Best I've seen in a long time
10 / 10Jackykero · 2014
Hanzawa Naoki is a well-rounded, well-acted drama centered around the character of Hanzawa Naoki (portrayed by Sakai Masato) and his battle against seemingly impossible tasks.
I will start by commenting on the similarities and differences vs. Legal high, that people often compare it to. My opinion is that the only common thing between these two jdoramas is the main actor. Other than that, they are very different series, and comparing them does not make sense or justoce to either. Legal high is a comedy, in which Sakai Masato plays outrageously to build on the comedy.
Hanzawa Naoki is a drama, with its fun moments, but it is a drama. The characted played by Sakai Masato is quite different, and he does an absolutely fantastic job depicting the character, bringing such intensity to the acting that few other actors would have been able to.
Now for the series itself. It is simply a very good drama. The scenario is well written, it unfolds in 2 parts (at the branch and then at the head office) while the back story reveals itself. The acting is superb (I already mentioned Sakai Masato but Kagawa Teruyuki is particularly impressive as the evil Owada, and Ueto Aya is surprisingly good is her supportive role). The side stories work and are again well-supported. You get the occasional laugh and the story is not dark.
All in all, a very good drama that will make you forget the performance of Sakai Masato in Legal High and only remember this one. A recommended watch.