Last Friends

phlargo wrote:Ooh. I'm gonna get in trouble for this one:

I just glanced through the unsubbed version (I didn't watch the whole thing, but thought I had a duty to keep up with the discussion) and I have to admit a certain skepticism so far. I'm a pretty harsh critic and kinda anti-fanboy (usually) so I'm often hard on things I expect to like. I definitely want to see the subtitled version to make a better response, but I felt like what I saw was kinda stale. I was kinda disappointed with the other two from Nodame (I can't remember their names Kiyora and Mine)). Also, I'm afraid that Juri may not have the serious acting chops as I saw a few scenes which made me cringe (granted.. they were there in Nodame too, but it wasn't like this) It is very wordy though and I could be missing a lot of it for lack of language context.

It is often true that first episodes are poor representations of the whole - you have to make the basic introductions and establish relationship basics.

Ooh.

You're probably more demanding than most... Thought-provoking stuff would be nice, but if I'm entertained, I'm happy...

bmwracer wrote:
Ooh.

You're probably more demanding than most... Thought-provoking stuff would be nice, but if I'm entertained, I'm happy...

Haha.. you know what's really funny? I actually really liked the show (as entertaining). I often am critical of things I really enjoy. I guess I'm in kind of a weird mood tonight. I do hope that Kiyora's actress (sorry for not looking it up) brings out something more.. I got the idea from Nodame that she really has some robust chops. I look forward to seeing the series.

I'm fully aware that few shows make it to the sublime category that is beyond reproach (in fact I can't name one - though a few BSG and Futurama episodes have come damn close) and look forward to finding out how the 'progressive' ideas introduced in the series will be explored.

One more episode of "How I Met Your Mother" and then it's time for bed :) A friend told me to check out the series, so I've been enjoying the first season. I swear.. I haven't seen so much media in my life as I have since I moved up here at the beginning of the year - it's kinda depressing, really.

phlargo wrote:Haha.. you know what's really funny? I actually really liked the show (as entertaining). I often am critical of things I really enjoy. I guess I'm in kind of a weird mood tonight. I do hope that Kiyora's actress (sorry for not looking it up) brings out something more.. I got the idea from Nodame that she really has some robust chops. I look forward to seeing the series.

Mizukawa Asami. :)



I'm curious: what scenes made you cringe in this drama and in Nodame?

BTW, please use the spoiler tags: [code:1][spoiler] text [/spoiler][/code:1]

bmwracer wrote:
Mizukawa Asami. :)



I'm curious: what scenes made you cringe in this drama and in Nodame?

BTW, please use the spoiler tags: [code:1][spoiler] text [/spoiler][/code:1]

Oh, not so much of a cringe.. just disappointment at a lost opportunity. I suppose I'm somewhat apt to cringe at mediocrity rather than something truly heinous. I can't really be specific here yet, but I can say that I felt a little too often that things were pretty formulaic and consequently prosaic ;-)

As far as Asami, her character seems really over the top.. in fact, it's the same thing I got from Mine's actor too and the "cute new chick" and really from Juri too - they seem like stereotypes of their characters rather than people. This is not so different from the other Jdrama's I've seem - but each has been able to provide some choice moments that transcend that limitation. To me that's much of what makes them worthwhile in the end.

Once I get English subs, I'll definitely watch it over again in more careful detail and then I'd be happy to try to be more specific :)

OMG :nut: <<< totally expressed my thoughts for ep1. omg! but i like it! haha. somehow, i feel the difference and the change from other dorama.

Spoiler — click to reveal

I LIKE THE HOUSE! SO CUTE!!! okok. come back. 5 young actors/actresses together is realli a good idea, at least this time i dun see any old man or old lady and i think this is totally a young adults' drama. ryo is scary... especially during the scene where he kicked the table because it was so quiet and intense durin that scene and suddenly a loud bang. :shocked: and of cos that last sec when juri kissed masami! AHHH!!! i didnt scream but i did cover my mouth to prevent myself from being too loud! omg!!!

oyes.. do any of you find the starting abit "koizora" or issit onli me? :hehe:

maybe it's too early to sae.. but ep 1 looks promising... :applaud:

phlargo wrote:
I can't really be specific here yet, but I can say that I felt a little too often that things were pretty formulaic and consequently prosaic ;-)

As far as Asami, her character seems really over the top.. in fact, it's the same thing I got from Mine's actor too and the "cute new chick" and really from Juri too - they seem like stereotypes of their characters rather than people.

i found some parts a bit disappointing as well (not bad, just could be better), but i think that those parts were probably just the writer (Asano Taeko) impatient to get the story going. jdramas are only 11 episodes long and no luxury of bringing things about subtly.

anyway, as a first episode, it did quite well what is was supposed to do - introduce the characters, their situations, and their relationships, as well as to boost interest and ratings.

phlargo wrote:Oh, not so much of a cringe.. just disappointment at a lost opportunity. I suppose I'm somewhat apt to cringe at mediocrity rather than something truly heinous. I can't really be specific here yet, but I can say that I felt a little too often that things were pretty formulaic and consequently prosaic ;-)

What about Nodame?

Er, maybe that should be discussed in the Nodame thread...

opening credits..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmbzWsiNq1g

very unique and original and it sure portrays a very deep meaning..
accompanied with Hikki's Prisoner Of Love..simply amazing!! :victory: :applaud:

New Mezamashi video at Veoh: http://www.veoh.com/videos/v69557634fY4qymh?searchId=2074134354433172480&rank=1

noblsheep wrote:

i found some parts a bit disappointing as well (not bad, just could be better), but i think that those parts were probably just the writer (Asano Taeko) impatient to get the story going. jdramas are only 11 episodes long and no luxury of bringing things about subtly.

anyway, as a first episode, it did quite well what is was supposed to do - introduce the characters, their situations, and their relationships, as well as to boost interest and ratings.

As much as I love this dorama and Juri-chan, I have to agree with you, only reason being that I wanted this to go down in history as a classic!! :beaten: Hence I am way critical. Since it came out Thursday, I'd already seen it 6 times, I just hope they do not waste the momentum built from what they did on the first ep and keep interest growing, push the character in terms of development, instead of letting it fizzle out....

heyman wrote:As much as I love this dorama and Juri-chan, I have to agree with you, only reason being that I wanted this to go down in history as a classic!!

Only one episode has aired... How can you say whether or not it won't be a classic? :headscratch:

You guys need to take a deep breath and calm down... :sweat:

bmwracer wrote:
Only one episode has aired... How can you say whether or not it won't be a classic? :headscratch:

Seriously. I know of plenty of series that started out fantastically and then went down in flames real quick (see: First Kiss, Jodan Janai!, etc.). I wouldn't be tossing around that 'classic' moniker until well into the series.

...which brings to question if we've honestly SEEN any series worth the 'classic' tag these past few years? Off-topic yes, but nevertheless, I think we're due!

Tenshigure wrote:Seriously. I know of plenty of series that started out fantastically and then went down in flames real quick (see: First Kiss, Jodan Janai!, etc.).

Agh, Jodan ja Nai!... :puppydog:

I had great expectations for that drama... A real disappointment.

...which brings to question if we've honestly SEEN any series worth the 'classic' tag these past few years? Off-topic yes, but nevertheless, I think we're due!

Nodame. :beaten:

bmwracer wrote:
Nodame. :beaten:

Nodame, as a recent classic...absolutely, but I think the Special is even more worthy of the classic designation...
Juri's performance in the SP exceeded her work in the series...when she was at the end of her rope and in despair...you know the scene...That was an amazing moment...

runpup wrote:Nodame, as a recent classic...absolutely, but I think the Special was even more worthy of the classic designation...
Juri's performance in the SP exceeded her work in the series...when she was at the end of her rope and in despair...you know the scene...That was an amazing moment...

Good point.

Off-topic: did you see this: http://jdorama.com/viewtopic.11273.htm considering you're a Kanjiya Shihori fan? :victory:

bmwracer wrote:
Good point.

Off-topic: did you see this: http://jdorama.com/viewtopic.11273.htm considering you're a Kanjiya Shihori fan? :victory:

Thanks much...I was happy to see Shihori in a new drama, and I have the first ep d/loaded already...chance of subs ...slim to none...boo & hoo

runpup wrote:Thanks much...I was happy to see Shihori in a new drama, and I have the first ep d/loaded already...chance of subs ...slim to none...boo & hoo

Drag.

While probably some other dramas have several groups subbing the same drama... :sweat:

runpup wrote:

Nodame, as a recent classic...absolutely, but I think the Special is even more worthy of the classic designation...
Juri's performance in the SP exceeded her work in the series...when she was at the end of her rope and in despair...you know the scene...That was an amazing moment...

I agree with Nodame as a recent classic.. but I disagree with the special's nomination. While really satisfying as a fan, in my opinion the special wasn't nearly as good as the series.

From Mezamashi TV. :)

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oh no... I just finished episode 1 and I am hook!!!

I like the pace of this drama, hopefully it gets better as it progress!

Craving for episode 2 now... :puppydog: