DragonAlien

"Where to go from here?" It’s a question we’re constantly asking ourselves I think, but one that is asked most frequently (and frantically) in our twenties as we try to make sense of our external environments and inner desires. Neither quite here nor there, yet the question persists: where do we go from here? We meet seven individuals who are connected to each other in different ways through professional attachments or personal encounters, much like real life. Osozaki no Himawari is a drama revolved about several young adults in Shimanto and their hopes and dreams shared together, to finally find their own self. It’s a journey of life and I think one of the most realistic dramas ever being produced. This drama motivates us to do the best of what we can do. In terms of acting, Ikuta Toma is impressive as always as he effortlessly immerses himself in his role of a man-child trying to find his self-worth but it’s really Maki Yoko‘s portrayal of straight-as-a-bullet, cool and sassy Kahori who won me over. She depicts Kahori with such maturity, ease and confidence that it’s engaging to watch her – both as a character and as a real person. The rest of the cast was also very convincing and so real and natural, I could easily feel all their struggles and worries while trying to find the answers and their own path in life. I’ll say this right off the bat that this show isn’t and won’t be for everyone because it’s basically a slice-of-life genre where we’re really just looking in on the lives of seven late-twenty-something adults who are forced to face their greatest fears. I'm asking myself similar questions and facing, more or less, the same dilemmas. Thus, the writer’s ability to breathe to life seven characters who each feel and seem like real persons is definitely something to applaud. As for the directing, there’s a certain assurance that makes this a very beautiful watch. The autumn colors in Shimanto are especially vivid and capture the scenes with so much emotional resonance. On that note, I friggin’ love The Sinking Bridge and any scenes involving it, period. In fact, I appreciate the quiet confidence of the directors because scenes are often shot appropriately with splatters of symbolism, metaphorically echoing the emotions of the characters focused upon. It’s also really nice that they depicted their respect for the place through countless scenes, all of which were beautifully shot. I love the small-town feel and the fact that this show pointedly gets the message across that the other grasses aren’t necessarily greener on the other sides and frankly, even if they are – so what? If the location where the grass is greener for you is a small-town, or a hole in the wall Godforsaken place, or a humble abode and not the metropolitan, fast-paced and urban setting of the world’s cities – so what? The point is that whatever you do to live happily wherever you are. At the end of the day, you’re responsible for your life and the decisions you make. You’re the only one who knows best your heart’s desires – where does your dreams lie? There is no such thing as total win-win; sacrifices are part and parcel. Will you be able to live through the decisions made? Remember, while other people’s presence in your life will inevitably influence the decisions you make, at the end of the day it’s you and only you who’ll be held accountable for those decisions. Don’t be afraid – even as adults, don’t be afraid because as Osozaki no Himawari reminds us, even adults are (allowed to be) afraid. Over the duration of the show, relationships make and break, feelings develop and sizzle, truths are kept and uncovered, hearts are broken and mended and regardless whatever takes place or not, time passes and with that, everyone eventually moves forward – at different paces and starting points much like real life once more, but acceptance and resilience are two strong traits which each of them share. Why do I love this drama so much? Because everyone in this drama is so kind and generous. They look on their own mistakes before started to blaming others. They reflected on what they did and quickly say sorry for their own mistakes. My heart was touched, watching this drama made me wanting to do good as well, like the characters had done. If I watched other drama, I can’t help but cursing the bad guys. It’s different in this drama. There’s no one who perfectly do good, but they reflected and aware of their mistakes. They’re so strong and brave to be able to realize their own mistakes. There is nothing glitzy, glamorous or loud about the show – not the writing, not the directing and not even the emotional conflicts. Yet it has effortlessly and easily paved its way into my heart; permanently etched, I didn’t see it coming my way at all and I'm glad it happened that way cause this drama for sure gave me so many positive vibes and refreshment, ordinary one but most definitely worth watching.