Akimahende!

After watching the first episode, I had big expectations for this family drama. The second and third episodes quickly lowered my expectations right back down. Great laughs at first, then it slows down and concentrates on the selfish and ridiculous kids with unrealistic and unsatisfying storylines. The woman who plays Katsura was wonderful, she has great comedic timing and a bubbly personality. Unfortunately, I can't say the same for the rest of the cast. Especially annoying is the kid played by the kid from Arashi. Clearly, he was just starting to learn acting here and you can tell. He's pretty terrible and it's hard to get through his many scenes. The little girl is quite good, but she doesn't seem to ever get enough of a story to do anything with. I enjoyed the wacky May-December romance between Sam and Sumire, but ultimately that ends in disappointment as well. So much potential for this drama, with little potential realized. A bit of a disappointment.

I had high expectations for Akimahende, and it definitely delivered! I love family dramas, and this one managed to maintain that extra flare. To begin with, the intro to the show is one of the best Ifve ever seen. The comedy is perfectly timed and ACTUALLY funny. Each character holds its own, which makes it really hard to have a favourite.

The casting was grand. Ifve seen Fujiwara Norika in Love Generation, and thought she was just okay, and quite dispensable. In Akimahende, however, she was simply marvelous. She was perfect as a struggling model with a determined head on her shoulders. She was one of the characters that made me laugh out loud in my seat. Then there was Uchida Yuki, who was paired with Nishimura Masahiko. Although physically the pairing looked quite awkward, both parties pulled it off so well! Sumire really looked like she cherished Sam, and Samc letfs just say Ifll never EVER be able to forget that trench coat! I loved it when he popped onto the scene. His role was completely different than the one Ifve seen him play in NsfAoi, and Ifve convinced hefs an excellent actor. Ninomiya Kazunari was okay but Suzuki Anne was definitely the child-star in this drama. And of course, I canft ignore the glue that held the drama together: Nakamura Tamao! Although I found her a little annoying at the beginning, she definitely grows on you.

Not a lot of thought is required to watch this drama, but it was grand regardless. Excellent comedy with a heart-warming theme. Although it got repetitive at times, it wasnft enough to bore me, nor irritate me. Which is always a good thing. ;)

A warm family-valued theme drama .. never out of date..lots of laughs though. Good acting from all the ensembles. Something to watch when you feel bored. It can lighten you up. Nino is cute, just want to twist his cheeks... ... how come all these years he has never changed ! ... always looks young.. very boyish face... up til now... love him..