I've also experienced stage 1 of "Enthusiastic Baby" for the first few years of my drama-watching and the present veteran me wouldn't even start some of the dramas of that period!
After that, I've been in stage 2 of "Rational Brain" which, for me, means I choose more wisely what to watch, because my "mild ocd" doesn't let me drop or put on hold any drama. So far, there are only a very few drama cases where I had to watch some boring or irritating scenes in 1,5 or 2 speed and a couple of dramas I put in my dropped list but forced myself to finish after a few months. Helpless, I know...
A dark, overwhelming, character-centered family drama that explores some difficult subjects, such as dysfunctional and broken families and relationships, abuse, abandonment, crime, estrangement and reconciliation and whether the end always justifies the means. Although the cast did a wonderful acting job, the plot was rather weak, without a 'proper' catharsis for all these souls entrapped in their inner prisons of self pity, guilt and grudge.
A fast-paced, beautifully written and acted family drama with realistic and relatable situations, relationships and characters. Full of mistakes, misunderstandings and regrets, but also full of warmth, caring and second chances. It may not be for everyone, but I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Takahashi Issey's subtle nuances, dorky and compelling gentleness combined with the almost ethereal beauty of Aoi Yu gave a wonderful couple in a story that could have given so much more if deviated to a more risky path...
Stunning cinematography, exquisite music, seamlessly staged piano performances and impressive acting, especially from Matsuoka Mayu, make up for the somewhat incoherent storytelling and its distracting english parts.
Wonderful comedy and down to earth slice of life drama, with witty dialogues, many powerful and touching moments and superb performances. Stories, perspectives, connections, all brilliantly presented in a drama that felt slow paced at first but was too short in the end...
An intimate, realistic slice-of-life portrayal of Japanese women in their 40s, through the daily life and inner monologues of its main protagonist, Yoshiko, a melancholic, emotional person who has an unspoken desire to find a matching partner and have children and sincerely tries to find enjoyment in her sad life with small pleasures. Direction, cinematography and music are exceptional, acting great and Kuroki Haru a breath of fresh air, as always!
An interesting, nuanced directorial debut from Takumi Saitoh, with a short film that deals with the subject of dysfunctional families and different coping mechanisms in a story that unfolds it two different timelines, with flashbacks of events that fill some blanks of the 13 years of the father- figure absence. Takahashi Issei is the star of this film with his exceptional performance as Koji, Saitoh Takumi has a more reserved and distanced role, Lily Franky is great as Masato, while Jiro Sato and many other supporting actors delightfully portray a number of "misfits" mourners in the brilliantly orchestrated funeral scene.
A laconic, black and white observation of three kids' everyday life, doing typical kid things and interacting briefly with some grown-ups. A slow-paced, slice of life film, with subtle humor and some impressive landscape frames combined with an excellent piano music.
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This man definitely deserves a Baeksang, an Oscar and any other award in the world!
I've also experienced stage 1 of "Enthusiastic Baby" for the first few years of my drama-watching and the present veteran me wouldn't even start some of the dramas of that period!
After that, I've been in stage 2 of "Rational Brain" which, for me, means I choose more wisely what to watch, because my "mild ocd" doesn't let me drop or put on hold any drama.
So far, there are only a very few drama cases where I had to watch some boring or irritating scenes in 1,5 or 2 speed and a couple of dramas I put in my dropped list but forced myself to finish after a few months. Helpless, I know...
Although the cast did a wonderful acting job, the plot was rather weak, without a 'proper' catharsis for all these souls entrapped in their inner prisons of self pity, guilt and grudge.
Full of mistakes, misunderstandings and regrets, but also full of warmth, caring and second chances.
It may not be for everyone, but I thoroughly enjoyed it!
And there are so many more to watch xD
Direction, cinematography and music are exceptional, acting great and Kuroki Haru a breath of fresh air, as always!
Takahashi Issei is the star of this film with his exceptional performance as Koji, Saitoh Takumi has a more reserved and distanced role, Lily Franky is great as Masato, while Jiro Sato and many other supporting actors delightfully portray a number of "misfits" mourners in the brilliantly orchestrated funeral scene.