country where murder and crime details are suppressed by the Police. Jake Adelstein (played by Ansel Elgort) learns in the first episode that the Police determine whether a murder is a murder…and control the information the Press is allowed to report. Not quite the peaceful cherry-blossom society Japan likes to project.
This eight-episode series on HBO Max starts with a focus on Jake by using a kind of origin-story montage that shows his intensive study of Japanese language, economics and meteorology; taking an aikido class; teaching an ESL class; and eventually entering a racist newsroom—where the pejorative “gaijin” (outsider) is heard often enough. Jake is caught completely off guard by the harsh working environment and the strict guidelines on reporting “the truth.”
John Anderson, the excellent TV reviewer for the Wall Street Journal provides some casting insight into the choices made in Tokyo Vice. I’m quoting a key paragraph below:
“A film adaptation of Mr. Adelstein’s 2009 book, “Tokyo Vice: An American Reporter on the Police Beat in Japan,” was reportedly going to star Daniel Radcliffe back in 2013. The dynamics between that version and this would have been strikingly different. The role of Tony in “West Side Story” is one that eats careers, and Mr. Elgort was nearly consumed by it in his recent run-in with the Steven Spielberg adaptation. But what didn’t work there works here—his exceptional good looks and his height (he towers over most Japanese) make believable in Jake a sense of privilege: He is utterly plausible as a young man who takes on a seemingly impossible task—penetrating Japanese journalism—with the full expectation of making it happen, of being able, if nothing else, to charm his way to success. Likewise, his bold approach to the Tokyo underworld and the stories no one else wants to tell. Mr. Radcliffe, by comparison, would have blended into the densely packed Tokyo street traffic.”
New episodes are released on Thursdays. I’ve only watched the first episode, but I’m impressed by the story of the disconnect between the projected image of Japanese life and the dark side hidden by the Police and the newspapers. I found Tokyo Vice fascinating and can’t wait for more episodes! Don’t miss this one! GRADE: (a provisional A)
Read the book years ago and liked it. Probably will start watching this today.
Steve, I’ve never traveled to Tokyo but after watching the first episode of TOKYO VICE, I feel like I’ve been there!
Having known a friend raped as an exchange student in Japan when she was a teen, the underreporting of crime statistics is not news. But if the subject is handled intelligently, I can see how this might well by a good series.
Todd, you get to see the cultural differences between the Japanese and a young, ambitious American. Of course, the story is set 20 year ago, but I wonder how much has changed…
Not a fan of that actor but I will give it a try. He nearly ruined WSS as George said.
Patti, I agree with WALL STREET JOURNAL TV critic John Anderson: the original hope to cast Harry Potter in TOKYO VICE would have been disastrous! I liked Ansel Elgort in BABY DRIVER and I like him in TOKYO VICE.
Any truth to the rumor (that I just started) that Elgort will star as Jared Kushner in THE DONALD TRUMP STORY, because the resemblance is scary.
Favorite Tokyo show is MIDNIGHT DINER on Netflix. Jackie liked GIRI/HAJI on Netflix (set half in Tokyo, half in London), but it was canceled after one series. If the Amazon FIrestick helps us get HBO MAX working, might try this, but doesn’t really appeal to me.
Jeff, I was impressed with the reality of Tokyo in 2000 portrayed in TOKYO VICE. Very high production values. And I admire Ansel Elgort learning Japanese for this role. Exploring the unknown and hidden aspects of a society always fascinates me! I can’t wait for the next episode! And, I’m also enjoying SLOW HORSES on Apple TV+. I’m glad a Second Season was ordered!
Just watched the first episode. Great start.
Steve, I’m glad you liked the first episode of TOKYO VICE! I can’t wait for the next episode!