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YueofBlueGables

YueofBlueGables

Completed
The Confidence Man JP: Romance
5 people found this review helpful
Dec 27, 2019
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 9.0
This was so funny, I was laughing from the very beginning, I loved how Dako teases Boku-chan and treats him like her little brother.

I watched the SP before this one, which is incorrect since the movie comes first, and then the SP. The only spoiler I had was about the character of Monaco though, so it was ok. The whole gang is back, and there are even cameos (and not really cameos.. more like a small role) from previous characters from the TV show. I think it is ok to watch the movie without watching the drama, but I wouldn't recommend it (please watch the drama first! You won't be disappointed).

I can't even tell a single thing about the plot nor what I liked about it since it would all be a spoiler. But it was all so fun and cool! Dako is the best. And Boku-chan is always making me laugh, he is so silly :)

As a side note, I love Eguchi Yosuke as a villain, he is great! Will he be back in the 2nd movie? **fingers crossed**

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Completed
Mi wo Tsukushi Ryouricho
5 people found this review helpful
Dec 12, 2017
8 of 8 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 9.5
A very heartwarming dorama. I wasn't expect that, since the summary  tells that it is about the difficulties of a young girl to be a cook in a  chauvinistic world. And it is but it is also about the kindness of  people, how they help each other in small but significant ways; it is  also about family and to care about someone else's well being. And of  course, it is also about overcoming the difficulties in life with the  help of people who loves you.

I am adding Kuroki Haru in  my list of favorite actresses. Whenever role she plays, I just want her  to be happy And when she is, her happiness is contagious. And she is so  gentle, so Japanese-lady-like. My other favorite in this dorama was her  mistress (Yasuda Narumi), who loved her as a mother. Her love for her adopted daughter, and for her son was beautiful. Her sad smile was so poignant...

There  is a little reunion of members of "Juhan Shuttai", which made me really  happy (4 of them!). Starting with the MC, who again works hard in what  she loves XD And is spite of working again with Nagayama Kento  (Nagata-sensei), I was rooting for Komatsubara-san since the very  beginning. I loved when there is respect and a little bit of teasing  from the love interest XD

I love the setting, since historical  stories set in Edo period are most of the times my favorites. The food  that are shown look mostly so tasteful (and there is a little culinary  demonstration of the main recipe of the day at the end of each episode,  performed by the amazing Kuroki Haru). The other time, when I was eating  with other people and they were "ohhh my, so delicious" I laughed  internally because that's what happens every time people eats Mio's  food).

The OST is lovely, it helped to keep the tone light.

For  rewatch value, yes, I would watch it again, specially when the SP is  subbed (there HAS to be a SP... when I finished Ep 8 I was like, WHAT?).  Besides, it is very short, with 8 episodes only, of 35 minutes aprox  each ep.).

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Completed
My Family
4 people found this review helpful
Jun 20, 2022
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 9.0
This review may contain spoilers
This drama was so thrilling and intense since the very first episode. You have to dismiss the realism in order to enjoy the whole drama (I am talking mainly about the several kidnappings). But I enjoyed every episode and I loved that it surprised me every time. I do think the last episode was a bit underwhelming but overall I think this was one of the best drama of this season.

None of the characters is dumb, some of them are suspicious but fortunately the cops are not useless (I wasn't expecting anything less from Tamaki Hiroshi).

The acting was very good from everyone; of course Nino was excellent as always and I don't know if I was just sensitive watching him with a baby in his arms, but I cried a bit at the end. I loved to see him with Tabe-chan, even though I never watched Yamada Monogatari.

The truth about Koharu-chan was sadly not unexpected, so unfortunately not everyone gets a HEA.

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Completed
Chokotto Kyoto ni Sundemita
4 people found this review helpful
Mar 29, 2020
1 of 1 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 9.0
I loved this short movie. Or should I say, this docu-movie? I am sure it is half ad-lib and half script. The ad-lib is definitely Kimura Fumino visiting places, asking good questions, eating all these delicious food/snacks and just being a tourist. The script part is the one between her and her old uncle, which was just as fun and heartwarming as the rest of the story.

I definitely recommend this movie to anyone who likes Japan, specifically, Kyoto. People who has never being there will want to go there, like, tomorrow. It is a very traditional and cozy city, with people very proud of their old establishments (some as old as 100-years-old!) and food and water. People who was being there will definitely want to go back. I consider myself lucky enough to say that I've been in Kyoto during momiji season, so seeing the MC going to shrines and walking next to the river with the beautiful views of colorful trees was very "natsukashii".

Places I took note to visit, mainly because of the elderly bosses, are the shop with the kamamochi, the one with the mackerel sushi and the coffee shop.

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Completed
Black Butler
4 people found this review helpful
May 19, 2017
Completed 3
Overall 2.0
Story 2.0
Acting/Cast 2.0
Music 2.0
Rewatch Value 1.0
WOW the reviews in this site are way too generous.

The first time I've read there was going to be a Kuroshitsuji movie, I was apprehensive. It could be either awesome or entirely wrong. Then I read the plot and I was all "wait, what???" and I knew it; I knew it was going to be a disaster.

Being a huge fan of the manga, I am very strict when it comes to adaptations. The anime was OK, but just OK, in my opinion. Why the need to change so many things? I cannot understand it, the plot and characters are perfect. The first season was... fine, I enjoyed it, but S2... it was a mess. Who the hell were Alois and his butler!? And that end.. **cringes** OMG, total disaster.

So back to the live-action. There are so many things so wrong in this movie, but I have to give credit to some good stuff. I will start to point out the ONLY good point of the movie, and then all the sins the director and staff of the movie made ti this wonderful manga.

GOOD:

- The fights-scenes: True, Sebastian has 2 fights only (and with only 1 knife! instead of several) but the one with Rin was AMAZING. I love to watch tiny Japanese girls kicking asses of several guys (and if they are in a costume, like a MAID costume, even better!) . It was very well done.

BAD... BAD:

- Sebastian: I like Hiro Mizushima, I honestly do. I loved him in HanaKimi, he was perfect as Nanba-sempai (weren't they all perfect in their respective roles in this dorama?). But he is a BIG NO as Sebastian. First of all, his hair. Sebastian with a messy hairstyle? Secondly, his dark skin. Wait, what? Sebastian, who has the palest of skins? Add to that the problem the actor had with this eyes (he looked ridiculous, why did he have to squint his eyes like that?) + the way he spoke (was that supposed to be Sebastian's manner of speaking?) and he looked like he was trying waaaay too hard.

- Setting: it is supposed to take place in a near future, but several actors wearing a Victorian costume? The character who replaces Ciel, Shiori, wears the same clothes and eye-patch that Ciel wears. But instead, she looks kind of misplaced, like she is cosplaying. Why the need to change the period of time if it is going to be Victorian-ish?

- Characters: oh my, the Shiori girl is supposed to be a descendant of the Phantomhive (she is in control of the Funtom company) and her story is almost exactly as Ciel's: her parents were murdered, she was marked with a sign, and when everything seemed like it was done for her, BOOM! Sebastian to the rescue. She disguises herself as a boy, but her nails are long and shiny as a girl's. Tanaka the butler is there (wait, what?), **cough*Mei-Rin*cough* Rin is there (wait, what?), and Undertaker?? Like, uh-huh, is that supposed to be Undertaker? He looked like an otaku dressing up for some event. Totally ridiculous...

- Plot: it was based in the first 3 volumes of the manga: Madame Red (Ciel/Shiori's aunt, with exactly the same story with the father), her... err, butler?, also kind of invincible. And no, it is not Grell (wait, what?) but some experiment she makes in a human guy. Can we say LAME? The awesomeness of that arc was, besides Grell, that it was a reference to Jack the Ripper. Which is missed in the movie.

- No "Yes, my lord": that's right, the popular expression Sebastian uses everytime Ciel commands him something does not exist in the movie (how could it? his "bocchan" is a girl). Instead, he says "as you command" **eyeroll**.

- That end: totally OoC. Like Sebastian would do that. Yeah, right.

If it weren't any cool fight scenes in the movie, it would have been a real torture. Not recommended AT ALL to the fans of the manga.

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Completed
Rich Man, Poor Woman
4 people found this review helpful
May 12, 2017
11 of 11 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.0
Story 5.5
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 6.0
Rewatch Value 5.0
This review may contain spoilers
I may not be made for silly rom-com. Cute rom-com, yes. And unfortunately, due many things, this drama, although it is realistic in some aspects, it is also very silly in the romance section. I have always looked at this drama with reserve yet with curiosity, and after the lovely "We Married as a Job", I wanted to watch another cute rom-com.

**SLIGHT SPOILERS**

Story: (5.5/10) on paper, everything looked good. The company was interesting, the fact that the hero is a genious who started from nothing and became this rich, intelligent, powerful president of the company was interesting. I didn't feel the "bromance" of Tohru and Asahina till the very last episode. It is understandable that Asahina was green with envy; too bad he reacted the way he did, but I liked that Tohru forgave him very quickly, and was only hurt in like, 2 episodes. The story of Makoto, on the other hand... that she gave that fake identity (his mother's name) was low but luckily, that was resolved quickly and also, Tohru forgave her pretty quickly. That is the best quality of Tohru, he wasn't a resentful person.

On the other hand, the romance... First of all, i hate love triangles, which there are (2) in this drama. Tohru and Makoto like each other, but Asahina sister likes Tohru and Asahina brother likes Makoto. Fortunately, Asahina sister (Yoko) is not an evil bitch, she is actually mature, nice and likes Makoto. Unfortunately, she kisses him twice, while Makoto gets one kiss only in the entire drama. WHAT.

Asahina brother (Kosuke) isn't really in love with Makoto, thank Heavens. He just likes her, and I think he kind of wants her only because he sees Tohru is interested in her.

About Tohru and Makoto... omg, terrible romance. The same kind that happens in HYD, only that Makoto is not strong nor has any personality as Makino has. Tohru is such a jerk with her! Treats her like an inferior, mocks her constantly, belittles her career, her ability in other stuffs. Thinks of her as "idiot" only because she can't find any job and because she is not the genius he is. Still, she likes him since Day 1. Why? I can't see any redeemable quality about him except maybe for the last episodes. There is one scene (Episode 8 I think) where both Asahina and Tohru yell at her in the meeting room, telling her that she is worthless and won't work with them anyway starting next week. And she just stays there, weeping and not saying anything. Ugh! Made me furious. I almost quit after that.

Seriously, it is HER that does most of the work, trying to get closer to him. And what does he do? Push her aside, most of the times. Laugh AT her, most of the times. Only when he is left in ruin, after Asahina's treason, he sees her value. Bastard!

The last 3 episodes are the best, since Tohru acts more like a human instead of a monster. Same with Asahina. But nevertheless, Tohru still got on my nerves... why the hell he looks for her after she says goodbye to the company and disappears? He goes to her natal town, he runs from here to there looking for her, finally finds her, and what, does he tells her he loves her? Heck no, again to square one. What an idiot.

So yeah, the romance is terrible. If I were Makoto I would have stopped crying since Episode 1 (she does cry a lot) and avoid this guy. But well, no wonder I am still single **shrugs** Also, I hate that, after struggling to get a proper job for a long time, she quits it all to be with him. By doing what? Copies. WTH, she has a degree on lab analysis or whatever her career is, and she wastes a couple of oportunities just to be with an asshole who doesn't treat her like she deserves (until the very end). On the other hand, there are no boring, dragging moments. It is easy to watch (except maybe for the occasions where you want to punch the guy and shake the girl)


Cast: (9/10) the cast is good. The match between Oguri Shun and Ishihara Satomi is nice. I like that both of them are black-haired, and that he is so much taller than her (she is no midget). Everybody was good, I can't complain. My favorite maybe me Aibu Saki (Yoko) but that's only because her character was nice, and likeable while being the rival. (I've read bad comments about her only because she was the rival and kissed Tohru twice... like WTH? She likes him too, he likes her, he is single, why can't she try? And once she realizes she doesn't stand a chance, she steps aside... Is she a whore because of that? Ugh)

Oh, and criminal-face Ayano Go has a small role. He is a stupid bastard in this one, no wonder XD Not evil, but a bitch. Suits him so well, once again. I am impressed by this guy, truly.


Music: (6/10) There is only one, and it is repeated over and over and over again, till you can't listen to it anymore. Still, it suits the drama, giving it a fun, girly, anime-ish feeling.

Cinematography: (9/10) the office is so spacious and vibrant, we get to see also the beautiful streets of Tokyo. The colors are nice, catchy, and clothes are pretty (Makoto's style is specially beautiful, very Japanese-like with the neat blouse and big skirts).

Overrated IMO.

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Completed
Kekkon Dekinai Otoko
4 people found this review helpful
May 9, 2017
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 10
There is not a boring moment in this dorama. Starts good, continues good, ends good. Not really a drama, since nothing dramatic happens. Just a slice of life, people becoming friends, their day by day (my type of story), with a hint of romance and lots of funny moments.

No doubt Abe Hiroshi is a wonderful actor. He is funny without overacting, he really WAS Kuwano Shinsuke: his slouching posture, his funny expressions. In every one of his scenes, he attracts the eye of the audience. Although it may also be because he is so tall and has such a nice figure.

Hayasaka Natsumi, as Dr. Natsukawa, was as good as Abe Hiroshi was. Both of them were amazing together, and they had a nice chemistry. I love her smile (two dimples!), she was a very simple woman in terms of clothes and haircut, but I found her lovely and very pretty. I love when she forced herself to keep smiling when Kuwano has been mean to her.

One of the reasons I decided to watch this dorama was because the plot seemed similar to "As good as it gets", one of my favorite movies. And it was in some ways, but again, completely different. Yes, Kuwano is a kind of grumpy man who does not like people. Yes, there is a dog. But that's it. Kuwano is sarcastic and tends to hurt people's feelings without meaning to, he is more sympathetic. He has OCD but not too extreme. He smiles more than Jack Nicholson's character; he socializes more too. He is likeable; so likeable that two pretty women fall for him eventually.

The dog, Ken-chan, has a minor role for 7 episodes; in Episode 8 is where they get closer. I wanted Kuwano to be more affectionate (like, more petting than glances and smiles), but it was cute nevertheless.

His owner, Michiru, played by Kuninaka Ryoko was cute but I think she overacted a little bit here. She is better in "Hotaru no Hikari". And her falling for Kuwano was a bit out of nowhere. For 10 episodes she finds him rude and tries to avoid him if possible, and then, one good action and it is all "oh no, I've fallen for him".

The soundtrack was OK, the OP was OK, nothing outstanding. The whistling whenever Kuwano was doing something very-him, was funny, and it suited him perfectly.

I love to learn more about Japanese society, and this dorama taught me a great deal about its food, the pressure to single people to get married (not very much unlike my own country anyway). Poor Kuwano, he really was not interested in marriage and people keep nagging him, specially his mother. But he was never upset about it, he only made sarcastic comments and ignore them later.

So it is a funny dorama, very recommended. Light, no misunderstandings (not annoying at least, cuz when people thinks that Kuwano had a girlfriend was hilarious), cute, a bit romantic (without being really romantic. I love to read people getting to know each other, making a bong, before starting a relationship), and the end was perfect.

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Completed
My SO Has Got Depression
4 people found this review helpful
Apr 21, 2017
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
The movie is about depression, but it is not a depressing movie at all. In fact, it is rather cute, with all the little drawings (Haruko is a mangaka, and her drawings are so nice). Her diary, about her husband depression, was adorable. But it is not only the drawings, but the support Mikio gets from his wife and his in-laws that was nice. It is not easy to have someone depressed in your home, but Haruko tried her best to support her husband.

I learned a couple of things about depression, so this movie is not only heart-warming but also informative. And touching, in a couple of scenes. The filmography was great, their little home was cozy and outside, with the Sakura trees, was so nice.

Masato Sakai has such a dorky face, so this suit him perfectly. The movie does not have a beginning nor an ending, which is something that I have found mostly in J-doramas and movies. Which I like, because not everything has to have a beginning and/or an end. Also, although it is a 2-hour movie long, it is never dragging nor slow.

Japan is one of the country with the highest amount of suicides. I've read that it is mostly because of work, which is the main reason why Mikio is depressed. The routine, his work-environment, having to take the train everyday, all squeeze like sardines are enough motives. At least he has his pretty, supportive wife, who is there for him "in health and sickness".

I wonder if this was based on real life...

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Completed
Uso no Senso
4 people found this review helpful
Jul 25, 2017
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 9.0
Stories about revenge are the best when they are well done, and this dorama executed it perfectly. I love that all members that are involved in the revenge (the guilty part, the vengeful one) have surnames that start with a number. I think it was a wonderful detail, starting with the MC (Ichinose Koichi), then with the leader of the killings (Nishina) and his minions (Rokutanda, Nanao, etc).

The story was sooo good. In every chapter, something is going on. Koichi getting closer to the family, in order to get the one who ordered Koichi's family to be killed. Getting his revenge on the minions who murdered his family, on the one who almost killed him, on the detective who pressured him when Koichi was just 9 years-old to lie that his father was the one who murdered the whole family. When it looks like the villains are almost catching up with him, Koichi has an ace up his sleeve. I love when the MC is wittier and quicker than the villain. He was perhaps a bit ruthless, but I couldn't help but empathize with him.

Kusanagi was excellent as Koichi. You could feel the rage in him, and if it weren't for that tragic past, he would be a good guy. He was satisfied when he could have his revenge, but with those tears, you can only wonder if he was also a bit sad. Ichimura as the main villain was perfectly cast. He does wonder in this kind of role. And all his children were excellent as well. In conclusion, the Nishina family was perfect.

That ending was O_O WOW. A whole 10/10 for me!

Honestly I don't remember the music, that's why I rate it 9. I was just too engrossed with the story.

I am not sure if this would be a re-watch for me, since you can't compare watching this kind of story for the first time with watching it for a second time. Nevertheless, if someone asked me to watch it with her/him, I'll gladly do it, since I can't recommend this dorama enough.

... I can't believe that this hasn't more viewers and reviewers. This deserves more recognition in MDL, highly recommended.

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Completed
Yanxi Palace: Princess Adventures
3 people found this review helpful
Oct 18, 2022
6 of 6 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 4.0
Story 4.0
Acting/Cast 4.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 1.0
This review may contain spoilers
Is it weird to say this 6episodes drama felt much longer than the 70episode drama??

I felt like I was never going to finish... it was pretty bad. It helped to see the familiar clothes and places and listen to the bgm though.

Watch it if you love Yingluo and/or the Emperor. I do and I do not regret watching this bad short drama... it was so nice to see them (and their servants) again ^_^

There are 4 main characters in this short drama: Yingluo's daughter (Zhaohua), Erqing's son (Fu KangAn), a prince and Prince He's daughter (when did he become a father?? if this princess was born around the same time as Zhaohua, her father was already dead??). None of these 4 characters were likeable. There is a lot of screaming, jealousy and falling in/out of love in the space of 2-3 episodes, which didn't make sense at all.

Zhaohua is a very immature and annoying princess and I guess she only resembles her mother in the stubbornness part. Otherwise, no idea why she was her father's favorite **eyerolling**. She falls for the prince in ep2 or 3 and by the next episode, she was in love with the other guy **eyerolling**. The prince doesn't like her in one episode but by the next he is in love **eyerolling**. The "scheming" and revenge plays were like a kid doing them... a spoiled brat doing them. Not brainy like the prequel.

I don't think saying this was short made it impossible to like the new characters since I've watched many short dramas that were very well executed in a short length. It still amazes me that both dramas were written by the same screenwriter O_O

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Completed
Utsukushii Kare
3 people found this review helpful
Dec 27, 2021
6 of 6 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 9.5
I am happily surprised by this drama because I loved it and may be one of my favorite Jdrama of 2021. I wasn't planning on watching it, except it got quietly popular and reading some comments I became interested.

This kind of BL is right up to my alley since it is the kind of plot I do love to read in books. More specifically, this drama reminded me a lot of the Straight series, a MM romance series where almost always the leads are so f**ked up and may need therapy but you can't help but root for them because of their intense chemistry and lust/romance. They are flawed characters and I love it; I realized this year that I do like my leads to be imperfect, but still perfect for each other.

Is their relationship toxic? Depends of every person but to me it wasn't. It is not like their dynamic made each other miserable or was ruining their lives; they do have a miscommunication (they are teenagers after all) but once they lay out all their feelings *coughkiyoionhiracough* they are on the same page and I can see they will work on their "problems". And about the "kimoi" thing... I love it. I love when in my MM romance books the term of endearment is "jackass", "asshole", etc precisely because it is said with love and endearment, not as a way of abuse. I certainly cringe when the term of endearment is "baby", "honey", etc **cringe** Again, it depends on anyone's taste.

The acting was excellent, both were amazing and had a nice chemistry. So nice I didn't have any 2nd hand embarrassment with scenes like the finger sucking... it was actually pretty hot and kinda sweet. The only time I had 2nd hand embarrassment was at the shower scene in the school yard...it was too long ? Even if it were a straight couple I would have felt the same.

I also liked the OST, both OP song & ED song.

My only complain? Too short, but on the other hand the drama was mostly about them and very little about others.

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Nov 10, 2018
Completed 2
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers
My favorite duo in the whole Dramaland. The times I laughed in this movie XD it was an excellent movie. The mystery was good, the chemistry was good, the cast was good, the jokes were back.

Recurring jokes I'll never get tired of watching:

- flat-chested Yamada and big-penis Ueda
- Yabe and his wig
- Ueda and his big ego (including all his books, doll and his claims of knowing it all)
- Ueda and martial arts
- Ueda proposing that each one of them, both he and Yamada, tell the other something meaningful when their lives are threatened.
- Ueda calling "mother" to Yamada's mother
- Yamada and her magic tricks
- Ueda and his silly tricks XD
- Yamada and her rent debts
- Ueda and Yamada together <3 my favorite!

Waaa I love them. They are extremely funny (Abe Hiroshi is gold in comedy and he has -had- the best chemistry with Nakama Yukie) and the support characters were likeable. A MUST for Trick's fans. I think this movie can be seen as a stand-alone but I'll always recommend to watch Season 1 first, just because it is one of the best dramas I've ever seen.

This movie does not have any review nor comment here in MDL which to me was a signal that it is an awesome movie. I think the dramas and movies with the least reviews are the best XD

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Completed
The Crimes That Bind
3 people found this review helpful
Oct 1, 2018
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 9.0
As someone who is a bookworm and reads lots of mystery, I can say that Japanese mystery books are among my favorites. They are gripping and usually the ending stays with me for a long time. And Higashino Keigo is a master in suspense/thrillers/mystery. All the tangles of the murder, who is connected to whom... not so much who is the murderer (there are not many suspects) but the reason of why behind the murder. And it was really touching; I was very touched at the flashback and the reasons behind the crimes. I am weak when it comes to father and daughter relationships :( and as always, Kohinata Fumiyo was great, he is so kind-looking... **weeps**

I was pleasantly surprise at the cameos at the end of the movie... cameos of actors who worked previously with Abe Hiroshi

On a side note, I wish more Higashino's books were translated, they are truly worth reading.

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Completed
The Confidence Man JP
3 people found this review helpful
Jun 22, 2018
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed 1
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 9.0
I've probably watched around 5 dramas this Spring Season and, no doubt, this was the best. Anyone could watch it, and I bet anyone will have fun in at least half of all episodes. At least, I had fun with all of them, but even more with the last half. This is about a trio of conmen (well, 2 men and 1 woman). I am not really a fan of Nagasawa Masami, but I think this kind of role fits her perfectly. And she had fun doing it, in my eyes, so that is always a plus for me. Then there is Boku-chan, the kind-hearted and most naive young man, interpreted by Higashide Masahiro. I've seen him in VS Arashi and I think he may be a bit of Boku-chan in real life, so he was perfect. Always falling for the person in need, and almost always playing unwillingly Dako's games. Last is Richard, the veteran, played by Kohinata Fumiyo. He is always good, in whatever role he plays, since he is always so calm.

It is an episodic drama, and almost all episodes were unpredictable. Like 90% of them. The last one was amazing. There is nothing Dako can't prevent nor can't do. These trio of con may make a lot of money, but to make money, they also spend tons. So most of the times it was very over-the-top, but that is why this drama was so much fun to watch. It was a witty drama, with lots of sense of humor.

I know it is almost impossible, but I wish this one has a 2nd Season. Or at least a movie. I feel like I didn't have enough time with Dako's, Boku's and Richard's adventures.

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Completed
Saki ni Umareta Dake no Boku
3 people found this review helpful
Apr 20, 2018
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
This review may contain spoilers
I found this drama in some ways similar to "Ashita no Yakusoku" (a drama I wish to finish someday... if the subs are complete). It is a school drama, but with more emphasis in the teachers and teaching, unlike other school dramas like "Gokusen" and Cia. The visual aspect is darker, but while Ashita no Yakusoku has a more complex story, this one is more on the human side.Story: (8/10) I decided to watch it without reading the plot. I guess because of not having the chance to finish the drama mentioned above. So I was pleasantly surprised, since there isn't nothing more gratifying than starting a drama without expectations and without having read spoilers. The story is about a man (Sakurai Sho) who is appointed to be the principal of a high school in need of a good remodeling. Since he is primarily a businessman (a salaryman) he first sees everything as a product, but all his ideas are good and he is a hard working man. I liked his perspective of hiring best teachers for the different clubs; it is true that if the school excels in, let's say basket, more students will want to attend that school. A strong club attracts more students. I like how, as the school gets better in education, both teachers and students are more motivated to be better themselves, on teaching and on learning, respectively. And also how eventually they all are proud of their school.Cast: (8/10) Sakurai improved greatly since "Kazoku Game", but it could be also because his role wasn't cartoonish. There were a couple of times where I was seeing Sakurai the Idol (his round face was a bit distracting), but most of the times he was Narumi. I think almost all actors did a good job, even the students (I like the student who was going to marry Kuroki-kun). I even liked Seto Koji, specially when he was teaching English. As a suitor, he was like a puppy: a bit clingy and a bit annoying, but harmless. I do feel like Tabe Mikako's character was a a bit wasted. Aoi Yuu's character was better developed.The 3 main ladies were the best for me. The two in the love triangle and the counselor (Igawa Haruka). There were a couple of times where I was thinking what a lucky guy Narumi was, to be surrounded by 3 intelligent, hard-working, beautiful ladies... who also happened to be excellent actresses.I didn't like the bad guy since his laughs were just too much... all of him actually. Even when he was eating his lunch it was disgusting. Such a 2-dimensional villain. And I also didn't like the trio of teachers who were against Narumi. Such a shame because I like YosiYosi.Music: (8/10) Arashi's "Doors" is not one of my favorites, but I came to like it more with this drama. And I liked the OST, since it wasn't serious.Rewatch value: (8/10) Actually I almost never rewatch anything since there are so many dramas and so little time, so the rewatch thing for me would be the "recommended?". Yes, I would recommend it but to people who like to see how a entity improves, from being a MEH school to a praised one.I do think that this is one of those dramas that deserved at least one extra episode, but overall, it ended well.

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