Fan reviews: Yamada Taro Monogatari

calibration · 25 May 2013

This show was my first introduction to a non-serious dorama. Needless to say, I was somewhat thrown off balance. It took me awhile to get used to the typical over-the-top school scenes. But I recovered.
Aside from the above, which took some getting used to, this is a fairly light-hearted series that's easy and relatively fun to watch. It's evidently not plot-heavy, but the plot is sufficient for such a genre IMO. If you're into school doramas or don't mind them, then go ahead and watch this. In any case, I think Ninomiya was cute enough as his character to sustain my interest. Lol.

doramanoai · 4 Mar 2012

I found this to be a really heartfelt drama that is totally underrated on this site. Tarou, the big brother, struggles to provide for his extremely poor family (a bit exaggerated, I admit, but his siblings are SO CUTE!!!) You can't help but cheer him on. And the whole supermarket thing is pretty hilarious...

endless kizuna · 20 Feb 2010

It is a funny drama and without reality. The cast is great, two members from arashi, and they performed well. Sakurai kun shows the image of a prince. Ninomiya kun has talented in acting, and i think this role is very suitable for him. The theme of the drama is full of affection, humanity(?)...The song "happiness"is exciting. Good, worth!

morical · 21 Jun 2009

This drama was quite predictable from the beginning to the end. Even though most of them are, they usually contain at least few plot-twists which surprise at some point. But this one didn't. At some points the story felt a bit 'forced', but altogether it was decent basic stuff. Nothing too great, but nothing really bad either.

The best thing was definitely the acting. Even though I think the lead boy did a better job in 'Haikei, Chichiue-sama' he did well in this one too. Sakurai Shou played his role well also. Kids were really good and lead girls did ok job too.

This comedy stuff is really not my genre at all, so I was actually quite surprised to find myself watching all of the episodes. There must be some catch in it after all :) It was funny at most points and sweet in that dedication by Taro towards his family.

I've never read the manga, and prolly won't, because this didn't move me as much as some other dramas do. But in any case it was fun and amusing time well spent.

There is some sweet moments for tear-jerker-fans like myself in this one, but it really is mainly about the comedy (do'h). So people looking for easily watchable drama and good time, check this out. Others, watch 'Kami-sama, mou sukoshi dake' once more :)

mrose · 10 Dec 2007

I finished this last night. Two Arashi boys in one dorama. I was so spoiled to see them on one dorama. I love them. I really do. I love the dorama. I enjoyed every minute of it. I watched it for 2 nights. Can you imagine? I can't stop. I was crying all the time. I was laughing all the time. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Both Arashi Boys gave justice to their role. Sho-kun fits the rich Prince. Nino-kun fits the lovable bimbo prince. They were both so lovable. I don't know why they say it was disappointing but for me It was a thrill from the first ep to the last. Watch it!

sezling · 13 Oct 2007

I liked this drama because I thought Nino did great in his role as a humble older brother (an-chan!) who cared way too much for his family~ I didn't really like Tabe Mikako as the main actress bcoz her acting was too exaggerated (although I did sort of get used to her in the end) also Sugiura falling in love with Yamada was lame and Torri-sensei's 24/7 anxiety attacks got old too soon.. Overall the story wasn't put together brilliantly but there were some pretty funny episodes, such as the maid and supermarket episodes~ I loved Yamada calling "shishou~~!" ^^

kuroihikari · 1 Oct 2007

i was really looking forward to the jap adaptation of dis manga esp after watching the taiwanese version which is really very hilarious n entertaining. When nino is revealed as taro, i was kindof shocked... nino is a great actor, but he juz doesn't look 'princey' enough. But since jap adaptation is always better than the lengthy taiwanese ones (think hana yori dango), dis drama is actually on my 'must watch drama of the month'. But after several episodes, it is quite apparent that it fails to meet up to my expectations. A lot of the scenes are VERY cliche; most likely as a result of tryin to be as alike as the manga as possible... but they r more cliche than the manga or even the taiwanese version!!!! Watching is generally pleasant.. i burst out laughing in a few scenes (duh... its a comedy!). But in many others, i sqium in disgust... lets just say they try too hard to portray the warm family feeling...
Dis drama is not that bad seriously.... for a start, the basic storyline is interesting, and there r lotsa eye-candy to indulge. Nino, Sho and Oshinari Shugo will easily make any fangirl gleeful with their cuteness. i find the characters sugiura and masami esp funny n hilarious; they provide the comic relief. Nino is great in any role; i can c he tried his best at the role of taro... the only sad thing is dat the charater don even fit him in the first place. On to the bad parts... i somehow find Tabe Mikako annoying in her role as Takako... i was kindof hoping for a cuter looking actress after the disappointment in the taiwanese version... though her acting do somehow lessen the impact haha. Matsuoka Mitsuru is simply the WORST in dis drama.... if nino's casting is bad... his is even worse. What's with the fangs??? And he looks like his wife's son for god's sake! Seriously he really looks and acts like a weirdo in the drama... i was happy when he disappear in the episodes haha. I guess only the fangirls liking SOPHIA will like his acting.... The rest of the characters r ok... though i find sakurai sho's smile v identical throughout the show haha, but at least he is cute :)
The best thing about dis drama is the setting. Their high school, uniforms, mimura's house, taro's house is really great and in my opinion, brings the audience to the manga world. (sho n shugo in the uniform realli brings out the fangurl in me.. haha)
As a sidetrack, the theme song 'Happiness' performed by Arashi is great too! Super genki and catchy (though its better to watch their actual PV den the intro in the drama)
Conclusion! Yamada Taro Monogatari is a watchable drama. There are merits eg Nino's acting, basic storyline, eye-candy, funniness... as well as sucky parts eg some annoying characters, the much dreaded clicheness. I would say its ideal for gurls, guys would probably puke while the hair stands... Well watch it n decide for yourself... i might be wrong after all :)

zelie · 28 Sep 2007

Somehow the writers managed to turn a wickedly funny manga into a sentimental crapfest. They also missed out the best storylines which doesn't make any sense. The cast all did a great job from the teachers to Tarou's younger siblings but good acting can't redeem a bad script. Nino did his best to portray Tarou with the poor material he was given to work with. This is a sad example of writers who don't know how to translate manga into live action drama successfully.