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| Synopsis |
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"A Story of Love" is a heartwarming drama focusing on the transformation of a cold businessman into a caring human being. The end credits note that the drama was inspired by Koji Tamaki's song "Mr. Lonely."
Harashima (Hiroyuki Sanada) is a successful wealthy and lonely young man who inherited the Harashima Conglomerate. He has never trusted anybody and has the reputation of being coldhearted. He is arranged to marry Mayako Mizukoshi, the daughter of his boss, but she is having second thoughts getting married to such a awful man.
Harashima has been experiencing painful seizures and decides to secretly go to a clinic. He finds out he has an incurable case of cancer and only three months to live. While sitting in the waiting room at the clinic, he is asked by a working-class man, Konosuke Shimodaira (Koji Tamaki), to lend him 30 cents. Despite Harashima's annoyed look, the man promises that he will pay the money back to Harashima.
From this moment on, Harashima is welcomed into Konosuke's world--a caring family and loyal friends. He meets Konosuke's wife, Misao, who is trying to find a job. He also meets Misao's sister, Kaori and they fall in love. What is interesting is that no one knows that Harashima is president of the conglomerate. They think he is just a fisherman. Harashima contemplates what his legacy will be after he dies. His company has been slowly buying all the real estate around Konosuke's home. They are planning to build a business center. Harashima, motivated by his limited time, his growing friendship with Konosuke and his love for Kaori, changes the plan--he will now build a new town so that the current residents can stay and make a living. But will the Board of Directors allow such an expensive change? Will they find out that he only has 3 months to live? Will he marry Kaori or Mayako? | | Duncan |
| Soundtrack and Theme Songs (1) |
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| 1. | Mr. Lonely [Tamaki Koji 玉置浩二] | [ LYRICS ] |
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| Drama Reviews (16) |
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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. | Heartbreaking and Stunningly Moving! [Rating: 10/10]
"A Story of Love" is a story that millions can relate to, and is defiantly one of the best. With it's touching story line and great actors, this story is sure to break your heart as well as leave you with the memory of it's tale years after seeing it. The tale is about how a cold rich business man is transformed with the friendship of an honest man and the love of a kind hearted girl.
Harashima (Hiroyuki Sanada) is successful, wealthy, handsome and president of Harashima Enterprise, who is planning to build a new link on a housing site. He finds out he has only six months to live, and from then on is pulled into the world of the "little guys" by the poor and giving Konosuke (Koji Tamaki) and the beautiful and loving Kaori (Nanako Matsushima), who Harashima falls in love with almost instantly. Thus begins the roller coaster romance and drama.
Watch the drama, you won't regret it! This is not your classic "Pretty Woman" storyline of a rich man and the poor girl who captures his heart, it's so much more. The acting is top notch, and the three leads Hiroyuki Sanada, Koji Tamaki and Nanako Matsushima are all just wonderful in their roles. Harashima (Sanada) just had the most beautiful way of showing emotion, love and despair through his eyes. The look on his face when Konosuke tells him never to speak to Kaori again just broke my heart. He treated Kaori with utter love, respect and devotion, and he never tried to seduce her like most men in Japanese TV dramas seem to. Not only was Sanada amazing, but Nanako Matsushima is such a graceful actress and she really portrayed the young, naive and sweet girl Kaori. Like a breath of fresh air, her presence in this drama is so refreshing and you just have to adore her. Most of the scenes between Harashima and Kaori were so romantic and watching them together causes a pull on your heart strings. You truly have the feeling that these two people are real and that Harashima and Kaori are truly, deeply in love with each other.
The theme song, "Mr Lonely" was sung by Koji Tamaki himself, and the drama was inspired by the song. It a great song and it really makes you want to start swaying in your chair. Koji Tamaki is great as Konosuke and brought *many* laughs to the screen from the very first moment we see him. The over-trusting and warmhearted fellow is the perfect friend. Konosuke has some of the best lines, a favorite being when he said that Harashima and the man who lent him 30 yen aren't the same people. Though some might find him annoying, others find him a much needed comic in such a tense, romantic and depressing drama.
It wasn't cheesy and boring and it wasn't a run-of-the-mill drama. It's a masterpiece! You will be in tears when Harashima finally dies, not because he died, but because you feel you yourself have lost someone you love. Either way, whether you like a tragic yet funny and tense romance or not, 'A Story of Love' has a clever storyline and the best view of Tokyo you'll ever see. If not for the story, watch it for the wide location shooting. This drama is very underrated and I advice you to track this down and watch it. You owe it to yourself to see this drama. | | Reviewed by Sophie-Lou on 24 December 2005 | | 2. | A class act by Sanada Hiroyuki [Rating: 10/10]
This drama was given to me by my japanese friend. At first, I'm not even interested to watch it (due to the very unattractive VCD package).As I'm a fan of Nanako, I decided to watch it and oh boy... I wasn't really glued to the screen all the time but I must say the story is very good. I love the character portrayed by Sanada. He was such a cold and reserved person. Eventhough he knew he was going to die,he kept the secret by himself and worked harder to improve his company. But, we can sense how his friendship with konosuke slowly changes him and how he was in love with Kaori but didn't feel that he deserve to do so. His transformation was also believable. We get to see how he was changed bit by bit. I love his acting!! How he was such a gentleman,eventhough konosuke can be quite irritating at times. When he finally smile a true, genuine smile not his usual cynical one, it was very beautiful.We really get to know him personally and I have to admit that I cried until my eyes were swollen when he finally died. I cried not because the way he died. It was not tragic, in fact they didn't even show it. I cried because the loss of someone who was so strong, who finally found his happiness and the loss of someone I felt that I knew personally.Few stories ever moved me that much and for those fan of a good tearjerkers out there, I highly recommended this. | | Reviewed by aleen84 on 10 January 2003 | | 3. | Real good Drama! [Rating: 10/10]
(BEWARE My review contains SPOILERS)
i watched this drama long time ago, and really liked it. specially the ending! DONT get me wrong people!! i meant, it was only realistic that he would die. i liked each episode of this drama and when Kaori (Nanako Matsushima) character was looking through medical books for a cure for Harashima (Hiroyuki Sanada) i thought oh man, dont screw the story by keeping him alive at the end, then it will turn into a real cheesy drama! dont you think so? but the fact that he dies at the end was more appealing and realistic.
not so dramatic death, and i liked that fact too, since the drama gives us a nice feeling they didnt want to bother us with a sad dramatic ending!
i like Konosuke (Tamaki kouji) character, it was the first time for me seeing him acting, i knew him as a singer only. i thought he did a great job! and his role was so important!
everything in this drama was nice and touchy. how the main character changed by time was something noticable. i would go and watch this drama again soon! | | Reviewed by kawaii_kinki on 8 November 2005 | | 4. | one of the best tv drama I have ever watched [Rating: 9/10]
singapore
Date: 1 April 2001
Summary: one of the best tv drama I have ever watched
This is a drama worth watching. The story line was good, the actors (especially Sanada Hiroyuki and Tamaki Koji) really put in a marvelous performance. I would say the way the whole show was directed from start to end really glued the viewers to the tv screen, and the music too really is effective in setting the moods, funny, in suspence, hearbreaking and...romantic... I especially like the main track "Mr. lonely" (sang and composed by Tamaki koji).
After watching this show, I was so fasinated by both the main actors in this show that I start to search for more information on this two actors...new series, movies,fan page etc etc. Now I am a great fan of both of them. "Mr. lonely" too sets me off to be a music fan of Tamaki Koji!
| | Reviewed by jane5 on 4 September 2001 | | 5. | One of the best Japanese show I ever seen [Rating: 9/10]
Singapore
Date: 9 May 2000
Summary: One of the best Japanese show I ever seen
The english name of the show is Rich Man Poor Man. The story is about a ruthless businessman whose motive is only to make money when he find out he has only half a year to live. Through fate, he bump into a man who is a total oppsite of him, a penniless man whose life is to gain happiness through helping people even he has no money. Slowly, the businessman changes his attiude towards life. The lead role Shuichiro Harashima is marvelessly played by Hiroyuki Sanada. His looks and acting skill make the character comes alive. He is cold yet not proud, 100% meeting the character's requirement. I will strongly recommend this show to everybody. For those who do not understand Japanese, try getting those with sub-titles.
| | Reviewed by jane5 on 4 September 2001 | | 6. | A Lesson of Life and Love and Friendship - Incredi [Rating: 10/10]
A rich businessman has just learned he is dying, a poor man has just learned his condition is ok. Their chance meeting in a doctor's office changes the course of both their lives and the lives of their friends. This drama deals with life, death, love, pain, greed, ruthlessness, mercy, grace, trust, faith and the gamut in between, but most of all friendship. I can't recommend this drama any more highly. Wonderful acting, fantastic theme song, a great story, what more can you ask for? Also, it's handled in a way that isn't morbid or horribly sad. Tamaki Koji is amazing as well as the lead actor and all the supporting cast. Top notch drama! | | Reviewed by bettebogart on 7 November 2008 | | 7. | well done!!! [Rating: 9/10]
Sanada's well known drama work was in 1997 with Fujisankei's -Konna koi no hanashi, which was the intellectual and spiritual gem of the year. It's more cerebral than your average trendy Fuji offering, but also less cliche. It has some great comments on life and living. The message is propelled by the real-life friendship between Sanada and Tamaki Koji, who plays draws out the humanity in Sanada's character. by
website drama review | | Reviewed by jane5 on 4 September 2001 | | 8. | I really like this drama [Rating: 9/10]
I really like this drama, 27 June 2001
Reviewer: TVbuff from Australia
I personally think this is a great drama. Although the story is a bit slow at times but I really love the acting of all the characters. The title song "Mr Lonely" really brings out the mood of this drama. Very well made overall.
| | Reviewed by jane5 on 12 February 2003 | | 9. | very touching [Rating: 8/10]
very heartwarming, sad, bitter sweet... but I was surprised the ending was not very dramatically tear jerking, i was waiting to watch Hirashima die and cry my heart out. Sanada is very charming. The plot is one that will leave a deep impression. I watched it few years back and could still remember. | | Reviewed by ladyelf on 30 December 2003 | | 10. | Fantastic moving drama [Rating: 10/10]
Sanada Hiroyuki, Tamaki Koji and Matsushima Nanako were all amazing in this. A very powerful and moving drama from start to finish. Friendship, Romance, Love and Hate it has elements of all in it. I was not bored for one single moment and recommend this highly. | | Reviewed by MonsterZero-65 on 26 October 2009 | | 11. | A Story you won't Forget [Rating: 10/10]
I'm surprised that some people thought the series was kind of boring. I was completely spellbound till the end. Nanako and Sanada were incredible, and the story was woven so perfectly.... This is the most touching and romantic dorama I've come across. | | Reviewed by Ghil04 on 21 October 2003 | | 12. | mr lonely...great song [Rating: 8/10]
I liked this one�.sanada was so cold-hearted!!the theme song was haunting as well..tamaki koji was good also�nanako..wat can I say..splendid performance�the story�was great�and sad as well... | | Reviewed by ct_subang on 10 May 2003 | | 13. | Touching and Warm Drama [Rating: 10/10]
A touching story that describes the value of friendship, money and love, and fight against politics in senior management of a giant corporate world in this drama. Truly recommend this show! | | Reviewed by Nanako fan on 17 October 2001 | | 14. | A fave for sure [Rating: 10/10]
I was so impressed by this drama. I knew it was something special from the first episode. A very moving story full of friendship, love, sadness, and hope. | | Reviewed by MonsterZero65 on 18 August 2010 | | 15. | The theme song is good. [Rating: 8/10]
Won't regret watching this drama. Nanako's performance is good. First time watching Tamaki acting and thought his performance is good. | | Reviewed by piglet44 on 15 April 2002 | | 16. | Good drama [Rating: 9/10]
Sanada is a very good actor and quite a supporting cast. This is a good story about love, friendship and money.
| | Reviewed by jdfan on 27 June 2002 |
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| Comments From Users (44) |
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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 orange1806 [Rating: 7/10]
I gave it a 7 not because it was not nice, but becase after watching 68 dramas, this is just another of those really sweet jap dramas that touches ur heart. I liked it nevertheless, though the cast was not the usual popular stars, with the exception of nanako. She looked so young back then. Like how the story evolved and emphasized on friendship. wat a time to watch this show, just when I got cheated by my friends who ran away with my goods. | | 2. | Comments by Taurmindo [Rating: 8/10]
a truly heartwarming drama that managed to, with a beliveable story, illustrate how friendship and love can change an otherwise cold person. terrific acting by both sanada hiroyuki and matsushima nanako, but also from the supporting roles. a little slow sometimes, but really worth seeing. | | 3. | Comments by reli [Rating: 7/10]
7/10. Forteen episodes seem too long. If it ends 1 ep. earlier I would've given it an 8.
Elegant and genteel, Toda Naho (�˓c�ؕ�) convincingly protrays an educated daughter from a powerful and wealthy family who is arranged to marry a Entrepreneur. I like her performance very much. | | 4. | Comments by Danji [Rating: 7/10]
Somehow ended on a good note. I am happy for this show. It demonstrates how people from two worlds can come together and change each other in ways that one both would and would not anticipate. I was drawn in on most of the characters, but some characters felt out of place. | | 5. | Comments by Saburo [Rating: 10/10]
One of J-drama's underrated treasures. Everyone I know who has seen this show has been affected in a positive way. The performances are dead-on, the emotions true and straight... And the theme song breaks your heart. You will never forget this drama if you watch it. | | 6. | Comments by yuka [Rating: 8/10]
A good weepy with a grabbing theme song, �gMr. Lonely.�h The strongest impression from Sanada – moneyed, suave, worldly, cold and cynical to boot, influenced by new-found love and friendship, moved to leave behind a meaningful legacy as he is to die shortly. | | 7. | Comments by xploring [Rating: 8/10]
I really like the first few episodes of this drama, particularly the relationship between Harashima and Kaori. Matsushima Nanako probably shone the brightest here from what I have seen. The rest of the series wasn't as good as the start, but still not bad. | | 8. | Comments by majinbads [Rating: 6/10]
First impression was Pretty Woman with even prettier woman than Julia Roberts. Nanako just looks too good to be a poor girl. With that look she should be a stewardess (which she does in Yamato Nadeshiko). Watchable though quite boring in some episodes. | | 9. | Comments by yume [Rating: 8/10]
Just another drama to add to my collection that proves that the 90s had some good stories! It has a lot of good characters which you grow to like immediately in the first episode. I know how it's going to turn out, and yet I still am dying to watch it! | | 10. | Comments by kaonashi [Rating: 7/10]
This kind of theme is hardly original, predictable from start to finish. Still, it's always uplifting to see a man change. And even though I think this drama could've been better made, I enjoyed it & watched it all in one day. | | 11. | Comments by erictancheehow [Rating: 10/10]
I will personally give a whooping 15/10 rating ( if possible ) for this drama that
instills a lot of Moral Values in it. Even the ending is a pleasant one although eventually Harashima passed away!!! | | 12. | Comments by snow_san [Rating: ?/10]
Old skool drama. Relaxing pace allowing good character development. Sanada Hiroyuki plays the cool lead, Matsushima Nanako the sweet girl, and Tamaki Koji the nice guy. Enjoyed watching the three. | | 13. | Comments by jdfan [Rating: 8/10]
Sanada is a very good actor in a role of a dying man. And the supporting cast is great too. The young Nanako clearly showed her potential. This is a good story about love, friendship and money. | | 14. | Comments by Ushiroyubi [Rating: 9/10]
very heartwrenching. i loved it. sanada is such a believable leading man and tamaki was the perfect supporting actor. the chemistry between the two definitely sold the show for me. great stuff. | | 15. | Comments by moonchyld [Rating: 6/10]
i expected more because nanako was in this... i guess it could've been better if only her partner wasn't/didn't look that old.. hehe... a bit cliche thou. but i guess it doesn't suck. V^^V | | 16. | Comments by sasukekun6 [Rating: 8/10]
I quite enjoyed this drama. The cast was well chosen (though I was unfamiliar with most of them) and they did a fantastic job. I'm becoming more of a fan of older human drama series. | | 17. | Comments by Ghil04 [Rating: 10/10]
This is the most touching and romantic dorama that I've come across. Nanako and Sanada give powerful performanaces, and the entire story is perfectly woven. Do not pass this one up. | | 18. | Comments by azn_baseball_boy16 [Rating: 10/10]
Tamaki was very funny and you couldn't help but love his personality. Very humble. Also Sanada also seemed to fit his character well. Best storyline i have seen so far. | | 19. | Comments by hikaruhana [Rating: 6/10]
Not the best drama out there but I really liked it all the same. Sanada was terrific and the dynamic between him and the townspeople was fun to watch as it evolved. | | 20. | Comments by darknitelight [Rating: 9/10]
Nice music, good show, sanada did a good job in this show, fairly sad show although the ending isn't supposed to be that sad, but nicely done overall. | | 21. | Comments by Sleepingstar [Rating: 6/10]
Gotta love the cast, Sanada Hiroyuki + Matsushima Nanako :). Too bad drama itself isn't anything really special, just average. | | 22. | Comments by toyotaku [Rating: 8/10]
A Sanada character I actually liked! Great actor... I'm just not fond of him or most of his characters. Beautiful story. | | 23. | Comments by Dorobou [Rating: 9/10]
This drama exceeded my expectations, I thought this would be boring, but turned out to be good. Superb story. | | 24. | Comments by Sophie-Lou [Rating: 10/10]
One of the greatest Easten love stories I've ever seen. A story of life, love and believing you can change. | | 25. | Comments by gomibagu [Rating: 8/10]
Very good story. Quite touching at times. Definitely worth it. Loved the title song. | | 26. | Comments by lovejdorama [Rating: ?/10]
avail for trade, 2-DVD English Subbed http://www.geocities.com/reddashay/jdorama.html | | 27. | Comments by ct_subang [Rating: 9/10]
I loved it!!great performance fr e whole cast!nanako was splendid n kawaii.. | | 28. | Comments by swoc [Rating: 10/10]
one of the best, especially for fans of matsushima nanako. prepare to wail. | | 29. | Comments by Max_recon35 [Rating: 10/10]
The Second Japanese drama I've ever seen. Certainly one of the best. | | 30. | Comments by lightningemperor [Rating: 9/10]
A very good drama that teaches us the value of friendship and love. |
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Read all 44 comments from users
| Users who voted for this drama (12) |
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| 1. | Doramafan113
I can't say enough about this drama. It was very touching and interesting all the way through the series. That acting, directing, and story were perfect and the music stayed with me as well. This is certainly one of my favorite viewing experiences of all time which includes drama's, tv and movies. | | 2. | yuka
A good weepy with a grabbing theme song, �gMr. Lonely.�h The strongest impression from Sanada – moneyed, suave, worldly, cold and cynical to boot, influenced by new-found love and friendship, moved to leave behind a meaningful legacy as he is to die shortly. | | 3. | Sophie-Lou
This is such a beautiful drama. It was the first one I've ever seen and since seeing it I've seen plenty and not one has matched up to this one in style, neauty and laughs too. I'll never forget this story ^_^ | | 4. | minochi99
A beautiful drama that I don't think many jdrama fans have seen. It's really too bad as the drama is very touching and the performances very top notched. So underrated in my opinion. | | 5. | darknitelight
wonderful show, one of nanako's first bigger roles. You can see why she got better roles. It's funny how people die and everything turns out better....not like real life. | | 6. | Ghil04
An amazing story! Too bad i missed the ending =[[[. | | 7. | MonsterZero65
Powerful drama! I was very moved. | | 8. | ct_subang
nanako at her best!! | | 9. | Victorious Secret | | 10. | Concealeddreamer | | 11. | nocturn4l3030 | | 12. | zdorama |
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