Takumi-kun Series 2: Rainbow Colored Glass
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Takumi-kun Series 5: That, Sunny Blue Sky
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Kamenashi Kazuya plays a cop who falls in love "without a reason" with a high school girl. Kame's character is good, not particularly likeable but good.
What I didn't get while watching this movie is why, for God's sake, an adult man like him fell in love with a high school student who acted exactly how one of her peers.
The ending with Bruno Mar's song was the part the I actually liked better.
Not a good movie, but definitely better than other shojo manga filmed this year.
*cough* peach girl, for instance.*cough*
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But, in the end it was still good the male lead is indeed handsome and the female lead is beyond beautiful. please give this drama a try as it is very good and very down to earth from all those fictional k-drama shows.
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a) its age. Aired in 2000, it is not only buried under all the newer productions over the years, but its video quality is not as bright and sharp as these modern HQ shows, and its availability is pretty scarce; and
b) its last 5 episodes are un-subbed, which is probably the biggest stumbling block to any lakorn viewer. I think only the really hardcore would venture to watch it despite knowing they will never be able to fully understand and appreciate the full show in its entirety.
I fully admit that I wasn't really planning to watch this show despite hearing echoes of its quality along lakorn corridors because of the above issues but thankfully, a respected fellow MDL-er took the time and effort to explain and sell this show to me, and after seeing a small video clip which she linked me up to, I was eventually sold. And I'm glad because I would have missed out on a real quality lakorn had it been otherwise.
So, now that that's been said and done, on with the review.
STORY
I've begun to notice that older lakorns tend to have better and tighter stories and plots, along with more fleshed out characters, while the newer lakorns these days tend to rely on plot devices such as side-stories, fillers, crazy villains and antagonists, obsessive-to-the-point-of-insane nang'rai's, over-acted and over-dramatised characters, etc. to pull their shows along and keep the viewers' attention focused and excited about their shows.
Well, all I can say is, if you're looking for the latter i.e. the newer lakorn format, then this show will very likely put you off (or let you down) because it has none of those formulas. None. Zero. Nada. This show is old-school in that it has a very focused and tight story to tell, and it remains that way for as far as I could see i.e for the 15 subbed episodes with the rest raw.
I personally would consider this show's primary genre to be a Family Drama. It is extremely character-driven and character-focused. The story focuses very much on the relationships, events and characters in the 2 diamond families, and all the conflict is set and kept within this context so it makes for a very dense and concentrated viewing. If you like dramas like this, then this will be right up your street.
In line with its very focused plot-line and premise, this character-driven show then naturally needs to spend plenty of time to set up the background, the personalities and the internal motivations of each main character as a solid foundation in which to build its drama structure. The pacing is therefore very deliberate and slow because it gives plenty of time for scenes to breathe and for the situations and emotions of the characters to sink in. And because each character within the 2 diamond families in this show has very realistic personality flaws, in some cases even realistically dysfunctional, the show takes its time to show us why, instead of leaving us in the dark.
This is something I really appreciated because for all their biased and sometimes twisted thought-process, you actually understand and get why the characters think or end up that way. You can't hate them or despise them the way you do for one-dimensional stereotypical characters, and this is not an easy feat to achieve without the show setting up their characters so well that you end up understanding them.
Some people might also term this show as a 'social commentary', and I can also understand why because, being so heavily character-driven, it takes the opportunity to introduce to us different characters and different personalities that exist within that social context, and it also wonderfully shows us how each character reacts and deals with a similar situation in different and varied ways because of their different personalities and way of thinking. It's very insightful and eye-opening, and it can also be very thought-provoking because it shows you different perspectives on the same issue. We may not always agree with their way of thinking but I think our minds are broadened by being able to see their viewpoint. There are not many shows that actually allow you to deepen your insight into the different workings of humankind, but this show is one of them.
As for the romance in this show... well, it is a very slow build romance because I don't think romance is this show's primary focus or importance. It does play a very important role in shaping and changing some of our key characters but I see that as just one of the many catalysts embedded in this show. But that's not to say that there is no chemistry or no emotional connection. There are plenty of emotional connections here in this show - maybe even too much sometimes because this show is too good in drawing out the emotional moments of the characters and making you FEEL them for each key scene. Powerful stuff considering that it is able to do this without the help of loud, dramatic music or in-your-face overacting. Serious quality, this.
The only reason I am not able to give a very high rating on this aspect of the show is entirely because of the last 5 un-subbed episodes which I tried to watch but found myself broadly guessing what was going on and what was being said. It is a real pity and shame really, because the dialogue is absolutely key for this show. It explains and clarifies the actions, decisions and motivations of each character so without understanding what was being said, a lot of the context and understanding is lost. I'm dying to know how it all went down in the last 5 and being unable to do that, I cannot, with all the goodwill in the world, complete my rating on the story and execution aspect of this show. But because it has been quality stuff since the beginning, I've still given it a high 7.5. Huge concession for me considering I am sort of left hanging without a proper resolution for this show.
ACTING/ CAST
Every single cast member here played their part and were well-rounded, well-fleshed out characters. Impressive achievement in an age where lakorns are filled with one-dimensional or stereotypical supporting or side characters. No filler or character fodder. Amazing.
Lots of characters stood out for me in this show. Lots. And while I am sure this is partly thanks to solid character scripting and assured directing, some credit also needs to go to the actors themselves for bringing their A-game to the show regardless of their screen-time. From P'Manut and his wife P'Orn, to Rasa's two besties, to all the members of the 2 diamond families themselves, all were memorable and relatable characters to me. This show is choc-a-bloc full of quality acting on all fronts, and if I spent the time to talk about them all, I would never finish this review.
I will, however, put the spotlight on one person whose acting really stood head-and-shoulders above the rest and that is Mr Andrew Gregson.
ANDREW GREGSON as Chanon, was a revelation for me. I've not seen any of his lakorns prior to this show so this was my first introduction to this man. My respected fellow MDL-er sang lots of praises about his acting in this show and so my eyes and my expectations were already perked up even before I clicked on episode 1. I didn't think that my high expectations would be met but wow, boy were they met!
I admit that the first 2, maybe even 3, episodes didn't really make me stand up and say wow because, again, of the show's slow and deliberate pace as well as Chanon's personality which was one who carried the weight of his family and the family's diamond business on his shoulders.
This made him into a very serious, no-nonsense and stoic person who had to internally bear and carry a lot of responsibility. He could not allow himself to be too emotionally open because it could worry and burden his family. He had to be the head of his household and so had to be a very self-controlled, strict and shrewd person lest his soft-hearted father and brother be manipulated and exploited by greedy, ill-meaning persons.
His childhood trauma of being abandoned by his mother had also made him wary and rather distrustful of women. Personally, I wouldn't blame him for being distrustful of women even without the added factor of his mother because being heir to one of the largest diamond companies in the country is enough to attract all sorts of mercenary or status-hungry women.
But as the show progressed and with the re-appearance of his mother who had left some over 20 years ago, Chanon was faced with feelings and issues which he had been suppressing and denying to himself over the years, and the way Andrew Gregson brought all of that internal conflict out in Chanon was seriously emotionally heart-breaking to behold.
The scenes which really sit with me were the scenes where he is trying so hard to keep his emotions and his tears under control but they come leaking out despite his best efforts. The way his voice quivers, the way he hesitates as he tries to give voice to some of the turmoil going on inside, and the way he quickly spits his sentences out as though he has to quickly get it out before he loses the courage to say it, hits you right in the heart. And the way he tries to explain his reasons and his rationale while fighting back tears while he speaks to his father or his brother is so heart-breaking.
For me, there is nothing more emotionally powerful than having to witness someone emotionally distraught and on the verge of tears but trying their damn hardest to NOT break down, to NOT burst into tears.
It's easy to turn on the tap and give in and cry, but to try not to cry even though you want to? Bam! Sold. I'm in.
Of all the characters in this lakorn, it was Chanon who had me empathising and sympathising with him every single step of the way. He was brought believably into life by Andrew so, for that, Andrew gets the gold star from me.
I can't say enough how much I wish the last 5 episodes were subbed so that I can see this entire lakorn to the finish, but suffice to say, even despite not being able to complete it, the first three-quarters of the show was already amazing in being able to show us how quality lakorns look like. It's truly a damn crying shame that they don't make them like this anymore.
MUSIC
Good background music and score. I particularly appreciate how they don't bludgeon you over the head with continuous playing of character theme songs but relied a lot more on instrumental versions and appropriate mood music.
RE-WATCH VALUE
If some kind soul could sub the last 5 episodes so that I can have my closure on this wonderful lakorn, that would be greatly and deeply appreciated. I'd love to re-watch this if I could but not with an inconclusive ending...
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The entire cast was great-- the second couple and the side characters were people you actually wanted to watch and root for-- I especially found Lee Yi Kyung's Go Dok Jae endearing, believably innocent and lovable. And don't get me started on the male second lead-- I had second lead syndrome forJang Ki Yong the majority of this series (shout out to the writer and director for one of the swooniest scenes of all time-- high heels and steep slope), won over in the end by Son Ho Jun who was flawed and frustrating at times but not to the point of wanting to give up on him.
Now, to the real gems of this drama: Jang Na Ra and Kim Mi Kyung were pitch perfect in every scene. They really took the drama from a good to one of my all time favorites. Their mother/daughter relationship made me miss my mom and want to give her a call-- their scenes were good reminders for not taking your loved ones for granted, and again both of these characters were just so easily likable, it was always a treat when one or the two were on screen. Jang Na Ra does heartbreak like few others, when she cried, I cried-- maybe because I'm a mother myself and close to my own mother, but all of her feelings, I believed, none of that typically bad kdrama crying that can really take you out of the moment, just heartfelt heartbreak you felt in the center of your chest. I think her character of Ma Jin Joo will go down in history of one of the all time best female leads, and she's definitely my favorite so far.
The music didn't grab me off the bat; however, it was unobtrusive and not all that noticeable, and I found myself humming it throughout the week as the series went on.
This is definitely the kind of show you rewatch-- every heart skipping, tear-jerking moment.
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The cast acting is good, the main lead got pretty good chemistry though Dawan and Khan basically playing pull and push until Dawan decided to leave to set her problems with her family by herself since she doesn't want involve him in her problems. But they still look cute together. Khan's eyes show that he can't get enough of his "darling" and always want her in his sight.
But I wish they give an ending that show other people in her life who hates her to understand her and know her story why she had a bad behavior towards other people except her Nanny, not just to the viewers. I want people know that Dawan used to be a sweet girl not just after she lost her memories. An innocent girl who also wants family and home to rest just like those people who try to take it from her. And her relationship with Khan, I wish they show that she actually had always love him. I believe that deep down the old Dawan always remember her P' Khan. And those hate she throw at him actually just a tantrum to make him pay attention only to her.
Rewatch value? I'll comeback for Da and P' Khan's childhood and their sweet honeymoon :)
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Okay, now let's get to the review.
In terms of story, overall, I am quite satisfied with it. I believe that it provides a good balance between horror, suspense, and humor. I enjoyed each episode although it does not really make me feel 'okay-i-need-to-watch-the-next-episode-now!'. However, there are some things that could be improved. First, while I feel like the drama focuses on Na Young, Sun Woo and Cheo Yong, their story only evolve in the last 2 episodes. The cases solved in the previous episodes do not seem to relate to the main problem; although they are interesting, I could not help but wonder why are they there in the first place. Second, the ending is confusing for me. I could not grasp the ending because it seems off in relation to the previous scene (you will understand what I am talking about once you watch it). Third, the editing and shooting... (I know this is not related to story but it does affect the flow of the story - for me). I could not focus on watching and processing the story because of the poor camera technique. It is fine up to episode 6 where sudden zooming starts to occur. Maybe the cameramen and the director are trying to create suspense by zooming after every phrase.. but sorry.. it failed. [Eg of awkward zooming: You know *zoom* I found out that *zoom* the suspect *zoom* might be here *zoom zoom*]. Moreover, there are some messy camera movement between characters too [Eg: Sun Woo *drag camera quickly everything is blurry* Cheo Yong *repeat* Sun Woo]. Fourth, they do not really explain on Cheo Yong's history. They just expect us to accept the fact that he is a ghost-seeing detective without telling us why is he that way. They did drop some hints, but they are not developed until the end.
In terms of the acting or cast, not so special but not bad too. The main leads and the officer team are quite good, although there are some parts which do not look natural for me (eg: Oh Ji Ho's crying scene on the bridge). I also do want to give 2 thumbs up for the cameos, they all did really good! Hope to see all of them in more dramas in the future! Among all of the casts, Na Young really catches my attention. She is such a lovely and cute character; the drama will be very boring without her.
In terms of music, hm.. to be honest, I am not a music watcher. I dont really pay attention to the music when I watch a drama. However, since I do not have any 'eh-what-music-is-this' moment, I assume the music do match the scenes :D They are not so special tho, they do not give me an earworm after I finish watching.
In terms of rewatch value, although I enjoy watching this, but it does not leave that much of an impression that would make me want to rewatch it again. So, nope, not really high rewatch value.
Overall, I do enjoy watching this drama and I recommend this for you guys who love horror or mystery based dramas :D
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I must say that this is one of those rare time-travel dramas that I really like. Of course it's not perfect and definitely have flaws here and there - especially in the last episode but the overall experience and feelings I got while watching this drama is more than enough for me to look past over those flaws.
What I love about this drama is the realistic portrayal of a married couple who once so in love with each other but ended up growing apart due to lack of communication and understanding of each other's situation. The way they showed us how they struggle with financial difficulties, the hardship of having to lower your pride in your job because you need to - in order to feed your family. The touching way of showing us how, once in our youth we were so passionate, dreamful and full of hope for our future only for us to be hit by reality once that time comes - that not all of us may achieve our dreams, not all of us may get what we wanted but that doesn't stop us from moving forward and just keep on struggling to make a living - even though once in our youth, we had those times where we wanted money for useless things and waste them without thinking of tomorrow. I love to see how these married couple grew up and learn more in life after they traveled back to past.
My favorite scenes are those scenes with Jin Joo and her mother - they never failed to make me teared up and cry sometimes. The thought that once in our youth we may have taken their love and care for granted and ignore them but once they are gone, we will do everything just to have that moment to be with them again, to touch them again, to see them, to talk to them and all - it was so touching and really well done.
My only problem with this series is the way the writer put those usual cliche troupe near the end, it got me asking "Why?" - this drama could've been perfect without them.
Nevertheless. this is one of those dramas that will stay in my heart for a long time.
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Now let's push that aside, and look at the series. I decided to look at it a super hero origin story, those are always kinda clunky, having to mush so much stuff in such a short amount of time. The first 5 episodes are flashback heavy, the same flashbacks, but you see more each time. For those anime fans out there think Naruto's swing in front of the school, that level of repetition flashbacks.
Ok lets get past that. There was lots a pretty in the movie with Taemin and Shota, that helps me forgive a lot. Its Matsuda, so yes its an artsy film, like Depp he doesn't do any other kind.
The songs What's this Feeling and I'm Crying by Taemin are really good. It's a coherent, even if sketchy story line.
If you like Sci-fi or super heroes, Matsuda Shota or Tae-mini I recommend this title. Despite the way this review sounds I liked it a lot, I just feel if you go in with low expectations you'll enjoy it more.
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ACTING/CAST: There were some parts where I could tell some were inexperienced, but overall they did a fine job for such a short series.
MUSIC: So short I didn't pay much attention.
OVERALL: Funny and had some hot daydreams of one guy dreaming of the other. Again, not BL, just fujoshi but see the end and decide for yourself.
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The actors were good , I quit like the Female Lead Character she is awesome ! but for the Male Lead Character was so annoying always beat around the bush .
The music reminds me of the Korean Drama " She Was Pretty " I think it is the same song am not sure .
About the story , as I mentioned it is very similar to " itazura na kisu " ... at first I enjoyed the drama but half way through it got me so annoyed because they dragged the story so much !! like the drama have only 15 Episodes it does not need to be draggy !! it took them more than 10 Episode to make them self clear !!!!!!!!!!!!! .
So only the first few Episode & the last few Episode were cute , other than that I did not like it ! .
Still it is watchable ...
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