Joe Shiren
In a series of busting bubbles
An Extraordinary, Timeless Masterpiece
Magnificent story complemented by Karawasa's top class acting. I knew that this is going to be one hell of a run at 21 episodes (with episode 11 lasting 1.5 hrs), and being a big fan of Yamazaki Toyoko sensei, it really was worth giving time to enjoy this. Yamazaki sensei was renowned for her excellence in portraying power struggles, tragedy of war and moral issues, hence this dorama (novel) was definitely made to be different from typical medical themed works. So, don't expect to see happy things much in this dorama and her other works.
I've watched other adaptations of her other best-selling novels - Karei naru Ichizoku(2007) and Fumo Chitai (2009) which are also glamorous projects, but this "Shiroi Kyoto" sits atop of those two. I will just focus on the theme and elements of the story.
Desire, ambition, hierarchy, power, prestige, justice, ethics, morality, empathy, loyalty, betrayal, losing face, etc.,
all those emotions and objects that we humans thrive for and struggle to draw the lines from time to time, are all portrayed superbly fitting in every character and scenario. I would even say that Shiroi Kyoto should be shown in classrooms as a case study for Maslow's hierarchy of needs - that's how great this dorama is!
On acting, at some points, certain acts could be seen over the top (in particular, the wives in the Rose club), but given how the story and characters were designed, it was just fit (for Japanese society, probably it's the same in many other Asian cultures).
I've watched many of Karasawa Toshiaki's works, from comedic "The Last Cop" to "Fumo Chitai" (another adaptation of Yamazaki Toyoko) and IMO, this is his masterpiece. Eguchi Yosuke as Dr. Satomi is also a right fit as an idealistic character whose existence may be hard to find in real world. While the main characters are at the extreme opposite ends of personality and values, characters like Prof. Azuma (Ishizaka Koji) and Dr. Yanagihara (Ito Hideaki) lies somewhat between that spectrum, and complement the story. Also the supporting actors did the perfect jobs to their characters.
Ending theme "Amazing Grace" serves as reflection of the lives of Dr. Zaizen and Dr. Satomi. I also feel that the song is telling Dr. Zaizen to be "Magnanimous in victory, gracious in defeat". OST was composed by Kako Takashi, a renowned Jazz pianist and composer. The tunes were really synced to the characters and scenes.
Rewatch value? Obviously very high.
I would say you don't even need to rewatch to remember, the story and characters will always stick to our memory if you really enjoy. But I think "Shiroi Kyoto" should really be rewatched once with your beloved ones in case if your first watch was alone. Let your beloved ones also enjoy the magnificence of the story, characters and actors as most of the screen entertainment these days cannot offer what "Shiroi Kyoto" can.
I've watched other adaptations of her other best-selling novels - Karei naru Ichizoku(2007) and Fumo Chitai (2009) which are also glamorous projects, but this "Shiroi Kyoto" sits atop of those two. I will just focus on the theme and elements of the story.
Desire, ambition, hierarchy, power, prestige, justice, ethics, morality, empathy, loyalty, betrayal, losing face, etc.,
all those emotions and objects that we humans thrive for and struggle to draw the lines from time to time, are all portrayed superbly fitting in every character and scenario. I would even say that Shiroi Kyoto should be shown in classrooms as a case study for Maslow's hierarchy of needs - that's how great this dorama is!
On acting, at some points, certain acts could be seen over the top (in particular, the wives in the Rose club), but given how the story and characters were designed, it was just fit (for Japanese society, probably it's the same in many other Asian cultures).
I've watched many of Karasawa Toshiaki's works, from comedic "The Last Cop" to "Fumo Chitai" (another adaptation of Yamazaki Toyoko) and IMO, this is his masterpiece. Eguchi Yosuke as Dr. Satomi is also a right fit as an idealistic character whose existence may be hard to find in real world. While the main characters are at the extreme opposite ends of personality and values, characters like Prof. Azuma (Ishizaka Koji) and Dr. Yanagihara (Ito Hideaki) lies somewhat between that spectrum, and complement the story. Also the supporting actors did the perfect jobs to their characters.
Ending theme "Amazing Grace" serves as reflection of the lives of Dr. Zaizen and Dr. Satomi. I also feel that the song is telling Dr. Zaizen to be "Magnanimous in victory, gracious in defeat". OST was composed by Kako Takashi, a renowned Jazz pianist and composer. The tunes were really synced to the characters and scenes.
Rewatch value? Obviously very high.
I would say you don't even need to rewatch to remember, the story and characters will always stick to our memory if you really enjoy. But I think "Shiroi Kyoto" should really be rewatched once with your beloved ones in case if your first watch was alone. Let your beloved ones also enjoy the magnificence of the story, characters and actors as most of the screen entertainment these days cannot offer what "Shiroi Kyoto" can.
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