This might be the most honest romantic comedy I've ever seen, so honest that it makes the movie painful to watch at times. Unlike more common romcom, this movie doesn't have fairy tale type of characters that exist in an unrealistic setting, what it gives us a vulnerable lead character that every person could relate. Although you might hate her actions you will definitely understand her through a monologue that was voiced so well. This movie is also insightful that there is a point in the movie where Yoshika had to choose between ichi#1 (the one who she loves) or Ni#2 (the one who loves her), can you relate?. Mayu Matsuoka has been the most versatile young actress in Japan today and this movie only validates how good as an actress she is. Her role demands vast range from the actress and Matsuoka deliver it so well. I've been a fan of this actress ever since I saw her in mondai aru restaurant and I'm happy that she was given roles like this.

This is not for everyone. If you expect it will give you a feel good feeling like your typical romantic comedy you will be disappointed and I won't even be surprised if you ended up hating the movie cause of how brutal honest it is.

Check my Blog for other reviews & other JDramas stuffs. (｡◕‿‿◕｡)
https://thatjapanesedramaguy.blogspot.com/

Citeste mai mult

Aside from amnesia, the story of mistaken exchange babies is perhaps one of the most used in drama history especially HERE WHERE I LIVE (PHILIPPINES). So it is mind-boggling how the director makes it FRESH if this was done by some Filipino director there will be lots of crying families cursing each other children became delinquent etc. etc.

The movie is slow, but it is so realistic that you feel you're not watching a movie. I love how the family handles the situation and how the parents realize about themselves when they exchange the child.

IF you don't like a slow artsy movie then it's not for you.
IF you want something different then it's for you.
IF you want to relax and stop thinking about your daily work then it's for you

I don't cry in this movie..this is NOT a tearjerker movie...but the effect will last long.

The scene when a father was holding a camera and browsing at the pictures taken by his 6 yr old former son is what HITS me.

[ koreeda style is this......he will make you walk calmly slowly THEN a f*cking truck
came and hit you in the end, the damage will stay with you for months ].


Check my Blog for other reviews & other JDramas stuffs. (｡◕‿‿◕｡)
https://thatjapanesedramaguy.blogspot.com/

Citeste mai mult

A review A opinion whats the difference anyway LOL

Well anyway heres what I like about this film.


first the love story

I expect this to be a dark movie and yes its dark but I was surprised it has one of the best love stories I watched and its more tragic than titanic. Just imagine this..two people wanted to be loved met in a dating site but the timing was wrong cause the guy just killed a girl before their meeting and I said this is more tragic than titanic cause in titanic jack died but he still remain in rose heart...in akunin yes the guy still remain in the girls heart but she now thinks that hes a murderer..akunin.


Second is the grayish akunin character

While watching the movie you will ask yourself is this guy good or bad, earlier part of the film portrays him to be a somewhat misunderstood kid but later part portrays him to be a bad person..the part where the mother tells that he took money from her and his grandmother blaming herself tells this and why he suddenly wanted to kill his lover near the end WTF.

Third is the acting

The father portrayed by akira emoto and the grandmother portrayed by kirin kiki are the ones that made me cry. these two characters has to be the most authentic holy motha faka piece of acting that I watched. Father searching for justice and the grandma blaming for herself. the lead are both fantastic in fact this masterpiece film made me think that satoshi tsubamuki is the best japanese young actor living today...his way of portraying a gray character needs praise, he didnt overdo the BAD side of the character to make the character clear gray...that for me is fuck*n hard and eri fukatsu tho not that great in some dramas I watched with her..but here I dont know what happen but she really shines here every emotion shown by her character goes deep to your heart facial express everything perfect. And their chemistry is one of the best seriously.


fourth is the music

the music composed by joe hisashi gives a very dark ambiance to the movie but his song gives life to a one of the best love stories ever told. I kept saying that credits ost is not just a piece of shit music at the end but it has to summarize what you just watched (the concept of the movie) and this song was the epitome of that....A dark love.

Check my Blog for other reviews & other JDramas stuffs. (｡◕‿‿◕｡)
https://thatjapanesedramaguy.blogspot.com/

Citeste mai mult

Well I have seen this for almost a year now....but I recently stumbled a tribute video about this movie on youtube, I thought at first it was an ok movie but when I watched it again My rating goes higher.

How many of you guys Jdrama lovers who just thought of one day you walk away from home go to other places where theres no one that know you? well Im one of those, actually watching drama is just my one way of escaping reality.

The story is about a girl who just came out of prison and being like that is not a good thing specially in japan, you will be treated different and not just you but also your family.....she just felt nobody understand her and she's just a burden so she left, making one million yen in each places she goes then repeat the process again and again.

Its a relaxing movie to watch, the scenery is great from beach to farm to shopping district. There are moments where there are no background music and all you can hear is sounds....waves, wind, walking etc. so yes its one of those slow japanese movie so its not for everyone.

Two main actors I like are in this movie aoi yu and moriyama....IMO these two actors are the best showing emotions without talking and aoi yu for me is the female moriyama LOL. This movie has open ending...and I really like open ending in a movie, cause with that we have our own interpretation so our attachment to the film will continue even after the ending credits and this movie has a great ending credits song that really embodies what a ending credits song/music is suppose to be, which should bring the feels that summarize what you just watch. THE FINAL KICK!!!

Check my Blog for other reviews & other JDramas stuffs. (｡◕‿‿◕｡)
https://thatjapanesedramaguy.blogspot.com/

Citeste mai mult

The only problem about this movie is it is a movie, this would be better if this was a drama, where there would be enough time to show the development of the story without being confusing. It is never been a great idea to fit that much content into limited time time period, even though this is 2 hours long. They did all they could to make this less confusing, so kudos to them. The animation and the editing technique is cool, but I'm sure it is still confusing to those who have never read the manga or watch the anime. There are also alot of scenes that I wished they had shown here but they can't because of that problem I've mentioned.

The actors, both lead were great, their expression is spot on, tho kamiki is a bit exaggerated at times but takeru sato is growing into me as he nailed those dramatic scenes perfectly. I wish they had shown more of sometani, a freaking scene stealer, nailing that character to the bone, also one of the reasons why I wished this is a drama so that he can have more screen time, it is such a waste. Komatsu nana, I still don't know is she fits miho cause I have this strange vibe as I watched her, she has this face that can make you fall inlove with her and dump you after, what a scary woman. Takayuki Yamada my bias actor, but the most f*cked up character here, at first he is reserved then suddenly he became friendly, again not enough time to show how his character develops. Nakai, Hiramaru and expecially Fukuda are casted well, I know kiritani kenta can nail this character the momentI I saw him in the cast, and I was not disappointed, he made that character fun to watch.

Don't get me wrong it is still enjoyable, the editing is cool, but the pace is so fast like shinkasen train XD.

Check my Blog for other reviews & other JDramas stuffs. (｡◕‿‿◕｡)
https://thatjapanesedramaguy.blogspot.com/

Citeste mai mult

FINALLY...I saw a movie that gives me the same feels that ozosaki no himawari give me. The chemistry between characters, their friendship, their conflicts is somewhat similar to that Japanese drama. Although ozosaki is more inspiring and its lessons is more about life but that ending in this movie is perhaps the most touching inspiring ending I ever saw and the lesson is what every guy in this planet should take note of.

As I watched the movie I must say that there is no freaking way in hell to tell that this was based on true story because some characters are exagerrated like as if they were straight from a Manga. Like for example...who the hell in real life is that boner guy and who walks nude in their home. Hahaha

About the movie its a feel good movie no boring moment IMO and the timespan was well done. The main strong points of this movie like I mentioned above was the chemistry between characters and that inspiring ending.

The characters

The main guy, the d*ck arrogant friend, the fat dude, the groin corny guy and lastly my favorite and IMO the most funny of them all, the boner guy. Them together is a fun watch...their antics and their favorite hobby(which is masturbation) makes me LOLed so hard. This movie also have lots of reference to manga like hanamichi sakuragi hairstyle and the Dempsey roll move.

The ending

Good or bad you decide but to me its good because of how inspiring it is and I admit being a guy this ending got me it makes me teary eyed a bit.

I recommend this movie to all guys in the world.

Check my Blog for other reviews & other JDramas stuffs. (｡◕‿‿◕｡)
https://thatjapanesedramaguy.blogspot.com/

Citeste mai mult

After that majestic charm mayu matsuoka shown in mondai no restau as chika I have decided to watch her in a lead role. So without reading the synopsis i have decided to watch this show. To my surprise this drama became the best ive seen this 2015, fast paced drama that tackels this problem called "genkai shuraku" which basically means the town is dying cause people are leaving and only old folks remains. If you watch the news you know that that is a big problem in japan right now. This drama shows how hard it is to become a farmer as it shows they're struggle to save this dying town with matching that powerful emotional music I can't help but got teary eyed. Im also familiar with the other cast which is sorimachi and tanihara..Ilove both actors. Sorimachi have this great father aura in him and his father and daughter chemistry with matsuoka is realistic. I have to admit the character by tanihara at start seems to be annoying, I also feel that his presence will kill the ambiance of this drama but gladly it seems that the scriptwriters fix his character and remove a bit of that manga characteristics. Matsuoka also is the perfect for her character, i dont feel that "daddy issue" in her character at all which may happen if this was played by other young more famous but not as talented actress.

This may feel like a boring drama to you but trust me that wont be the case cause the drama develops fast but without ruining the story.


Check my Blog for other reviews & other JDramas stuffs. (｡◕‿‿◕｡)
https://thatjapanesedramaguy.blogspot.com/

Citeste mai mult

For a drama that was made to advertise a video game (Dragon quest) this is well made, nicely paced, cute romantic comedy between two individuals who share the same interest, playing dragon quest.

Meet Takumi Satsuki, played by Amane Okayama, a typical loser type character, an introvert who doesn't have experience towards girls. He enjoys playing Dragon quest where he role-plays as a female character. One day he met a character named Goro-san in game, where he was saved by him from a boss monster. He eventually became friends with Goro-san, whom he respects a lot because he is nice and very reliable, so when Goro told him he is looking for a place to live, he immediately offers to share his place to him. Little did he know Goro-san is a woman, Miyako Okamoto, played by Honda Tsubasa. Miyako is not just beautiful but also stylish, the type of woman whom you would not think she plays video games. They start to live together and they discover that their personality is not the same as their in game personas.

This drama is short, only 6 episodes, 20 minutes each, so in total this could be a 2 hour movie, but since this a drama format, the pacing didn't suffer, thanks to that. A fun and fast watch drama, full of clichés yet cute moments, good chemistry between the leads and hilarious side characters lead by a well known anime voice actor Miyano Mamoru (Death Note, Steins Gate, Soul Eater, Durara, seriously this dude is everywhere lol). This drama is also very relatable if you play video games especially MMORPGs. Watch our hero battle his anxiety towards women with the help of his online gaming friends and real life friends.

Watch this if:
-You find Honda tsubasa cute (long haired honda tsubasa FTW)
-You love cute romantic comedy
-You are interested to see Miyano Mamoru in Jdrama
-You love Dragon quest or gaming general and if you fantasize yourself having a relationship where both of you playing video games. #relationshipgoals

Check my Blog for other reviews & other JDramas stuffs. (｡◕‿‿◕｡)
https://thatjapanesedramaguy.blogspot.com/

Citeste mai mult

The Luckiest Character in Japanese Drama Ever!!!

This is not your ordinary type of romantic comedy, it is a love story between two opposite type of people, there is an age gap issue and you will scratch your head thinking how the hell she fell in love with him. Most of you will be turn off because of this and I don't blame you as I were like that during the first episode. Though I grew liking the guy's character as the story progress I also think this drama would be better with a younger and bit more good looking lead.

Meet Yuji Tomioka(Teppei Arita), a guy in his late 30's, never been in a relationship, he is living a boring life. One night during his work as a security guard, he wishes to a shooting star to have friends. Then later we are introduced to a Azusa Hada(Tsubasa Honda) mysterious girl who is stalking Tomioka and secretly in love with him. Let me give you a warning to the tone of drama, it is weird and a bit jarring as it starts as a comedy then take a dark turn in the middle episodes. If you are familiar with the movie Himeanole this drama has the same tone but unlike Himeanole it keeps its fun elements even after that dark twist. The comedy here is really good like seriously it is one of the funniest shows I've watched and the situation where this hot chick is in love with this guy and this guy doesn't give a damn is best thing about this show.

The pacing is really good, flow of each episode is a breeze, and every moment is dedicated to the development of these two characters. I would separate this show into 3 arcs, first part is when he gain friends, second would be that dark twist, third is where their love blossoms. If you are looking for a quick watch, fun drama this would be it.

Though they look awkward together these two characters do have chemistry. When I said chemistry I didn't mean romance but the comedic aspect. It's always fun seeing them together. Tsubasa Honda is the hottest stalker I've ever seen, and if you are a guy you would envy the lead guy in this drama, he is indeed the luckiest character in Japanese drama ever. Also, If you are a fan of Tsubasa Honda this is a must watch as this drama shows her cutest form yet.

Check my Blog for other reviews & other JDramas stuffs. (｡◕‿‿◕｡)
https://thatjapanesedramaguy.blogspot.com/

Citeste mai mult

This is a brotherly love type of story so don't expect any romance in this movie. Not to give much of the story away, let's just say something happen or someone involved that resulted to their conflict, I would say it's very cliché, but not in a bad way. Naozumi Hiyama (Mackenyu Arata), the younger brother, handles it with anger which is obvious with the way he drives, aggressive, reckless and dauntless. On the other hand Atsuhiro Hiyama (Masahiro Higashide), the older brother and also the chief mechanic, runs away and brushed it off as if it didn't happen, he just dedicate his time and works tirelessly with his team.

Some may compare this movie to fast and the furious but it is closer to a Ron Howard movie Rush. The pacing is similar to that movie where the story develops after each leg and while Rush is about rivals it's also somewhat similar to brotherly love.

Though with its heartful theme, the highlight of the movie are still the race scenes. I would say those racing sequences are executed really well, the camera shots are nice, the car zoom, skid, aerial shots and adrenaline pumping car crashes are brilliant. Though the visuals are very pleasing, there still some unrealistic events in this movie, like after a massive car crash you would see one character shirtless without any blood or bruises, but who gives a damn right as long as the movie is enjoyable and thrilling I am fine with that.

The acting in this movie is very impressive especially Higashide, never thought he could act this way. He is very expressive and you could feel his intensity as he shouts while giving instruction to his team. Mackenyu as the angsty younger brother did a good job too, I've seen him in Fugitive Boys, Todome no kiss and JoJo Live action so I already knew he was capable to play this type of character, I love his versatility as well.

I enjoyed watching this movie; time flew fast without realizing it's about to end. I wouldn't say it's the best racing movie though but compared to mainstream Hollywood movies such as fast and the furious I enjoy this better. Lastly if you are a girl this movie would be a heaven for you, lots of Ikemen from leads to supporting leads and would you ignore a shirtless Mackenyu? As a guy seeing that body inspires me to work out.

Check my Blog for other reviews & other JDramas stuffs. (｡◕‿‿◕｡)
https://thatjapanesedramaguy.blogspot.com/

Citeste mai mult

A woman abducts the baby of man she was having an affair with, the same man who forces her of having an abortion and as a result she loses her fertility. For four years she loved and raised the child as her own until the day she got arrested and the child went back to her biological parents. Fast forward and years later the child has grown up. She moved away from her home because she's unable to adapt with her family. Ironically she also became pregnant with a married man, and now is thinking whether to get an abortion or not. The film is about her journey on how she discovered the link between her present and her past.

The opening sequence at the court is one of the strongest opening sequences ever. We see the unapologetic abductor and the vengeful and bitter mother. It's quite long but important to know where the characters are coming from. At first it seems the root is revenge but as the story progresses, it hints that it goes beyond that, more personal hence the title REBIRTH. Actually the whole English translation is REBIRTH (THE CICADA’S EIGHTH DAY), a brilliant metaphor they used in the movie, which you'll only understand at the final scene. It's a recurring phrase about cicadas, that after nestling on the ground for years, they only have seven days to live, that cicadas who survived at the eight day must be sad or are they?

The pacing is slow which only fits its tragic melodramatic story but may bother some as it takes time to reach its destination. The chronological order goes from past present, the 4 years of them together and the adult Akiyama searching for traces of the time vague in her memory. What makes this transition from past to present brilliant is how both these characters are alike. We see them at the same place at different time which only makes more beautiful by its great cinematography. I especially like how they incorporate the cultural traditions during their time in that island, it's very cinematic. There's also a lot of close up shots showing the expression of the characters, both conveying void, isolation and aggression.

Two of the best female performances I've ever seen in a Japanese movie. I could only imagine that this would be Inoue Mao transition from a cute TV Star to a serious actress. Her portrayal of her character is subtle and very raw, very different from the roles that made her famous. This is without a doubt her best performance. Nagasaku Hiromi (Su-Ki-Da) gave the performance of her life, her motherly loved portrayed on screen is very engrossing that anyone would forget the crime she committed. They didn't have a scene together so it's mindboggling how come they have this intense chemistry. The supporting cast are also brilliant especially the kid, they wouldn't have pulled off a great dramatic scene without a great child actor.

Mother's day is just around the corner so this movie is so timely and that's why I made this review. This is one of the best motherly themed stories which could compete with the likes of "Mother", " Tokyo Tower: Mom and Me, and Sometimes Dad", "Be With You" & "Chronicles of My Mother".

Check my Blog for other reviews & other JDramas stuffs. (｡◕‿‿◕｡)
https://thatjapanesedramaguy.blogspot.com/

Citeste mai mult

The first thing you'll notice when you read the synopsis, Is this another time travel story? yes they do time travel in this movie, but that is not even what this movie is about. "Seize the moment" and "having no regrets" these are the things this film taught its viewers, how important proper talk in every relationship, how small talk can change people's hearts. Drink your coffee before it gets cold, very fascinating indeed.

The pacing is episodic or better seasonal, kind off similar to movies such as "Little Forrest". There's a time skip between each story or between time travels of characters. The movie felt it would be better as a series than movie at first like other movies with episodic structure but as I continue to watch I realized the pacing is just perfect this time.

Though this movie has its praise it also has negatives. The characters at first half is much better than Arimura Kasumi's character, not blaming the actress but the way her character is written, it's boring to be exact. It just get worst at the middle when the focus shifts to her romance with Ryosuke (Ito Kentaro), this time I blame the actor, he's just to green to play such roles, didn't get the emotion his character suppose to give, just imagine Takeru Sato in that character.

The acting by the supporting casts was superb though, Matsushige Yutaka & Yoshida Yu were such scene stealers. I didn't cry watching this movie but their scenes are the one that almost gave me teary eye. Thanks to them for their spectacular performance that those 2 scenes almost carried the whole show. Even Hayashi Kento did well at the beginning. The movie is simple, almost one location, but there are brief moments when it shows great cinematography.

This is another thought provoking Japanese movie that will give many lessons in life. If you like movies such as "If Cats Disappeared From the World" there's a high chance you'll like this movie too. I'm not saying it's as good or as emotional but it would be worth your time.

"Time is cruel. If we are slacking, now and future will be the past right away."
my favorite quote in the movie

Check my Blog for other reviews & other JDramas stuffs. (｡◕‿‿◕｡)
https://thatjapanesedramaguy.blogspot.com/

Citeste mai mult

Aside from straight up adaptation or movies based on Haruki Murakami novels, Vision is perhaps the movie that resembles Murakami the most. A man living in solitude, the lyrical dialogue, dream-like atmosphere, deep thought provoking quotes and even the magical realism elements of his novels exist here. This is the type of movie that the conclusion is not as important as to how you would interpret the movie. I like that feeling personally, me being part of the movie and not just me staring at the screen and waiting to be entertained. A movie that is more of an experience is better than any movie even how much entertaining it is.

If there's a director who could rival Hiroshi Ishikawa(Petal Dance, Su-ki-da) in terms of the slow pace in a movie it's Naomi Kawase, and this movie of her is not an exemption. Having said that this movie could be the slowest movie you will ever watch so it's definitely not for everyone. You should also be in the right mood when you watch this as it is not that easy to digest type of movie. There are scenes that are full of ambiguity, and the chronological order became convoluted at the middle part, to be honest the way the scenes overlap from past to present too much is what I like the least about this film.

Even if you don't like the narrative there's no way you won't like the relaxing ASMR-esque vibe thru the visuals and the sound in this movie. There are only few directors that you would know whose film it is just by looking at its visuals and Kawase is part of that group. The aerial camera shot of the forest, sunlight dancing through the leaves, huge trees swayed by the wind like bamboo, tear-shaped falling raindrops, characters blend in a nature background. Kawase's documentary like camera work is also quite evident. It's no secret that Naomi Kawase movies are like the Makoto Shinkai of live action movies. It has minimalist music or almost no music at all; all you can here are the sounds of the forest, raindrops, chopping of wood etc. The movie did brilliant in capturing those sounds. Have you ever wanted to watch a movie and feel relax at the same time then this one is for you.

I can't say anything about the acting but brilliant. It is ten out of ten on that aspect. Nagase did a great job of portraying a strong silent type character who is longing for love. Binoche is compelling, plays this woman of words effectively, she always say fascinating facts in every conversation. Binoche is not your typical foreigner actor in a Japanese movie, just look at her imdb page and see her filmography. Nagase and Binoche have this unspoken chemistry together, they had converse in English a bit but there's something magical when they mix Japanese & French in their conversation, two of the best sounding language in my opinion. The best performance though comes from Mari Natsuki who played this self proclaimed 1000 year old blind woman Aki. Her peculiar characteristics played by Natsuki convincingly. She played the principal in Chugakusei Nikki, talking about a total 360 compared to that role.

Compared to other Kawase films, It is not as good as Sweet Bean, it even falls short compared to Still the Water, but definitely better than Radiance.

Check my Blog for other reviews & other JDramas stuffs. (｡◕‿‿◕｡)
https://thatjapanesedramaguy.blogspot.com/

Citeste mai mult

He's an outcast in school living his boring life then one day an equally timid girl whom is also an outcast appeared to shine light to his boring life. This is basically the plot with coming of age elements and with the theme which is "uncertainty". These kids are just more or less 15 years of age; they have no control with their lives which is frustrating on every teenager's part. There is one big symbolism in this film which you can find in the title "control tower", control tower watches the travelers future and also serve as a mark if you want to return someday. I don't consider this as a romantic movie because I didn't see any romantic love it's more of platonic love. I mean it's not a bad thing because they still have great chemistry and you are free think there is such romance between them if that will make you better.

This film is focused on two characters so it is given that they are the ones to carry this movie which is they did. Yamazaki Kento and Hashimoto Ai are now established actors with talent to back them up, they are quite young here but you can already see signs that they will be great actors some day. Music contributes to the atmosphere of the movie with scenes that are accompanied by soft and melancholic music. Songs are catchy but also vital as it conveys what the characters are feeling, their emotion and every word in the lyrics makes sense. Cinematography is awesome too; I love the snowy landscape which will makes such eerie atmosphere.

It is not a romantic movie which might be disappointing for the fact that these two beautiful person shares good chemistry on screen but it's by no means a bad movie because you will get more than any mediocre romantic movies out there. A typical slow thought provoking Japanese film but it's only over an hour which is short compare to other Japanese movies.

Check my Blog for other reviews & other JDramas stuffs. (｡◕‿‿◕｡)
https://thatjapanesedramaguy.blogspot.com/

Citeste mai mult

I am 2 years late for this masterpiece due to the fact that this drama's 156 eps scares me and also it is not available on free streaming sites that time ( i have slow internet so torrent is a no no) so thank you goodrama.net jeje.

Some may say that this drama is not lengthy because its only 15 minutes each eps but even that it is freaking long, I feel like I became part of someones life(aki) lol. I'm not complaining here in fact i did enjoy this drama even its a long show it is addicting like chocolates. One more bite, one more episodes then I forgot what hour it is, I even forgot one the the biggest reasons why i watched this show which is ryuhei matsuda and mayu matsuoka. If I am not a busy guy i'm sure i will finish this 3 days minimum, but cause i have work it took me 2 weeks but its worth it.

To me it is basically a coming of age/slice of life/family drama with matching great scenery of countryside japan. In this story you will follow the main character aki and cheer her on whatever goal she has from catching sea urchins to becoming a nanbu diver and becoming an idol (whatever enters her mind). But the main point of the drama is how her character affects other people lives living with her. Its also one of the most complete drama that i have seen from comedy, drama, romance, achieving dreams, family conflicts etc. It was like an emotional roller coaster to me...at one point I was laughing then after I just realize that one scene touch me and i became sad. It is one of those drama that I highly recommend specially if your into japanese culture. Although I can't explain it but it has this feel good ambiance its easy watch..maybe the color, the music, the narration and the pacing have something to do with that i don't know.



script

I just cant believe how the story develops the script is freaking epic kudo kankuro is a genius. From catching sea urchin to becoming and idol then that tsunami then the home...I didn't see that coming specially that idol part. I just don't know how he created that world with that fun characters and how he make it appears real by having real events and real people affect the story. The dialogues were great too from comedy to when they have conflict part, aki's grandma speaks with sense all the time. I love how kankuro handles both over the top comedy part and serious part well..his trademark is when an emotional thing happen he inserts a WTF moment at the end the greatest example is during aki's first heartache. Aki was crying riding her bicycle with all her might with matching great music what a great scene that was then suddenly aki's bike fly then she dropped from the ocean, I was like what in the hell happen I don't know if he used it as a metaphor or what but its freaking epic kinda reminds me of the
"I CAN FLY" scene from ping pong in which he also did the script.

music

the music great too they have different music that suit different scenes, situations and emotions. Because its a long drama to make the music not become too repetitive they made different version of it. I love that opening jazzy pop music but my favorite is that violin theme they used on sad moments...that theme will be added to my list of my why-japan-your-drama/movie-ost-is-hard-to-find list..jeje. They used great songs too and even composed like shiosai no memories, gmt song, and the december caledar thingy( the dance routine of that song is so adorable kawaii).


the acting

I don't know who to praise the guys who cast rena nounen or rena nounen herself, her presence is the biggest reason why this show is huge phenomenon. She is like a kid in a teenagers body I love the way she suddenly cries when her mom hits her LMAO. In my books she became the most adorable kawaii character i watch on tv knocking satomi ishihara's koga haruka in h2. Kirsten stewart should study on how she shows different emotions on screen from sad, over the top sad, happy, over the top happy, curious, jealous, anger, dumb look etc. its too many. But i wont call her great actress yet cause it might become too hard for her to get out from this type of character I just can't imagine her doing serial killer, obsessed lover, rape victim, single mother role. But her role here is one of the most effective roles i have ever seen.

Ai hashimoto is a hit or miss actress in my opinion but she really nailed her character here. I feel the determination I feel the passion I feel the anger. I love how her characters develops and how she handles the change effectively but not losing the core of true yui. I am not surprised on how many people relates to her cause of Ai hashimoto spot on performance.


Koizumi kyoko the one who play aki's mom played the best performance imo. This is the first time i saw her or probably she was cast in drama's that I watched before just like did not standout but nevermind that here she plays that tough mother effectively. I also see that her performance here is one of the reasons why rena nounen is that adorable in this drama. The confrontation between her and aki, confrontation between her mom, her confrontation with futomaki those moments where key in this story and she really nailed that parts convincingly.


Ryuhei matsuda who wears that I don't give a f*ck face proves to me why he is one of the best in showing emotions without saying a single word or even moving a single muscle on his face. I love how he attacks his character and risk the danger of him becoming boring. Tho he made the character invisible you also can feel his passion on his work. I also love the relationship of him and ben-san..you can feel his respect towards his master, I love how they connect the polishing of stone to become a gem to his work on nurturing idols.

If we have villain in this drama then the closest would become furuta arata's futomaki...that actor always put on the spot acting he never disappoints me from simple mannerisms of putting his both hands under his armpits or that annoying laugh. He may appear a comic relief character here but you can feel the human side of his character.


there's plenty of side characters here too but most of them are accomplished actors like ex. taki pierre, denden, omi toshinori, fukikoshi mitsuru, yakushimaru hiroko with some great comedians all of them are memorable even ben-san which they describe as invisible character in the drama.


I also want to say I love the contrast between aki(the one with accent) and yui(the cute one) I think that contrast is the key for their chemistry. The sun and moon represention i think is the right way to describe them.



some performance changed my mind on some actors too..

Arimura kasumi - I thought she is just your girl next door kawaii face and thats it, but her performance here proves she can really act. Yes...she also did her trademark "surpise-kawaii-look" ( if you watch her in some shows you know what i mean) but she really nailed the dramatic part and I can really see the essence of her character.

Among the gmt members my favorite is mayu matsuoka, I find the one who played onodera the cutest but acting wise i will give this to that girl who played kyan eren. I even search about her and found out that she only did 2 movies and 1 drama she, probably she falls in this category of forgotten actress with potential but not given a break cause she is not that cute...jejejeje.

Next is the 2nd best performance IMO tetta sugimotto.....yes I know this character actor is great and capable but he is a real revelation here Just like furuta arata it looks like he is a comic relief character the GHOstBUSTERs part is really epic LMAO THAT FACE, but i can definitely feel his loved on this town and his work. Sugimotto put a memorable excellent performance in that tsunami episode...that moment got me teary eyed cause of the way they did that episode with no background music you really feel the emotions but the FINAL KICK that makes me cry is when sugimotto resurfaced from that tunnel that look in his face damn you can feel the pain I can't help but cry with him.


The negative things i can say in this drama is that the jeje thing becomes annoying at times and the story becomes less interesting specially before the homecoming part but nonetheless I still give this a 10 cause I have 2 more factors to consider in rating dramas which is how I enjoy it and how it affects me.

I knocks my boss, my hero out as my top 5 dramas of all time.

Check my Blog for other reviews & other JDramas stuffs. (｡◕‿‿◕｡)
https://thatjapanesedramaguy.blogspot.com/

Citeste mai mult