It's got some of my favorites, Mimura, Sei Hiraizumi, Mariko Kaga. Dunno if I would call it a 'mystery' drama. Definitely a 'family' drama though. The main theme will probably be Kamenashi and Tamaki and their fractured relationship. First episode was pretty good though.
Haven't seen Tamaki in a drama in I don't know how long. First episode got abysmal ratings. I guess between 'Andro Lloyd', 'Doctor X-2', and 'Legal High 2' this one might get lost in the shuffle.
Joined: 26 Mar 2007 Posts: 2061 Location: Melbourne Country:
Posted: Thu Oct 24, 2013 8:50 pm Post subject:
I really like Miss Pilot episode 1 while watching it, but on reflection, I have a different take on what kind of character Haru is and how she should have been developed/presented based on the current script. Her level of naivety seems very unrealistic, in view of her experience, both of working and rejections. The persuasiveness of the story suffers as a result, but otherwise, it is enjoyable, brisk and sometimes even exciting. The interview process and selection activities/criteria are thought-provoking (reminds me of the first episode of Futatsu no Spica) and add a lot of depth and substance to the story, hope they can keep it up but it's going to be hard.
Umi no Ue no Shinryoujo
Enjoyed episode 1 but episode 2 was disappointing. The banter between Kota and Mako was the highlight for me and while the rest of the crew was entertaining, the stories of the islanders weren't very interesting. It's somewhat amusing to see Kota failing at his romantic pursuits, but I'm not sure what to make of Kota, may be I am taking it too seriously.
Junjo Kirari
Watched the first 5 weeks awhile ago. There is something magical about Miyazaki Aoi in this. Not really fond of the story, but she lights up the screen, and the relationship/exchanges between Sakurako and her dad was great.
Joined: 08 May 2007 Posts: 2331 Location: in South Atami Country:
Posted: Fri Oct 25, 2013 8:08 pm Post subject:
snow_san wrote:
esther,
check out Kumo no Kaidan and Namae o Nakushita Megami when you get chance.
Thanks, I haven't seen those - definitely worth a try.
In the meantime I watched episodes 1 and 2 of Kurokouchi with Nagase Tomoya and Gouriki Ayama (as a cop hahaha - hence I only tuned in because of Watabe Atsuro).
What can I say, it's quite brutal and bizarre and not at all a classic J-cop drama. Nagase is a corrupt cop who does terrible things in the first episode - are they aiming for some kind of film noir theme? I can't tell if I like it or not.
The most puzzling thing for me is the music, a bizarre mix of Lord of the Rings and Keizoku the original one from 1999, with an ending song by Tokio. Episode 3 is airing tonight, I'll watch just to make up my mind.
Joined: 08 May 2007 Posts: 2331 Location: in South Atami Country:
Posted: Mon Oct 28, 2013 6:47 pm Post subject:
Ando Lloyd up to episode 3 - I lost a little interest. I think Spec is better and funnier.
I have also checked out the Miki Satoshi series Henshin Interviewer something. Well Fuse Eri is in it so I'll continue. Episode one is whacky.
Tokyo Bandwagon seems nice, warm and fuzzy family drama - I watched the first episode - but it could turn out boring.
Is it me or is this season a mixed bag of relative badness: a lot of second series (Dr X, Legal High, the Masami one), strange and bizarre ones (Ando Lloyd, Kurokouchi, Henshin Interviewer) or boring storylines about adultery (Glass no Ie or the one starring Yuka).
Oh anyone seen Dandarin? It got good reviews but seems not popular at all with audiences here.
Joined: 26 Mar 2007 Posts: 2061 Location: Melbourne Country:
Posted: Mon Oct 28, 2013 7:50 pm Post subject:
Miss Pilot episode 2 was pretty ordinary. Haru's stubborn stance and actions were meant to come across as dedication, but also bordered on recklessness. How it worked out in the end, I don't think it's plausible in real world, but it's only a drama.
Dokusin Kizoku
With music from My Fair Lady and Breakfast at Tiffany's (and probably others), I think they are trying to recreate the feel of those old, classic movies in this drama, but this is lacking the charm that permeate those classics. It's not bad, but the story is quite standard, with very occasional insights into singles' mindsets.
Joined: 29 Oct 2010 Posts: 164 Location: Netherlands Country:
Posted: Tue Oct 29, 2013 3:42 am Post subject:
@ EstherM
It's been a while. (o hisashiburi desu ne)
I started Danda Rin yesterday and it's great! Much recommended
Hope you are well and enjoying the Japanese autumn!
Joined: 13 Apr 2007 Posts: 12122 Location: It was fun while it lasted. Country:
Posted: Tue Oct 29, 2013 7:29 am Post subject:
EstherM wrote:
Tokyo Bandwagon seems nice, warm and fuzzy family drama - I watched the first episode - but it could turn out boring.
Watched episode 2. It's in the same vein as 'Hitotsu Yane', 'Hotman', and 'Home Drama'. Big family living together with a new crisis every week. Not bad but nothing really new either.
Also saw episode 2 of 'Ando Lloyd'. I'm no big Sci-fi fan to begin with, this one's going to be a struggle. It says something when the most interesting character is Yuko Oshima as Kimtaku's sister and the second most interesting character is Honda Tsubasa as the person that repairs Kimtaku.
Joined: 31 Oct 2008 Posts: 331 Location: United States, usually. Sometimes Japan.
Posted: Wed Oct 30, 2013 12:08 pm Post subject:
gaijinmark wrote:
Watched episode 2. It's in the same vein as 'Hitotsu Yane', 'Hotman', and 'Home Drama'. Big family living together with a new crisis every week. Not bad but nothing really new either.
Also saw episode 2 of 'Ando Lloyd'. I'm no big Sci-fi fan to begin with, this one's going to be a struggle. It says something when the most interesting character is Yuko Oshima as Kimtaku's sister and the second most interesting character is Honda Tsubasa as the person that repairs Kimtaku.
I'm struggling with Tokyo Bandwagon but enjoying Ando Lloyd.
I wonder if I'll be able to catch any episodes when I'm in Japan in a couple of weeks... _________________
Joined: 08 May 2007 Posts: 2331 Location: in South Atami Country:
Posted: Wed Oct 30, 2013 3:23 pm Post subject:
gaijinmark wrote:
Watched episode 2. It's in the same vein as 'Hitotsu Yane', 'Hotman', and 'Home Drama'. Big family living together with a new crisis every week. Not bad but nothing really new either.
Also saw episode 2 of 'Ando Lloyd'. I'm no big Sci-fi fan to begin with, this one's going to be a struggle. It says something when the most interesting character is Yuko Oshima as Kimtaku's sister and the second most interesting character is Honda Tsubasa as the person that repairs Kimtaku.
Mmmh I am almost ready to drop Ando Lloyd but if I am home on Sunday I might watch episode 4.
antspace wrote:
@ EstherM
It's been a while. (o hisashiburi desu ne)
I started Danda Rin yesterday and it's great! Much recommended
Hope you are well and enjoying the Japanese autumn!
The few ones watching love it - thanks I will give it a try when I have a free moment.
I caught bits of the first episode of Kekkon Shinai, and am wondering if it's worth watching? I'm not a fan of Amami Yuki, but she didn't annoy me too much from what little I saw, and I do like Kanno Miho and Tamaki Hiroshi... _________________
Joined: 26 Mar 2007 Posts: 2061 Location: Melbourne Country:
Posted: Sun Nov 10, 2013 8:35 pm Post subject:
Miyazaki Aoi was luminous in Junjo Kirari. Watched until week 8. I liked her before but this series really revealed to me her charm and acting to a whole new level.
Shokatsu http://jdorama.com/drama.497.htm with Matsuoka Masahiro and Tanaka Misako. The first episode was really good, they showed the contrast between police with different status and investigation approaches very intelligently. Cop shows nowadays are not nearly as good I believe (though I don't watch many).
Dokusin Kizoku - 1990ish kind of romance. The storyline looks much like Audrey Hepburn's Sabrina.
I don't quite like the casting, the lack of sophiscated charm(a younger version of Suzuki Honami might have worked magically), poor acting esp from the former First Lady of Indonesia, Mrs Sukarno-san and i am distracted by all three main cast having super straight noses; but I'm watching it because Reiko Genozono+Mamoru Hoshino fantasy scenes are so funny, and so are those from the ubiquitous and sneaky lawyer.
The best surprise this season - Legal High2. It's better than the prequel and I see better chemistry, better story and acting. But it's not funny anymore.
Doctor X - I'm watching it because I like the soundtrack. The plot is a repetition from the previous.......
Joined: 31 Oct 2008 Posts: 331 Location: United States, usually. Sometimes Japan.
Posted: Mon Nov 11, 2013 12:33 pm Post subject:
junny wrote:
I caught bits of the first episode of Kekkon Shinai, and am wondering if it's worth watching? I'm not a fan of Amami Yuki, but she didn't annoy me too much from what little I saw, and I do like Kanno Miho and Tamaki Hiroshi...
I recommend it. It can be a bit cheesy in parts, but overall it's enjoyable.
But if you're looking for a drama with female leads, I liked Itsuka Hi no Ataru Basho de better. _________________
Joined: 13 Apr 2007 Posts: 12122 Location: It was fun while it lasted. Country:
Posted: Tue Nov 12, 2013 4:47 am Post subject:
junny wrote:
I caught bits of the first episode of Kekkon Shinai, and am wondering if it's worth watching? I'm not a fan of Amami Yuki, but she didn't annoy me too much from what little I saw, and I do like Kanno Miho and Tamaki Hiroshi...
They went thru a phase of those 'Will I/won't I get married' dramas, this one's in the same vein. Like WhiteHawk said Itsuka Hi no Ataru Basho de is better and not anything like those type of dramas.
Quote:
The best surprise this season - Legal High2. It's better than the prequel and I see better chemistry, better story and acting.
I got my fill of Sakai Masato watching Hanzawa Naoki. I may watch Legal High 2 six months from now.
Did watch episode 3 of Tokyo Bandwagon. I don't know if there's any real plot here. Mimura does have to seem something in her past and Tabe Mikako isn't who she says she is. That doesn't mean it's interesting though.
Joined: 13 Apr 2007 Posts: 12122 Location: It was fun while it lasted. Country:
Posted: Sat Nov 16, 2013 6:19 am Post subject:
Episode 5 of 'Ando Lloyd'. Boy is this thing uneven! I liked episode 4 and had some hope for this drama but after episode 5 I don't think they have the slightest idea where they're going.
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