Netflix‘s January 2025 lineup is packed with exciting titles, but amidst the buzzworthy releases, some hidden gems are flying under the radar. One such underrated series is Asura, a Japanese drama written and directed by the acclaimed Hirokazu Kore-eda.
With Kore-eda at the helm, the series promises to deliver a thought-provoking and emotionally charged viewing experience. Asura is the classic “slice of life” experience and a more modern take on an older Japanese tale.
A Touching Tale of Four Sisters
The series is an intimate drama that follows the lives of four sisters – Tsunako, Makiko, Takiko, and Sakiko – each with their own unique profession and personality. As a teacher, a housewife, a librarian, and a waitress, they lead seemingly disparate lives, yet their stories intersect in fascinating ways.
The more you learn about the Takezawa sisters, the more you’ll be invested in their journeys, leaving you eager for more seasons of Asura.
Set in 1979 Japan, the series begins with Takiko riding a bicycle, accompanied by soft, whimsical music that immediately draws you in. Takiko’s phone call to one of her sisters, sharing that she has news to share but wants to gather everyone first, beautifully captures the intimate bond between sisters – a moment that may resonate deeply with many viewers.
The sisters’ lives are far from perfect, marred by flaws that make them relatable and human. While sibling relationships have been explored in many shows and movies, Asura stands out, thanks to the spark ignited by its talented lead cast: Rie Miyazawa, Machiko Ono, Yu Aoi, and Suzu Hirose.
The sisters soon learn secrets about their father and each one of them has a different take on it. While Asura as a series keeps you hooked in the sense you wouldn’t want to hit pause or increase the speed or fast forward, it also resembles life for so many people, something sci-fi and AI thrillers can’t quite achieve just yet. Asura is human. Asura is emotional. It hits the right spot from start to finish.
If you’re looking for something to watch this week, we highly recommend Asura. Hirokazu Kore-eda delivers once again, crafting a series that’s perfect for binge-watching. Invite your siblings to join in for an even more relatable experience.
With its beautiful cinematography, where every frame holds significance, Asura unfolds as a visually stunning and captivating watch.
Conclusion
Asura is a truly unique viewing experience, and it’s arguably the standout release on Netflix so far in 2025. It sets an exceptionally high bar for future series, leaving a lasting impression that will be hard to match.