Zulu-Niner

Fantastic and very adventurous screenwriter, but I found his recent works often undermined by either bad execution and/or inappropriate casting.

Ao no Kaerimichi and Kokoro no Kizu

Watched it at Osaka Asian Film Festival in March 2020. I just can't believe how come a relatively short movie about four person who knew little of each others sitting at the supporter stand (in a school-level high school tournament) can be this entertaining. Like how things in the latter part of the movie can come into being and how one can symphatize with all its characters despite the time limitation. I kid you not, this is not just a run-of-a-mill school-themed movie. If you are into youth-themed shows with unconventional plot and realistic acting the likes of Kirishima Bukatsu Yametteruto etc, this is right up your alley. Easily 9/10 and movie of the year of 2020 for me.

This show is so underrated. I'm glad in Episode 6 they brought forward an important issue any other series hadn't yet to convey, namely the controversies surrounding alternative medicine and why some patients (or family of patients) believe in such quack. It's so realistic and I hope many medical doramas continue to show educative yet enjoyable and relevant materials like this.

lol :)))))

Anybody knows where to watch or download it?

Here's an interesting interview with lil Mone (in English!!) https://www.disruptingjapan.com/outside-of-the-bubble-with-japans-startup-girls-mone-kamishiraishi/

The interesting fact is that despite the apparent pacing issue, the screenwriter still managed to make all the seven main characters likeable. Imagine if it's produced into a short miniseries with decent production budget.

and beautiful cheeks too

This feels like Kounodori with a different setting and lead with much more profound personal emotional baggage. So far pretty decent, I like the portrayal and chemistry between the two main cast.

His aura here feels like a younger Yamada Takayuki

I'm okay with the ending. Nothing spectacular but they don't blow it up either, which is good since most thriller JDramas and JMovies like this often come up with overly-dramatized or pacifist ending. The decision to not to disclose the identity of 100k Yen Shachou on screen is also spot on because even in RL some parts of a problem would always be unresolved.

Sotarou the anti-hero

edit: oh nope he is still the hero lol

And he is. The biggest issue is that he can't act with his eyes to save his life. In this particular aspect, his acting here reminds me alot of YamaP's (the infamous dead fish eyes), perhaps they have the same acting mentor? The scene where Sakurako encounters him in his workshop (Episode 1) could've been much better if he can emote the way it should be.

Story-wise, it seems to be a promising start, although it could be a little better if they 'show and not tell' in a few more scenes. And it's in 30-minute format so the likelihood of the story getting stalled is smaller.

Yup but it's usually incredably rare. Usually the awardees are those in the best newcomers (since they often play in both indie and mainstream movies). Other awards such as Yokohama Movie Awards do that more often across the board.

Story-wise so far nothing special, but Mone looks so naturally cute here

She is crazy underrated and I hope Jdrama and Jmovie gods will notice her talent in near future. Versatile, technically-gifted, Waseda graduate, super cute, and has directed a movie that competed in Busan Film Festival. What's not to like?

She just won another award last year though... (best supporting in Fujoshi Gay Ukkari)

Yup, thank to it she is such a rarity in J-dramaland

Judging from the trailer, it seems that Fujigaya is going to be completely outclassed by Nao in terms of acting. I've never been convinced by his performance so far. They should've cast a more competent actor instead.