BrightestStar

lol @Aoi Honoo I love that drama! Well for clothes that drama followed the manga type where clothes makes part of the character's personality.

Great article!

I've been trying to promote Japanese dramas, that are underrated overall, but I guess I made a mistake. I always promote from the point of view of a Japanese dorama fan, but I think you have a more interesting because you're looking at it from the view of a non-fan.

For me what I love most about Japanese dramas is their creativity and down to earth characters. The setting is always less flashy, messier, and clothes suit where the characters are coming from. I just find kdramas (and taiwanese ones) too neat to be believable. I also appreciate their sense of humour. The thing though, through humour there is always a deeper message that makes you think, and sometimes reevaluate your life and priorities.

You're list here is great as an introduction. I guess there are 2 I'd add to be complete is Nobuta wo Produce and Soredemo Ikite Yuku

I think the main issue for Japanese dramas is the lack of subs. When I start an airing drama I never know if I'll get the chance to finish it or not :(

Just wanted to add you did a terrific job in that stalker guide ;)

Great review! I totally agree with you! I think for me up to episode 11 it was 9-10/10, but episode 12, though was overall good, I just wasn't convinced with the revelation, then episodes 13-14 were just a pain to watch.

I totally hate the ending because it felt too anti climatic and everything Jung said felt scripted. The actor himself is perfect but the dialog was too much self-preachy felt unnatural. And Jung's dad was so inconsistent in the last couple of episodes. He's a very important part of what makes Jung who he is, but he was just used as a trope as a usual kdrama dad. For me he for sure has issues that caused more harm than good, but he's no kdrama dad.

I'm complaining a lot but it most certainly isn't a bad drama to watch in any way. Even as is it's better than many dramas that's why I never discourage people from watching.

I really loved him in King of Dramas and he was the best thing to watch in She Was Pretty. I didn't know he was in so many shows I should check it out ;)

Well what can I say? As far as story telling goes and putting events together, there were a lot of plot holes, specially near the last third of the drama. However as far as how scenes are written, with the intensity, dialog and human interaction, it was solid writing. Character growth is also one of the main strength of the drama. What made it really worth it though, and gripping and memorable is the top notch acting! Overall I really enjoyed this drama, how it explore the theme behind pied piper of hamelin

Shin Ha Kyun & Yoo Joon Sang, I don't know who I prefer, they were just perfect! Many others in the main and supporting cast were great as well, so I won't go naming each, but those 2 were really exceptional that kept me glued to the screen.

I have a friend like that. Not as loud as Ying ying, but yea... it happens in reality... often!

Yay great news ;)

hmm is that to me the genki comment? I just don't understand it. Yup I'm a non LJ user I never said I was. I created an account, but didn't go around using it.

Going along with your analogy: I went to the restaurant, but the are telling me I'm not welcomed if I don't dress they way they want, and that I have to be a long term customer of said restaurant if I wish to be served.

Again, I get why they get pissed off. And I really don't get why streaming sites remove the credit. I mean we all know they're not doing the work.

It's just that the ones losing most is people like me, who just innocently want to enjoy dramas from Japan.

Well this was a pretty decent watch. I mean the story itself has many plot holes, some unexplainable character change, and cheesy dialog, however the heartwarming moments felt genuine and the acting was decent overall, and some of them really pour all their passion in the characters. Half the time I couldn't understand what Ryuu or Sawaki are thinking (Sawaki I couldn't understand him till the end) but the way Domoto Tsuyoshi and Ando Masanobu play their characters I can't help but root for them, no matter how stupid their decisions are :P

I don't know the ones I tried wanted me to be either active on LJ, have I don't know how many posts on d-addict, or some other conditions... none of them applied to me.

I hope you're right about that person.

I understand that some of them get pissed off because streaming sites go all the way to remove their credit, and I'm totally with them on that front. They deserve their credit kept for people to know who's going through all the trouble to make it possible for us to watch. However limiting your viewers to 1 social media... As you said, if it isn't to spread the popularity but only for a few to enjoy, I don't get how that can be a solution for them.

Not again :(

Although like Okada Junichi, I wouldn't call Tsumabuki as underrated.

Tanaka Kei, Tsukamoto Takashi & Kaname Jun are underrated as well.

Yup Okada Junichi isn't underrated. As for Suzuki Ryohei he could be considered underrated but he is starting to get important roles and lead roles so he's getting there/ I have to agree the likes of Takahashi Issei are the ones underrated. He always manages to steal the spot light not matter who he's acting with. There are also those actors in their early 40s like Yasuda Ken. Heck I even find Yuya Yagira and Kamiki underrated. They do get lead roles but they get more supporting roles for lesser actors and still act their hearts out. They are still young and it can change soon. Yamada Takayuki can be considered underrated. There are so many I just don't know where to start :P

Thx!

Where did you watch? Are there English subs?

Awe I love that! Can't wait for more. I'll message you later for those I find underrated there are so MANY! Although I don't think Okada Junichi is underrated. I mean acting wise I totally agree not your typical JE but as you said he's already won awards ;) well maybe here in MDL he's underrated :P As for the recommendation there are a few I can't wait to watch thx!

As for Kitamura Kazuki, Big time! Suzuki Ryohei I think he's finally getting noticed ;) Surely Someday is one of my fave movies full of fun and energy :D