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"Let's do our best."
"Hiyokko 2" is the only asadora special/sequel that I've watched that I feel is actually worth watching. It's a real sequel unlike whatever that "Mare" special was, doesn't focus on random side characters like the "Massan" special, and isn't actively frustrating like all three "Churasan" sequels.This sequel takes place two years after "Hiyokko" in 1970. There's no real storyline, which sounds like a bad thing but it's not. Basically, the drama catches us up on what everyone (I mean *everyone*) has been up to. Then there's little storylines sort-of like vignettes showing how certain characters are moving forward. For example, Mineko's younger sister Chiyoko (played by Miyahara Kanau) develops her first crush and has to decide between working or going to college. There's also storylines with Tokiko (Sakuma Yui) and Suzuko (Miyamoto Nobuko), both of which I really liked.
"Hiyokko 2" carries on the slice-of-vibe from before and really just feels like a continuation of the original series, which since I loved it was a good thing for me. I definitely recommend this sequel if you loved "Hiyokko." It's the perfect sequel or maybe it's closer to an epilogue. And look there's also a reference to "Easy Rider."
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"Don't let go of this hand."
"Massan" is the 22nd asadora that I've watched and one I'd been specifically saving to watch later on. I had a good feeling about "Massan" early on that I'd really love it. Thankfully, my feeling was spot on. It was truly a pleasure to watch every bit of it. "Massan" also appears to be the template for 2020's "Yell," which I watched last month. Clearly, "Massan" and "Yell" are the right way to do "couple asadoras." Both leads are given nearly equal screen time and character development with the relationship being at the center of it. For me, it felt really special to watch both of these dramas.In "Massan," the very first non-Japanese asadora heroine was introduced. I was really impressed with the actress Charlotte Kate Fox, who plays Ellie. She undoubtedly had the most difficultly with her role being that she didn't speak Japanese. However, despite these hurdles, Fox was able to portray Ellie with nuance and strong emotions. She didn't feel like someone just reading lines. Furthermore, Ellie serves as a great audience surrogate for international viewers. Those unfamiliar with Japanese customs will learn as Ellie does. [Even after watching several dozens of J-dramas, I learned a lot from this asadora.] Tamayama Tetsuji plays Ellie's husband Masaharu "Massan". He is a new gem for me and I'm looking forward to possibly seeing him in other dramas. His acting is a good match for Fox's and they're able to play off of each other well. In the end, them and their relationship are the heart of this drama.
The main focus of "Massan" is whiskey. Massan travels to Scotland to learn about whiskey, which was how he met his wife Ellie. She decides to share in his dream forever afterwards. At first, I found the up-and-downs of Massan's dream a bit annoying. But in hindsight, I liked that it shows how business is not linear. It's full of successes and failures. As a middle-aged man, Massan has to find a way to keep his dream afloat while balancing his other responsibilities. Strangely, I didn't mind that Ellie's dream was really helping Massan with his dream, which has bothered me in other asadoras. I think it comes down to Ellie's personality. She's kind and supportive, but also has a fiery side to her and won't allow anyone to treat her badly. Meaning she's not a pushover and she's helping Massan because she really wants to.
The strongest supporting character is Massan's and Ellie's adoptive daughter, Emma (Yuki Mio). She has a solid characterization and, thankfully, is only a little annoying when she's a teenager. I didn't think it was necessary to change the actress in the last two weeks, but the actress Kinami Haruka is very good and I ended up liking her too. Aside from Emma, I also really loved the amazing Pinko Izumi (of Oshin fame) as Massan's strong-willed mother. She appears to be the stereotypical, difficult mother-in-law at first, but ends up subverting expectations. Of course, there are many more lovable characters. My only complaint is that once Massan and Ellie move away from certain areas or storylines you don't really hear about some characters again. For example, I'd really like to know what happened to Boss Kamoi or Yuko, Ellie's first friend in Japan.
After finishing "Massan," I was left sad that it had ended but also satisfied with its [very bittersweet] ending. Be prepared to cry your eyes out. I got the same feeling from "Yell" and "Asa ga Kita," which both have similar vibes to "Massan." I also really liked the opening theme song of "Massan" and the frequent use of "Auld Lang Syne." [I know asadora music gets repetitive, but I don't really mind.] I'd definitely recommend "Massan" to both new and veteran viewers of asadoras alike.
My Asadora Ranking: https://kisskh.at/list/LAlqpp21
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Heartfelt movie with solid acting
I really love Sugisaki Hana. She never disappoints me with her projects. Her acting is always nuanced and she seems to inhabit her characters. This movie was particularly interesting for me since she's not really the "main" you know. Nevertheless, Hana was able to show off some really nice acting during her scenes. The film is told through Tabata's point-of-view. He is played by Yoshizawa Ryo who I've only seen in the live-action Bleach movie (which Hana was also in lol). Of course, I was better able to see Ryo's acting ability in this film and I'll definitely keep my eye out now.Basically, the film follows Tabata (Ryo) who formed a club with the idealistic Akiyoshi (Hana) three years prior. He now feels that the club has strayed from its 'save the world' ambitions and aims to take it down. Tabata can be classified as an unreliable narrator as the way he views events aren't really how they played out and he embellishes other things. Despite this, I really related to Tabata. He was an outsider who avoided people so he wouldn't get hurt, only realizing later that that is impossible.
Ultimately, the movie is about change: "becoming the person you want to be." Akiyoshi goes towards this goal by striving to make the world a better place. Supporting character Mizuki (Mori Nana) must leave the safety of the free school she attends to enter the real world. Tabata must truly open himself to people and emotions. Overall, the movie had a lot of touching moments. It might come off a bit preachy at time, but not much.
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Messy and forgettable, but not exactly horrible
This drama took me foreverrr to finish, despite being only five episodes. It just wasn't as enjoyable as "Perfect Match." I kind of dreaded watching the final two episodes and eventually just had to bite the bullet. I think it boils down to two factors: story and acting. First of all, the premise is ridiculous and tedious at times. I think GMMTV was overreaching with this amnesia wannabe Groundhog Day plot. While somewhat interesting, the writing and acting was just not there.I genuinely liked all of the actors, Neen, Mouse, Nicky. They're all adorable. But... Neen was obviously too young for this role. Her acting was so cringey at times, though she had a few shining moments. Nicky and Mouse weren't horrible, but not exactly stand-outs. I wasn't too impressed with the supporting cast either. Though it was nice to see baby New! But not baby Off, I was so sad that his character was so creepy T_T
To conclude, this drama was pretty forgettable and probably not worth your time if you're a seasoned drama watcher. Now, if you're new or just wanna watch the whole Ugly Duckling series, I don't think it's too bad. There were a lot of moments I liked. The ending here was also better than "Perfect Match," though somewhat cobbled together.
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Fun drama but muddled at some points
First of all, the plot. "Perfect Match" is a pretty straightforward story, though its weakest points are episode 1 and the 7-8. The catalyst for Junior's (Mook) transformation is kind of... dumb. Plastic surgery on your cheeks, who does that? Anyway, Junior has a reaction from the chemicals uses and develops pimples all over her face. I like that Junior's transformation, both physical and mental, is slowly played out during the series.Now on to Suea (Push), Junior's love interest. Honestly, Push is irresistible. I love his confidence and playfulness. His interactions with Bie are simply adorable. Around episodes 7-8, I was confused by some of his behavior. I guess he was just supposed to be jealous, but some of the things he said just came off as mean. He, thankfully, goes back to being nice in the final episode and his behavior is explained somewhat. P.S. I was not really a fan of the big reveal at the end.
All in all, after watching "Girl Next Room," I'm loving these anthology dramas. They're short, usually below ten episodes. And they're all connected in some way, but not enough that it'll be a problem if you skip one. After finishing "Ugly Duckling," I'm planning to watch the "U-Prince" series and "Senior Secret Love."
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Just okay
This drama started off strong for me. Of course, the plot isn't something revolutionary or anything. But, it was a really cute story of two sisters returning to their hometown and falling in love there. I really liked all the flashbacks of Bebe (Mook) and Mint (Krist), which were just adorable. The story lost me around episodes 8 and 9. Everything just became so over-the-top, especially with the SFL. I didn't even hate her until episode 9. At that point, she was just insufferable.My main issue with the drama remains Mook's character. She's shallow and materialistic, but I actually didn't start to hate her because of this. Her character actually goes through some good character development. However, she clearly cheats on her boyfriend and this is never addressed. I know he turned out to be jerk, but we're just okay with cheating now??? I'm sorry but they really failed her character in this one.
Lastly, the final episode was good atleast. I appreciate a nice happy ending, even if it was a major "Pair the Spares" moment. Look that up on TVTropes if you don't know what I'm talking about. I probably won't ever watch this again, but atleast it introduced me to Krist. I'm definitely going to check out some of his other stuff.
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