 |
|
DVD Box
Soundtrack
|
| Synopsis |
|---|
| Originally a novel by Yamasaki Toyoko, and later a 1974 movie. Manpyo Teppei is an executive managing director of a steel firm. The book depicts the conflicts within the Manpyo family, which is famous in Kansai's financial circles, amidst the tumultuous reorganisation of the financial industry of 1970s. Unlike the book, the eldest son, Teppei, and not the father, Daisuke, will be the central character of the story. | | Fuji TV |
| Drama Reviews (17) |
|---|
!!WARNING!!
The review section may contain spoilers! Please understand
that you may find out about this drama's endings and plots!
| | 1. | Pay attention or you may get lost [Rating: 7/10]
I have to be honest. This drama didn't catch my attention until the last few episodes. I struggled through it because of all the financial talk, a topic that rarely interests me. That's not to say that this is a bad drama in any way.
Along with the financial storyline, this story basically revolves around the strife between a father and son and their rich, yet dysfunctional family. As each episode goes on, it shows how a seemingly-perfect family also has its flaws and its share of dark and dirty secrets.
Kimura Takuya was excellent as the lead character in this drama. He was dashing and very likeable as Manpyo Teppei, the elder son of the Manpyo clan. Another noteworthy character is Takasu Aiko (Suzuki Kyoka), the scheming mistress of Manpyo Daisuke. She is cool as ice and just the type of character that you love to hate.
With such a grand cast and a great storyline, I wish that this drama was more watchable than people made it seem. Or maybe I watched it when I was in the wrong mood or didn't pay attention to it enough. Whatever the case, I do recommend this, but only if you're into mature storylines. (Fangirls/boys need not apply.) | | Reviewed by sadacori on 17 September 2007 | | 2. | Kimura is Back [Rating: 8/10]
After Pride and Engine I was starting to wonder if Kimura was just going to end up doing roles that would just keep his popularity at a peak, playing the cool guy cliche. Karei naru Ichizoku definitely surprised me, being Kimura's best drama since Good Luck!! and easily his best performance since One Million Stars Falling From The Sky.
Karei is a mature drama, both character and dialogue heavy. Great direction and music, the only problems end up being with some of the story and characters. Although it is an intelligent drama in the business parts, the romantic relationships are very soapish and border on ridiculous at times. It is also some times predictable; Kimuras character seemingly doing no wrong through a lot of the show.
Still for the most part it works and is pretty powerful throughout. The ending episode is definitely the high point and takes the drama from being cheesy to meaningful. If you're looking for another Pride this isn't it but if you're interested in a substantial drama that succeeds in doing something different, I suggest you check this out. | | Reviewed by sucigam on 28 March 2007 | | 3. | 1st of many father dramas. Doze off & u get lo [Rating: ?/10]
Suzuki Kyoka's presence as the mistress was awesome in comparison to her miget rival. The music score is great
I just feel the drama didn't do as well as Shiroi Kyoto which also carries a controversial theme and was also written for a different era, a trademark of the authoress. The film set, make-up and costume setting were too modern for the 1960s. Taking Shanghai's coastline as Tokyo in the 1960s added to the distraction in this whole drama because that coastline is unmistakenably Shanghai's famous landmark !
This is the first time i see Takuya in so many monologues - tough job but nonetheless, this is Takuya's best piece.
My palms are sweaty everytime there the music reaches a climax.too intense.
BTW, the opening scene of Karei is so captivating that I suspect HK-TVB's new drama, The Drive of Life, did a copycat of Karei in their opening too. | | Reviewed by Eyeyore on 27 August 2007 | | 4. | Simply the best [Rating: 10/10]
This drama intensely depicts love, hatre, passion, lies, truth, betrayal and sadness between the characters in the story.
Although, the background of the story is not modern, human nature and emotion never change. In order to survive, people will do anything to achieve their goal. And this is the darkest side of human.
I admire Manpyo Teppei's passion to archieve his business goal, I sympathy his relationship with his parents. I would like to see how he survive and become stronger when facing all the crisis in his life.
If it was 5 years ago, I would not interested in these kind of drama, too much politics in the big family and society.
Today I love this drama very very much. Simply because I have deeper thoughts. | | Reviewed by takara51244 on 8 February 2007 | | 5. | Only Takuya but nothing else [Rating: ?/10]
Takuya Kimura might have been the most popular actor among many other Japanese fans, however, in my personal opinion, in all his TV series which I have seen, I can only saw "Takuya Kimura" himself but hardly the characters he acted in. Acting is such a challenging career and it proves your skill to "act". For me, he can't be counted as a good actor. He is always his own self. Honestly, starting from the first chapter, just seeing his hair style, I wonder whether the 'Executives' in the late 60's in Japan, in particular, would wear that Takuya hair style ? ...... needless to say more...
The plot however, is very interesting. It shows how people could be so ruthless and cruel...c'est la vie... bad guy lives.... | | Reviewed by Tukata on 19 March 2008 | | 6. | Intense!! [Rating: 9/10]
As expected of Kimura Takuya, another strong dorama. The change from a romantic dorama to one more focused on politics and business seems to be an interesting change in direction. Given the star-studded cast, this dorama did not disappoint and the scripting and plot were masterfully done. However, there was perhaps too much of a lack on emphasis on the development of the supporting characters thus weakening the overall feel of the dorama, making it seem too focussed simply on the battles of Daisuke and Teppei. Music was quite appropriate and the ending was a rather unique turn of events. If intensity is what you're looking for, this is definitely the dorama for you! | | Reviewed by Shindou on 25 March 2007 | | 7. | sugoi, sugoi, sugoi!!!!!! [Rating: 10/10]
absolutely sugoi dorama!!!! it's very top class drama. highest recommended to watch. Mampyo Teppei dream can be influenced so many people to move their heart!!! the best drama I've ever seen in my life. The plot is not only a romance. it's full of intric, politics, father-son battles and other conflict that make it so complex. but the great is the story can walk on through the way and not making the viewer confuse with it's complexity. The character is definately strong, the chemistry between them is superb!!!. The best acting From Kimura Takuya-Sama so far. It's gonna be the long lasting dorama ever.... | | Reviewed by iwan on 20 July 2007 | | 8. | politics [Rating: 9/10]
great acting by the cast. i don't usally get hooked by stories which involved too much politics but i greatly enjoy this one! good to see kimura takuya taking up this kind of refreshing role rather than his usual hero-type love-eccentric role. nice try.
would love to see teppei staying strong and tough as usual rather than going to this path he chose at the end - kind of discouraging to see him giving up and running away from things after all his courageous fight with the others. kimura and hasegawa look perfect as a couple! hope to see them as an on-screen pair more often. | | Reviewed by leftleg on 8 April 2007 | | 9. | sob, sob!! [Rating: 9/10]
this drama was simply AMAZING - I knew Kimura Takuya was supposed to be quite popular but I prefer school dramas so was avoiding all of his but I caved in and I'm glad I did coz this was just...wow...He's such a good actor, almost like a Japanese Al Pacino =P. I actually sobbed proper tears during this, especially at the end. I'd have given it a 10 if it weren't for such a devistating ending =S | | Reviewed by KimiJaciKai on 21 September 2008 | | 10. | Simply great! Getting Chills down my spine all the [Rating: 10/10]
Exactly what you can expect from Takuya, needless to say, the other cast members are also excellent. A story about Japans extreme economical rise after WWII, with Takuya as the main lead as director of a steal firm. If you're a bit interested in politics and economics as well as romance and drama, this is the thing for you, don't even hesistate, watch it now! | | Reviewed by Doff on 5 February 2007 | | 11. | A CHANGE.. [Rating: 10/10]
this drama has a very interesting plot n twists in the story really different fm the other j dramas..really interesting n unpredictable especially for the ending..this drama has a touch of everything..romance, family, politics etc..HIGHLY RECOMMENDED TO WATCH!! | | Reviewed by fre3domlin on 1 August 2008 | | 12. | Bravo!! [Rating: 10/10]
Another climax of Kimura's series. Definitely can be nominated as the best actor this year. The storyline is indeed impressive. Good plots of politics and business. It requires deeper thoughts than most of the other dramas. | | Reviewed by Saint Seiya on 6 April 2007 | | 13. | Must See! [Rating: 10/10]
I watched many many doramas, but no dorama such was moving like "Karei".
An epic and big story and great score.
It is very intense. Even hard men will cry... eventhough it is no love story! | | Reviewed by JapanAi on 5 July 2008 | | 14. | S T A R S T U D D E D!! [Rating: 8/10]
Very interesting story, great music. Kimura's acting in this movie was superb. A bit more serious dorama about a man's struggle to make his dream come true. | | Reviewed by 8thSin on 16 December 2006 | | 15. | Best ever!! [Rating: 10/10]
For me, it's the best dorama ever acted by Kimutaku..
No wonder he won an award for this role.. | | Reviewed by yon on 19 May 2008 | | 16. | Karei naru Ichizoku [Rating: 9/10]
Interesting drama. I usually don't like dramas on politics but this one I finished it in 4days. | | Reviewed by JChang on 25 April 2007 | | 17. | Brilliant work [Rating: 10/10]
another brilliant work from takuya
the ending was soooooooo touching
but WHY????????? | | Reviewed by ester_grace on 7 December 2010 |
|
| Comments From Users (104) |
|---|
!!WARNING!!
This section may contain spoilers! Do not proceed if you
do not want to read about this drama's endings and plots!
| | 1. | Comments by donna8157 [Rating: 10/10]
I don't know what it is, but I can always trust that whatever Kimura Takuya is in, it'll be a hit. It's partially because he's such a great actor and I love seeing him on screen doing what he does best, but also because he just picks the best scripts in the Jdrama market. I guess if you're as big as Kimura Takuya, you'd have first pick in what you want to act in and I'm glad that he chooses such difficult roles to play.
In "Karei Naru Ichizoku" Kimura Takuya plays the son of a wealthy banker post World War II when Japan is suffering from the reorganization of the financial leaders. Small businesses are literally being "eaten up" by the larger corporations. Even in the midst of this, Manpyo Teppei has a dream and that dream is in the steel industry. He wants it to become large and something to contribute to Japan's growing economy. However, he stumbles across many roadblocks (most of them put up thanks to his father).
The story is very grabbing and told in such a perspective that is completely new to most audiences. It was interesting to hear the "battle plans" amongst the bankers, it was just as intense as a real war. Teppei's character was inspiring and his story is both intense and beautiful. The ending was particularly heartbreaking. I'd have to admit that this was one of Kimura Takuya's best works. I loved it. | | 2. | Comments by ScrappedShinigami [Rating: 10/10]
An absolutely fantastic drama! This is definitely one of the most underrated dramas out there, I think because of it's setting and dark storyline.
It's one of the most powerful dramas that I have ever seen. The acting was all top notch. (Another star performance from KimuTaku)
I found the whole Father-Son-Grandfather story fascinating, I was expecting what happened in episode 8 from the very start but the twist at the very end (in regards to this triangle) was VERY unexpected and extremely upsetting.
It may not have made me cry all the way through like 1 Litre of Tears, but the last episode of this show made me cry harder than any other show I have ever seen.
It won't be everyone's cup of tea (Definitely NOT a fangirl drama) but I really enjoyed it!!! (It's up there with the best in my opinion) | | 3. | Comments by yurifly [Rating: 9/10]
9.5 for me. The best performance I've seen of Takuya. I was getting tired of his "idol"-like characters, the ideal prince charming that never does anything wrong when I watched this drama. Here he reminded me of the reason why he is Japan's superstar. The drama is nothing like all those cheesy-love story he was in before. It's intense, full of trickery, deceit and all the worst, and best possible emotions. All of the characters are developed very well and the line between antagonist and protagonist is blurred. I find myself hating and sympathizing some characters at the same time, i.e, Manpyo Daisuke who I believe is a victim as much as he is the antagonist. The only reason why I didn't give the drama a 10 is bc Ginpei is a bit too perfect to be real, despite all his human emotions. | | 4. | Comments by Inujun [Rating: 9/10]
Excellent family drama with politics, conflict, deception, betrayal, trust, believes...almost everything you would want to see in a heavy family feud storyline. Even then, the story manages to grip the viewer right after the first 2 episodes, keeping you heavily anticipating what would happen next. Many touching moments, many disappointing too since 80-90% of the characters were unlikable. Also the ending dragged out a bit but understandable considering the ending was type of... unexpected. I still don't understand why Teppei wanted to do that but well...thats to add to a powerful conclusion probably. Anyway good acting, great orchestral music, intense plot, thats more than what I need. Not recommended for people who want a more light hearted feel-good story though. | | 5. | Comments by Shindou [Rating: 9/10]
An intense drama about politics, rivalry and family. Kimura Takuya led a strong cast and did a fine job portraying the conflicts within the Manpyo family. The music reflected the tense atmosphere for the most part and the tumultuous plot lumbered on from beginning to end relentlessly. However, strong as the plot was, one of the casualties in the adaptation was the weakness of the development of many of the side characters. While the main story clearly dominated, it would've done even better by rounding out a number of the supporting characters. Overall though, this is definitely a great dorama, intense to the end!! | | 6. | Comments by leftleg [Rating: 10/10]
great acting by the cast. i don't usally get hooked by stories which involved too much politics but i greatly enjoy this one! good to see kimura takuya taking up this kind of refreshing role rather than his usual hero-type love-eccentric role. nice try.
would love to see teppei staying strong and tough as usual rather than going to this path he chose at the end - kind of discouraging to see him giving up and running away from things after all his courageous fight with the others. kimura and hasegawa look perfect as a couple! hope to see them as an on-screen pair more often. | | 7. | Comments by compaqmac321 [Rating: 10/10]
wow.............every once in a while i come across a show that makes me think, hm, why didnt i watch this earlier, indeed this was one of those show.....casting was amazing, truly amazing, the story was perfect......this show was so powerful, so great, it made me have a certain feeling for each and every character....kimura takuya did an amazing job......some of his BEST work. wow, this will definitely go in my top shows list....i cant say enough good things about this show...there arent that many serious shows that i like, this and shiroi kyoto are the only two so far | | 8. | Comments by moonchyld [Rating: 8/10]
powerful performance from takuya!! cried really bad the last episode.. the plot was very good.. the only problem is i feel the drama was focused too much on being an adaptation of a novel, in a way that it always reminded you that it was based on a novel (ie the narrator would describe how the actors felt as if you were reading the book, etc).. i also felt they were overly emphasizing aesthetics, which i felt made them forget about just how powerful the storyline and characters are and how that would've been enough to deliver a magnificent drama. | | 9. | Comments by SayaOtonashi [Rating: 8/10]
Intense, solemn, with a heavy atmosphere (thanks to the incredible music). I don't really know if this show was good or not. I mean, it's the first soap opera-like dorama I've ever seen. The ending was really good and I enjoyed watching it all the way through, but on the other hand I found it too soapy, specially for the relationships within the family. I think 60-70s was not very well portrayed. Story was a bit complex when talking about economy but plot was really good. And I cried at the end. So I assume it was good, a 'classic' maybe? :D | | 10. | Comments by seeshu [Rating: 10/10]
Everything in this drama is just about perfect - especially Kimura Takuya, who was more than excellent. At first I thought a drama about banks an the steel industry would be boring, but sometime after the 2nd or 3rd episode I was hooked. The first part of the story might seem a little stale, but the pacing and the plot picked up very quickly. The sets, costumes, cinematography and music are also very well done. Very touching and moving - not your usual melodramatic fare. | | 11. | Comments by Swedish_Japan_Lover [Rating: 8/10]
Extremly sad drama, though i'm pretty irritated about the last 5-6 minutes of it.
Liked it because of the music and the twisted family relationship, however it could get pretty slow and since i'm not interested in financial things i didn't understand the whole bank-steel company competition, but i dont think you have to, when it goes bad or good youll notice, sometimes too many close-ups on kimitaku instead of actually get to the point.
i do recommend it though! | | 12. | Comments by Nermal [Rating: 8/10]
Very nice performance from the cast of actors. Kimutaku fans will like it, other people like me will still enjoy it. The only thing is I hope you are interest into economics and political issues as it is the main theme of the story.
Based on the book by Yamasaki Toyoko, the drama rendered the story much better than the movie did. I would not call it a must-see... but it is however worth watching. | | 13. | Comments by atheon [Rating: 9/10]
May 2007: One of the best drama this year. Kimura managed to 'hide' his trademark looks in this, he proved that he can play just about any roles. The storyline is so engaging and I ended up watching few episodes at once, couldn't bear all the suspense. I feel like crying every time Desperado plays T.T The ending caught me. | | 14. | Comments by GIGI [Rating: 10/10]
One of the best if not the best work of Kimura Takuya in a dorama. You can see all the emotions of his character through his eyes. It's a drama that you would love to recommend to other people but would not want to watch again for the tragedy that you will surely still remember. Kimura Takuya wa subarashii desu. | | 15. | Comments by williu [Rating: 9/10]
A drama of epic proportions. High budget, fantastic acting, complex characters and a deep, emotional, psychological and philosophical story. In the beginning it can get difficult to keep up with the plot-twists, but one is soon hooked and understands what it's all about. This drama is pure greatness. | | 16. | Comments by DukeGonzalez [Rating: 10/10]
The best drama i ever watched, full of twist, dramatic and sad ending plus very inspiring in business aspects.. excellent acting from kimutaku and "Manpyo Daisuke"... both are very strong character in the drama.. could be my all time favourite although its kinda a heave or unless "change" beat it.. | | 17. | Comments by DragonSpirit164 [Rating: 9/10]
This is fantastic. I didn't think I'd like it at first, but the storyline was so engaging I couldn't help but keep watching to see if Teppei got one over his dad in the end. Takuya was really nicely casted as Teppei, and his performance was top class I feel. Recommended!~ | | 18. | Comments by Hemilya [Rating: 10/10]
It is the best dorama with Kimura-san ever. Not for entertainment, but to realize the true values of one's life, the difference between your wants and what you really have to do you should watch these series. You won't ever regret spending time on 'Karei-naru Ichizoku'. | | 19. | Comments by tAz [Rating: 10/10]
love love LOVE TAKUYA. this drama kinda he;lped expand his talents i feel. its a really heartwrenching story. the last ep is a total tearjerker and the whole drama pretty good. i wasnt expecting it. anyway. hello? its takuya! who would wanna miss his dramas?! | | 20. | Comments by loveaomori [Rating: 4/10]
Bad,you shouldn't put a good mark to it because it's a dorama more intellectual than the others. First of all, if you want economic or politic issues don't watch a dorama. It's the first time I'm disapointed by kimutaku's acting. Bad. Watchable but BAD. | | 21. | Comments by chibichan [Rating: 10/10]
one of the best Kimura Takuya's dorama, i cried a lot in the last two episodes, especially when Daisuke Manpyo tell Teppei that he wish Teppei never exist, and because of that Teppei decided to end his live. Such a tragic story | | 22. | Comments by Mali [Rating: 10/10]
Great dorama. Very sophisticated, quite complicated too. Sometimes a little hard to understand for my poor level of japanese, but still, highly enjoyable. Relationship within your own family is sometimes so difficult... | | 23. | Comments by aoi_dolphine [Rating: 10/10]
This one I got to give it a 10 not because it's a Takuya drama. The casting really deserves it. Great casting with darker story in this family. A must watch for any Takuya fans. If not watch this for the plot. | | 24. | Comments by cheery [Rating: 10/10]
I am not really a fan of Takuya, but I really like this show. It has family problems, politics and dark past. All the stuffs that I like within one show. Teppei san is indeed a very respectable person. | | 25. | Comments by Ezalor [Rating: 9/10]
A piece of art. Propably the best for 2007. Very good, twisted story, perfect actors, cool vintage look, a killer soundtrack, and KimuTaku. I think this deserves 9 points. Will definetely watch again. | | 26. | Comments by yanaliao [Rating: 8/10]
Ahh... I cried a bucket of tears for it. I give it an 8 because I really don't re-watch heavy dramas... that's why I took off 2 points for the heavy drama. Bought the Original HK version of this. | | 27. | Comments by KAZdoramma [Rating: 8/10]
Really good dorama as again and again Kimutaku proves to be a promising actor. Consisting of very good actors the dorama is a bit too serious for my liking but still nonetheless, worth watching! | | 28. | Comments by ffrostte [Rating: 8/10]
A very nice drama, great production, good pot and great cast!! Will definitely recommend this one!
And ... I guess I am one of the rare ones out there who actually like the ending~! :p | | 29. | Comments by ongrina82 [Rating: 10/10]
A very serious type of drama. I personally thought that I won't be able to "get use" to this type of drama but this is really nice! Even my mum had watched twice. The ending was sad.. | | 30. | Comments by youhei_mito [Rating: 3/10]
couldnt finish the 2nd disc even after 3 fervent attempts. ^^; however i took its rating up a couple of notches coz my mom actually cried watching this drama. oh well. |
|
Read all 104 comments from users
| Users who voted for this drama (45) |
|---|
| 1. | leftleg
great acting by the cast. i don't usally get hooked by stories which involved too much politics but i greatly enjoy this one! good to see kimura takuya taking up this kind of refreshing role rather than his usual hero-type love-eccentric role. nice try.
would love to see teppei staying strong and tough as usual rather than going to this path he chose at the end - kind of discouraging to see him giving up and running away from things after all his courageous fight with the others. kimura and hasegawa look perfect as a couple! hope to see them as an on-screen pair more often. | | 2. | ScrappedShinigami
One of the most powerful and memorable dramas I have ever seen!
A FANTASTIC cast. An extremely clever story and a very unexpected twist at the end.
It may have made me cry a lot, which usually loses points in my voting system, but this drama left such an impression on me, I had to vote for it! | | 3. | tiktok
This drama was amazing. One of my favorites from Kimura. It was so deep and meaningful and definetly teached you something. I just loved how they portrayed the relatioship between Teppei and Daisuke. It was really great. I would highly recommend it to anyone. | | 4. | liquidlzero
i was just blown away with this drama....from the sets to the acting..this is a must see...i usually don't watch drama focused shows but this one just kept me glued to my seat...if you haven't seen this go see it!!! just give it a chance... | | 5. | fre3domlin
takuya acted as something different compared to his other dramas but this story is really interesting n great acting skills by takuya kimura..no wonder he is no.1 in japan!!really no doubts in his skills..really a great drama | | 6. | hidezawa_himeko
brilliant dorama,, very very touching.. just like CHANGE.. but i didn't really like kimutaku's acting here,, it was great but sometimes i didn't like his gesture maybe because i always want more from him.. | | 7. | Signo
A great story in an epic-style and a really nice soundtrack !!! The performance of the actors are damn good, specially Kimura Takuya. Best drama of 2007! | | 8. | v1olet
Great yet tragic dorama. The setting was back in 1940's but interesting to watch even now. Good plot and acting. Takuya Kimura is the best. | | 9. | Wesu
WOW I am amazed... This is some of the finest acting I've ever seen, Japanese Drama or not. Definitely Kimutaku's best work yet. | | 10. | rele
Well written, well acted, meaningful drama of a family and history of Japan's steel industry. | | 11. | cheesey
Solid plot and great actings from the main actors. A must watch for all adult jdorama fan. | | 12. | k-role
Kimutaku was superb! his acting was completely different & amazing. what a surprise! | | 13. | bettebogart
Excellent acting, especially from the man playing the father, a very adult drama. | | 14. | Ezalor
Propably the best for 2007. SUperb cast, sory, setting, and a killer soundtrack. | | 15. | JapanAi
Absolutely best dorama. And I watched many many doramas. | | 16. | Takashi
AMAZING!!! one of the greatest must watch! | | 17. | russia
spectacular drama. dont miss it | | 18. | compaqmac321
RANK 14..........amazing show | | 19. | dreamer10231
a heavy drama but amazing... | | 20. | DukeGonzalez
The best of best!! | | 21. | guchik
Excellent! | | 22. | juliana_phang | | 23. | Akiiness | | 24. | Pinoyboy | | 25. | Hemilya | | 26. | ~HANABI~ | | 27. | cheery | | 28. | Amano_Tsukiko | | 29. | Sisi Putri | | 30. | hidelirium |
|
Read all 45 votes from users
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Register
Log in
Official Forum Topic
