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RisefromBlackAshes
South of the Border, West of the Sun
This movie story was alright. I'm not going to sugar-coat it and just 'cause Iwata Takenori is in it does not mean it's do all end all. The plot is pretty 'meh', rather typical of most shoujo stories with the side plot of plants and identifying them thrown in to mark it different. My friends remarked on how absolutely ridiculous the basic premise is. If you're looking for realistic, this story is not it. If you're looking for easy watching/not complicated this is for you.
However, it is light hearted and funny at times. Iwata Takenori (Itsuki) is 100% quality eye candy and his character is a perfect match. Takahata Mitsuki (Sayaka) is relatable, and honest, with plenty of faults and positives to make her well balanced. It's unfortunate you don't get to see either character really develop just based on the pacing of story, and the type of acting. The side characters don't see much screen time or development, but they're a solid background foundation rather then a hinderance.
The music overall is okay. Nothing spectacular about it, and at times the timing seems a little off/inappropriate for the mood. Not to the point of being unwatchable, but noticeable.
Again, I love Iwata Takanori. I love Takhata Mitsuki, so for me this movie was a no-brainer to watch. It's not complicated, but it's not boring. If you're looking for something light-hearted to watch without getting teary-eyed this is it. I'd rewatch just to see the eye-smile prince smile again, but it won't be frequently.
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For an 8 episode drama, the series did an amazing job telling a heart-felt story and concluded it well, with no plot holes or empty ending. While I wouldn't label the series too dramatic or too sweet; it's mature and well thought out with a balance of ages that makes it appealing to young and old drama watchers. All the characters good and bad, minor and major get fleshed out fairly well and their relationships with one another are well identified. While some elements of the plot are a little typical, they aren't so glaringly obvious as to ruin watching. I was on my toes through the entire 8 episodes.
While Yuri and Kasumi are the main couple, we also get a taste (just a taste) of young love found in Tsugumi (Kasumi's son) and Kameko. We also see relationships that aren't lovey-dovey with Riri's admiration for Yuri, Yoji's sense of loss for a particular character, and more. The story isn't just a love story, but one of relationships and how they can blossom or rot.
Aside from Saito Takumi, I wasn't familiar with the majority of the cast, but everyone was excellent. There was an amazing chemistry between all the characters. The story played out well. The music was so-so, mood appropriate but nothing much more. I'm not a huge re-watch fan, but this is one I might revisit should I need a breather between highschool aged romance and rom-coms.
I highly recommend this series for those who love a serious romance, or are just tired of rom-coms and highschool aged love. It surely won't disappoint.
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Seeing Haruta's character, and his set up was pretty interesting. It's very rare that Japanese dramas try to cover such territory without belittling such characters or overdramatizing them. This had none of that as Shin seems pretty cheerful and accepting of most anyone and anything. Honestly, I would've liked it more without the romance elements.
In comes Haruta's ex-wife, and Miyako (Kiko Mizuhara) to churn up feelings on all ends, and where we get the most interesting character interactions. They were sweet, they were hurtful, and it really exemplified true human emotions. Of course, with over the top, weird side plots and minor characters that were quirky but rather laughable. The conclusion was solid, but rather expected and kinda creepy when you think about ages of the characters.
I did like both the ending and opening themes; they balanced a lot of the elements of the show well. Of course, the music throughout the series was appropriate but unmemorable.
My major problem is that this show pretty much pigeon-holed Kiko as a typical troupe. Get to about episode 6 of this series, look up her character in 'Shitsuren Chocolatier' and you'll see what I mean.
My second problem in Shin. He shows very minimal character development, even though he's one of the main characters. It's kinda amazing how truly of an air head he remains for the majority of the series.
Overall, if you're looking for a not so typical rom-com for some easy watching; 'Kokoro ga Pokitto ne' is your series.
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The plot is rather simple; a group of 30 students and 2 teachers are set to go on a school trip. Unfortunately, due to a series of circumstances on the fault of both the school and bus company an accident ensues and only 5 students are alive, and stranded in the woods of Shizuoka where they are pushed to all their 'limits'. It's more psychological then gore, and more survival story then survival of the fittest.
I was hooked from episode one. It's paced rather quickly, but not overwhelmingly so. The short episodes cover a lot of ground in 30 minutes but rarely does it leave loose ends. If you're not careful, you'll miss certain details that will come back into the story.
The actors and casting was PERFECT. The mixed appearances, backgrounds really add a lot of depth and variety to the show where it could have been rather stale. I really couldn't have asked for a better cast. I rarely get hooked from acting alone (usually plot or a single actor/actress) but this series had it all. The actual setting/set they used was excellent as well.
The music was alright. They had good mood music, but nothing memorable.
Like a lot of reviews I leave; I'm not a huge re-watcher. But this series since it's so short and packs a punch I'd consider re-watching.
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The story is centered around a group of high school girls, a few teachers, and one small family of three living in the high school after the zombie apocalypse happens. The girls face being killed not only on the outside, but the inside as well. Of course, being trapped in school there's a lot of internal drama as well. The story actually had a lot of minor details done right that lead from one plot point to another really well. If you can get past some of the cringe (too many inserted moments of the little boys flipping their skirts), and the side tracked episode 4, you'll be pretty intrigued by the drama as a whole.
I don't remember anyone's names, but the acting by everyone was really well done. It wasn't cringe-y, and it wasn't unwatchable as whole. The main members for the drama that were chosen did well, and actually looked like they were acting. Just mostly ignore their narrator counterparts. Part of me understood the cheesy intros and part of me wished they weren't there at all.
The music is fun to listen too, and isn't all AKB stuff. It's rather quirky once you see and hear the 'magic' song.
The major fault of this was the ending. I hated it, it was not satisfactory at all considering the build up it had and the potential. I wasn't expecting it to be completely concluded with no loose ends, but the ending they chose and how they framed it was beyond disappointing. That sapped my re-watch value completely for this series.
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We see Moga and Eimi continue on after their misadventures in the first season. They happen to be helping out Rina, who, surprise is also a White Witch from a different academy. The 'black' witches arrive, and declare not war, but superiority over the white witches and capture Rina. For some reason, a mysterious red suited man appears to assist Moga in a time of crisis.
Again, you can almost 100% read this plot like the first season. But it's still very much worth a watch if you liked the first season and looking for something to numb your mind a bit. Again, the acting isn't great, but definitely better then Season I. The fight choreography got even better, which is a plus (still cheesy at parts though).
The episodes are a touch longer (on average 20 minutes an episode), but the season is shorter (only 5 episodes). The plot, while not as strong as the original, was tacked on nicely and works out without too many kinks. The black witches, and other new characters aren't idols but actual actresses/actors which allows a more stable flow of scenes and direction.
The music, is recycled from the first season, aside from a new song you'll hear.
Again, this isn't a serious drama. This isn't something you're going to be raving to your friends about. But it's worth a watch if you liked the first season. It's worth a watch if you need something to numb you're brain about. It's cute, it's dramatic, and I, despite the low rating, enjoyed it.
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I went in with low expectations, and well, it was about what I expected. The plot is kinda simple, girls who have varied troubled pasts (we're talking a lot of exploitation, bullying issues here) are recruited to Shiromajo Gakuen (White Magic School) in order to become an all powerful 'White Witch'. Of course, all is not what it seems and from there, it turns vaguely into something akin to Battle Royale with magical powers. You can guess (and be correct) about the entire plot by the end of episode 1. It's pretty choppy in delivery too, but it gets the job done.
To be honest; it's a sub par filler drama. The acting isn't great since the main characters are all from Depagumi.inc; they're singers over actors. Although, like I said, I really like Moga and her character here. From what I can tell it was all their first time trying a drama, and a mini drama wasn't a terrible start. The three full fledged witches are all minor talents who didn't have much traction. Kasumi's actress is actually pretty solid, and fleshed out her character as best she could.
The music was all right. The opening and ending are sung by, you guessed it; Dempagumi.inc . The rest of the audio tracks are alright, although the 'witch activation' affects are overdone.
It's not a good drama overall to be completely honest. If you're looking for something a little mind-numbing or you need a drama series to counter act a binge horror watch; this would be it.
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What started as a joke had me marathoning episodes 1-11 in two days. It was addicting since the premise was rather predictable, but still watchable. Although I think the main actress was rather inexperienced compared with the others, she was still enjoyable and believable. I really appreciated the mini side stories sprinkled into the series in a non-obtrusive way. The music aside from the opening song (too cringey for me), was well chosen and mood appropriate in my opinion.
I've already recommended this drama to friends; she's a fan of Sakurai Dori anyway, so hopefully she'll be watching soon. Personally, for me I don't re-watch dramas overall so the rewatch value is fairly low.
I do recommend if every are looking for a shorter, easy to watch series, to watch Koe Koi. :)
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I was told this drama is a true tear jerker, and that to proceed with caution. I ended up marathoning it in two days.
It's a rather simple story of highschool sweethearts, through their ups, downs, and all sorts of other events, persisting through it all. This drama will have you rooting for people, crying, even hating a few people. It has it all.
I didn't like the pacing, it was REALLY fast since it's only 6 episodes. Be prepared for significant, but marked, time skips. And be prepared for about 2-3 drama moments per episode that will have you crying your heart out.
I was hesitant to start watching, but I'm so glad I finished it. I will most likely be rewatching in the future with friends, and a tissue box handy.
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The premise is pretty simple, 'average' girl ends up living with three guys in pursuit of her dream as a pastry chief. Of course, shenanigans ensue. It's touching, it's dramatic, and it even got me to tear up a little bit.
I really enjoyed the chemistry between cast members. You could tell from VS Arashi they were all friends after filming, and during their scenes it was really impressive. Kento Yamazaki, and Kirie Mirai have absolutely stunning chemistry between them. And Nomura Shuhei is the perfect balance between serious moments and comic relief (without being a joke himself). Shuhei was even cast in the Taiwanese adaptation! The setting is in Enoshima, not too far away from Tokyo (closer to Yokohama though) which was a refreshing change of pace.
My friends and I agree that Chiaki's character development was rather sad, in comparison to the others. And there is a weird insert character whoose got no purpose or name but causes a lot of grief for the others, that we found rather boring and unneeded.
I've already recommended this drama to friends, and I watched it in Japan and with subs after leaving Japan. Not a top favorite of mine, and I won't be rewatching unless it's with friends/for nostalgia but it's a sweet drama worth watching.
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