Mainly because I read the manga and wanted to see the drama's adaptation. Then, I found out that Okada Masaki is the lead actor so I became more excited to watch it.
2) Storyline/Plot:
Honestly speaking, the storyline is kind of silly but it wasn't boring or unattractive, it was surprisingly enjoyable.
Positive Points:
*This drama is one of the nicest manga adaptations that I've seen so far.
*Main Genres:
--->Humor: I remember laughing several times during this drama, mostly in the third or the fourth episode. There were some hilarious moments in here that I had to pause in order to continue my laughter.
The style of Japanese comedy has always proved its way in making any drama lighter and enjoyable.
The comedy scenes weren't randomly present, it was nicely calculated in order to bring laughter when it's needed; that concept was highly appreciated.
--->School: This drama can also be considered as a school drama since it had all the elements that indicates so. The school side was the most hilarious part with a teacher like Hanazawa Yumeko who was really fun to see around, also the kendo teacher (Ryo's father) and all the classmates that made this part enjoyable.
*Another positive point that I should mention; it was really fun to see Asuka's Otomen friends and their ways of hiding their true self; it was very hilarious at many points.
*The imaginations moments that the characters had were always great and enjoyable.
Negative Points:
--->Romance: the romantic concept wasn't appreciated, I would like to think about this drama as a funny school drama rather than a rom-com; it's really better to think about it that way because romance hasn't deliverd much that can make you watch the drama because of it.
The romance was the annoying light type sometimes, it wasn't completely hateful but I can't possibly mention it in the positive points column.
Story: 8/10
3)Acting/Cast :
*Okada Masaki:
I like him as an actor , I've seen many of his dramas and appreciated most of them. Here, he had the most adorable role ever as a very "cute" role. He didn't fail my expectations; he's always a great actor so I was right for watching this drama because of him.
The character wasn't very different from the one in the manga, actuallly, it was more appealing. I always focus on characters when I watch a manga/anime adaptation in order to see their potency in portraying the orginal ones. Here, I must say that I liked Asuka's character; the way he was trying to hide his love for girly cute things while being the tough kendo captin that everyone loves and finding friends that share his Otomen self in the meantime: It was more than satisfying as a live character adaptation.
*Kaho:
I only saw her in "Tokyo Girl" but I don't judge an actor/actress over a film so let's say that I am not very familiar with her before this drama. Here, I believe that her role was nicely done although I believe that her acting skills are lacking something.
The character didn't attract me, at least, not the way Asuka's character did. I loved the times where Ryo was saving Asuka; those where some great moments.
Ryo's character can be clueless while being on a tough girl mode. It's true that I didn't fall for her character but as a manga adaptation it was an acceptable character.
*Other Cast: I loved the remaining cast, every character in this drama had a unique concept plus there were funny characters everywhere!
*Appreciated Character: Tonomine was a very appreciated character all the way through the drama whether he was Asuka's rival or tough mainly man; he always had interesting scenes.
*Relationships:
--->Romance: I can't possibly speak about romantic chemistry because romance wasn't heavily present. Instead, I will mention that Asuka and Ryo's relationship was really cool to watch.
--->Friendship: Asuka's relationship with the kendo members, Tachibana, Ariake and especially Tonomine was literally mesmerizing.
Cast: 7.5/10
Acting: 8.5/10
4) The ending:
The closer scene was one of the nicest dramas closures. Overall, the ending was cute and adorable.
The ending: 8.5/10
5) My impresion (How did it affect me):
* I really enjoyed this drama, I think I enjoyed it a little too much.
*Laughter moments were very present so there weren't any chance to get bored.
*I really appreciated the characters in this drama and the adaptation overall.
*Is this drama memorable: Yes, it is. I still remember its event (especially the funny moments) even though I watched it a long time ago.
My impression: 8/10
6) Overall:
*If you read the manga then you would appreciate this drama's adaptation.
*If you like funny dramas then you would enjoy this.
*If you're looking for a romatic drama, you shouldn't expect much from this.
*If you like Okada Masaki, you need to watch this because it will give you another image aboout this actor.
Overall: 7.5/10.
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From the first Episode to the last one I had a smile on my face.
Seeing how Asuka is trying to hide his true self is somehow exciting.
I liked how his arch rival Tonomine turns every woman into a butterfly.
How Tachibana stalks Asuka and Ryo tries to protect Asuka.
Every character has its own cuteness they are the reason this drama should be watched.
Its not one of the super great manga adaptions like Hana Yori Dango or others, but its a drama I´m happy I watched.
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Granted, the story wasn't exactly unique. Many Japanese dramas revolve around the idea that many people portray themselves as something they aren't, but I think that its an idea that resonates with so many people, which allows these dramas to be successful.
I liked the fact that the female lead was portrayed as this perfect, delicate little flower, but in reality she could kick butt harder than any guy. The whole play on gender stereotyping was refreshing and amusing at the same time. The characters were like caricatures of actual people, which made it all the more fun to watch.
There was plenty of comedy and just enough seriousness to bring it all into balance, and I loved that about this drama.
Overall, it was a pretty solid drama, and I think if you're into Shoju manga, or into slapstick comedy and caricatures with just enough realism to leave you with a message, this is definitely going to be something you'll enjoy watching.
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I only watched it because of Okada Masaki, but it did give me a few laughs. Although, it does border on ridiculous sometimes with its "WTH?" moments.
The acting was fine for a drama that is not meant to be taken seriously. It also gives off an anime-like feel. So, if you don't like that type of acting, and you don't like anime, this might not be appealing for you. Most of the characters are cute like Tachibana and Asuka, but some got on my nerves a little bit, like the teacher. Also, there are no truly evil characters who make you wish they had slow, torturous, anguish filled deaths, which for me is always a plus.
I don't plan on re-watching the whole series again, but I might go back to my favorite scenes.
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A remake please!
I love the story of Otomen and I enjoyed this drama immensely but….it’s kinda old -made in 2009- and I doubt I can find sites where I can rewatch. So far I’ve been getting my Otomen “fix” at Dramacool but this site is getting banned a lot and also the film quality seems to be getting worse. I hope that one day someone in the film industry will have the idea of remaking this story…and perhaps add more kickass scenes, especially the one where both ML and FL fought the hooligans off.(I was quite upset when that episode ended without showing the fight, and the next episode didn’t pick it up where it ended previously)
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This review may contain spoilers
Cute but there is blackface and homophobia (spoilers for character's motivation)
Like the review title says, this would be a cute coming-of-age drama but later on there is blatant blackface and homophobia and transphobia. Tbh I didn't catch on to the Obama character right away because I wasn't paying enough attention while watching. This is how I got all the way to a flashback in a later episode (ep 8?) to "American" school that Obama and another teacher went to, wherein all the extras playing basketball were Japanese people in blackface. The reason behind the main character's fear of being open about loving cute and beautiful things is his homophobic/transphobic mother who enforces traditional masculinity. It's been years since I watched this so I can't remember the exact reason for her pressure of conformity, but it was either that her ex-partner came out as a trans woman, a gay man who enjoyed cross dressing, or was cishet but enjoyed crossdressing and cute things. Even if the show is about accepting yourself and cherishing the people who do accept you, this mother getting a redemption-of-sorts by suddenly accepting him in the end (please note main boy is cishet) is really gross in my opinion. Of course I want the characters to be comfortable with and loved by their families, but her awful behaviour is not forgivable to me, even if she accepts her son.Was this review helpful to you?
What I did not like about the show was Asuaka manipulative mother. She was something else and that complete about-face she had in the last episode was awkward to say the least.
I also did not like episode 11 racist ass blackface and I guess whiteface flashback scene where the teachers have a flashback of there time in Texas at an American high school. I am not trying to have anything cancelled or erased from existence but want people to know that it exists.
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I found the story really ridiculous at times but funny at other times. The friendship/romance between the leads was very simple. The ending had many things left open. Still this was a very watchable school drama. I didn’t find the focus on the Kendo club all that interesting though.
I didn’t know any of the actors before watching and I probably wont think of them again after. The acting was just okay by most with no one really standing out. The leads did have a cute chemistry, which I appreciated.
Overall this is one of those dramas you watch when your in a mood for a funny school drama but you’ve seen all the best ones.
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Стебно тут даже и то, что на мужских ролях такой кавай и сладкие мальчики, что все слиплось сразу и намертво.
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