I watched the last TBS Black Jack Live Action movie. BEST out of the three.
First of all, KIRIKO. And an accurate Kiriko too, unlike the YBJ drama (but that’s for another post). Second, the overarching story was intriguing yet sweet, and I really cared about the characters and the outcome. Third, BJ in top surgeon form, thwarting Kiriko by saving lives with his miracle hands. Mmm. My man.
SPEAKING OF. SHOWER SCENE WITH BJ FANSERVICE. Short, tasteful, but a loooovely look at his scar-covered back and chest, yes sir, thank you very much. Black Jack brooding in the shower is wonderful and I have no complaints.
Also the BJ/Pinoko trio? Adorable, hilarious, they’re like a Pop Group every time they enter the room with Pinoko as BJ’s backup dancers. Also the Pinoko’s are so deadpan snarky it’s awesome.
The first movie felt a lot more like the OVA - darker story, bleak look on life, melancholy and bittersweet outcome. Except BJ was more like his manga self (less stoic, more playful especially with the Pinokos, though he had plenty of ‘dark doctor’ scenes)
the second movie was good but the focus was more on other characters because BJ was injured and going through rehabilitation for most of the movie. It focused more on his feelings and smarts than on his surgery skills, which in a way was nice because you got to see this great friendship between him and his carpenter friend (the one who built his house whose character, in this movie, is merged with Tetsu the Pick-pocket), but I missed seeing his surgeries. Him outsmarting all these nasty conniving characters was great though.
the third movie though had a great balance between the secondary characters, Black Jack’s interactions with Kiriko, and the way their stories intertwined. And it even managed to be an intense medical drama while having a touching, happy ending, so kudos!
Oh, and if you’re wanting to watch these, the best bet is gonna be tv.rakuten.co.jp, but you do need a VPN or PIA to watch, plus you’ll need to sign up for a free account and rent these for 440Yen (about $4) a piece. Or you can probably find the DVDs online. I haven’t found them for free anywhere yet, but I think they’re worth it!
