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A rakugo in a rakugo in a rakugo.

Rakugo is an old form of entertainment dating from quite a long time ago that consists in telling old tales in front of an audience and rendering them interesting. The teller of the story (alone on stage) as no other support than himself and must act out all the parts of it just through his voice.

In this series, Rakugo is being taken to a new level as it merges with more actual stories in a different way. The story goes from a rakugo in a rakugo in another rakugo. It's basically a non-stop interesting an hilarious ride as stories parts are acted by all main actors dressed in old costumes as well as it's also presented in a 'modern' view. Confusing? It is.. but fun it is also! ^^

A great performance delivered from both Johnny's idols Nagase Tomoya (TOKIO) and Okada Junichi (V6) as well as great support actors and an interesting soundtrack. Bound to make you laugh quite a few times as well as aqueal in delight for fans of the two Johnny's boys! ^^

It'.s one of those dramas that you need to at least like one of the actors to truly enjoy. It doesn't have a very deep story, a little sureal too at times (as in it wouldn't happen this way.. not just the main character's behavior), but.. it does have a strong lead actor with a good supporting cast. Some parts are really good and worth watching. I salute the appearances of Oguri Shun and Matoba Koji!

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. ^^

At least 3/4 of the 6 I give goes to the actors.. aminly Domoto Tsuyoshi, Hirosue Ryoko and Uchiyama Rina. This is one of those that after I finish it.. I still don't know where I stand in my opinion of it. It doesn't have a very deep story, a quite frankly way too annoying/possessive girlfriend, and a developpement of the story that sort of drags. The lack of real developpement of the story kind of did it for me.. I quite frankly even fast forwarded some parts... this won't go into my favorites..

This is definetely an attemp to try and get the same ratings that Gokusen first brought and another chance to explore parts of the anime/manga that weren't dwelved in the first. Proof is.. the first three episodes are based on that... a lot! I'm sorry but even with bishies.. this doesn't come up to the first.. it,s deja-vu.. re-heating an already cooked meal. Sawada will always remain the 3-D leader..

Okay let me explain. In the 'dark' type of stories.. this truly doesn't come up first. The whole teacher/student relationship is truly exagerated like someone else pointed out. No one in their right mind would accept their 'death' that easily without a second opinion. It toys a lot on human emotions.. just maybe not the right way. I do saluta Narimiya Hiroki's acting skills as the 'bad guy' ... truly brilliant. I TRULY hated him! Now that takes skills to portray someone going crazy too...

I usually really like Fukatsu Eri as an actress because she really is great, hell the whole cast was full of good actors. I guess even with great actors, a soso script isn't going to help. It felt a little like a deja-vu of Mukodono at parts, and at others I really wondered what the chemistry was between the two main characters. Koyuki played her role very well and had the most interesting 'side-story' in the whole series. Well acted.. the drama just lacked ... something.. can't pinpoint it. It really only gets interesting halfway through when the 'ex' resurfaces...

So far the cast is well chosen and give out a nice feeling to this drama. The story is interesting and well brought. I am looking forward to the rest of the series. I like how there's always something 'stupid' or ,funny' happenning in the background of the main story. Seriously it cracks me up ^^

Once in awhile, not that often, but still once in awhile, you will come across a true gem in drama making. 2004 was blessed by this very gem 'Sekai no Chuusin de, Ai wo Sakebu'. A truly beautifully told story of love that will move anyone to tears from the beginning 'til end. A true masterpiece in the making and story telling, well supported by amazing actors and a well fitting soundtrack. This is the must see of 2004.

Although I do not give it a perfect score as the story is a bit predictable, it's actually worth 9.5/10 for sure. First, Matsujun's performance is astonishing. He's once again proved how good of an actor he became over the years, and also his dancing abilities are quite amazing. Koyuki is also as good as she always is.

One of the main reason for my high note (without it being too much of a spoiler) is the kissing scene. Not only do they let Jun kiss (knowing that it's usually rare for Johnny's Juniors to have kissing scenes) but it's one of the first drama I've seen where it actually looks like a real kiss and not only lips touching. Anyways.. this drama got chills down my spine and I really recommend it.

At first.. I was strongly annoyed by Fukada's character.. I really kept watching it because Tsuyoshi's acting skills are really good. I still didn't really like her towards the end (too.. perfect!! even for a stalker!) but I did like that it wasn't the 'perfect' story all the way. Wouldn't watch it again but still worth the look if you have time.

I guess I was expecting something more when I watched this drama. We all know of Takizawa's acting skills and I was expecting something better. Kubozuka is pretty much the only one worth mentionning in this drama. The base of the story was good but it just kept going in circles. Still good but could be better.

Took me awhile to get used to the weird cuts both of music and camera. When you get passed that concept.. the drama itself is really good ans sweet but don't expect the standard type of drama. You're in for something weird all the way but good nontheless!