Tao shows again why she's considered as one of the best of her generation, dark characters suits her better and not those cheesy charactes she always portrayed in live actions. Same can be said to Yoshine Kyoko, she's not far from Tao in terms of acting in this movie, infact I think they are equals. And if that's not enough you have tadanobou asano as your supporting character playing that manipulative character, not just one of the best but the most iconic actor in Japan. I am thinking of giving this one an 8 but the ending song "Black Bird" by aimer just added .5 to the total score. Aimer is LIFE.
Shunji Iwai back at his obsession over letters again. Unlike his later films this film is closer to his old movie "love letter"...surprise lol even the theme and music is kinda similar to that movie. This is well written, wonderfully acted just like all of his movies, but this time it is less cinematic, less slow-mo etc. That last scene might make you shed tears depends on how much do you relate to the message.
There are two types of jdramas that showcase exaggerated acting, First jun ikeido dramas (Hanazawa naoki, Downtown Rocket, Roosevelt game etc), they do this to make such scenes dramatic, it's a comeback-revenge type of drama after all. Second are the Manga types which I would not recommend if you are new to jdramas as this one not only showcase exaggerated acting but exaggerated plot, setting, development, cliche message...name it lol. But these are just purely for entertainment and should not take the plot nor the acting seriously (except for bits of serious moments). Celeb to Binbo Taro falls to the second category. I actually like this drama unlike most people, I assume they expected normal type of romance story and they didn't expect the amount of exaggeration. So when comparing to other dramas in the same genre this is actually very entertaining as the I find the acting of the lead strong and that's the most important. These types aims for zero boring moments which I feel they achieved. That crazy development near the end is also my favorite part.
That female doctor in this drama... ugh, I just wanted to punch her in the face all the time. I mean, seriously?…
Those are just the unrealistic characters they need to push the theme they wanted to convey, so that it will be straight to the face. Not just her but the boss teacher and the host are like that.
With a crew and cast like this, it *has* to be super amazing...I was thinking of just waiting till it's finished…
Have you seen amachan? just read the synopsis and imagine same vibe with different plot and setting. It would be very hard to binge watched once it's compelete since each episodes is a lot longer than asadoras.
Psychological | Student x teacher relationship | Tearjerker
I was surprised these genres could mesh together. Not your typical student teacher relationship drama so not everyone who enjoys it would enjoy this drama as well. It has to be the deepest thought provoking student teacher relationship drama I've watched as this one not only revolve around love but also the difference between dependece and love... it also tackles death, kinda fascinating theme. This drama didn't aged well though, the special effect is bad, it's an eye sore, and I was asking myself why add it on certain scenes, probably that was the time when people are obssesed about SFX. I also find the acting bland but it's nice to see ueto aya and aoi yu when they were young and how much they've grown from then acting wise.
-Romance is good -Conclusion may be frustrating (depends on your take) -Watch if you want something different
I love ueta aya's portrayal of her character in the movie, at first she's softspoken like she loses her self confidence after the divorce. As the movie progress she get back to her former self when she's with Yuichiro. Awesome portrayal.
I hope this one won't miss the theme of the original story, but I really feel they will turn it into a cash grab like typical infidelity dramas out there.
1 
8.5/10
9/10
8/10
btw I found his clip on youtube, it's her first movie. Anyone know where can I watch this?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwmfGiWjuzg
Damn I wish ueto aya reprised her role and this time as a strong teacher.
I was surprised these genres could mesh together. Not your typical student teacher relationship drama so not everyone who enjoys it would enjoy this drama as well. It has to be the deepest thought provoking student teacher relationship drama I've watched as this one not only revolve around love but also the difference between dependece and love... it also tackles death, kinda fascinating theme. This drama didn't aged well though, the special effect is bad, it's an eye sore, and I was asking myself why add it on certain scenes, probably that was the time when people are obssesed about SFX. I also find the acting bland but it's nice to see ueto aya and aoi yu when they were young and how much they've grown from then acting wise.
-Romance is good
-Conclusion may be frustrating (depends on your take)
-Watch if you want something different
8/10