Makanai

A show where nothing happens (if you stick to a narrow-minded view of events on a Hollywood or Bollywood scale) that sucks you in, sinks its hooks into you, and doesn't let go until the end.

Simply beautiful. No fancy plots. No unexpected reveals. No gimmicks. Just an artfully crafted glimpse into the maiko life most people know nothing about. I know I sure didn't.

And they nail the pacing. No extreme highs that like sugar cause you to crash and burn. And no extreme lows that make you dread "uh-oh, what's coming next" whenever a joyous event occurs. The pace stays comfortable, like a warm blanket, and you can relax and marvel at the simplicity yet intricate details throughout this masterpiece.

The acting is so superb to the point you forget they are actresses and actors. And begin to think of them as real-life people living their normal everyday routines.

I've only felt this way with one other show/movie. And that is "From Up on Poppy Hill" by Studio Ghibli. Well worth a binge watch!