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AlphaGirlReviews

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AlphaGirlReviews

India
Completed
Touch Your Heart
4 people found this review helpful
Apr 5, 2019
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 1
Overall 6.0
Story 6.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 5.0
Rewatch Value 5.0
This show starts off well and gives you all the romance-comedy drama tropes that you expect. The ride is smooth for the first 10 episodes. After episode 11, things start to slow down and the shortcoming of the drama becomes glaringly visible. That is the lack of a good script. The drama does not have much to offer except a good lead couple. But for how long can you stick around to just watch Dong Wook and In Na trying to get close? Having said that I will still recommend you give this drama a shot when you feel like watching a light drama with hardly any complications. Touch Your Heart has a good cast and a decent storyline to help you kill time but it isn't strong enough to see you returning to it week after week. It is better to binge watch it when you have absolutely nothing to do.

Original post on AlphaGirlReviews.com.

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Completed
Eulachacha Waikiki
2 people found this review helpful
Apr 20, 2018
20 of 20 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 9.5
The last time I died laughing was while watching the 2016 drama, ‘Jealousy Incarnate’. That drama took the word ‘hilarious’ to another level and I wondered if I would ever laugh at a drama so much. 2018 broke the monotony and started the first quarter with a laughter riot titled ‘Laughter In Waikiki’. This drama is crazy funny. The acting of the cast was brilliant. The writing was par excellent. I do not see a single flaw in this drama. I tried hard to find some point as a bad weight but failed miserably and am glad for failing at it. This drama deserves lots of love and appreciation.


Let’s weigh this painfully amusing drama on our drama beam balance and see what makes it a treat to watch.


Good Weights

I enjoyed watching Laughter In Waikiki because…

…they made the biggest of problems look trivial and easy to overcome. Lee Jun Ki gives innumerable auditions and works as the silliest of sidey characters but never ever complains about his life being too difficult. Instead, he overcomes every failure with his wide toothy grin and continues working hard. Kang Dong Gu’s girlfriend dumps him after realising that he is no good and will never succeed in life. He feels depressed and takes his time to recover from the wound but once he is out of the ditch he never slips into it again. Instead, he moves on to focus on his newfound love interest and re-joins his previous job as a video director. Bong Doo Shik is a typical freelance writer who juggles a part-time job along with the guest house while continuing to follow his passion for writing. At no point does he ever think of giving up on writing and taking up a full-time office job. He works hard towards achieving his dreams and does everything he can to keep writing.
If the men in the show were having a hard time, the women in the drama were not having it any easy either. Han Yoon Ah abandons her infant knowing that being a single mother is not easy and that she may never be able to bring up her daughter well. However, she soon realises her mistake and returns to her baby. She then toils hard at the guest house only to be able to raise her child well. Min Soo Ah dumps Dong Gu in the most ruthless way and when she is left on the streets after being conned she returns to Dong Gu knowing that he is the only person who can help her. Soo Ah is materialistic and selfish but she is also very honest and sincere. After failing to make it big as a model she tries her hand at business and gives her all to make it a success. Kang Seo Jin wants to become a reporter but she keeps getting rejected by every agency she applies with. The rejections break her spirit but not her determination to survive. Even when she encounters problems at work, she takes it in her stride and does her best to surpass her senior’s expectations. When you read about the problems the characters are facing it may seem like a serious drama but Laughter In Waikiki is anything but serious. It is hilarious to the core.

…it is funny like no other drama. Even when facing serious life problems the writing is so funny that you forget that the characters have problems in the drama. The script is smooth-flowing and consistent. The show performed so well that it was extended by four episodes and despite the extension, the story did not suffer as it went on at a good pace with the humour quotient as high as it originally began with.

…all the six main characters on the show are well-rounded and show individual developments in the story. I liked how every couple in the drama had its own trajectory and a reasonable growth in the story. The writing focused on every couple and ensured that none of them was side-lined. In most dramas with parallel storylines, I tend to like some and ignore another but in this drama, I loved all the couples.

Not to forget the catalyst in the drama, the little munchkin Sol who would steal the show with just a chuckle. The little baby in the hoodie with ears would be the centre of attraction in every frame she appeared in. I will miss seeing her the most.



Bad Weights

I did NOT LIKE Laughter In Waikiki because…
…it made my stomach hurt with laughter. I would catch-up on this drama over the weekends while having lunch with my family and would always choke on my food. So basically, I could not watch this drama while eating. I am warning you too from watching this drama while eating something. There is no way you can watch it without cracking up.



I give Laughter In Waikiki 4.5 out of 5 rating. This drama is the best stress reliever for anyone. No matter which genre of drama you enjoy watching the most. Do not miss Laughter In Waikiki because such good quality comedy dramas are rare to find.

Originally posted on AlphaGirlReviews.com.

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Completed
Todome no Kiss
5 people found this review helpful
Mar 22, 2018
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 10
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 7.5
Rewatch Value 8.0
Todome no Kiss, when translated into English, reads ‘Kiss That Kills’ which makes a very interesting name for a drama. I was drawn to this dorama because a lot of drama fans were praising it. And the praise was surprisingly not for Kento (who is extremely popular with female fans) but the drama as a whole. I am not a big Kento fan so I would not have picked the drama had I not been intrigued by the plot. And once again a big thank you to all my drama-loving pals for recommending this terrific drama. I have lost count of how many times my jaw dropped to the floor while watching this gripping drama. There is absolutely NOTHING predictable about this drama. The actors too did a good job playing their parts but it was undoubtedly the script that was the actual hero of this dorama. Of course, Kento’s kisses and Mackenyu’s dreamy gaze came as additional perks. ????

Let’s weigh this totally unpredictable dorama on our drama beam balance and see what makes it such a huge hit amongst drama lovers.


Good Weights

I enjoyed watching Todome No Kiss because…

…the plot was highly engaging. Time travel is not my favourite concept and I have hardly watched any movies or dramas based on it. But after watching Todome No Kiss I feel like watching more time-travelling dramas. ???? Yes, frequent repetition of scenes would become a little tiresome but it was still interesting to see the same event occur differently. The suspense around the ‘kissing girl’ and her link to Otaro’s life will surprise you. Even the reason why she does what she does is nothing expected. The plot is very fresh and unique.

…the writing was crisp and the story concluded excellently. I specifically want to applaud the show’s conclusion because I have seen several dramas that add all kinds of diverse story arcs but do not give a reasonable ending. This drama knew exactly what to do with the arcs added. It started well and concluded even better. With all loose ends neatly tied up by the end, it has me content and happy.

…I was genuinely stunned by all the shock elements in the drama. I was at the edge of my seat (literally) throughout the drama. The drama is fast paced and leaves no room for a single dull moment. Even when scenarios were repeating it did not feel boring because of its different treatment.


Bad Weights

I did NOT LIKE Todome No Kiss because…

…the director keeps panning to left and right for dramatic effect. This is not really a bad weight and I am not reducing my ratings because of it but it was annoying to see the same camera movement after every alternate scene.

As you can see there is no bad weight on our drama beam-balance which shows how much I loved it. When you watch a drama like Todome No Kiss you also wish to be able to go back in time and correct your mistakes. However, the drama beautifully depicts the futility in attempting to change one’s past. Unlike a regular Japanese drama, Todome No Kiss is replete with kisses. It has all kinds of kisses from romantic to angsty to angry to desperate. However, this drama should not be watched for steamy scenes because there is a lot more to it than just the kisses. Also, the kisses may not appeal to everyone as the main leads appear to be in a lot of pain each time they kiss. So, do not watch it only for some intimate ‘action’.

I give Todome No Kiss 4.5 out of 5 rating. It is a well-written and terrifically executed dorama. You just cannot afford to miss this one.


Originally posted on AlphaGirlReviews.com.

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Completed
Zenkai Girl
2 people found this review helpful
Mar 15, 2018
11 of 11 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 7.5
Rewatch Value 5.0
Zenkai Girl is about a girl who wants to make it big in life after having a poverty-ridden childhood. It is about a man who only wants to love his son even when he is not related to him biologically. It is about a father who may not have much to provide for his only daughter but will give everything he has just to see her happy. It is about a mother who will provide only the best for her daughter even if it means never being there to see her grow up. Seems like a melodrama, right? But Zenkai Girl is not a melodrama per se. It is a sweet romance drama with a lot of life’s lesson to be learnt. It is about how ‘not-so-rich’ people (rarely found in dramas) live a ‘not-so-fancy’ life. This dorama offers a lot of depth and unadulterated sweetness. If you have been yearning to see some good performances and are game for a little bit of emotional drama then hop on, Zenkai Girl might be the destination you have been looking for.

Good Weights

I enjoyed watching Zenkai Girl because…

…I have come across people like Sato and they are JUST like him. I don’t think Sato’s character is a complete work of fiction. The writer must have based him off some real-life person. I personally have seen people like him who are extremely helpful and forgiving. I too can imagine being in his place and living life just the way he does. Sato for me is not an imaginary character but someone similar to me. I am not saying I am as accommodating as him. But yes there are some things Sato does selflessly that I too would have done in real life. (No. I’m not talking about adopting someone else’s kid when still unmarried.)

…Nishikido Ryo played Sato like as if the character was based on his real life. His scrawny physique, tanned skin, and unkempt hair suited the role beyond perfection. His apologetic smile and awkward body language made me forget that he is actually a popular singer in Japan. There is not a trace of the famous Japanese idol, Ryo in Sato. Not even a smidge.


Bad Weights

I did NOT LIKE Zenkai Girl because…

..the kids spoke and behaved like adults. Hinata and Pitaro are five-year-old kids who identify two adults’ feelings for each other. They plot to have them together and even scold them for not confronting their true feelings. They even give relationship advice to Wakaba and Sato. I would have believed it had they been teenagers but to have little kids read between the lines feels completely implausible. The two kids even kissed each other. I know it was for an important scene but I personally don’t like to see children doing adult stuff.

…I fail to understand Mr. Shindo who I do not know why is in such a haste to marry Wakaba. Wakaba is smart, hard-working, sincere and beautiful so it is likely for him to be attracted to her. But why would a person of Mr. Shindo’s stature be so insistent on marrying a girl he hardly knows. They hardly spend any time together. He has never even held her hand and he wants to marry her. He is a flirt so I understand him chasing after her but insisting on marriage was a little too much. Never seen a guy so eager to commit before.


Zenkai Girl is a typical Japanese drama about love, ambition, kindness and a lot of life’s other lessons. This drama might move you with its honest appeal.


Originally posted on AlphaGirlReviews.com.

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Completed
Last Friends
3 people found this review helpful
Mar 9, 2018
11 of 11 episodes seen
Completed 3
Overall 7.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 5.0
Japanese doramas never cease to wow me and Last Friends wowed me with its concept. Here we have four people each of whom has suffered a bad experience in childhood which has inevitably altered his or her personality. The drama deals with topics such as homosexuality, domestic violence, and child abuse. Last Friends approach to these topics is very matured and intriguing which makes it a beautifully written drama.

Good Weights

I enjoyed watching Last Friends because…

…it captured the true essence of friendship. Yes, Ruka has ‘other feelings’ for Michiru but she still stands for her as a friend whenever Michiru needs her. Same for Takeru. Takeru likes Ruka because of her boyish mannerism and accepts Michiru as his friend mainly because he knows what Michiru means to Ruka. But his friendship is not superficial and on several occasions, he goes out of his way to help Michiru. These three may be in a complicated relationship where they have feelings for one another but they all know the boundaries of their friendship and never cross it.

…every character feels real. Ruka suffers from gender confusion and has always thought of herself as a man instead of a girl. Actress Juri portrayed the character with such conviction that her struggle and frustration felt palpable. She clearly has given a lot of thought to her body language as she does not look like a regular tom-boy trying hard to walk like a man. I will have to see another drama of hers just to know how she acts as a regular girl. Masami too does well with her submissive character. She is pretty and clearly fragile. Innocence drips from every ounce of her and she best suited this character. The fact that she keeps returning to her abusive boyfriend, again and again, may frustrate you as a viewer but she has a valid reason for doing so. Give her time and you will understand and probably even feel what she feels for Sosuke. By this I don’t mean what she does is correct. It’s not. No woman deserves to be treated the way Sosuke treats Michiru but she shares a strong connection with him which even she cannot sever easily. Eita may not have been very emotive as Takeru but he did a fairly decent job at playing the trustworthy and helpful Takeru. But Sosuke was the one who sent a chill down my spine. Sosuke is an obsessive, possessive and abusive character and actor Nishikido Ryo’s subtle acting managed to evoke fear in me. He spoke so politely that I would quiver like a rat. I liked him so much that I am watching another drama of his just to be rest assured that he is not really a crazy boyfriend.


…I loved the theme song ‘Prisoner of Love’ by Utada Hikaru. It suited the drama so well. It was played at the aptest moments in the drama and added to the general feeling of pain and anguish of the drama.


Bad Weights

I did NOT LIKE Last Friends because…

…err.. I can’t think of any shortcoming in this drama. It wasn’t perfect for sure but there was nothing bad enough to count as a bad weight.


Last Friends should be your pick when you are bored of watching fluffy romances and want to indulge in a realistic dorama.


Originally posted on AlphaGirlReviews.com

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Completed
Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge
0 people found this review helpful
Feb 15, 2018
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 6.0
Story 6.0
Acting/Cast 7.0
Music 5.5
Rewatch Value 4.0
Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge is a drama adaptation of the Japanese manga of the same name. The story has four drop-dead gorgeous men trying to help a socially awkward girl to become a normal girl. Now the heroine Oomasa Aya reminded me a lot of Athiya Shetty probably because of her angular face and ultra-slim figure. So, Oomasa Aya plays the role of Nakahara Sunako who is a ‘shut-in’ i.e. someone who prefers keeping away from human company and feels nervous around people. She especially feels nervous around good-looking people and head-butts them when she is unable to bear their ‘dazzling aura’. Now, such a girl is forced to live in a house co-habited by young boys who have women dying for their attention. If Sunako had a problem living there I would have volunteered to take her place but she never seemed to have any problem so I never got my chance to help her out. :P

Let’s weigh this funny story of a ‘wallflower’ and four hot men on our drama beam balance and see if this dorama is worth a watch.

Good Weights
I enjoyed watching Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge because…
…I am a Kame fan. :)  Yes, I know I hated him in Second Love but he was really bad in that drama unlike Tatta Hitotsu no Koi where he was fabulous. In this drama, he was good. Not fab but good. I would watch the drama because of him.

…all characters are battling their own problems and have certain personality flaws but each one is accepted the way he or she is. Sunako is a ‘horror-girl’ and an extreme case of a person suffering from social anxiety. Her aunt wants her to become more social and live a normal life. Though she does gradually become slightly comfortable around other people she still remains a ‘horror-girl’ and her family and friends don’t mind it. Kyohei is short-tempered and grumpy. He often gets into fights with his friends but despite his poor manners, they love him for the sweet guy that he really is. Each character has an episode explaining his backstory which blends easily with the plot.

…the drama is funny. Okay, this is a Japanese dorama so the ‘funny’ scenes will be over-the-top but the cast is cool so they do managed to get occasional laughs from me.



Bad Weights
I did NOT LIKE Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge because…
…Kyohei’s problem made absolutely no sense to me. Kyohei hates his face because he is so handsome that random women pursue and stalk him relentlessly. Really? He hates being good-looking. (Reminds me of a t-shirt I had in college which read ‘I Wish I Was Rich Instead Of Good-Looking. I think that t-shirt would have suited Kyohei.) If he is ‘that’ handsome why doesn’t he become a model or an actor which will solve all his problems in life? Why doesn’t he put his good-looks to some use? Don’t normal (read good-looking) people usually do that?

…the screenplay got overly exaggerated at times. Though I liked Sunako I did not like how she transformed into a fighter when someone called her ‘BuSunako’ (ugly girl). It is a typical Japanese drama trait where they tend to get very anime-ish and I couldn’t help rolling my eyes each time she transformed. The drama is adapted from a manga so such stuff is expected but something like this gets annoying for someone like me who does not gorge on Japanese anime and manga.

Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge is about accepting a person the way he is no matter how weird that person may be. Each episode you see the characters deal with a new problem while making their way for love.

I give Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge 2.5 out of 5 rating. If you are Japanese anime/manga lover you might just like this dorama.

Originally posted on AlphaGirlReviews.com.

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Completed
Kamisama Mou Sukoshi Dake
1 people found this review helpful
Feb 3, 2018
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.0
Story 7.5
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 6.0
This review may contain spoilers
I decided to watch Kamisama Mou Sukoshi Dake because I was in the mood to watch an old Japanese drama. I like watching 90’s dramas because it reminds of my childhood when technology hadn’t taken over our lives and life was so much simpler. Kamisama Mou Sukoshi Dake is also my first drama where the lead character is battling AIDS. I have seen tonnes of drama characters dealing with all kinds of fatal ailments but never seen someone fighting AIDS. This dorama teaches a lot about the much-dreaded disease. Kamisama Mou Sukoshi Dake is a heavily flawed drama but is still beautiful watch. Keep reading to know why I am saying so.

Good Weights
I enjoyed watching Kamisama Mou Sukoshi Dake because…
…it gets rid of the stigma around AIDS. The word AIDS and even HIV +ve is enough to scare anyone. Despite knowing that AIDS does not spread through touch or by sharing food and drinks people still isolate an HIV patient. This drama very beautifully breaks the stigma and shows two men love and support a girl infected with the HIV virus. The drama also shows how love is beyond social norms or even medical conditions. Keigo deeply cares about Masaki and even her disease does not deter him from loving her. I think this drama is a very good way of spreading awareness about HIV and AIDS.
…it shows how your family will always stand by you even in the most difficult situation. This is what I love about Japanese doramas. They do not focus on just one relationship and always show different relationships in a normal person’s life.
…last episode was a tearjerker. I don’t really like emotional dramas but the last episode was so moving I cried buckets of tears. [[Spoiler Alert]] Though I knew what the ending would be I did not like that they had Masaki die on her wedding day. It was a little cruel to so show something like that. [[Spoiler Alert]]

Bad Weights
I did NOT LIKE Kamisama Mou Sukoshi Dake because…
…there was a lot of sprinting. If you have watched a few Japanese dramas you will know that Japanese heroes are fixated with running. They run all the time. Keigo runs when he is excited, sad, angry and sometimes even without any urgent reason. He runs at home, on the roads, over a bridge, inside a hospital and just about everywhere. It’s a little tiring to see him run all the time.
…Masaki is an extremely exasperating character. She does everything a person should not do. But then she is 17-years old so isn’t that how we all are at that age? But I hate the fact that she does not show any remorse. I understand there is no use crying over what happened and it is the best to move on but the lack of regret is something that disturbed me.
…[[Spoiler Alert]] Keigo sleeps with her despite knowing that she is infected with the HIV virus. Ok, sleeping with her is not an issue but not using protection is. I understand that deep down in his heart Keigo wishes to end his life and does not mind being affected by the HIV virus which will eventually lead him to what he wants but is getting the young girl pregnant in such a condition a good thing? I think it was very irresponsible of Keigo as it was not the correct way of showing his love. But then again, the drama had to be concluded in a certain way so all that happened was required so, fine. [[Spoiler Alert]]

Kamisama Mou Sukoshi Dake is about loving someone without any expectations or bias. It is about how teenage rebellion can go wrong thereby altering the entire course of life. But every dark cloud has a silver lining and for Masaki, Keigo was her reason to smile and live life.

Originally posted on AlphaGirlReviews.com.

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Completed
Because This Is My First Life
1 people found this review helpful
Jan 20, 2018
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 9.0
Never judge a book by its cover and never judge a drama by its NAME! Had the title of this drama been Because This Is My First ‘Love’, I would have certainly watched it the first day itself. But the actual title did not interest me so I did not watch this drama till everyone on Instagram started praising it. I asked my friend (who has been watching Korean dramas since 2004) about the drama and she told me how good it was and how it felt like a sweet Japanese dorama. Say ‘Japanese’ to me and you will have all my attention. She highly recommended this drama and the very next moment I was online watching this drama. And I loved it from the very first episode itself. Never thought a trite contract marriage could be this evocative. My friend was right, it does feel like a Japanese dorama.    

Good Weights
I enjoyed watching Because This Is Our First Life because…
…Se Hee reminded me of Sheldon Cooper from the Big Bang Theory. His scientific reasoning for every feeling, every emotion made me laugh and go awwww at the same time. In one scene, Ji Ho expresses her feelings about finally being able to relate to others and be a part of a group after being an outcast all her life. Instead of offering some kind words of understanding, Se Hee justifies her feelings with Maslow’s theory. I wanted to strangulate him but changed my mind after seeing his honest face. Actor Lee Min Ki has done a fantabulous job portraying the robotic Se Hee. Please watch out for the scene where Se Hee announces his marriage to his colleagues and asks who all thought he was gay or asexual. That scene was hilarious. I am laughing even as I write about it.
 …I love Jung So Min. This girl is too adorable and her portrayal of Ji Ho is way beyond perfect. Ji Ho is a dejected, lonely and unsuccessful writer looking for love and success. Her's is a very real character, in a real-world working under real circumstances. She struggles throughout the drama and even at the end, she does not become an award-winning writer like most drama characters do overnight. She continues to struggle but with a smile on her face. Her optimistic and hard-working character is a delight to watch. Complications in her story show that life is not a fairy tale. Just when you think everything is going fine, life throws a curveball that hits you right in the nose and you are left disoriented for a few minutes. But just like Ji Ho, you have to pick yourself up and keep going. If you are lucky enough then you can even hit the batsman who hit you with the ball. Do watch out the scene where she kicks Se Hee to make him bow before her strict father. I was in splits watching that one.  
 …there is a lot of love and romance. It is almost like an arranged marriage where two people, bound by a relation, hardly know each other but fall in love gradually as they spend more time together. Se Hee who seems like a heartless robot initially becomes more caring with each passing day and Ji Ho cannot stop herself from falling for her loving husband.
…I love the second-lead (?) even when he is hardly there. The dimpled cutie, Bok Nam is not exactly a second-lead but I still loved him. Wish he had more role in the drama.
 …I liked the parallel storylines along with the central love story. I cried when Ho Rang and Won Seok broke up in the drama because theirs was the cutest love story in the show. And Su Ji and Sang Goo’s hook-up then break-up followed by another hook-up was interesting to watch. Mr Ma's sincerity and love towards Su Ji was very moving. I must applaud the writers for adding their sponsor’s product to the storyline very effectively through Su Ji’s bra troubles.
…I appreciated the girl bonding happening between Ji Ho and her two buddies, Su Ji and Ho Rang. I studied in a convent school and I know how much fun it is to be in an ‘only girls’ school. The three girls have each other’s back and support each other without judging. Every girl should have friends like Su Ji and Ho Rang.
…the supporting cast was just amazing. I liked each and every supporting cast member on the show including Ji Ho and Se Hee’s parents. Everyone was just awesome in their roles.  
…I loved the dialogues especially Ji Ho’s voice over where she explains scenarios in her and others lives sometimes through quotes and sometimes through her beautiful thoughts.
…..it gave me the perfect ending I was looking for. When I sensed that one of the three couples would be breaking up for sure, the drama surprised me with their dramatic reunion and I couldn’t have thanked the writers more for this. I prefer realistic dramas but I also like happy endings. Like Shah Rukh Khan from Om Shanti Om, I too am a sucker for happy endings and I feel a drama is incomplete without a happy ending. This drama gave me everything I was looking for and I’m happy as a clam. :)

Bad Weights
I did NOT like Because This Is Our First Life because…
Err….naaaah I LOVED this drama. This made me feel so happy that I was grateful to have discovered dramas in the first place. Why do you need anything else when a good drama is enough to give you the ultimate high. Drama is my drug and this drama is one of my favourites.

 
Oh noooooooo!! One side of our drama beam balance has broken because the ‘good weights’ have outnumbered the non-existing ‘bad weight’ by a large number indicating how much I loved this drama. Because This Is Our First Life is an entertaining and feel-good drama. It is one of those dramas that lift your spirit and bring a smile on your face. If you feel low at any point in time then just watch this drama and trust me, you will feel so so good about life and everything else.    
I give Because This Is Our First Life 4.5 out of 5 rating. No drama clichés (except for the contract marriage) just great content is what this drama comprises of. I will urge everyone to watch this NOW!!!!

Originally posted on Alphagirl.in :)

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Jan 16, 2018
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.0
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 5.0
Music 7.5
Rewatch Value 5.0
Have you ever had a crush on your teacher? Well, I did not because I was in a girls school with a faculty consisting of only female teachers. I did have some male professors in college but all of them were married with kids and were not great in the ‘looks’ department. While watching Taisetsu na Koto wa Subete Kimi ga Oshiete Kureta the only thought hovering in my mind each time I saw Shuji was, ‘thank God I never had an attractive teacher’. I mean, look at this guy. Tell me how is a student supposed to concentrate on a subject when the teacher is so alluring? I have been ranting on my Twitter and Facebook against this. This is not fair! You cannot expect young girls to not fall in love with such a handsome professor. And this dorama is just about that. A young girl has a soft for the most handsome professor in her school and she unwittingly has him trapped in a scandal that maligns his image. However, this drama is not just about the scandal. It is also about human feelings and how we sometimes fail to understand what we really want in life.

Shuji Kashiwagi (Haruma Miura) works as a biology teacher at a high school. He is in love with his school friend and work colleague, Natsumi Uemura (Erika Toda) who is an English teacher. They are happy together and wish to marry soon. One morning Shuji wakes up in his bed and is shocked to see an unknown girl lying there. He is unable to recollect the events of the previous night that led the girl to his house. He offers her his house keys so she can get dressed and leave as he leaves for work. On his first day at school, Shuji starts to take the roll call of his class and is stunned to know that the girl he supposedly spent the night with is actually his student. Hikari Saeki (Emi Takei), seems to have fallen in love with Shuji after spending the night with him and is determined to have him one way or the other.
Let’s weigh this teacher-teacher-student love triangle drama on our drama beam balance and explore the depths of this drama to know if it is worth a watch or no.
 

Good Weights
I enjoyed watching Taisetsu na Koto wa Subete Kimi ga Oshiete Kureta because…
…it shows how humans can be indecisive in life. Shuji is a very principled, idealistic and righteous man. But even someone like him can be confronted with a difficult situation where he does not know which way to go. Shuji’s lack of decision frustrated me to no end. But when I gave it another thought, I could understand him to some extent. Shuji wants to do what is the best for everyone but in the process, he ends up messing things up. This happens to all of us, right? Where we want to do our best but things just don’t go our way. This is the realism in Japanese dramas. Even people with the best of intentions can harm their loved ones unintentionally.
…I liked watching Haruma Miura. Will discuss his acting skills in the other section of this post but for now, let me praise this good-looking actor. Haruma is present in almost every other frame and I personally enjoyed ogling at him. He features in my Facebook cover image video and also on my Twitter back cover which clearly shows that I am his fangirl. (Wookie Oppa, don’t worry you are still my number one oppa. Muaaah!) If you have liked him in any of his other dramas, you will like him in this one too.
…I liked actress Erika and Emi’s acting. Both the actresses were subtle and portrayed their respective characters excellently.

Bad Weights
I did NOT LIKE Taisetsu na Koto wa Subete Kimi ga Oshiete Kureta because…
…I felt lost somewhere in the middle of the drama. After episode 6, the drama slows down a bit and I was left wondering where the drama was leading to. I was sceptical that this drama might not end on a good note but thankfully the ending was good. The drama was wrapped up nicely and all my questions were satisfactorily answered in the last episode. While watching the drama, you too may feel annoyed with Shuji and Natsumi, but please be patient as the last episode will put everything in its right place.
…I did not understand why Shuji kept explaining himself to his students. I’m not sure how close Japanese teachers are to their students but it looked silly watching him admit to his one-night stand in front of his students.
…I wanted Haruma to act better. I have seen Haruma’s movies and dramas and I know that his acting is limited. He is absolutely stunning to watch but he really needs to act better. In this drama, he often raises his eyebrows and widens his eyes each time he looks at someone. He does that so many times that I wonder if the director asked him to look startled each time he saw someone.

Taisetsu na Koto wa Subete Kimi ga Oshiete Kureta is a simple (regular) drama dealing with a difficult (different) storyline. The drama does not have a single kiss or even a passionate hug but it is high on emotions. There is nothing memorable or overly dismissible about it. But you do need to be a little patient to be able to see it to its end.

Taisetsu na Koto wa Subete Kimi ga Oshiete Kureta is a decent watch with some thought-provoking scenarios. Watch it if you like Japanese dramas dealing with depths of various relationships.

Originally posted on Alphagirl.in.

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Completed
Kahogo no Kahoko
6 people found this review helpful
Jan 5, 2018
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed 5
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 5.5
Rewatch Value 8.0
This review may contain spoilers
I wanted to start this New Year with a good drama that would pump me up and kick-start 2018. I picked Kahogo No Kahoko because, once again, my Insta friend strongly recommended it. When she strongly recommends a drama I am sure that it will be something really good. And as expected, this drama was amazing. Kahogo No Kahoko is about a young girl who is overprotected by her parents and hardly has any experience interacting with the outside world. This drama is well-written with some beautifully sketched characters. I enjoyed this drama a lot and here is what I liked and disliked about it.



Good Weights
I enjoyed watching Kahogo No Kahoko because…
…Kahoko is a very adorable lead. She (like most drama heroines) is naïve beyond imagination. She has been living in a bubble all her life and has no idea of how the outside world functions. She has no friends and relies on the internet to solve her queries like ‘how to console someone’, ‘how to impress a guy’ and even ‘how to get over heartbreak’. She loves her family and will do anything to see them happy. She makes faces that amuse and confuse people. She sleeps like a baby, anywhere and anytime after she has had her fill.
…actress Takahata Mitsuki portrayal of Kahoko was mind-blowing. I was amazed at how well she got into the skin of the character and adopted a body language of a slightly nervous, mostly clueless and a totally naïve young girl. Her hands flailed like a little child each time sprinted. Her shoulder slouched each time she felt cornered or intimidated. Her face had a new expression each time she experienced an emotion for the first time. Bow down to this amazing actress.

…Japanese doramas do not need a kiss to create romance between its characters. Most Asian dramas have to have a kiss scene to show love between the main leads, but Kahogo No Kahoko proves that love can be shown without getting intimate. I am not against kissing scenes. I, like most drama fans, wait for my favourite couple to kiss and seal the deal. But some dramas are written with such depth that you are convinced of the love without any ‘loving’ scene. Kahoko and Hajime share such a deep connection that I did not need to see them kiss or even hug to convince me of how much they feel for each other.

…this drama, like a lot other Japanese dramas, promotes family love. I am very close to my family and I know the importance of inculcating family values in children. Kahoko too is close to her parents and her extended family. Like every other family, hers too is not perfect and she sees her uncles and aunts quarreling amongst themselves. But she accepts them as they are and struggles to keep them together. This is also a beauty of Japanese dramas. JDramas often promote family values. They do not shove it down your throat forcing you to accept their idea of family love but they very subtly explain the importance of being loving towards the people who matter to you.

…it is a good break from fluffy romances. I always say in that Japanese dramas try to be close to reality. Character predicaments and the solutions to them may not always be practical but are often believable. If you have watched a lot of dramas you will expect to see the hero standing right behind the heroine just when she needs him. But that does not happen in JDramas. Here the heroine, no matter how helpless she is, has to somehow find her own solution and if not then has to make her way to the hero on her own to have his help. Kahoko has been dependent on her mother all her life. When she decides to break free from it, she does not fall dependent on Hajime but finds her way on her own, with some guidance from him. This is why I love Kahoko so much.
 


Bad Weights
I did NOT LIKE Kahogo No Kahoko because…
…I did not like the fact that Kahoko never looked for a job herself. The drama starts with her getting rejected for jobs but she is determined to find one for herself. A few tries later she completely forgets about finding a job and gets busy helping to solve her family problems. Things do fall into place for her eventually but her determination dimmed too quickly for my liking. I understand she was not meant to be a regular office goer but still, it would have been better had she at least tried working somewhere.

…I did not like the end to Kahoko and Hajime’s love story. [[Spoiler Alert: Kahoko and Hajime eventually get married to each other by the end of the drama. Hajime is a struggling artist and Kahoko has no means to support herself. Such young kids decide to get married just because Kahoko’s grandma wanted to see them together. I appreciate the fact that the writers did not make Hajime rich overnight to have them married, the way most dramas show. Hajime remains a poor artist but how can they just get married? It may seem fancy in a drama but in real life it sucks. I did not like how they concluded Kahoko’s love story but I enjoyed the drama overall.]]
 
I give Kahogo No Kahoko 4 out of 5 rating. A gladsome girl, an earnest love affair, a loving close-knit family make this drama a good watch. Do give it a try. You may find Kahoko annoying at first but do not give up on her, trust me you will gradually warm up to her.

Originally posted on AlphaGirl.in.




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Completed
The Package
2 people found this review helpful
Dec 7, 2017
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 6.0
Rewatch Value 5.5
If you ever wish to visit France, then watch The Package without fail because France is what this drama mostly is about. If you do not have plans to visit France then certainly watch this drama as you will get a tour of this breathtakingly beautiful city from the comfort of your home. Additionally, you also have CNBlue’s hottie lead singer, Jung Yong Hwa to keep you company. If that doesn’t lure you then let me add here that the director has added a shirtless scene of Yong Hwa pondering over some serious issue. How can a hot hero think with his shirt on? He has to take off his shirt to think clearly, right? The Package is a short drama with some interesting characters and lots of funny moments.
Since I have changed the look of this website, I have also tweaked the outlines and presentation of most of my posts. Hope you like it. :)
 
Good Weights            
I enjoyed watching The Package because…
…the storylines depicting complications in different kinds of relationships seamlessly blended with the theme of the drama. Every character in the drama is at the crossroad of a certain relationship and this trip makes each one of them realise what he or she wants from the other person and from oneself. It is fun to see so many stories fall like puzzle pieces to form a larger picture at the end of the drama.
…the cast was really good. Actress Lee Yeon Hee who plays tour guide Yoon So So was totally into the character. She very easily adopts the tour guide tone and looks very convincing as a professional guide. I am sure Yeon Hee has put in a lot of hard work to get into the skin of her character. Similarly, every other cast member did a good job and played their parts well.
…of the brilliant cinematography and the beautiful foreign location. The director has spared no pains in capturing France in the most exotic frames. All the locations visited in the drama look amazing and this is the perfect way to promote tourism.
…it was funny. San Maa Roo encounters with So So’s stalker is hilarious. The way he dodges him and gets into scuffles with him made me roll on the floor with laughter. Do watch out the two men fight for So So’s attention. Even his initial encounters with So So are amusing.
 
Bad Weights
I did NOT like The Package because…
…it is a threat to my savings. Two episodes into the drama and I was yearning for a vacation. The drama reminded me that it has been years since my last long holiday. By the end of episode 4, I decided to go on a trip no matter what. I started to look up holiday plans online when suddenly I heard my bank passbook chuckle in a corner. I went to it and opened it to see what made it laugh so mirthfully. What I next saw brought tears to my eyes. I quietly returned to my laptop, this time equipped with 3D glasses, and clicked on the next episode because I had realised that it was going to be the only way I will be seeing France for at least another decade. Damn you poverty! Damn you!
…there is a dip in the story pace in episode 6 but the drama eventually picks up. The dip is justified as it is a point in the drama where characters explore the depths of their relationship. It shows how couples behave after they have spent a considerable amount of time together.
…Jung Yong Hwa was a little dull. There are several scenes where he could act a little more energetic and whimsical but his restrained (read limited) acting makes him look dull. He is a handsome guy but when it comes to acting, I think he can do better.
 
The Package has more of good weights which makes it a good watch. Its cast, story and location together make it a very enjoyable drama. If your bank account balance too mocks you the way mine does, then do not miss this drama as it is the cheapest way to have a trip to France.

I give The Package 3.5 out of 5 rating. The Package is an easy breezy drama. It throws some light on the complexities of different types of relationships against the backdrop of the breathtakingly beautiful France. Do watch this one when you want to watch a fun and light drama.
 
Originally posted on Alphagirl.in.

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Completed
Marry Me, or Not?
1 people found this review helpful
Nov 8, 2017
15 of 15 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.5
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 5.5
Rewatch Value 7.5
I finally finished a Taiwanese drama after so long and I am happy to have selected another good drama to watch. Actually, this drama was recommended to me and I picked it up because it has only 15 episodes. Taiwanese dramas are good but can get too long to bear as each episode spans mostly more than 70 minutes. I have been meaning to watch one specific T-drama for a while but have still not been able to watch it. Hope this drama breaks the jinx and I finally start watching it soon.
Coming to the review, Marry Me, or Not? (MMoN) is a rom-com with the central plot revolving around human pride. People often give up on things and people they love just to preserve their pride. In MMoN, Huan Zhen and Shen Nan have a misunderstanding and give up on their close friendship only because neither of the two wants to sort out their differences. This leads to years of enmity between the two former best friends. This drama is high on romance and comedy which is why I enjoyed watching it.  
Let’s weigh this funny romantic Taiwanese drama on our drama beam balance and see which side it weighs heavy with.

Good Weights
Roy Chiu: Roy is ‘seriously’ funny. He plays Hao Meng who wanted to be an environmental lawyer but is compelled to become a divorce lawyer due to lack of scope in environmental law. This man is hurt for not being able to achieve his dream. He lacks respect for marriage after seeing his parents fight all his life which is why he is glad to take up divorce cases. Roy maintains a poker face throughout the show that makes you crack up easily during comedy scenes. However, in scenes where he is required to show pain, sorrow or anger, he has done so like an ace. His acting is subtle and controlled. His occasional smile would make me swoon for him. His performance is sincere and flawless. He is the first male character I have seen crying so much in a drama.  

Alice Ke: Alice plays Huan Zheng who appears snooty and selfish on the outside but actually deals with a lot of insecurities. She camouflages her vulnerabilities with attitude and aloofness. She fears being abandoned which is why she easily breaks relations so that she does not feel hurt on being left by someone. Her ego often gets into her way to real happiness in life. Alice Ke does a splendid job in this drama. She looks fabulous in everything she wears on the show and her good acting helps make her character convincing. Also, she shares a great chemistry with Roy Chiu.

Brother-Sister Duo: I often applaud lead couple chemistry in my drama reviews and even though I liked the main couple chemistry, I personally preferred the brother-sister duo more. Sheng Nan and Hao Meng's crazy antics would make me want to see them more in the drama. This pair of menacing siblings looks painfully adorable.
 
Production Value: Taiwanese dramas are usually made on low budgets which affect the quality of a drama. But that wasn’t the case with MMoN. This drama was visually appealing. Even the wardrobe the two girls flaunted was chic and high-end. This drama certainly looked a lot better than the other T-dramas I have watched till now.
 
Bad Weights
Second-Lead: Don’t be surprised, I am not criticizing the second-lead here. The second-lead is a bad weight because I felt his character was not well-written. Harry Chang plays the role of Jiang Qian Yao (love the way Hao Meng addresses him as Qian ‘whatever’ Yao) and man he’s cute. He even resembles my favourite Korean actor, Lee Joon Gi. Initially, he appeared to be a very weak actor compared to the rest of the cast but as the episodes progressed, the man startled me with his evil-grin and easy charm. His acting was good but the character was rather weak. Qian Yao is perceived as a bad character who then seems to be good but later ends up becoming the bad guy. I’m am not sure if it is my love for second-leads that has me dissatisfied with the way Qian Yao’s character shaped up in the drama. I liked his chemistry with Sheng Nan and wanted to see more of them. Too bad, that does not happen and Qian Yao has to leave without any scope for redemption. Had his character been a little more developed, he surely could have redeemed himself later and I could have had the perfect ending for Sheng Nan. But the writers wanted to show something different and I will accept that.  
 
Marry Me, or Not? is loaded with good weights. You may find it frustrating each time the main leads break-up. Also, the drama does get draggy towards the end but those are just a few low-point for a rather good drama. This drama will surely make you laugh because it is high on comic quotient. I want to mention here that there is a special appearance by the uber-cute Chen Bolin (In Time With You) in episode 2 where he complains of having issues with his wife. He looks so cute that I missed watching him on-screen.  
 
Marry Me, or Not? is a very entertaining drama and I thoroughly enjoyed watching it. You have to watch it if romantic comedy is your favourite genre.  

Originally posted on www.alphagirl.in.
 


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The Master's Sun
3 people found this review helpful
Oct 18, 2017
17 of 17 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.0
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 8.5
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 3.5
I took up The Master’s Sun because it was highly recommended by my buddies on Instagram. I take all my buddies recommendations seriously and try to watch as many as they recommend. I had read great reviews for this drama so was super excited to watch it. But for some reason, I did not like the drama as much as a lot of other viewers. Though I did enjoy each episode, I would often find it difficult to keep going back to it. I had felt something similar for City Hunter where I would be impressed by each episode but would find it difficult to keep up with it. I am surprised at myself that despite liking the main leads, I still could not love the drama as much as I would want to.  
Let’s weigh this spooky but funny drama on our drama beam balance and see what weighs it down.


Good Weights
So Ji Sub: I have seen Ji Sub on a lot of drama posters but never watched any of his dramas. I don’t know why but he never appealed to me. I did watch his drama ‘I’m Sorry, I Love You’ but then I was writing (still writing) written updates for its Turkish adaptation, Bir Ask Hikayesi and though Ji Sub was good in the drama, I found the Turkish actor, Seckin Ozdemir far better in the same role. I think I had some bias against him which I suppose ended after I watched The Master’s Sun. So Ji Sub looks good and acts amazing. His unrelenting attitude and occasional man-childish behaviour in the drama makes him surprisingly cute. He gives out a very Mr. Darcy vibe, a cute Mr. Darcy.  

Gong Hyo Jin: My first KDrama heroine :) she features as a good weight in all her dramas that I have reviewed. She is an astoundingly talented actress who can bring any character to life with her easy performance. From a smart doctor to a struggling TV anchor to a psychic, she has played every role with such conviction that I can never find a flaw in any of her characters. She played the anxious and terrified Gong Shil with such conviction that I felt pity for her. She even impersonated a cat with perfection. I love simply love her. If you ever see her name in the cast list of a drama, do watch it as she is an amazing actress.


Bad Weights
Amnesia: The amnesia angle is very common in Korean dramas and I hate it. I hate it in almost every drama that has it. I feel the memory loss angle is added when the writer has to stretch the story for a few more episodes and has no other idea of how to do it. It frustrates me more than it frustrates the person who has lost his memory in the drama. In this drama, somewhere towards the end, Joong Won loses his memory and guess what, he remembers everything and everyone except Gong Shil. Very convenient, right? And then again the same old thing, she tries to push him away from her but he is drawn to her like a fly to a sweetmeat. Sorry, I do not always enjoy this selective memory loss angle and here too it was unwanted and forced.

Unresolved Issues: I am a very passionate drama viewer. When I am watching a drama, my brain is constantly working trying to figure out why the character is doing what it’s doing and what will it do next. In this drama, Gong Shil sees ghosts and is able to ward them off only when she touches Jong Won. From the very first episode, my head started working to determine what could be the reason behind this magical touch. I had a million theories in my head justifying the source of his special ability. But when the drama ended and I realised that they never explained the reason behind their ‘special’ connection I felt wronged. I hate it when writers add certain aspects to generate curiosity and never bother to address them. This is one major reason why I will not rate this drama high.  

Love Story: Though Ji Sub and Hyo Jin shared a sparkling on-screen chemistry, their love story was too slow burn for my liking. I am not against slow burn, but this was a little too much and I despised the couple for being so difficult. They looked so nice together but always ensured that something stood between them. His arrogance, her pride, his amnesia, her nobility or some random reason always kept them apart and it frustrated me. Had they been less of a typical drama couple and more of a normal couple, I would have enjoyed the drama more.

All in all, the drama is enjoyable. A lot of viewers consider this as the best KDrama but for me, it was a decent entertainer. I wasn’t wowed by anything but never felt bored either. The supporting cast and parallel storyline were enjoyable. I liked Kang Woo and Yi Rung’s love story. I don’t know why a popular actress would chase after a security guard who is not interested in her a bit, I still liked their chemistry. They were cute. The OST is also good. Nothing really is bad about this drama. It is good for a one-time watch.
 
I give The Master’s Sun 3 out of 5 rating. Funny, romantic, scary and entertaining. This drama is worth a watch.
 
Originally posted on www.alphagirl.in

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Completed
Natsu no Koi wa Nijiiro ni Kagayaku
1 people found this review helpful
Oct 10, 2017
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 5.0
Story 5.5
Acting/Cast 7.5
Music 4.5
Rewatch Value 3.0
This review may contain spoilers
Kon'nichiwa! I am back with a new JDrama review. I have an extra looooooooooooooong list of doramas to watch and review. I feel I must dedicate one whole month to Japanese dramas or else I will never be able to tick off all the dramas on my list. For today’s review I have the Japanese rom-com, Natsu no Koi wa Nijiiro ni Kagayaku starring Matsumoto Jun and Takeuchi Yuko. I have seen previous dramas of both these actors and was excited to see them together in a drama.
 
Natsu no Koi wa Nijiiro ni Kagayaku / Summer Romance Shines in Rainbow Colors) (2010) (10 episodes)

Kusunoki Taiga (Matsumoto Jun) is the son of the famous actor, Kusunoki Kotaro (Ito Shiro) and wishes to follow his father’s footsteps and become a popular actor someday. However, despite trying Taiga is unable to bag a decent role for himself and ends up working with reality shows to earn some money. One day, while skydiving he loses control over his parachute and ends up hanging mid-air from a tree in a deserted forest. He is rescued by a strange woman who he falls for at first sight. But she disappears without even telling him her name. Intrigued, Taiga goes to the same place the next day hoping to bump into her. He does meet her the next day and she recognizes him as the famous actor Kotaro’s son. She tells him that she is a big fan of his father’s work. But she once again leaves abruptly without mentioning her name to him. Taiga decides to get over his feelings for an unknown woman but finds himself in a fix when he sees her at his office as a new employee at his agency.
Let’s weigh Natsu no Koi wa Nijiiro ni Kagayaku on our drama beam balance and see if this dorama is an interesting watch or no.

 
 
Good Weights
Matsumoto Jun: This guy is funny. Really funny. He was the funniest version of Tsukasa Doumyouji (Gu Jun Pyo in Boys Over Flowers) of all the adaptations of Hana Yori Dango and with Taiga he just proved how effortlessly hilarious he can be. Jun can look overbearing and endearing at the same time. His comic timing is impeccable and he makes me laugh till my stomach hurts. His craziness is proven when Shiori finally confesses her feelings for him and he does not know how to react. It was the most amusing confession scene I have ever seen.
Coming to the role of Taiga as a whole, I feel Jun played his part flawlessly. His character is the best thing about the drama and this drama is watchable because of him.


 
Yuko Takeuchi: I adore this lady. I loved her in Pride (one of my most favourite Japanese dramas) and I liked her as Shiori too. Shiori is a doting mother who works hard to give her daughter a good upbringing while trying her best to deny her feelings for Taiga. Takeuchi’s innocent face and her sincere acting skills make her an apt choice for this role. I could not find anything lacking in her acting despite her having a one-dimensional role which has limited growth in the drama.  


Character Development: Natsu no Koi wa Nijiiro ni Kagayaku may not make it to my most favourite drama list but Taiga will always be a lovable character for me. I like that Japanese dramas show character development and do not believe in focusing on just the story while the characters show no growth. Taiga evolves as a person in the drama and does not reach his aim overnight. Taiga is a young boy who dreams to be a successful actor like his father but he does not do anything to achieve his goal. He feels he is innately talented and does not require to work hard on honing his skills. It is only when life gets tough on him does he realise that he is lacking as a performer. His journey is bumpy and he slowly works towards bettering himself in his craft. By the end of the drama, Taiga is as naïve as he always was but he now looks more passionate about his work than he was before.
Realism: I admire Japanese dramas for being so connected with reality when dramas are all about straying away from anything real. I want to mention one scene here which moved me and I could see how much of thought the writer must have put behind the scene trying to make it real while retaining the positivity in it. [[Spoiler]] Taiga’s father is most popular for a legendary character, Gin-san that he played on-screen. After his death, the movie producers cast a popular and established actor to reprise the role of Gin-san. When the news reaches Taiga, he feels heart-broken as it was his dream to step into his father’s shoes and take forward the legacy his father left behind. Since it is a drama and everything goes as per the lead’s wishes, I thought Taiga would suddenly be motivated to work harder and will end up bagging the role he feels he most apt for. However, this is JDorama where fantasy will also be entwined with reality. The role finally does go to the established actor and he visits Taiga to tell him how difficult it is to fill in his father’s shoes. Before he leaves, he tells Taiga that he can succeed him as the third Gin-san and Taiga feels overjoyed at the mere prospect. Nothing happens suddenly in Japanese dramas. I am mentioning this scenario here because for some reason I could imagine Abhishek Bachchan in place of Taiga. I remember Abhishek always said in his interviews that he loved his father’s role in Agneepath and how he would love to reprise his father’s character. However, it was Hrithik Roshan who was eventually cast as Vijay Dinanath Chauhan in the remake of Agneepath which went on to become a blockbuster. Taiga’s situation reminded me of Abhishek and I could see how the writer has shown brutal reality but concluded on a positive note by generating a hope in Taiga’s mind at being one of the contenders for the role. [[Spoiler]]  

 
 
Bad Weights
Lack of Chemistry: Jun and Takeuchi are impressive individually but together, they are not able to build the chemistry that is required to look like a convincing couple. I have seen dramas wherein an older woman falls for a younger guy and it is sad that only a few have impressed me chemistry-wise. This drama too falls short in this department and though I love Takeuchi I have to say that she does not look good with Jun.


Too many ‘coincidences’: Drama world survives of convenient coincidences. And I am a very accepting viewer I easily believe what the drama writer wants me to believe. However, sometimes some ideas are too hard even for me believe. And this drama tries to sell too many coincidences which I find difficult to accommodate. For instance, Taiga first meets Shiori when she rescues him in the forest. She coincidentally has a pair of scissors in her bag which she uses to snap the cable of Taiga’s parachute. Coincidently, she happens to be a big fan of his father. Coincidentally, of the many fans, Taiga’s father chooses father has, he chooses to write back to Shiori to help his son. Coincidentally, Shiori’s husband is dead and Taiga has nothing to worry about before he can ask her out. Coincidentally, Taiga’s brother is Shiori’s daughter’s teacher and is also in love with her. Even if I could gulp down all the other coincidences, one coincidence that I am unable to digest is the fact that Shiori lives in the same locality as Taiga. Taiga’s father was a rich man and their house is lavish too whereas Shiori is finding it difficult to make ends meet and lives a humble lifestyle with her daughter. Despite the difference in status, they share a locality which is something I find difficult to wrap my head around. If the Japanese do not believe in status and if the rich and poor live together in harmony, then that is a different thing. But if that’s not the case then I firmly refuse to buy this convenient coincidence.
Shoehorned Angles: Now drama lovers know how there is always a second-lead in a romantic drama. This drama has not one but several second-leads. In most dramas. Second-leads help to get the main leads closer but here, all the extra love angles only burdened the show with unnecessary characters. For instance, Taiga’s elder brother likes Shiori and so does Shiori’s late husband’s brother. Both these men like Shiori but do nothing to add to the story as our main couple is too busy fighting their feelings for each other to pay heed to these two men. Similarly, there is a fellow artist named Sakura in Taiga’s agency who likes him and vows to steal him from Shiori. However, she too does nothing to keep her vow except for trying to kiss Taiga. I fail to understand why is she even there in the drama. This drama could have been better had it not added unnecessary angles to the central love story.
 
The drama beam balance has more good weights than bad but the bad weights outweigh the good weights. The drama had a good cast with some really cute kids but the story was lacking. The drama was slow paced and the script was boring in certain parts. I could watch it only because of Jun and Takeuchi's performances.  
I give Natsu no Koi wa Nijiiro ni Kagayaku 2.5 out of 5 rating. The extra 0.5 is for the amount of positivity this drama holds. Though this drama exudes a lot of warmth, it is insufficient to keep you from feeling cold. I found myself dozing off on several occasions while watching the drama. I would recommend this drama only to those who do not mind watching some decent feel-good dramas. Also, if you feel bogged down by difficulties in life then this drama is perfect to reignite the lost motivation.  
 
Originally posted on www.alphagirl.in
 
 
 

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Completed
Tatta Hitotsu no Koi
3 people found this review helpful
Sep 28, 2017
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 10
Rewatch Value 9.0
I fall short of words when describing how Japanese dramas make me feel. In a world where Korean romantic dramas boast of high production value, good-looking cast, over-the-top sets and wardrobe, and hot kisses, there exists Japanese dramas that are simple, realistic and heart-warming. I always feel that there is a certain level of honesty and sincerity in Japanese storytelling which never fails to strike a chord with me. My Instagram friend strongly recommended Tatta Hitotsu No Koi and after watching the drama, I thanked her zillion times for recommending it. This drama for me was earnest enough to make a special place in my heart.    

Let’s weigh Tatta Hitotsu No Koi on our drama beam balance and see what makes Nao and Hitoro’s love story so special.

Music: The soundtrack is magnificent and suits the tempo of the drama. It builds the mood for the scene and will have you totally involved with the characters.

Ayase Haruka and Kamenashi Kazuya: Haruka is cute as a button. She is gorgeous and plays the role of naïve and innocent Nao to perfection. Ditto for Kame. Kame looks extremely bony and at times I wanted to stuff some meat on him because it became unbearable to see someone so skinny. But it works for his role as he plays a poor chap over-burdened with family responsibilities at a very young age. Kame and Haruka bring Hiroto and Nao to life with such ease that makes their characters relatable. They share a sparkling chemistry which works great for this drama and makes them a memorable couple.

Sweet Moments: This drama may not have several kisses as expected of a romantic drama but it has several sweet moments that will surely touch your heart. For instance, Nao lives in a high-rise building and can see Hitoro’s house from her balcony. One night she flashes a shiny ball in her balcony as a sign from her side. She wants Hitoro to flash a light in response to her so she knows that he can see her. She feels dejected when there is no response from his end but a few seconds later he flashes a torchlight and Nao jumps like a little-excited baby seeing the light. Nao looks so damn cute in the scene. Similarly, there are many such delightful moments that make Nao and Hitoro an adorable couple.

Script: The premise of this drama is the regular rich girl meets boy and falls in love with him. However, the script makes the drama stand out. Hitoro and Nao’s love story is nothing that you would expect it to be. They do have their struggles like every other couple but they do not follow drama clichés. Hitoro does not suddenly become rich nor do Nao’s parents accept their daughter’s love. The drama sticks to reality and does not follow the usual drama path of showing impractical solutions. Also, there are no forced kisses, no wrist grabbing and certainly no accidental falls. Just sincere characters and their honest approach to life and love. This is what I love about Japanese dramas. They try to be as real as possible. All the characters in the drama feel real and relatable.  
The supporting cast has their parallel storylines that are intertwined with Nao and Hitoro’s lives. I liked all the supporting characters as they add to the story and make the drama more enjoyable.


Bad Weights
Nothing. I would say Kame’s bony face did make me cringe a little but I will let that pass as the guy acted well.
 
Tatta Hitotsu no Koi is not flawless but is very endearing and I love absolutely everything about it. I loved its music (that is playing on my PC as I write this), the lead characters, supporting characters, the cast, the plotline, and just about everything about this drama.
 
I have ignored all the minor flaws in this sweet drama and am strongly recommending it because it warmed my heart with its fresh appeal. Do watch it if you love watching lovable romantic dramas.

Originally posted on www.alphagirl.in

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