Smile Episode 1

WAY better than I thought! Can't wait to see the next episode!

Forgot about your summer reading? Don't worry, just read this and feel like you've read SOMETHING over break.

Just like Vito, I'm a half-Filipino who has never been to the Philippines, so I feel I might be more biased and empathetic towards his character (that's why I'm writing this thing in the first place) than the random viewer who had nothing to do Tuesday night, and decided to watch a drama with Koike Eiko's adorable face. Seriously, I want her to teach me the ways of being that cute (I hope it involves playing with puppies and learning how to poop rainbows).

When I first found out that Matsujun had a role as a half-Filipino in a drama, I was cackling in my seat wondering if Hayami Mokomichi was either too busy with the acting performance of his life, or busy formulating ways to get even tanner (or hotter. Seriously, he's too hot #fangirl4LYFE WHO NEEDS LOGIC WHEN YOU GOT SUCH HOTNESS!? *Ahem*). Even with Matsujun's massive tan, it looked like he swam in the remnants of Snooki's self-tanner instead of being someone Filipino; how could he pull off looking half-Filipino!? Boy, was I wrong. While I know that because you're race so-and-so, that doesn't mean you act like its stereotypes. However, the hard work ethic, positivity in even he most dire circumstances, and generosity for others (even when you're broke as hell) reminded me of many traits enforced at my house. His mannerisms reminded me of my mom too, so he actually convinced me as someone who is Filipino/lived with one/lived with those values. I can't wait to see how this character develops in later episodes.

One thing that shocked me about this drama was how race was covered. Now, I never been in Japan, so I don't know how much of this is the "group" mentality they seem to have there or just drama exaggeration, but it sure taught me something. It seemed like actual thoughts/occurrences on race instead of TV-land's extremist attitudes from things like romance to how to properly prepare cereal. He goes though dealing with suspicious thoughts, to rude comments because of his race. The sheer fact that he's sporting a tan causes discrimination. I've had the misfortune of seeing this kind of stupidity happen to some of my friends, so I know what it looks like. I like how the drama gives a first-hand look into this. And, I'm not gonna lie, when people called him "Filipino bastard," I was tearing up, filled with frustration I didn't think I would feel. How Vito didn't kick their butts shows how he is much more mature and responsible than those jerks (as well as me).

As for acting, Matsujun shocked me. With my doubt of idols' acting abilities, I thought Matsujun was a typecast of sorts. Now, I know he probably did dramas as someone who ISN'T a jerk with a heart of gold (I think Kimi wa Pet is one. Haven't seen it yet, but he's a pet for God's sake). There was a scene where [redacted for spoilers] that just made me cry a LOT. He just felt such pain for being distrusted JUST because of his race (he never even left Japan and he got the "you're not Japanese" crap). I just felt for Vito and cried with him. When you see that scene, you'll know what I'm talking about. Matsujun's acting just went up a couple notches for me. Like I said earlier, I'm looking forward to his development later on.

For Eiko's character, I'm still somewhat iffy. Yes, she's uber-cute, but her character left me with questions. She played the role of someone who lost her voice to emotional trauma, but I'm just wondering what HAPPENED to her. It's probably a story-thing, but I didn't know she would be so cute! So while her character has so much potential for depth, we see her act as the sweet-and-shy high school girl well.

The bond between the workers at Vito's daytime job seemed so natural, friendly, and familiar. I can see it as Vito's sanctuary. I thought that the cast did a pretty good job, but nothing Earth-shattering. Yet. Two workers at the job were friends with Vito when he did bad things, so maybe we'll see their experiences and coping mechanisms for the kind of past they had (REALLY don't want to spoil anything, so pardon the vagueness).

I'm pretty sure there's a way to condense this long review, but I felt that it would be cheap. The first episode was really good, and I'm looking forward to the next episode. I hope the trouble that happened here is resolved justly, or I'll go to the nearest KKK meeting to kick racists in the face to blow off steam. Those people calling Vito a "Filipino-bastard" frustrates me to no end; that's why I'm gonna finish this drama in hopes they realize the error of their ways.

As I sat weeping at the corner of the living room where I accidentally watched the whole episode when I just wanted to see if it downloaded properly, I thought about how this drama was much better than I thought. The next episode is BOUND to be good!

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