Zulu-Niner

Paraphrasing @realdeal's comment in twitter, this version is more like 'reimagine' than a remake. Think the same characters in the manga version, but were born 25-30 years later than in the original material, thus they grow up in a vastly different condition. And at last, put them in a situation in 2020 that is comparable to the original (i.e. characters from Shikoku one by one relocating to Tokyo). That's how the characters in this version end up.

Up until episode 6, I can see there is a pattern that might be not everyone's cup of coffee. For example, they repeat the breakup cycle twice (Rika and Kanchi enjoy good time together --> the other two have trouble --> Satomi trying to find refuge in Kanchi --> Rika and Kanchi break up --> they forgive each other --> the cycle continues). In this version, it seems Satomi is constantly looking for someone who treats her as something special and this is the source of troubles mentioned earlier (which is also kinda similar to that of both 1991 and manga versions). I hope in the last 3-4 episodes they make her realize that she needs to get her act together and take somewhat bolder action, which might be another novelty of this series compared to the previous versions. After all, one of the main points of the show is how values and definition of romantic relationship, as well as women empowerment in Japan have been shifting in recent times. Stagnating her character development similar to the previous versions could water down and even derail the message in the end.

A pretty good watch to pass the time. Surprisingly Ryota's acting here isn't as cringe as what he usually displays and his chemistry with Kurumi is at least decent.

Spoiler alert

Can't imagine younger Satomi handling roles as good and subtle as like that performed by Kasumin in Chuugakusei Nikki, Narratage, Soshite Ikiru, Itsu Koi, or even Biri Girl. Satomi (or Satomi in her 20s in particular) simply has lower skill ceiling than her. Don't get me wrong, Kasumin is nowhere near the most ultra-skilled actress ever or even in the current period but she's still quite competent nonetheless.

Don't think it would be boring because it's Sakamoto Yuji who wrote the script.

The theme song (灯火, Tomohibi or Touka but I think it's the former because the singer utters it in the song) is performed by Vaundy. You can check it out on Spotify

https://t.co/spExox2QFL?amp=1

Really beautiful, heart-wrenching but at the same time heart-warming short miniseries. Ep.3 is particularly extremely well-made and call me crazy, Kurumi (the actress portraying the traumatized victim with suicidal tendencies) stole the limelight. She has always been good and underrated but I'm genuinely surprised of what she got in the episode. For me, she's the MVP here.

Acchan 2.0 lol

SAY IT LOUDER BRO

I concur, the new Rika is like the original Rika with steroids and high-dose caffeine :D. She is so damn agressive, but I think it has to do with her being not only carefree but also naive. Like that in the original series, it will bite her back later but in this version I reckon it will hit her even harder.

Another notable difference I notice among the characters is that in the new version Ken is more sleazy, but just as charismatic as young Eguchi somehow.

A prequel where the mom turns out to be a doppelganger (or long lost twin sister) of her future fiancee's boss.

IKR!

Forgive me if I'm veering the topic, I seriously think Sairi needs her own show, instead of as someone else's sidekick all over again. She is more underrated than Kaho, who herself already has very solid credentials.

Everyone loves Kaho

The camera works in Ep.8 is one of the very bests I've seen on Japanese TV, especially on scene transition involving jump between timelines.

They announced the 3rd season will air at the end of the year

This show is a very example of a less-novel concept that works because they did almost everything just right - directing, screenplay, smooth and believable transition all the way to the end (despite short duration and time frame), character development, acting, casting. Abema TV seems has propensity to utilize very good looking set of cast (see Follow Saretara) and this is definitely not an exception at all, although all especially Iitoyo perform well. There are lots of quiet moments that are typically the hallmarks of slice-of-life J-Movies. The episode where Mei and Kouta set to seek Kouta's mom in Tokyo is my favorite, it ends with really positive remarks. A few criticism on some scenes were handled can be warranted, such as the customary marathon-running scenes of which the characters run dozens of miles to find others instead of taking cars or at least taxi lol (although in this case it can be assumed the entire town the characters live in is small enough to be navigated on foot), but I think the positives notes still well out-weight the negatives. But the standout is the cinematography, they really use it to great effect.

Yes she was. In fact she's known more for being little Ai in Conan Live Action (I think she was 8-9 years old then). Shame she hasn't got a limelight afterwards but you know her age group is full of talents of similar caliber and a diversity in terms of acting style that it's hard to really stand out.

Judging from the trailer, Kentaro looks a bit too young for the role. On the other hand, Shizuka seems ready to go all out. Won't be surprised if this ends up to be her breakout role. It's apparent the producers and screenwriters alter her character significantly that it would juxtapose Rika Akana as we know it in the original series. Kiyohara and Anna look good together as a pair btw. In particular Anna has potentials to bring new colors to the character Satomi.

Dat eyes lol