bmwracer

Fine performances by Ueno Juri and Eita (or else it would've scored much lower) are ruined by the DV-obsessed story and poorly developed characters. The writer(s) blew an opportunity to make this drama really special. Also, the DV-related violence was excessive and gratuitous. Don't bother watching the SP: it's mostly just a recap of the previous 11 episodes... What a joke.

As good if not better than the first series in many ways... Some of the action, particularly the gunplay, is comically lame... Not sure if it's intentional or not, but it's lame nevertheless... The first and last episodes got a little too long and drawn out with the sentimentality, but overall, the entire series is fun, funny, and makes you VERY hungry... The performances from the main characters are very good: they're so familiar--like family. :)
Highly recommended.

The most slapstick, entertaining, and fun drama I've ever seen with great, great music and a star-making performance by Ueno Juri as the sloppy, ditzy, and adorable Nodame. Equally as good is the travel-phobic musical genius Chiaki, played by Tamaki Hiroshi. There are very few missteps and they're completely overshadowed by the spirited and energetic performances of the entire cast. Few dramas can endure repeated viewings, but this is one of them. Highly and enthusiastically recommended. :D

Without any doubt, this romantic comedy (I don't care what people say, this ain't a drama) is a showcase for Yonekura Ryoko. She carries the entire series from beginning to end on her beautiful shoulders, and does it marvelously. Her character, Saotome Honami, evolves from the shallow, beauty-at-all-costs, spoiled girl to a thoughtful, considerate woman, all in part to her love for a stoic, respected ikebana master. Ryoko deftly demonstrates her wonderful flair for comedy throughout the series, but also a convincing sadness in the various dramatic scenes. And is Ryoko adorable, charasmatic, and beautiful? A big "YES" on all counts. A thoroughly and totally enjoyable romantic comedy.

Sorry to disagree with everybody, but the soundtrack was mediocre at best, and the opening track bugged the hell out of me... Bleah.

The performances were okay, but the flashbacks distracted from the story... I expected a lot more, particularly after reading the other reviews and comments...

I plan to watch it again in the near future... Maybe I'll feel differently about it...