Tokyo Vice
HBO Max | Release Date: April 7, 2022
8.2
USER SCORE
Universal acclaim based on 35 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
30
Mixed:
3
Negative:
2
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User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
7
TVJerryApr 8, 2022
This is based on the autobiographical novel by Jake Adelstein about an American journalist who becomes embroiled in a scandal involving the Japanese crime syndicate, better known as yakuza. Ansel Elgort (and his floppy hair) are cast in theThis is based on the autobiographical novel by Jake Adelstein about an American journalist who becomes embroiled in a scandal involving the Japanese crime syndicate, better known as yakuza. Ansel Elgort (and his floppy hair) are cast in the lead and he generates a compelling performance. His Japanese is also impressive (he spent 4 hours a day for a month). Despite the continuous prejudice from many around him, his character manages to befriend a local cop (Ken Watanabe). Together they take on the criminal underworld. Michael Mann directed the first episode to set the style, no doubt, but this is no relation to his TV hit Miami Vice. It does feature Mann's propensity for dark settings. The script is interesting enough with the cultural aspects deepening the relevance. Overall, it's a solid police/journalist drama. NOTE: In English with plenty of subtitled Japanese. (Review based on the first 3 of 8 one-hour episodes. Additional shows drop on Thursdays.)… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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10
woollyshaftApr 26, 2022
Set in Tokyo, during the 90's, involves the Yakuza, Michael Mann had a hand in it. If none of these things move the needle for you, then this show won't be for you - go watch your comic book shows. Otherwise, you can't miss out on this show!
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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10
tomplayerApr 28, 2022
This was such a good surprise, it felt amazing from start to finish. Every single actor was so on point, they all did an amazing job. I'm really, really looking forward to a second season!
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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9
TalkTeaVApr 7, 2022
Tokyo Vice is a dark, gritty drama that builds intrigue from the very beginning. The criminals have deep traditions like the Sopranos. The police and the crimes committed are violent and shocking, similar to The Wire, and the cinematographyTokyo Vice is a dark, gritty drama that builds intrigue from the very beginning. The criminals have deep traditions like the Sopranos. The police and the crimes committed are violent and shocking, similar to The Wire, and the cinematography is dark, like Boardwalk Empire. It's everything you want in a classic HBO Mobster/Gangster story with a very talented ensemble.

As always, if you made it this far, thanks for reading, and if you watch this series, let me know what you think.

Stay Channel Surfing!

Damian at TalkTeaV… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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9
OrangepeelManApr 21, 2022
Great show other than when its focusing on Samantha which has been kinda boring. Very good season finale and every single storyline was left on a cliffhanger
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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9
AlliDoisWatchTvApr 21, 2022
So far I am loving it, I have watched a lot of tv shows and movies and this show so far has been really good. I like the pacing, I like the acting and the vibes but I just wish they casted better female leads. I have no idea who the two femSo far I am loving it, I have watched a lot of tv shows and movies and this show so far has been really good. I like the pacing, I like the acting and the vibes but I just wish they casted better female leads. I have no idea who the two fem leads and no offense they arent that good looking (the non japanese ones). Other then that everything else has been pretty good.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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10
SoroushNApr 28, 2022
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The way of story telling is awesome I love it .I hope that HBO max decided to make the second season… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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9
DefozzJun 1, 2022
An interesting take on the noir formula. Has you guessing throughout the show while surprising you with curveballs all the way through. Realistic characters and a different atmosphere that was refreshing. Definitely worth the watch!
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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10
eliasmpJun 3, 2022
Wonderful cinematography, great pacing, interesting setting, and the characters are very watchable
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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10
zaebobaOct 20, 2022
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. noir + japan = awesome
I like that it's realistic and not overpowering.
watched the whole thing in the same breath, a bit like a "true detective"… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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3
Data1001Apr 8, 2022
Look, I can't deny that this is a pretty well-made show. It's well shot, fairly decently acted... but it didn't draw me in at all. After the first episode, I decided that was enough. There's too much really good television out there (much ofLook, I can't deny that this is a pretty well-made show. It's well shot, fairly decently acted... but it didn't draw me in at all. After the first episode, I decided that was enough. There's too much really good television out there (much of which I still need to catch up on, like Better Call Saul) for me to spend time watching something with a story and characters that I couldn't care less about.… Expand
2 of 7 users found this helpful25
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2
EludiumQ36Jun 10, 2022
"Tokyo Vice" (S01, 8-eps, 50+ mins, HBOmax) is a drama series about an American reporter, who speaks fluent Japanese, embedded in Tokyo. As a cub reporter, he initially is assigned to cover the police beat. Though it has good production"Tokyo Vice" (S01, 8-eps, 50+ mins, HBOmax) is a drama series about an American reporter, who speaks fluent Japanese, embedded in Tokyo. As a cub reporter, he initially is assigned to cover the police beat. Though it has good production values, its execution is really poor. The pacing is WAY too slow for a docu/crime-drama. Scenes linger for WAY too long. I couldn't endure two eps even. Then there's the anti-American racism on display that goes without challenge, ugh. Finally, the series is very Japanese-centric, so there's more foreign/subtitled dialogue than English, dbl ugh.… Expand
0 of 3 users found this helpful03
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4
TrajanMVNSep 10, 2023
Such a mixed bag. In general the Japanese actors and storylines are engaging. The American actors are terrible, stupid, and deeply unlikable. Not enough Michael Mann in this Michael Mann project.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
gingerninja11May 19, 2023
favorite show of the year. great characters that learn, grow, and develop. immersive environments that make you feel like you're there. beware having uncontrollable urges to eat japanese food or travel to japan.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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4
RobertJamesApr 29, 2022
Production value is top notch BUT I was very disappointed by the performance of Ansel Elgort, he is so clearly outshone by everyone else and gives another dull performance after the one in West Side Story, it makes you very much aware thatProduction value is top notch BUT I was very disappointed by the performance of Ansel Elgort, he is so clearly outshone by everyone else and gives another dull performance after the one in West Side Story, it makes you very much aware that you're watching someone who is acting, I'm not buying that his character is actually struggling and has a difficult past. Especially Ken Watanabe makes that so obvious, such a great perfomance with so much depth and mystery, it makes you wonder why he isn't the center of this story. What a waist. This could've been a great show but it's not even close to a show like Pachinko - which is a masterpiece.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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