My Boss, My Hero [マイボスマイヒロ] Brilliant over-acting from Nagase Tomoya; he excels in his role as the yakuza-turned-student Makio, and was given great support by the rest of the cast. Comedic yet touching storyline that somehow is able to send its message about a meaningful school-life, yet doesn't come across as being preachy. :)
Nobuta wo Produce [野ブタ。をプロデュース] A very sincere drama which doesn't try too hard to impress. Great acting and chemistry between the three leads. Thumbs up.
Orange Days [オレンジデイズ] Touching, heart-wrenching, sad and funny all in one. Brilliant acting by the two leads with a great storyline.
Tiger & Dragon [タイガー＆ドラゴン] People don't understand why I love this drama. I don't understand why they don't. Honestly, with this kind of script and two excellent lead actors, it definitely is worth watching - and loving!
Limes's artiste votes (1)
Nagase Tomoya [長瀬智也] Fantastic actor who can portray a multitude of characters, though I believe he excels best in comedy. Thoroughly enjoy his dramas, especially Tiger & Dragon and MBMH.
Attention Please [アテンションン プリース] Saved by the Supporting Cast [Rating: 4/10] I have never watched Ueto in action, and after this drama, I swear I will never again watch any of her dramas. Her over-acting is unfunny and any attempt to be cute/funny/punk is just ridiculous and annoying. The first few episodes had little to show except to portray Ueto as the most annoying git ever, and the ending was predictable. The only thing that saved it - and made me gave it a 4 - was Maya Miki's impressive acting, and the strength of the rest of the supporting cast who overall did an excellent job (except Nishikido Ryo who looked stoned the whole time).
Dragon Zakura [ドラゴン桜] Average [Rating: 6/10] I thought that this drama reflected how much emphasis Japan places on education. Unfortunately, I can't agree less with the way this drama has made it seem that getting into Tokyo Uni is the key to everyone's success. And the fact that they just want to get into the uni, never mind what course they're going to study and whether they will like it or not, gets a thumbs down from me. Thumbs up though, for the creative studying techniques employed.
I found Hiroshi Abe's character to be a cross between GTO and Gokusen. He acted the character well, but I do not like the character himself. Half the time I did not agree with his speeches, and the other half I had no idea what he was trying to preach about. Hasegawa Kyoko's character is very much like Yamaguchi Kumiko of Gokusen in the sense that she loves her students too much, but minus the kick-ass attitude. The six students acted well though I found Yamapi to be a bit of a bore. Saeko and Koike were my favourites because of their energy and cheer. I hated the rest of the annoying teachers and the irritating Principal; they were probably put in for comedy but their antics were a big turn off.
I actually thought the ending was good because it was realistic. And although the final speech contrasted to the whole idea of 'Todai = success', I appreciated that they emphasized too that life isn't all about studying, and that other options are available.
Galileo [ガリレオ] Worth Watching [Rating: 8/10] The first episode hit me, and hit me hard. I would've almost wanted to give it a ten if I had rated this based on the first episode. There was chemistry between the two leads, comedic bits, and clever crime fiction always makes it on my list. However, after ten episodes of the same plot pattern and same one-liners, I had to drop my score. One can get too much of the Yukawa Sudden Inspiration sequence, and one definitely gets an overdose of Utsumi's (Shibasaki Kou) annoying voice and manner.
It's definitely something worth watching, but I wouldn't watch it again.
Hachimitsu to Kuroba [ハチミツとクローバー] Droopy [Rating: 6/10] This is my first experience with Honey and Clover. I have never watched the anime, the movie, or read the manga.
I enjoyed the chemistry between Nomiya, Takemoto, Yamada and Mayama. Hagumi was like an outsider looking in most of the time. I wonder if it was the acting, or the script or the direction, but she just didn't fit into the group of friends. Apart from that, it was really the bond and banter between friends that kept the series going for the first few episodes. Things started to slow down in the middle and I felt that many scenes were totally pointless. The love triangles were mundane and went stagnant towards the end of the story. Especially in Yamada's case; I was wondering when she'd be smart enough to let go of her unrequited love and learn to recognize the one in front of her eyes.
This is my first time watching Ikuta Toma, and I did enjoy his portrayal as Takemoto Yuta. However, Narimiya Hiroki stole the show with his outstanding performance as the genius Nomiya. Narimiya himself is a genius, at acting. I watched Narumi Riko in 1 Litre of Tears, and compared to that, her acting in Honey and Clover is mediocre and colourless.
I liked the ending song, Canvas by Hirai Ken, and its piano version. I wasn't thoroughly impressed, however, by the soundtrack as a whole.
Overall, it's watchable, but has little re-watch value.
Hotaru no Hikari [ホタルノヒカリ] Recommended! [Rating: 10/10] As somewhat a himono-onna myself, this drama really touched my heartstrings. After watching this, it gives me confidence that even a person like me may find someone.
I loved the underlying theme of the story - that the person you truly love is the person you feel most comfortable with. In any relationship, I think being able to understand each other is one of the most important aspects, and I loved how this drama was able to portray that so subtlely in Hotaru and Buchou's relationship. I think what really made the love triangle between Hotaru, Buchou and Teshima successful was the chemistry between the actors. There was just so much of it in the banter between Manager and Junior, chemistry that was very lacking in the careful relationship between Teshima and Hotaru. Was it the acting, the direction or the script? Whatever it is, it really works, and that's the driving force behind this drama.
This has definitely become one of my favourite dramas of all time. It's been a while since I watched something I loved so much. It's excellent, and one should definitely watch and enjoy it.
Ichi Ritoru no Namida [１リットルの涙] Good drama [Rating: 8/10] Good, but not the best, in my opinion. Firstly - some elements of the storyline I find annoying - the constant eavesdropping on conversations to find out things (one episode had particularly many instances of it); the whole 'being there by coincidence' thing (and coincidentally then eavesdropping); Japan's apparent abundance of suffers of this rare disease; and the hospital scenarios which weren't really very realistic (I work in a hospital).
But someone has told me not to be so realistic. This, after all, is a dramatization.
Sawajiri Erika was astouding as the disabled Aya. It must have been both physically and mentally exhausting to play such a character, and she pulled it off marvelously. Nishikido Ryou, however, was a disappointment. Having watched him in other dramas, all I can say is that he can only project several emotions on his otherwise impassive face - smiley, sulky and teary. I loved Yakushimaru Hiroko's portrayal of the strong, positive, loving mother.
The character that appealed to me the most was Narumi Riko's Ako, but unfortunately the character's growth was stunted towards the end, as were the development of all the other characters apart from Aya. I felt that there could have been more done about the family, who were the key supporters to Aya. (They didn't even visit the grave with their parents at the end of episode 11. How dare they.)
The soundtrack is a great one to listen to; I do believe it's shot Remioromen to fame with Konayuki and Sangatsu Kokonoka.
I rate this an 8 mostly because I have several issues with the story and with Nishikido's acting, but I'd recommend this to anyone who loves a good tearjerker.
Iryu [医龍 Team Medical Dragon] Disappointing... [Rating: 5/10] After hearing comments about how great this drama is, I expected something more. Unfortunately, I was greatly disappointed. It's a classic story of good versus evil: passionate, good doctors versus evil, manipulative, power-hungry ones. It is difficult to think that doctors aren't treating patients because they want to help them, but choosing their patients so that they can gain a better reputation. This portrayal of unethical practice is what aggravates me the most, and is what makes the drama wholly unrealistic.
Armed with the hands and the intuition of God, Asada comes across to me as a rather weak main character. He is a stagnant character that does not grow throughout the drama; the only possible impact any of his miraculous feats had on him were pitifully summed up in a single sentence at the last episode. I found Kato Akira and Ijyuuin to be the stronger characters, and we can actually see how their past, decisions and beliefs impact their future decisions. Why Kihara is there, I don't know - he does not provide any comic relief whatsoever.
Though the director/writer tries to inject a whole load of suspense into the proceedings, it comes across as rather boring and time-wasting - things in a hospital don't happen so lethargically and neither do doctors hang out in their offices 24/7. The operating scenes were realistic, though - one of the few plus points in this otherwise unwatchable drama. And thumbs up for the soundtrack, too.
In summary: boring and predictable script, boring characters, rather unrealistic look at medical situations. Plus points: few good characters, good soundtrack, great operation scenes.
At about episode 3 I had already decided to give this a 4 and see how it went from there. I added a point after watching Kato and Ijyuuin's character grow.
Kimi wa Petto [きみはペット] Contraversial [Rating: 6/10] Reading the reviews and the comments, I must say that this show has certainly achieved what it probably set out to do: create controversy. The whole idea of a human adopting a human pet is, after all, difficult to accept; it goes too far beyond social norms. I'm all for unconventional plotlines, but this is a tad too difficult for me to stomach. Despite wholly understanding and sympathizing with the loneliness that brought both Sumire and Momo together in this strange and uneasy relationship - I still can't accept it.
Storyline aside, the acting was very good, especially Koyuki and Matsumoto Jun, who were obviously playing two-sided characters (hard Sumire vs sensitive Sumire; Momo vs Takeshi). But it was really the dancing that did it for me - it was breathtaking watching MatsuJun leap and bound effortlessly over the screen. If only there was more of it.
Overall - it was memorable because of its unconventional storyline, but that was also its down point in my case. I found it very disturbing how a human would submit himself willingly as another human's pet, even with all the loneliness that is in him. I think it takes a different sort of person to throughly enjoy this series.
Mukodono 2003 [ムコ殿２００３] Not the best, but watchable [Rating: 7/10] Inevitably, this drama will be compared with its predecessor, the original Mukodono, but this certainly isn't a sequel to it - in fact, it seems to be more of a remake than anything else. The characters have totally changed, with the exception of the star, Sakuraba Yuuchiro. With a bigger budget than what was had with Mukodono, Sakuraba Yuuichiro returns, and this time, he's not just a superstar - he's a megastar! Despite the glitz and the glam, and the good cast, the drama is rather weak.
My first complaint: there is hardly any chemistry between Minami and Yuuichiro. The whole courtship from the time they met to him proposing to her was a rushed and botched job; there were no emotions between them, only script.
Second: stupid gags aren't comedy and are not fun. It's just lame and stupid.
So why a 7? (Surely because I'm a Tomoya-fan.) Well, I thought the acting was really rather good, despite the roles and the script they were given. Once again, Nagase overacts to a endearing, lovable degree - and that's what I love about him. The two older female leads were excellent in their respective roles. Shinohara Ryoko once again was in her element; I wished she had been given a bigger role for all her talent.
Not to mention 'Omae yanai to akannen' is a rather sweet song to listen to.
Overall, it was watchable, but not particularly re-watchable. I loved the cast and the acting, but the storyline was generally weak and sometimes unbelievable. Despite its flaws, I still managed to sit through all episodes without once rolling my eyes or walking away, so - a seven.
My Boss, My Hero [マイボスマイヒロ] Absolutely the best! [Rating: 10/10] I am embarrassed to count how many times I have watched this drama. It is just so, absolutely, brilliantly, excellent - words are failing me at this point. Nagase Tomoya is no doubt one of the most brilliant actors I have ever seen. I have no doubt that he is the Japanese equivalent of Johnny Depp when it comes to overacting, and pulling it off as excellent acting. I don't think anyone else could've played Sakaki Makio the way Nagase did.
The supporting cast did well, and the chemistry between the classmates of Class 3-A was excellent. I didn't really get the hints of possibly love between Sakaki and Minami, but I'll let that pass as a little bit of silliness in the show - which, at some points, can get rather endearingly silly. Of course, this is balanced by heartwarming scenes aiming to get the show's message across that 'school is great!' But it doesn't get overly preachy.
Definitely one of the best dramas in 2006 - no, in like, forever!! I thoroughly believe Nagase should've won a Best Actor award for this; he has totally surpassed himself. Watch it, again and again and again and again. I swear you'll never get bored of it. I still haven't.
Nobuta wo Produce [野ブタ。をプロデュース] I laughed out loud 5 times and cried once [Rating: 9/10] I was unimpressed with the first episode. So unimpressed I wanted to cry for the time I had wasted. I couldn't understand why people said this was one of the best they'd ever watched.
Perhaps I laid my judgment too soon.
This IS one of the best I've ever watched, and I haven't been watching many good dramas lately. From the second episode onwards, the series drew me in. The storyline was simple and very, very sincere, and I loved the fact that it wasn't over-dramatized or trying too hard to impress.
The chemistry between the three leads was particularly impressive. I'm not a big fan either of them, but they did a very good job of it. I can't think of anyone else who could be Shuji, Akira or Nobuta, that was how good they were. I particularly enjoyed Yamashita's quirky portrayal of Akira. Thumbs up. Two thumbs up.
The side characters were perhaps, a little underdeveloped, especially Bando who seemed to be the main antagonist - right up until about, episode 3 or 4, and then disappeared from the face of the earth - but this show IS Shuji, Akira and Nobuta.
I've probably repeated this word many times, but I'll just repeat it again - this drama was IMPRESSIVE. So much so, for the first time in my history of watching J-dramas, I wish there was more to come. Ten episodes of a good thing isn't enough.
Orange Days [オレンジデイズ] A MUST watch [Rating: 10/10] One of the dramas I will remember for a very long time. A fantastic drama about the transition stage between being a student and going out into the working world, about friendship, love, disabilities, dreams and hope. Not a big fan of Shibasaki, but I was very impressed with her portrayal of the deaf Sae.
Sekai no chuushin de, ai wo sakebu [世界の中心で、愛をさけぶ] Thumbs UP! [Rating: 10/10] Great in all aspects - directing, soundtrack, cast, storyline, and especially acting. Yamada and Ayase gave possibly the best performances I have ever watched in any drama. Highly recommended!
SP [エスピー] Watchable [Rating: 7/10] It was slick and stylish - and lacking a definitive, good plot. In the end, there were too many loose ends left untied and many characters left undeveloped. I did love the camera angles and the throbbing soundtrack, but if you're looking for a good storyline with interesting characters, it might be well worth it to skip this one.
Tiger & Dragon [タイガー＆ドラゴン] Endless bag of laughs [Rating: 9/10] I have been trying so hard to promote this drama to friends and family, but they just don't get my taste. Well, it is an unconventional drama with an unconventional storyline. That's why Tiger and Dragon has to be one of the best dramas. It's in a league of its own.
Nagase Tomoya again excels in his role, and the chemistry between him and Okada is electric. But they don't stand out as the leads - no, everyone is equally great and each and every character has their own little quirk which makes them all special. You remember all of them, and I believe that's a mark of great storytelling - when all the characters play their significant roles in their story and are all of equal importance, and thus, remembered.
I love the opening theme; it's still stuck in my head till now (I watched this in mid-2007) and I still laugh when I hear it.
One limitation, however, is that I watched an English subtitled version. I believe it would have meant much, much more if I had understood Japanese puns and Japanese culture more thoroughly. Still, a rakugo in a rakugo in a rakugo would certainly get even a foreigner like me interested in finding out more about the ancient art of rakugo.
This is a definite must-watch!
Utahime [歌姫] In a class of its own [Rating: 8/10] What was interesting about this drama was that it was so different; from the setting right down to the speech patterns of the characters. Once again, Nagase portrays a rather outrageous character, and does it well. There is plenty of chemistry between him and the lead actress, Aibu Saki - who was brilliant as the stubborn, tough but at times, sensitive Suzu. Not only that, I loved the interaction between all the characters in the drama. There were none that didn't leave their mark on you; none that you couldn't sympathize with or care for. And I certainly applaud all the actors for learning how to speak in that odd Tosa dialect.
The storyline starts of as a simple story of blossoming love between Taro and Suzu, but certainly gets more complicated when it reaches its climax. I couldn't help but rooting for BOTH Suzu and Miwako, but in the end, Taro can only be with one, and I'm glad he chose whom he chose in the end, though it was bittersweet. But certainly, very powerful.
I can't for life understand why it received such low ratings - possibly due to its late broadcast time.
Yuukan kurabu [有閑倶楽部] Can't be Taken Too Seriously [Rating: 7/10] I was put off in the first episode because it seemed too silly for words. 6 high-school kids versus gangs of evil men who are as brainless as the bunch of Japanese policemen sent after them; sounds impossible - but of course, the Yukan Club motto is 'To make the impossible, possible'. I persevered through the second and third episodes before I made my decision whether or not to continue bothering - and fortunately, I decided to go on with the show, because it does grow on you after a while. So what of the silliness and inherent stupidity and impossibility of it all. It's fun, exciting, sometimes downright scary, weird and idiotic. You can't take the storyline too seriously; you have to just go with the flow to really enjoy it.
The acting is so-so, and none of the six really stand out, though I was impressed by Taguchi Junnosuke's performance (this is the first time I've watched his drama). I loved Kage Takeshi's portrayal of the weird and wonderful Shochikubai Tokimune, and his comedic partnership with Kataoka Tsurutaro (Kenbishi Mansaku) is so funny.
Fans of the young actors will watch this, I believe, but anyone else who just likes a good laugh might enjoy this too. Ten episodes is just a small dose enough for some silliness and idiocy.
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Ikebukuro West Gate Park [池袋ウエストゲートパーク]
My Boss, My Hero [マイボスマイヒロ]
Orange Days [オレンジデイズ]
Tiger & Dragon [タイガー＆ドラゴン]
Nagase Tomoya [長瀬智也]
Beautiful life [ビューティフルライフ]
Gokusen [ごくせん]
Gokusen 2 [ごくせん２]
Good Luck !! [グッドラック！！]
GTO [麻辣教師]
Hero
Ima, Ai ni Yukimasu - Rosshukan no kiseki [いま、会いにゆきます- ６週間の奇蹟]
Kimi wa Petto [きみはペット]
Kindaichi Shonen no Jikembo 3 [金田一少年の事件簿 3]
Kisarazu Cat's Eye [木更津キャッツアイ]
Mukodono 2003 [ムコ殿２００３]
Mukodono! [ムコ殿/女婿大人]
Pride [プライド]
Sekai no chuushin de, ai wo sakebu [世界の中心で、愛をさけぶ]
Summer snow
Tokyo Wankei [東京湾景]
