Based on a manga, this eleven episode drama about bullying in high school stars the young accomplished actress Kii Kitano as Ayumu. She goes to high school in place of her best friend, who ends up killing herself about it. Ayumu is befriended by Manami (a very effective Saki Fukada), and treats others in her circle less well, until one of the girls on the outs misconstrues Ayumu's attempt to help Manami by speaking to her boyfriend Sako (Yoshiko Hosoda, who has a few dark secrets in this drama). Ayumu ends up getting bullied in various ways, made to feel like an outcast. This escalates and the drama really turns sinister. Parents of school age children should watch this as a warning, to know what is going on. Save for one teacher, the principal and the other teachers turn a blind eye to what's going on. Although it isn't perfect, I finished every episode wanting to see the next and I really began to intensely dislike a few characters, a ringing endorsement for watching. Its always great to see Kii Kitano's work, and she did this a few years ago. You won't forget it soon, and the social message is loud, clear and fairly in your face. Very highly recommended.
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