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| Sekai no chuushin de, ai wo sakebu [世界の中心で、愛をさけぶ] |
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| Synopsis |
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| "I thought I might be using a lifetime's happiness in a moment. I was that happy and she was that beautiful." A young boy stands on the red earth of Australia under its blue sky. It is 17-year-old Sakutaro Matsumoto. His time with the girl comes back to him. The colored sand runs through his hands and a tear appears on his cheek. He wakes up. It's 2004 and he is 34 years old and in Japan. He thinks "I have been in a world without her for 17 years." Returning home to see his old high school for the last time before it is demolished, Saku confronts anew the loss of the love of his life, Aki, to leukemia 17 years ago. Now a medical researcher at graduate school, he has been living as if half of him died with her since then. Based on the bestselling novel that sold over 3 million copies, the past and present come together in this love story that is both pure and sad. | | TBS |
| Soundtrack and Theme Songs (1) |
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| 1. | Katachi Aru Mono かたちあるもの [Shibasaki Kou 柴咲コウ] | [ LYRICS ] |
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|  | Kaho
夏帆 | Matsumoto Fumiko
松本芙美子 (13) |
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| Drama Reviews (73) |
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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. | I have nothing much to add... just look at all the [Rating: 9/10]
the 1st thing that caught my eye to this dorama is its title; it implies a sort of lonliness (being at the cetre of the world) and loss (crying out 'love')
ok, next to the filmography... i like the way the plot melts from the past (1987) to the present and then back again... its naturally and beautifully done. all the props and settings add to the nostalgia of things, memories and people whom one has lost and can neva b recovered again (i guess thats the central theme)
it's also pleasing to know that the co-stars (namely, ooki, ueda and nakagawa) are given ample opportunities in this dorama... well, not in terms of real-time on-screens, but in the way their roles play an importance to the lead character, matsumoto
though i'm not supposed to reveal too much of the story plot here, i must add the point that the weight of this dorama's success rests much on what happened in 1987 (the cause) and not the present (the effect) so ogata naoto's character (the present 34-year old matsumoto) is only for accounting purposes; so ogata is effectively not the REAL lead actor till the very end, when we all want to know what happens to matsumoto. so for those who may be put off that the lead actors featured in this dorama are not your typical 'asia-wide-popular' japanese artiste, its time to put these feelings aside and watch it cause it is a breakthrough in japanese dorama arena... yes, there can be many 'tear-jerking' j-doramas to come in the future, but there will only be one <<�����E�̒��S�ŁA�������� sekai no chuusin de, ai o sakebu>>... prepare your emotions for a GREAT DEPRESSION | | Reviewed by Billy Wong on 31 January 2005 | | 2. | Not to Bad [Rating: 7/10]
I hear a lot about this drama and would still like to read the book.
Maybe because I have watched this in 2006 and not 2004 so it affects my what i think. But I thought it was just ok. I thought Ayase Haruka did an amazing job portraying her character and heard she lost weight and everything for the role over the 3 months of filming to make it more believable. She was perfect for the role. I thought the scenery was very good to, I believe it was shot in IZU, makes me want to visit there some day. Now on the negative side I thought the 2 main male actors Yamada and Ogata where not good at all. Ogata was to dramatic and I did not really understand in the begining of the drama why he always falls on the ground and can not walk straight, I guess he was missing his other half, so that it why he keeps falling down?? not sure and also Ogata after awhile to me seemed not right for the role, I thought his character was to weak and after awhile I was annoyed by him. And for hevean's sake I think he never told her that he loved her once...which I thought was strange. I have the DVD version so it has behind the scenes and short speechs by each character after the shoot if complete, and I did not think that Ayase and Yamada got along to well.. in person they just shook hands and walked away from each other after the last scene and when thanking everyone for the hard work they never mentioned each other which I thought was strange.
Maybe if I saw it in 2004 my option would be different.
I think the book would be much better | | Reviewed by duckboat on 10 October 2006 | | 3. | Sad *contain spoilers* [Rating: 8/10]
I first watched the movie of Sekai no chuushin, I thought it was incredible, I'm not a big fan of love story and especially tear jerker, but it was one of the best movie I've seen, the scenes were beautifully done, but second half of the movie didn't impress me that much, the plot didn't feel right, but still very good.
So I decided to see how the tv drama turned out, the tv drama felt more better written, imo it felt over exagerated at first, also I felt that saku was more 'pathetic' than what I thought his character would be, but after watching more of the story, and the character development on Aki and Saku, you really feel for him. Towards the end, it's just depressing to see the way Saku lived his 17 years of life.
Aki's character and developement was much better in the tv drama, her interpretation in afterlife, life and death at the end, felt encouraging.
Some scenes felt dragged at first (might've been because I know part of the story from watching the movie), but after finishing the series, I feel like going back and watch the flashback scenes over again just to see Aki and Saku again, the scenes were great, both actor did well in the drama, Ayase Haruka was very good as Aki, I hope to see more from her in the future.
Great drama, nice story, ost and characters. Highly recommended.
I'd love to read the novel if I have the chance to. | | Reviewed by Solore on 4 December 2005 | | 4. | Timeless classic... [Rating: 10/10]
This is the drama version of one of the 2 great Jun-ai stories of 2004, the other one being Ima Ai ni Yukimasu.
One of the sadest dramas that I have seen, even if you know how it will end (Aki dies), her death hits you like a ton of bricks. Through out the drama (from the male prespective) you grow to care for Aki, root for Saku and Aki, and maybe even fall for her yourself. Their relationship is pure... just being together brings joy and happiness. This drama shows the development of the love between two people. It shows how Saku, even from the beginning was drawn to her, where, somehow, without knowing it, goes to where she is, and for Aki, she knew that when she died, he was going to be by her side. Through powerful imagery like this, you grow to care for the charachters.
People just read the discriptions, or watch just one or two episodes, especially from the middle, may and have criticized this drama, especially the Saku charachter... for holding on to the memory of someone who died for 17 years, for letting that destroy him from the inside, for not moving on.... I do understand their point of view, but if you care for someone THAT much, it probably cannot be helped... agian, you own personal experiences may deterimne how you feel about this drama.
A drama that you should watch... | | Reviewed by yukster on 11 January 2006 | | 5. | its beauty will make you cry... [Rating: 10/10]
these are some of the things i posted on my blog while watching it..
this drama has claimed my soul. best opening squence ever. * yamada takayuki is capturing my heart every minute i see him on screen. ayase haruka is awesome, too and is by far the only japanese dorama actress that doesn't annoy me one bit. * I CAN'T BREATH ANYMORE. I CAN'T BREATH FOR THE LIFE OF ME. * dear sekachu, stop scraping off the outer layer of my soul and squeezing lime on it OVER AND OVER, onegaishimasu. coz yannoe, it hurts. badly. * whoever won't find this dorama beautiful is a dumbass with the worst sense of aesthetics. EVER. * im really amazed that i dun find the actress playing aki annoying. i like her even. yeah. * omg that kid's so cute!!! * i need to go to australia kthnxbi * that's what i call acting. subtle.. true.. felt. excuse me while i cry my eyes thinking about this again. * my tear ducts have been drained of any liquid. * i swear to gawd, i had an asthma attack watching this and i don't even have asthma. my eyes are swollen now and am shook up pretty badly. but yannoe, that was really really beautiful. i wish i can love someone as much someday or be loved, at least... i'm such a sucker for tragic stories so me + sekachu = BFF.
ahahaha. mmkay that's all. | | Reviewed by pulang tala on 2 June 2006 | | 6. | Deeply Touching [Rating: 9/10]
I didn't find it at all sad for the first 8 or so episodes. By the time it hit the 10th, I was balling my eyes out.
It wasn't so much that Aki was dying, but just the way humans deal with death. I found it very touching... and yet really sad that Saku chose to suffer for 17 years because he was afraid. Afraid of forgetting.
The acting was superb. Ayase Haruka blew me away, although this was an observation I made after I finished watching the show. She was wonderfully convincing and truly accomplished an honest portrayal of a person in her position. Yamada Takayuki reminded me once again why I became a fan of his after watching H2. There is an honesty in his acting that worked perfectly for this role. You could really feel his raw emotion eminating from the screen. A pleasent surprise for me was Tanaka Koutaro's acting. He really does have good scope in terms of his portrayal of different characters.
Over all, I found the drama a little indifferent in the beginning -- it took me a while to befriend the characters -- but came together beautifully in the end. This isn't a show meant only to portray an early death of a teenage girl. It's about the footprints left behind when a loved one passes away. | | Reviewed by Wynter on 12 September 2006 | | 7. | It has to be the best of its kind.. [Rating: 10/10]
Worth 11/10!! Definitely recommended!!
What more else can I say? This is definitely one of the best tear-jerking j-drama to be around! Though I would say the plot is a bit old, but hey.. I don't mind corny plots, provided that it was done perfectly nice. One really great thing is that this drama isn't really that slow and draggy like those typical love stories of the same kind. Definitely this drama has raised the standard of j-drama love stories...
One surprising thing is that Ayase has done really well in this show, definitely worth a 10/10 for her good act! Yamada is really soooo cute in this show!! He acted really well and it is heart-breaking to see him cry... Especially when his tears just dropped when he wakes up every morning.. :~(
Think that the 2 are producing just the perfect chemistry for this show and look soo compatible! Simply heart-breaking to see them soo in love with each other...
Another actress in the show worth mentioning: Motokariya. She has a refreshing face with good acting, acting to a good refrehsing touch to this show.
I simply love the scenes that is taken, in Australia, gives a sense of lonliness that is soo heart-breaking.
wah~ will watch it again! | | Reviewed by cass_dust on 23 July 2005 | | 8. | maybe the best drama out there [Rating: 10/10]
first i really doubted wether i should watch this one or not, cauz i don't like a movie/drama if it gets to many awards (like titanic or lotr etc.) and after reading some reviews each and everyone said they cried their heart out while watching this one. i really thought it's the japanese answer to titanic, maybe i'm right ;) . but just by finishing the first episode i knew i have to go on if not i will regret it later. i like the main actor in "h2 - kimi to itahibi" so i couldnt think he could manage this role so perfectly and i didnt think the main actress was charming nor beautiful. but after some episodes and used tissues :))) the story begins to wrap u in it's magic and wouldnt let u go. episode after episode i like the actress even more for the amazing work she has done. you really have a reason to cry in each episode but the final one was the killer !!! even months after finishing this one i still listening to the soundtrack and it made me cry several times. so for me, it's a drama you should enjoy alone or with ur GF/BF. you will love him/her even more. it's the first drama that really moves me after watching hundreds of good and bad ones | | Reviewed by testmachine on 14 June 2007 | | 9. | One of the best tearjerkers [Rating: 9/10]
After watching the movie, I was curious to how the tv series would turn out. The movie was sad enough, and sure enough, the tv series was even sadder. Of course, they had much more time to play out the sequence of events. It's painful to watch the girl slowly face her end and even more painful to watch the guy struggle with that reality.
I am not a big fan of depressing tearjerkers, but this one was worth it for me. It wasn't just sad, but it had a sort of love in it that usually isn't found in other sad dramas. I think the successful element is the time factor; the drama switches from present to past throughout and that provides the audience a deeper relation to the feelings of the guy.
This drama is sad from start to finish and if you let yourself get into it, it will move you every episode. | | Reviewed by Hiro Toyo on 29 March 2005 | | 10. | GREAT! [Rating: 10/10]
i first hear about this drama back in summer, when they just started airing it. i really wanted to watch it after hearing high recommendations by my Japanese friends. i later knew that there's also a movie based on the successful Novel. the movie was so good, and now im watching the drama.
i only watched 4 episodes so far, and all i can say is GREAT!! its one of the most touching dramas i ever watched this year. and i cannot wait to watch the rest of episodes!
the acting of yamada Takayuki and Ayase Haruka is superb!! the chemistry between the two is great! you can almost think they are really in love!
the OST is great and makes you wanna cry when you hear them and it just grow in you! the story is heart whelming, i highly recommend watching this drama for those who like dramatic stories! | | Reviewed by kawaii_kinki on 24 March 2005 | | 11. | Perfect 10 [Rating: 10/10]
Great cast, performance, music, directing, etc etc...
From a bestsellling novel to the movie then to the drama. This drama version supasses the movie version by ten miles. It has set a whole new standards for "PURE LOVE" type dramas. Like the name suggest "Crying out for Love, in the centre of the world" and that is where the story starts. Saku is standing in the middle of the world - Ayers rock. This was actually what they first shot. His opening performance is superb. The story cleverly switches back & fourth, from past to present thanks to the director. He called the two main leads "Acting Angels", able to laugh one moment and scream cry the next. ...
They've just announced that they would stage this as a musical. Wonder who would be the leads now?! | | Reviewed by yt on 30 October 2004 | | 12. | Crying out love... [Rating: 10/10]
This is absolutely the saddest love story I've ever seen.
The acting is very well done on most parts. Saku's younger self seems to have a permanently sulky face, but his perfomance is great nonetheless. Hirose Aki's actress is great, too, as is the the supporting cast.
The cinematography is very breathtaking at parts, and the soundtrack, though a bit repetitive, always hits right on.
I seem to have listed a bunch of little faults and nitpicks, but I gave the show a 10 because it is very gripping, and at least one scene in every episode would push me to the edge of tears. The last episode had me sobbing out loud.
Highly recommended! | | Reviewed by Caeruleas on 1 January 2006 | | 13. | beautiful drama with wonderful performances [Rating: 10/10]
Before watching the drama, I saw the movie a couple of weeks ago. I really liked the movie and was curious to see how the drama would compare.
This drama is one of the best I have seen. It's so touching and so very heartbreaking. Yamada Takayuki and Ayase Haruka both deliver brilliant performances. They not only portrayed the characters wonderfully, but became them. You can feel whatever they are feeling when you watch them perform. This drama shows how now matter how painful situations become, you just have to keep on going and living life.
Definitely have a box of tissues with you when you watch this drama. I love it!! | | Reviewed by MissMonika on 26 December 2005 | | 14. | simply touching [Rating: 10/10]
okay, this soap opera just made me wish i can speak and understand japanese. im so glad that channel 18 was showing it with subtitles or else ill be clueless. this one reminds me of a walk to remember but this is 10times better. as i watched the final episode last night i was bawling my heart out. i cant believed that i wont get to watch this soap opera anymore. anyways, the cast are superb specially the guy who played saku and also aki. i admired them and was deeply astounded by their talent. this is the first soap opera that made me cry. i was extremely touched on every word and every scene. its simply one of a kind! | | Reviewed by mitchyko on 11 July 2005 | | 15. | tears dropping [Rating: 10/10]
it's the 1st drama that make me drop tear =(
some scenes that were shot are just beautiful (the scene where Aki & Sakutaro kissed with a screen shield between them in the ward). for the scene that make me cried is when Aki asking for a kiss from Sakutaro, and they kissed at the same situation and atmosphere but this time she had cut her hair.
the music that goes with this drama work just perfectly with accurate timing of what it's showing and when the chorus of the soundtrack comes in...for most japanese drama actually all their scene are usually beautiful and especially ���E�̒��S�ŁA���������� i guess. =) | | Reviewed by ahguang on 7 October 2008 | | 16. | brilliant sad drama ever watched [Rating: 10/10]
i never expect this drama will tear my heart into pieces..first i thought this drama is just a typical sad love story..but it absolutely not..i cried so much until i had to remind my self to stop the tears,,but i cant help it..the tears cannot stop
the story was told beautifully until i can feel what saku feel..every element is blend perfectly and when the times the two main role spend their time together, i surprisingly feel so happy for them..
very brilliantly perfect drama i ever watched..there is no doubt 1 litre of tears is a tearjerking drama..but this drama achieved more than that and even BETTER.. | | Reviewed by anon001 on 13 June 2011 | | 17. | Incredibly gripping love story... [Rating: 10/10]
The most touching and heart wrenching drama I have watched. Absolutely gripping storyline. A beautiful style of directing from the drama, which is filmed from the view of a present 34 yr old Matsumoto Sakutaro reminiscing on his past and the loss of his one true love in high school, Hirose Aki, to leukamia in 1987. I thought Ayase Haruka and Yamada Takayuki were perfect for the roles. Great casting. The OST is also top class, and you could almost feel your tears flowing again just by hearing it. Really makes you wonder how far we have come in terms of medical science research since 1987. Highly reccommended~ | | Reviewed by DragonSpirit164 on 22 October 2004 | | 18. | No words to describe this classic [Rating: 10/10]
The most beautiful drama ever
I have never seen a drama with more authentic acting and direction with a beautifully developed, well-paced story.
Every scene is so real and touching. Phenomenal performances by Takayuki and Ayase. The dialogues are so poetic that this drama is in a strata of its own. Every time the protagonist narrates his feelings and describes Aki, it is so moving and poignant. Unreal. If there is one drama you must ever see, it is this.
Sekai no chuushin de "Sekai no chuushin de, ai wo sakebu" to sakebu. | | Reviewed by makkumatr on 28 August 2008 | | 19. | Better than Beautiful Life!!! [Rating: 10/10]
Right on first episode, you can feel how good this drama is. All scenes are beautiful, the OST is simply perfect giving more emotion to each scene, the story is touching and the cast did a wonderful job - one of the best I've seen in therms of J-drama.
Every word, every glance, every gesture shows all pureness, all romantism and the powerful love between Saku and Aki - Saku didn't forget her even after 17 years.
You are able to see in this drama how beautiful love is.
A must watch!!! You won't regret! | | Reviewed by shiruchsn on 5 November 2004 | | 20. | very natural [Rating: 10/10]
when you follow the plot time to time its very natural, logic and chronological also without anything being weird.. i wonder why the tv rating is so low,,, saku plays brilliant. At the time when he fall from his bicycle after hearing shocking news about aki. the mimic is so perfect. his acting here above haruka. the idea about communicating through walkman is well done and also when he realize the lightness of his pedals without his ojii-san's riding on it. so heart-warming.. and the ending also wonderful. | | Reviewed by kirei_lanford on 27 October 2006 | | 21. | cried like crazy [Rating: 10/10]
Sekachuu was amazing. I was soo happy when I heard that it was going to air on tv because everyone talked about how good of a drama it was...and they were right. The characters, especially Aki, were just so lovable that you really feel some sort of connection with them and it makes you share their pain more. I liked it much better than the novel and everything about it was just beautiful. All the actors played their roles extremely well in my opinion. | | Reviewed by noodlefreak on 13 March 2006 | | 22. | Wonderful Love Tale... [Rating: 10/10]
Although hard to switch from present to past, the story is one of the great love stories I've seen..normally I don't enjoy them because the story gets too predictable, but this one was pretty flawless.....Yamada Takayuki was a great actor in this, but he didn't look 16 or 17....Ayase Haruka was great in this as well, for she was able to play such a strong character SO well....the ending set the mood well....it just completes the whole story.... | | Reviewed by Kirari Ililah on 30 October 2004 | | 23. | Sekai no chuushin de, ai wo sakebu [Rating: 10/10]
Sekai no chuushin de, ai wo sakebu, is now a favorite. Its been a long time since I found an interesting, mesmorizing Japanese drama. The Last show that touched me like this was L'oiseau Bleu
which is still my original favorite. If you knew me saying that Crying out love in the center of the world (Sekai no chuushin de, ai wo sakebu) Is just as good as Aoi Tori( L'oiseau Bleu) that says alot of things for this beuatiful and melencholy drama. | | Reviewed by laskyliner34 on 7 July 2005 | | 24. | Super Duper Touching!! [Rating: 10/10]
The most touching and beautiful love story i've ever seen in my entire life. The story is all about a boy, Sakutaro Matsumoto who by fate fall in love with a iron wild but very lovely girl. (Greatly done by the kawaii Ayase Haruka). To make the drama even more heart wrenching of course there were some disease matter included. Anyway it is highly recommended. It's so great that it even beat my all time best drama - 'Beautifull Life'.... ;p | | Reviewed by mok on 23 July 2006 | | 25. | A must see [Rating: 10/10]
Once in awhile, not that often, but still once in awhile, you will come across a true gem in drama making. 2004 was blessed by this very gem 'Sekai no Chuusin de, Ai wo Sakebu'. A truly beautifully told story of love that will move anyone to tears from the beginning 'til end. A true masterpiece in the making and story telling, well supported by amazing actors and a well fitting soundtrack. This is the must see of 2004. | | Reviewed by Nermal on 22 January 2005 | | 26. | *sniffs with tissue box in hand* [Rating: 10/10]
This DORAMA always sent me close to crying with each episode, then I finally did at the final episode. The actors were able to bring out the characters of the story, and had me glancing on my thoughts for experiences when I felt the same. It also surpassed the movie because the dorama was able to show how their love for each other grew better compared to the movie. Highly recommended~ definitely~ | | Reviewed by Houjou Sekira on 23 January 2006 | | 27. | im lovin every minute of this series [Rating: 10/10]
to be honest i didn't expect this series to be such an unforgettable experience, however it exceeds my expectations. I don't know how many more of great dramas are out there, but with great confidence i would have to say that this drama should be placed amongst the best dramas of all time. Simple story and yet it can change one's perspective about life, a powerful and moving film. RECOMMENDED!! | | Reviewed by mr.children on 22 January 2007 | | 28. | Staggeringly depressing [Rating: 6/10]
No question, this is an elegant, tasteful adaptation; however, the plot wallows in tear-jerker territory far too long, as the young female co-star contends with acute leukemia, suicide, family turmoil, and the fear of death.
The acting is uniformly strong, but I found the second, later-life subplot more touching than the death-and-disease that swallows up the rest of the drama. | | Reviewed by jdoramadotcom on 14 February 2009 | | 29. | Simply touching! beautifuly captured through human [Rating: 8/10]
From the beginning til the end, it arouses all human emotions from innocence while they were playing by the river without a worry in their heads to the philosophical meanings of life and death. It brings out everything there is to sense in life. Love and live like there is no tommorrow, because doesnt matter what, no love , no person is powerful enuf to change one's fate of life. | | Reviewed by aoi#5 on 23 June 2005 | | 30. | Sekachu ga Saikou!!!! [Rating: 10/10]
This has got to be one of the best yet sadest JDoramas of all time. Ayase Haruka's performance was very convincing and she is a knockout to boot, making her my fav Dorama actress. After Sekachu I started watching her other works and i am totally convinced of this. Byakuyakou is awesome. I really enjoy watching Ayase and Yamada cause they seem to have great chemistry. | | Reviewed by Monkeyboy2 on 22 December 2006 |
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Read all 73 reviews from users
| Comments From Users (285) |
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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 Kitsuchi [Rating: 10/10]
Very touching and good dorama. It even seemed to be two doramas put together into one whole, one played in the past and one in the present. It's really well done and impressed me. You can't find cast fitting better than this. All the actors/actresses are really excellent. I really like Yamada Takayuki (as Sakutaro). He's a really good actor that you easily fall in love with. I'm not just talking about his looks, but his acting. He's impressing and shows emotions really well. He can cry, smile, laugh, get serious so well, which is actually difficult. But to him, it's like an easy play which he is used to. I guess he was born to be an actor. (I bet he also would make a good singer, probably.)
Also, Ayase Haruka (Aki), is really great too. She played a diseased person so well, as if she knew exactly how it was to have leukemia, which was the disease she had in the dorama. She has showed me what an excellent actor she is, but not only in this dorama but also in THnK (Tatta Hitotsu no Koi, which is also strongly recommended).
This has interesting plot about this Sakutaro coming over his love's death after 17 years. Great, excellent, nice ending-song and... I can't come up with any words right now. I just want to tell you to watch it or get away from here regretting yourself ^_^. | | 2. | Comments by donna8157 [Rating: 10/10]
A enticing story combined with some beautiful scenery and great acting. There's no wonder why this drama won so many awards. But I think that the best part of the entire series was the touching script, some of the dialogue between Aki and Saku just evoked so much emotion. For instance in the scene where Saku finally saw Aki again after a long stay in the hospital during the summer, he thought to himself,
"If Aki wanted to cry, I would hold back all my tears."
Or the instance where he made a wish at the small island. Aki asked him what he wished for, he said,
"I asked God to give you my quota of good luck. You have so many grand dreams and I want them all to come true."
Yamada Takayuki and Ayase Haruka simply shine as the main characters. Combined with a touching soundtrack, this is one series that you'll never forget. It's a must watch. It surely, surely will bring a tear to your eyes. | | 3. | Comments by Jeanxi [Rating: 6/10]
I must say...a definite tear jerker ~>.<~ I've cried at some point (sometimes more than once) in every episode since the 4th or 5th. The story got a bit slow at times, but there is always some scene in each episode that redeemed the slow bits. I was especially impressed with the ending...my favorite part was when bits of the grown-up life of Tomoyo, Ohki, and Bozu were shown...it was those moments that had me smiling amidst the tears that just wouldn't stop =P (ESPECIALLY memorable is the part with Ohki saying to his son "You can do whatever you like OMAE-SAN, just don't go to Yumejima with a girl you like" while the camera focuses in on the photo Ohki took of Saku and Aki asleep on the beach of Yumejima...gave me butterflies in my stomach *shudders*) | | 4. | Comments by krazeealiens [Rating: 10/10]
sniff sniff sniff... omg y y y y.... *sob* *sob*... i loved it... this is a tear jerker im telling ya... but i loved it... omg but y did it havta happen... y??? omg Ayase Haruka is such a great actress... she was willing to shave her head... lol shes soo great and soo cute when she says saku-chan... and yamada takayuki was great too.. the cast was great all around... even ogata naoto... he looks like yamada... lol hes great as well... sniff sniff there is such a thing as loving someone forever... omg his love was sooo deep... it just makes me hurt for them... sniff sniff i loved it also go and buy sacrates in love... first volume of the manga is out... but it japans #1 tragic love story... sniff sniff watch and read it please its sooo great... | | 5. | Comments by mitchyko [Rating: 10/10]
hay, what can i say about this amazing jdorama??? this drama made me wish i can understand japanese. i first saw this on channel 18 and thank god that it was subtitled in english or else ill probably go crazy. anyways, the story is kinda like that movie "a walk to remember" but i must say that this is way much, much better. well, minus the singing part of course. theres more drama and depth on this one. the actors i must say are really great specially the two leads. this was the first drama that really made me cry, seriously. specially the last 3 episodes. i know its kinda lame but thats how effective the actors and story is. all i can say is "bravo! bravo! bravo!". definitely, one of the best jdoramas ive ever seen. good job guys! | | 6. | Comments by Swedish_Japan_Lover [Rating: 9/10]
The only thing I have to complain about here is how boring it sometimes could get. Was probably too long for a 11episode-series, otherwise GREAT! Ayase turned out to be one of my fav actresses and yamada went somewhat beyond that! They really are perfect together as a workingduo... I loved where the story took place, its a typical place I want to go in Japan.... it was very cute and entertaining too if you ignore the sickness-part, but then again, this is a tragedy, and Yes, i probably cried all of my watersupplies in my body out for this, recommendable, but not if youre not in to sad dramas
NOTE: ogata's acting was also great!! he really had the same body language as the young character Yamada played | | 7. | Comments by Caeruleas [Rating: 10/10]
This is absolutely the saddest love story I've ever seen.
The acting is very well done on most parts. Saku's younger self seems to have a permanently sulky face, but his perfomance is great nonetheless. Hirose Aki's actress is great, too, as is the rest of the supporting csat.
The cinematography is very breathtaking at parts, and the soundtrack, though a bit repetitive, always hits right on.
I seem to have listed a bunch of little faults and nitpicks, but I gave the show a 10 because it is very grippingm, and at least one scene in every episode would push me to the edge of tears. The last episode had me sobbing out loud.
Highly recommended! The very best of the sick-girl genre. | | 8. | Comments by Sorata [Rating: 8/10]
This dorama is too too heavy emotionaly, the story it�Ls a lot like 1 Litre of Tears and Taiyou no Uta, but even if those two are very dramatic doramas they still got some fresh moments; but Sekai no Chuusin doesn�Lt have any of those moments, it�Ls like they are trying to make the viewer sad for life.
It�Ls a great dorama but unlike the other two i mention i can�Lt make myself watch this a second time, it�Ls a very sufocating dorama.
Yamada Takyuki was briliant in this, Ayase Haruka was very good too but Takayuki was stelar, you like his character Saku or not(i�Lm not very found of it) one have to admit that the delivey was awesome, best performance from Takayuki in a dorama imo. | | 9. | Comments by Lucian Dureau [Rating: 10/10]
Undoubtedly one of the best dramas that i've ever watched. If i had to describe it with just one word i'd say: Love. We'll watch how the main character, Saku, have to learn to live after the death by leukemia of his love, Aki, 17 years ago. His memories will take us to that time to discover a true and innocence love of two high school students in a small town of Japan.
Sekachu, based on the best seller of Kyoichi Katayama, perfectly can be named Saku and Aki, no more is needed.
The performances of all the cast is excellent, specially Haruka Ayase and Takayuki Yamada. I've no words to describe it. | | 10. | Comments by Finndlin [Rating: 7/10]
A touching story about the loss of a love that death makes perfect. The story was really well written (I read the book) and very catchy, describing a beautiful romance.
Unfortunately I don't think the cast was so great. Nobody was really bad after all, but the actors permorming Sakutaro are just ordinary, and don't seem able to show subtle emotions.
On the other hand the secondary roles are all fine, and "Aki" (Ayase Haruka) is rather convincing.
A soulful drama that I appreciated. | | 11. | Comments by nishishi [Rating: 9/10]
SAD!!! But the idea of Sekai no chuushin is not really original... i mean.... i kind of tired of those (a girl n a boy falls in love with each other.... most of the times the GIRL has a disease... and both of them fight in order to have a happy life)
Each dorama changes a lil bit the plot... but in the end they r all just the same....
Nways... if i dindt watched other doramas before.... maybe i would have enjoyed Sekai better... ITS a EXCELENT DORAMA... Worth a 9 out of 10.... | | 12. | Comments by dekatrain [Rating: 10/10]
This is a sentimental favourite of mine...I saw this on tv in japan in 2004 and fell in love with it, seriously. Ayase Haruka is a phenomenal talent, as is Yamada... Also seen the movie, and this is ten times better...I cried during this! It's one of those dramas that doesn't have to "manufacture" emotion and intense passion because it's already there. As a watcher you immediately become immersed in the story as if it was actually happening right then and there...BRILLIANT... | | 13. | Comments by michiru3 [Rating: 8/10]
Watched only up to ep.7 so far, but every single episode made me cry.....it's just so sad!! But in a good way. Yamada Takashi is really good here (altho all his charas are pretty aloof/quiet, aren't they?). The main girl chara is really good and the other charas are interesting to watch w/out being annoying. I'll revise this after I've finished the whole series. I gave an 8 for SekaChu only b/c it's so sad that I don't think I can ever watch it again. | | 14. | Comments by tsubaki1 [Rating: 9/10]
excellent casting, exceptionally superb performance from Yamada Takayuki, excellent soundtrack, excellent photography. at the first few episodes it actually has all qualities to become a movie. tho somehow i find it a bit unconvincing as how a 3-month first love could torment a man for 17 years, i was still crying throughout the whole 11 episodes. i havent found any doramas as beautiful as this one yet.
makes you love Yamada Takayuki dearly | | 15. | Comments by kaonashi [Rating: 8/10]
As I expected the tv series was slightly better than the movie since this is the type of story that benefits from a large amount of time in order to develop the story & the characters. Osawa Takao was way better than Ogata Naoto as the grown up Sakutaro though & overall I wasn't too exited about the cast here. And maybe that's one reason why I say this is a good drama but not great. | | 16. | Comments by PaperCaged [Rating: 5/10]
I think this is the most over-rated show I've come across. I've heard so many great things about it, and yet when I watched it I was highly disappointed. It was dull and Matsumoto Sakutaro's character bothered the heck out of me. I think I actually read the manga Socrates in Love a long time ago and enjoyed it, but for some reason the drama didn't do much for me. | | 17. | Comments by MissMonika [Rating: 10/10]
It's such a sad story, but it's so beautiful. I can't tell you how many times I've cried during this series, especially during the last two episodes. I mean, you know that she's going to die but it's so heartbreaking to watch. Yamada Takayuki was incredible in this drama. He's such an incredible actor. Ayase Haruka was great in this, too. Props to them both | | 18. | Comments by aliceeatcow [Rating: 9/10]
What an amazing dorama! You know it's supposed to be sad but it isn't too overdone.. I loved the story of Saku's grandfather. It was good from beginning to end pretty much. The only reason it's not a 10 is that it got to be a little too much for an episode or two towards the end but overall it is a really amazing dorama. Certainly one of the best I've seen. | | 19. | Comments by Tougen [Rating: 10/10]
although i am a long time dorama watcher, this drama got me back watching actively again...beautifully told, well acted, sad beyond belief...actually felt emotionally drained after watching it...however it was good to watch something that aspired to be more than a silly fun drama and i look forward to watching Yamada and Ayase's future projects | | 20. | Comments by yijing [Rating: 8/10]
it's supposed to be a super duper touching drama & i'm well-known to be someone who is easily moved to tears, but somehow i couldn't quite accept the drama. maybe it's too unrealistic for me. i must admit there were still moments when the drama broke my heart & my tears flow. but to impact me till i sob w/o control? it didn't happened. | | 21. | Comments by Qky [Rating: 8/10]
Haven't finished watching this one, im gonna leave my comments after i'm done watching it.
I'm on episode 4 now and my tears just keep on flowing out.. ;_;.. This serie is good!! for now, I'd give it 8/10. Magnificent actings and heart touching story. The story's lined up very neatly, switching back and forth from the past to the present.. | | 22. | Comments by tachan [Rating: 8/10]
I read the novel and I really liked the drama (I think it's better than the movie). I think the two main actors are perfect for their roles and they work well together (they act together again in byakuyakou). It's a bit slow, but it is definately worth it. It is one of those sadder dramas, but it does have its cute moments. | | 23. | Comments by atheon [Rating: 10/10]
Nov 2004: [ Quote: I cant even save the person i like the most, yr 1987] The whole drama makes me wanna cry all the time, the scenery, story and not forget the OST, make sure u look at the translation of the lyrics while watching this....so depressing....A truly touching love story, and a very nice ending too~ | | 24. | Comments by 5_lvis_20 [Rating: 10/10]
this is sad story.... be4 i watch...i oledi watch the comic n movie... so, when i watch this drama, i feel very sad when see they r together.. it is so sad...... i like the drama song, is sing by jou shibasaki.... she sing in well, i like it.... this drama is very very very very BeSt.... >_< | | 25. | Comments by K.T.Tran [Rating: 8/10]
Took me about 1 yr to finish this. Good drama I give it that, but I didn't like how it went from present to past in each ep. Story was wonderful, it really was and so was the acting.
It could've flowed a bit smoother i think, if so....i probably would've shed more then just a couple tears | | 26. | Comments by itsonlykat [Rating: 10/10]
I LOVED IT, YOU SHOULD WATCH IT, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, ABOUT LOVE AND DEATH, AND HOPES AND COURAGE! THE TITLE JUST SAYS IT ALL. "CRYING OUT LOVE, IN THE CENTER OF THE WORLD" AMAZING!!!! IT WON MANY MANY MANY AWARDS CHECK IT OUT AT DRAMA WIKI'S PAGE. JUST AMAZING!!!!! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!!! | | 27. | Comments by Spider [Rating: 8/10]
Took a while for me to get into this one, but in the end it was a nice well done drama. Didn't grip me like 1 Litre of Tears did, but this series was still good! Ayase Haruka has come so far since this series, and proven she's one of the premier Japanese actors acting today in Japan! | | 28. | Comments by DragonSpirit164 [Rating: 10/10]
The most touching and heart wrenching drama I have watched. Absolutely gripping storyline. A beautiful style of directing was used in the drama. Great casting as well as a top class OST rounds off what is definitely in my top 5 romance dramas of all time. Highly reccommended~ | | 29. | Comments by Milano [Rating: 8/10]
Having won a lot of premiums, showing a beautiful direction... but the share on TV was not so high. Probably, the main actor crying for the whole series was not a good idea. If you want to see a similar story try instead: kamisama, mou sukoshi dake, or ichi ritoru no namida. | | 30. | Comments by chewml [Rating: 10/10]
Wonderful acting & directing. Have been recommending it to all my friends. When I first bought the DVD, heard that it was very sad and I didn't have the courage to watch 'cos I know I would sure cry to death. Finally watched it and all my tears are worth it. |
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Read all 285 comments from users
| Users who voted for this drama (189) |
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| 1. | Caeruleas
This is absolutely the saddest love story I've ever seen.
The acting is very well done on most parts. Saku's younger self seems to have a permanently sulky face, but his perfomance is great nonetheless. Hirose Aki's actress is great, too, as is the the supporting cast.
The cinematography is very breathtaking at parts, and the soundtrack, though a bit repetitive, always hits right on.
I seem to have listed a bunch of little faults and nitpicks, but I gave the show a 10 because it is very gripping, and at least one scene in every episode would push me to the edge of tears. The last episode had me sobbing out loud.
Highly recommended! | | 2. | yt
Splendid and heart wrenching! This is the ultimate not to be missed drama of 2004. Nearly taking a clean swipe at the 42nd Television Acadamy Awards inlcuding, Best Drama, Best Actor for Yamada Takayuki, Best Supporting Actress: Ayase Haruka, Best Theme Song: Shibasaki Kou, Best Newcomer: Tanaka Koutaro, Best Screenwriter, Best Director, Best Casting, Best Theme Clip... Just don't know what the judges were thinking but it should have taken best music too!! All the awards speak for themselves... This is the classic of the CLASSICS! | | 3. | ellenfosh
U will regret if not watching this great drama. This drama's plot was so good, u won't stop since u start seeing it. The actor and actress played their own roles very good, u will think that they were really existed in this world. Saku,Aki,Ohki,Tomoyo,Bozu, all characters. The BGM was excellent (music couldn't talk but it could send chemistry until u cry, laugh, and fear)
Even I knew the story would be sad, but i still watching it. Hehehehe, very funny coz i never be like that before.
Last words, AMAZING DRAMA | | 4. | azzwipe
This show is something special. It left me in tears or on the verge of tears in every episode. I'm not afraid to admit that. But then again this is probably one of the saddest dramas out there. There's no doubt about this TV-series being better than the movie, even though that was quite good as well. I loved having the privilege of watching the beautiful relationship unfold between Saku and Aki. They both won an award for the show and so they should. Wonderful and very sad show. | | 5. | aoi#5
matsumoto san, suki dada yo!!!
������ ������ ��������I�I�I
Cant stop crying after 2nd disc, felt like the whole world was touched by their love yet at the same time, no love will be strong enough to change life. In the end it makes you relize, your loved ones will oways be with you whether its in your heart, mind and soul. Once you relize it you'll be brave enough to face the world again. Keep on loving!!! | | 6. | krazeealiens
omg i fell in love w/ this one as well... i just love haruka... shes such an excellent actress... and this story is unforgettable... i practically cried like at least 5 times or more in each episode... i absolutely loved it... the actors/ actress were all made for this part nobody stood out or didnt fit in... it was great all around jdorama | | 7. | Sakibuki
the second best drama i have ever seen after 1 Litre of Tears.
i tought that nothing could ever come close to the emotional weight of 1 Litre until i saw Sekai no Chuushin. it is to me the only series that is truly as beautiful and sad as 1 Litre of Tears and it is the second series ever to make me cry. | | 8. | 5_lvis_20
this is sad story....
be4 i watch...i oledi watch the comic n movie...
so,
when i watch this drama,
i feel very sad when see they r together..
it is so sad......
i like the drama song,
is sing by jou shibasaki....
she sing in well,
i like it....
this drama is very very very very
BeSt....
>_< | | 9. | lawsco
Storyline; At least you knew from the first five minutes that you were going be really really sad! And then they did such a good job that you really were really really sad despite the warning. Good acting and neat to see Nakadai Tatsuya as something other than a psychotic killer [Sword of Doom] !!!! | | 10. | nunu
The BEST jdorama for me so far!! It's touching enuf... always make you want to watch the next episode without taking a break.... oh my god... I cried in every episode.... the story n the soundtrack is full of sadness n touching... I love this drama!!! Excellent!!! Must watch it!!! | | 11. | teddyray110
Sekai no Chuushin is a drama that makes the audience feel for the characters and we connect with what they feel through. Directed and acted beautifully by both Yamada Takayuki and Ayase Haruka, this drama shows what love truly is and the pain when you lose your true love. | | 12. | starry_purple
Most heart wrenching drama that i've ever watch... cried for almost all episodes.. and so touched with Saku's 17 years for Aki... A show that will make caused kinda depression after watching it... However, No Regrets in watching the drama!! | | 13. | Koven
A confusing love story of youth which can't be forgotten. Great actors (I particularly liked Ayase Haruka's performance), sublime countrysides and a very poignant OST. I highly recommend it, but it's too sad, depression is close... | | 14. | Nermal
The best tear-jerker ever made! Truly an amazingly well brought story that will get your heart aching throughout the entire series. Truly desrves all the awards it won! Perfect from acting, to montage, to soundtrack. | | 15. | kljs
One of the BEST storyline and very emotional storyline I have ever seen! 11/10 just for the ending! And 11/10 just for the first few episode!!!! To those that haven't watched it, do it or you will regret it!!!!! | | 16. | gackt
cried about 5 times during the whole series, and i usually never cry for anything, let alone some tv show, but this... this is a really powerful drama, even listening to the theme song makes me want to cry | | 17. | popdod
The same old dying-from-illness dorama but the story was touching when a guy couldn't let go of his past love for 17 years! Everlasting love still exists in the web generation??? Entertaining though. | | 18. | Shareholdersequity1
Favorite drama by a long shot, recommend it to guys over girls even though its from both perspectives. Shows the true meaning of love and romance and on top of that the music and scenery is perfect. | | 19. | Ezalor
Again, an incredible sad story. Though the main actors aren't that good, they have a great chemistry, this story is convincing in nearly every aspect. Has some funny elements, that's cool.. | | 20. | venusling
Wow...this drama really sad but memorable. All the settings, scenes and background music are really nice! Good casting and acting skill. Definatelly recommended if you into romantic drama! | | 21. | Chrisse
splendid! it really touch u since the first episode till the last. It's soooo touching and so sad!
i never felt so sad when i watched a drama
it's without any hesitation in my top 3 | | 22. | yukster
Great drama, great example of Pure Love... something that we should all shoot for in our lives. Great acting... If you don't feel anything after watching this, you are dead inside... | | 23. | aoi
This series underlined the word "Dorama" for me. Very touching story, lovely moments, beautiful sceneries & Yamada acting skill was great! One of my all time favourite. | | 24. | shortmei
Absolutely one of the best and saddiest dramas I've seen. Excellent cast as well as acting, and the storyline (though somewhat predictable) just made you craving for more. | | 25. | littlemissfab
This is a dorama where I cried in every episode. I kid you not. Really gutwrenching. The director knew how to tug on the heartstrings of his viewers. Kudos to the cast. :) | | 26. | UtadaFan
I was gonna vote for this as the best series I have seem, but after 1 Litre....I have to say...I just have to vote for 1 Litre of Tears as THE saddiest/BEST story of all | | 27. | gomibagu
Excellent tear jerking drama. The cast was great and the story was very moving. One of the best I've ever seen. Someone needs to sub this for all to see | | 28. | booniez
Not only a 10/10 for me in general, but 11/10 on the tearjerker scale. Only a person without a heart can watch this drama and not shed a bunch of tears | | 29. | junkpro11
LOVE THE DRAMA!! VERY TOUCHING!! LOVE THE CAST AND THE PLOT EVEN THOUGH IT IS VERY SAD!! GREAT ACTING BY ALL OF THE ACTORS/ACTRESSES, BEAUTIFUL SCENERY | | 30. | Shuin
One of the best dorama I've ever watched. super touching show + great opening song by Shibasaki Kou Great acting by Yamada Takayuki and Ayase Haruka!!! |
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