Curiosity got the best of me to try and see how bad this is, and the mind can be wicked at times to make me keep watching. This wasn't just bad, it was HORRIBLE. Every time romantic music plays for the main couple, I would be so disgusted!! The guy is insane! And anyone even associating with him must has some screw loose. I don't even blame the girl in the end, since I find everyone around her is crazy, so might as well join in with the craziness.
I just wonder how this can be acceptable in anyone's mind? The guy is a crazy criminal of all degrees! If I was her I would've either killed him or made sure he ends in prison for the rest of his life! But like I said, what drives me nuts is how the people around them were the ones that found it easy to forget, and treat all his crimes as so lightly. The thing is, even IF it was possible for a bastard like him to truly regret, SORRY is NOT enough. You make amends by paying for your crime! In Prison!
The writing overall doesn't make sense at all, and neither did any of the actions of the characters, specially the family of the leading girl. The mom pisses me off the most! I hate incapable moms that act as if they are good moms!
Funny thing is, I can't help but admit a strength to the drama, which is the acting. It may be my first time seeing the guy, be he convinced me of his serial rapist crazy immature brat nature, that I can't seem him in any other way.
+ The lead girl is not as dumb here as the other versions and has more of a pride
+Lead guy is not as mean and rude here as the other versions
+My favourite mom character in all the versions of this same story
+Her had here is also my favourite in all the versions I've seen
+His little brother is much sweeter than the other versions as well
+Background story of the friendship between the parents
-Tenten leading on Taliw until he changed his mind!
-Nothing much to the story other than the main love triangle/square or whatever shape it is (no school activities, sports, school friends, school struggles) It's not that I'd hate a season 2, but they kinda cut out too many things right now and jumped in too far to make a story.
-Finally, the fact the girl is not so dumb makes the whole relationship when they're together boring. Other Kotoko version did make me cringe a lot, but you always knew you're in for something interesting when she's around.
I like that ending. I think it's the type of ending that can stay with me long, specially the last image, cheerful and bright yet with a tinge of sadness.
I really liked the drama overall. What I appreciate most is the awareness it creates about HIV and AIDS, how Masaki got it, her family dynamic, and how she manages to live on normally among people. Kaneshiro was a feast to watch here, and he really puts out all his soul and emotions into it (specially the last couple of episodes). There was that scene during the last episode... I also really enjoyed the father-daughter moments.
I had 2 issues with the drama, and they are related to one another. First is the female cast in the drama, be it Fukada Kyoko, the actress playing her mom, and even Nakama Yukie (I usually like her but somehow her voice was so annoying all throughout the drama). The mom kinda ruined all the mother-daughter scenes I just couldn't buy it. Fukada had her moments, but overall it was uneven. I liked her character after the time jump, but she still sounded like an immature teenager, specially the way she cries.
My second issue is that up to the last couple of episodes, I couldn't buy into the relationship. As I said before, it was like a caring older brother towards her. I got more into it after the time jump, because her character matured a bit. Every time though she goes back to her baby mode I'm like Urgh!!
Felt like watching something different (from what I'm currently watching), and this fit the bill. It was relaxing, having the setting the lovely city of Kyoto.
It was pretty predictable and doesn't reinvent anything. Entertaining enough and sometimes cute. The one thing that annoyed me is the lead complaining "those people only care about money". Not only is that line cheesy, it's annoying, specially coming from a "business woman".
I get what makes this movie apart from others, but I don't know why it took me forever to finish.
It did have a tweak in my heart, specially when seeing a pet looking for its master. I feel it's very similar to a toddler looking for his mother... those kinds of things really affect me.
I think the most genius thing about this movie is the casting. Nishida Toshiyuki is always best at those bitter-sweet characters. I have seen Aso Kumiko doing fun, energetic roles, but she's perfect here as the shy, meek Yuko with a strong will. Most genius of all is Hasegawa Hiroki who can play with his face, making himself ugly loser one moment, and hot and cool the other. He puts his sole in the role he plays.
Enjoyable watch! And I can't wait for the upcoming movie :D
There was something that prevented it from becoming too addictive. I guess it was too dark at times, while taking itself too lightly. The characters were interesting, but we didn't get too deep into who they are. Specially the women there.
My favourite role of Matsuda Shota up until now. He was very natural here and full of fun.
Ever since Geanina described it as an alternate world we discover in our back alley, I felt that's EXACTLY it. It's exactly how I felt about it.
The main subject matter of this drama is about illegal immigrants. They make great arguments and counter arguments about the notion. As always I love the way it was brought up and approached, and as we see the different views of it. It's also interesting to have a drama in Japan about it since 1. it isn't known to be the land of the immigrants :P 2. We're at a time the whole world is going on and on about that subject, so it's interesting to be brought up in this part of the world.
Well overall I enjoyed the watch. I love our trio and their interactions, I totally fell in love with the personality of San, our vampire here. The episodic cases were interesting and I liked how in the end each tied up a bit with our main case. I totally loved one of our main antagonist, the other one was too petty I just wish they weren't given such an important position in the evil organization.
I find the way the organization was created was interested as well.
The way things were revealed wasn't the best but also not the worst. What annoyed me though is a lot of things happened because Yong Goo Hyung (Oh Jung Se) was very stupid at times. For that reason the last episode was very frustrating.
Also there are times when some characters joke around "how can you be detectives and not check into this or that" the characters are right because I'd be asking myself the same question. That's definitely a plothole whether it's made into a joke or not.
And EXCUSE ME! After 10 years of causing grief to each other, things can just be erased like that? I don't think that's realistic in any way. Yes they could find peace with one another, and stop their petty war and constant hate towards one another, but friendship doesn't go back just like that. And they call each other "Best Friends" now? Seriously makes no sense. I would've appreciated the last 2 episodes used to rebuild the trust at least.
Excellent work! Weaver you made me discover things I wasn't aware of before ;) Kamiki with his young age, as you said, is an experience actor with many titles under his belt. He has so much energy that always carries you through his works.
The first work I watched him in was Keizoku 2: SPEC. Initially I was like "what is this making a kid to be the "main" villain, can't they bring someone older more mature looking?" and a couple of episodes later I realized OH how wrong I was. He was TERRIFIC! The most dangerous I had seen then. And way more talented than the other older "main villain". I've been keeping an eye on him since. I need to watch his movies. I'm SOO looking forward to his movie with Nagase Tomoya "Too Young To Die"!!! (That reminds me I've been wanting to write a guide for Nagase but really haven't had the time!
Great article, IwahashiGirl. 49 Days was my gateway Asian drama, and I pretty much watched only Korean dramas…
Well drama based on mamga that are somewhat over the top would also be over the top. Personally I don't mind it but I get what you mean by it being unnatural. I suggest watching original works you'll be awed with the acting and how down to earth it is.
My top fave is Soredemo Ikite Yuku (although it's very sad it's a brilliant show), long love letter, Utahime, Saikou no Rikon, Suzuki Sensei, Ikebukuro West Gate Park... Lol there are too many
I hate KDramas. I tried many but none worked. I'm defo a J-drama fan at heart. They're entertaining, ridiculous,…
As someone who loves Japanese dramas and obsessed with Japan, there are still quite a number of really good kdramas. I feel recently they are starting to explore different themes so don't cross them out totally ;)
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I just wonder how this can be acceptable in anyone's mind? The guy is a crazy criminal of all degrees! If I was her I would've either killed him or made sure he ends in prison for the rest of his life! But like I said, what drives me nuts is how the people around them were the ones that found it easy to forget, and treat all his crimes as so lightly. The thing is, even IF it was possible for a bastard like him to truly regret, SORRY is NOT enough. You make amends by paying for your crime! In Prison!
The writing overall doesn't make sense at all, and neither did any of the actions of the characters, specially the family of the leading girl. The mom pisses me off the most! I hate incapable moms that act as if they are good moms!
Funny thing is, I can't help but admit a strength to the drama, which is the acting. It may be my first time seeing the guy, be he convinced me of his serial rapist crazy immature brat nature, that I can't seem him in any other way.
+Lead guy is not as mean and rude here as the other versions
+My favourite mom character in all the versions of this same story
+Her had here is also my favourite in all the versions I've seen
+His little brother is much sweeter than the other versions as well
+Background story of the friendship between the parents
-Tenten leading on Taliw until he changed his mind!
-Nothing much to the story other than the main love triangle/square or whatever shape it is (no school activities, sports, school friends, school struggles) It's not that I'd hate a season 2, but they kinda cut out too many things right now and jumped in too far to make a story.
-Finally, the fact the girl is not so dumb makes the whole relationship when they're together boring. Other Kotoko version did make me cringe a lot, but you always knew you're in for something interesting when she's around.
I really liked the drama overall. What I appreciate most is the awareness it creates about HIV and AIDS, how Masaki got it, her family dynamic, and how she manages to live on normally among people. Kaneshiro was a feast to watch here, and he really puts out all his soul and emotions into it (specially the last couple of episodes). There was that scene during the last episode... I also really enjoyed the father-daughter moments.
I had 2 issues with the drama, and they are related to one another. First is the female cast in the drama, be it Fukada Kyoko, the actress playing her mom, and even Nakama Yukie (I usually like her but somehow her voice was so annoying all throughout the drama). The mom kinda ruined all the mother-daughter scenes I just couldn't buy it. Fukada had her moments, but overall it was uneven. I liked her character after the time jump, but she still sounded like an immature teenager, specially the way she cries.
My second issue is that up to the last couple of episodes, I couldn't buy into the relationship. As I said before, it was like a caring older brother towards her. I got more into it after the time jump, because her character matured a bit. Every time though she goes back to her baby mode I'm like Urgh!!
It was pretty predictable and doesn't reinvent anything. Entertaining enough and sometimes cute. The one thing that annoyed me is the lead complaining "those people only care about money". Not only is that line cheesy, it's annoying, specially coming from a "business woman".
It did have a tweak in my heart, specially when seeing a pet looking for its master. I feel it's very similar to a toddler looking for his mother... those kinds of things really affect me.
I think the most genius thing about this movie is the casting. Nishida Toshiyuki is always best at those bitter-sweet characters. I have seen Aso Kumiko doing fun, energetic roles, but she's perfect here as the shy, meek Yuko with a strong will. Most genius of all is Hasegawa Hiroki who can play with his face, making himself ugly loser one moment, and hot and cool the other. He puts his sole in the role he plays.
There was something that prevented it from becoming too addictive. I guess it was too dark at times, while taking itself too lightly. The characters were interesting, but we didn't get too deep into who they are. Specially the women there.
My favourite role of Matsuda Shota up until now. He was very natural here and full of fun.
Ever since Geanina described it as an alternate world we discover in our back alley, I felt that's EXACTLY it. It's exactly how I felt about it.
The main subject matter of this drama is about illegal immigrants. They make great arguments and counter arguments about the notion. As always I love the way it was brought up and approached, and as we see the different views of it. It's also interesting to have a drama in Japan about it since 1. it isn't known to be the land of the immigrants :P 2. We're at a time the whole world is going on and on about that subject, so it's interesting to be brought up in this part of the world.
I find the way the organization was created was interested as well.
The way things were revealed wasn't the best but also not the worst. What annoyed me though is a lot of things happened because Yong Goo Hyung (Oh Jung Se) was very stupid at times. For that reason the last episode was very frustrating.
Also there are times when some characters joke around "how can you be detectives and not check into this or that" the characters are right because I'd be asking myself the same question. That's definitely a plothole whether it's made into a joke or not.
2-again each reflect their own distinguish culture
3- no one can argue that :P
This article isn't to say which is better and which isn't, but just telling people to give it a chance.
The first work I watched him in was Keizoku 2: SPEC. Initially I was like "what is this making a kid to be the "main" villain, can't they bring someone older more mature looking?" and a couple of episodes later I realized OH how wrong I was. He was TERRIFIC! The most dangerous I had seen then. And way more talented than the other older "main villain". I've been keeping an eye on him since. I need to watch his movies. I'm SOO looking forward to his movie with Nagase Tomoya "Too Young To Die"!!! (That reminds me I've been wanting to write a guide for Nagase but really haven't had the time!
My top fave is Soredemo Ikite Yuku (although it's very sad it's a brilliant show), long love letter, Utahime, Saikou no Rikon, Suzuki Sensei, Ikebukuro West Gate Park... Lol there are too many