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Joined:  31 Dec 2006
Total posts:  38
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sucigam's drama votes (9)
Beautiful life [ビューティフルライフ]
Right behind Sekai no Chuushin de for tear jerking fun. Kitagawa!
Ikebukuro West Gate Park [池袋ウエストゲートパーク]
See review.
Nodame Cantabile [のだめ カンタビ−レ]
See review.
Odoru Daisousasen [踊る大捜査線]
See review.
Orange Days [オレンジデイズ]
Good things happen when good writing and good actors come together.
Sekai no chuushin de, ai wo sakebu [世界の中心で、愛をさけぶ]
The best tear jerking drama I have seen, it does a great job of making you feel the characters pain without being to melodramatic.
Shiroi Kyoto [白い巨塔]
See review.
Summer snow
It's the journey not the destination that makes this drama so good.
Suna No Utsuwa [砂の器]
See review.

sucigam's artiste votes (9)
Ayase Haruka [綾瀬はるか]
She exploded into super stardom with Sekai no Chuushin de but it wasn't until Hotaru no Hikari that I decided to vote for her, the girl has range! She also has three great looking movies coming out in 2007-2008, I believe this beautiful actress is going to be Japans #1 leading lady in the near future.
Eita [瑛太]
Eita is one of those guys who seems destined to play supporting roles for the rest of his life but man is he ever good at what he does, probably the most underrated young actor on this site.
Kimura Takuya [木村拓哉]
You just want to hate him cause he's so damn popular but he really is the one of the best at what he does.
Ohgo Suzuka [大後寿々花]
Voting for her just because I have a feeling that 10 years from now I am going to see Suzuka in the top 50 Artistes! This girl has the most potential out of all the recent child actors I've seen.
Shibasaki Kou [柴咲コウ]
Shibasaki is my favorite drama actress by far. She chooses her roles carefully and has gained my respect by not giving into the pressures of the idol world. Incredibly talented actress and singer, doesn't hurt that she is also uniquely beautiful.
Tsumabuki Satoshi [妻夫木聡]
The safest bet I have seen for consistently good dramas, only big slip up was Slow Dance.
Tsutsumi Shinichi [堤真一]
Like an older version of Kimura Takuya, chooses roles that show his versatility as an actor although, like someone said above, his best roles are his comedic ones. If you can, check out the movies he has made because his films really show why he is recognized as one of the best actors in Japan right now.
Ueno Juri [上野樹里]
It seems in the last year of dramas and movies Ueno has become one of the biggest actresses in Japan and she deserves it. Nodame solidified her position to me as the best actress of the "new" generation.
Watanabe Ken [渡辺謙]
Even if you ignore his movies his performances in IWGP and Suna no Utsuwa deserve a vote.

sucigam's dramas (22)
Algernon ni Hanataba o [アルジャーノンに花束を]
Rating: 8/10
This drama works because of Yusuke Santamaria, I don't think there are many other japanese actors out there that could pull this off but he did it flawlessly. Unfortunately Kanno Miho performance is way to melodramatic (I wonder if it was the directors choice or her own to cry every damn episode), this caused the drama to go from great to just good. I still have to recommend this, one of those rare dramas that will make you think while being emotionally compelling at the same time.
Ashita no Kita Yoshio [あしたの、喜多善男]
Rating: 8/10
I think most people who ended up actually watching this drama would agree that it was the best of the season, you can clearly see right from the first episode that the people making it had a clear vision of the story they wanted to tell, and I think if they had a bigger budget and let loose creativity wise(I felt like some parts reverted back to the typical drama production), this drama could have been even better. Watch out for Yoshitaka Yuriko, she steals every scene and I am a fan for life after her performance in this drama.
Boku no Aruku Michi [僕の歩く道]
Rating: 5/10
I feel bad for writing a review for a drama that I didn't complete but I just wanted to say one thing. Tsuyoshi is obviously a very talented guy being able to pull this kind of role of but the problem is that the story revolves around a character who is about as complex as a grade schooler. Because of the disability, there are very small developments in Tsuyoshi's character every episode and since each episode is heavily focused on him the show ends up dragging quite heavily. No doubt Tsuyoshi probably did deserve best actor for the show, but talent alone doesn't make a show good.
Byakuyakou [白夜行]
Rating: 5/10
There is something about dramas like this (sleeping forest, kou kou kyoushi, etc.) that creates a rift among viewers, either you like it or don't. The drama asks you to leave logic at the door and make believe that something like this could actually happen, sorry I don't buy it.
First Kiss [ファースト・キス]
Rating: 6/10
Well it's not TERRIBLE like some people make it out to be, if you like sappy 90s dramas then I would recommend this to you as it gave off that kind of feeling to me while watching it. Nothing really stands out but they had a few good heartwarming scenes which kept me to the end. I don't understand people sometimes though, it's strange to me that most fans prefer "hallelujah chances" to a drama that actually has a coherent story line.
Galileo [ガリレオ]
Rating: 8/10
The first episode of this drama is excellent and had me hoping for an amazing drama but that episode ended up being the best of the 10 by far. Still I was pretty entertained throughout and it's been awhile since Kou's done something worth watching, 8 it is.
Haikei, Chichiue-sama [拝啓、父上様]
Rating: 7/10
I wasn't able to relate to the characters as easily as I was in Yasashii Jikan but it was still some what enjoyable. It's nice to see dramas that are set outside of Tokyo once in awhile =). I believe Yokoyama Yu also had his breakthrough role in this drama, look for big things from this guy soon.
Hanayome to Papa [花嫁とパパ]
Rating: 7/10
Ishihara Satomi is basically playing the same ditzy character as in H2 and although the drama is cheesy as hell it still ended up being pretty fun. Just don't go in expecting anything more than mindless entertainment and you should enjoy this one.
Himitsu no Hanazono [ヒミツの花園]
Rating: 7/10
Himitsu no Hanazono is probably not going to win any awards and will probably be forgotten by pretty much everybody but that's not because its a bad show. The comedy is cleverly written with a cast that seems like they are having alot of fun both on and off the set. It's definately not something new but it's a drama that knows what it is and executes itself accordingly. Maya Miki and Terajimi Susumu(what a range this guy has) are an absolutely hilarious combo that bring sure laughs whenever they are together. Namie Amuro's track also ended up being my favourite theme song of the season.
Hoshi no kinka 1 [星の金貨]
Rating: 6/10
This is probably the most frustrating show I've ever watched. Sakai Noriko puts on the best performance from any actress in any drama I've seen but it's SO WASTED on this terribly cliche story. chesed sums it up quite well, I suggest you read his full review. I guess the only good thing that came out of this whole ordeal is that I found another talented actress in a sea of mediocre ones. It's almost assured that you will fall in love with her talent and natural beauty if you watch this drama.
Hotaru no haka [蛍の墓]
Rating: 7/10
I thought the anime was way better, the drama uses melodrama where as the anime is much more subtle and well...artistic. Worth checking out but this is definitely no masterpiece.
Jodan Janai! [冗談じゃない!]
Rating: 3/10
Jodan Ja Nai! is the perfect title for this drama, "Are you kidding me!?" is really all that comes to mind when trying to describe this show. How two of the best actors in Japan (Oda Yuji and Ueno Juri) coupled with one of my favourite directors (Doi Nobuhiro - Orange Days and Ima ni Yukimasu movie) created this terrible drama is beyond me, this is seriously the most dissapointing drama I've ever seen. Everyone involved should be ashamed of themselves.
Keizoku [ケイゾク]
Rating: 9/10
I have never been a big fan of the one episode conclusion series's but this one is fantastic. Cases are predictable but it's damn entertaining and gets very intense near the end. Watabe Atsuro at his finest in this drama and Nakatani Miki is wonderfully quirky. "Tres bien."
Kekkon Dekinai Otoko [結婚できない男]
Rating: 8/10
KDO started off a little slow for me personally and after the first few episodes I was wondering what all the hype was about. But then the story progressed and Abe Hiroshi's character begins to change, slowly but surely he opens up and creates a wonderful drama that will definitely leave you with that warm fuzzy feeling. Hilarious and heart warming, a must watch for those who enjoy a well written comedy.
Koi ga shitai Koi ga shitai Koi ga shitai [恋がしたい恋がしたい]
Rating: 8/10
This drama is the most realistic I've seen at capturing things like love, friendship and family. Few draggy parts due to some moments being drawn out longer than they needed to be but for the most part this is a great drama with a lot of genuinely moving scenes. I really admire Kanno Miho, whenever I watch a drama with her in it I know I'm in for something different than the usual fare, in this case different means good.
Koi ni Ochitara ~Boku no Seikou no Himitsu~ [恋におちたら〜僕の成功の秘密〜]
Rating: 8/10 (Watched)
This is more an adult oriented show with the major themes revolving around business ethics. It reeks of cliches at times and I wonder if tsuyoshi was the right choice as lead but still a breath of fresh air if you are looking for a different style of drama.
Kyousoukyoku [協奏曲]
Rating: 8/10
Unlike most shows, Concerto doesn't force feed you the drama but instead lets it flow naturally with the story. This is one of the better Kimura dramas I've seen and is worth watching if you're looking for a realistic show that takes a look at the many intricacies of life. The only complaints I have with the drama are: 1. The incredibly annoying comic relief housewife who thankfully disappears from the show quickly. 2. Miyazawa's character being incredibly pathetic at times, makes the show unrealistic. 3. The open ending, it doesn't really work and just makes the show feel unfinished. Overall though the pros outweigh the cons, definitely a drama that older audiences will appreciate.
Muri na Renai [無理な恋愛]
Rating: 7/10
This was a pretty predictable drama made watchable by Natsukawa Yui, who with this drama and Kekkon Dekinai Otoko, has convinced me that she is the best 30-something actress working in jdramas right now as she has shown the ability to make two very different characters(from a very sarcastic doctor to an overly optimisic actress) completely believable. It's hard to recommend as there are pacing issues and the writing/direction isnt as polished as KDO, but if you are a fan of Natsukawa's then it's worth checking out.
Stand UP!!
Rating: 9/10
If it wasn't for the last 2 episodes I think I would have given this a 10. This drama has the kind of humor that I hope I never grow to old to appreciate and a great coming of age storyline to boot. This is probably Ninomiya's best performance for me so far, the guy is an incredible actor. I hope that everyone will look past the obvious fangirlism around this show and sees it for what it really is; a very good drama. Before writing this drama off as a stupid teen comedy, remember that this drama is made by the same genius behind critical favourites Sekai no Chuushin de and Trick!
Unfair [アンフェア]
Rating: 7/10
This is one where you have to just suck up the poor initial pacing and power through. Once you get to episode 7 things really start going plot wise but there are still a few problems with the execution and I personally don't really like Shinohara's acting at all through this. Eita on the other hand really delivers in this drama as the story progresses with his character getting more and more scenes. Unfair really shows that he deserves to be elevated to leading man status. Check it out, subtitled police dramas are hard to come by and this is a good one.
Yasashii Jikan [優しい時間]
Rating: 8/10
This is a drama you really have to be in the right mood to watch since it's slow moving with an emphasis on characters rather than story. It gets quite compelling as I became more attatched to the characters as the story progressed and when it finally ended I was genuinely moved. The writer of the show obviously has a very good understanding of his characters(especially his older ones) and the only downfalls come from some scenes that become way to melodramatic(pretty much any scene nagasawa is crying). On a side note, Yo Kimiko also has the best performance I've seen from her by FAR, I was very impressed with how she under acted her role. Reccomended watching on a lazy weekend :).
Zettai Kareshi [絶対彼氏]
Rating: 8/10
I was suprised at how much I ended up actually liking this show, the relationship between Night and Riiko was well done and their scenes were what I looked forward to every ep. To me Aibu Saki was the real star of this show, she reminded me a little of Yuko Takeuchi with the 'smile that lights up a room' and brought genuine emotion into moments that could have been a lot cheesier. Good drama overall if your looking for some light entertainment.

sucigam's drama reviews (14)
Aoi Tori [青い鳥]
Wanted to like this one... [Rating: 7/10]
This show started off strongly with the relationships between the main characters filled with tension. The story undergoes a major shift around episode 7 and I really felt after this point that the characters seem to lose touch with reality. The relationship between the daughter and the main character especially seemed forced and the ending seemed like it was sloppily put together just to get that last symbol of the caged bird to work. I really wanted to enjoy Aoi Tori as it seemed like my kind of drama being slow moving and with an emphasis on characters but it really falls flat half way through. The dramas story and characters alone really deserves a 6 but the the production and scenery in this series is gorgeous(almost worth watching for this alone). How the show is shot bumped it up a point for me. Aoi Tori is not bad by any means but if your expecting something special I'd say look else where.
Gonzo - Densetsu no Keiji [ゴンゾウ]
It's like reading a good mystery novel [Rating: 9/10]
Here's a drama that understands the importance of well developed characters, Gonzo unfolds at a good pace dedicating just enough time to back story to make things a lot more interesting. I think there are alot of things jdrama screenwriters can learn from this show, you don't need to be to flashy to make a drama intense, while Gonzo gets off to a bit of a slow start the pressure builds and doesn't let down, its a slow burner with some very good payoffs in the later episodes. This is the best drama I've seen in awhile, hopefully we'll see more shows like this in the future.
Ikebukuro West Gate Park [池袋ウエストゲートパーク]
Like nothing else out there... [Rating: 10/10]
Kudo Kankuro written dramas have always been fun to watch but I have also always felt that they lacked some focus. This being due to him making his stories creative above anything else. IWGP has been the first exception from this where you feel like the story is kind of all over the place and then the last couple episodes bring everything together BEAUTIFULLY, really it was incredible to see it all come together. The drama was original from the direction to the music to the casting(amazed Sakaguchi Kenji could pull his role off, didn't know he had that in him). Although it stars a couple very popular Johnny's members, don't let that turn you off(or on if you are a fangirl) as this is totally a drama catered to guys with some brutal violence and crude humor(nothing beats seeing Koyuki participate in the sick fantasies of a gang leader). This is the kind of show you need to watch once in awhile to realize why you started watching dramas in the first place, fantastic.
Ima Ai ni Yukimasu [いま会いにゆきます]
Dissapointing [Rating: 6/10]
Such a shame, this show had alot of potential as the movie it is based on is one of the best romantic films I have ever seen. There were two major problems with this show: writing and chemistry. The show added a few more characters to create some side stories but these side stories really led nowhere. It was obvious that they were just trying to eat up time half way in so that the show would last a full 11 episodes. The reason the movie was so special for me is the chemistry between the main leads and the drama just doesn't have it. Narimiya Hiroki is a talented guy but whenever he is in the same shot with Mimura they both seem to fall flat and I ended up finishing the show for the sake of finishing to see if there was any difference between the movie and dramas ending. A bright spot in the show though is with the two younger actors who play the high school version of the couple. These two did a pretty good job and the flashbacks ended up being my favorite part of the entire series. Overall though this was a waste of a great concept, disappointing.
Karei naru Ichizoku [華麗なる一族]
Kimura is Back [Rating: 8/10]
After Pride and Engine I was starting to wonder if Kimura was just going to end up doing roles that would just keep his popularity at a peak, playing the cool guy cliche. Karei naru Ichizoku definitely surprised me, being Kimura's best drama since Good Luck!! and easily his best performance since One Million Stars Falling From The Sky. Karei is a mature drama, both character and dialogue heavy. Great direction and music, the only problems end up being with some of the story and characters. Although it is an intelligent drama in the business parts, the romantic relationships are very soapish and border on ridiculous at times. It is also some times predictable; Kimuras character seemingly doing no wrong through a lot of the show. Still for the most part it works and is pretty powerful throughout. The ending episode is definitely the high point and takes the drama from being cheesy to meaningful. If you're looking for another Pride this isn't it but if you're interested in a substantial drama that succeeds in doing something different, I suggest you check this out.
Kimi ga oshietekureta koto [君が教えてくれたこと]
A Unique Love Story [Rating: 8/10]
This drama would be best described Boku no Aruku Michi meets Beautiful Life and Yasashii Jikan. A teacher helps an autistic woman learn how to live in the real world while the woman helps the teacher learn how to love again. There are so many heart warming moments in this drama and the great thing about it is that they all feel genuine! All those cliches you would expect from a story like this are absent. Tomosaka Rie's character is seriously like an angel come down to earth. There is something so pure and innocent about her, it will melt even the most cynical man's heart. Other than the main love story, the relationships between the family are also very well done. This drama includes one of the most realistic father characters I've seen in a drama, he is over protective but not ridiculously so. Tomosaka's brother (played by Fujiwara Tatsuya, this seems to be the last project he did before exploding into super stardom with Battle Royale) is also well portrayed, the whole family has there own little character flaws which makes the drama feel alot more realistic. The major criticisms I have with the drama are with the rest of the supporting characters, especially the one diet member who is literally evil without explanation for 9 episodes. When we finally get the explanation for his motives it just came off as a little too ridiculous. To be honest I'm not even a fan of this drama genre and I still ended up really liking it. I recommend this to anyone looking for a very different kind of love story.
Medaka [めだか]
Underrated School Drama [Rating: 9/10]
I never thought I would be calling a high school drama "underrated" but Medaka is without a doubt the best school related drama I've seen(yes that includes GTO, Gokusen, Queen Of The Classroom etc.). The reason this one is so good is because of the students, the problems they face are easy to relate to and don't come off as petty and selfish like all those other school dramas that seem to be so popular. The story is made better by a really great cast of "nobodies" with Mimura at the center. I haven't been impressed with Mimura untill this drama. She IS Medaka, I can't think of any actress who could fit the character better Yes it's a little cheesy at times but for the most part the drama just oozes genuineness and it's nice to see a drama where it feels like everyone involved is really proud of what they are doing. I could go on and on about how special this drama is(the romance, the comedy, the music, everything) but I'll just end this by saying that you are truly missing out if you don't watch Medaka, a hidden gem in what really was a great year for dramas.
Nodame Cantabile [のだめ カンタビ−レ]
Nodame Cantabile [Rating: 10/10]
This is a show that is comprised of 3/4's comedy and 1/4 drama. I won't really go into the comedy aspect of it as most people have already talked about how hilarious it is every single episode. Think of all the crazy physical comedy going on in a manga or anime brought to life and that's pretty much what Nodame Cantabile is in a nutshell. As for the drama aspect I think this is where the show really sets itself apart as something special. It goes into a subject that I don't think we see enough in dramas which is with the character becoming part of something bigger than himself and undergoing a major shift in personality due to the effect of those around him, specifically by his love interest (or better described as his punching bag that goes gyabo! when you hit it) who is a polar opposite of himself. This show reminds me of Densha Otoko (made by the same director) in that yes it is a love story but more than that it's about becoming a better person because of the interactions with people we take for granted. It is also reminiscent of Densha because of its great ensemble cast. There is of course the two leads who both seem like they were destined to play there respective characters, but the other orchestra members also give great performances that are so memorable. Special nods go to Eita(Mine) and Koide Keisuke(Masumi) who do so much with the little lines they are given. Also Kimura Ryou coming in in the last few eps as Kiyora(musically) and Masumi's(err.. romantically?) rival was a great decision, that guy is a comedy ace and brought in some fresh comedy when the series needed it. Most importantly though is Takenaka's portrayal of Stresman, he deserves some kind of award for stealing every scene he is in. Nodame is really well done with the best musical arrangement I have ever heard in any drama and it is a shame that it isn't more popular than it is. I'm guessing that once it becomes more accessible this show is going to be recognized as one of the best, if not the best of 2006.
Odoru Daisousasen [踊る大捜査線]
Timeless... [Rating: 9/10]
I watched this drama more than 10 years after the original release date and I can't help but think that people will still be praising this drama 20 years from now. What a great blend of comedy and drama this show has, clever humor one minute and then intense action the next! This has also got to be both Oda Yuji and Fukatsu Eri's best performance ever, they really brought the drama to life. This drama has something for literally everyone in it and it hasn't aged one bit (well maybe the dial-up internet needs to go...). This is not only one of the best police dramas I've watched, it's one of the best dramas I've seen period. Although Odoru Daisousassen doesn't rank in my top 10 dramas I decided to give it a vote as this show managed to be smarter and more relevant than dramas that are coming out 10 years later.
sekushii boisu ando robo [セクシーボイスアンドロボ]
Quirky Entertainment [Rating: 7/10]
Sexy Voice and Robo seems to have been overshadowed by some of the bigger name idol dramas happening in the spring 2007 season in both japan and the online drama community and that's a shame because it's actually pretty entertaining. The drama relies heavily on "weird" humor so if that's not your thing you probably will end up hating this drama(see review above). I personally was looking forward to every episode, partly because of the quirky story but mostly because Suzuka Ohgo is one charimsatic 13 year old. People like to praise Shida Mirai in the child actress department but if Suzuka continues to put out performances like she did in this drama I'm guessing that she will end up being the more successful of the two later on. Matsuyama holds his own as the big otaku and has pretty good chemistry with Suzuka. Each episode ends with a voice over monologue by Suzuka and this is usually my favorite part of the show as it never failed to leave me with chills as the last line is delivered right after the music cuts off, in a sea of dramas that use the same repetitive format for story telling it's really refreshing to see a drama that breaks the mold in that aspect. Even how the drama finale ends is pretty different and is more in synch with how life usually goes for most of us (although it did leave me a little unsatisfied). There is nothing ground breaking about this but it really is a fun little time waster that I didn't want to see end. If nothing else watch it for Suzuka Ohgo's fashion, I swear that the world would be a better place if all girls dressed like that!
Shiroi Kyoto [白い巨塔]
Raising The Bar [Rating: 10/10]
Shiroi Kyoto could have been split into two seasons, the first "season" of this drama would probably rank in my top 5 dramas while the second alone would have gotten a 9/10 rating from me. The first half of this show is a complex character drama with Zaizen Goro's struggle for power and recognition. The second half is a somewhat typical but still highly engrossing plot driven drama where a lot of the supporting cast become major players. This drama could have failed in so many places but the execution was just impeccable, from the artistic direction, the brilliant classical pieces, to some very memorable performances, it's really hard for me to find anything to complain about. Karasawa Toshiaki has an amazing amount of charisma throughout the drama, there were times I wished I could be there to some how help him in his desperate struggle for success. The rest of the star-studded cast delivers as well, I can�ft think of any poor casting choices. Shiroi Kyoto is also not your typical "epic" drama, the show does end up taking quite a few risks, the memorable ones for me include the trip to Auschwitz and the critical commentary on smoking near the end (especially in a place like Japan where smoking is still the norm, I was very impressed). This is one of those dramas that just put everything else to shame, highly recommended.
SP [エスピー]
Stylish [Rating: 7/10]
Although this drama has some pretty big names, this is one of the few dramas where I felt like the director is the real star of the show(IWGP is the only one I can think of that betters this one). It's all very pleasing to the eyes and ears(great orchestral pieces, even got the one from 2001: A Space Odyssey!). The problem is that although having a unique style is refreshing, the drama lacks a good storyline. Actually it gets down right ridiculous at the end and the "cool" factor is ruined by moments where you literally go "wtf?" As for the acting Okada does a good job, I'm surprised he pulled off the action scenes so well. Tsutsumi is always good but his character in this drama is pretty stock, theres no depth to him, and most of the other side characters, which makes the "twists" not so gripping. I guess that's the biggest issue with this drama in the end, it chooses style over substance, making the drama as a whole pretty forgettable.
Suna No Utsuwa [砂の器]
My New Favourite Drama [Rating: 10/10]
Suna No Utsuwa is a show that has alot in common with One Million Stars Falling From The Sky. Both have protagonists who are burdened by fate and both these protagonists are being tracked down by a relentless detective. The difference between the shows lies in the execution. While One Million uses fast music and cliff hangers, Suna takes its time, building all of it's characters through the use of expressions, not words. Suna No Utsuwa is the first drama I've seen that truly understands more can be said with a set piece of music and a look than any amount of dialogue. The use of opera and orchestral music along with sweeping shots of both urban and rural Japan is breath taking and can't be done justice in this review, it just has to be seen to be appreciated. The "Shukumei" piece is like nothing else I've ever heard, how it progresses along with Waga's character throughout the show is brilliant and makes it all the more moving. The cast is perfect. Matsuyuki gives me hope for jdrama actresses, it's good to see that their is someone else out there other than Shibasaki Kou that can do these dark roles well. Watanabe Ken is great as the detective who wants the case to be solved but at the same time is conflicted by how tragic the whole situation really is as he slowly pieces together Waga's life. I don't really know how to describe Nakai's performance, I've never been able to so easily sympathize with any character in any drama period. This is a truly tragic character that is made all the more sadder by Nakai's expressions and mannerisms. Harada Yoshio also deserves recognition, the last two episodes of the show were held together by him. This show does have a few holes in it, the major ones lying in the logic behind some of moves Waga makes when trying to elude the detectives. These are minor complaints though as most jdramas are usually riddled with coincidences and are pretty much a standard affair to keep a drama moving. I've heard people call this slow but it has been a more intense experience than almost all the shows I've seen. Maybe it's because we are so used to having cliches shoved down our throats that when something like this comes along, people have a hard time adjusting. Regardless of its pace, I can't recommend this show enough and now that it has been subtitled(thanks to gromitt) there is no reason you shouldn't at least try it. I personally believe this is a must watch if you consider yourself a jdrama fan. P.S. I felt some what unfulfilled with the ending but I decided to sleep on it before writing this review. When I woke up the next morning I understood and appreciated what they were trying to do. This drama is about real life and that's what it delivers.
Yama Onna Kabe Onna [山おんな壁おんな]
Ito Misaki Shines [Rating: 7/10]
Okay, I'll admit that I thought this show was going to be terrible, two of the most wooden actresses in Japan starring in a drama that has one of the stupidest synopsis's I've seen. This prevented me from watching the drama until it was subtitled to the 6th episode. Due to me being bored out of my mind one day I decided to give it a chance and see how truly bad it is. Turns out it isn't bad, it's hilarious in fact with some great direction and clever writing. Fukada Kyoko reaffirms that there is no reason she should be acting in dramas but what's awesome is that Ito Misaki really has a coming out as a great comedic actress in this drama as the Kabe Onna, the drama completely revolves around her and that is a good thing. I think this is the first character she has played with some depth to it and she does well, hope she can breakout of her type casted 2D characters after this show. Yeah the drama is advertised as just a bunch of boob jokes but most of the jokes are actually creatively done and consistently funny and when it gets dramatic it works because it focuses on the insecurities of Ito's character in general which allows the viewer to relate some what(I actually think girls will enjoy this one more than the guys due to this factor even though most people seem to think it's a "guys drama" for obvious reasons). This review is based off of the first 7 episodes, I doubt my score/review will change unless something crazy happens like Ito's character being hit by a train thus allowing Fukada Kyoko's character to take the spotlight.

   

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