This review may contain spoilers
After having seen all the versions of Itazura na kiss existing (including the 1996 Japanese version), and particularly loved the “Love in Tokyo” version, saying I was waiting for this special would be an understatement. Though, I wouldn’t say my thirst was completely quenched. Let me explain.STORY (8). I won’t talk about the initial story here as I find it almost perfect. Still I want to comment some aspects of the special episode, and one in particular...
Until now, only the Taiwanese version has dealt with the honey moon (as I don’t recognize the Korean 7 minutes episode as a real adaptation), and as I thought the honey moon story was deserving a long episode (just like in TKA), I was really happy to see on the details the episode would last 3 hours… and here comes the trouble. I really found this special was too short, and most of all too HURRIED! I know announcing days is part of the “joke” with Mari-chan, but when the week ends up only being a list of days and short episodes, I only can be disappointed. I know the manga was like this too, but I found the liberties taken by TKA interesting, I wish love in Okinawa had taken some too!
(A detail that always annoys me in dramas… No one in the world kisses like that, please stahp…)
Bonus: As spoilers are forbidden, I won’t say too much, but I just LOVED the cross over, it made me laugh out loud, for real! (+1 for the music and the japanese by the way ~ !) [you’ll get it when you’ll see it].
ACTING/CAST (9.5). Miki is still a perfect Kotoko, cute, sweet, and… so in love! I discovered her in the first season, and couldn’t imagine a better actress to play this role. As for Naoki, I was a little disappointed as Yuki Furukawa acted the same way he did before Naoki and Kotoko’s wedding. I haven’t been able to see the love in his eyes for like ¾ of the episode. Sure Naoki Irie has to be Naoki Irie, but I was expecting at least a smile from time to time (Finally I’m just like Kotoko, I want him to love her so hard I can’t stand such a distant behavior, hihi).
MUSIC (7). The music is neither wonderful nor awful, I would say it was average. It was light, and perfect for the story. Though I didn’t appreciate the fact that there was music during all the episode, to my mind, the ost is here to improve the story, to accompany it and make it more alive. I had the feeling it was always trying to catch the attention. Seriously, some moments and some dialogue need their silence.
On the other hand, I HAVE to put a stress on the opening, because I just found it really cute, colorful, and loved the music. I’m listening to it again right now!
*43 minutes of re-watching, please wait…*
REWATCHING (8.5). After watching it again, I feel split between my first feelings, for some stronger than ever, and the joy of discovering things I had missed or misunderstood the first time (subtitles didn’t work and my Japanese isn’t that perfect).
Though I have to correct some things I wrote before. There ARE moments when Naoki smiles, even if they are discreet and short (watch out!). As for the music, it’s well and truly omnipresent, BUT it’s not that bad, as it stays behind the story, and it’s not that bothering finally.
OVERALL (8.5). I had a great time watching this, without any doubt, even the second time. The Itakiss series are parts of my favorite dramas ever, which explains the high score I gave (after all) and… why I was so critical :p. Though, as explained, my disappointment is real… maybe I was expecting too much from it? I have to admit I spent all the summer waiting for it to air, while expecting the Japanese version to go further than the Taiwanese (and obviously the Korean)… Well, after all, I still love it! To conclude, I would even say, hmmm…. WHEN IS THE SEASON 2 COMING OUT?? (pliz ;_;)
P.S. Sorry for the length of the review, I think I was inspired. It’s my first review here, so don’t hesitate, and comment !
Was this review helpful to you?
Acting : Yuki did an amazing job , as wel all know naoki is not really the most emotional honest normal guy in the world , yet he was able to deliver his feelings to kotoko through his beautiful eyes *-* And omg can I just fan-girl over his Perfect English ! no kidding it is the best !
Miki is to me my favorite kotoko of all times *including manga and anime * she is seriously amazing in this version ! she doesn't cry all the time she is not extremely weak she honestly loves Naoki but doesn't forget her pride -sometimes Lol - she is cool .....overall she is really a great actress
However the only thing that made me uncomfortable was the age gab I was completely okay in the first season but in this movie especially the bed scene it was little uncomfortable to watch lol it felt weird i can never imagine how awk it was for yuki poor guy ! she is so tiny and cute that it doesn't feel ... yeh but i got over it xDD
Music : It was not good in my most humble opinion , i was hoping for a better music but i didn't like it .. season 1 ost was far far better to me ..but it is not THAT bad .. it was just not that good .
Re-watch : oh dear ! we all know we have a long long time before season 2 so I kept re-watching it and every-time it made me happy it is light fun and cute so I gave it 10 for re-watch value
Overall : well I may be biased little bit to give it a 10 .. yeh even I admit that giving the fact that I could be harsh on other dramas * but it made me happy no moment in the movie made me cringe *except the black guy moment * xD but the fact that this story is Itazura Na kiss and the acting is good just makes it perfect to me !
So yeh .. that was my review on INK2~LIO !
I hope you liked it ^^ Peace *
Was this review helpful to you?
I think Love in Okinawa highlights how young Miki Honoka is. A character at some point says something about thinking she was a junior high student and I think that sums it up. Miki Honoka is not a mature teen and I have hard time believing that she is supposed to be married and in the area of 20.
Furukawa Yuki was still as emotionless as he was in season 1. The real issue for him is showing any emotion when it calls for it.
I enjoyed the incognito parents and brother for the bit they were in it.
There was also a guest appearance by the cast of the Taiwanese drama, Fabulous Boys. I didn't mind it but it was just so random.
I wish that this special had just been part of the regular series. As a stand-alone, the irritating parts stood out more. It highlighted how thoughtless Naoki is and how wimpy Kotoko is. Overall, though, it was on par with the first season and I like it about the same.
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
I have watch this 6 times
I have watch this 6 times and I absolutely love this drama; I have seen the others but I always come back to this one. Maybe it’s because this is one of my first dramas but , it’s heartwarming I watch this whenever I’m sad just to lift me up a bit.
Now, I did expect a lil more on the emotional side since they are newlyweds but it was just enough as to were you won’t be disappointed.
Yhos one is definitely my favorite between the two but this definitely lighthearted and fun to watch.
Was this review helpful to you?
I expected both characters to grow from throughout Season 2, but unfortunately for the most part this did not happen. Kotoko is still insecure, Naoki is still having trouble communicating with Kotoko, they live in the parent's house during the entire season, and it is not until the very last episode that I felt like the characters had shown some growth. It is like the writers decided that the same dynamics that worked for season 1 would work for season 2 so they didn't want to mess with the formula.
Many of the situations portrayed are ridiculous and unrealistic. The very first half of the season does show some potential but it quickly devolves into a rehash of some of the things we saw in season 1.
Overall, I found this season boring, and repetitive. There were a few funny moments and a couple of sweet romantic moments but they were few and far between. There are no interesting secondary characters that one would like with the exception of one, very attractive, male nurse who acts as the second lead at one point. The end of the season felt rushed, almost anti-climatic.
I loved season 1 and I watched season 2 out of the devotion I had to the characters but if you don't have the time, I had say skip Season 2 or watch the first couple of episodes then skip to the last one. Nothing much happens in between that is of consequence.
Was this review helpful to you?
In the magical Okinawa (when I go to Japan I absolutely want to go there) we see an embarrassed and excited Kotoko at the idea of starting her life with Naoki. He, as always, is all too serious and does not notice that he is pulling too tight on certain moments. And when he realizes it is because Kotoko is on the verge of endurance. A note of merit goes to the families of Kotoko and Naoki, but here you have to find out! You will love them!
Was this review helpful to you?
SO WORTH THE WATCH!!!!
I have watched dozens of Asian dramas and I think this is the second time I'm giving one all 10 in scores. This drama was PERFECT. I loved how we saw how much Naoki loved Kotoko. He isn't one to wear his heart on his sleeves or show public displays of attention but his feeling are definitely shown in this series.I also liked the fact that Naoki got jealous!!!! It seemed like he was taking Kotoko's feelings for granted but he really Loves her. And that confession in the cafeteria... breathtaking.
I challenge anyone to find a better ending than the one in this drama.
Was this review helpful to you?
Naoki... I still hated him. He seemed to revert from episode 16 to episode 6 in this one. I gave him props for the consummation scene though. ?
I like that Kotoko got fed up with his shit, but I was rooting for that Narita Rikon. I wanted Naoki to hurt.
The family... aww, they are so sweet. Intrusive and bad for the marriage, but still sweet. Especially Yuki.
Was this review helpful to you?
This special/episode/whatever is freakin' cute. Sit your butt down and watch it.
Was this review helpful to you?
