Netflix ‘masterful’ series from Oscar-nominated filmmaker has 100% on Rotten Tomatoes

Fans are ‘begging’ people to watch the ‘masterful’ new series Asura after it arrived on Netflix earlier this month.

The Japanese limited series is written and directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda who scored international acclaim after winning Cannes’ prestigious award, the Palme D’Or, for his Oscar-nominated feature Shoplifters.

Asura is a modern reimagining of the popular 70s family drama, Like Asura, and features Japan’s biggest stars including Rie Miyazawa, Machiko Ono, Yu Aoi, and Suzu Hirose.

And it has already left an impression on critics after landing a rare 100% on Rotten Tomatoes.

The seven-episode scandal-ridden show follows ‘four distinct sisters’ in 1979 Tokyo whose discovery of their ageing father’s affair causes all of their lives to unravel as long-held secrets and volatile emotions burst to the fore.

The ‘slice of life’ series – the name of which means demigods in Buddhist cosmology – ‘resonates across cultures with universal family dynamics’ and has already been hailed by critics as one of the year’s best shows so far.

Asura, from award-winning director Hirokazu Kore-eda, has just landed on Netflix (Picture: Netflix)

It’s a modern take on a beloved Japanese drama from the 70s (Picture: Netflix)

Get your teeth into this ‘complex’ family drama (Picture: Netflix)

Decider praised the rich character backstories and stellar acting which sets Asura apart.

The review reads: ‘These complex performances and realistically woven story threads are the backbone of a drama that’s not simply a soap opera, but a delicately balanced story of the plight of women. 

‘Not simply women who are cheated on, but all women who are forced to comply with – or defy – whatever is expected of them due to age, class status, duty, or anything else.’

Daily Beast called it ‘consistently warm and amusing’, adding: ‘At once moving and mirthful, it’s a tale fit for any age, and one that, with any luck, is only just getting started.’

And specifically hailed Hirokazu as ’empathetic, nimble, and masterful’.

The Nightly dubbed it a ‘rare feat in storytelling’, saying: ‘There’s so much shade and texture to these characters that by the end, you feel as if you know them.’

And AV Club praised the acting, adding: ‘The four performers are so in tune with their characters that their interactions become immersive when they’re fighting out loud, snickering over jokes, or sharing comforting hugs after tragedy strikes.’

There is plenty of excitement for the drama online, although people were initially surprised at its sudden appearance on the streaming platform.

‘Watched the first episode. Binging the rest tomorrow. Kore-eda hits the mark. Fire,’ @br0lic said on X.

‘A new Kore-eda series dropped on Netflix and nobody f**king has a clue?? Not like Kore-eda is one of our best living directors or anything,’ @mehrunkigalati shared.

‘A tale fit for any age’ one critic praised (Picture: Netflix)

‘Begging you all to watch this and making it big, because it f**king rocks,’ @geofferyreads shared.

‘HIROKAZU KOREEDA HAS A TV SHOW? OH MY GOD,’ @mochiicreams added.

‘OH I AM SEATEDDDDD,’ @stnync shared.

‘Imma go prepare myself emotionally first because Kore-eda always delivers, that’s father,’ @ginxlocke posted.

‘I’m so ready for this…. Kore-eda’s work speaks to my very soul every single time,’ @isapipedream echoed.

Non-English dramas have thrived on Netflix with Squid Game season two comfortably securing mammoth viewing figures and other shows such as Money Heist and Lupin also impressing global fans.

Hirokazu has an impressive back catalogue (Picture: Monica Schipper/Getty Images)

Kore-eda’s last project was the 2023 feature Monster which debuted at a stunning 96% on Rotten Tomatoes.

The film follows a young boy whose mother starts demanding answers from his teacher when he starts behaving strangely and ultimately uncovers a heartfelt truth.

Reflecting on his source of inspiration for his work, he told A Rabbit’s Foot: ‘Meeting people. Talking to people. Watching the news on TV.

‘I tend to get most of my ideas while moving from one place to another, on the train, or a plane.

‘When I get on a mode of transportation, I think “I hope I get some good ideas this time.” There are five or six films I’ve been hoping to make for a long time. I’m just deciding which one to start with next year.’

Asura is now streaming on Netflix.

This article was first published on January 13.

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