No spoilers. Proceed safely.

I was sceptical about watching another Japanese Netflix production because the two I have tried so far haven't been impressive. Well, “Smoking” broke that barrier to say the least. During the 6 hours I have been watching “Smoking,” not only have I been impressed but I have grown quite attached to the story, which is quite weird considering the amount of death and macabre.

❝In the end, people can't be saved. The only thing I can do is to peel away their human facade, and reveal their true nature.❞

“Smoking” was like a violent parable; four men with their individual haunting pasts assassinate people for money and somehow, despite being the bad guys that they are, I formed a bind with them. I feel bad having to quote Vin Diesel, one of America's worst actors from Fast and Furious, one of America’s trashiest movies, while describing “Smoking” but his quote is quite effective here–I don't have friends, I have family.

The four guys of Smoking, Uncle Sabe, Hifumin, Haccho and Goro are not just friends or a team. They have seen each other's darkest sides, their terrible pasts and in a way, have helped each other out of it. Sabe is like the glue which holds them together, going by the name of “The Flayer,” he is the most terrifying of them four. And no matter how many people they murder, there is a certain poetic justice to it which is moving. For such a violent show, this was unexpectedly warm.

This was also really too beautiful. They wonderfully incorporated metaphorical shots and that beige-brown aesthetic that I love. It was also graphically wretched and gut-wrenching.

The story in itself might seem mediocre and the brilliance of “Smoking” lies in its tasteful execution which blends a certain amount of mystery and intrigue, blood and gore and its morally grey characters portrayed by superb actors. Absolutely worth the watch.