Nyokei Kazoku

I was quite surprised to read the earlier reviews posted here. Everyone seems to have missed a major point to this drama. Specifically, this the the finest drama I've ever seen for modern Keigo. At home and in the Ginza store, modern Keigo is used quite heavily. This is easier to follow if you use a JP-dubbed DVD. This drama is like a mini-course in how to speak Keigo correctly, particularly in a work setting (vital if you plan to live in Japan).

So I watched the first episode, and the first thing I thought was gman, this one is gonna be slowh. Then I started the second episode. I donft know what happened exactly, but suddenly I couldnft sit still until I had soaked up the entire series!

The plot really surprised me. It surprised me because never before have I seen such a group of vindictive characters! I mean, nearly every character introduced had evil ulterior motives. No one was honest. No one begged the viewers of this drama to love them, or sympathize with them. Nor did any of these characters force us through emotional torment. The plot was really gripping as well. There are so many schemes being revealed, and so many truths being unearthed among the lies that it was hard to pull away from the screen. Each episode ended in a moment of anxious. It was hard not to keep going with each episode.

The characters, and the actors who played them, were AMAZING. Yonekura Ryoko was fabulous. This is the first time Ifve seen her in this type of role and she was perfect. Regardless of the fact that shefs gthe mistressh, and that, really, she should be condoned for her sinful actions (according to the evil sisters), you canft help feeling for her. I mean, regardless of her status, she was actually in love. At the same time, however, Reiko Takashima played her role so majestically that you almost sympathize with HER. From all the awesome actresses/actors in this drama, Reiko-san impressed me the most. The way she would tilt her head, just so, and give you that nasty lookc >>shudders<<

All the wickedness aside, this is a completely believable storyline. Ifm thoroughly impressed, And, as the icing on the cake, the conclusion fits the plot nicely. I also love the little twist in the last scene with Fuminofs (Ryokofs) final glance at the audience. Mwahahaha.

I just couldn't get into this series. Every episode it just seemed like a whole bunch of drama where everyone is mad and mean to everyone else. In my opinion, the episodes were all very similar and I got bored of it quick...real quick. Sorry, but I just didn't enjoy watching this one.