Fan reviews: Water Boys

aiscess · 29 Jun 2005

It's very funny and very inspiring series. I loved the way they did their best to reach their goal of doing synchronized swimming for their last year in high school.

Shounen Terrorist · 21 Jun 2005

First i thought it was stupid as someone else wrote, but then it grew on me. I never think ive seen such a great portray of friendship, in terms of chemistry. Damn i love it. And a great soundtrack!

Noone should miss it.

Padme · 9 May 2005

And so.. maybe youfre thinking itfs boys making a fool of themselves yet again. Maybe so, but wait till you watch this stupidish yet thrilling TV series. gWaterboysh the series was released by Fuji Television two (2) years after the success of the mega-hit comedy motion picture gWaterboysh directed by Yaguchi Shinobu.

Obviously the Japanese, being so popular for creating numerous drama series each year, it isnft anymore surprising that they created this television series. And did you know that because of the seriesf success, they released a series sequel, gWaterboys 2h (also from Fuji Television), but were not going to talk about that for now, so back to gWaterboysh the first series:

Going back (referring to the movie gWaterboysh), during a summer two years ago, five (5) senior high-school boys brought fame to a small town, as they formed a gmenfs synchronized swimming teamh to the delight of the locals (and most of all -- the all-girls high school not so far away). Their undying efforts to put up a great show made them the unprecedented town heroes, who made their school -- Tadano High a pioneer for menfs synchronized swimming, on which the school is now popular of.

Now two (2) years has passed since that summer, and the boys of Tadano High School are still eager to keep the gsynchroh spirit alive. Unknown to them however, are the improbable obstructions they have to face as the schoolfs famous synchronized swimming is threaten to be put to an end.

With five (5) new unlikely gsynchronitesh leading the cast, along with some fresh new faces, and a few not-so-fresh faces, gWaterboysh the series promised some amusing entertainment yet again for itfs viewers. However, compared to the movie, the show seem to have had too much irksome elements added in itfs 45-min-running, 11-episode-series. Along with that are some really annoying characters (those old brothers are immensely irritating) who seem to go over-to-top with their performance.

The lead casts did a excellent job though especially with their pool talents, they however look conversely annoying at times when they try to look all-funny as a few of them tend to exaggerate on their acting which ruins most scenes. Norio Tatematsu, played by little known actor Moriyama Mirai, obviously had the most interesting role. His acting was not just impressive; he was awfully funny as well. His happy-go-lucky character seems so natural, and his boyish-gaggish demeanor simply makes him so adorable. Lead actor Yamada Takayuki who plays Shindo Kankuro was the improbable captain. His acting makes his character convincing, despite the noticeably cheesy script at times, he was able to make his role believable. As for the rest of the cast, of course there are other good ones and not-so-good ones. Itfs a relief that in spite of all the imperfections of this series, they were able to pull-off an impressive ending.

Pretty much like the movie, Fuji Televisionfs gWaterboysh is a light-hearted comedy for all-ages, the series, like the film shows how these young men struggle to master and perform synchronized swimming, and with that, they discover friendship, love, and the real essence of team spirit.

Nermal · 5 Feb 2005

Why a 9? .. hmm.. although the idea is not completely original since the movie existed before it, I have to salute the work of the boys still for putting up a great show. Parts of it really cracked me up.. quite hilarious. Overall it gave me a nice feeling once I got done with it and I strongly recommend it to anyone who were either fond of the movie, or even don't know what this is yet. You'll be sure to enjoy at least good parts of it. ^^

Also after an extensive analysis (which you can find in the Water Boys thread) I have discovered differend endings to most episodes. Also note that the 'Flying Fish Trio' are always doing something completely hilarious in the background (like one of them being tied up after they re-open the pool in episode 10) and are truly a must see. People should pay attention to small details int his drama, it's packed with them. ^^

clcs85 · 13 Jan 2005

Still think that the movie is much more better after watching this, all the casts are excellent but I think the story line is a bit boring... Anyway, the ending part (the performance part) is really very impressed!

kurusawa · 20 Nov 2004

At first it seemed boring and having the idea of watching men in trunks is not a pretty sight lol.. but soon you forget all of that and start to scream at the school commitees and cheer for the guys hehehe... This show is about friendship, teamwork and perseverence. Face your obstacles! Never give up!

joychin · 17 Nov 2004

At the beginning of the drama,i kind of find it boring so i stopped watching for a few days.After that i continued watching and somehow find it interesting again! Actually in the movie,the thing that i find most interesting is the syncronize swimming at the last episode.I was REALLY impressed! They danced as if they were not even shooting the show ^^.It was soo natural.

chibiandor · 15 Nov 2004

I never thought that a story about male sychronized swiming could be so heart felt! This is my first Japanese Drama that totally warmed my heart! I am still watching the series now but I do admit, I LOVE the characterssss! Gotta love Tate-kun's aspiring and hyper attitude!
Please please please, go and see this one!

beryl_28 · 11 Nov 2004

This show is one humourous one!The boys perseverance really impressed me!I like the storyline alot and i think it is really rather meaningful!

chicken boo · 11 Sep 2004

If you liked the movie you'll really enjoy the drama. Taking place 2 years after the movie, the series even brings back some familiar faces. What's better about the drama is that it gives writers a lot more time to develop stories between the characters. You can see how the bond between the teammates develops and even some romantic relationships. What I liked most about the drama compared to the movie was that it showed a lot of the family aspect, especially with the main characters Shindo and Tatematsu.

I can't wait to watch the second series once it is subbed and if this series is any indication of its quality, we'll have another great drama to enjoy.

juliana_phang · 10 Aug 2004

nice drama, bout team work.. love the ending most..

pedang_patah · 10 Jul 2004

hontou,hontou ni sugoi na!!!just one word to describe it : ICHIBAN!!!! it's very hilarious.strong determination to pursue your dream.durable friendship.loads of boys-kawaii and kakkoii ne!!!!!*nose bleed*

Rio · 25 Jun 2004

I really liked this show. This was my first drama I seen all the episodes to, I think, no wait edit..... this is like my fourth. The storyline was good :D . And so was the actors..

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w00tw00t for waterboys!! ^(^.^)^

Dorobou · 13 Jun 2004

I first thought that this one is weird, childish and stupid but it was not. I was immersed on this drama from episode 1 till the end. It is one of those dramas which you will cherish it for days after watching it. It is a comedy and a light hearted drama that cherish love, friendship, and passion.

suki_beth · 31 Mar 2004

I loved thos drama! It's the kind of show you don't want to end after 11 episodes! After watching so many sad, sentimental shows, watch this one. It'll cheer you right up! It was a bit nostalgic for me because I did syncro a very long time ago ^-^. So good!!

jnxco · 29 Mar 2004

this is truly a nice and heartwarming show which i just caught on tv not too long ago. Kinda makes u want to go back to those times in school.. Anyway does anyone know the singers and titles of the songs played in the show? would appreciate if someone could tell me..thanks!!

gotosira · 24 Feb 2004

superb show

gotosira · 22 Feb 2004

great drama

byakugan_hyuuga · 31 Dec 2003

fun show

moku999 · 11 Nov 2003

Its a great teen drama and feel good show for those who don't give up. All the boys went up to a lodge with boarding to get trained on their "synchro" routines for the show. Theres not much "synchro" in the show except the final episode but their hard work getting there in the show and real life pays off with a lot of hoopla.