Giri/Haji: The Unbeatable British Crime Drama That Surpasses Line of Duty
For devotees of British crime dramas, a thrilling discovery awaits: an underappreciated series that rivals and even surpasses the gold standard set by shows like Line of Duty and Broadchurch. This little-known programme has garnered extraordinary acclaim from critics and audiences alike, cementing its place as a must-watch thriller.
A Global Sensation with Flawless Reviews
The series in question is Giri/Haji, a dual-language crime drama that translates to Duty/Shame in Japanese. Initially airing on BBC Two in October 2019, it received a broader international release on Netflix in January 2020. As a joint production between Netflix and the BBC, this show has captivated viewers worldwide, achieving a flawless 100% rating on the review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes.
Written and created by Joe Barton, known for Black Doves and The Lazarus Project, Giri/Haji boasts an exceptional international ensemble cast. The lineup includes Takehiro Hira, Kelly Macdonald, Will Sharpe, Ysuke Kubozuka, Justin Long, Masahiro Motoki, Anna Sawai, and Charlie Creed-Miles. Set across London and Tokyo, the series features dialogue in both English and Japanese, adding to its unique appeal.
Plot and Critical Acclaim
The official plot centres on Tokyo detective Kenzo Mori, who scours the London underworld to find his allegedly deceased brother, Yuto. Yuto stands accused of brutally murdering the nephew of a yakuza member, an act that could trigger a gang war. Kenzo's investigation draws him into the dangerous and corrupt elements of London's criminal circuit.
Critics have heaped praise on the series, with one reviewer stating, "There is simply nothing else like this anywhere on television." Another echoed this sentiment, remarking, "If you love gangster thrillers, Giri/Haji is unbeatable." A third critic delivered a glowing assessment, noting its complexity, deadpan humour, and visual innovation, describing it as "like no thriller made in the past decade."
Audience Reactions and Cancellation Frustration
Audiences were equally bowled over by this British-Japanese production. One admirer wrote, "This is by far one of the greatest shows I have ever seen. It's artful, creative and existential in all the best ways possible." Another viewer added, "Gripping from the first moment. Intelligent script, stunning cast, brilliantly crafted. Blends thrills and humour."
Despite its acclaim, the series was axed by BBC Two and Netflix in September 2020, leaving fans devastated. One frustrated viewer commented, "This is a very classy, well acted, intelligent and witty show full of drama, action and twists. Things like this don't come along that often, an absolute gem, please can we have another series?"
Why It Stands Out
Giri/Haji cross-pollinates genres, mixing elements of a cop show, yakuza thriller, love story, anime, and family melodrama, all spiked with offbeat comedy. Its highly stylised approach includes shifts into black and white, animation, and even slow-motion interpretative ballet, making it unlike anything else on television.
For those seeking a crime drama that pushes boundaries and delivers unparalleled storytelling, Giri/Haji is available to stream on Netflix. Its legacy as a superior alternative to mainstream hits like Line of Duty continues to grow, solidifying its status as an unbeatable masterpiece in the genre.
