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FierceStriker's drama votes (9)
Golden Bowl [ゴールデンボウル] An accident caused by destiny but made dreams come true - that's what this drama is all about. Take a quick glance, nothing seems too extraordinary, another shobu drama, another love story, HOWEVER, never have I such a drama done so well, and soooo moving. The love in Golden Bowl in stronger than those specifc love dramas. You really get to see how the bond builds and truly hope for them to be together. The two leads are excellent Shu-chan and Hitomi-chan, both are charismatic and they have such excellent dynamics with each other!!! Highly highly recommended. It is predictable yes, but predictable in the fact that you will definitely be moved beyond your expectation.
Itsumo futari de [いつもふたりで] This show is GREAT!!!!! I have never been so moved and happy for the couple to end up together (even if it was obvious) since Long Vacation. Great dynamics between the leads. Who says Takako has to pair up with KimuTaku, she is fantastic with Kenji kun - the perfect sweet couple. A highly recommended feel-good drama.
Kimi ga oshietekureta koto [君が教えてくれたこと] Love is a promise between souls and feelings are best expressed through your heart. This dorama is soooo well done and soooo moving. Mayuko and Shinichi's love story is as poetic and as beautiful as the sky. This is my favorite Japanase Dorama ever, it makes me want to seek out and embrace my soulmate. The music is very relaxing as well, soul-soothing perhaps. Soul-soothing, this is the best word to describe this dorama. Watch it and hear your soul sing.
Koi no Chikara [恋ノチカラ] One of the best I have ever seen!!! Feels so great! Koi no chikara desu ne. Hotoni sugoi deshou.
Long vacation [ロングバケーション] The ORIGINAL, the dorama that got me hooked. Kimura's best. A simple but charming story line, never gets old.
Love complex [ラブコンプレックス] This is one of the most unique J Dorama I have ever seen. Truly a twisted, mind-bending experience. This is a psychological drama (nightmare is perhaps more appropriate) with very heavy symbolism, no wonder a lot of people find it weird and cannot understand it.
SPOILER WARNING!
Some people commented that this drama symbolizes the chaotic Corporate world of Japan. In fact, it is actually the opposite, the problems, chaos in a corporation about to decease symbolizes, in the drama, the mind of a human being, which is also composed of thousand and millions of "employees" - memories, thoughts, hope or lack of. It is the destruction of such components that lead each character to their mental breakdown. There is the inability to face a father's death, fatal obsession over weight loss, hatred steming from a lover's betrayal, etc. Everyone pretends to be normal, like the company in the drama, they hide their problems (like the stealing issue in the company) and expect everything to be fine. However, once a "virus" enters, the company structure/the human mind built on self-denial crumbles. This drama is excellent in the fact that it represents such change of emotions by utilizing humor in the beginning and chaotic even psychotic breakdown in the later half. The viewer experiences the same thing as the characters, and that is why many viewers will feel uncomfortable, disturbed. That is what is intended.
EXPLANATION OF THE CONVOLUTED ENDING AND WHO KARASAWA IS
About the ending, Sorimachi jumped out of the window after kissing Karasawa, seemingly draining the "undying virus" (represented by the transfer of the blue eyes) from him. He dies to kill that "virus" he has taken upon himself. This death is more symbolic. The virus represents human complexes - a trauma, a fear, a hatred, etc. poisons resulting from life's changes. It is what corrupts everyone's life. Karasawa, even though being the physical representation of the virus, is in fact a victim as well. From the minimal info revealed, he is the illegitamate son of a powerful politician, born from a mistress. He himself carries such virus or complex, so strong that he seeks destruction to end all misery. If you notice, when Sorimachi jumps out of the window, a drop of tear came out of Karasawa's corpse - he has been released as well.
This drama is a dark comedy, a psychological thriller, an unexplainable success. It is disturbing, mind-bending, and maddening, rightfully so. If you are up for the challenge, watch it and try to comprehend it, it is well worth the chaos.
Love Revolution [ラブレボリューション] Brilliant, even though it is not unique, everything is done so well, the leads were all great, this dorama just exudes a warm feeling.
News no onna [ニュースの女] Great great dorama!!! The best News story show ever! The actors are all soooo good. A must watch!
Sora Kara Furu Ichioku no Hoshi [空から降る一億の星] Amongst Sleeping Forest, Ice World, and this, this is the best of the author, it is depressing throughout but very well done. Great story and insights into human nature.
FierceStriker's artiste votes (10)
Esumi Makiko [江角マキコ] She is my favorite Jap Actress right now! Excellent acting skills, playful and sad at the same time. She was excellent in Love Revolution and the Shomuni series, two completely different roles, both well done.
Fukatsu Eri [深津絵里] She is a very brilliant actress. Her role in Sorakara Furu Ichioku no Hoshi was beyond excellent. She brought out the character Yuko's pain very very vividly. One can even feel it from her eyes. The journey from Innocence to Destruction was portrayed thoroughly by her. Do watch this drama and DO say something nice about her.
P.S. Think she would look better with longer hair.
Kaneshiro Takeshi [金城武] He was fantastic in both Golden Bowl and Kamisama mo sukoshi Naritai, he pulls off his roles so well and just exude coolness (it must be the chinese blood, hehe). I think he needs a better picture on JDorama though. His picture now is soooo old and dorky, anyone listening?
Matsu Takako [松たか子] Her acting is soooo great and she is always kawaiii in a boyish way, :). Her latest show Itsumo Futari de is a must-see, the best love show since Long Vacation. Gambaru, Takako chan!
Mizuki Arisa [観月ありさ] First saw her in Nurse no Oshigoto 4, my reaction was Dare desu ka, kono buusu obasan? Then I saw her act and Nurse no Oshigoto 3 and more importantly Diamond Girl. She truly is a great actress and can pull off the glamorous roles few other can. Charismatic, that's what one calls it. Thumbs up for you Arisa chan!
Nagase Tomoya [長瀬智也] #1 gakkoi otoko! Great acting skills and very VERY charismatic and charming.
Suzuki Sarina [鈴木紗理奈] Beautiful with excellent acting skills and did I mention FUNNY!!! She was hilarious as Sakuradamon, the makeup bijin in Visual Battle 1 and 2. Meanwhile, she was downright scary and chilling as the murderous sister in Stealing Love-Dangerous Woman. Such great acting flexibility. Hope she gets more good roles soon.
Tsutsumi Shinichi [堤真一] He is great in Koi no Chikara, such a slow and unromantic guy, but managed to make himself more loveable than any other love drama heroes (Takuya Kimura, I am talking about you). He was good in Yamato Nadeshiko too. Hope to see more of his great and versatile acting skills.
Yonekura Ryoko [米倉涼子] She is charismatic, good-looking, with excellent acting skills. Loved her in Seikin Bijin and Love Revolution.
FierceStriker's dramas (131)
Antique [アンティーク〜西洋骨董洋菓子店] Rating: 9/10 (Bought & Watched) Nice and charming little drama. Recommended
Beauty 7 [ビューティ７] Rating: 5/10 (Bought & Watched) Good for people who wants makeup tip. However, as a drama, its plot started off well, but went way out of control a few episodes into the show. It became more anime gag than anything else. Disappointed. (Not to mention how horrible the French language is being abused in here, :( ).
Bijo ka Yajuu [美女か野獣] Rating: 8/10 (Bought & Watched) Well-acted, lukewarm plot, the news story is not done as well as some other dramas such as "News no Onna." It is the actors who save this show from being completely boring.
Boku dake no Madonna [僕だけのマドンナ] Rating: 10/10 (Bought & Watched) Great new drama!!! Reminds me a lot of Long Vacation (if you pay close attention, the music, the end of the intro, etc. are all similiar to Long Vacation, not to mention the whole concept of "sweet summer vacation" mentioned here). The actors are all excellent portraying their role.
Damn, Surumi, make your decision already, :).
Brothers [ブラザーズ] Rating: 8/10 (Bought & Watched) Great acting! All the characters' roles are well portrayed and brings the plot together nicely. The ending is a bit of a let down though for this kind of a drama.
D&D (dangerous angel x death hunter) Rating: 9/10 (Bought & Watched) Another great campy Tokyo-western supernatural show. DxD has a lot of charm not to mention the great casting. Nagase Tomoya and Okada Junichi are great as the Baka Aho double team, :). They have such excellent chemistry here and make you really believe in their Aibo relationship. However, the last episodes seem to go too far, may be if the series is longer (22 episodes, for example), the show could have had a better development to the finale. Nontheless, great show, very cool, it is definitely well worth watching.
Diamond Girl [ダイヤモンドガール] Rating: 9/10 (Bought & Watched) The Japanese version of "Legally Blond". Instead of the Blockbuster sugar pill, this Diamond Girl is not only good-looking and well-dressed, but has a heart of gold and a superior fighting spirit as well. Mizuki Arisa did a fantastic job as Nanjo, the girl chasing after the fiancee who abandon her because she lacks "inner quality". She interns at his law office to win him back first, but ends up having a complete change of heart. It is a romantic story and many law and justice tales in one. There are so many heart-felt moments that makes this dorama worth watching. For those people who ignored this gem just because the leads are not the most gorgeous surely lack "inner quality." Do not forget that a diamond is born within a rough surface.
Double score [ダブル スコア] Rating: 8/10 (Bought & Watched) Typical cop show, but quite nice and fun, the cases could be more interesting though
Garasu no kutsu [ガラスの靴] Rating: 7/10 (Bought & Watched) A drama that starts of well and gets itself lost on the way. The final episode is very rushed.
Gift [ギフト] (Bought & Watched) Another Kimura Takuya show and the selling point is? Bin bon, KimuTaku kun in various dressed and undressed states. Booorrrriiinng.
Gokusen [ごくせん] Rating: 6/10 (Bought & Watched) Funny at first but dies down really fast. There could have been a lot more potential in the plot setup (her being a Yakuza ojo), but instead it just become a GTO imitator with "nice on the inside, harsh on the outside" Yakuza members. Hope viewers don't think that's true...
Golden Bowl [ゴールデンボウル] Rating: 10/10 (Bought & Watched) An accident caused by destiny but made dreams come true - that's what this drama is all about. Take a quick glance, nothing seems too extraordinary, another shobu drama, another love story, HOWEVER, never have I such a drama done so well, and soooo moving. The love in Golden Bowl in stronger than those specifc love dramas. You really get to see how the bond builds and truly hope for them to be together. The two leads are excellent Shu-chan and Hitomi-chan, both are charismatic and they have such excellent dynamics with each other!!! Highly highly recommended. It is predictable yes, but predictable in the fact that you will definitely be moved beyond your expectation.
Good Luck !! [グッドラック！！] Rating: 8/10 (Bought & Watched) Standard Kimura Takuya show. Typical plot, typical love story. I am kind of getting bored of Kimura shows.
GTO [麻辣教師] Rating: 9/10 Excellent, funny as hell, very moving at the same time.
Hakoiri Musume! [ハコイリムスメ！] Rating: 8/10 (Bought & Watched) Quite a feel-good and easy-going drama. The after-taste is just like having had a plate of cold soba or a day of walking around the mountain - refreshing and relaxing. The actors are great too (well, except Fukada Kyoko aka Fatty, she is still the one-face-girl). Iijima Naoko as the older sister Hana is perfect. She brings out the character like nobody can (especially when she tries to hide her own sorrow to make others happy). The parents played by Chii Takeo and Yoshida Hideko are sooooo funny, I especially like Yoshida as the mother, so modern and hip (the Japanese version of a former hippy mother, :) ). Tamayam Tetsuji did a great job too as Junpei, the guy who always liked Akari and only tries to make her happy. The gaijin actor who played Keith Corbet, is a little, let's say, low on the acting side and his Japanese is quite mono and horrible as well. However, his ignorant look and boring personality is what fits the character (what do you expect a gaijin character to be like in a Japanese drama other than a gimick and a source to be poked fun at...well, serve them right, look at how they portray Asians in their TV shows and movies). Oh and the fact that he is actually Australian even though the writers tell the audience he is American, not that they would be able to tell the difference.
Overall, a very relaxing fun drama, kind of reminded me of Beach Boys. Not as good, but more exciting and funnier. Watch this, even though Fukada Kyoko is in it, watch it for Iijima and all the other great actors.
Hanayome wa 16-sai! [花嫁は１６才！] Rating: 9/10 (Bought & Watched) Suprisingly good drama with a not-so-famous cast, but all very well acted. Even though the story seems very plain, it's the characters who brought the true emotions out. Recommended.
Itazura na Kiss [イタズラなKiss] Rating: 8/10 (Bought & Watched) Very sweet, funny as hell, however, the ending seems rushed, not enough time to show how the guy changed his mind to realize he loves the girl.
Itsumo futari de [いつもふたりで] Rating: 10/10 (Bought & Watched) This show is GREAT!!!!! I have never been so moved and happy for the couple to end up together (even if it was obvious) since Long Vacation. Great dynamics between the leads. Who says Takako has to pair up with KimuTaku, she is fantastic with Kenji kun - the perfect sweet couple. A highly recommended feel-good drama.
Kimi ga oshietekureta koto [君が教えてくれたこと] Rating: 10/10 (Bought & Watched) Love is a promise between souls and feelings are best expressed through your heart. This dorama is soooo well done and soooo moving. Mayuko and Shinichi's love story is as poetic and as beautiful as the sky. This is my favorite Japanase Dorama ever, it makes me want to seek out and embrace my soulmate. The music is very relaxing as well, soul-soothing perhaps. Soul-soothing, this is the best word to describe this dorama. Watch it and hear your soul sing.
Kimi wa Petto [きみはペット] Rating: 9/10 (Bought & Watched) Totemo kawaii dorama desu ne. Sukoshi hen desu, demo hontou ni sugoku kawaii dorama desu, kore wa. Ara, watashi no koi no petto wa doko desu ka ne.
Kindaichi Shonen no Jikembo Season 3 [金田一少年の事件簿 3] Rating: 7/10 (Bought & Watched) Interesting mysteries, though poor setup leading into the mysteries (building a sand dome, some guy crashes into it and then invites them to go home with him to see how weird his family is? what the hell?). And the new Kindaichi is obviously low on acting skills, I shutter every time he says "on my grandfather's behalf." The girl's role seems rather unnecessary, she has minimal participation, other than asking "doshite doshite." I heard that the original 2 seasons are much much better. Watch this for the mystery, not the acting.
Kindaichi shonen no jikenbo 1 [金田一少年の事件簿 1] Rating: 8/10 (Bought & Watched) Even though the mysteries could be predictable (just think of the least likely person at the beginning of the movie, or the nicest one), the story line is setup nicely and all the actors are great. Although the policeman is a bit strange looking... This original Kindaichi series is definitely better than the new Kindaichi 3, the original Kindaichi himself is the best too, what were they thinking with the casting of the new one?
Kindaichi shonen no jikenbo Season 2 [金田一少年の事件簿 2] Rating: 8/10 (Bought & Watched) A continuation of jikenbo 1, more cases, a bit more crazy than the first season. However, I think the "Shanghai Mermaid" case was horrible. The original is still the best.
Koi no Chikara [恋ノチカラ] Rating: 10/10 (Bought & Watched) How good a drama is depends on the kind of feeling it gives you when you watch it and how you feel after you finish it. Koi no Chikara really gives you power not only in love, but in career as well. Following something you really want to do no matter how hard it is, even though it is not very realistic in this world, such honesty to oneself is very much worthy of respect. I would recommend everyone to watch this. This is one of my most favorite love dramas, upthere with Long Vacation and Love Revolution (on equal grounds!!!)
Koori no sekai [冰の世界] Rating: 9/10 (Bought & Watched) Great story, Nanako is excellent as the Ice-cold woman. Laughable ending though, what the hell are they thinking?
Love complex [ラブコンプレックス] Rating: 10/10 (Bought & Watched) This is one of the most unique J Dorama I have ever seen. Truly a twisted, mind-bending experience. This is a psychological drama (nightmare is perhaps more appropriate) with very heavy symbolism, no wonder a lot of people find it weird and cannot understand it.
SPOILER WARNING!
Some people commented that this drama symbolizes the chaotic Corporate world of Japan. In fact, it is actually the opposite, the problems, chaos in a corporation about to decease symbolizes, in the drama, the mind of a human being, which is also composed of thousand and millions of "employees" - memories, thoughts, hope or lack of. It is the destruction of such components that lead each character to their mental breakdown. There is the inability to face a father's death, fatal obsession over weight loss, hatred steming from a lover's betrayal, etc. Everyone pretends to be normal, like the company in the drama, they hide their problems (like the stealing issue in the company) and expect everything to be fine. However, once a "virus" enters, the company structure/the human mind built on self-denial crumbles. This drama is excellent in the fact that it represents such change of emotions by utilizing humor in the beginning and chaotic even psychotic breakdown in the later half. The viewer experiences the same thing as the characters, and that is why many viewers will feel uncomfortable, disturbed. That is what is intended.
EXPLANATION OF THE CONVOLUTED ENDING AND WHO KARASAWA IS
About the ending, Sorimachi jumped out of the window after kissing Karasawa, seemingly draining the "undying virus" (represented by the transfer of the blue eyes) from him. He dies to kill that "virus" he has taken upon himself. This death is more symbolic. The virus represents human complexes - a trauma, a fear, a hatred, etc. poisons resulting from life's changes. It is what corrupts everyone's life. Karasawa, even though being the physical representation of the virus, is in fact a victim as well. From the minimal info revealed, he is the illegitamate son of a powerful politician, born from a mistress. He himself carries such virus or complex, so strong that he seeks destruction to end all misery. If you notice, when Sorimachi jumps out of the window, a drop of tear came out of Karasawa's corpse - he has been released as well.
This drama is a dark comedy, a psychological thriller, an unexplainable success. It is disturbing, mind-bending, and maddening, rightfully so. If you are up for the challenge, watch it and try to comprehend it, it is well worth the chaos.
Love Revolution [ラブレボリューション] Rating: 10/10 (Bought & Watched) Nice and sweet, very emotional, every episode starts with an interesting love quote, suteki.
Majo no jouken [魔女の条件] Rating: 9/10 (Bought & Watched) Very emotional, both Hideaki and Nanako were great! The story is a bit unusual but the pursuit of love, the suffering by love, and such were all very moving. An excellent drama.
Marusa!! [マルサ！！] Rating: 9/10 (Bought & Watched) Interesting cases, great acting, and great Esumi Makiko, even though predictable as in the methods, it is still fresh and very entertaining.
A good light-hearted drama.
Mukodono! [ムコ殿/女婿大人] Rating: 9/10 (Bought & Watched) A very nice family comedy. The story is a bit unbelievable, but the acting is great and everyone is sooo lovable.
The ending is sooooo moving and can truly bring tears to your eyes.
A great drama, this where the magic of Japanese drama come from.
News no onna [ニュースの女] Rating: 10/10 (Bought & Watched) Funny, moving, inspirational, AAA++++
Great Acting from Honami, Taki and the crew.
Nurse no oshigoto Season 2 Rating: 9/10 (Bought & Watched) A nice sweet and FUNNY dorama. I have seen Nurse no Oshigoto 2, 3 and 4; 2 (this one) is the best one so far. Arisa and Mabo look cute together, :), better than her with Naohito, muuuccch better. Watch this, it is GOOD!
Nurse no oshigoto Season 3 Rating: 9/10 (Bought & Watched) Funny funny funny. Mizuki Arisa is very funny as Asakura Izumi, the clumsy, ditsy, and always hungry nurse. Fujiki Naohito has a humorous role as well, not just a vase in this one. Overall, great manga-ish stories, very emotional, and stayed true to the hospital setting and the happiness and sadness that can happen in a hospital setting. Highly recommended.
Ohsama no resutoran [王樣のレストラン] Rating: 6/10 (Bought & Watched) The miss use of the French terms and cusine styles make me laugh. I wish it was intentional
Okusama wa Majo [奥さまは魔女] Rating: 10/10 (Bought & Watched) Wow, what a wonderful dorama, a kampeki remake of the Bewitched show, even down to the smallest details. Even more, in my opinion it was more heartwarming, and updates the show very successfully. Ryoko-san as the Majo is perfect, so it the husband, the colleagues, neighbors (the neighborhood wife is a dead-on imitation of the original character from Bewitched, soooo funny. Actually a lot funnier than the original), and clients, not to mention the kawaii Tsubasa chan.
Overall, wonderful, wonderful, wonderful, and very very very heart-warming. From the ending, I can bet that there will be a sequal (at least one) coming up, :). Hope it can be just as good.
P.S. Genki desu, Shunpei [P.S.元気です、俊平] Rating: 8/10 (Bought & Watched) I really enjoyed watching this drama (even though I missed Episode 1, :( ). I think the two leads have great dynamics together, and both seem so loveable in this show. I do not like the ending, however, as it is vague for the sake of being vague and leave you feeling unfinished. But overall very worth watching.
Pretty Girls [プリティガール] Rating: 6/10 (Bought & Watched) Watchable, semi-entertaining, poorly written story, even poorer direction. Feel sad for the actresses.
Psychometrer eiji 1 Rating: 9/10 (Bought & Watched) Well done. The stories are very interesting and always disturbing. The cast did a great job portraying the roles. DJ Krush's music is a nice touch as well. Very modern, campy chic, and exciting. Oh did I forget to mention it is funny too? A good adaptation of the manga.
Psychometrer eiji Season 2 Rating: 7/10 (Bought & Watched) Interesting drama, well acted, the script could be better though
Pu-Pu-Pu jump Rating: 9/10 (Bought & Watched) A heart-warming story of growing pains. The members of Coming Century all did a great job. Very strong chemistry amongst them.
Sanshimai tanteiban Rating: 1/10 (Bought & Watched) Only saw the first episode, but it is soooooo bad, and the girls are sooooo ugly. It would be more appropriate if this is named Sanbusu no baka baka adventure. I can't believe I wasted money on this...
Shomuni [ショムニ] Rating: 9/10 (Bought & Watched) Soooo funny!!! This show rocks!
Shomuni Final [ショムニ ファイナル/庶務二課] Rating: 9/10 (Bought & Watched) Hahahahahah!!!
This show is hilarious. Definitely a live anime drama desu. Yet all the characters (other than Shomuni no minasan) seem to have grown throughout the drama - quite incredible for a gag show like this.
Highly recommended.
Sora Kara Furu Ichioku no Hoshi [空から降る一億の星] Rating: 9/10 (Bought & Watched) One of the saddest dramas I have ever seen. A true tragedy as the title Million Falling Star implies (as in the falling of a star implies the death of someone on earth).
The writer has certainly matured a lot since the vague ending of Sleeping Forest and the unnaturally, laughably happy ending of Ice World. He has finally mastered the key of human emotions, the key to all human games - "emotional manipulation" deprived from "solitude," from "fear of solitude," from "hatred of solitude," to "numbing of solitude."
All the actors are perfectly chosen for the role. The music appropriately "positively negative." Lots of symbolism.
Go watch it and hear your heart ache.
Straight news [ストレートニュース] Rating: 8/10 (Bought & Watched) A very serious take a the News room story. Intriguing stories and good cast keep you going and going. I would have scored it higher if not for the somewhat lackluster/predicatable (think Koori no Seikai) kind of ending. This one is definitely worth a watch, however, so you know that News is not all about chasing girls/boys like so many other dramas make it seem like. I recommend it.
Suekko chounan ane san nin [末っ子長男姉三人] Rating: 9/10 (Bought & Watched) Really heart-warming and sweet show. Feels like a female version of Muko Dono, :). Everyone is so well casted especially the sisters and the mother. It makes you realize how important the bonds of a family is and, for the first time, I realized from the mother's point of view, how painful it is to see her own children leave the house to pursue their own lives. Very well done! Highly recommend it! Oh, did I mention it is also hilarious, I laughed so hard. Well, I'll conclude this drivel with a Chinese saying: "There is no never-ending party" and I add: "cherish its joy while you can."
Suna no ue no koibitotachi [砂の上の恋人たち] Rating: 9/10 (Bought & Watched) An unexpected accident, an unlikely love affair, a star-crossed couple.
This drama has a very interesting story setup, with plenty of twists in between. Be prepared for some shocking moments. Suna no ue no koi bito tachi, as the title suggests, is about love. The love between Akira and Rei are very well conveyed through the various painful moments they had to go through. It is what is not said that elicits the deep feelings, such as the first time they held their hands.
The concept of Tsugunai, or atonement and the torturous guilt are also well presented in here. Making this love story even more layered and meaningful.
The characters, Akira and Rei try to find what love really is, especially Akira. He progresses with the progression of the story, at the end, he finds what he is looking for and makes his decision.
This is a drama that requires deeper comprehension and appreciation. Many people who are just looking for another Love Generation or the sort will certainly not find that here. However, what one does see here is a wonderful multi-layered story that is about one thing - true love.
Suwiito debiru [スウィートデビル] Rating: 8/10 (Bought & Watched) Quite an entertaining if not too formula-driven drama. This is obviously one of these Idol Promotion dramas for the sake of the MAX girls. However, they did a pretty good job portraying the four majos. The story is quite interesting as well, even though the dynamics amongst the girls never seem to change or develop over their MAX colleague relationship. The last two episodes are really good, quite intense. It is worth watching if you don't mind superhero girl dramas. However if you want better supernatural themed drama, go with Psychometrer Eiji I or II, or DxD (Dangerous Angel and Death Hunter).
Taiyo no Kisetsu [太陽の季節] Rating: 10/10 (Bought & Watched) This is such a great drama. I am too moved to even write anything now. Watch it.
Taiyou wa shizumanai Rating: 9/10 (Bought & Watched) Great setup and good story-telling, very intense. Not as dark as Taiyou no Kisetsu. Still very good. Watch it. The bengoshi lady is totemo kakkoi.
Toshishita No Otoko [年下之男] Rating: 8/10 (Bought & Watched) Very serious drama about maturity and purpose of living, explored through various relationships: parents, siblings, marriage, lovers, elder with younger... It feels more like a play than a drama. Well done but some how feels a little stale.
Trick [トリック] Rating: 9/10 (Bought & Watched) I think this is the most interesting one out of the three.
Trick Season 2 [トリック2] Rating: 8/10 (Bought & Watched) Interesting cases, good dynamics between the leads, although Nakama's acting still leaves a lot to be desired. The show is generally funny with a lot of parady on other mystery movies/doramas (the Blair Witch spoof for example). The cases take too long to unfold and there are way too few cases for one season.
Trick Season 3 [トリック3] Rating: 8/10 (Bought & Watched) As good as Trick 2, nothing improved, nothing changed. Nice ending though, however, the romance seems to come from nowhere. Watch it directors, you cannot ignore the romance for two entire seasons (Trick 2 and 3) and then decide to give it a love love love ending.
Visual Battle 1 Rating: 9/10 (Bought & Watched) Soooo funnnnnnyy. This show is based on an equally outrageous comic series. It is a visual battle - a fight to be the most beautiful. Sarina did a great job as the busu with excellent makeup skills and so does the rest of the cast. Watch this!!! more OL madness, hehe.
Visual Battle Season 2 Rating: 9/10 (Bought & Watched) This show is soooo funny. Suzuki Sarina acted so well as Sakuradamon - the Makeup Bijin. I laughed so much almost every episode. Even though he is a supporting actor here, Odagiri Joe does a good job as the crazy Playboy who tries to impress her (he actually looks good with COMPLETE blond here, better than his black buzzcut, hmm). His character is so sweet, I hoped for him to be with Sakuradamon at the end in stead of the main guy, :). Watch this! It is even funnier than Shomuni, with a more story-driven plot about, what else, becoming beautiful in the name of love.
SPOILER!!
However, the fact that her face never went through Seikei even though the rest of her did, suggested that the drama still beheld the idea of one's true self - as Sakuradamon said, "if my faces changes, than my jibun (self) disappears." So it is not all about vanity here, ;).
With love Rating: 9/10 (Bought & Watched) With Love is a pure love poetry. Its use of music in accordance to the themes of alienation, helplessness, fear, and desire of love is perfect. Yutaka did a great job and looks so good in this dorama. The female lead did a great job too and fit her role very well (even though most people seem to dislike her but I think the casting director did a good job).
The ending dragged on a little too long, however, and it kind of ruined the overall symphonic love feeling, but it is a minor issue.
Yan Papa [やんパパ] Rating: 9/10 (Bought & Watched) A little slow at first, but became so emotional and moving! Nagase Tomoya wa honto ni subarashii otoko desu yo. Everyone is great in the show. Although the ending is a bit unrealistic. And when are they ever going to make a drama about the reality of the American Dream all the Japanese day dream about.
Yomigaeru kinro [蘇る金狼] Rating: 6/10 (Bought) The director obviously wanted to make this a sleek action-oriented suspense drama. However, the result is more puzzling then mindblowing. The acting is well done, but the script and directing are both quite poor. I pity the actors.
D&D (dangerous angel x death hunter) Baka Aho Futari Team [Rating: 10/10] Another great campy Tokyo-western supernatural show. DxD has a lot of charm not to mention the great casting. Nagase Tomoya and Okada Junichi are great as the Baka Aho double team, :). They have such excellent chemistry here and make you really believe in their Aibo relationship. However, the last episodes seem to go too far, may be if the series is longer (22 episodes, for example), the show could have had a better development to the finale. Nontheless, great show, very cool, it is definitely well worth watching.
Diamond Girl [ダイヤモンドガール] This Diamond is Your Best Friend [Rating: 9/10] The Japanese version of "Legally Blond". Instead of the Blockbuster sugar pill, this Diamond Girl is not only good-looking and well-dressed, but has a heart of gold and a superior fighting spirit as well. Mizuki Arisa did a fantastic job as Nanjo, the girl chasing after the fiancee who abandon her because she lacks "inner quality". She interns at his law office to win him back first, but ends up having a complete change of heart. It is a romantic story and many law and justice tales in one. There are so many heart-felt moments that makes this dorama worth watching. For those people who ignored this gem just because the leads are not the most gorgeous surely lack "inner quality." Do not forget that a diamond is born within a rough surface.
Golden Bowl [ゴールデンボウル] An accident caused by destiny but made dreams come [Rating: 10/10] An accident caused by destiny but made dreams come true - that's what this drama is all about. Take a quick glance, nothing seems too extraordinary, another shobu drama, another love story, HOWEVER, never have I such a drama done so well, and soooo moving. The love in Golden Bowl in stronger than those specifc love dramas. You really get to see how the bond builds and truly hope for them to be together. The two leads are excellent Shu-chan and Hitomi-chan, both are charismatic and they have such excellent dynamics with each other!!! Highly highly recommended. It is predictable yes, but predictable in the fact that you will definitely be moved beyond your expectation.
Hakoiri Musume! [ハコイリムスメ！] The female version of Beach Boys, oh and change th [Rating: 8/10] Quite a feel-good and easy-going drama. The after-taste is just like having had a plate of cold soba or a day of walking around the mountain - refreshing and relaxing. The actors are great too (well, except Fukada Kyoko aka Fatty, she is still the one-face-girl). Iijima Naoko as the older sister Hana is perfect. She brings out the character like nobody can (especially when she tries to hide her own sorrow to make others happy). The parents played by Chii Takeo and Yoshida Hideko are sooooo funny, I especially like Yoshida as the mother, so modern and hip (the Japanese version of a former hippy mother, :) ). Tamayam Tetsuji did a great job too as Junpei, the guy who always liked Akari and only tries to make her happy. The gaijin actor who played Keith Corbet, is a little, let's say, low on the acting side and his Japanese is quite mono and horrible as well. However, his ignorant look and boring personality is what fits the character (what do you expect a gaijin character to be like in a Japanese drama other than a gimick and a source to be poked fun at...well, serve them right, look at how they portray Asians in their TV shows and movies). Oh and the fact that he is actually Australian even though the writers tell the audience he is American, not that they would be able to tell the difference.
Overall, a very relaxing fun drama, kind of reminded me of Beach Boys. Not as good, but more exciting and funnier. Watch this, even though Fukada Kyoko is in it, watch it for Iijima and all the other great actors.
Hanayome to Papa [花嫁とパパ] Cute story, annoying dad [Rating: 7/10] This is a cute drama with a great lead. However, the acting is way over the top and not believable. Meanwhile, the dad is way too annoying for viewers to be sympathetic. That whole concept about "doing everything for the child's benefit" just annoyed the hell out of me. A psychiatrist is desperately needed for this overgrown needy old imbecile who drains the life out of his daughter. If you want to watch a good oyako kankei drama, watch Papa to Musume no Nanokakan instead.
Itsumo futari de [いつもふたりで] The best love drama since Long Vacation [Rating: 10/10] This show is GREAT!!!!! I have never been so moved and happy for the couple to end up together (even if it was obvious) since Long Vacation. Great dynamics between the leads. Who says Takako has to pair up with KimuTaku, she is fantastic with Sakaguchi Kenji kun - the perfect sweet couple. A highly recommended feel-good drama.
Just a note here: the change of Kashiwabara's character bothered me at first, however, the replacement actor did a good job as well and gave an excellent performance as well. Why wasn't he listed in the cast section???
Kimi ga oshietekureta koto [君が教えてくれたこと] Soul-soothing [Rating: 10/10] Love is a promise between souls and feelings are best expressed through your heart. This dorama is soooo well done and soooo moving. Mayuko and Shinichi's love story is as poetic and as beautiful as the sky. This is my favorite Japanase Dorama ever, it makes me want to seek out and embrace my soulmate. The music is very relaxing as well, soul-soothing perhaps. Soul-soothing, this is the best word to describe this dorama. Watch it and hear your soul sing.
Love complex [ラブコンプレックス] Most Unique Dorama [Rating: 10/10] This is one of the most unique J Dorama I have ever seen. Truly a twisted, mind-bending experience. This is a psychological drama (nightmare is perhaps more appropriate) with very heavy symbolism, no wonder a lot of people find it weird and cannot understand it.
SPOILER WARNING!
Some people commented that this drama symbolizes the chaotic Corporate world of Japan. In fact, it is actually the opposite, the problems, chaos in a corporation about to decease symbolizes, in the drama, the mind of a human being, which is also composed of thousand and millions of "employees" - memories, thoughts, hope or lack of. It is the destruction of such components that lead each character to their mental breakdown. There is the inability to face a father's death, fatal obsession over weight loss, hatred steming from a lover's betrayal, etc. Everyone pretends to be normal, like the company in the drama, they hide their problems (like the stealing issue in the company) and expect everything to be fine. However, once a "virus" enters, the company structure/the human mind built on self-denial crumbles. This drama is excellent in the fact that it represents such change of emotions by utilizing humor in the beginning and chaotic even psychotic breakdown in the later half. The viewer experiences the same thing as the characters, and that is why many viewers will feel uncomfortable, disturbed. That is what is intended.
EXPLANATION OF THE CONVOLUTED ENDING AND WHO KARASAWA IS
About the ending, Sorimachi jumped out of the window after kissing Karasawa, seemingly draining the "undying virus" (represented by the transfer of the blue eyes) from him. He dies to kill that "virus" he has taken upon himself. This death is more symbolic. The virus represents human complexes - a trauma, a fear, a hatred, etc. poisons resulting from life's changes. It is what corrupts everyone's life. Karasawa, even though being the physical representation of the virus, is in fact a victim as well. From the minimal info revealed, he is the illegitamate son of a powerful politician, born from a mistress. He himself carries such virus or complex, so strong that he seeks destruction to end all misery. If you notice, when Sorimachi jumps out of the window, a drop of tear came out of Karasawa's corpse - he has been released as well.
This drama is a dark comedy, a psychological thriller, an unexplainable success. It is disturbing, mind-bending, and maddening, rightfully so. If you are up for the challenge, watch it and try to comprehend it, it is well worth the chaos.
Nurse no oshigoto Season 2 FUNNNNNNYYY and Heart-warming [Rating: 9/10] A nice sweet and FUNNY dorama. I have seen Nurse no Oshigoto 2, 3 and 4; 2 (this one) is the best one so far. Arisa and Mabo look cute together, :), better than her with Naohito, muuuccch better. Watch this, it is GOOD!
Okusama wa Majo [奥さまは魔女] A perfect+ remake, better than the original, :) [Rating: 10/10] Wow, what a wonderful dorama, a kampeki remake of the Bewitched show, even down to the smallest details. Even more, in my opinion it was more heartwarming, and updates the show very successfully. Ryoko-san as the Majo is perfect, so it the husband, the colleagues, neighbors (the neighborhood wife is a dead-on imitation of the original character from Bewitched, soooo funny. Actually a lot funnier than the original), and clients, not to mention the kawaii Tsubasa chan.
Overall, wonderful, wonderful, wonderful, and very very very heart-warming. From the ending, I can bet that there will be a sequal (at least one) coming up, :). Hope it can be just as good.
Seikei Bijin [整形美人。] Ii Dorama desu [Rating: 8/10] Ryoko chan is soooo funny in this. She has such charisma and "sugar power" to bring out the Honami character. I really like this dorama, light mood, great music, and well-paced story (I liked the story board about the Busu twins).
I like the way it ended too and its philosophy - Beauty IS important, damn right.
Sora Kara Furu Ichioku no Hoshi [空から降る一億の星] Ii wa warui, Warui wa Ii, Ai wa nan desu ka [Rating: 9/10] One of the saddest dramas I have ever seen. A true tragedy as the title Million Falling Star implies (as in the falling of a star implies the death of someone on earth).
The writer has certainly matured a lot since the vague ending of Sleeping Forest and the unnaturally, laughably happy ending of Ice World. He has finally mastered the key of human emotions, the key to all human games - "emotional manipulation" deprived from "solitude," from "fear of solitude," from "hatred of solitude," to "numbing of solitude."
All the actors are perfectly chosen for the role. The music appropriately "positively negative." Lots of symbolism.
Go watch it and hear your heart ache.
Straight news [ストレートニュース] A More "Real" News Story [Rating: 8/10] A very serious take a the News room story. Intriguing stories and good cast keep you going and going. I would have scored it higher if not for the somewhat lackluster/predicatable (think Koori no Seikai) kind of ending. This one is definitely worth a watch, however, so you know that News is not all about chasing girls/boys like so many other dramas make it seem like. I recommend it.
Suekko chounan ane san nin [末っ子長男姉三人] Yume Dono? [Rating: 9/10] Really heart-warming and sweet show. Feels like a female version of Muko Dono, :). Everyone is so well casted especially the sisters and the mother. It makes you realize how important the bonds of a family is and, for the first time, I realized from the mother's point of view, how painful it is to see her own children leave the house to pursue their own lives. Very well done! Highly recommend it! Oh, did I mention it is also hilarious, I laughed so hard. Well, I'll conclude this drivel with a Chinese saying: "There is no never-ending party" and I add: "cherish its joy while you can."
Suna no ue no koibitotachi [砂の上の恋人たち] Ai wa nan desu ka [Rating: 9/10] An unexpected accident, an unlikely love affair, a star-crossed couple.
This drama has a very interesting story setup, with plenty of twists in between. Be prepared for some shocking moments. Suna no ue no koi bito tachi, as the title suggests, is about love. The love between Akira and Rei are very well conveyed through the various painful moments they had to go through. It is what is not said that elicits the deep feelings, such as the first time they held their hands.
The concept of Tsugunai, or atonement and the torturous guilt are also well presented in here. Making this love story even more layered and meaningful.
The characters, Akira and Rei try to find what love really is, especially Akira. He progresses with the progression of the story, at the end, he finds what he is looking for and makes his decision.
This is a drama that requires deeper comprehension and appreciation. Many people who are just looking for another Love Generation or the sort will certainly not find that here. However, what one does see here is a wonderful multi-layered story that is about one thing - true love.
Suwiito debiru [スウィートデビル] A surprisingly sweet treat with a devilish twist [Rating: 8/10] Quite an entertaining if not too formula-driven drama. This is obviously one of these Idol Promotion dramas for the sake of the MAX girls. However, they did a pretty good job portraying the four majos. The story is quite interesting as well, even though the dynamics amongst the girls never seem to change or develop over their MAX colleague relationship. The last two episodes are really good, quite intense. It is worth watching if you don't mind superhero girl dramas. However if you want better supernatural themed drama, go with Psychometrer Eiji I or II, or DxD (Dangerous Angel and Death Hunter).
Taiyou wa shizumanai A good court case story [Rating: 9/10] Great setup and good story-telling, very intense. Not as dark as Taiyou no Kisetsu. Still very good. Watch it. The bengoshi lady is totemo kakkoi.
Visual Battle 1 Chouuu OL Shooobuuuuu [Rating: 9/10] Soooo funnnnnnyy. This show is based on an equally outrageous comic series. It is a visual battle - a fight to be the most beautiful. Sarina did a great job as the busu with excellent makeup skills and so does the rest of the cast. Watch this!!! more OL madness, hehe.
Visual Battle Season 2 DROP-DEAD FUNNY! EVEN MORE OL MADNESS!!! [Rating: 9/10] This show is soooo funny. Suzuki Sarina acted so well as Sakuradamon - the Makeup Bijin. I laughed so much almost every episode. Even though he is a supporting actor here, Odagiri Joe does a good job as the crazy Playboy who tries to impress her (he actually looks good with COMPLETE blond here, better than his black buzzcut, hmm). His character is so sweet, I hoped for him to be with Sakuradamon at the end in stead of the main guy, :). Watch this! It is even funnier than Shomuni, with a more story-driven plot about, what else, becoming beautiful in the name of love. SPOILER!! However, the fact that her face never went through Seikei even though the rest of her did, suggested that the drama still beheld the idea of one's true self - as Sakuradamon said, "if my faces changes, than my jibun (self) disappears." So it is not all about vanity here, ;).
With love Kono taipu no koi ga hoshi [Rating: 9/10] With Love is a pure love poetry. Its use of music in accordance to the themes of alienation, helplessness, fear, and desire of love is perfect. Yutaka did a great job and looks so good in this dorama. The female lead did a great job too and fit her role very well (even though most people seem to dislike her but I think the casting director did a good job).
The ending dragged on a little too long, however, and it kind of ruined the overall symphonic love feeling, but it is a minor issue.
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Golden Bowl [ゴールデンボウル]
Esumi Makiko [江角マキコ]
