Smoking

Smoking is a grim yet action-packed Japanese thriller series that takes a bold plunge into Tokyo's underworld syndicate. With a fresh take on the conventional revenge thriller genre, the show grapples with an interesting moral dilemma, dishing out thrilling confrontations on the smoky fringes of legality and pushing the boundaries of justice. Smoking premiered on Netflix in 2018.

Right from the first episode, the series pulls you into a world of crime, drama and action. The show largely pivots around four men: one a former Yakuza who is now a private detective, another a towering figure known as the Thug, an enigmatic man named Jay who serves as the heart and brains of the group, and finally a mysterious surgeon with incredible medical skills. Together, this quartet makes up an oddball group of underdogs, vigilante mercenaries who justify their actions under a shroud of ambiguous morality.

The backbone of Smoking lies in the undeniable allure of vendetta. The show operates on the premise "an eye for an eye," where the protagonists carry out a retributive justice by hunting down those who illegally traffic human organs. But with such a tit-for-tat philosophy comes an enduring question of moral ethics. The fact that they're avenging heart-wrenching personal losses and saving countless lives does not fully wash away the stain of their own committed crimes. This brings a considerable depth to the narratives and the characters, offering the audience an opportunity to entertain different perspectives and ponder upon the blurred lines of vengeance and justice.

The storytelling is further enriched by a grim and gritty depiction of Tokyo that stands in stark contrast to its stereotypical bright neon lights and sprawling metropolises. The evocative background scores and intense fight sequences provide the adrenaline rush that perfectly complements the dramatic, dialogue-laden scenes. Additionally, the innovative cinematography techniques used draw the viewers into the story, making them feel a part of the action.

Smoking stands out due to its nuanced character development. The lead quartet, although rugged, violent, and morally ambiguous, gradually unfurl their vulnerable, human sides as the series progresses, offering an intriguing study in contrast. Their dark pasts and emotional traumas are revealed in the most mundane of moments, hinting at their obscured motivations for vengeance.

While there is action aplenty, the show does not miss out on emotional connectivity. Viewers are likely to find themselves empathizing with the protagonists despite their dark, brutal approach towards justice. This bond is particularly prominent when the characters reveal their inner pain and conflicts, often symbolically represented by their individual smoking habits. These instances encompass the essence of the show's title, 'Smoking,' serving as a metaphor for their inner turmoil and simmering anger.

Even though the show is deeply entrenched in the world of yakuza and illegal organ trafficking, it remains more than an action-packed, mafia-culture centric series. It deals with issues of loss, grief and quest for justice while pushing the viewer to question if the ends really can justify the means. The realistic portrayal of these themes is juxtaposed with hyperbolized violence, making Smoking an untraditional, noir-esque thriller that captivates the audience with its audacious charisma.

In an era saturated with formulaic television series, Smoking undoubtedly etches a unique stroke with its smoking guns and a no-holds-barred approach to the gritty reality of crime and justice. It brings a remarkable perspective on vengeance, highlighting the emotional wreckage, ethical quandaries, and bitter aftermaths that come along.

However, the show is not for the faint-hearted. The sequences are unabashedly violent, with brutal physical combat and explicit imagery that emphasize the horrific nature of the crimes being avenged. Viewer discretion is advised, as the unflinching portrayals of violence and blood might not sit well with everyone.

Fearlessly venturing into the inhospitable terrains of ethical quandaries and visceral violence, Smoking leaves a lingering afterburn of relentless action, introspective dialogue, and a disquieting realization of human nature's dark inclinations. This Japanese thriller series holds a promise of raw, breathless entertainment for those willing to embrace its truculent charm.