requiem

Lately, I have been resorting to Korean dramas since most of the Japanese ones in 2006 weren't all that wonderful. Simply put - there are three reasons why this story turned out well:

1. The plot and theme is unique. There are several movies/dramas about having a baby, but this topic is extremely taboo, since children bearing children is considered quite an embarassing thing.
2. The entire cast was necessary. Each and every main/support character had a serious influence on Miki and Satoshi - and since the story and plot is particularly interesting to begin with, acting out the parts was almost instinctual for everyone.
3. There is a resolution, but a possible set up for a continuation. Since a 14 year old bearing a baby is quite a substantial subject, instead of cramming an entire way of life into one season, the production leaves off at a point where everyone can be happy, but the future is completely in question.

Altogether, I think this is a must-see if you consider yourself a fan of Jyou no Kyoushitsu, Shida Mirai, Shotgun Marriage, and other great dramas that have dealt with difficult questions. The OST is magnificent, the quality of actors is superb, and the experience is captivating.

On a final note, I will also say that this drama gives an incredible view on abortion. I won't spoil, but while countries like America babble about morality and narcissism, dramas like this bring up points not to be ignored whatsoever.

I find it rather difficult trying to rate this show by its actors/actresses, since either way I deny the story its true nature with labels. Beautiful Life is arguably one of the most thoughtfully written tragedies I have ever seen, in all of the entertainment I have explored.

Like Summer Snow, the story began with a rather silly, non-sensical taste of humor. It sat on my brain for a few episodes, until the real story begins. Then, as soon as the dark aura begins to eminate around the series, I started to cherish a relationship I honestly couldn't say I could have of my own. It starts to degrade, very slowly, into a powerful, consuming conclusion - and ends with a smile.

Prepare lots of tissues, and try to look at it with an open heart - a series like this is the key to art-influenced epiphanies.