Fan reviews: Aoi Tori

anpa · 27 Sep 2015

One of my very favorite Jdramas. A wonderful story of a man who makes a hasty, ill-advised decision with tragic results. He is utterly haunted by what he has done. The ending creeped me out at first. I mean, she is 21 years younger than him and I believe she even referred to him as papa earlier in the show. On reflection though, perhaps they really can't be with anyone else. Could anyone else possibly fully comprehend the horror they've endured. And it's true, he did love her first. Nevertheless, a truly wonderful show. One of my favorites right up there with Soredemo Ikite Yuku.

Wynter · 19 Aug 2009

At the end of the drama, quite suddenly, you realize that the love story wasn't between Yoshimori and Kahori at all...

For the first six or so episodes I wasn't sure if I liked the drama. The scenery was marvelous, rivaled only by the amazing group of talent presented to us through intriguing characters. But I just couldn't believe it. I couldn't believe that Kahori was faultless. I kept seeing her as a seductress (ruby red lips in a ruby red car) and this clashed with my morals. And then there was the opening song (one of the best video interpretations I have ever seen) where I couldn't help but feel that Kahori was being represented by the chains binding Yoshimori.

But then, half way through the drama, Kahori dies... and everything turns upside down. The story comes together so flawlessly that you realize that Kahori really was a victim. She was "born to love and born to be loved". And her legacy would live on in the daughter she loved and the man who loved her.

Shibata Yoshimori has to be one of my favourite characters of all time. I don't know how Toyokawa Etsushi did it, but I'm in love. Tall and gentle, but strong... and silent. He moved and walked in a quiet space and it was so peaceful to watch him. He had such powerful chemistry with Suzuki Anne, who was serious a child prodigy; the way she drew you in and made you forget you were watching an actress and not a real person...

This was a beautiful drama and I'm so glad I watched until the end. I felt manipulated and tormented while watching the show, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

Replicant · 10 Jun 2009

Great drama and incredible Anne Suzuki (Returner, Hana and Alice, Initial D) is here!!! Das ist fantastisch! She's so great! She was already a wonderful actress even at that age. It's a shame that they didn't wait for a few years to shoot Eps. 08-11 when she was grown-up))))) Maiko Yamada is not bad, but she's absolutely not an equal replacement for Anne and so the latter part is much less exciting. Maiko lacks charisma and there isn't enough chemistry between her and Yoshimori. But in overall it's a very good drama and I will recommend it to everyone.
P.S. Toyokawa was great too. He didn't play Yoshimori role, he became him totally!

morical · 8 Jun 2009

This drama was very good. Sad human drama with forbidden love suit me very well. Acting, music and almost everything seem so movie-like I'm not even sure I'm watching doramu. Story is unique and gives you few unexpected turns, which you either love or hate. Altogether this is very touching one and I shed my tears in many parts. I would definitely recommend this for any person loving pure human dramas and not afraid of touching moments.

Only thing I didn't like was the ending. I dont mean the "ending" what happened after ep 7, but the very last moment of last episode. I kind of felt the true ending was already achieved when they parted (and it seemed) for good. I think the last act was only added to get the free bird fit in.

But that really is the one and only thing not done well! Everything else, and yes I mean everything, is done almost perfectly. I wanna thank the author and actors for giving me so good time.

Jackykero · 26 Jul 2008

This is a slow-paced dorama. There is a lot of emotions and feelings of loneliness throughout tis dorama, and the director uses the sceneries and places to express these feelings. It is slow, but it does not drag, so you will not mind the pace.
It is unconventional. Unlike most doramas that revolve around the same idea, same plot, or always happen in the sames places (the school or the office, the home, the exact same restaurant, the sea front, etc), this one happens in all sort of places, and has an evolving plot and storyline.
It felt much more like a very long movie than a dorama actually. It is constructed like a movie, with a real story, the actors are top-notch, there are no cheap tricks, and there is a meaning to it. So, that's a great watch if you are ready for something more meaningful than a light-hearted comedy dorama.

bettebogart · 14 Feb 2008

An incredible ride of a love story. Actually, if you like the kind of thing on Lifetime or the Lifetime movie channel, this is like that, only better. The scenery is stunning and a wonderful part of the drama itself. Wonderful acting as well.

8thSin · 10 Feb 2007

The OST on this series is PERFECT! Interesting twists throughout the series too. Also couple of great views of countryside in Japan.

Different kind of dorama. Recommended!

sucigam · 30 Jan 2007

This show started off strongly with the relationships between the main characters filled with tension. The story undergoes a major shift around episode 7 and I really felt after this point that the characters seem to lose touch with reality. The relationship between the daughter and the main character especially seemed forced and the ending seemed like it was sloppily put together just to get that last symbol of the caged bird to work.

I really wanted to enjoy Aoi Tori as it seemed like my kind of drama being slow moving and with an emphasis on characters but it really falls flat half way through. The dramas story and characters alone really deserves a 6 but the the production and scenery in this series is gorgeous(almost worth watching for this alone). How the show is shot bumped it up a point for me.

Aoi Tori is not bad by any means but if your expecting something special I'd say look else where.

johnjeon · 3 Apr 2006

Ok, there were two plot turns in this drama that were extremely annoying and only made a little sense to me. So why rate it a 9? Because the rest of the story was one of the best I've seen from Japanese TV. The first 4 episodes were filled with a slowly building sexual tension that created a terrific dramatic atmosphere. And if you view the main characters as obviously having had emotionally damaging pasts, the events that occur could make sense. If you just go with the plot, the story really sweeps you along. The acting is good all around (though there were times when I wished the male lead would have displayed a bit more energy.) Both actresses playing the daughter were fantastic, especially An Suzuki. She was adorable without being overly cutsie.
The ending can leave you with questions but the short special episode answers them.

chin5 · 9 Jun 2005

I found the emotions in the drama very moving. To wait for a long time for one's love can only be determined by faith.
this is the very first japanese drama i watched, though it was not subtitled ( i barely understand japanese), the actions of all the artists conveyed the message-that subtitling was almost not necessary.

Piloha · 7 Jan 2005

THis is the worst series ever.. it was soo boring.. and the ending was HORRIBLE!! DO NOT WATCH! watch something else!

juliana_phang · 13 Dec 2004

disappointing, despite the high ratings given by viewers..

windrider · 21 Jul 2004

This drama had great music, actors, emotional involvement, and i agree that it has great scenery, BUT what i look for in a drama most importantly is the plot and this one had 1 or 2 big loopholes in it. it is a good drama, but i was kinda disappointed as i had definitely seen dramas which are more touching and have a better story than this one. I had high expectations for it after reading the majority of the reviews here but it turned out to be a bit disappointing for me. I was very impressed with the male lead actor though. Really cool acting style throughout the whole show.

dys199 · 21 Apr 2004

The Best drama I have ever seen. It is so unlikely the other dramas that are out there. The romance between Shibata and the rich man's wife is so convience, you truly felt the romance between the two. In addition the scenery throughout each episode is nothing put amazing. I heard there is a special for this drama, I have yet to see it, but I know it reveals some new revelations, what is an added bonus to this drama. Highly recommend it, a must watch!

warren.mcclendon · 27 Jan 2003

First I would like to list the things I really loved about the drama.
MUSIC - The music was great and perfect for the drama
SCENERY - I would have to say I was literally stunned by the beauty of the various scenes. It seemed like the majority of the scenes were directly outside or where you could see outside. I would say this is the best shot outdoor scenes I have ever seen.
ACTING - I think Nagasaku Hiromi did a very good job. Because he is more of a central figure, Toyokawa Etsushi did an excellent job as the other man. But I think little Suzuki An stole the show. She seems to naturally flow thru all the different scenes and different dialogue as if she was and old pro.
PLOT - My only misgiving about this centers on some of the plot deficiences for me at least. Even though it is obvious that Nagasaku character should get away from her husband and household, I don't sympathize with her character or her seducing Toyokawa especially since it is essentially right in front of her 9 year old kid that she supposedly loves so much. Also, the escape on a spur of the moment with no planning to have money or really evaluate the best way to get away. they just leave everything to chance, so obviously they are not going to be to sucessfully. Even something as simple as their 'new identity' is messed up. In japan your name is everything, especially having your seal to use on any kind of document(because her mother and the Toyokawa character didn't even think of this the little girl couldn't go to school for a while). Even when the tragedy occurs the mother is not thinking of the girl only herself. My only sympathy is with her daughters character.

Reggie · 16 Jan 2003

One of the best (if not THE BEST) dorama that i've ever watched. Very strong and convincing performances by the entire acting staff, and although something tragic happens midway through the story (I won't tell) and you're left wondering where does the story goes from there, it really does continues on in interesting and thought provoking way. Big Kudos for this one. If you havent seen Aoi Tori yet, SEE IT! This one shouldn't be missed.

biga816 · 4 Aug 2002

This is VERY good. It doesn't follow convention drama plots or settings either. I don't think this drama is very dark at all actually. I'm at a loss of words for this drama. The theme of the caged bird carries throughout the story as a previous review mentions and is actually inspiring in a way.

meruchan · 23 May 2002

I usually watch Aoi Tori once a year, just so I have a standard to measure other doramas by. Aoi Tori is probably the most powerful and meaningful dorama you will ever see. The story centers around a JR employee and the three females who love him, but this is not a comedy or light-hearted romance. All of the actors, from Toyo Etsu to Ann Suzuki, are top quality and brilliant in this intense story. The scenery is also incredible, as the story moves from a mountain resort to Aomori to Hakodate, the lake country of Hokkaido, and finally to Kyushu.

The music by Globe perfectly matches this dorama and you will remember the music for a long time afterwards. Halfway thru this compelling dorama, there is a dramatic change. The writer took a huge risk with such a change, but if you continue to watch, you will undestand why it happened, and how people changed because of it. At the end, a bluebird is set free from his cage at the station, just like the two people at the end who finally find happiness with each other. This is a dorama that will make you happy at times, anger you at other times, and always make you identify with Toyoetsu's character, his joy and his pain. He is awesome in this dorama, which is more like a long movie mini-series than just a dorama. There are many symbols in this dorama, and it's fun to watch and learn more about the story each time. It is probably the best thing that TBS has ever ever done. "Mieru?"

hana · 18 Apr 2002

This dorama is dark and disturbing, which is part of why I like it. I have no idea what the ending means, but it's still awsome. It just leaves you speechless. And Suzuki An is so kawaii!

dearjb · 26 Jun 2001

This dorama had me thinking and rethinking about life. The complexity of life is in full display -- it is about a man, Yoshimori, who is symbolized by the blue bird that is caged up in the train station. He too is a sad figure, who lives a caged life, bound by his duty to fulfill his older brother's role, bound by guilt over his death, and then later, by his lover's death. This dorama goes through his liberation process so that at the last episode, his freedom is symbolized by the blue bird's release from the cage. Powerful and complex.