View topic - Majo no Jouken

I try not to have any biases when I start a drama, but after I read a synopsis for this one I knew I wouldn�ft like it. Reasons? For starters, this drama stars Takizawa Hideaki. I�fve seen two of his dramas and I�fm convinced that he�fs one of the most terrible actors I�fve come across. Watching his acting is like watching a dead fish pretend to be alive. Regardless, I figured that because the drama also stars Matsushima Nanako, then there could be a chance of survival. This leads to the second reason. I read the plot summary. As a teacher, I have no respect for stories where the sexual relationship between a teacher and student is glorified. It�fs disgusting and inappropriate and should NOT be made light of. With these two factors already affecting my opinion before even beginning the show, I knew it wouldn�ft have a chance.

To make matters worse, the first episode really upset me. It�fs clear that the writers/producers are aware that this topic is inappropriate, and so decided to manipulate the characters, and thereby the audience. They made the teacher appear really young (she�fs 26 years old), and immature. She lives at home with her parents, who pamper and �gbaby�h her, and she has no responsibilities. This poor ickle teacher only got a full-time position because her father works in the field. The student (who is 17) bursts onto the scene on a motorcycle, which an average high school student couldn�ft possibly own. He comes off being really �gmature�h for his age and responsible as an individual. Therefore the relationship can work, right? I mean, the child is really mature for his age, and there�fs only a 9-year gap�c not something outrageous like a 10-year gap.

O come on, now! I�fm a 25-year-old teacher with a 7-year gap between my 18-year-old students and myself. When I started teaching, I was 23 with only a 5-year gap. I have never once been attracted to any of my students for the simple reason that I just don�ft see them as possible mates. I see them, really, as children that I must nurture and aid in their growth as human beings. I�fm utterly disgusted and disappointed that in this show, they try to make the relationship �gwork�h by suggesting that, really, they�fre equals. This is morally wrong, and illegal. Completely disgusting.

As the show progressed, however, I began to sympathize with Hirose-sensei. Matsushima Nanako did an excellent job with the character and truly brought her to life. I could see the connection the sensei had with her student, and how age never matters when it comes to the bonding of souls. But why the SEXUAL relationship? The premise of the story, when you look at the message and meaning alone, is so strong that I think the story would have worked without the sex. This same story could have been portrayed through a FRIENDSHIP and would have worked equally as well.

I don�ft have any problems with individuals who have a large age gap and are in a relationship. But I DO have a problem with people dating CHILDREN. I think it�fs unfair to the child, because no matter which way you look at it, you are robbing that child of their childhood. When a man/woman who is in their fifties falls in love with a man/woman in their late twenties, then I don�ft have a problem. I can understand the sexual connection, because both parties are adults and their bodies have fully matured. But when you fall in love with someone who is still young and still has a life of experiences before them, I think it�fs a cruel, cruel thing to rob them of that. To rob them of their youth. You can love someone in so many ways, and I thought it was in poor taste to make the love in this drama an intimate one.

There is a 9-year gap between the two. Ten years down the road this would have been fine. This choice was not made, and as a result, I couldn�ft appreciate this drama at all.