Fan reviews: Moto Kare

jdoramadotcom · 4 Jun 2011

The concept is iffy at best - the stories of a group of 20-something employees at a department store's food court. Dohmoto Tsuyoshi is perhaps fatally understated in his role a new employee learning the ropes; Rina Uchiyama is an elevator girl who likes her relationship with Tsuyoshi, but is concerned about an energetic new manager in the food section (Ryoko Hirusue) - who may not quite be over her boyfriend quite yet.

Interest varies according to situation. Scenes at home are uniformly dull, and the same criticism can be made of scenes at a ballroom dance studio. Tsuyoshi has all the charisma of a clod of earth, though Uchiyama shows more depth than some of her other roles to show herself as a vulnerable woman uncertain of her personal and professional role. Predictably, the drama's highlights come from uber-talented Ryoko Hirosue; she's masterful with drama and light-comedy, expressing all sorts of emotion without saying a word.

On the other hand, Tsuyoshi is better suited for comedic roles, and minor ones at that; he's certainly not a leading man. Uchiyama has always had to fight being seen as just another pretty face in middling dramas, but Moto Kare suggests that, in better roles, she has real talent; Hirosue is commanding in every scene. On the other hand, the budding romance between a 30ish dumpling maker and a 20-something school teacher (Amano Hiroyuki, Yoshie Ichige) was awkward and riddled with chiches.

I found myself fast-forwarding over the less interesting sections, paying closer attention to the portions with Hirosue. Finally, I realized that the entire drama was unsurprising, and written with the kind of predictability that hurts its earnest ambition to be "mature". For a more "adult" drama, the action is surprisingly limp and unoriginal. I suppose it comes down to chemistry; Moto Kare comes closer to a slower-paced character study than it should, and the chemistry between the characters is lost in the process.

mrsmith10 · 11 Feb 2011

I'm kinda mixed about Moto Kare. There are just so many good things and bad things about this drama.

To start off, I don't think the ending was as bad as some people said. Some of the remarks about the ending seem to be more out of jealousy and immaturity. However, I do think the end result of the love triangle was a little rushed and slapped together.

How the characters were written just didn't sit too well with me. Particularly Hirosue Ryoko's character, Manoko. With her smart mouth and the way she tries to force her way through between Toji and Nao I didn't really care for her. I can sympathize for her emotions because of how she was treated at work and Ryoko's good acting, but the character herself I didn't really care much about. I felt this was Dohmoto Tsuyoshi's worst performance. The role with such a flaky character didn't really suit him at all and at times he seemed bored with his role. His character I thought was alright, but his flaky character isn't as well done Takki's character on SOS or Yamapi's on Buzzer Beat. Uchiyama Rina was wonderful in this drama. Superb acting, and she played one of the more likable characters in this drama.

I liked some of the side characters. I liked Sonim's character. The subplot involving her was alright. It wasn't that great but it kept me going.

The real saving grace for me along with Uchiyama Rina was the soundtrack. Hakky Candy I feel is the Kinki Kids' best song, and I also liked a couple of the other songs in this series such as "Tekko's theme." Overall, I think this drama is just ok. Not my favorite and I probably wouldn't care much for watching it again, but not the worst.

popdod · 21 Jul 2008

This show reflects those frickle-minded and undecisive people. Be more truthful whom you love. Besides the great plot, you will definitely enjoy the theme song too.

gto_girlz83 · 27 Dec 2006

In reality relationship,people (normally woman) always said things that they didn't mean it..for example, her ex-girlfriend wants to brake up with him because of her silly question. normally guys don't understand woman that they only to test him but deep inside the woman itself, the love is more stronger than the current love that his boyfriend has..I don't really like all the actor and actress, but i watch it because of the tiitle of the drama.. It really remembers me the silly question that i've been asking to my ex (something like that but little bit different) and now i regretting it sometimes..but I've to come forward no matter how much i still lov my ex...Guys hard to forget their first love but they still can love someone else at the same time..If i have a chance to meet my ex again, I'll probably tell him that i still love him and it's up to him to do what...I don't want to be hypocrit to tell him that I can survive happily..

Wynter · 26 Dec 2006

This is such a blah drama. I thought I would enjoy it more than I actually did because the two leads, Dohmoto Tsuyoshi and Hirosue Ryoko, were the two leads in Summer Snow, which is an amazing drama. Because of their chemistry in Summer Snow, I thought it would easy to cheer them on in Moto Kare, but this didnft happen. Instead, I ended up despising Ryokoi-chanfs character and getting frustrated with Tsuyoshi-kunfs. Of course, this is all based on my own preferences. I found it really hard to sympathize with Makoto (Ryokofs character). She was vindictive in the way she wedged herself between Touji (Tsuyoshi) and Nao (Uchiyama Rina). Nao was an unsuspecting victim through and through. If she had had the slightest flaw, than perhaps it would have been easier to find Makoto agreeable. Instead, Nao was very sweet, very trusting, had a sob story as her history, and was played by Uchiyama Rina, who is incredibly cute. With such a sweet person as Toujifs girlfriend, I found it really hard to respect Makoto, or to sympathize with Toujifs feelings for her. Touji frustrated me to no end. I found him really selfish and a coward. Of course, near the end of the drama, Makoto is wronged by her work people, but by this time it was too late. It was impossible for me to change my views on the character. Even though I can understand where the two lovers were coming from, and even though I love dramas where the characters follow their hearts, I think this drama was lame and failed at succeeding in this respect.

Mind you, Tsuyoshi and Ryoko ACTED very well, it was just their characters that sucked. Sonimfs (Hiroefs) side story with Amano Hiroyuki was much better than the actual main plot. This side story, combined with all the lovely shots of food in this drama, were the only things that kept me watching.

8thSin · 9 Oct 2006

Pretty average romance dorama. Should watch only if you are Tsuyoshi or Ryouko fan. Ending is a bit... Disappointing.

lawsco · 3 Oct 2006

Typical, predictable (sort of) J drama. Not exceptional but not particularly bad either hence the rating

lawsco · 3 Oct 2006

Typical, predictable (sort of) J drama. Not exceptional but not particularly bad either hence the rating

Susan · 5 Aug 2006

This was my first Dohmoto Tsuyoshi drama. He has had such rave reviews, and Moto Kare seemed interesting enough, so I checked it out. To be honest, after the first couple of episodes, I found it a bit dull. But it picked up a bit in later episodes, and I found myself rooting, "Ganbatte!" for Touji (Dohmoto) near the end! I am glad I decided to watch this drama all the way through. I have really good memories of watching it, and I will definetly watch it again. And now I have to admit that I am a bit of a Domoto Tsuyoshi fan, due to this series, and the variety shows he hosts, "Domoto Kyoudai" and "Domoto Tsuyoshi no Shoujiki Shindoi." Tsuyoshi-kun is so funny, and not a half bad actor and singer either!

Kuyei · 23 Jun 2006

This drama has an attractive cast. The majority of the acting is good. The characters are pretty well defined. I love hirose's acting. She draws you into her character, which is probably the best part of the drama. However, there is no creative story that draws you into the drama. There is no special plot. There is no excitement nor much comedy. The drama skips form one long winded conversation to the next with not much really happening.

This isnt the worst drama that I have seen. The characters are there. They just need something to do.

k4g0me · 22 Mar 2006

SPOILER--- dont keep reading if you dont want to know how it ends....

I got this drama because I loved Dohmoto Tsuyoshi in summer snow and to heart...good lord did this drama suck...i only finished watching because I wanted to see the stupid face on Makoto when he left her for Nao...but boy oh boy to my surprise Toji picked MAKOTO?! WHAT THE..?? How on earth could he pick Makoto? I didnt feel sorry for her....she didnt manage to provoke any simpathy in me...Nao on the other hand was so decent...I felt sorry for her...Toji should have picked her because it was the right thing to do....Toji was an ass too...he deserved to be dumped like a chump by Makoto, good for him. hmph!

Celes · 28 Feb 2006

I liked this drama a lot. I can't give it more than a 7 because if I compare it to another ones it isn't amazing, but however it's entertaining. The plot, although there aren't many things going on, kept me interested.

pandaguitarist · 22 Dec 2005

I think this is a very deep dorama. Many people watch doramas for fun and want the storyline to progress "their way", but Moto Kare proves how life is actually like in reality. When unexpected things happen, there's nothing one can do except learning how to deal with them; that's what Touji, Makoto, and Nao have been coping with throughout the dorama.

I gave Moto Kare an 8 also because of the acting. I think they all did a very good job depicting the characters; I can tell that Toji is a VERY indecisive, but at the same time, very gentle; Makoto is a hard-working woman that is obviously still in love with Toji after the breakup; and Rina plays a lovely woman that is passionately in love with Toji. They're all unique and, at times, selfish. As a plus, the music is great. "Tsunami" fits the flashback perfectly, as well as the ever-addicting song "Hakka Candy" and the other insert song.

woodstock · 13 Dec 2005

On the whole it definitely deserve much much more better then a 1 rating. Perhaps we should look deeper into the story. It started wif Toji dating with Nao, and then, Makoto, Toji's ex came into picture as a working partner. Like many had said, it seems that makoto had been the one who dumped Toji and now, wants him back. But if we look deeper, we'll realised that right from the start of the 1st episode, we know that Toji wasn't really that in love with Nao. We can tell from the acting that Nao was the one who is taking a more active role in the relationship. Like eg, taking the initiative to kiss Toji, pressing him for a summer holiday.While all along Toji had been quite passive and most of the time it feels like he is juz going along with Nao. Then Makoto came along. It's obvious that they both haven got over each other. Having the same handphone accessory and such. Yes, Makoto was the one who dumped Toji, but she still love him. Like that scene in the elevator with Makoto asking Toji to think what he said before that made her re-evaluate their relationship. U know, like many relationship, sometimes, people often said things that they don't mean. A form of reverse psychology. Because they feel insecure about the relationship, that's y they try to test it. In this case, Makoto broke up with Toji, with the hope that he will ask for a patch, that he will go find her, in a way, proving his love for Makoto, but he didn't.That's his character flaws. so when Makoto turn up in his life again, he's in a dilemma. he had to choose between following his heart or taking responsibility in his commitment with Nao. In any relationship, it always take 2 hands to clap. Makoto, Toji both have their fault and Nao is the most innocent victim of their relationship. As Nao truly loves Toji. The story ends with Toji going with his heart, ending up with Makoto.The matters of the heart is always hard to say, no one is really able to take the full blame. Relationship is one complicated matters.


The show is good with it's solid cast. Definitely worth the time to watch.

Shindou · 12 Dec 2005

This drama reminded me too much of Summer Snow with Dohmoto Tsuyoshi, Hirosue Ryoko and Kadono Takuzo all assuming roles similar to before. This typical BGR jdrama doesn't deviate too much from standard plot fare and feels too much like a sequel to Summer Snow to stand out. Kadono's role as father sometimes feels a bit overacted. An OK drama to pass your time but nothing spectacular here.

kiimura+akuya · 5 Dec 2005

this is a very realistic drama... it shows the unexpected happenings in real life... i think this is a drama worth to be awarded on... if it could make one make such a BIG fuss over a drama, the actors & actoresses must had done a great job ne~... the motive of a drama is to make the viewer more engrossed in it.. so therefore if one could get so worked up by it, i think it is a PERFECT drama...

a drama is a piece of art where the artist plays out he's feeling and emotions.. & in art, there's no right or wrong.. so i dont think we should quarrel over this.. this is just a piece of work by the writer... he is just trying to express his feelings.. so we cant say he's wrong or bad or watever...

although some may think that it has a bad ending, its hard to forget someone you love, especially when you get dumped without knowing the reasons. i think Nao did NOT considered toji's feelings when she wanted toji to stay by her side. i'm glad that she did in the end, and let toji back to his ex-girlfriend. i personally disliked Nao in the drama.. i think she act-cute and she's really holding Toji up TOO TIGHT... well, i also agree that Makoto is mean about being jealous.. but hey, she did realised her mistake about being mean.. she realised her mistake she made 2 years ago as well & is willing to change.. so why can't we just give the girl a second chance?? i'm really glad that the drama ended up all fine for Makoto.. i also pitied Nao in the end but only AFTER she let go of Toji..

i know this is a little off-topic but had anyone heard of the Yellow Ribbon society? if theres something as giving the ex-convict another chance, there should be no problem broadcasting a drama that shows a lover giving his/her ex-love a second chance... as long as Makoto realises her mistakes before Nao did, i dont see whats the big fuss in Toji ending up with her..

Anyway, we all can't blame the actors and actoress, they are just playing according to the script, right? & pls dont quarrel over a drama guys.. we are here to review over it & not to quarrel.. so pls dont mind others talking bad about certain actresses/actors..

well, everytime i recommend a drama to others, i use the word "i think that....".. because this is your own personal opinion on the drama.. not all dislike/like it... so we should not say "this drama is the worst on earth".. if u meant it that way, perhaps you could rephrase it like: "i think that this drama is not done well".. or if you like it a lot, u should not blurt out "this drama is the most ULTIMATE!!".. u could just hurt the feelings of others who did not enjoy it.. so u could say something like: "i personally fancy this drama a lot"...

these are just own personal thoughts.. i'm sure everyone of us has a different way of wanting the storyline to progress.. pls pls pls pls don make such a great deal about it... i'm sure we all have our own favorites & of course, our own opinions.. thanks. - no offence -

butters · 7 Nov 2005

Best drama i've seen this year! The two love story one from tsito the other touji looks good. interesting. I really hope to see more of rinachan, how she express her emotion very good. all other actor is good too!!! but rinachan have better impact to me :D

this drama show that how little fine thing is important in a relationship and sometime honesty is good :D

I do hope they got the second part of the story where rinachan (nao) come back and "fight" with makota for touji ? but i think this is more than enough... good good drama

ps anyone know what is the song title, in when they flash back to the beach.... something like kasihni tomato... that is much i can remember offhand... thanks

jetjet · 14 Sep 2005

5 for Hirosue and 0 for Domoto. I can't bear him and his ridiculous haircut in this dorama. I thougt the sub-plot with Sonin would be interesting but It wasn't. The good point is that it shows the every day life inside a departement store in Japan.

Jewel · 24 May 2005

I'll rate this drama 4/10. Moto Kare is just normal BGR relationship. With the guy who is still in love with his ex-gf. Nothing really special in this drama. Besides that, there is no chemistry between Dohmoto Tsuyoshi and Uchiyama Rina. Both of them doesnt match at all. As for Dohmoto Tsuyoshi and Hirosue Ryoko, I've seen them in Summer Snow, they seem more a compactable pair as compared to Dohmoto Tsuyoshi and Uchiyama Rina.

fintiki · 11 Mar 2005

I enjoyed this drama so far... However, I can't believe that everyone disses poor Kyoko Fukada for only having one facial expression and then praises that kinki kid :shock: Dohmoto Tsuyoshi. He's only got one duh expression thoughout every episode I've seen so far. That and he has that horrible facial hair. Didn't anyone think of having him shave? Gawd!!!

Nonetheless, it has been enjoyable so far. I can't help but wonder what these stars think about when they play these roles. Manager in a grocery section of a departo or elevator attendant? It must be like: "Yikes, but for the grace of god go I."