Fan reviews: Shiroi Haru

Sun_Shang_Xiang · 15 Nov 2010

I really enjoyed this, great performances from Abe Hiroshi and Endo Kenichi who I've only seen in scary roles before as loving step father, Endo kenichi seems in the zone now in the role nice step father as he also does in the same thing in the Asadora Teppan. There were parts when I felt that the drama was a little cheesy. The only negatives about the drama are that Shiraishi Miho and Konno Mahiru didn't do much, so there wasn't much romance and that this drama aired the same time as Aishiteru Kaiyo which is the better drama.

yangsing · 5 Jul 2010

Getting straight to the point, Shiroi Haru is one of the best Japense dramas I have seen in quite some time. You know you are watching something special when you canft stop watching until youfve reached the end. Shiroi Haru pulls you in emotionally and is intriguing enough to have watchers glued to their televisions; qualities which you will find in any admirable drama. That is not to say Shiroi Haru is perfect, it has a couple drawbacks that brings it down a peg.

Shiroi Harufs story is compelling albeit dragged out on occasion and predictable; something most avid fans of Asian dramas are familiar with. Viewers witness Abe Hiroshifs character struggle to readjust to normal life after prison, dealing with unanswered questions, and a few big surprises thrown in for good measure. The trials the characters go through in Shiroi Haru can be depressing at times but also uplifting at times. Some characters in the drama stick out like a thorn which will have viewers question their necessity in the story. The only real big negative in the drama as a whole is the ending; unnecessary and tacked on.

Where the story and plot fail at times, it is the actors in Shiroi Haru that propel this drama. The actors in Shiroi Haru perform exceptionally. Abe Hiroshi shows audiences again why he is one of the best Japanese actors. Hiroshifs portrayal of Sakura Haruo is outstanding and viewers will invest emotionally into his character. Ohashi Nozomi also did a fine job as Sachi, her smile could light up a room.

One more thing to mention, music in a drama can hurt or bring life to it. Yokogao by Sakai Ayumi is the perfect song that expresses the emotions in Shiroi Haru.

Summary: An emotional story and characters that pull you in. Not perfect but a must see if you consider yourself an avid drama fan.

chesed · 23 May 2010

Shiroi Haru is, much like the season itself, about change.

Let's dispense with the obvious: Abe Hiroshi is an excellent actor, and again he does not disappoint in this drama. But I would be remiss not to mention Endo Kenichi, who also not only performed his role well, but well in the light of possible expectations given his gruff appearance and past roles. We know Abe Hiroshi can play a myriad of characters, but to perform well alongside him, and not simply as a shadow, is nice to see.

Throughout the series we witness a change primarily in Haruo and Koji, but other characters undergo minor changes as well. But every decent series must have change in the characters. So what is different here? Ultimately, there is a transition in the main characters from caring about themselves to caring about others, with tears washing away the dirt that has been collected so that the innocence of childhood is not diminished by the stains of adulthood.

The series could potentially be slower for some people to watch. Many of the nuances of the show are subtle and slow to show, but every episode does induce change in at least one character. Given the maturity of the subject matter, which isn't about violence or other adult themes but rather respect and dignity, the pacing is smooth and flowing -- a comfortable ride.

Perhaps too comfortable. For the most part, Shiroi Haru is predictable. It is not necessarily a bad thing, as shock and awe isn't what this series is about. It's about change, and the audience needs to know what causes each change. So it makes sense that we are hinted at what is to come. Even the ending was apparent fairly early on. Honestly, if the end wasn't what it was, I would have felt cheated out of a great moment. Many people wanted something else, but I believe it was fitting and even desirable. I cannot argue more without spoiling the end, but this reviewer relished in its significance.

The main drawback to the show was that it could have been more. Some characters could have been expanded on a lot, especially Kanoko and Shiori. Sure, a diversion made have sidetracked us from the main plot, but then again, there really wasn't one. It wasn't about one story, but what connected all the stories together in each episode. Still, it would have been a major boost if Haruo and Shiori's relationship as substitute father/daughter would have been given more time. Alas, I guess there's only so much you can do within one season.

I enjoyed Shiroi Haru. Will I remember it years later? Probably not. But it did communicate well the themes it covered, and the ending made it worth it.

Spider · 28 Apr 2010

This drama came out of nowhere for me and I really enjoyed it. I picked it only because of Abe Hiroshi, as I was told it was not a feel good type of drama. I would disagree with that! After I watched it, it was a good drama but I didn't like the ending. Still if you're an Abe H. fan (and even if you're not) this drama has good acting & character development plus a good story that is both sad and uplifting!

Spider · 4 Dec 2009

Abe Hiroshi is like Japan's Tom Hanks, as anything this guy stars in you can be assured that it's going to be pretty good. Unmarried Man, At Home Dad, Trick etc. are examples. Not sure why the drama is called White Spring, but nevertheless this drama is touching with great acting by Abe Hiroshi. My only criticism would be the ending. Seems to be the more the norm in JDormas where they want to shock or not give you a happier ending. I mean when you watch this dorama, it really does a good job in character development of the main character, making you really route for this guy to succeed and turn his life around! He does, and you want it to pay off for him in the end... he deserves it! Still a satisfying drama that will draw you in, but perhaps leave you a tad disappointed at the end!

morical · 25 Aug 2009

Man did I enjoy this drama! I can't remember last time I was so much into the story of a drama (and I watch a lot). It really got the elements which have huge affect for me: acceptance, parenthood, sticking together when things go wrong... oh, did I mention acceptance? :)

Ok, enough of the puffing and into the point :) Elements which made this drama great, not just good, were:

1. Exceptionally marvelous acting by Abe Hiroshi
2. Compelling story through entire show
3. Touching parts were NOT overdone by prolonging those takes. It made it feel more "real-life" -like than drama.

It was touching but not a tearjerker. The story touched in so many ways, crying is not the only thing in my mind right now. Don't get me wrong: this is really serious! No goofing aroung like Atashinchi no danshi...

Recommend for real human drama -fans. Did you like Last Friends? Arifureta Kiseki? Aoi Tori? You'll love this one! If you like your boys pretty, girls shy and everyone goofing around: go get some Kattun, this is not for you.

8thSin · 18 Jul 2009

It's amazing how Abe Hiroshi still hasn't completely graduated to the big screen like Tsumabuki Satoshi or Kaneshiro Takeshi yet. His acting is way too good for dorama in this series. Any Abe Hiroshi dorama is a must-see.

Another interesting casting is Endou Kouichi, who is very well-known "Kowaomote" (strong, scary face) yakuza actor as a baker instead of Abe's ex-Yakuza role.

The main cast, including the little girl, did a very fine job in this series. The story was very touching, though some patience may be required for lesser experienced Jdorama viewers.

"Shiroi Haru" is a really well-made drama that starts out as sort of a revenge of an ex-yakuza, to fight to get his daughter back, then finally wanting the best for her.
Highly recommended for serious dorama viewers.