Peridot83
Warm-hearted, but traditional and patriarchal ...one of the best of the old school shojo
I like this far more than Mischievous Kiss, Boys Over Flowers etc.
Nao-chan is average in school and appearance, but special in her ability to be a warm, caring and welcoming friend. Uehara -kun one of the top 3 coolest guys in the high school, is smart and athletic, but no one would guess he actually is in real need of someone like Nao.
At first, the relationship is very off-balance. Nao is head over heals, with a big vulnerable open heart and at risk of bullying. Uehara-Kun has difficulty risking his emotions, and his reputation seems to be getting sky high . . but then it all starts to change
The actress who plays Nao-chan just does a 150%+ job. She is silly but endearing, not a doormat, and very willing to stick up for those who deserve it. The actor who plays Uehara-Kun manages to pull his weight and attempts his Mr. Darcy type role well.
I like this one due to the every day at ease, physicality of the relationship between the two actors/characters. They interact a lot, go through a lot, and have a very symbiotic way of interacting that's very different from these shows where at the end the couple still feels like they barely know each other.
I grade on other criteria as well:
Complex Themes: 7.5
Being reliable, helpful, and a good friend are rare qualities that should be cherished. Speaking honestly and truthfully will save a lot of trouble.
Character Growth: 7.5
Uehara- kun does the most. He becomes more open, and attempts to make sure Nao-chan knows that she can count on him. He grows to respect her ability to make people feel at home. It becomes clear (esp. in Season 2 more so) that he has a much higher esteem for Nao-chan than she does for herself.
Nuanced Female Characters: 8.5
Uehara-kun's sister in law is a fascinating study in an adult woman finding marriage not what she expected. Nao-chan's relationship with Marina is a great one. I do wish it didn't have the stereotypical female queen bee bullies, but it is what it is.
Cinematography - 6
It looks like a drama that was shot in the 90s. BUT, it does have its strong points. I like that that it's staged like a manga . There's also no unfortunate attempts to depict wealthy or exotic locations. The show works really well with its 'every day' sets in a comfortable way.
I like this far more than Mischievous Kiss, Boys Over Flowers etc.
Nao-chan is average in school and appearance, but special in her ability to be a warm, caring and welcoming friend. Uehara -kun one of the top 3 coolest guys in the high school, is smart and athletic, but no one would guess he actually is in real need of someone like Nao.
At first, the relationship is very off-balance. Nao is head over heals, with a big vulnerable open heart and at risk of bullying. Uehara-Kun has difficulty risking his emotions, and his reputation seems to be getting sky high . . but then it all starts to change
The actress who plays Nao-chan just does a 150%+ job. She is silly but endearing, not a doormat, and very willing to stick up for those who deserve it. The actor who plays Uehara-Kun manages to pull his weight and attempts his Mr. Darcy type role well.
I like this one due to the every day at ease, physicality of the relationship between the two actors/characters. They interact a lot, go through a lot, and have a very symbiotic way of interacting that's very different from these shows where at the end the couple still feels like they barely know each other.
I grade on other criteria as well:
Complex Themes: 7.5
Being reliable, helpful, and a good friend are rare qualities that should be cherished. Speaking honestly and truthfully will save a lot of trouble.
Character Growth: 7.5
Uehara- kun does the most. He becomes more open, and attempts to make sure Nao-chan knows that she can count on him. He grows to respect her ability to make people feel at home. It becomes clear (esp. in Season 2 more so) that he has a much higher esteem for Nao-chan than she does for herself.
Nuanced Female Characters: 8.5
Uehara-kun's sister in law is a fascinating study in an adult woman finding marriage not what she expected. Nao-chan's relationship with Marina is a great one. I do wish it didn't have the stereotypical female queen bee bullies, but it is what it is.
Cinematography - 6
It looks like a drama that was shot in the 90s. BUT, it does have its strong points. I like that that it's staged like a manga . There's also no unfortunate attempts to depict wealthy or exotic locations. The show works really well with its 'every day' sets in a comfortable way.
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