Final Life

Final Life is a thrilling and dramatic television series exclusively released on Amazon in 2017. This is a unique creation that combines not only two distinct genres but also two different nationalities - Japanese and American. The 12-episode series is a mesmerizing blend of mystery, crime and science-fiction, exploring aspects of life and death, human existence, technological advancements, and team dynamics while maintaining an intense storyline.

The storyline revolves around two main protagonists, Song Shion, a Korean-American genius with an IQ of 200, and Ryo Kawakubo, a detective with an inexplicable past. While Song wishes to use his intelligence to make significant contributions to society, an unfortunate accident lands him in a research facility where he becomes an essential part of a scientific experiment. After being subjected to an experimental procedure, Song acquired an intriguing ability - the power to ‘relive’ anybody's final moments by physically touching their remains. This ability turns out to be a blessing for those who wished to bring justice to the victims of unsolved crimes.

Ryo, on the other hand, is a seemingly normal detective from Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, who coincidentally encounters Song during one of his investigations. This forms an unlikely team of a scientific genius-turned-consultant and a hard-boiled detective, collaborating on numerous harrowing and complex cases. The varied backgrounds of the protagonists, the clash and the fusion of their cultures, personalities and ethos brings an extra layer of excitement to this noir series.

Their paths initially cross when both are assigned onto a serial murder case that has left the police department baffled. As they delve deeper, the case turns into a perplexing web of mysteries that involves not only the serial killer but also a powerful organization hidden behind the scenes. Their unique team dynamic become the driving force that attempts to confront and bring justice to the convoluted situations that they face.

The series gradually unveils the dark underbelly of Tokyo and the horrifying challenges that lurk beyond the sight of normal eyes. It lays the question of how much can we push the limit of science, morality, and sacrifice in the name of progress and justice. As the pieces of the puzzle gradually fall into place, the duo realizes that they are not only confronting a normal human adversary but also the menacing shadows of their own past. Final Life takes the viewer on an immersive journey through a labyrinth of scientific experiments, murder investigations, daunting conspiracies with peculiar twists, and a quest for the truth.

Final Life is essentially a thriller at its core, but it is more than just that. It combines crisp writing, unique characterizations, and carefully crafted suspense, highlighting a multi-layered narrative that keeps the viewer engaged throughout. The contrast in the characters of Song and Ryo adds an interesting dimension to the plot and character development. The series has done an impressive job at portraying Tokyo, underlining the dark and raw side of the city life, far from the typical glam and buzz one usually pictures while thinking about this city.

This Amazon original delivers a captivating viewing experience with its dark, gritty, and visually impressive cinematography. Further enhancing the viewing pleasure are the stunning performances of Shota Matsuda (who plays Shion Song) and Taemin (who plays Ryo), who not only makes their characters convincing but also memorable. Whether it's the futuristic facilities, grimy alleyways of Tokyo, or the crime scenes, every aspect of this series was crafted with a keen eye for detail.

In conclusion, Final Life is a series that offers an intriguing plot, engaging characters, breathtaking visuals, and an intense narrative flow. It masterfully combines various elements of thrill, suspense, science fiction, and drama, producing a thrilling crime series with a unique twist. Fans of the science fiction genre, detectives dramas, or anyone who appreciates captivated storytelling, would definitely find this series to be an enjoyable watch. The series does not only entertain but also allows the viewers the room for introspection about human existence and the value of life itself. Those interested in an intricate plot that keeps the suspense alive till the end, then this series is indeed a must-watch.