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VCD Box
DVD Box
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| Synopsis |
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Girls school teacher, Ryosuke Akai (Atsuro Watanabe) was abandoned by his fiance moments before their wedding. He can't get in touch with her and wanders about aimlessly before going to a Gyudon restaurant in the neighborhood. There are a few customers who have arrived before him. A couple suddenly starts fighting. The man is Ichiro Shimura (Mitsuhiro Oikawa), a popular writer and host of a television program. Ai Hada (Miki Mizuno), who appears to be his girlfriend, is giving as good as she gets. Eating quietly on her own is housekeeper Mika Nagashima (Miho Kanno). Looking overdressed is housewife Orie Kohda (Kumiko Okae). Engrossed in his mobile phone conversation is high school student Wataru Aoshima (Takayuki Yamada). All this is being observed intermittently by the owner, Bunpei Midorikawa (George Tokoro).
These 7 different souls who have miraculously come together in a Gyudon restaurant make up a "rainbow coloured" love story. | | TBS |
| Soundtrack and Theme Songs (1) |
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| 1. | Rainbow Connection レインボウ・コネクション [The Carpenters カーペンターズ] | |
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| Drama Reviews (17) |
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!!WARNING!!
The review section may contain spoilers! Please understand
that you may find out about this drama's endings and plots!
| | 1. | Love Love Love is worth your time. [Rating: 8/10]
Just started watching this dorama in the LA area (4 episodes), but just the cast makes this dorama worth checking out--Kanno Miho, Mizuno Miki, Watabe Atsuro, Tokoro Joji!! William Penn downplays this dorama, characterizing it as just a "Lonely Hearts Club" theme. I beg to differ--it's quite interesting to see how these characters interact and how such experienced actors handle their roles. I think the script could be better at times (some events are predictable), but I won't complain.
Watabe and Mizuno renew their interactions made famous from their roles in "Beautiful Life", where I thought their wonderful dating scenes almost stole the show from KimuTaku and Tokiwa Takako early on in that dorama. Some of the scenes in this dorama seem quite "raw" for a TBS production--Kanno Miho sitting on the toilet (and also reaching down one while working as a housemaid in another scene); a HS student "touching himself" while listening to phone date messages and viewing sexy photos on his computer; and poor Kanno cleaning up a variety of nasty things hotel lovers have left behind. Surprisingly, the VCD version I own has some of these strong scenes "edited" out, while the LA TV version I'm recording is broadcast uncensored at 9PM Sundays. A simple guydon restaurant is the common ground where the various characters meet from time to time, and where we can eventually figure out some startling relationships between the characters.
The script realistically depicts the lives of average workers in the big city, and their insecurities, loneliness, hopes and disappointments. No smalzy glitter here. It's all done in a calm but interesting way that allows the viewer to reflect on their own lives, because many of us have been through what these characters experience. Tokoro Joji and Watabe Atsuro in particular, show their very accomplished acting skills in this dorama, although Kanno is also quite good and adorable as usual. It's not a tearjerker in the fashion of "Beautiful Life", but we can still identify in many ways with the pain and small joys of these characters. The theme song was surprising--a lesser known Carpenters song (at least to me), but quite appropriate for the storyline, and its subtle melody sticks with you. | | Reviewed by meruchan on 30 January 2002 | | 2. | Quite funny at times... [Rating: 8/10]
The 4th and 7th episodes are especially funny at times with the situations that many of the characters are drawn into. The significance of each scene in these episodes required me to view these episodes several times to appreciate all the things going on. The actors' efforts make up for any script flaws--I haven't seen a better acting performance by Kanno Miho anywhere.
As for the dorama theme songs, "Rainbow Connection" and "Leave Yesterday Behind" are part of a collection of previously unpublished Carpenters songs that were released in Japan around the same time as the dorama (Summer 2001.) The name of the album is "As Time Goes By" and due to royalty disputes over some of the song medleys, this excellent album will probably not be released in the US anytime soon, if ever. Richard Carpenter made it available in Japan mainly because of the huge fan following for the Carpenters in Japan and other parts of Asia. "Rainbow Connection", written by the prolific Paul Williams, was originally recorded in 1980; "Leave Yesterday Behind", written by Fred Karlin, was originally recorded in 1978. Many Carpenters fans consider these two songs to be among their best works, and it is surprising to me that such fine songs have waited over 2 decades to be released. "As Time Goes By" can be purchased thru most Japanese music concerns on the Internet. | | Reviewed by meruchan on 6 February 2002 | | 3. | outstanding... [Rating: 10/10]
i felt that this has been one of the better dramas for this millenium. not too many dramas have been able to keep viewers on the edge of their seats and that's what this drama did for me. it was exciting to watch each cast member find their direction in life every week.
i also like how the script-writers were able to tie in the theme song to the show with having each cast members show name a color ... AOshima Wataru (blue), AKAI Ryosuke (red), Hada AI (blue), Nagashima MIKAN (orange), and MIDORIkawa Bunpei (green). even though the names match the theme song, i still really liked the theme song.
what i really enjoyed about this drama is the "insightful" quotes that they would say at the beginning and end of the show. some of them were really deep and can be applied to real life. that's what i really enjoyed about this show. | | Reviewed by jpnallbuzzedsaw on 15 June 2002 | | 4. | Rainbow Connection [Rating: 10/10]
7 main characters with names of the colors of the rainbow, and the intricate connections among themselves and those around them, weave together a perfectly tuned human symphony that hits all the right notes, at least for this reviewer. It takes real writing and acting talents to keep a story with such diverse characters both engaging and meaningful. This is a story about the universal need for human beings to connect with one another. There are numerous insightful quotes in the show that mature audiences with real life experiences in love and loss can readily identify with. This is the kind of show where it's not so important who ends up with whom, but that they make connections, and at the end of the show it makes you want to reconnect with your loved ones as well. Heartily recommended. | | Reviewed by Ming on 24 December 2006 | | 5. | no big stars, a lot of great writing and acting, m [Rating: 10/10]
this drama was probably the most insightful and human ones i've seen. except for the ridiculous coincidences that the characters share, it feels true to life. i especially liked the little blurbs that the characters say throughout the series. you can really connect with what they feel and are going through even though the time is spread out amongst all 6 or 7 of them. koi ga shitai was also not as predictable as most dramas tend to be. towards the end i didn't know who was going to end up with who. even though i would've liked it turning out a different way, i still thought the end was nice. the music is cool too! i never thought i'd enjoy listening to slow and old-school music like the carpenters. | | Reviewed by turbozed730 on 24 February 2004 | | 6. | A bit like Magnolia [Rating: 8/10]
A drama that deals with various aspects of life, the everyday struggle with the doubt, the anxiety, the joy, the sorrow and of course love.
Everyone can identify themselves with something (or probably everything) in this drama. It makes you think a little bit of the Hollywood movie Magnolia. Especially the end with the heavy rain and the following rainbow which brings new hope for everyone.
I really liked this drama, easygoing and with a pleasant feeling. Kanno Miho and Mizuno Miki are both very talented actresses. Some parts could have been a lot better but overall it's enjoyable to watch and leaves you with a warm feeling. | | Reviewed by kaonashi on 14 June 2004 | | 7. | cute [Rating: 9/10]
Although I would give this drama a 10, it probably really just deserves a 9 or so...because i am a bit biased...afterall, this was my first drama. Everything about this drama was pretty cute and a bit strange. I thought that all the characters were very interesting and the love triangle (or what ever shape all those relationships made) was confusing yet funny. It was my first and I really don't remember it all that well, but there are some super cute scenes that i probably won't ever forget. hope you enjoy it. | | Reviewed by noodlefreak on 15 March 2006 | | 8. | Love the story dont like the ending much [Rating: 7/10]
the story is very good but i didnt like that Akai Ryosuke and Haneda Ai didn't end up to gether. I think that these two characters had a good characters had a good thing going.
Even if i could have guest how it was going to turn out. (!()
But it is a great story and it is a must see!! Great characters (sometimes storylines don't turnout the way want them)
Kanno Miho played a scary stalker she wouldn't leave him alone. | | Reviewed by johuth on 12 April 2003 | | 9. | incredibly realistic drama imo [Rating: 10/10]
kanno miho's character so totally captures the spirit of certain single people within tokyo (japan even?)... that of desperately looking for someone to love and trust (some girls buy two servings of bentou at the combini so as to give the impression that they are buying for two).
the flooding pants and ill-fitting blouses totally nail it!
i loved it when she said "ano - ne!" | | Reviewed by uhm on 23 October 2005 | | 10. | pretty good [Rating: 7/10]
This is the first drama I've watched so I don't have much other dramas to base my rating on yet besides GTO. It was a good story and I loved the ending. I became an instant fan of Kanno Miho. The parts I didn't really like were the story between the high school guy and the married woman. It was kinda slow at some points but still overall good. | | Reviewed by biga816 on 11 May 2002 | | 11. | Heartwarming [Rating: 8/10]
I normally do not watch Japanese drama but was taken by curiosity of this one. Kanno Miho performed with admiration. For someone so young I am looking forward to more performances by her. Watabe Atsuro brought a certain sensitivity to each episode. I am looking forward to his next drama. Very well done and a happy ending. | | Reviewed by Keone on 15 April 2002 | | 12. | human connection [Rating: 10/10]
This dorama was amazing! It took so many tears from me, and I looked forward to watching it every week. I wish the end wasn't so ambiguous, but it's still an amazing piece. If you're sentimental, or are not real sure of your opinion on love, watch this. | | Reviewed by hana on 18 April 2002 | | 13. | Not bad [Rating: 8/10]
Very nice lesson about life. The plot is made up too perfectly. So many coincidences and good fortune. Nice ending (should I say too perfect) though, very touching, especially the dying mother. Love it for the most part. Good drama. | | Reviewed by cheeqo on 7 November 2005 | | 14. | Worthwhile Drama [Rating: 6/10]
This drama is worth buying. Quite interesting to watch. Kanno Miho actually acts cute in this drama but it's not bad. The other cast's performance is quite good. | | Reviewed by piglet44 on 15 April 2002 | | 15. | It's boring, but I manage to finish it. [Rating: 6/10]
I watched it because I have nothing to do and no other good drama at the moment that I can watch. | | Reviewed by susubendera on 13 December 2005 | | 16. | Quite a nice show. [Rating: 7/10]
not bad... a rather nice show about life. | | Reviewed by kook05 on 29 December 2003 | | 17. | meaningful [Rating: 9/10]
a drama which u wont wanna miss.. | | Reviewed by juliana_phang on 26 November 2004 |
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| Comments From Users (84) |
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!!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 yourasthma [Rating: 10/10]
this is my favourite, i love miki mizuno's unpredictable spunk here. miho kanno is just loveable albeit creepy as the stalker. i don't know why but i was rooting for miki and watabe to be together, they are my favourite drama couple. every cast member was great. this show is a must see, i cant stress it anymore.
the plot revolving around the remaining supporting cast i.e. the student, housewife and restaurant worker is less compelling but nevertheless crucial to the show. usually i find this type of show contrived but there's none of that here.
the lines, dialogue and scenes are memorable and has an 'indie' feel to it, but mainstream enough for everyone to enjoy. underrated because of the yet to be famous cast, but if you want a good story with colourful (forgive the pun) characters and solid acting, this show is a must see.
the soundtrack and the intro is brilliant too, i absolutely adore this show. | | 2. | Comments by choco [Rating: 10/10]
I must say that this story can be one of the best series ever. At first, I was attracted by the quotes in every episodes. They mean a lot, and they all are true. One of my favorite quotes is "When a person falls in love, they first begin by dreaming.
Then they start believing in the possibilities.
And in the end, they fall hard on a cruel reality." I really enjoyed watching every episode, and can't hardly wait for the next episode. My favorite scene is when they all gathered in Shimura Ichiro's hotel room, and they cheered him up by telling their deep secret. This scene really touched me. I can't hold my tears watching it. Friends like them that cheer up a falling person are really precious. | | 3. | Comments by pash [Rating: 9/10]
Nice dorama, mostly well written and acted (honorable mentions for Kanno Miho, Watabe Atsuro and Tokoro George), accompanied by some lovely music. You'll need a strong suspension of disbelief, though, as these guys keep bumping into each other as if they lived in a small village, instead of a metropolis, LOL. On the other hand (and this is the reason why I don't give it a full 10/10) the characters are even "too realistic", in that none of them is fully appealing; they have too many defects and even the apparently nicest among them will reveal a dark, hidden side. Something which would have been ok in a noir, but in a romantic story seems a little out of place, imho. | | 4. | Comments by compaqmac321 [Rating: 9/10]
hmmm, the love hexagon in this show was kind of confusing...i didnt really get how these ppl truly felt, even till the end....some of the characters i got, midoriwaka for instance, i understood his character, to me he was a complete character, he stayed true to his feelings the whole show....same for akai and mikan, but ai was a terrible character..i have no clue what she was thinking...she flip flopped the entire show...i didnt get it...the love between the student and the housewife was weird, but i liked that story the most...all in all this show was good, though it was jumbled up a bit, i can truly say i liked this show | | 5. | Comments by spazzy06 [Rating: 7/10]
It was a good, not great drama. I agree with the user that said the drama lost focus. The writer wrote such meaningful dialogue, but failed to make the characters live by what they preach. It was a little discouraging and hypocritical to see the characters return to their old behavioral patterns time and time again. I think this would have been a slightly better drama if the writer had focused more character development and depth, (Why don't these characters have any friends!?) less on the love triangles. The plot and the characters ran around for far too many episodes for me to score this any higher than a 7. | | 6. | Comments by CtrlV [Rating: 7/10]
Eh.. so so. Pretty good but didnt leave me waiting for the next ep too badly. It kinda picked up pace in the last 2 or 3 episodes. When i was up to the 6th or 7th i remember asking myself, wait a second this is the 6th or 7th already? what of big importance has happened so far? but it picked up pace in the end. All in all, if its offered to you on tv like to me, i recommend giving it a watch, but dont ask around if anyone has it for DL, or try to buy it, not worth it in my opinion | | 7. | Comments by yume [Rating: 9/10]
I love this mainly because of Kanno Miho--she is absolutely adorable in her clumsy, listless, daydreaming role! She is the kind of average good girl you like to see get the guy! The stories are all so intertwined that you never miss a character in the show at all, and you get so involved in their lives. I started rooting for all sorts of scenarios in this drama, but the end result is really a realistic and happy one. That is why I like it so much! realistic AND happy! | | 8. | Comments by sucigam [Rating: 8/10]
This drama is the most realistic I've seen at capturing things like love, friendship and family. Few draggy parts due to some moments being drawn out longer than they needed to be but for the most part this is a great drama with a lot of genuinely moving scenes. I really admire Kanno Miho, whenever I watch a drama with her in it I know I'm in for something different than the usual fare, in this case different means good. | | 9. | Comments by Sleepingstar [Rating: 9/10]
Not perfect, but pretty good. Kanno Miho is just brilliant in this one, or maybe I just like her too much :). In a way whole drama is brilliant too, but I just felt It had even more potential. Also liked how story often went from one character to other so smoothly, which made drama more enjoyable. comedy of this drama was also presented pretty neatly. | | 10. | Comments by loveaomori [Rating: 8/10]
great drama. Nothing memorable but it's a very very japanese drama that you should watch sometimes to make you remember the real flavor of a japanese drama. All the cast is good. Kanno Miho etc... They all play in their favorite kinds of roles. Enjoyable, makes you forget your dayly problems watching the others endurung problems for you!! | | 11. | Comments by kartanoman [Rating: 10/10]
VERY touching drama about the lives of seven different characters interwoven together and the formation of a special bond. In addition, the theme of "when the door closes, the window opens" rings in many areas throughout. The fantastic ballads by "The Carpenters" add depth and warmth to create what was one of our favorite J-doramas. | | 12. | Comments by xiong_here [Rating: 4/10]
Its starts off really strong...then it just becomes mediocre towards the middle-end. Its got some strong acting...the story however, its wasn't working too great afterawhile. Some parts of the story were just too frustrating to watch because of the lack of character bonding-development; some parts just seemed too rushed. | | 13. | Comments by norz [Rating: 10/10]
If i could give this drama 201% I would because it was that good.. The cast was SUPERB! this strange lovve story is so mixed up and beated to the pulp but manages to rise from the sourness of life.. like a cinderella story but more dealing with real life issues.. its nice to see happiness in a lonely heart | | 14. | Comments by Angry Machines [Rating: 8/10]
As long as they had Takayuki in it, I knew it would work and it really did fine. Very well-assembled cast with intresting plots and arches that keeps you wondering of what's gonna happen next. Kudos to the original writer for such a great show, with a great choice of scenery of modern day spots. | | 15. | Comments by kaonashi [Rating: 9/10]
The story revolves around 5 random persons who first met each other in a Gyudon restaurant. It's a drama that deals with various aspects of life, it's full of insights & you feel good after watching it. This drama can't compete with the very best, but it's one of my absolute favorites. 9+ | | 16. | Comments by temmahkrik [Rating: 5/10]
It had its moments, but the things I didn't like I REALLY didn't like. Mikan was almost too awkward with all the shuffling around and stalking. The end was heartwarming, though. The acting was good, and the cameo by a *very* young Koyuki was a pleasant surprise! | | 17. | Comments by Akakage [Rating: 9/10]
Although it doesn't contain famous cast, but this is a very good and light hearted drama. It's very touching. I am captivated with the performance of the cast and also the story. Just give it a chance for yourself to watch it, I believe you won't get disappointed. | | 18. | Comments by limpaway [Rating: 7/10]
This drama shows the reality and loneliness in humans. It's kind of boring sometimes. I wanted Mikan and Akai to be together but it took so long. I think the drama is too slow sometimes and not enough development on the two characters that I like. | | 19. | Comments by blakmetalik [Rating: 10/10]
I absolutely adore this series for its wonderful ensemble cast and its thoughtful, sensitive themes. I either laughed from the funny, awkward moments or cried during the touching, bittersweet scenes. I never wanted it to end! Highly recommended. | | 20. | Comments by xploring [Rating: ?/10]
Intelligently written with unpredictable storyline, likeable characters. But I never really felt for or identified with any of the characters. I also thought that it lacked focus personally... Stopped watching around episode 8. | | 21. | Comments by aramia [Rating: 8/10]
For some reason i feel that all of us can comewhat relate to the characters in the show. each of them reflect insecurity and loneliness and their awareness yet unable to do anything about it. A very interesting drama to watch | | 22. | Comments by z123_us [Rating: 9/10]
very nice drama, mizuno miki is pretty as always and the rest of the cast was also great. love, work, relationships all in this fast modern world of today and how people live and cope in it. nice romantic story :) | | 23. | Comments by hana [Rating: 10/10]
Oh no. This dorama is...utsukushii sugi yo!
Dai suki da yo ne. The characters are all believable and lovable, you really get involved in the story. Don't pass this one up for anything. Honto ni sugoi yo! | | 24. | Comments by 206 [Rating: 6/10]
A little twist on the J-drama story line. Strangers once tied to a beef bowl restaurant begin to have a relationship. Each one has it's own story and love relationship but it takes till the end to start. | | 25. | Comments by oldasianguy [Rating: 10/10]
Great series....I liked how the different stories finally touched each other...cast was great....Kanno Miho and Mizuno Miki were charming...ending was kind of weak...but overall show..was a 10 | | 26. | Comments by kiba92 [Rating: 8/10]
Very interesting plot. I like the way it started the show. It has some touching moments but the ending was a little to quick. The drama finish too quickly to please the audience. | | 27. | Comments by Ezalor [Rating: 8/10]
Old-school-type Dorama with the lagest part being taken by the love realtionships and the general life struggle. Slow middle part but good ending. Has a bit of the dragging factor. | | 28. | Comments by michiru3 [Rating: 8/10]
The stories were sooooo cute! And I loved how all 7 of them are so interconnected. Miho Kanno is a good actress. And Wataru (Yamada Takayuki) is such a cutie! I loved the ending. | | 29. | Comments by Bud002 [Rating: 8/10]
Enjoyable drama that interconnects different people on the theme of love on all levels. Great performces by cast - especially Atsuro Watabe, Miki Mizuno, and Miho Kanno. | | 30. | Comments by Andro [Rating: 9/10]
It's a good but somehow a little strange drama. Kanno Miho and the other actors are playing really well. So it's a must-seen drama. And the opening is really great too. |
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Read all 84 comments from users
| Users who voted for this drama (26) |
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| 1. | tokiya
This is one of the few dramas that keeps me at the edge of my seat wanting to watch the next episode. Throughout the first 10 episodes I would say the story and plot was rather pessimistic and at some parts terribly sad. Yet the director manages to pull off a very realistic ending that is happy and leaves all 7 characters in the drama a hope for a beautiful future. | | 2. | yukari_no_hoshi
I thought this was kinda a cute drama, I liked it how all 7 people were linked with each other, the drama was really well done and I really loved the dialogues between the character! Especially at the beginning and end of each episode where one of the 7 characters speak, they were the BEST monologues ever! | | 3. | Aleema
A mesh of relationships, ties, and connections -- what could go wrong? ^^ Actually, this was a surprisingly capturing drama that really kept me wanting more. All of the characters are interesting and their stories unforgettable. This is a MUST see love story drama. | | 4. | tatsx
Suprisingly smart, philosophical exploration of love & existential issues...well written / well cast / great characters / great performances. This one snuck up on me out of nowhere and has vaulted to one of my all-time favorites. | | 5. | Jackykero
A Drama that has such good actors and chemistry between them that it did not need a complex storyline wist twists and surprises to be absolutely great.
Maybe the best acting I've seen so far (5 stars to Miho Kanno) | | 6. | Sumire
I enjoyed this story full of love triangles. The story between Yamada and the mom was my favorite. I really enjoyed this series and recommend it to those who like love-triangle type love stories. | | 7. | kaonashi
A drama that deals with various aspects of life, full of insights. You feel good after watching it. This drama can't compete with the very best, but it's one of my absolute favourites. | | 8. | aiyachan16
all seven characters were played brilliantly by the actors! the main theme that surrounds all of them is the need to be loved and to be inlove. kanno miho was hella funny! =) | | 9. | A_rika
A great story about human relationship. Some of it really got me. | | 10. | turbozed730
one of the more meaningful dramas out there. full of insight | | 11. | yourasthma
absolutely brilliant and i love love love the cast. | | 12. | pingpong
How is this drama not in the top 50? | | 13. | minniesan
Excellent acting by Miho Kanno | | 14. | manticoreusagi
MY FAVOURITEST DRAMA EVAR. :D | | 15. | dmoi
good drama, very touching. | | 16. | verbal
I loved this so much. | | 17. | illuminati
very nice | | 18. | thyelaine | | 19. | noodlefreak | | 20. | Buruburu | | 21. | kusaindakedo | | 22. | blakmetalik | | 23. | eiman | | 24. | Amber | | 25. | Sleepingstar |
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