Mr. Hiiragi's Homeroom: The conniving knives of Social Media

"Words can become a weapon sometimes." - Ibuki Hiiragi

Directed by Naoko Komuro, Yuma Suzuki, and Itaru Mizuno is an entertainment-packed drama with a strong message.

Quick Synopsis: San nen A gumi (Trans: Mr. Hiiragi's Homeroom) revolves around an art teacher, Ibuki Hiiragi who decides to take his students' hostage ten days before their graduation.

The series opens up with our main lead of the show Mr. Hiiragi standing on top of the roof, as he looks straight into the camera and says "my class is over". Followed by Mr. Hiiragi jumping off the roof. The scene immediately switches to teachers beginning their day with a dance routine. As we move forward, we see that the dynamics in this school are completely different from what you would expect in a normal high school. Teachers are getting bullied by their students especially our lead character, Mr. Hiiragi (Masaki Sudo).

With graduation being 10 days away, Mr. Hiiragi gathers his class and throws a surprise bomb at them (which doesn't seem that surprising to the viewers). He is holding his whole class hostage and demands them to find out why their classmate committed suicide.

This 10 episodes series was probably one with multiple plot twists. There was a story within a story. Every episode had a new character introduction, which can make the plot a little confusing but it all made sense in the end. The show touches on a lot of sensitive topics. The directors make sure to build up the intensity with the over-the-top background effects and close-ups. You'll witness a lot of character developments in the series. while the beginning few episodes talk about the tragedy of their classmate, Reina Kageyama (Moka Kamishiraishi), the second half focuses on why it happened. And that's where social media (SNS) comes in with all its glory.

Social media is like an iceberg. While you can see what's happening on the surface, you do not know what happens under the water. It's a safe space for some but that same place can turn into something so monstrous that one can't even fathom. Reina Kageyama was that one mouse who got trapped in this virtual world and couldn't find her way out, ostracised by her best friend and classmates she had no other option but to take her own life. People are quick to judge someone for their actions and humiliate them for it. In today's time, it takes one comment to ruin someone's life and make them go into this state of dilemma where they are forced to question their own morals and actions (even if they aren't in the wrong).

Ibuki Hiiragi plays the perfect anti-hero, just like a coin has two sides Mr. Hiiragi did as well. He pledged to give Reina the justice she deserves and teach his students a lesson, even if it meant traumatizing the students. Despite being a psychological drama, you can witness a comedic streak throughout the show. Yamato Takechi (Seiichi Tanabe), is a teacher at the high school who tries to monetize out of the hostage situation and gain fame and power through it. It's highly insensitive and infuriating to watch but it is a sad reality these days.

In conclusion, Mr. Hiiragi's Homeroom is a psychological, morally-stirring drama that'll make you question our society's virtues. One might think there is too much to deal with since there are a lot of plot twists but treat it as a tough lesson and watch it, cause it'll really open your eyes to how social media can pull a life apart.

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