47th NHK Taiga Drama: Atsu-hime

[bmwracer]

Itazura ichiban wrote:

After this week's episode, I am afraid that we're not likely to get more thrilling than picking out nice kimonos...

Well those big sales bring out the beast in women shoppers...

[suzzy]

bmwracer wrote:

Well those big sales bring out the beast in women shoppers...

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[gaijinmark]

O.K., it's pretty obvious this is not going to be your typical Taiga. And while we can kick around the pros and cons of that till hell freezes over, so far, I'm still watching. And I'd like to give special mention to Keiko Matsuzaka who showed up in the last 2 or 3 episodes as "Ikushima, the nanny from hell"

[ralphm1999]

If all taigas were as good and interesting as this, I would be a total taiga fan. So if this is an aberration from the taiga norm, then I hope this aberration will become the norm for the millions like myself that are more interested in drama and good clear video than the endless roomful of dirty faced mumblers that I momentarily viewed in prior taigas before I turned the channel.
Hoorray for Atsu hime and Aoi chan.

[ralphm1999]

The countdown is on for tonights episode which should be great after the events of last week. Only 12 hours to go... yipeee. I know how you all are waiting for this wondrous broadcast. Be patient.

[gaijinmark]

Weeeelll,,, I will be watching, probably not with the same anticipation. I think fans of "traditional" taiga are never going to like this one. I'd be willing to bet the rent check there won't be any battle or fighting scenes. This one looks like it will be more about the political manuevering behind the scenes.

[ralphm1999]

gaijinmark wrote:

Weeeelll,,, I will be watching, probably not with the same anticipation. I think fans of "traditional" taiga are never going to like this one. I'd be willing to bet the rent check there won't be any battle or fighting scenes. This one looks like it will be more about the political manuevering behind the scenes.

I agree. And that's another reason for me to like it more. I enjoy the subtle political intrigue far more than the brutality and bloodshed of the battlefield. What's not to like with Aoi chan anyway.

[Itazura ichiban]

...and Miyazaki Aoi is pretty damn cute, too.
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- Douglas

[ralphm1999]

Excellent episode last night... for those who watched don't you agree? it seems they get better and better. The acting and clarity of the video are superb. For once Ch18 is transmitting real clear video instead of outlines in darkened pictures of people as is their normal mode of transmission.

Click on button to reveal/hide spoiler:

I am in suspense as to how Atsu will react when she meets the crazy shogun for the first time. That may be next week

[gaijinmark]

That's something I was curious about; My Japanese history is not that good, was that shogun really as big a nut case as they're portraying him to be?

[ralphm1999]

gaijinmark wrote:

That's something I was curious about; My Japanese history is not that good, was that shogun really as big a nut case as they're portraying him to be?

There is no biographical material that I can find on Tokugawa Iesada.
Wikipedia simply says he was mentally unfit to be shogun.

I don't know if this link was posted before but here it is again. The real Atsu hime picture:

http://wiki.samurai-archives.com/index.php?title=Atsu-hime

A far cry from Aoi chan. If they used a look alike I would have ceased watching the first second she appeared.

[ralphm1999]

This last episode was so intense that I became aware of a shift in my vision of Aoi chan.
Prior to this she was more an extension of her ditzyness in Nana.

But suddenly I saw her in an entirely new light.. she morphed into princess Atsu with total control of her role and interpretation. What a magnificent talent.

She is right up there now with the other great current ingenues... we know of course who that includes... hmmm; Kuninaka Ryoko, Ayase Haruka, Nakashima Mika, Takeuchi Yuko, Takako Matsu, Kanno Miiho, Ikewaki Chizuru etc.

[Itazura ichiban]

ralphm1999 wrote:

A far cry from Aoi chan. If they used a look alike I would have ceased watching the first second she appeared.

It's probably not her best side.
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- Douglas

[ralphm1999]

Tonight's episode just finished. It was so powerful I'm still a little dazed. What an incredible drama this is turning out to be. I suspect this drama and Aoi chan will rank high in any drama awards. What amazes me is tht each episode supercedes the prior one in suspense, acting, scenery and, plot development.

[gaijinmark]

Yeah, was pretty good

Click on button to reveal/hide spoiler:

The scene where she gets to meet her real family for the last time was pretty emotional and I thought Aoi did a real good job there

It'll be interesting to see what happens when she meets up with the wacko shogun.

[ralphm1999]

gaijinmark wrote:

Yeah, was pretty good Click on button to reveal/hide spoiler: The scene where she gets to meet her real family for the last time was pretty emotional and I thought Aoi did a real good job there It'll be interesting to see what happens when she meets up with the wacko shogun.

That scene was exactly what I was reffering to. And I am looking forward to her reaction when she meets the dimwit shogun.

[Itazura ichiban]

The inevitable kimono-choosing episode. Probably the historical costuming geeks had a field day.
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- Douglas

[ralphm1999]

Although posted in Aoi's topic, it's worth repeating here for those who appreciate what a tremenduous boost this fantastic taiga has been for the taiga world. This is a well deserved award. Atsu hime continues to be one of the best dramas ever (hmmm next to Churasan of course). If all taigas were this good I would be a taiga fan number one.


ref: http://www.tokyograph.com/news/id-3257
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Aoi Miyazaki wins Galaxy Award
Sat, May 24, 2008 (2:42am EDT)
Some of the winners of the 45th Galaxy Awards were announced on Friday. Sponsored by the non-profit Japan Council for Better Radio and Television, the awards honor contributions in radio and television between April of last year and March of this year.

Actress Aoi Miyazaki was given the Individual Award for television, based on her starring role in the NHK taiga drama "Atsuhime." This is the first time a taiga drama lead has won that prize since it was established during the 21st Galaxy Awards.

A special 45th anniversary award was given to 75-year-old talento/writer/composer Rokusuke Ei. Last year's drama series "Utahime" won the My Best TV Award, which is determined by public vote.

The other awards will be announced on June 3.

[ralphm1999]

Another great episode. Aoi chan is showing amazing versatility in her role interpretation.

This taiga has more of an asadora style. This drama has that Japanese fairy tale quality that has made me a jdrama addict that other countries cannot match. It is incredibly interesting and suspenseful. I hope this sets the mark for future taigas so that non-history buffs like myself actually become antsy waiting for the next episode. Incredible acting, scenery and plot developement. Magnificent job by the writers and director and of course Aoi chan. A well deserved award for her.

[Itazura ichiban]

I just hope it doesn't become a predictable Pollyanna formula. Right now, it looks like they're going to throw Atsu-Hime at every problem and she will solve it in a snap. She's very attractive, but I am not buying that she can outsmart the royal court single-handedly.

The side-story with her "mother" and "father" was very touching, however.
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- Douglas