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This review may contain spoilers
I agree with much of amrita828's review, so basically consider this an extension of that :-) In all three versions, I think the main love interest is a complete tool. And in all three, I think that she should get with romantic possibility #2. However, even though this incarnation of Domyouji is the most horrible to start with, of the three he has the biggest improvement in character and behaviour, so by the end I could see how a relationship between them could work. And they do have chemistry, which helps.
I like the presence of Shan Cai's male friend from her old school (although apparently not enough to remember his name :-) ), I though the provided great comedic relief. And overall I think I laughed more during this series than any of the others. There were several funny, cute moments, such as Si, Lei and the biscuits (vague to avoid spoilers). Rainie is adorable in general, so I liked her as Shan Cai's best friend.
Overall, a fun, enjoyable series.
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I liked how it leapt right into the story, with the introduction of the two main characters. Then we got to meet supporting characters, whose stories interested me also. The chemistry between Ling and Qi Luo was amazing, and I love how their relationship slowly developed. I really enjoyed the little things that made the characters endearing to me, like when Ling annoys Qi Luo in class, trying to get her attention. The relationship develops at a realistic pace, with the facades and defences of each slowly disappearing, and their true natures and vulnerabilities revealed.
I became emotionally invested in these characters, and to me that is a sign of good acting and writing. I cried several times throughout, and just when I thought surely nothing else could possibly happen to these people, something did. But there was still that sense of hope, that they could overcome everything with each other's support.
So, an emotional roller-coaster, but well worth watching, and just as good to re-watch.
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The rivalry between the 2 chefs is also well presented. The lunacy of the grandfather is another mystery. But this entails the loving and tender care showed by the grandson. oh my… then the sufferings of the coalmaker - Han and his story with his mum. Then the story of Chef Ho and his grandfather and Sung Chan & his grandfather. In clear this movie should actually get full mark on it's ability to nicely transpose three different story into one story.
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The acting was good! I've seen Aibu Saki in Buzzer Beat, and while I didn't like her character there I felt her character here was a lot more likeable and she pulled off the role of Riiko well. Mizushima Hiro I've also seen and remember him most as Nanba-senpai in Hana-Kimi. While his role there was more comedic, I found myself loving his version of Soshi. Hayami Mokomichi I've also seen in Gokusen 2 - I remember him most as "the tall guy" haha. But his role here and his role there are completely different. Then again, he is pulling off the role of a robot and I think he did a good job as Night! The cast might not have been who I might've expected, there might have been better people out there to pull of the roles, but I felt they did a good job!
The music was nice, the theme song "Okaeri" by Ayaka grew on me with each episode and now I love it!
I can see myself rewatching this drama again sometime, but not anytime soon (my plan to watch list is out of hand haha).
Overall - if you've recently read the manga I wouldn't recommend watching this version - at least not anytime soon. Unless you're the type that likes new adaptions and seeing a different story. I myself have a hard time watching something based off of a manga if the storyline is really different.
And if you haven't read it - then I recommend it if you're in the mood to watch something a little light and a bit unrealistic. Ohh and there are sad parts as well. The story focuses not just on the relationship between Riiko and Night, but between her job and Soshi. There isn't a ton of romance, but there's enough to make it a rom-com (:
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The story was interesting and it didn't drag anywhere. I also really liked the main actors. They did a great job. The music was cute and added to the feel of the scenes.
Another thing was the number of episodes was just right to tell the story well, without dragging it much. Every episode I finished watching, I wanted to watch the next one more. In fact, I felt they could have taken some more time to show more of the couple in the last episodes.
The one disappointing thing was the ending. After all the drama about Yi Lie, the way they chose to end it felt incomplete.
If there is one thing worse than one of the lead characters having some illness towards the end, it is ending the drama without being conclusive about it.
Other than that, the drama was good to watch.
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The drama tries to address subjects about the woes of women who are 30, and over, seriously, but they do it so lightly while trying to act serious that sometimes I found myself scoffing at the way they "analyzed" the situation. There isn't much character growth, if any. All relationship developments were rushed, I would have missed it if I blinked.
The acting was similar to most other Japanese dramas I've watched, not bad, but forgettable. And the music although it felt right for the moment, it's really nothing special.
Also, it's anime-ish at times. So, if you don't like those random characters that seem to come out of nowhere, random moments, and the exaggerated acting, this may not be for you.
I'm giving it a 6 because I did enjoy it, even if I don't considerate to be among the best dramas of any year.
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This drama can make you feel happy inside. It's quite addictive so you find that the drama starts and finishes before you know it, like a movie. It was such a sweet story and it didn't have any unnecessary side stories going on. It focused on the storyline and ended with you loving everything about it! A must watch drama.
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-STORY (10/10) :- the reason i liked the story the most in this drama that it came with a cliche idea of love between rich and poor but presented it with a very unique and breath taking way that was never done it took it to another level completely , also the pacing of the story was well done things weren't rushed or boring at all it had perfect pacing that wouldn't make you feel tired and would make you want more
-CAST (8/10) :- the reason i gave the cast an 8 was that not all of them are as good looking as you think and honestly some were unnoticed but that isn't a problem the main actress did her part well so i guess it depends on your taste .
-Music (9/10) :- well this is not a musical drama but music is ended a major factor of making the correct atmosphere , the music in hana yori dango was good it was not that breath taking but the music they played fit well with scenes no problems in the impact .
Well overall its one of my favorite Jdrama ever because it reaches a deep place in your heart when you watch it you will never forget about it , and i would re-watch again it only when i am hurt because it gives people hope and a fact that nothing is impossible in life and sometimes the unexpected happens!
hope i was of good help :)
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Story- The storyline revolves around 2 boys and a girl, where the girl has closed herself off from the outside world and the two boys just don't really fit into their school and they decide to give her a makeover, "produce" her into the most popular girl at school. Its a fun idea with great moments. The drama is fun and quirky for the most part, showing emotional scenes whenever necessary. For a while, I copied "Nobuta's power.... Activate!" just because it was cute.
Acting/Cast- What makes this drama is the trio of stars that play the leads, Maki-chan, Kamenashi Kazuya and Yammapi. Alone, each star has the potential to make a great drama, and together, they show their capabilities. I actually didnt recognize Maki-chan in this at first(I know, I didnt read the cast list, blahh), but seeing her change from the quirky character of Hana Kimi into a dark, and pessimistic girl is a complete turnaround. Kame has also released a few of his own dramas, in my opion, the best being Tatta Hitotsu no Koi.
And Yammapi has been in many dramas such as Kurasagi, Dragon Zakura, so on and so forth. With such talented leads, its bound to be good.
Music- I dont know why, but music in jdramas never really stick to me unlike kdramas. Im pretty sure Kat-tun or Arashi sang the songs for this drama, so it'll be popular within japan/ fans of the two bands.
Rewatch? Hmm, I don't know about the rewatch. Maybe just a few scenes that were memorable but thats about it.
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What I really found endearing is the frankness of the lead male Shuji and his inner monologue/narration. I like that he was outwardly popular but inwardly unsure, bored, scared and lonely. The theme of this show is a simple one. Finding true friendship...whether you are a popular kid, a quirky loner or a withdrawn, scared and painfully shy newcomer.
Each episode is written to show the development of this core friendship. As the synopsis and title reveal, these three come together to 'produce' Nobuta and make her popular but...wow is that so not what really matters here. I loved the way the story unfolded in such an original manner compared to the way a westernized show would have handled this. Lovely.
The acting is great. Not perfect but very good. My favorite was Yamashita Tomohisa who played Akira. He was so quirky, clumsy and strange but what a loyal and steadfast friend. Yamapi was great. There are a lot of wonderful characters to be found within the setting of their school; teachers and students alike. I enjoyed Shuji's family. They were a hoot! Nobuta was like a flower opening up to the sun when Shuji and Akira found her. I loved the development of her strength and their loyalty to her. Wonderful!
At 10 episodes, this series was a fast and entertaining watch. No story line or plot point dragged on too long or bogged down the pace. The music was fine..not memorable but not bad either. But this drama isn't really about a standout soundtrack so I did not find it distracting or lacking in any way. I gave the re-watch value an 8 because while I might not watch it again this was a very entertaining drama and others might really enjoy watching more than once.
I recommend this drama highly. It's quick, it's sweet, it's touching and fun. Give it try if you are hesitating.
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chiaki and nodaime were so great they remind me of you are beautiful !
you must watch to laugh from the bottom of your heart sooooooo funny yet hounorable show^_^
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Oh well, but after a while, the daddy issues were increasingly redundant as is the case of keeping his identity a secret to protect the ones he love logic gradually faulty as almost everyone around him knew who he was. And, in the midst of it all, there were these shameless plugs for fast food chicken, social gadgets, heck even a washing machine.
The story broke off to a strong start but the intensity gradually decreased as it ended. To put it mildly, it was NOT the best ending any writer do for a whole series that was so explosive. If the writers wanted to leave this drama open-ended, they failed, and miserably so. I'll leave that for you to find out.
Story - could have been a perfect 10 if there had been closure for the other issues that were left behind
Acting - The cast was awesome! Kim Sang Joong's surrogate father role as Lee Jin Pyo practically owned it. Best villainous conviction with a soft spot for Yoon Sung and let's not forget the ever square Prosecutor Kim!
Music - 10 out of 10. Best part was that instrumental for the underwater hand salute Jin Pyo gives to his partner Moo Yul as he sinks to the bottom of the sea. It's a dang good OST!
Rewatch value - Once is good enough for me.
Overall - it's still a great drama!
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Story/Love plot - A forbidden love between two warring organizations? I have to say that this was a great idea. Although this was different from Iris, it made the drama extremely interesting. Whenever there were collisions from the opposing sides, the love story would blossom during the most intense parts of the drama. Well done from the directors part for portraying it as such and the writers for coming up with this idea. Now, the actual drama, pretty good. An easy to follow story line but still throws in twists and turns to keep viewers interested.
Acting/Cast - Not as good as Iris, but the actors/actresses did their part. It was enough to keep viewers interested, but bringing in Kim So Yeon as a guest role showed that there was some wavering for the drama and needed a small help from the cast of Iris(Kim SoYeon was phenomenal in IRIS, but I digress)
Music - Kim TaeYeon sings one of the OST's, what more is there? Hah, I kid, the music was alright honestly.
Rewatch Value - Ehhh... The story drops off during the middle of the drama and it becomes a bit troublesome watching the episodes.
Overall - Yeah, it was ok, nothing great.
Circumstances - due to someone getting injured, production of the last two episodes were stopped for about 2 months, so I have not had the chance to see the last two episodes but I did read the summary, with a relatively predictable ending.
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