1 Litre no Namida (2005)

After watching ‘The Queen’s Classroom’ in my starting days of dramas, I thought there isn’t and there won’t be any drama that can beat The Queen’s Classroom but I was wrong. After going through almost 40 dramas finally, this is the drama that can match The Queen’s Classroom. After TQC and some movies this is the drama that created huge impact in my mind. It’s really thought-provoking, No exaggeration but after watching this drama my views on many things are changed.

A MESSAGE TO THOSE WHO DROPPED OR HESITATING TO START THIS DRAMA BECAUSE OF ITS SAD STORY:
If you’ve dropped this drama or hesitating in starting because of sad story then I consider this as the biggest mistake in drama world. You’re missing a truly amazing show. You can’t expect happy ending every time. Sometimes happy endings can’t satisfy you but bittersweet or sad endings can satisfy. This is the one that satisfies everything, it’s sad but really beautiful glance at life. After all death is the reality of everyone’s life. SOME OF YOU MIGHT HAVE THOUGHT THAT THIS DRAMA IS DEPRESSING BECAUSE OF SAD BACKGROUND BUT THIS DRAMA ISN’T DEPRESSING AT ALL.

The story is original and it contains both happiness and sadness. Because this story is mainly focused on Aya Kito’s life there isn’t much romance but it’s balanced. The story is based on the real life story of Aya Kito (Ikeuchi in this drama) from her diary, a 15 year old girl with Spinocerebellar Ataxia. Spinocerebellar Ataxia causes to lose control over body. Aya wrote diary when she was fighting against this illness. She kept writing this diary till she was able to write. Most lovely thing about Aya is that she managed to face her cruel fate with very lively positive attitude.

Another great thing about this drama is it’s ending of each episode with photos of Aya Kito and quotes from her diary….that added extra touch in this drama.

After watching this show you’ll realize how precious and beautiful life is…This show will teach you different aspects of life, motivates you, makes you to rethink about your life and makes you to live every moment of your life.

Erika Sawajiri wonderfully performs as Aya in this show. She was brilliant, pure, genuine and graceful. Not only Erika but everyone was great Mother, Father, and little girl, her friends, Asou and her sister Ako. One thing I want to mention is that Asou is the totally fictional character. He was added because Aya’s mother wanted him in this series because Aya couldn’t have romance when she was alive.

The theme song, Kona-Yuki, by the Japanese band Remioromen and Only Human by K fits well with the drama and the emotions that the characters go through. Other soundtracks are as great as Kona-Yuki and Only Human.

I won’t say to have a box of tissues while watching this drama. Just feel the depths of emotions, let the tears shed-don’t wipe them and feel the great feeling of tears…. But I recommend having an entire litre jug of water by your side if possible; you’re going to be that dehydrated from crying.

And remember how great your life is….family….friends….love….hope….”Just being alive is such a lovely and wonderful thing.”

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This drama is simply heartbreaking. It's the story of Aya (based on a true story) who slowly develops a degenerative disease and her struggles to live as normal as possible despite her condition. It's a truly inspiring story that makes you appreciate the simple things we often take for granted. This drama will most definitely touch you and stay with you for some time.

The actors did a great job as you can definitely feel their pain and joys. The music is simply perfect; I really fell in love with the soundtrack and it suits the drama so well.

Overall, this drama is one not to miss for it's really a precious gem. Despite the fact that it might be hard to watch at times (reason why the re-watch score is low) it is worth it.

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This drama is really GREAT!
It was really touching and it made me cry so badly.
The story was so good and the cast did a great job also the girl that had the disease she really knew how to put out her feelings and emotions into her character ... it made it seem and feel so real specially because it's based on a true story.
This story has such a great impact on me that I started reading about the disease on Wikipedia and about the girl who got in real life also I tried getting her diary because it's made into a book.
Although I do think that the romance wasn't there I mean a would of been nice if there was more romance into but then again even without the romance this drama was really GREAT !

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I am so glad that I took the time to watch this. I am incredibly thankful for so many things that I had taken for granted before watching this. This story is moving, heartbreaking, and humbling. Yes, you will cry - a lot. But don't let that scare you away.

The acting was phenomenal. By the time I got to the last episode, I actually had to remind myself that the lead actress wasn't really experiencing the disease. I think stories like this are really hard to do without overacting in some way. I don't have any prior knowledge of what Aya had, but the portrayal was so well done that I never even though to question it. The rest of the family did a great job to in that they dealt with their grief in a realistic way.

The music really kept the tone. It fit so well with the story and never once took away from a scene. I think if I ever hear any of these songs again I'll probably start to cry.

I don't know if I could re-watch this. Maybe in a couple years or so? The story is so powerful and so incredibly heart wrenching that I don't think I could handle it again any time soon.

I'm sure that the show is quickly loosing appeal do to all this mentioning of crying (not just my review, but everyone else's too). So if you're looking for a lighthearted, feel-good romcom, this is not for you. Watch it when you're ready, and looking for some perspective, courage, or strength.

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A lot has been said about this drama, there's not much that I can add.



The Story deserves a 10 because is a true story about a real girl who went through this, and the purpose of this drama was for people to know it, and really learn to appreciate life, and I think that it really does cause that. This one of the few dramas that are life-changing, that instead of making you laugh makes you think how lucky you are just for the fact that you can study, or walk, or even speak.



The acting was 10 also. I hate Sawajiri Erika, I think that she is one of the worst famous people aver, because she's careless and has a really bad reputation, but you can't deny that she made the performance of her life in this drama. She makes us completely understand the pain that Aya is going through and how she gradually loses control of her body. I also loved Ryo's performance and character, the parts where I cried the most were the parts where he cried. I also loved the family, I think they all acted completely according to their part, even though it was really challenging.



The music definitely 10. It completely moved you.



I've watched three times, and I don't really get bored, it's a completely moving story, I love it because it makes me feel lucky and thankful to God.



Overall a solid 10, one of the few dramas which REALLY deserve it, not because of its cast or music, but because it's a tribute to Aya

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At the time of writing this review my eyes are sore, my face is red and I have a pile of tissues next to me. That's right, only a few minutes ago I just finished watching this drama. Was it worth the nights of countless tears and boxes of tissues? Most definitely. This is my first Japanese Drama, and one I'd been meaning to watch for a long time. 1 Litre of Tears is probably, if not the most recognisable Asian Dramas out there, mostly known for how sad it is and the fact it can reduce pretty much the hardest soul to tears.

1 Litre of Tears really is one of the most inspiring stories I've ever seen and here it is told beautifully. The story explores the meaning of living life to the fullest in a way which isn't trite or melodramatic, but heartwarming and inspiring. Aya's strength throughout her illness is simply amazing, as is watching the bond with her family strengthen and friendships develop.

The story is told well with the help of group of very talented actors, none of which can be given enough praise. Of course Erika Sawajiri as Aya is excellent, but every other actor does such a good job. I'd like to mention Hiroko Yakushimaru, who plays Shioka Ikeuchi (Aya's mother) who brings out a mother's strength so well, but also her vulnerability. The OST is excellent, featuring some moving songs and a beautiful theme. It is a relief when the soundtrack accompanies the story, visuals and performances so well.

I left this drama feeling uplifted, even after the litre of tears I cried (probably more to be honest). Watching the family bond was beyond moving, and Aya's selflessness inspiring. I feel now like I need to live life to the fullest not just because I am healthy, but to live for those who can't do so. Cherish the day, the blue skies, my family and friends and remember to always look forward to the future.

Aya, your story appears to have inspired many people on this site and around the world, wherever you are I'm sure you are walking happily. People who are reading this and have not seen this drama, do yourself a favour and do so, just keep a few boxes of tissues handy.

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Before I start this drama, I said to myself that I wouldn't cry. I'm not the type of person who would easily cry therefore I was convinced. At first I thought why every reviews or comments about this drama seems to mention 'tears' and so I was curios, I started to watch it.

The first to seven episodes, I managed to not shed a tear, I was thinking to myself, Am I really heartless?. But the impossible happened.


I finished the drama and I won't regret the tears that I shed towards this drama. It's truly an honour to watch it and feel that I've a part of Aya's life.Arigato!

The amount of tears shed on the finale is indeed a litre, 1 litre of tears.

The actors portrayed their roles/characters splendidly. No words to describe how talented you are, specially the main character, Erika.

The soundtrack itself is partly the reason for me crying. The words, meaning and the tune will definitely touch your hearts.

This is a drama that should be watch by everyone, this is a drama that will give everyone a reason to live the day, to not give up and to be thankful that we're alive every day.

100/100.

Live on. Live on Forever.- Aya

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This is one if the best dramas I have ever watched! It made me cry almost every episode but it was a great drama. It has a really good story and it makes you think about many things in life. This drama has everything you can ask for, excellent cast, awesome OST, and a heartfelt story that will make you want to work harder In life. The quotes at the end of every episode were so touching and knowing they were written by a real person going through that disease made it so more meaningful.

Nishikido and Sajiwara were really convincing on their parts I think they were perfectly cast. Also Fujiki was a very good choice as the doctor specialist.

And Remioromen with their music on the OST was a really good combination with the key pints of the drama, I have their song Konayuki on my playlist until now.

This dramas is based on the real story, so that's why is so moving and well made. The romance part of the drama just made it better. Even though that part was fictional, it was greatly adapted and fitted perfectly with the story.

Highly recommend this drama, in fact I've watched 2 times already and will watched it again anytime. Be prepared because you will certainly shed 1 liter of tears (or in my case maybe more),but don't worry this is not a depressing drama, this drama is a drama full of hope and encouragement.

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Oh how does someone describe a drama like this without getting sad. This was the very first emotional drama i ever watched and i must say, i have never cried so much during a drama.

this drama was based off a true story, which makes it sadder when you realize it, and considering they only made 11 episodes, they fit quite a lot and still made it an excellent drama.

the cast was p e r f e c t i o n ! Erika played Aya amazingly while Nishikido Ryo played his supporting role well. (his crying scenes made me BAWL) the family was also great and same with the others that had small roles. the music was also just perfect. the songs put you into a certain mood, it's hard for me to even explain but it makes the drama that more emotional.

i would recommend anyone to watch this. it's very sad but also extremely inspiring. and if you can, read the real diary from Aya (;

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