Fan reviews: Shiroi Kyoto

HHND · 5 Aug 2009

Great, great medical drama! Great plot, great acting, enough twist, not overdoing the dramatic and emotional part at all, just... enough. The interaction between doctors and patients was really touching, the hunger for power convincing but also leaves room for you to feel sorry/sympathize with the character. Not much romance in this one, but since I'm not a fan of such topic, it didn't bother me at all. If you like serious drama, watch this one. I wouldn't categorize it in either the "dark" drama side (like Byakuyakou, 1 million stars falling) or the "happy" drama side (like Hana Yori Dango), it's just... realistic I guess. Overall it has a sad ending and a vague feeling as you're watching it, but everything in this drama was so raw, so undecorated that just leaves you feeling like you can really meet these people in real life!

moeru_h · 16 Aug 2008

I can't believe how amazing this drama is. At first, I found the story so slow-paced but as it continued, it got better and better. Karasawa and Eguchi's acting were just perfect! Just what I expected from theater actors!

The plot line and the theme were effective and touching. It understands how complicated human relationships are and why people are driven to act the way they do. The Zaizen character is the most interesting one. In the end, the story got me empathizing with him. And as for Satomi's character, it is a hopeful but poignant reminder of how few people can stand up for their ideals. But this drama does not condemn those people who can't b/c it gives good reasons too on why it isn't easy to maintain such ideals. Our drive for self-preservation, which is a very human characteristic, keeps us from our ideals.

shari · 18 Sep 2007

The quality of Part 1 of this two-part medic soap is so good in every way (the cast in particular), I decided to shelf Part 2 out of fear of impending disappointment.

Hiro Toyo · 10 Sep 2007

The first half of the series was superb. Watching ZenZai work his way up to the top by playing mind games and fighting with his superior was really enjoyable. At the same time, you are educated on some of the inner going ons of the hospital field, and realize that there is just as much politics and beauracracy as any other field. It's a power struggle and it's subtle, the way the Japanese would go about it.
But then the second part comes in, and supposedly the second part of the power struggle series continues, this time with Satomi. I didn't like his character to begin with and now in the second part, he becomes unbearable. His "I cannot tell a lie" goody two shoe personality is so outdated and so stiff that it practically ruins the whole show for me. The the daughter of the former head of the hospital goes against the whole hospital establishment herself, creating a conflict that rests solely on coincidences and fate (a theme way overdone in these dramas). This makes two unbearable characters and lessens the otherwise profound effect the drama has after the first eleven episodes.
Zaizen isn't even a bad guy, and his personality is way more in touch to reality than those other two goofballs I mentioned.

sucigam · 18 Jul 2007

Shiroi Kyoto could have been split into two seasons, the first "season" of this drama would probably rank in my top 5 dramas while the second alone would have gotten a 9/10 rating from me. The first half of this show is a complex character drama with Zaizen Goro's struggle for power and recognition. The second half is a somewhat typical but still highly engrossing plot driven drama where a lot of the supporting cast become major players.

This drama could have failed in so many places but the execution was just impeccable, from the artistic direction, the brilliant classical pieces, to some very memorable performances, it's really hard for me to find anything to complain about. Karasawa Toshiaki has an amazing amount of charisma throughout the drama, there were times I wished I could be there to some how help him in his desperate struggle for success. The rest of the star-studded cast delivers as well, I canft think of any poor casting choices.

Shiroi Kyoto is also not your typical "epic" drama, the show does end up taking quite a few risks, the memorable ones for me include the trip to Auschwitz and the critical commentary on smoking near the end (especially in a place like Japan where smoking is still the norm, I was very impressed). This is one of those dramas that just put everything else to shame, highly recommended.

aigts · 14 Jun 2007

Out of hundreds of dramas I've seen, this one kept me wanting to watch more. Perfect ending, it's in a league of its own, just perfect.

racerX · 4 Jun 2007

From the beginning to the end, I was gripped by this drama. The screenplay and acting are so well done, that I had to keep reminding myself it's fiction and not real just so I don't get too depressed.

monta · 2 Jan 2007

Is it similar to Iryu ~Team Medical Dragon~? The answer is no. I don't really know whether you should call this dorama a medical dorama. The hospital is just the setting. This dorama is daymn bitchy. Even the wives of the professors have this club thingi and they'd lick the other women's ass to become the leader of the club eventhough they're calling each other whores inside. Unlike Iryu that has the bachista as the problem that solidifies the plot, Shiroi Kyoto barely has any 'medical' problems. This dorama only talks about the dark affairs of the university hospital life. The only thing making it similar to Iryu is how the lead actor tries to crawl up to the professor throne just like how Dr.Kato did in Iryu. Talk about twists, this dorama has much much more twists than Iryu, but the character development isn't as strong as Iryu -not that it lacks acting skills or something, but you know the typical manga plot, they make strong chara developments- and it has sooo many great casts i can't even remember all the character's name. but I have to say, the soundtrack is a bit lame. But iryu in the other hand, was stained by Teppei's not so good acting, and, if you've read the manga version of team medical dragon, you'll find that the dorama's ending is a bit weird. To make it simple, IMO, Shiroi Kyoto is like Kurokawa no Techou in a hospital uniform wrapping.

Shiroi Kyoto is great though as a dorama, very good indeed.

biggirl20 · 6 Aug 2006

best cast, best drama, best director awards for tis drama..
abit sad tat best actor is not karasawa toshiaki as he really acted very well! watched the making series, the people really put in alot of effort to tis show and they deserve to get these 3 big awards! Storybase strong, teenagers may nt like it as it quite profound but i still can understand..
it makes the viewer to think thru the character's mind as they wont tell u wat they will do next! Every edp oso have a new surprise ! JUS TO SAY IS THE BEST JAPAN DRAMA I EVER WATCHED! WATCH IT OR U WILL REGRET!

Taiwan Junior · 1 Sep 2005

Shiroi Kyoto.."Forever classic" in my mind at least.

xhidex33 · 23 Jun 2005

its very interesting and it sure portrays our modern society... though you don't have to watch it to realize how messed up the world is...

lovejdorama · 18 Apr 2005

Without A doubt, one of the best dramas!! 2 passionate & talented doctors employed in same hospital, remained friends since school, admire one another yet each is ambitious in his own way with opposite views on life, enthics, career & work, walked two different paths.

Zaizen Goro's ambition builds on being the best to impress others, prove his worth, gain power & glory to climb the social ladder at any cost. Satomi Shuji's ambition builds on medical research breakthru, doing the right things, thou respected for his noble deeds but often shunned upon due to his low key approach & not going with the flow.

Eguchi Yosuke brings great warmth & sincerity to the character. Karasawa Toshiaki portrays this power-hungry role with a likable vulnerability that made you feel for his anguish. The relationship bwn the mistress & wife is rarely seen and refreshing!!

If you like typical & tear jerking love story, this is not for you, this drama showcases the good, the bad & the ugly and is the kind that makes you ponder, although centered in medical field, you'll find it mirrors our daily life & people surround us as well.
my trade link:http://www.jdorama.com/viewtopic.php?p=169821#169821

yan_ange · 30 Jan 2005

It's not a simple story, it's intricate, detailing the lives of doctors, nurses, patients, families. It talks about the politics behind the scene, the measure people go to for the ultimate aphrodisiac...power...it's mismerising!! A must watch!!!

yuko^ · 27 Dec 2004

i personally thought this drama, well, nice to watch, nice to catch, but not exactly, a very interesting drama...itz is similar to those lots of episodes drama...u know, u wanna follow but i dunno how exactly, but i actually find this series kind of boring...isn't the first part just all about how zaizen getting to b the prof...and it is really kind of draggy...the voting. second part just about the law suit in general isn;t it...i dunno, maybe b4 watching, everybody had been commenting how it is better than pride and that how high its ratings are...so i admit that i expect alot from this show...and i end up quite disappointed i guess...

rinarina · 29 Oct 2004

All topics telling: how people try to get what they want and after they already got it they were too proud to facing their mistakes, and how they try the best knowing with the truth in doctor's world in a famous hospital.

But The love story are not so good and not fascinating at all, we can guest it.

DragonSpirit164 · 1 Aug 2004

This is a brilliant drama. Start off slow for the first two episodes but then the story really picked up for the third episode onwards all the way to the end. Kept me glued to my TV indeed. The drama really shows you the "other side" of the medical profession.. the backstabbing, the bribes, everything.
The main plot focuses on the differences between 2 brilliant doctors in their own fields, Zaizen Goro and Satomi. Whereas Zaizen is completely ruthless and cold, he is nevertheless one of the best surgeons there is.. Satomi on the other hand is kind, unpresuming and would do anything to help the patients. Although they cannot see eye to eye, deep down they have real mutual respect for each other. Cheers to the 2 actors who brought so much feel and emotion to the characters.
Overall.. this drama triggered a lot of thoughts in me about the competitiveness in the workplace, ethics, friendship, over-confidence and the true meaning of justice. The song "Amazing Grace" fits this show really well as well IMO.

A highly absorbing drama!~~

juliana_phang · 23 Jul 2004

a little draggy but that's the point.. to keep us watching till the last ep to know the result.
it's addictive.. u'll juz keep on watchin from the 1st ep till the last w/o stopping

greybear · 25 Apr 2004

Without a doubt, this series ranks as my favorite drama of all time. A sophisticated plot, supported by engaging storytelling techniques and a strong performance from the cast, Shiroi Kyoto catapults in front of all other series in terms of both rating and entertainment value. Shiroi Kyoto offers an acute view of the politics within the medical profession, and subsequently the moral/ethical dilemmas involved in a medical lawsuit.

Interestingly, there is no clear-cut right or wrong in this series, and most characters walk in a gray-zone as to position the viewers in the judge's seat, or perhaps more appropriately, the characters themselves. While the ending is somewhat predictable due to foreshadowing, it executes the subtleties perfectly and provides a satisfying resolution along with some food for thought.

rolland · 29 Mar 2004

Worth watching!