pandaguitarist · 23 Oct 2005
another ten i must give! this drama is dark, but it warms up as the audience comes to understand the characters better episode by episode. i don't think there could be another song that fits the theme of this drama better than the one chosen. whenever it plays, whenever i see Ryoko with her eyes closed, getting only a blurry view of Atsuro, a warmth grows to exist in the darkness.
the story takes its time for character development, filled with scenes of every kind. the ending is obviously predictable, but it's the process which leads to the ending that truly makes this drama worth watching. :) props to the director! the selected cast is beautiful - i love realistic portrayal; each person has done their job well.
this is a drama that shouldn't be overlooked! i recommend it.
donna8157 · 25 Jul 2005
A wonderfully dark and moving series with an interesting premise. Hirosue Ryoko once again works her magic and pulls off a very convincing part as Ako, a blind girl whose father recently died. Because of her situation, a man named Reiji (Watabe Atsuro) takes advantage of the fact that she is rich and blind and pretends to be her brother whose name also happens to be Reiji.
As the series progresses, you see the two of them grow closer to one another and how much Reiji changes from his once cold-hearted and money loving self to a more considerate and caring person. The change just seemed very natural and well acted out.
One of the best features of this drama is the talented acting displayed by both the leads and the supporting cast. Their characters were complicated and were full of depth, they just seemed very real and you couldn't help but sympathize with their current situations. This is definitely one drama that shouldn't be missed.
nagaioyasumi · 25 Feb 2005
It it such a shame that this drama is not more widely recognised. Yes, it has a predictable storyline, but that isn't an issue here because whoever the casting director was - he/she did an excellent job. The real shine of this drama has to be the intimate relationship that the audience shares with each and every one of the characters. You care that Ako is blind and this fake Reiji is trying to con her of her fortune. You care that Reiji is really the most entrapped man alive, and that Naru is... is... simply indescribable. (I must say, Naru is perhaps the most alluringly beautiful character I have ever come across - I love him and consequently have developed an admiration for Fujiwara Tetsuya.) You really care - and that's exactly what great dramas aim to do - make you care.
Hirosue's top performance
9 / 10
Hiro Toyo · 20 Jun 2004
I really should give this drama a 10, because it's almost perfect in every way. The best part about the drama is the plot, which develops at a steady pace, with plenty of surprises, but the kind where you feel they did it just to keep you watching, but the kind that is totally reasonable given what's going on at the moment.
Despite the poor ratings (one of the lowest by both leads), the screenplay writer won best screenplay (well deserved). Of course, great performances by everyone in the story, not just the leads, made this drama so much more entertaining to watch.
So there you have it; great story, great acting, what a great drama. I was lent this drama by a friend, and haven't even heard of this drama before then. What a surprising discovery
bitter247sweet · 16 Mar 2004
I'll admit, this series might not appeal to everyone. The story basically revolves around the relationship between Atsuro and Hirosue. Atsuro's acting is amazing, he pulls off the character with a tough exterior and a (surprisingly) kind heart so well. The acting is quite subtle until the last one or two episodes, and you never even quite figure out when exactly Atsuro fell for the girl. I also liked the fact that the emotions of the characters are constrained, and the drama doesn't overflow with declarations of love or other cheesy romantic lines. But be warned, this is a somewhat dark and brooding drama, with no comic relief whatsoever.
hirosue pulls through
10 / 10
yume · 6 Jul 2003
hirosue pulls off a well-done, believable performance. moreover, i think this is definitely a credit to the types of characters she can play, based on the fact that she wasn't exactly a bubbly or sweet girl immediately in this dorama. also, the tension that builds up is amazing between the two main leads. this one has heart, it's a must-see!
Dot · 29 Jun 2003
I like this drama! It's a bit sad, and also contains a bit of a mystery. There are scenes where it really touches your heart... and dunno why, but I immediately get into the mood of the drama every time the theme song starts...