Ichi Ritoru no Namida [1リットルの涙] Really surpassed all of my expectations. They couldn't have picked a better cast for this drama... The leads, Sawajiri Erika and Nishikido Ryo, were nothing short of stunning onscreen. Sawajiri is amazing when she smiles, amazing when she cries, amazing when she has that determined look on her face... she really was the perfect actress for this role. As for Nishikido... to be honest, I didn't warm up to his character at first. He was always so cold. But as the drama went on, I saw that he was anything but that.
Sawajiri and Nishikido -- awesome, awesome acting. There was just so much life behind them, so much intelligence, so much uniqueness. I can't put it into words, you just have to watch to show.
And this drama has just about the BEST supporting cast I've ever seen: Yakushimaru Hiroko, Aya's mother; Jinnai Takanori, Aya's father; Narumi Riko, Aya's sister; and Fujiki Naohito, Aya's doctor. These four supporting characters had acting quality of such high-calibre that they're on par with the lead actors of many other dramas. There are so many scenes where these actors shine so brightly... agh, just watch the show. :)
I've talked about Ichi Ritoru no Namida from a pure "actors" view, where I just gave my impressions on the actors and their acting. But just because I haven't talked about the main plot doesn't mean it's not worth talking about... it's just that... well, no spoilers. ;) Rest assured, this drama has both the good acting and the strong story -- Ichi Ritoru no Namida is the whole, beautiful package.
Before this turns into a rant (if it hasn't already ^^')... let me end by saying -- This drama blew me away. I double-clicked on the first episode not expecting ANYTHING. I came away from the last episode amazed and humbled at the message of this drama and the power with which it was communicated. If you could only watch one drama this year, make it this one!