Binbo Danshi (2008)

Loved: The opening credits (the cast in adjoining toilet cubicles)! Oguri Shun is amazing as usual - totally in character. For someone so unique-looking he always manages to create characters that are so different from each other in both appearance & personality. I also love Miura Haruma in this role (it's the one that made me a big fan) - he is so shy and tentative; so completely unlike his previous character in Gokusen 3 (yes, I really watched it).



Didn't Love: It's possible that Shun's hair in Binbo Danshi compares unfavourably with Matsumoto Jun's in Kimi wa Petto: an impressive feat indeed! The money lender's goons can get a bit tiring after a while (why do evil sidekicks never have even one brain between them?!)



Binbo Danshi features a rag-tag group of people with a common enemy (money) which brings them all together despite their differences in background and character. The result is an appealing mix of humour, friendship and feel-good moments. A wacky and lighthearted look at the struggles of ordinary people - definitely worth watching.



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Overall [9] - I started this series specifically because of Oguri Shun but I ended up really enjoying the whole thing. This series has a light feel to it, despite the subject matter, so it won't depress you if you are looking for something happy. I'd recommend this series to anyone looking for something just a little more "grown-up" than your average high school drama.

Story [10] - While a bit ridiculous at times, the story in this series was one of hard times, failures, and successes. It's not exactly a deep story, yet it still manages to cover some important lessons while progressing at a nice pace. The common theme in this story is one I feel many people can relate to in our times.

Acting/Cast [9] - To start, Shun was absolutely adorable in this series! I enjoyed seeing him in a role very different from what I've seen of him thus far. His ever positive attitude kept this series alive. There were a few characters I didn't care for personally yet they all fit together well and balanced one another.

Music [8] - I can't comment much on the music, as nothing really stood out in a way to make me remember it specifically. Though I can say what I do remember of it, the music was well placed and fitting of the scenes.

Rewatch Value [9] - I'll definitely be watching this series again. I loved the never-depressing feel of this drama. Shun was able to make every part of this drama enjoyable.

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