Susan

I have to say that Saito-san was a surprisingly enjoyable series for me. Though I initially passed on it, I decided to check it out recently and finished it off in just a few days. I was really impressed by the cast, especially Mimura. She pulled off her role so convincingly and I fell in love with all of Mano's little quirks. Her nervous stutter, her hilarious made-up songs, her skipping, and her colorful facial expressions! Mimura stole the screen every time she was on it and out shined even Mizuki Alisa, who was also superb. One of the other aspects of the series that really defied my expectations was the episodic nature of the series, or lack there of. Initially I expected every episode to have some incident where Saito-san saves the day, solves someone's problems, and makes a new friend. But I was pleasantly surprised to discover that is not the case. In fact, the plot of the series and relationships between the characters turned out to be pretty complex and I appreciated the writer's attention to detail and truly awesome characterization! Mikami (Takahsima Reiko) was probably the most well-made character besides Mano, and perhaps even more so. In episode one she came off as a shallow, high-class woman, but as the series went on layer after layer of her character was stripped away to reveal each and every of her complexities. Perhaps Saito-san won't impress everyone, but this is most definitely a drama worth at least checking out!

Poor writing ran this drama into the ground, despite its strong cast (with one exception)! Good comedy, but unfortunately the same handful of cliche jokes were over-used and thus I just grew irritated by it. Oguri Shun and Mizushima Hiro had good chemistry together, but unfortunately their relationship as friends and partners was left underdeveloped. Last, but not least, Yoshitaka Yuriko STANK in this drama. Her acting, her role... This drama would have been better off without her. Overall this drama was extremely overrated. Lots of melodrama, cheap jokes, and cliches, but absolutely no substance whatsoever!

If you're wondering what Korean dramas are like, Friends is essentially a Korean drama condensed down into 4 episodes (on average they last for 16-24). This series followed the same back and forth and back and forth romance seen in just about every kdrama I have watched, which is not something I always enjoy. In this case, it was an alright love story which thankfully only last 4 episodes (I would have stopped if it had been longer), but I did not particularly enjoy either Fukada Kyoko or Won Bin. They competed on screen for the "most annoying cute and innocent" award and that got on my nerves. Props to Fukada for some passable Korean, but she needed to learn how to act first. I don't know if she's gotten any better since this (7 years is a long time)... One can only hope.

If you're looking for a heart-warming pick-me-up type of drama, then look no further! With the ever adorable Ohno Satoshi as its lead, this drama featured kids, fun songs, dancing, comedy, romance and dreams fulfilled. Although a bit too short with a cramped final episode, this one of the best dramas of the Winter 2009 season and well worth the watch!

Kimura Takuya was absolutely charming in this drama and truly displayed his talent and experience as a dramatic actor. The supporting cast, as well, were all wonderfully charismatic and shared a good level of chemistry with the lead actor. The story itself had the right balance of political intrigue, comedy, and romance to keep me watching on the edge of my seat from episode 1 right until the end. If you haven't yet seen this drama, then please do so!!!

I will probably never been an Ueto Aya fan. She's cute, certainly. And not a bad actress, to be sure. But she is just not... likeable. I can't remember why I watched this series, perhaps it was because of all the hype surrrounded by it? In the end, I was glad that I did! It had some fun parts and a good message! Most of all, I really enjoyed Maya Miki in the role of Mikami Tamaki. At times she was serious and graceful, but she also gave a wonderfully cute and girly side to her character. I really enjoyed watching her act! This series is not a "must-watch" of J-Dramas in generally, but definetly a highlight of the dramas of 2006!

It truly was my destiny to watch this series, and I'm glad that it came into my life! At times I was lifted up to great heights of joy, and at others I was plunged into trepidation and sorrow. But the ending made the series well worth my patience. Sometimes it was obvious and cheesy, but when you look at the whole picture, it was brilliant. Nakama Yukie was simply beautiful, although I'm used to seeing her in comedic roles. For her fans, and fans of J-Drama in general, this is a series to watch!

Now I can understand why GTO is the #1 rated drama on JDorama - even if it might not be MY personal all-time favorite. Sorimachi Takashi is hilarious! He's so smooth and sly in his role. The series, despite boasting a "violent" teacher with a criminal past, it can be rather light-hearted and downright cute. I enjoyed the diverse characters and stories, and how Onizuka managed to heal all wounds with his unique style and attitude. Although, I have to admit that the drama special, and especially the movie, really stretched the limit as to how far you can take an outrageous character like Onizuka. However, if there's ever a GTO 2, I'd watch it.

So very delicious! Nakayama Miho is lovely. She is definetly one of the best Japanese actresses out there. There were times in this series that she reminded me of Nakama Yukie, whom I also love. I wish that Miho was still acting in new dramas! I'll definetly be checking out more of her past projects.

I thoroughly enjoyed Trick! It was so strange and funny... I think I like sort of "odd" dramas the best of all. Trick is often as odd as it gets. The mystery behind each of the spiritualists was suprising and engrossing, and the constant "flirtation" between the two main characters was well played out. Nakama Yukie, especially, is so delightful in ANY role she takes on (Even Pocky commercials!). I first began to like her in Gokusen, but her role in Trick has truly cemented my fandom. She's so cute! Abe Hiroshi as well, gave a superb and quirky performance. He can be so scary yet so funny at the same time. I look forward to seeing more of his work! I can't wait to watch Trick 2 and 3.

Dohmoto Tsuyoshi has stolen my heart. It's true that this series will have you crying by the end. It's so bitter-sweet. However, I truly enjoyed it. It was also very funny and cute! I just wish I hadn't stumbled upon a spoiler here at J-Dorama regarding the outcome of the series, because when I made it to the final episode I knew almost immedietly exactly what was going to happen. As such, I cried through the entire episode! Even if it's cheesy sometimes, and even if it might make you feel a bit depressed... DEFINETLY check out Summer Snow!

While Hero did have some sweet undertones, curious characters, and somewhat involving stories, I found that the episodes were very formulaic. After watching half of the series, I began to feel myself losing interest. I did enjoy the series, and it was indeed very quirky with enough suspense to keep me watching it. It wasn't a total loss. But I feel like it could have been so much better.

As far as ridiculous dramas go, this one takes first prize! From this point on I will never be able to take Nagase Tomoyo seriously. But at the same time, he should be praised for his undeniable mastery of portraying completely unbelievable and stupid characters. At times I found this series mildly amusing, and it's not completely unwatchable, but sometimes it just went way too over the top! I'll pass on Mukodono 2003.

I originally grabbed this to watch more of Matsumoto Jun, but I was really suprised at how absorbing the mysteries are! I love quirky, msyerterious series like this and I devoured each and every episode! I hope I can find the first two series to watch - even though no MatsuJun - because I'm really interested in seeing more of Kindaichi!

I searched far and wide for this series, and I am glad I was finally able to watch it! Antique is such a "sweet" series: sweet characters, sweet stories, and sweet cakes! I especially enjoyed Abe Hiroshi's performance. He is so funny! ...And yet he can scare your pants off sometimes. The entire cast was simply so superb. I had read many mixed reviews for this series, including those that complained that it moves too slowly. But I believe that is not the case. The story moves at a pace which is appropriate for the series, and it really is quite enjoyable! Also, it picks up and becomes much more amusing in later episodes. So it's a series to watch and stick with right until the end!

Ah yes! More Trick! I felt like this time around, that the "tricks" weren't quite as interesting... There was just something about the two main characters that felt... off. Perhaps like they were trying too hard? I don't know. Yamada Naoko seemed to be acting a bit too... normally. And the way Ueda Jiro kepot stepping on her toes and taking credit. Still, Trick doesn't fail in delivering the laughs! I look forward to seeing the movie and Trick 3, as well as the NEW yet-to-be aired drama special!

I admit to having an interest in seeing Kisarazu Cat's Eye for quite some time, and I was NOT dissapointed! It was hilarious. The acting and characters were all around superb, the misadventures were engaging, and the writing was endlessly clever! I cannot find a single fault with the series. Even the ending did not dissapoint. Who would have thought...?!? Although it isn't quite one of my favorites, this drama will always have a place in my heart! "NYA!"

I, like many young women, instantly fell in love with Sawada Shin! However Nakama Yukie became a favorite artiste as well. She was fabulous and funny as Yamaguchi Kumiko. I've never seen the manga or anime that this series was based on, but I just might have to check it out now.

Okay, so you can't really overlook the overwheliming cheesiness of the series, the simple-mindedness of Fukada Kyoko's character is truly unbeleiveable, and Domoto Koichi is no Domoto Tsuyoshi, that's for sure. BUT. It was great! I really laughed alot during this series, and the ending was perfect!

Matsumoto Jun was superb in this light-hearted series. As the hyperactive, funny, and cute "Momo," he played a perfect compliment to Koyuki's serious, beautiful, but wounded Sumire. Koyuki, to me, is such an elegant and natural actress, and I hope to see her in more leading roles where this side of her is exploited. I admit that I don't think much of Matsumoto as a singer, but I think that he has the potential to be a really superb actor. I look forward to all of his future projects. Kimi wa Petto is my favorite J-Dorama, and will likely remain my favorite for some time!

This series was a fine follow up to the film of the same name. Although it's plot was rather obvious and formulaic, it was well acted and had some great comedic moments! But what impressed me the MOST, was the SUPERB synchronized swimming performance!!! If you watch this series for no other reason than to see the performance in the final episode, then you will NOT be dissapointed. It is BEYOND WORDS, the quality and strength of that performance. They took what the movie did and improved upon it 10 times over! And it lasts for 20 MINTUES!!! For that reason alone, I give this series a 10!

Stand up! This is not a series to be missed! Ninomiya Kazunari and Suzuki Anne are delightful in this heart warming story! Narimiya Hiroki is also NOT to be missed! I laughed so much, I almost cried. And then I did! This is the kind of series that's like a friendly hug. It can be firm and it can sometimes mean goodbye, but more often than not its warm, sweet, and absolutely fun!

This was my first Dohmoto Tsuyoshi drama. He has had such rave reviews, and Moto Kare seemed interesting enough, so I checked it out. To be honest, after the first couple of episodes, I found it a bit dull. But it picked up a bit in later episodes, and I found myself rooting, "Ganbatte!" for Touji (Dohmoto) near the end! I am glad I decided to watch this drama all the way through. I have really good memories of watching it, and I will definetly watch it again. And now I have to admit that I am a bit of a Domoto Tsuyoshi fan, due to this series, and the variety shows he hosts, "Domoto Kyoudai" and "Domoto Tsuyoshi no Shoujiki Shindoi." Tsuyoshi-kun is so funny, and not a half bad actor and singer either!

At first I thought I wouldn't be interested in this drama, but I think I've been brainwashed by every other drama I've watched, because I really enjoyed this one! I admit, that I do like Tackey. I don't love him... but I enjoy his performances. He is a fine actor. So it was nice to have him there, detracting away from Surumi's sometimes annoying little self-centered habits. A good drama, overall, though! Definetly one to watch!

By far, the funniest of the Trick series! Although, at this point I was bit bored by the formula, I found the jokes and the chemistry between Yamada and Ueda to be at their peak. Trick 2 lulled in that aspect. Some of the engrish-y jokes and the Japanese play on words were a bit hard to follow, but enjoyable nonetheless! I laughed so much during Trick 3, and it had a superb ending.

Okay, so I found the plot a bit obivous, and the characters seem to take forever to realize important facts and feelings. BUT, Orange Days was just so cute and funny that I found myself devouring each episode as I got them! I laughed and cried for all of the victories and dissapointments of each of the characters, and I couldn't help but root for their loves to be realized! The ending was perfect and lovely. Narimiya Hiroki, especially, was so fantastic in yet ANOTHER drama. I am looking forward to his future projects! He's so wonderful.

This is a lovely series. I cried a fair bit in just the first few episodes. Such a sad beginning, but what a lovely, graceful ending. Really a must see, with wonderful acting all around and beautiful scenery.

This was my first Kimura Takuya drama. Seriously! I knew I'd end up watching one eventually, though. I have to admit, he IS a great actor. Engine was such a great drama, as well. It was so cute seeing Jiro (Kimura) interact with the kids and help them out, when what he really wants to do is ressuerct his racing career. Heh. Koyuki shines, once again in a somewhat "geeky" role. Overall the drama was a nice story with plenty of comedy, excitement, and even a bit of romance. I really enjoyed the series, and its conclusion probably couldn't have been better.

I adore Narimiya Hiroki, and so when I heard that he was doing a new drama, of course I had to check it out eventually. I have to admit, that I did not expect him to play this sort of role. It really goes to show how he has grown as an actor. While waiting for english subtitles for the drama, I decided to watch the film version of this heart wrenching story. To compare the drama and movie, the movie definetly has a sweeter, softer tone to it, with a higher level of acting and scenery. But the drama, I tink, is a fine interpretation as well! Everyone did well in their roles, and I was glad to watch it!

I decided to watch this series because of Tsumabaki Satoshi and Hirosue Ryoko. They both gave splendid performances! I really enjoyed it, although... yeah. It was indeed a "slow dance." And despite how happy and graceful the ending it was, it felt sort of... half-hearted? I was a bit dissapointed somehow. I really enjoyed the series up to the last episode, but then it was just... over. Maybe the 1 year gap just didn't sit right with me. Ah well. I still loved it!

At first I thought this drama was just TOO ridiculous and cheesy for me to get into, but I just couldn't stop watching it! It was truly hilarious, touching, and an all-around GREAT drama series. Although... I am still not a loyal follower of Itoh Misaki. Sure she;s pretty and sometimes a little bit cute, but she's almost TOO "soft." Ah well... "Kiiiiitaaaaa!!!"

When I first heard of this drama, I didn't think that I'd like it very much. At last I watched it... and discovered it to be one of the best dramas I have seen! Nobuta Power... ENTER! The relationship of Shuji and Akira was very cool. It wasn't until the end that I understood that this was more a drama about their friendship, and not just about Nobuta. At first Akira was a bit annoying, but he definetly grew to be my favorite character after Shuji! The only dissapointments I had in this series were how Shuji and Nobuta never hooked up, and how Nobuta was left behind in the end. It was an almost-sad, but satisfyingly happy ending.

Another J-Drama bites the dust! I have to say, I was skeptical about Hana Yori Dango, but in the end it was one of the most enjoyable J-Dramas I have ever seen! Matsumoto Jun was very fun and outrageous, and Inoue Mao was very cute. I especially enjoyed Oguri Shun. As he gets older, his acting and roles just get better and better! Everyone in this series definetly has a bright future in entertainment! This series only gets a 9 out of 10, however, for being just a bit obvious and irritating at times.

Certainly a cheesy drama, but well worth the watch! I definetly enjoy Yamashita Tomohisa's crazy performances! From drama to drama, he always wears a different face. And in Kurosagi, he wore more than I could count. But what good is a drama without a GREAT ending? I have never laughed out so loudly in my life! Katsuragi, as portrayed by Yamazaki Tsutomu, will always be one of my favorite characters from a drama series! He was disgusting, old, smelly, and downright evil. But hilarious! MA-I-DO-A-RI!