Suzuki Honami [鈴木保奈美] I like her dorama so much that I can't cite a reason for it. I am a reasonable person, but when come to Suzuki's dorama, my sensibility overcomes my sense.
Ichi Ritoru no Namida [1リットルの涙] tears, also very inspiring [Rating: 10/10] the fact that the drama is based on a true story makes it not only a tear jerker, but also very inspiring.
it reminds us the cruel reality that medical research/technology, which is progressing steadily but slowly appears so puny and helpless in face of diseases and on the other hand human's desire to live and optimism is so powerful.
i wonder what I would do if I had that disease.
ten years ago, i would say, "study hard and find a cure of it";
yesterday, i would say, "kill myself and donate my organ for medical research"
now having watched this drama, I realized that more courage is needed to keep living/struggling the life than abandon it. Am I going to be as brave as Aya?
Kou Kou Kyoushi 2003 [高校教師 2003] applause for Ueto Aya's performance [Rating: 10/10] First time saw Ueto Aya was in "my little chef" as a supporting role, not much outstanding.
In this drama, which has all the traditional j-drama elements: impending death, forbidden love, sterotypedly "strong" Hina, "evil" force, etc., though cleverly synthesized, Ueto Aya's performance is surprisingly great. (Not so much running on the street scene, which is so typical of j-drama. they can even be sorted by miles run by the leading character on the screen :)
I am not so sure about the definition of "dark" drama. I think it still has some humor in it, where the scene at the amusement park, Aya climbed up the roller coaster to get the balloon and her teacher mistakenly though that she would commit suicide. Very funny :)
Overall, great performance, good plot. worth watching
Last Christmas [ラストクリスマス] it is a classical love story as tokyo love story [Rating: 10/10] have all the elements of a great love story, diluted a little by too many couples (as compared to 2 in TLS). (both are by the same writer: http://wiki.d-addicts.com/Sakamoto_Yuki)
It's sweet, light-hearted. Taste like coffee with plenty of milk and sugar. It's sweet and smooth, but you probably don't want to have a second cup. (added: well, I watched it again last night.)
Again, the ending could be better (or bitterer).
I watched the ones with English subtitles, so probably didn't catch all the dialogue that relates to japanese culture and background.
it's christmas 2005. happy holiday (added: this morning I rushed into Walgreen to get a toothpaste. The theme song "Last Christmas" was playing in the store. You need to experience such great feelings to know how I feel. It was great!
Long vacation [ロングバケーション] A Long Vocation [Rating: 9/10] Not the best I have ever watched. But I have just had a long vocation. So it's a moving drama for me.
It's like the piano that can express the pianoist's emotion. This drama will also echo in the heart of those who have experienced a long vocation.
News no onna [ニュースの女] BEST JDRAMA I HAVE EVER WATCHED [Rating: 10/10] I watched NEWS WOMAN from beginning to end TWICE non-stop. I am planning to watch it again tonight. IT IS GREAT. As I have said, the Japanese characteristic is going to extremes. They work hard, ambitious and have little respect to life, etc. But I would quote a sentence from the drama: "I respect you Tamaki." I respect those who devote to realizing their life dreams. This drama is so encouraging and all the characters are so well played among which, of course, Tamaki (Suzuki Honami) is the best. Though I first know Suzuki Honami from her "Tokyo Love Story", I want to say that Suzuki Honami is great at playing the role of a devoted loving woman. Not only the love between man and woman, but also the love of work, of one's own dream, the love of truth and good things in the world. Love in a more abstract and broader sense. That's why I love this drama. It's the best drama I have ever seen. Don't believe that? Watch it for yourself.