Watch Paprika

Paprika is a Japanese live-action drama series that aired in 2018. It is based on the popular manga of the same name by Moto Hagio, which was first serialized in the 1970s. The show centers around the lives of four women who all attended the same all-girls' school in the 1960s and have recently reunited in their fifties.

The four women are Yasuko (Mariko Kaga), Ryo (Miyoko Akaza), Mieko (Fujio Tokita), and Sonoko (Yoko Nogiwa). Each of them has their own unique personality and backstory, which is gradually revealed over the course of the series. Yasuko is a successful businesswoman who has become estranged from her family, Ryo is a former actress who is struggling with her health, Mieko is a writer who is dealing with writer's block, and Sonoko is a retired teacher who is keeping a tragic secret from her past.

The series begins with the four women reuniting for the first time in decades at their school's 50th anniversary celebration. As they reminisce about their school days, they realize how much they have changed and how much they have to catch up on. They decide to form a book club, and their first book is the classic science fiction novel "Paprika" by Yasutaka Tsutsui.

The book club becomes a regular meeting place for the women, and they soon discover that they have much more in common than they initially thought. They all have personal struggles that they are trying to overcome, and they find comfort in each other's company. The show explores themes of friendship, aging, family, and love, as the women navigate the challenges of their lives and each other along the way.

The title of the series, "Paprika," refers to the book that the women are reading, which is about a researcher who invents a device that allows people to enter and experience each other's dreams. The concept of the book becomes a metaphor for the women's own experiences, as they delve deeper into each other's lives and reveal their own dreams and aspirations.

The show is beautifully shot and features stunning Japanese landscapes and architecture. The acting is also top-notch, with each of the four lead actresses delivering nuanced and heartfelt performances. The show balances moments of humor and levity with more serious and emotional scenes, making for a well-rounded viewing experience.

One of the strengths of the show is how it portrays the realistic struggles that women face as they age. The four women are all dealing with different challenges, from health issues to family conflicts to career setbacks. But rather than being portrayed as victims or martyrs, they are shown as resilient and strong, facing their problems head-on and finding ways to each other through their difficulties.

Overall, Paprika is a touching and poignant drama that explores the complexities of female friendship and the challenges of aging. It's a beautifully-crafted series that is sure to resonate with viewers of all ages.