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This review may contain spoilers
Visually speaking, this is a gorgeous movie. Vibrant colors in walls, clothes and scenery. The contrast between the black-and-white princess and the colorful real world. Miyuki's clothes, every one of them. Ayase Haruka as a princess, Kenji as a poor director's assistant. The shots of the camera. There is one scene at the beginning of the movie that was filmed from above, and it shows the little made-up town and all the actors in their clothes, and it was simply beautiful.As for the story, it was a nice, clean romance, with a bit of mystery and heartbreaking moments. I watched it twice in a week and I cried in both occasions. However, it could also be because of Ayase Haruka's tears... she almost always manages to move me with her tears. And she looked amazing as a princess. She had a nice chemistry with Sakaguchi Kentaro (she almost always has a good chemistry with whatever actor she works with), BUT as always, she is terrible in love scenes. She is a like an unreachable princess, cold and stiff in regards to hugs and kisses. Thankfully, it wasn't properly show in this movie, so it didn't bothered me so much.
I though at first that the movie had some plotholes. Like, she has to put make-up on her entire self to disguise her black-and-white self. But she remains colorful even under the rain. However, I noticed that it only rained when she was upset or sad, so maybe the rain was magical like her and couldn't affect her. It isn't explained how she comes to this world, but since it is a fantasy, there is no need for that. And as for all her wardrobe, it could be because they are in a movie set, and there are a lot of clothes.
SPOILER...
The ending was very sad. I couldn't live like them at all, without touching the one you love. And when they finally do... :(( so sad. Why??? The final scene was just a way to calm our broken hearts :((
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This is the first time I see a period drama (a Japanese period drama, that is). I learned so much. First, this character, Sakamoto Ryoma, who is one of Japan's hero (although you would not believe it in this show... he was more like a comedy relief, but I've read some text about him to be more informed). And then, their life styles. This is the 1862 year.
Top-notch things about this wonderful dorama:
- Cast: many familiar faces, but also some new ones. Ayase Haruka has never failed me. She is amazing in everything she does. I think I will like whatever she is in. She plays the daughter of an important family, and she wants to be a doctor (which was not possible in that time, for a woman). Needless to say, she looked gorgeous as Saki-sama, in her kimono and fancy hairdo. Her brother is Koide Keisuke, another actor that has never failed me. He may be a little to tamed here, but I liked him so much he could have said two words in the entire show and I would have still liked him. Other actor that I've recently started to like is Kiritani Kenta (as the doctor Saburi). He has such a funny face, and boy he can act! He was wonderful as the new doctor who practiced his studies with prostitutes. And then it is Nakatani Miki, as Miki and the courtesan Nokaze. WOW, what a pretty, elegant lady. I have seen her only in one movie ("Densha Otoko") and I wasn't impressed. She was too plain, in looks and in acting. Boy did I change my mind! She is beautiful, she moved me with her acting as both Nokaze and Miki. She was so elegant and lady-like as the courtesan. Everything, from her voice to her little movements, were majestic. OMG, even her little feet were elegant. I love her smile, I can't believe I once thought she was plain.
The new faces, for me, were first, Ozawa Takao as Jin. Excellent his role as the doctor. I don't think I will be able to see him in another role, he WAS Dr. Jin. He traveled in time, from present time to Edo time. It was not hard to put into his shoes. Everything he did -every life he saved, every person he met- could change history, and he was afraid of it. But more than anything, he was a doctor, so of course he changed perspectives; his and the people he met. I could understand why two strong females, like Saki and Nokaze, fall in love with him. He was just, he was kind, he was skillful. On the other hand, I could not take sides. I loved Saki, she was an independent woman who was interested in medicine. I loved Nokaze, who had a very sad past and wanted her freedom. I loved Miki, Nokaze's great-great-great-granddaughter and present girlfriend. I could understand why Jin was so aware of the little photograph he took with him (where he and Miki were posing. With every change he made into history, the photograph changed). I don't know how this will end... and although I hate love triangles -or love squares- I wish Jin all the happiness and wisdom to chose a woman among these wonderful women.
At first I thought the actor had a funny face... a bit weird, since his eyes are very apart. But with every laugh I liked him more. He had those tiny wrinkles that made him attractive, he has a nice body and nice teeth. On the other hand, he has a huge Adam's apple (is it weird to take notice of that??)
The actor who played Dr. Ogata was also wonderful. First time I see this man. He did a good job playing the most important doctor in this little town. I was moved by his tears. And I was convinced of his importance and intelligence.
The little boy... waaa, I had tears in my eyes when he was crying for his mother. At first I thought he was a bit annoying and not a good actor, but he proved me wrong with the scene with his mother.
Oh, and Kohinata Fumiyo has a small role as well! He was, of course, wonderful. WOW the number of roles he played so far! One of the most prolific Japanese actors.
The man who played Ryoma-san was good, first time I see him. I just did not like his role that much, mainly because of the way he talked, and also because I just couldn't make up my mind that a guy like him has been the most important guy in Japan history. He was just too... he took things like a joke, which is fine of course, but as Ryoma-san... not so much I guess.
- Setting: the backgrounds were beautiful. The houses -so Japanese-, the gardens! The little red district... the trees! Houses were wide and so clean.
- Costumes: Saki's kimonos and Nokaze's... O_O WOW, beyond gorgeous. Their hairstyles, Nokaze's high shoes, her make-up. I loved one of Saki's kimono which was pink. Or another that was blue with little flowers. Scratch that, I loved ALL her kimonos! From the top of their heads to their tiny feet... everything was pretty.
- The surgeries: I am one of those people that cannot see blood... and since Jin is a doctor who has to perform surgeries -brain surgery, skin surgery, breast surgery...- everything looked very real. I was like O_O OMG. And of course, praying that Jin could save his or her life. It did not always happen -obviously- but I was so happy when he did.
- Soundtrack: the ending song not so much. But the opening and the one that accompanied the most important scenes (by Takami Yu). It was sweet and a bit sad and just beautiful. I loved it and I am currently searching it to have it on my playlist. One of my favorite dorama songs.
Before I decided to watch it, I've read several reviews in order to decide. Most of the reviews said that the end was not good. I think it was good, a bit of a cliffhanger but not a life-or-death problem. It ended like it was supposed to end. Some get their happy ending, some get a HFN. A perfect way to continue a 2nd season, but for people who did not like it so much, it can also end here.
Rewatch value is 100% since I have watched it already twice.
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The cutest rom-com of the season, if not of the year. I was smiling like a fool for all 9 episodes. And can't wait for the SP tomorrow... 2 whole hours! To bad there is no translation of the manga, I would love it read it.
Recommended for: people who liked Hajikoi and Nigehaji.
Not recommended to: people who consider any J-romance as misogynist, whether it be a woman ending with a younger man, an older man, a working woman deciding her own future, etc, etc.
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I think the cast was amazing, especially the students. And among them, I love Yamaguchi Mayu (Masuda) and Daichi Kaneko (Hasebe). Although Endo Kenshin (Keigo) was also great. But overall, the students were excellent, and I can't wait to see them in other roles. My new adopted children <3
The setting is in Kamakura, which is a beautiful city. I am not sure about the ED song, "Reboot" since it didn't fit the drama, but it was a catchy song nonetheless. Being a school counselor must be so hard. I think Inoue Mao was a good choice for her role since she has a reliable face.
I can't think of why this would have a low rating, because I loved it. Anyone who likes to read mystery books with unexpected revelations would like this.
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The story is a very engaging one: the world of mangas and mangaka. To be more precise, the world of editors. They also have to struggle, not only the mangaka do. They need to take care of the mangaka, give them advice, move here to there. There are also moments of tears and frustration. Editors need to walk along the mangakas, they need to be there for them all the time and built a trust, which is fundamental.
Since I am a big fan of BAKUMAN, it was impossible not to link them both. One is from the Mangaka's POV, the other one is from the Editorial's POV. I looked everywhere to read the manga Juhan Shuttai, but unfortunately is not translated :( It really is a heart-warming story, and the art is so cute, especially chibi Kokoro, who looks a lot like dear Sawako from "Kimi ni Todoke".
The cast was marvelous. I was familiar with most of the secondary characters only; more specifically, the mangakas (Mikurayama-sensei, Takahata-sensei...). And of course, Namase Katsuhisa-san. But this is the first time I see Kuroki Haru (Kokoro) and although I've seen some photos of him, this is my first time watching Odagiri Joe (Iokibe-san). I am not sure which one of these 2 were my favorites! Kokoro was the typical bright, positive girl, but she was far from annoying and stupid. Her motto was "Gambaremassu" and she motivated a couple of characters, like emo mangaka-to-be Nakata-kun, and poor, nice Koizumi-kun, whose professional life was a bit depressing at first, but once he was motivated, everything changes for him for better. It was really touching. Impossible not to like a girl with that kind of enthusiasm! Also my first time seeing Sakaguchi Kentaro, who is a real sweetheart! His smile is so adorable, and he acts really well! Can't believe his filmography is so short; he acts like a pro and ten million times than veterans!
**sighs** Odagiri Joe... I've read some lists before were he was mentioned, like "more kissable lips" or whatever, but have never paid him any attention. My, I was so impressed with this guy. Let's talk first about his role. Iokibe-san is one of the coolest guy I've seen in a dorama. Super nice, real intelligent, a perfect mentor, a humble editor, a nice guy, a kind co-worker, a capable editor. Only once he shouts in the whole dorama, otherwise, he speaks with a calm, soothing voice. No wonder Kokoro admired him so much! If I were her, I would have probably fallen in love with him. Because not only he was the nicest guy and mentor, he also looks real good! Glasses and man-bun, perfect combination! With some facial hair, the cherry on top. Sure, some of his shirts were, errr, colorful, but he looked like a model! I loved him and I am glad Episode 9 was more or less about him.
Clothes were colorful, specially in Kokoro's case. Some of her skirts were a bit old-fashioned, but overall her clothes matched her character: young, happy and bright. Editor Mibu was always wearing T-shirts with food drawings on them (I love this actor, he is so funny!), Yasui-san was always wearing stripped sweaters, Takahata-san always in Adidas outfits, Nakata-san always in dark sweatsuits and Koizumi was always in suit. I love that even the clothes were important to the story, every detail meant something!
The sountrack was lovely, and the ending song was ok. But my favorite thing is that it is an inspirational dorama. If you love something, you give it all, like Kokoro did, and for that, she was rewarded at the end. I laughed many times, but I also cried a couple of times. There wasn't a single episode that was boring or dragging, I loved it from Ep. 1 to 10, and I wish it was longer! Nevertheless, it has a perfect ending, because it wasn't really an ending.. more like a beginning :D
I recommend this dorama a hundred times Top quality, top cast, excellent story, I loved it!
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If you need something relaxing after a long day, just like the FL when she comes home, watch this nice little show. She provides the recipe of every dinner she makes, and the expression on her face when she says おいしい will make you smile instantly.
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Cast (10/10): the whole cast is back! The chemistry between Ayano Go and Hoshino Gen and Yoshida Yo... and Sakaguchi Kento and Omori Nao and Matsuoka Mayu... I am even satisfied with the new faces, Goro-san (Miyazawa Hio) and Kurasaki-sensei (Matsumoto Wakana). They all complemented each other so well! Ayano Go said that he was happy they were all back since all of them are now leading actors in dramas and movies, and I can tell that, even with a supporting role, they were all happy to work together again.
There are even guests from S1 who make an appearance, like the mother and father of the little boy with the Trisomy 16, and Kounodori's "mama" and other surprises.
My personal favorites, who deserve an award for their acting: Ayano Go (obviously... and I am not the only one mesmerized with his gentle face and gentle voice.. even GC were commenting every week on his "yasashii" attributes) and Yoshida Yo.
Story:(9/10) Every episode deals with a new problem with the mother and/or baby. There were many stories that made me cry (more than in S1). All the supporting cast has his/her own story as well: either professional or personal. While in S1 there is an episode regarding Kounodori's past, in S2 we get to know some of the supporting role's family and ambitions regarding their career. I understand that there has to be changes, in order to be better or to achieve a dream, but regardless of that, I wasn't too happy with the final episode. On the other hand, it makes me hope for a S3... **crossing fingers**
While this season made me cry more than the previous one, S1 remains my favorite. I sensed that the scriptwriter was not the same... in S1 the dialogue was less "pink", less "romantic" than this season's. That's the only fault I can find in S2, that it was more written more "sweet".
Music:(10/10) so good, so good. The piano complimented the poignant moments like a glove. I wonder if Ayano Go truly plays the piano.. if he does, he is truly a "Kamisama" <3
Rewatch value:(9/10) it is not precisely an episodic drama, but I could rewatch my favorite stories without a problem. And I will rewatch when S3 is confirmed (because there has to be). I could rewatch this for the cast and the cute babies and the human stories and the wonderful OST. So yeah, for the whole package :)
Please, this drama deserves more recognition! I hope it wins some awards, unlike S1... Highly recommended!
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All the gang is back except for Kaori (the actress was pregnant at that time), but she is supposed to be there too **giggles**, it's only her voice (is it?) and a picture of a new Kaori, blond and all (it is not the same actress, but it shows so fast so people can only wonder).
I teared up a little bit with Yabushita-san remembering his wife (they loved each other so much **sobs**) and when Yuriko and Taniguchi were in the abandoned little hut. There are only like 3 times in total, counting both dorama and SP, where Yuriko cries, and all these times were touching.
And I don't know if it is because it was the last time I was going to see them, but I kind of liked the song at the end. The OST was so sweet as well.
A perfect sequel for the dorama. Actually, it feels like Episode 11. It is a MUST! for people who loved the dorama.
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1. the opening sequence: each episode has a different sequence, but they are all about the same thing: YUgami and Hanyu kicking/punching each other. They were all awesome XD and they all left me with a smile on my face.
2. Yugami as the senior cop, is childish and doesn't follow rules. In fact, he sometimes breaks the law (for example, he unlocks doors and safety cases with his pin). He doesn't play "dirty" as Komikado-sensei, but he is always right.
3. Hanyu, as the rookie cop, is more emotional but also sticks to the rules. He disapproves Yugami's methods to find the truth, but deep down, he admires and respects Yugami (like Gakky).
4. Yugami has his own "hacker" who is a big help in all his cases. Not like Komikado's "ninja", but similar.
Yugami is less "funny" and less "eccentric" than Komikado-sensei, but he was a good character, which could be because he was played by the awesome Asano Tadanobu. Actually, the whole cast was good. You could tell that they had a great time working together.
I love all the guests stars. Most of them A-Stars. This was one of the highlights of the drama (I was waiting for a certain actor, who acts for a couple of episodes). And all cases were excellent! Not so much of the "whodunit" but "why" (like most of Japanese mysteries). And most of the time, like 90% of them, the murderer/criminal had a sad story and you can't help but feel sorry for them :( There were cases that made me feel sad for the criminal.
For mystery lovers that are looking for cases not so gloomy, this one is perfect to watch.
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If it wasn't because of one subber that commented how good the drama was, I wouldn't have picked this SP. And I am so glad I did. This was a fun, and surprisingly, very sweet story. I was giggling the whole time. How uncomfortable for Haruta to have his boss in love with him. How awkward Haruta was to have 2 guys in love with him, while he is straight as an arrow (is he?).
I love that Haruta likes both guys, not romantically, but as individuals. He admires his boss and he considers his roommate as his best friend. I love how different both kind of love are: one loves Haruta because of his good traits; the other loves Haruta IN SPITE of his bad traits. One is respectfully rejected; the other is cruelly rejected.
I am sad that Hase's actor is not the same in the drama, because I found him very cute.
The ending was SO CUTE. I am still smiling remembering it.
EDIT: 24hours later I rewatched it. I laughed at the same parts like it was the 1st time I was watching it, and I had again a smile after I finished it. Very cute!
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This review may contain spoilers
I am not really sure how I feel about this dorama. On one hand, I like that there is a female MC that kick ass, that has morals and wants to help other women in need of help. Nami (Ayase Haruka) does what every woman would want to do to rapists and women-beater and kidnappers... give them a good punch in their damn face. So not only she is strong and doesn't let anyone to intimidate her, but she also lives in a gorgeous neighborhood, has 2 lovely friends and a charming husband.. (or does she?) I also like the cast, specially Ayase Haruka and Hirosue Ryoko... And of course her husband (Nishijima Hidetoshi) was good, even more when he was serious and in "enemy" mode, but for me it was a bit hard to see them as husband/wife since I was watching "Yae no Sakura" when this dorama started...On the other hand (and there may be some spoilers)...
As much as I love seeing Ayase Haruka in action scenes, I wish she had a different instructor. Her fights were a bit slow and too synchronized, much like a choreography. The bad guys she fought against were so, um, wimpy? One punch, one kick, and they were out. None of them was a challenge for her. And also, there was one fight scene in every episode (which I wanted), but they were too short, again, because of those wimpy guys. I was too greedy I guess, since I wanted more action.
Her two friends deal with family problems, so all 3 of them have their own secret. Unfortunately, the main problem her friends deal with is 1) one of them is cheating on her husband, and 2) the other one has her own husband having an affair. I can't with cheating in books, and I guess I also dislike cheating in my doramas. I find cheating an unforgivable sin, but since they are married I guess it is not that easy...
And lastly, the pace of the story. First couple of episodes, it was good because it is when we see Nami trying to be a good housewife and befriending her 2 neighbors while being secretly a bad-ass heroine. And last 2 episode were also good since it is when we see that her husband is not who he appeared to be in all the previous episodes. I specially liked the ending, more so because it is obvious there is going to be a SP/movie. But what I didn't like was that the episodes in-between felt more like fillers... I wish the "Mr & Mrs Smith" happened a lot sooner, like around Ep. 4 and from there, more about them and their secret identities. I feel like they (the scriptwriters and whatever) didn't take full advantage of the plot.
At least I have high hopes that the sequel is going to be awesome XD
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I learned a couple of things about depression, so this movie is not only heart-warming but also informative. And touching, in a couple of scenes. The filmography was great, their little home was cozy and outside, with the Sakura trees, was so nice.
Masato Sakai has such a dorky face, so this suit him perfectly. The movie does not have a beginning nor an ending, which is something that I have found mostly in J-doramas and movies. Which I like, because not everything has to have a beginning and/or an end. Also, although it is a 2-hour movie long, it is never dragging nor slow.
Japan is one of the country with the highest amount of suicides. I've read that it is mostly because of work, which is the main reason why Mikio is depressed. The routine, his work-environment, having to take the train everyday, all squeeze like sardines are enough motives. At least he has his pretty, supportive wife, who is there for him "in health and sickness".
I wonder if this was based on real life...
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This review may contain spoilers
What a waste of time. I won't even bother with the final episode. I mean, I knew beforehand that I was watching a super shallow show, but it was interesting nonetheless. I wasn't rooting for anyone in specific. At first I wanted the Jpn girls to make it since I hated all the stupid comments about the "talentless" Japanese girls, but once I saw that i-fandom is super toxic, specifically, K-pop fandom, I knew I had to pretty much learn to ignore all the "haters". First and last time I am part of a GG fandom. Never again! Commenters are all about hate and who is prettier than who. This show wasn't about talent. Popularity and "visuals", that was it.I liked almost all the participants, they were all sweet, pretty and talented in a certain area (I think being likeable is a talent. No one with just talent in singing and/or dancing can make it). I liked the trainers, specially the one who looks angry (she was the best), Soyou, Hong Ki and the host.
The channel, on the other hand.... MESS! What an awful editing, never again I am watching a show of this channel.
The final winners... ah well, at least I can say that Thank God many Jpn girls didn't make it! Unfair, but it was for their best. The amount of hate they got throughout the show, all the "controversies" (one of them was hated because of, literally, the city where she was born) and some of them because they weren't "pretty enough". Miyu is very talented, but if she won, eventually she may have succumbed to the pressure and do ps. On the other hand, there were some Kr girls that totally deserved it, but because of looking "old" or causing some stupid "controversy" (seems like being ambitious is a crime) they didn't make it. While others who were "cuter" did. Oh well. Like I said, being popular and pretty is also a talent.
Overall, interesting for the first 11 episodes, but right now I am just thinking how the hell I wasted my time on this.
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The beginning is kinda of hard to watch since Nagi is a nice and quiet girl who does not stand up for herself. That all changes when one day, after collapsing, she says Enough, leaves all the luxury of living in Tokyo and moves to the suburbs. Her long vacation is a path of self-discovery and self-acceptance, and being true to herself, which is why all new people who meet her, love her in an instant.
Just like in the book EICF, Nagi goes from a sad and lonely life (and very influenced by her mean mother) to enjoy the little things in life, such as drinking and playing with new friends, and learning to have dreams and that life is not A option or B option.
The music was sweet, suitable for the story. I could have lived without the love triangle (except that I loved the character development in a jerk like Shinji) but I think it was ok in this case since it is an example of not because you have option A and B you have to chose one... it means you can do whatever you want, whatever it makes you happy.
And the redemption at the end for the bully of the office was MEH... but J-dramas are always teaching about that, that people are not black or white... there is grey too and everyone deserves a chance.
"I will live for myself, by myself" (Nagi)
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I watched the SP before this one, which is incorrect since the movie comes first, and then the SP. The only spoiler I had was about the character of Monaco though, so it was ok. The whole gang is back, and there are even cameos (and not really cameos.. more like a small role) from previous characters from the TV show. I think it is ok to watch the movie without watching the drama, but I wouldn't recommend it (please watch the drama first! You won't be disappointed).
I can't even tell a single thing about the plot nor what I liked about it since it would all be a spoiler. But it was all so fun and cool! Dako is the best. And Boku-chan is always making me laugh, he is so silly :)
As a side note, I love Eguchi Yosuke as a villain, he is great! Will he be back in the 2nd movie? **fingers crossed**
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