Giri/Haji is a soulful thriller that intricately weaves a narrative between the bustling streets of Tokyo and the rain-soaked neighborhoods of London. At its core, the series unravels the profound ripple effects triggered by a single murder, demonstrating how one event can intertwine the lives of people across continents. The story delves into the complexities of duty and family, exploring the personal and cultural conflicts faced by Kenzo Mori, portrayed by Takehiro Hira, as he navigates this dangerous quest.
The show balances dark themes with moments of wit and daring storytelling, creating a richly textured examination of morality and the pursuit of redemption. Kelly Macdonald delivers a compelling performance as Sarah, a character whose own motivations and struggles add depth to the plot. Through its nuanced characters and layered narrative, Giri/Haji questions the nature of justice and the sacrifices one is willing to make for honor and love.
Captivating and thought-provoking, Giri/Haji offers viewers a unique blend of crime drama and psychological thriller. The dual settings of Tokyo and London are brought to life with atmospheric cinematography and a haunting score, enhancing the tension and emotional weight of the series. Ultimately, the show challenges audiences to consider how choices ripple outward in unexpected ways, shaping destinies in a web of guilt, loyalty, and hope.
Main Cast of Giri/Haji
Takehiro Hira
Kenzo Mori
Takehiro Hira plays the character Kenzo Mori in the TV series 'Giri/Haji,' portraying a Tokyo detective who travels to London to find his missing brother, navigating a complex web of crime and cultural tension. This role is significant in Hira's career as it marks one of his prominent international performances, showcasing his ability to handle a lead role in a multinational production. Unlike some of his earlier work primarily focused on Japanese cinema and television, 'Giri/Haji' allowed him to bridge Eastern and Western narratives, portraying a nuanced character caught between duty and family loyalty. His bilingual performance and deep emotional portrayal stood out, earning him recognition beyond Japan and highlighting his versatility and range as an actor compared to his previous roles.
Kelly Macdonald
Sarah
Fans of Kelly Macdonald will appreciate her role in the TV series 'Giri/Haji' as it showcases her versatility and emotional depth, similar to her most iconic performance as Margaret Thompson in '
Boardwalk Empire.' In both roles, she portrays complex, nuanced characters navigating morally ambiguous worlds, blending vulnerability with strength. An interesting detail about her casting in 'Giri/Haji' is that it marked one of her first major roles outside of a period drama, highlighting her adaptability to contemporary settings and different genres, which offers fans a fresh perspective on her acting range.
Yosuke Kubozuka
Yuto Mori
Yosuke Kubozuka played a significant role in the TV series 'Giri/Haji,' where his performance was widely praised for its depth and authenticity. He brought a distinctive intensity to his character, blending subtle emotional nuances with a compelling screen presence that set his portrayal apart from typical crime drama roles. What made Kubozuka's performance unique was his ability to convey vulnerability beneath a stoic exterior, creating a layered and memorable character that resonated with audiences. A lesser-known behind-the-scenes fact is that Kubozuka took the time to learn some basic Welsh phrases to better connect with his co-stars and immerse himself in the show's bilingual setting, demonstrating his commitment to authenticity and collaboration on set.
Will Sharpe
Rodney
Fans of Will Sharpe might enjoy his role in the TV series 'Giri/Haji' because it showcases his ability to blend nuanced drama with dark humor, traits that are hallmarks of his performances. In 'Giri/Haji', Sharpe plays a character with complex moral dimensions and emotional depth, allowing him to demonstrate his range beyond his most iconic performance as James in '
Flowers', where he masterfully combined comedy with tragic elements. An interesting and unexpected detail about his role in 'Giri/Haji' is that unlike many of his previous works, this series involves a significant cross-cultural narrative, set between London and Tokyo, highlighting his versatility and adaptability to diverse storytelling contexts.
Yuko Nakamura
Rei Mori
Fans of Yuko Nakamura will enjoy her role in the TV series 'Giri/Haji' because she brings her trademark nuanced emotional depth and subtle intensity to the character, much like in her most iconic performance in 'Kamikaze Girls.' In 'Giri/Haji,' Nakamura plays a character entangled in the complex web of duty and honor, offering a compelling mix of vulnerability and strength that mirrors the spirited individuality she showcased earlier. An interesting and unexpected detail is that Nakamura's character was initially written for a male actor, but the producers were so impressed by her audition that they reimagined the role specifically for her, adding a fresh dynamic to the storyline.
Aoi Okuyama
Taki Mori
Katsuya
Toshio
Tony Pitts
Angling
Yoshiki Minato
Jiro Yamamoto
Masahiro Motoki
Fukuhara
Justin Long
Vickers
Crew of Giri/Haji
Full backstage crew list →