Is ethics for nerds only?

So many are sleeping on this drama and it is pity. No wonder, there is not enough content in TV, the net, cinema, SOCIETY talking about ethical things... well it needs thinking and for the majority of modern people it is "painful". Anyway, when I found out there would be a jdrama about ethics in schools I needed to watch it.

I must to say I enjoyed this drama and plan to read also manga in the future. Why? Because as a person with a philosophy, pedagogy, and ethics degree I know a thing or two about this beautiful and for most people "useless" science" called ethics. I was really curious how they would manage to put ethics into a Japanese high school setting.

Actually, so many things were poorly explained but only real scholars would get it. The majority of the audience won't get it anyway but might find it interesting. Ethics in Japan is of course is practiced, seen, and done differently than in Europe. All in all, drama touched a rather wide range of representatives and their works which were included in modern students' life and troubles they had to face. * SPOILER * One thing which ruined a feeling of the whole drama for me was the unnecessary "student-teacher confession". Like can they stop promoting this kind of fetish? It was totally out of context and it left a bland taste of the whole drama. *END OF SPOILER * So, not great, not terrible, this show had more potential if it was longer and scriptwriters had done their ethical research done more thoughtfully.

Ok now let me continue with acting - great choice of young actors/actresses, so nice to see fresh talented faces. The kids really did a great job. And Yuki was brilliant as mysterious ethics sensei. My only dissatisfaction was the length of each ep. Just 20 min was not enough to fully explain and deeply involve the attentive viewers in the stories of the students. So many things were unsaid but ok I understand the manga is still ongoing.

Alsooo, want to say a few words about Takayanagi sensei. He is not the happy-go-lucky overly hyped annoying nosy teacher. On the contrary him being deep, enigmatic, introvert, observer, philosoph with a cynical view of the world and people. Even though he is broken he empathically helps people when needed and gives his students much more than just empty useless words. Actually, he inspired me too. Definitely, he showed introverts can make more capable teachers and mentors than his extroverted colleagues. I indeed learned a lot from his role which I want to keep to myself only.

I recommend this drama mainly to philosophy geeks or people who want to get a bit view of how (not so real) ethical classes are. It is not a drama that attracts many people, some might find it boring but some might found new inspiring ideas and get interested in ethics.

PS: Rewatch Value is low because I am not the type of person who rewatches films/dramas even if I like them. Also, there was not much music to rate. And I tend to rate things quite strictly, so some people might give a better rating.

Read More

What a nice "warm" drama this was... The acting was on spot, the main characters were a great team and I loved that every episode introduced an inspiring message through troubled costumers who came to seek comfort for their aching souls. One can really see and feel the Japanese life philosophy in each episode - find everyday joy in little things and never give up on this simple yet beautiful life. What is more, it was lovely to watch how the food and light liquors were the catalyst for opening the hearts of the costumers. They made them feel welcome and safe. Also, the intro and the opening song were so great and artistic. I really loved it.
The only thing I found unsatisfying about this drama is that the stories of the main characters could be more developed. The drama was too short and many things remain unsaid. Even though I really enjoyed it as my evening relax after a difficult day.
Aaah now I wish Machida made me one of his tasty cocktails. :P

PS: Rewatch Value is low because I am not the type of person who rewatches films/dramas. Also, I tend to rate things quite strictly, so some people might give a better rating.

Read More

This documentary is a true gem. As a Toma Ikuta fan, it is a delight to watch it on Netflix with subs. Something I never even imagined could ever happen. As a foreign fan, I finally felt seen.
In this documentary, Toma shares his passion, love and respect for kabuki and his acting profession. We get to see him talk about his work, and his motivation but also doubts while being supported by his close friends and colleagues. Once again, it made me realise how much love Toma puts into his work and also into his relationships with others. And much more love is given to him back. During watching it I felt delighted for Toma, that his hard work paid off and his dream came true.
The documentary also provided interesting information and insight into the mysterious world of kabuki actors. As a theatre lover, I really enjoyed all the information provided. Behind the scenes from the practice realistically introduced all the hardships that kabuki actors have to face before getting on the stage. One could feel their love and pride for tradition and Japanese culture. They all put their hearts and souls into their work.
Finally, as a Toma fan, I am so proud to see him getting such an honour to be part of this stage play.
Anyone who is interested to know more about kabuki or Toma, please support this documentary on Netflix. ♥

PS: I am not the type of person who rewatches films/dramas even if I like them. Also, there was not much music to rate. And I tend to rate things quite strictly and according to whether the work has features of the particular genre.

Read More

Very light and funny j-drama with an educative side to it. For me, this drama was huge entertainment as a writer myself.
Everyone would take something else from it, may it writing advice, family and marriage topic or just entertainment by funny scenes. Toma once again proved he can totally nail a comedy role. Seeing him at least a bit with Masaki Okada made me feel nostalgic about Hana Kimi. Anyway, I really enjoyed the witty remarks and dramatic scenes of Toma's character. Another aspect I liked about this drama was to see how differently the main pair think about their work. Also taking a peek in the background of the production of dramas (even though it was not that realistic) was nice to see. However, it is a pity that the drama was too short and the characters could be developed more.

PS: Rewatch Value is low because I am not the type of person who rewatches films/dramas. Also, there was not that much music I could rate. Anyway, I tend to rate things quite strictly, so some people might give a better rating.

Read More

What a great ride this lakorn was. It was a long time since I was so into any drama. I am glad I gave this one a chance. At first, I was interested because Saint had a cameo but then I totally got hooked to the story and characters. Some parts were a bit too much but overall the story was great and very interesting. The whole acting cast was brilliant in their acting. Especially kudos to Baifern who nailed her role. Also, I really love how she and Saint resemble each other. I enjoyed how they opened all the taboo topics and dealt with them realistically. Also, the messages were conveyed to viewers in a believable way. The end of the series is satisfying. Really refreshing and unique series.

Read More

Finally some another Toma's work after ages. I really enjoyed this special but can't give a higher score because it was just too short for me. They should have made it into proper film and develop both characters and plot. That way I would be able to develop a more reasonable opinion. The story itself was interesting, refreshing, kinda funny yet thrilling. It had much more potential. I really liked the "theatre of absurd" vibes and lowkey sci-fi features of this special. Toma's acting was on spot, as always. I am glad it got subbed, did not expected it.

PS: Rewatch Value is low because I am not the type of person who rewatches films/dramas. Also, there was not much music to rate. And I tend to rate things quite strictly, so some people might give a better rating.

Read More

24 Jikan Terebi always has warm and meaningful movies to offer. This one was no exception. I am not a huge fan of the sport but cycling is kinda close to me and I enjoy films based on real-life stories. To be honest, Masaki Aiba was the reason I decided to watch this. His acting really got better over the years and he and the whole acting cast did a great job. I like the message "to never give up on one's dreams even when we face many hardships". Also, the bond of a son and mother was very warm to watch. Even though my Japanese is not on the fluent level, I still could understand the dialogues quite well even without subs. All in all, it was an ordinary but really nice and touching film to relax to.

PS: Rewatch Value is low because I am not the type of person who rewatches films/dramas. Also, there was not much music to rate. And I tend to rate things quite strictly, so some people might give a better rating.

Read More

Typical Japanese comedy melodrama with philosophical features. It talks about the people who lost something/ someone or can't move on with their life. Tbh I watched it for Riisa Naka and Junpei Mizobata. The story is kinda slow and nothing special. It is that kind of drama
you put as a "background noise" just to cry, smile or to meditate with the characters about their lives. Dialogues and scenes were very beautiful and inspiring. I like how they portrayed the "dead" people and insight on them. If you want some relaxing and motivating drama about the life of ordinary and struggling people, give it a try.

PS: Rewatch Value is low because I am not the type of person who rewatches films/dramas. Also, there was not much music to rate. And I tend to rate things quite strictly, so some people might give a better rating.

Read More