1. The director. The first Director Ootomo's movie that I watched was Rurouni Kenshin trilogy. And then Himitsu, and Sangatsu no Lion (1 and 2). He has an interesting storytelling style. I like it. For some, the pace might be too slow, but I really don't mind it.
2. The music. Sawano Hiroyuki is well known as music composer for anime series and tv dramas. His composition is unique, that it is easily recognizable. Team Medical Dragon was the drama that made me aware of this composer and his brilliant composition. I'm a sucker for good music. Sue me ^^ Oh, and Arashi's Breathless at the end of the movie is a nice plus!
3. The actor. Ninomiya Kazunari. I really don't think I should elaborate on this man. Impressive acting. I'm just glad that he played Kagura. Toyokawa Etsushi, Suzuki Honami, and the supporting actors are also well chosen and well played. I particularly love how Mizuhara Kiko portrayed Saki and her bond with Kagura. I just wish they have more air time to show it.
God season 2 f'ing when. This was pretty good but I need more, too much unexplained stuff. What did Tokai say…
Try Team Medical Dragon if you haven't watched it. Or Code Blue. Both of them have more than 1 season. While TMD is full of hospital politics, CB is more down to earth story about doctors in ER and med-heli service.
I never gave a drama rating before I finish all of the episodes. I guess this is the first time :)
My first impression of the first episode is: Yamazaki Kento is totally adorable playing Shindo Minato.
I have seen several of his dramas before. My opinion of him until now is so-so. I don't hate him, but I don't really like him either. However, he caught my attention this time. Moreover, he's playing an autistic character, which is, of course, not easy. He did a pretty good job in making role for Minato, at least from what I saw in episode 1. I can't wait to watch the next episodes. Congratulations on taking a different role from what he had previously. I'm tired of seeing him in romcoms or school dramas (Todome no Kiss is an exception, though). This could be a new challenge for him and further hone his skill as an actor. On a side note, he kind of reminds me of Matsuyama Kenichi's L (Death Note). That hunched back, round eyes, and a genius with lack of social skill, but with no panda eyes ^^
I hope the plot won't be thick with nuances of hospital politics. It was there, but I really don't want it to overshadow any character development in the drama. Cross my fingers!
I love Yamada Ryosuke. I honestly do. He is a good performer and entertainer both on and off stage. But somehow, I really like seeing him play emotionally suffering roles. Like when he was playing Tanaka Ainosuke in Hidarime Tantei EYE. Or Semi in Grasshopper. Or Okaa-san Ore wa Daijoubu. In Cain and Abel, I love how he shifts gears from a smiling persona, slowly and gradually to troubled expression. It was so natural, and I can't get it out of my head.
Playing characters with emotional conflict suits him, and I kind of want to see more of it. The more troubled his character is, the more excited I am to watch him. I guess I have a bit of sadistic streak if it concerns Yamada Ryosuke, haha...
For me, Tegoshi has the most beautiful voice in JE's lineup talents. Pairing him up with Masuda in Tegomass is a great decision, since both of them complement each other's voice. Unfortunately, he did not get many chances to explore and hone his acting skills. I don't know if it is his agency's decision or of it is his choice to do so. But I would like to see him act in more serious roles.
Dropped. I don't really mind a relationship affair story. But this one is a no-no. Miyazawa is the only redeeming part in this drama. In terms of similar story, I prefer Hirugao.
Looking at a heartbroken Mogami is unexpectedly painful :(
I wished Shibata end up with him, but nooo... she had just to end up with Kurosawa, didn't she?
All hail second lead syndrome!!!
His voice is one of a kind. I primarily watch anime and had my period of stalking some of the seiyuus, so my ears are kind of sensitive to unique voices. Satoh's voice is... special. I could hear him talk on hours. He can read me stories to lull me to sleep :P
To tell you the truth, I've only been interested in JDramas. I guess it's because of the poetic feel that can be found in them. All these years I've been watching JDramas, they never underestimate viewers by using exaggerated dialogues. Viewers are invited to discern the story from the atmosphere. I hate watching dramas that use too much dialogue when a scene or emotion can be explained simply using actors' expression, the scenery, or even empty classroom! The Japanese subtlety are truly beautiful, IMHO.
I agree with you that JDramas never impose romance. It's mainly about life. Sometimes (if I'm lucky to watch a very good one), after finishing one title, it makes me want to reflect on my own life. Also, most of their endings are not concluded. Some viewers will get annoyed with open-ended story, but to me, it is a reflection of a never ending life story. Like in reality, unless we die, our story will continue. Whether we will still be with our current lover, no one knows.
By the way, my current favourite is Sekai kara Neko ga Kieta nara. The message is very powerful, and the actors are superb! Please watch it if you haven't :)
1. The director.
The first Director Ootomo's movie that I watched was Rurouni Kenshin trilogy. And then Himitsu, and Sangatsu no Lion (1 and 2). He has an interesting storytelling style. I like it. For some, the pace might be too slow, but I really don't mind it.
2. The music.
Sawano Hiroyuki is well known as music composer for anime series and tv dramas. His composition is unique, that it is easily recognizable. Team Medical Dragon was the drama that made me aware of this composer and his brilliant composition. I'm a sucker for good music. Sue me ^^ Oh, and Arashi's Breathless at the end of the movie is a nice plus!
3. The actor.
Ninomiya Kazunari. I really don't think I should elaborate on this man. Impressive acting. I'm just glad that he played Kagura. Toyokawa Etsushi, Suzuki Honami, and the supporting actors are also well chosen and well played. I particularly love how Mizuhara Kiko portrayed Saki and her bond with Kagura. I just wish they have more air time to show it.
My first impression of the first episode is: Yamazaki Kento is totally adorable playing Shindo Minato.
I have seen several of his dramas before. My opinion of him until now is so-so. I don't hate him, but I don't really like him either. However, he caught my attention this time. Moreover, he's playing an autistic character, which is, of course, not easy. He did a pretty good job in making role for Minato, at least from what I saw in episode 1. I can't wait to watch the next episodes. Congratulations on taking a different role from what he had previously. I'm tired of seeing him in romcoms or school dramas (Todome no Kiss is an exception, though). This could be a new challenge for him and further hone his skill as an actor. On a side note, he kind of reminds me of Matsuyama Kenichi's L (Death Note). That hunched back, round eyes, and a genius with lack of social skill, but with no panda eyes ^^
I hope the plot won't be thick with nuances of hospital politics. It was there, but I really don't want it to overshadow any character development in the drama. Cross my fingers!
Playing characters with emotional conflict suits him, and I kind of want to see more of it. The more troubled his character is, the more excited I am to watch him. I guess I have a bit of sadistic streak if it concerns Yamada Ryosuke, haha...
They're really cute together
I wished Shibata end up with him, but nooo... she had just to end up with Kurosawa, didn't she?
All hail second lead syndrome!!!
I agree with you that JDramas never impose romance. It's mainly about life. Sometimes (if I'm lucky to watch a very good one), after finishing one title, it makes me want to reflect on my own life. Also, most of their endings are not concluded. Some viewers will get annoyed with open-ended story, but to me, it is a reflection of a never ending life story. Like in reality, unless we die, our story will continue. Whether we will still be with our current lover, no one knows.
By the way, my current favourite is Sekai kara Neko ga Kieta nara. The message is very powerful, and the actors are superb! Please watch it if you haven't :)