Review "BG Shinpen Keigonin": a Japanese drama that sheds light on Bodyguards!

For our monthly column, we opted for a J-drama that you have already told us about, BG Shinpen Keigonin. A series full of action and in the form of missions, in a universe in direct opposition to the police and the domain of politicians. We follow the daily life of several characters including that of a former bodyguard who, after a scandal, reconnects with his past!

This review contains important elements from the J-Drama and may therefore contain spoilers. To be read at your own risk.

BG Shinpen Keigonin

Original title: BG~身辺警護人~ – BG Shinpen Keigonin

Alternative title: BG: Personal Bodyguard

Gender: Action – Drama

Country: Japan

Episodes: 9

Difusion chain: TV Asahi

Release period: January 18 to March 15, 2018

Synopsis

Akira Shimazaki lives with his son Shun, who is still in college. He worked as a bodyguard, but due to an incident, he became a simple security guard at a construction site in Hinode. The private security company Hinode where he works, establishes a new bodyguard division. She asks for the help of Akira who must nevertheless hide his past in the profession.

Main cast

Being a bodyguard

The plot of BG Shinpen Keigonin exploits the profession of bodyguard by offering us an interesting approach. We follow the character of Akira, a middle-aged man, divorced and living with his only son. A scenario that changes somewhat, from the usual story where we would be facing a neophyte learning the trade. You will, however, have this reference, with one of the protagonists assuming the said role (Seitaro), as well as those integrating the security team. Akira, our hero, will not just reconnect with his past. He will also be the focal point of the team (in addition to Yoshiaki and Aiko), thanks in part to his experience on the field.

The drama will therefore take us on various missions (a formula that is reminiscent of Healer's) in order to protect the various clients used to connect the main frame. The confrontation with the special police service (named SP) with a similar function will bring a plus, as well as useful questions and answers for the viewer. While the majority of the narrative will consist of one client per episode, the last part of the plot will focus on a serious event. Although Akira is the driving force behind the narrative, the political realm will also matter, as will the VIPs he must protect.

Evolving characters

The actor playing Akira is one of the veterans in the world of drama. He is one of those actors who has found his audience by continuing to evolve. Thus, no more roles of young first: place to an ordinary man, in search of his identity and his future. As a result, we find a lot of psychology in this series and characters that evolve.

We also have various protagonists, such as Goro, the leader of Hinode's bodyguards and former policeman. A character who would benefit from being better known by his proximity, his listening and his trust in his team. Masaya is one of Akira's rivals, both confident and against orders. The actor brings to the general atmosphere another vision of the profession that goes beyond the usual clichés. Mayu is the only woman in the group and she serves primarily as a mediator. Indeed, she gives of her person on a mission and especially during the friction between Akira and Masaya. Finally, Seitaro ranks in the young rookie category, since he is far from comfortable with his position. Nevertheless, it remains funny and useful as a support for the team.

We were talking about Akira's rivals above, however, police officer Yoshiaki could be a second, or even a third with Goro. The man has a lot of trouble with Akira and hates that he does the same job. An opposition that is found in the detail of the weapon; The police have a weapon unlike the bodyguards, fighting with their bare hands.

The universe is certainly very masculine and virile, but another actress has been able to pull out of the game: Minister Aiko. Here she plays a tortured politician in a very closed environment, and again, mostly male. A good character, although his relationship with Akira remains ambiguous and leaves a taste of unfinished.

The risks of the profession

We tend to believe that Japanese dramas are below Korean dramas, because they are shorter and lighter. BG Shinpen Keigonin doesn't just introduce us to a team facing missions. He makes us follow through the eyes of his characters, plots close to a certain reality. The series plunges both on the side of Hinode, sometimes on the side of the police team, through the entourage of Akira or that of the minister. Very different fields, but which are complementary since they need each other.

The story, in addition to addressing several topics in an interesting way, digs deep into its heroes and their weaknesses. We know that no one is a saint and everyone has a shadow that we must accept and master. The narrative's approach to the opposition bodyguard and police is well mastered thanks to the feelings conveyed by the protagonists. We particularly hung on the last episodes, which end the series in a beautiful way, always with this moral typical of the Japanese!

The J-Drama BG Shinpen Keigonin, is a nice surprise. Its history and its performers plunge us into a profession that is far from simple. The phases of opposition between the police and politics marry perfectly in a simple but rudely effective concept.

BG Shinpen Keigonin Trailer 

https://www.facebook.com/hotjpdrama/videos/%E3%80%90%E6%9C%A8%E6%9D%91%E6%8B%93%E5%93%89%E4%B8%BB%E6%BC%94%E3%80%8Abg%EF%BD%9E%E8%BA%AB%E8%BE%BA%E8%AD%A6%E8%AD%B7%E4%BA%BA%EF%BD%9E%E3%80%8B/1565570266832270/