Details

  • Last Online: 10 hours ago
  • Location: Exploring Dramaland
  • Contribution Points: 8 LV1
  • Roles:
  • Join Date: February 12, 2017

Elle

Exploring Dramaland

Elle

Exploring Dramaland
Completed
Kaitou Yamaneko
0 people found this review helpful
by Elle
Mar 11, 2017
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 6.0
If you are looking for a quirky, revenge, crime drama, you should seriously consider watching Kaitou Tantei Yamaneko. It's really a special drama. Man, has Kamenashi Kazuya really grown up as an actor ... As Yamaneko, he does an amazing job with both the antihero's more serious and funny bits. I picked up this drama because I've always loved Narimiya Hiroki's roles and his diversity. This drama shows a lot of diversity in its characters and is a good illustration of how skilled these actors are at their craft. As a story line, I think it has a good plot, but for a lot of the series there's too many one offs ... I think it would have helped to build into the larger plot sooner. Episodes 6 and 7 were a little hard to get through, but 8 on ... the plot really ramped up for a big climax ... but then had a bit sluggish ending ... I would certainly recommend this drama is you are a fan of Kamenashi or Narimiya. This drama really is a good depictions of their acting abilities. The acting is phenomenal with an interesting plot. It's FANTASTIC!!

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
My Love from the Star
3 people found this review helpful
by Elle
Mar 5, 2017
21 of 21 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.0
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 7.0
Music 6.0
Rewatch Value 6.0
This drama had a great premise, but I had a really hard time relating to the lead actors and their characters. The drama is 21 episodes long and the pacing was kinda slow in the beginning and the end. Just seems to drag on longer than necessary. There were a number so sweet points in the drama, and I loved seeing Park Hae Jin in a more outgoing role. Yes, I mostly watched this drama for him ... oops ... Overall, I think this drama is pretty decent, but I'm kinda surprised by the rave reviews.
Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Doctor Stranger
0 people found this review helpful
by Elle
Mar 1, 2017
20 of 20 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.0
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 7.0
I am so on the fence about this drama. It had such a strong start with a number of different moving storylines. Yet, I feel like all these story lines kinda trickled out. Even so the majority of the leads did an excellent job. Lee Jong Suk had probably one of the most compelling performances even compared to his roles in W and Pinocchio. His depiction of the lead makes his character very likable and touching in parts. Both Park Hae Jin and Kang So Ra had very notable performances too. I have to say the weakest part of this drama has to be Jin Se Yeon's character. I'm not sure if it's a flaw in the writing or just Jin's acting ability. I think from the beginning of the drama the audience is supposed to question Jin's intentions, but the drama is never able to aptly prove to the audience that they are seeing her genuine feelings ever. So Lee's dedication and love for a character most of the viewership can't trust becomes this drama's fatal flaw. I think this drama missed the mark in the later episodes. I do still think Lee Jong Suk and Park Hae Jin fans should still see this drama, just prepare yourself.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Suki na Hito ga Iru Koto
2 people found this review helpful
by Elle
Mar 1, 2017
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
A Girl & Three Sweethearts is a sweet drama centered around food. This drama stars a lot of upcoming actors including Kiritani Mirei, Yamazaki Kento and Miura Shohei. This drama is pretty easy-going and light hearted with a very cute storyline. To be honest, I did have a bit of a problem with Yamazaki's character and apathy throughout most of drama. Otherwise, this is a nice summer drama with an equally cute ending.
Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Dame na Watashi ni Koishite Kudasai
2 people found this review helpful
by Elle
Mar 1, 2017
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
This was a sweet, easy to watch drama with endearing characters. Lately, I've really enjoyed drama featuring women in their late 20s/30s. Primarily a Rom-Com, but this drama also touches on finding your place in life. If you are looking for something a little more subdued/slice of life, I would definitely suggest you give this drama a try.
Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Ouroboros
2 people found this review helpful
by Elle
Mar 1, 2017
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
Ikuta Toma and Oguri Shun play childhood friends set on avenging the death of their beloved teacher. To this end, Ikuta becomes a detective while Oguri has risen through the ranks of organized crime. This drama was adapted from a dark, seinen manga. In its 10 episodes, it can not possibly grasp the complexity in the original work, I feel like this drama does a great job realizing the feel and tone of the original work. It is great to see Oguri Shun and Ikuta Toma working together again. I really enjoyed having the opportunity to see Ikuta in a more serious role. I would advise that this drama is fairly dark and has a very somber tone. I wouldn't suggest it for anyone looking for a happy ending. Ouroboros' OST is so good, featuring songs such as "No One" and Arashi's "Sakura." You should definitely give it a try!

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
5-ji Kara 9-ji Made
5 people found this review helpful
by Elle
Mar 1, 2017
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
Ishihara Satomi and Yamashita Tomohisa star in this drama together. It's your typical Rom-Com based on a Josei Manga. The drama adaption rounds out a lot of the draw of Aihara Miki's original work i.e. the character development, the conflict and the sex. I'm still a little disappointed about their casting choices for Mishima Satoshi and Kimura Arthur. Often the leads' love seems a little shallow and flat, but overall it's a fun and entertaining drama. If you like either Ishihara and/or Yamashita, I think you will enjoy this drama.
Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Nobunaga Concerto
2 people found this review helpful
by Elle
Mar 1, 2017
11 of 11 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
I've never would have dreamed that I would fall in love with this drama like I did. I'm normally not a huge fan of historical dramas. I started watching this drama for Oguri Shun, Shibasaki Kou and Mukai Osamu. This drama is so balanced between the historical references, the modern comedic references and the hip hop mixed music produced by Taku Takahashi. The pacing keeps it moving all though the drama. The characters are likable and relatable with touching performances. You should watch this drama if you like historical dramas, any of the actors in the main cast, action and/or human dramas.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Rich Man, Poor Woman
1 people found this review helpful
by Elle
Feb 28, 2017
11 of 11 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
Both Oguri Shun and Ishihara Satomi do an amazing job in Rich Man, Poor Woman. Though this drama does follow the arrogant, prodigy male protagonist dramatically changed by a driven but down to earth female lead, I feel like the business setting and the lead actors really bring something new to this fairly popular framework. I started watching this drama for Oguri Shun but continued to watch it for Ishihara Satomi. Her character is so relatable and inspiring. As a side, Iura Arata's character a very interesting dynamic to the drama. I watched this drama after my college graduation. This drama should be very relatable to students approaching graduations and/or those still job hunting. Miwa ended up doing the theme songs for this drama. Both "Hikari e" and "Napa" are very good. "Hikari e" seemed extremely popular in 2012. I strongly recommend this drama if you are looking for something uplifting and encouraging.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Proposal Daisakusen
0 people found this review helpful
by Elle
Feb 28, 2017
11 of 11 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 9.0
On the day of his unrequited love's wedding, Yamashita Tomohisa's character finds himself reflecting on the missed connections over their years together. He gets the opportunity to visit those special times and attempt to change fate. Yamashita Tomohisa and Nagasawa Masami have a good chemistry throughout the series. This drama is a touching story about life, friendship and memories.
Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Hotaru no Hikari
2 people found this review helpful
by Elle
Feb 28, 2017
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 10
Hotaru no Hikari follows a woman in her late 20s experiencing love for the first time. The drama is so sweet and funny. Ayase Haruka and Fujiki Naohito have an amazing take on the boss/coworker cohabitation arch. Ayase's character Amemiya will touch your heart. You will certainly feel for her during her times of laughter and sadness. I would recommend this drama for anyone who likes Japanese romantic comedies. I could watch this drama over and over again.
Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Orange Days
4 people found this review helpful
by Elle
Feb 26, 2017
11 of 11 episodes seen
Completed 1
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
Orange Days is a truly touching story. With Tsumabuki Satoshi and Shibasaki Kou as the leads, their performances will not disappoint. Shibasaki's character is so raw throughout the series. The drama does an absolutely amazing job at making the multiple conversations in sign language compelling and relatable. This drama also ties in the value of friends and how Shibasaki's friendships with the other four main characters help her to heal and go after her dreams. Mr. Children's "Sign" is Orange Days Ending Theme. It suits the drama very well. I highly recommend this drama, if you are looking for a sweet, slice of life drama about college life, friendship, finding you career path and chasing your dreams.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Stand Up!!
2 people found this review helpful
by Elle
Feb 25, 2017
11 of 11 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
To me this drama is such a classic. Starring Ninomiya Kazunari, Yamashita Tomohisa, Oguri Shun and Narimiya Hiroki, this drama has a great ensemble cast. It's always so fun to see these actors in their earlier works. This is a very sweet high school, slice of life, coming of age story. This drama has a nice balance of comedic bits and touching moments served up in an off-beat manner. This drama features Arashi's "Kotoba Yori Taisetsu na Mono" as its opening theme. This drama is a must see, if you like any of the lead actors.
Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Soulmate
1 people found this review helpful
by Elle
Feb 25, 2017
22 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 8.0
Soulmate follows the intertwined story of six adults and their experiences with love and relationships. Most of the episodes are split into parts one focusing on the female and male protagonist respectively. This framework adds a very nice artistic choice to the drama. It makes for a very unique viewing experience, but it can make the episodes fairly lengthy at times. I do wish that the two main leads got a little more screen time together. The drama sometimes gets a bit bogged down with the supporting characters stories. This drama has an amazing soundtrack with songs from Lasse Lindh's "Come'on Through" and Peking Laundry's "Don't Turn Away. I believe this drama was the start of Lasse Lindh's popularity in South Korea. His music is still featured in popular kdramas. Overall, this is such an impressive and unique storyline.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Time Between Dog and Wolf
2 people found this review helpful
by Elle
Feb 25, 2017
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
This is a spectacular action, suspense drama. Lee Jun Ki, Nam Sang Mi and Jung Kyung Ho make up an amazing cast of characters. Lee Jun Ki's acting is at an all time best. His portrayal of his character's suffering really leaves an impression. This was one of those breakout roles for the flower boy actor. I would recommend this drama for anyone that like heavy action dramas.
Was this review helpful to you?