Fan reviews: With love

becca82 · 30 Jun 2013

Initially I just wanted to write a comment because when I read the first review posted on this page, for this drama. I was compelled to clarified something the author wrote. But I cannot leave a comment, or don't know how to. So this will do.

When comparing the story line of this drama to the American film You've Got Mail, as both being similar, the author made a remark about the "coincidence of neither being written inspired on the other" in this case it would have been You've Got Mail since the author went to state the dates of their release, YGM being released after With Love.
For those wondering about the connection of these two stories. There is none. You've Got Mail is the remake of the 1940 American film Shop Around The Corner; the story was adapted for modern viewers and instead of both characters being in love trough letters, they are in love through e-mail.

With Love just happens to be another story inspired by the possibility of a romantic relationship between two strangers, by means of a computer. Technology bringing two hearts together.

If the writer for this story was inspired by The Shop Around The Corner, I have no clue. As it is the same kind of plot: two people that don't get along with each other in real life, while they fall in love through mail. Be it letters or e-mail.

Having been watching plenty of shows both western and eastern, I can say that while there are some authors that blatantly take a story and make it their own, nothing is really new in this world. Everything has already been created, all the stories are basically the same, what makes them different is how they are told and the details.

Aside from this little misconception of the author for this review I am referring to. I do agree with him/her on every other aspect that was addressed on the review.
Like this reviewer, I have also given With Love a 10 but I know It could never be rated as such objectively.
However, I feel confident that for most of us, when watching this drama we can all feel the same nostalgia of a love that once was or could have been. We can all connect with the feelings of Mister Hata and Amane.
I have also lived an online love story, unfortunately he wasn't my Mister Hata. But this story touches really deep in my heart. And I feel confident to say that it will do the same for most of us.

The music is so beautiful it will make you want to listen to it again, again. I personally bought the soundtrack. I love it.

I have written a very un-official review. For that forgive me.

Wynter · 21 Jan 2012

Okay, so this drama seemed to drag on forever, but who cares! The longer the show, the more screen time for Takenouchi Yutaka. I think this drama was the epitome of hotness for him. I mean, he looks great now, but dang. That voice of his made me melt everything time I turned the DVD player on.

The rest of the drama was decent. It was a love story, and had its merits. I'm not sure I'm satisfied with the end and will never watch this drama again because of it, but it was still enjoyable while it lasted.

Sakebitosan · 29 Jun 2011

On an emotional basis I want to give "With Love" a 10 out of 10, because as is the case with many other Americajin, the first J-Drama one sees is generally an unforgettable experience. This was the first J-Drama I watched, on the now-defunct International Channel (later renamed AZN Television before it shut down,) sometime in '98 or '99. It was also the very last dorama aired in America with English subtitles, after FCI discontinued providing subs. That was a crushing blow for me - to discover something you love instantly, only to have it yanked out of reach just as you're anticipating the next. I had to wait nearly ten years before I found some incredibly poorly-translated DVDs in LA's Chinatown, and eventually found sites like Crunchyroll and Dramafever - before I could continue the long-delayed addiction.

Presumably everybody here has his own deeply personal story of "discovering" Japanese dramas, so can understand the weird kind of emotional bond one has with one's first dorama experience. "With Love" has some serious flaws that require a lower rating, but I *want* to max it out - because I feel like I'm reviewing a part of my own life, shared vicariously with a group of people that I came to love almost like family over the span of the series. (Hey, am I maudlin or what? 8^)

Anyhow... "With Love" tells the same general story as the American film "You've Got Mail," but as a 12-part soap opera rather than a single feature-length movie. Both were released in 1998 - "With Love" on April 10 and "You've Got Mail" on December 18, a full eight months later - so apparently the similar storylines were created spontaneously and independently of one another.

The flaws of "With Love," as I see them:

- The relationship between Takashi and Amane is central to everything, but there's little or no chemistry between the two either as actors or written characters. They don't even mesh as mutually-disdainful adversaries, which they become by roughly halfway through. Takenouchi-san is perfectly cast as the brooding and somewhat-cold composer who's haunted by a past relationship, but Tanaka-san's role is far too bland and detached to be believable as Takashi's eventual love interest. The fault lies equally in casting (Tanaka-san is badly miscast as Amane,) and the way her character is written. Amane works at a bland job, has a relatively bland social life, and isn't particularly passionate or deep in her everyday life in the way her online writings would suggest she ought to be. The online Amane is a deeply poetic intellectual, while the here-and-now Amane is a shallow bank teller who doesn't talk with her friends about much of anything except banalities, who doesn't do anything of interest but cursory after-work socializing, and whose personality is incredibly wooden and uninteresting. For someone with such a passionate and poetic outlook on life, a career as a bank teller is implausible from the outset; I can't say if it's Tanaka's acting or the direction, but Amane's reaction on recognizing Hata-san's song at her reception...it should have been an expression of shock, but all she does is sit up a little straighter and blink a couple of times. The scene demanded a more expressive display of recognition and emotion from Amane, but neither the directors nor Tanaka-san provide it.

By the climactic final episode, it's difficult to believe Takashi's attraction for her is genuine, or that Amane's distaste for what she had seen as his unrefined nature has suddenly turned to love. As a result, the audience is left with more affection for *the general scenario* than for the actual people involved in it. A drama with such an interesting and then-timely story concept should have had a central couple about whom one would end up caring deeply almost immediately (think: Soichiro and Natsuki in "Over Time.")

- The inability of Takashi and Amane to recognize one another becomes more and more difficult to believe as time goes on - the classic suspension-of-disbelief problem. A more subtle and varied set of circumstances and "almost" moments were needed to pull off the "mystery identities" scenario through the course of twelve episodes. There are quite a few moments here when you're just shaking your head at the television, thinking "Figure it out already!" This is more of a writing and direction issue though - Takenouchi and Tanaka generally did a great job of acting what they were given to do.

- I disagree with what people have said about the "villains" in this dorama being "two-dimensional." Haruhiko Yoshida and Kaori Imai are excellent dual counterpoints that continually threaten the core relationship from either end. Where the problem lies, however, is again with chemistry - specifically between Yoshida and Amane - and again with suspension of disbelief. There's really no reason to believe that Amane would be attracted to Yoshida, except that he pursues her relentlessly - not a strong enough reason to believe she'd go anywhere with him, much less decide to marry him. That eventual decision makes Amane seem even more shallow and capricious, neither trait being a positive addition to the character. The suspension of disbelief becomes difficult here too, in that we're expected to believe that Amane would accept Yoshida's assertion that he is HaTa-san, the composer of "Once In A Blue Moon." In order to believe that, you as an audience member have to conclude that Amane is a complete fool - again, not the desired outcome in a story's character development.

- More broadly, in addition to the lost opportunities for more dramatic impact in "almost" moments and the richness that better chemistry between the leads would provide, the Hasagawa Takashi character is needlessly undercut in the script on a number of key points.

The writers begin with an emotionally-conflicted yet brilliant and principled artist, but later have him blithely acquiescing to a sellout of his ideals. Imagine how much stronger the story - and HaTa's character - would have been if he had flatly refused to cheapen his work for the sake of a lucrative contract, then had suffered a disheartening (yet temporary) consequence for sticking to principle. Instead, the writers make Hasagawa act as capriciously as Amane, thereby severely undercutting the excellent character they'd built up to that point. Such a waste, in both cases - though it was arguably necessary in Amane's case, in order to make the storyline work. Better writing would have found a way to do it without undercutting the integrity of the characters, though. Integrity is the key to both characters from the outset, yet the writers apparently didn't realize it.

- Finally, the scene with the two reciting their entire online conversation from memory is horribly contrived, implausible and maudlin - which is a big part of why I liked it anyway, hahahaa. By that point you're so glad they finally hooked up that you're willing to swallow anything. 8^D The scene really cheapens the whole series though. A better scene would've been a more fleshed-out conversation in which they would *occasionally* throw in a line from their emails, then react to it with either humor or affection or both. Instead it's written almost like the final act of a high school play. It gives the impression that the producers were in a rush to complete the final episode, took a look at a rough draft of the episode's script and said "This'll have to do."



The positives:

They're hinted at in my list of negatives and on balance they handily offset those negatives, and even nudge this dorama into "classic" territory.

=> The music is easily the one element that carries this dorama, more than anything else.

* The love theme "Once In A Blue Moon / Link to Fate" is simple, yet powerful and unforgettable - ideally suited as the "fragment" that Amane accidentally hears and can't resist, and as the key to the ultimate revelation of identities;

* HaTa-san's "Ash" composition "Miniature Garden" - sung magnificently by the late Kaori Kawamura - is incredibly entrancing and packs an emotional wallop that weaves through the entire fabric of the series (I'm listening to it right now, as I write this, and I'm nearly choking up - it's like being physically shaken);

* Though only presented in full in one scene, Iwashiro Taro's composition "A Day Like This" is another great piece, intensely evocative of the series' mood;

* The opening theme "Destiny" by My Little Lover is oddly incongruous in its light, breezy attitude, but is iconic of the series regardless.

Taken together, and given the central role that music plays in the plot, the music is actually another principle star of "With Love."


=> The Hasagawa Takashi character is the other great strength of the series, even though he's severely undecut by the script midway through the series, as I noted earlier. HaTa the composer reminds me of Roark the architect in the novel "The Fountainhead" - fiercely yet calmly independent, supremely self-confident, endlessly innovative and competent at his art, and unshakingly principled. ...until the writers undercut him with capricious compromises. ~ arrggh ~

Nonetheless, the overall strength of the HaTa-san character - along with the soundtrack - is key to what makes this dorama so interesting and enduring, where it otherwise could have been mundane and trite. It's just too bad that inconsistent writing and direction, along with some poor casting, prevented it from being a truly great story.

Even with its flaws (and acknowledging a definite bias,) I consider "With Love" as a must-see dorama - do not miss this one. It's worth the trip for the music alone.

[P.S. - becca82, below, apparently missed my point. I didn't say there was any "connection" between this drama and the American movie "You've Got Mail" except having the same general story. I explicitly said: "...apparently the similar storylines were created spontaneously and independently of one another." I only brought the point up because it's an interesting coincidence that I thought others would find interesting as well. But I don't have any "misconception" - we're basically saying the same thing here.]

ester_grace · 25 Nov 2010

Predictable but it still worth to watch.

ester_grace · 5 Oct 2010

I watched this just because takenouchi yutaka..

MonsterZero65 · 15 Aug 2010

This story really hit home for me. It really was similar to my own real life experience in many ways. I was touched by the drama and though it is kind of dated it still has a lot of relevance and with the superb acting I highly recommend it.

MonsterZero-65 · 13 Nov 2009

I could not help but feel attracted to this story as it is similar to my own life in many ways. Though this is nothing new and different now it seems rather ordinary as many people have met on the internet now but still not a lot of touching stories exist about that.

I felt it was well acted and well crafted. I felt their intent and could understand their motivations unlike many dramas where I go who acts like that!!!

A charming story that I enjoyed.

Mint · 8 May 2008

In 1998, the world of internet-dating was pervasive enough to inspire this drama, and in this particular premise, the love story challenges the difference between the emotional and physical connections of a relationship.

I'm sure that many of those who watch this drama will stand up and take notice of the hair-flipping Yutaka Takenouchi, and yes while his obvious good-looks can somewhat pose a distraction to read the subtitles, he manages to bring conviction to the intense and jaded character who no longer believes in true love. However, he can be too monotonous at times. Tanaka Misato's character is demure and timid and I believe she is very charming in her role.

Where the story falls short, however, is the leisurely pace that seems too slow and draggy, and the gratuitous need to repeat a certain scene in the middle of the story to remind viewers of the events that happened 5 minutes ago every chance it gets, which gradually gets very frustrating. The plot twists are instigated by infuriating supporting characters that are not fully developed and too one-dimensional. And while the relationship build-up between Yutaka and Misato seems fine, it kicks in a little too late in the story that in the end, I question whether the love they supposedly have for each other, albeit on the emotional level, is present. The leads lack that little spark that could've changed my view otherwise.

What is most memorable for me, though, is the soundtrack that is beautifully intertwined between scenes. 'Destiny' and 'Once in a Blue Moon' are classics in their own right, thanks to this drama.

paloma · 13 Jul 2007

...it has got to be one of the most disappointing jdoramas i have ever watched. i couldn't help but compare it with kamisama (mou sukoshi dake), with the premise being almost the same: famous composer falls for ordinary girl. that drama i wasn't disappointed with. "with love" however really made me regret patiently watching all 12 eps (really, i could have done something more productive!). i stuck around and kept on watching, hoping that it would redeem itself with the next episode. well, ep after ep i gave it a chance. no such luck though. it just fell flat.
for starters, each episode is slow in development - as slow as a snail mail (this story is all about email, you'd think they could have speeden it up a bit). second, the character development of the main protagonists, who are supposed to have each other as love interests, have evolved so as to make the watcher root for the secondary characters (yoshida and kaori) falling for them instead. takashi and amane just do not have the chemistry to lure viewers into believing their love is believable and real. they have absolutely no spark! nada!
then there's the ending. it was so boring that it put me to tears (watching the ending is like watching two people exchange poetries without feelings).
the drama is not without its moments. actually, there is only one part that i really like, and that is when takashi gives amane her first (and only) kiss. other than that...well, the other eps are not as memorable as that. and although the music redeems the drama somewhat, you don't really watch a jdorama solely for the music, do you?
so if you're planning on buying/downloading this jdorama (all 12 eps of it), do yourself a favor. don't. unless you have time to kill and can afford to spend time watching them all - and then say in the end, "THAT is a love story?".

gg2003 · 13 Jan 2007

truly love story...really..really cool with yutaka...1st drama that i started like yutaka..

mouselee72 · 28 May 2006

I love this drama,well,although slow moving,I notice that most Japanese movie do slow moving,anyway,this is still my favourite J-drama,love the music ,actors and actresses,story,etc,etc........

irul · 3 Sep 2005

Both of them really suit paired.. Love to see them again in any drama..

Kam · 14 Jun 2005

The slow pace may be detrimental to some, but I personally loved how this drama took the time to carefully develop the characters and their feelings. Generally, I find Japanese dramas to be somewhat superficial, but there was a depth and maturity to the writing here that took me by surprise, in particular with the way that the characters' plights were linked to their professions. The final episode felt a little forced, unfortunately; the way resolutions were reached was too picture-perfect, and even a little lazy. But otherwise, the other 11 episodes are perfection.

kneehard · 7 Jun 2005

This was my first j-dorama which i watched in 2000. It triggered my craziness for japanese things, manga, songs, and especially j-doramas. Takenouchi suits the aloof, cool heartthrob role and Misato is very dainty and delicate-like in this dorama. I wish there was more kissing scenes though!

lovejdorama · 20 May 2005

Yutaka is insanely gorgeous thru out the drama, reading sub was unnecessary & felt like a distraction while I toweld off drooling.....

Yutaka 10/10, Plot 7/10

Myri · 10 Apr 2005

I'm watching right now this drama. I'm stuck at 8th episode so I still didn't see the ending, but I'm sure it won't dissapoint me. I'm curious to know how it ends.
Anyway it's really a beautiful story. An argument very near to all of us. At who of us is not happened to fall in love through internet? It's a wonderful thing and people shouldn't have shame of it.
Unfortunately for the ignorance of some people who think body and look are the most important things, without thinking to who thinks sex is the most important one, it make us feel shy about it.
I totally love the actors. I already liked Takenouchi Yukata thanks to the drama Heaven's Coins. I'd say, he's so good to act in very mysterious and sexy parts, how he's good to smile with those killer smiles which make you melt :D
Point: 10!

Eve · 22 Mar 2005

My rating is high due to my ridiculously biased attitude towards that insanely handsome Takenouchi Yutaka. Ladies, just seeing his hair makes the series worthwhile. On a more serious note the lead actress was charming even if her role was not much. Slow moving and about very reserved people somehow the story was still compelling in a way due to the fine performances of the actors. It was enjoyable but wont be making my top ten list.

clcs85 · 13 Jan 2005

The only thing that I like about this drama is the theme song! Haa~~~ The whole story is really very boring and not touching at all! Till now still can;t figure out why this drama will be so popular! But one thing that cannot be denied is that Yutaka really looks gorgeous!

FierceStriker · 5 Jun 2004

With Love is a pure love poetry. Its use of music in accordance to the themes of alienation, helplessness, fear, and desire of love is perfect. Yutaka did a great job and looks so good in this dorama. The female lead did a great job too and fit her role very well (even though most people seem to dislike her but I think the casting director did a good job).

The ending dragged on a little too long, however, and it kind of ruined the overall symphonic love feeling, but it is a minor issue.

midori78 · 12 Feb 2004

Well..Love does exist anywhere, doesn't it ?
Long live Hata and Teru Teru Bozu...