I wasn't familiar with the traditional story of Don Quixote, but that wasn't necessary because this drama really didn't stick to the traditional story. What the drama took from the Spanish story was a theme of "unconventional chivalry" and really played it up.
Assuming that you read the synopsis, this story is a Secret Garden type of switch but without the romance. (if you didn't see the Kdrama Secret Garden -you need to- but think Freaky Friday). Yes there is essentially no romance in this drama but you really don't miss it. The main characters are like fish out of water and it makes it hilarious to watch.
The two main characters are played excellently by the already awesome Matsuda and Katsumi Takahasi. I loved seeing Matsuda smile and be really dorky then witch to being all Yakuza, if you are a fan of his then there is no reason not to watch. Katsumi was really good to playing a totally dweeb young man , he made it believable.
All in all, this a undeniably great drama. It sucks you in, has great topics and situations and by the end you feel as if you too have gained 2 friends. Even if you see the end coming in this drama, the characters are so likeable that you want them to do their best. All the episodes are good and there is no need to fast forward, and i normally need to fast forward. If you feel like getting away from all of the plotting and scheming that some of the other dramas have, this is a good refreshing one. Watch it. Like now.
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Do you want to watch a drama that makes you laugh at loud ?
Do you want to watch a drama in which even supporting characters are good ?
Do you want to watch a drama that treats about difficult issues whithout being cheesy ?
do you want to watch a drama that makes you laugh at loud by its excellent actor play an characters and without being cheesy ?
WATCH DON QUIXOTE !!! YOU WON'T REGRET IT !
I swear, i was laughing all drama long, and always subjugated by Matsuda Shota's playing. I was forgot it was just playing, and not reality.
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If you are reading, it means you're hesitant: please don't be. Don Quixote is a fantastic watch, wonderfully acted, well directed, full of sweetness and serious issues treated with a light touch which is neither shallow nor melodramatic.
But most of all, you will laugh. A lot. Loud.
Yes, I'm a fan of Matsuda Shota and started watching because of him. I had been waiting for his next drama with a passion after Liar Game and prepared myself to be swept away by his very natural charm - and looks, I won't deny it.
He did not disappoint me one bit. He's outstanding: infuriating but incredibly sweet, hilarious but bossy, dense but clever in a very down-to-earth way and just as crazy as the famous hero created by the pen of Cervantes.
But a Don Quixote review would be incomplete and totally unfair without including Sancho Panza in it, brilliantly portrayed here by Katsumi Takahashi. As the synopsis explains, there's a soul switch involved in this drama, so that we see the two actors suddenly changing attitude, accent, facial expressions. The attentive viewer won't fail to recognize the ability of these two actors to wear the clothes of the other. The result is comic and endearing. Takahashi and Matsuda form an unforgettable duo.
All the secondary characters do a splendid job. The Yakuza's family is so improbable you can't help but laugh out loud and all the staff of the child consultation centre grows in depth and characterization.
And then there's the children. Japanese have a true knack of telling children stories, in my opinion. The fact that these kids are all incredibly cute and most of the time talented helps.
I loved the music too. It's in Spanish, as required by the title, and the contrast between the Spanish sunny rhythm and the Japanese architecture and landscapes is so sharp it's brilliant. I also loved the open credit tune with the children drawings, I thought it was a very cute touch.
I will rewatch this drama. Soon enough. I will marathon a second time through it and no doubt be left with the same huge grin on my face.
Highly recommended.
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It is by turns silly and touching. After all, the stories are set every week at a Child Welfare center and they involve stories of abuse, neglect and abandonment. Those working at the center take their jobs very seriously but the situations are handled sensitively and with a light touch with emphasis on the help the children are given.
There is also the very comedic "Freaky Friday" like situation of the two main characters switching souls. I, like most was wondering...do those two scenarios even fit together? The answer is yes, they do. Because watching a timid, by the book earnest social worker switch bodies with a hardened gangster with a reluctant heart of gold turns out to be a surprisingly winning combination.
Let me also say that Matsuda Shota is turning out to be a talented chameleon-like actor who can pull off amazingly dramatic moments while also having a real talent for physical comedy. You can see it if you watch Meitante No Okite, but in Don Quixote, he perfects the skill. His 'old Gangster in a young man's body' persona had me in stitches. He curses and grumbles and gets dragged into situations he absolutely does not want to be in and that is comedy gold!
The supporting cast was great. I loved all of Shirota's co-workers at the Child Center and I loved the quirky family like loyalty and atmosphere of Sabashima's crew. They all had their own personalities but weren't over utilized and didn't take away from the main story lines. I liked the episodic feel of the weekly situations and problems solved at the Child Center.
This show is dramatic but not overly so with tender and touching moments. There are moments I laughed out loud and actually rewound to watch and laugh again. At 11 episodes it didn't drag on and was just the right amount of time for a story of this nature. If you haven't seen Don Quixote, I really recommend it. It is a charming drama about family, friendship, honor and doing the right thing; both for those you love and for those in need.
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Come onnn and watch him and Takahashi, you will not regret this. Watched this in two days and was so upset when it was over. It's these kind of dramas that you wish had like 20 or 30 episodes or even a season 2. And normally I don't like long dramas but this one I sure would not mind.
So watch this, it's on dramacrazy and gooddrama. You will definitely not regret it. Happy watching :)
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I don't know why, but people tend to really enjoy body-swap plots. Perhaps it satiates the common desire to be someone other than yourself. Perhaps it's an attest to the strength of identity and personality, even when the external has changed. Whatever the reason, body-swap plots is a time-tested tool to win over a viewership as can be seen here with Don Quixote.
Throw in side plots about trying to win a yakuza presidency and the different cases that arise at a child welfare centre, and you have an eclectic and colourful drama. I can guarantee you, there is not one boring or static moment. The story is relatively fast paced, dynamic, funny, poignant, and at times, sad.
Takahashi Katsumi and Matsuda Shota have INCREDIBLE chemistry. They play a crass Yakuza boss and a weedy child welfare worker respectively, only to have their roles switched in the first episode - and WOW, I was super impressed by how accurately and smoothly they were able to act out the transition.
Takahashi and Matsuda play off each other, horse around, clash, and generally have a strong bond that's often hard to find in dramaland. I gotta say, their bromance (if you can call it that??) is really what makes the show. Their quips and comedic scenes are my absolute favourite and I often find myself laughing out loud in the early hours of the morning, thus startling my sister in the other room lololol.
The other actors and characters are just as strong in their own way. Another notable relationship portrayed in the drama is the one between the director of the child center and Sachiko, the eldest child at the center. It's a bittersweet and loving relationship well portrayed by the actors. In fact, all of the secondary characters are loveable and you will soon feel like you're being drawn into a strange, large family, all working for similar goals by twist of fate.
And if there's one thing that us Japs do well, it's comedy!! The comedy in this drama is ON POINT, my dudes. It's a very easy and fast watch, and it's INCREDIBLY rewatchable. I've often been drawn back to it when I'm bored or feeling despondent and it's always managed to cheer me up. It's honest to god the drama version of a hot chocolate and a warm blanket. Or maybe a cold beer, if you'd prefer that.
CONCLUSION? JUST. WATCH. IT. You will 100% have NO REGRETS. Who doesn't want to see the willowy Matsuda Shota stomping around, saving children in need, with that terrible scowl, cowboy stride, and filthy mouth of his? And don't forget the stocky, kind-faced Takahashi Katsumi, anxiously (and a little resignedly) pattering alongside, reminisce of the noble Don Quixote and his faithful squire, Sancho Panza.
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