I really like this one. A very touching scene at the end of Ep. 2.

Takoyama wrote:

I really like this one. A very touching scene at the end of Ep. 2.

From the cast and story, this seems to be the one to watch this season.

This role of an ex-gangster fits Abe Hiroshi so well......I mean he really doesn't have features of a typical salaryman(which probably explains why it took him so many years to land a leading role).

Of all the dramas released in the last two weeks, this is one story that makes me crave for more. His scenes with Sachi are great !

If we hear how they address each other, I believe the lady taking care of Sachi is just a sister-in-law to the baker. And that sister-in-law might carry the missing link to the whole puzzle.

Eyeyore wrote:

Somehow for his roles, he doesn't have any romantic roles.

There's Kekkon Dekinai Otoko... Sort of.

Maybe his physical presence (6'-3"/6'-4") and stoic features makes him unsuitable for a real romantic role... Or maybe he's just typecast.

I found the second episode a bit uneventful, but it looks like the plot will really move along with major revelations next episode.

I wish we could learn more about the characters in this episode, Koji (breadmaker) was the only one I learnt more about.

bmwracer wrote:

There's Kekkon Dekinai Otoko... Sort of. Maybe his physical presence (6'-3"/6'-4") and stoic features makes him unsuitable for a real romantic role... Or maybe he's just typecast.

My bet is on the typecasting

EstherM wrote:

My bet is on the typecasting

Yeah, I'd think so as well.

Even though I like Abe as an actor, I've dragged my feet watching this series as it's not exactly my favourite genre. Once I found out it's from the production team that gave us KDO, I threw caution to the wind and watched the first 2 episodes. Sure enough, it has Ozaki Masaya's (the scriptwriter) fingerprints all over it; the acute observation on human interaction and behavior, the sharp social commentary, etc.. Thankfully the director kept a low profile (although still a bit too much flash backs for my taste) and let the script and actors carry the show, as opposed to his heavy handed approach in Triangle and Ashita no Kita Yoshio.

So far this is my favourite series of the season. Some people may not like the slow pace and the fact that not much happened in the 2nd ep., but just like KDO it doesn't employ a typical narrative structure. It's all about personal growth and in this case, the bonding between father and daughter amidst mundane daily proceedings. Besides, for eye candy it has 2 of my favourite actresses - Yoshitaka Yuriko and Shiraishi Miho, not to mention IMO the best ending theme song for a JDorama in quite a while. And that's more than good enough for me.

taroqq wrote:

not to mention IMO the best ending theme song for a JDorama in quite a while. And that's more than good enough for me.

Heh, funny you should mention that: I've been listening to the closing theme (Kokoro Kara Suki) from Tokyo Elevator Girl practically nonstop for the past two weeks.

[quote="bmwracer"]
Yeah, I'd think so as well. [/quote]

Sigh ! I remember the staring incident between Abe and a baby at a clinic in Kekkon Dekinai Otoko. Well, the director didn't tell the baby to burst into tears.

.....a bit confused. The screenplay of Shiroi Haru also written by the same person who wrote Triangle ?? Or was it just the same director. I thought one drama could be handled by several directors.

The interactions of Haruo with Sachi and Shiori makes this show enjoyable. Haruo confronting Sachi's bullies in Ep.3 had me laughing.

So far so good. Into the 2nd episode and the plot is still quite engaging. Abe Hiroshi sure can act. I like the interactions he has with the little girl- hilarious! Haha. One of better series this season.

cirrus wrote:

Abe Hiroshi sure can act.

For sure.

As I noted in the Featured Artist test: http://jdorama.com/index.10003.htm

After the 3rd episode, I was craving for more.
It is definately one of the better drama to come across althought I must say that the flashback may be abit too much and repeative at times. The flow of the plot however is pretty smooth. Slow-paced yet not too draggy. As always Abe Hiroshi proved to be good at his role and Yoshitaka Yuriko is pretty good too imo. So looking forward to the next episode.
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Watched episode 3 last night. It went by so quickly, even though not that much happened. I really didn't think I spent 45 minutes watching it. Again, I wish there were more character development. Haruo with the bullies reminded me of the second last episode of Kekkon Dekkinai Otoko. Sachi is so trusting with strangers, I am a little shocked and bemused.
Not especially funny or moving for me, but still, good quality not to be missed.

Abe Hiroshi's looming presence and childish acts make me laugh really hard. I love subtle comedy the best, where you don't know if you should laugh or not. :]

I find this series very touching. Abe Hiroshi plays his role convincingly. Yoshitaka Yuriko playing a sleuth is cute but we can figure out where this is going. A must watch imo.

Click on button to reveal/hide spoiler:

I was a little choked up when Haruo was cleaning Mariko's grave. I wasn't sure if it was his intention to mask his tears with the splashing water but a moving scene none the less.

Just watched episode 4. A couple of very touching scenes. This is definitely the best of Abe Hiroshi's performance from what I have seen.

Toward the end, it felt heavy to watch and I am not really looking forward to the next episode judging from the preview even though it's the logical continuation... Another good episode though.

Marriage changed Abe Hiroshi !!! He looked so constipated in "kekkon Otoko", this time he did a fabulous job.

Does anyone have a pix of how his real-life wife look like ?

Eyeyore wrote:

Marriage changed Abe Hiroshi !!! He looked so constipated in "kekkon Otoko", this time he did a fabulous job. Does anyone have a pix of how his real-life wife look like ?

Check his thread in the Artistes forum.