zai

Overall, the drama presents a new facet to kimura's diverse range of acting talents. I find no fault in his acting nor the casts. Koyuki was a stand-out in her role, acting flustered & lost that I find her irritating in the first few episodes (that's a sign of good acting!). However, I cannot say the same for the storyline. It's not too original to focus on each child's story for the different episode. I also find everytime there's a point to be made regarding the main story plot, the camera will focus on each child's face. This too was most irritating. Next, I think what was most on everyone's mind was the irrisistable duo-pairing of Kimura & Koyuki. So most had expected that a super-duper romance between the two would have exploded on-screen. But sad to say, this didn't happened either. Next, I think Koyuki's make-up and her wardrobe was very bad, making her look rather unflattering. This was poor handling since Koyuki is such a beautiful actress and have always have classic sense of dressing that it would have been a great asset for the drama to capitalise on her attributes. Next, of course was the racing aspect - where did it go? Lastly, I would love to see Kimura & Koyuki & the children reprising their roles in a sequel but with all the added potentials that I've suggested. Agree with me? Can't wait for Engine 2.

The drama was very well casted. The story maybe a little slow-paced but that's understandable since it is a family drama. Eri, Junichi & Koyuki acted really well. Especially Junichi, who looked very much the harried husband and younger brother. But I must say that the person who stole the show was Koyuki. As the tomboyish & out-of-luck sister, but the most spirited, she carried her role very well. I must say that it showed her versatility & diverse talents. Hope she'll casted in more starring roles, as like in Kimi Wa Petto, where her performance was a rock.