Prescribing a dose of hope
Every so often in drama land, I would come across a gem of a drama that’s so low key, unassuming and totally under the radar. This drama truly is one of those rare gems, and I’m so fortunate and glad to have discovered it. When I chanced upon this show, I thought it was going to be similar to say Doctors (SK), Surgeons (China) or even Grey’s Anatomy (US), but with the focus on pharmacists instead of doctors, which piqued my curiosity because it’s never been done before as far as I’m aware. It turned out to be so much more than that.Unsung Cinderella is adapted from the manga series "Unsung Cinderella Byoin Yakuzaishi Aoi Midori" by Mamare Arai. I’ve not read the manga but because of how fantastic this show is, I might just be tempted to pick up the manga, which comprises 5 volumes and still ongoing at the time of writing. This is a story about the pharmacist Aoi Midori’s experiences working at Tatsuya General Hospital. Unlike her colleagues including her peers and the higher ranked health care staff such as doctors and nurses, Midori has a big heart of gold and she’s not afraid to show it, even at the expense of crossing the boundaries of expected code of conduct and hospital regulations. She doesn’t treat her patients merely as case files, but she views them as human beings with unique circumstances and who are in need of genuine care and concern, beyond the routine impassive facade and superficial interaction when administering medication. Going beyond her scope of duty in no way diminishes her professionalism, and over the course of 11 episodes we see how her unorthodox approach actually brings added value that benefits those under her care.
Do not be fooled thinking that this drama is purely goodness and heart. From the very first minute in episode 1, I was completely caught off guard by the fast and furious action. Every episode addresses a particular medical condition concerning certain patients and is filled with action packed and fast paced scenes involving life and death situations, before slowing down to focus on the complexities of human drama. This episodic procedural format works very well by incorporating enough urgency and agency that it never gets dull or monotonous, while cases are neatly resolved within each episode.
The overarching storyline and the different cases are very creatively conceived, while the main and supporting characters are superbly written to be realistic and relatable that I cannot help but empathize with them and hence become totally invested in the show. Kudos to Mamare Arai for creating this masterpiece, and the screenwriter for adapting it into this well made production.
The producers couldn’t have selected a better cast for this production. This is my first time seeing Ishihara Satomi in a drama, having seen her in various films over the years and what a talented actress she is. She brings to life the role of Midori and in fact, she does resemble the manga character to a certain degree. Her ability to convey the nuances in the emotional moments as well as her portrayal of a health care professional is utterly convincing to me. Narita Ryo’s Onozuka Ryo is also very interesting as his role is probably the most layered and multidimensional among all the characters, with a depiction of conflicted emotions within a somewhat tortured soul, especially at the initial stages. The many guest stars also add much colour to the production with their respective portrayals of patients and their families who carry the burden of pain and suffering. I honestly thought everybody did such remarkable work, even the child actors for that matter.
Overall, this drama has been an emotional ride personally for me. I hardly ever watch slice of life but this drama has done an amazing job of depicting the despair that patients of chronic illnesses go through, only to emerge with hope and optimism, thanks to our heroine, Midori. The beautifully crafted poignant moments throughout the series certainly bring out a tear or two, I admit. I’m aware that there are concerns or even criticism over perceived lack of realism in certain scenes, which perhaps do have some merit. However, being based on a manga, I understand that this drama isn’t too engrossed in the finer details and technicalities on the roles of pharmacists and hospital administration, and I can accept that. I have truly enjoyed this live adaptation and the performance by the cast. Give this show a chance, and I think you would too.
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As expected from Ishihara Satomi <3
Totally watched this for the female lead, Ishihara Satomi. She's known for pretty cool career roles such as Kouetsu Girl and Unnaturaland I was looking forward to what sort of heartwarming/inspiring career drama she would bring.
Pharmacists as lead characters is kind of new, and although honestly this idealistic Ishihara shines a little too bright for the drama title "Unsung Cinderella," this drama has really hit all the good spots I was looking for.
Each episode a different set of patients she has to take care of, and she really demonstrates the type of human nature one would hope to encounter in the healthcare setting. Total role model material.
Plus the characters just really have a lot of chemistry with one another!!! Such that at the end when there's that big build-up storyline (ep 9-11) -- the story progression is logical and satisfying to watch. The experienced actors' acting skills also really put it up top.
Would recommend to anyone who has 11 episodes' time to spare. Really nice and warm watch that will teach you a little more about the unique work of hospital pharmacists.
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Incredible!!!!
This has to be my all time favorite drama ever, it was so heartwarming and beautiful in many, many ways. I normally watch Korean dramas, but I recently started getting into Japanese dramas because they tend to be shorter so they are easier to watch for me. I saw a new Japanese drama called Unsung Cinderella on MDL’s new dramas selection and decided to check it out. I honestly was not expecting what I received in episode one. It was beautiful touching story about patients at a hospital, and how the hospital's pharmacist team handles those patients. Every episode taught me a new lesson and gave me new insight, and it really made me aware of the things that go on behind-the-scenes in hospitals; it's not only doctors that work hard for the patients. The cast was incredible, and the chemistry was also incredible to see (though there was very minimal romance plots involved, which I didn't mind at all because the drama was amazing even without it). I just finished watching the last episode and I'm honestly so sad, Unsung Cinderella updates would be the highlight of my day but now there won't be any more :((( I would definitely recommend this drama if you enjoy medical dramas, or slice of life/heartwarming dramas, or anything that has to do with friends, family, and passion. Overall, this drama was amazing, I will definitely rewatch it soon :)Was this review helpful to you?
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Satomi Ishihara is brilliant as usual, while both Kei Tanaka and Yuki Sakurai did a good job portraying tough-on-the-outside-but-caring seniors. I also liked Narita Ryo's acting as Onozuka. The actors/actresses for the patients are also mostly very natural in showing skepticism or holding their (wrong) views on the treatment/medicines.
That being said, while this drama involves a lot of human emotion and interaction with illness, I did not feel like super emotional in most of the cases. Like I have sympathy to the stories, but most of them somehow lack a bit for me- usually medical dramas which involves emotional stories will easily drives me close to tears. The music did not help in bringing the feel too, although I loved the main theme.
So overall it is a good drama and I still recommend you to watch it despite the shortcomings since the concept is quite different from the usual medical dramas.
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This review may contain spoilers
Epic Yet Heartwarming
This story did such a wonderful job at telling the good times and the bad times for each patient, regardless of their illness, injury, social status, etc... It has been a long time since I have seen such a heartfelt, raw, genuine, honest, and lovely series within a hospital about not only the people cast but about humanity in general.The cast was picked wonderfully, even there it seemed there were some unexplored parts of a couple of characters; everyone worked really hard to fit in to their role as perfectly as they could, to understand all the medical terms and how to help patients within each episode. It was really interesting to watch them work during a couple of very dramatic episodes!
I've got to say that I was extremely emotional during each episode... I almost or actually did cry for each 11 episodes. I got angry, I worried, I was scared, happy, curious, enthralled, and mesmerized by how well the pharmacists worked with each doctor, patient, and case.
The technical terms aren't too hard to follow, things are explained very well. If you are looking for a thrilling show this is it! But if you're looking for psychological thrills, maybe not. This is a charming, heartwarming story of how multiple people deal with real life situations from their different points of view, at least that's how I saw a few episodes.
It was really wonderful to watch each character grow, to see their strengths and weaknesses balance themselves out to make them the strongest version of themselves and as a team. I really wish there were more episodes for this story, maybe something a little more character in depth, but if you are looking for a medical and human and lovely story, full of hardships and success... this is definitely an amazing show for you!
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Something casual yet heartwarming
Honestly wasn't sure what to expect going into this because I saw some mixed opinions on it but was drawn to it regardless because of its focus on pharmacists in the hospital. I don't think I've ever come across a topic like this before in my experience and found it a nice, refreshing point-of-view since when I think medical drama I always automatically think of doctors. About how realistic it is, I wouldn't be able to say because I don't have knowledge of the field, but I found myself too absorbed in the drama to be too worked up about it anyway.Now that I've finished the whole series, I can say with full confidence that it definitely was a nice, casual drama to watch on the side and feel all cozy as the drama leads us through the different patients. I loved how it shows their lives continuing outside (or inside) the hospital at the end of each episode as well, it really tied in the whole "everyone has their own life outside of the hospital" thing they were going for. Although I do admit that I got a bit too tired of all the "emotional" speeches and moments near the end, I wish they could've spaced it out more or something, it felt a bit too unnatural or forced sometimes, especially after watching the same pattern each episode and multiple times in some as well.
On another note, I'm currently obsessed with the OST "YES AND NO" and I wish there was a version that starts slow like it does in the drama but had no luck finding it anywhere. Overall it was a nice watch whenever I had time on the side and I can see myself coming back to watch certain parts.
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It's a rollercoaster ride of emotions
From the moment I stepped into Yorozu General Hospital, I knew I was in for a wild ride. This show doesn't waste a single second, throwing viewers headfirst into the high-stakes world of pharmacists and doctors, where every heartbeat counts and lives hang in the balance. Talk about starting with a bang!At the center of this medical whirlwind is Aoi Midori, a pharmacist with the heart of a lion and the determination of a surgical team on caffeine overload. Satomi Ishihara brings Aoi to life with such depth and authenticity that I couldn't help but be inspired by her unwavering dedication to her patients. But Aoi isn't in this alone—her colleagues, Aihara and Onozuka, add their own unique blend of wisdom and humor to the mix, making for one heck of a team.
But let's talk about the real stars of the show: the patients. From chronic conditions to mental health struggles, "Unsung Cinderella" dives headfirst into the messy, complicated, beautiful tapestry of the human experience. I laughed, I cried, and I may have even found myself diagnosing my own ailments along the way!
Sure, there were a few eyebrow-raising moments—questionable ethics.......—but hey, what's a medical drama without a little drama, right? Besides, it's all part of the heart-pounding charm of this adrenaline-fueled rollercoaster ride.
So if you're looking for a prescription for prime-time excitement, look no further than "Unsung Cinderella: Byoin Yakuzaishi no Shohosen". Just be warned: once you start, you won't be able to stop. Consider yourself diagnosed with a serious case of binge-watching fever! ??
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La pilule du bonheur
Honnêtement, J'ai hésité (un peu) avant de me lancer dans le visionnage de ce drama. Son titre faisant référence à "Cendrions", ses acteurs (beaux gosses ou Idols de magazine) et surtout, encore un drama en milieu hospitalier. Après avoir visionné Alive - Oncologist's Medical Record (très bon) , Top Knife (peux mieux faire) ou Radiation House (très bon aussi) je me suis dit que cela allait rapidement me gaver une nouvelle histoire "sanitaire" et surtout en ce moment. Mais une fois de plus, je me suis fait avoir. Il ne ma fallu que deux épisodes pour devenir accros. Les dramas japonais, comme les mangas ou les animés ont ce pouvoir magique de vous faire admirer n'importe quel métier en le faisant passer pour le plus cool du monde. Cette fois-ci ce sont les pharmaciens qui sont mis à l'honneur (après les infirmiers, les oncologues, les radiologues, et sûrement bientôt les proctologues, donc). Pas les chercheurs en pharmacie mais bien ceux qui s'occupe de préparer les médicaments prescrit par les médecins. Leur implication envers les patients (certes exagérées) réchauffe l'âme et le coeur.Écriture parfaite, acteurs excellents et tellement touchants (c'est pas juste, ils sont beaux, jeunes et en plus ils jouent bien) Et de l'émotion à chaque épisode. Attention, âmes sensibles s'abstenir, comme dans Alive le propos est dur, la mort est souvent présente en filigrane et cela monte en puissance dans les derniers épisodes. On est loin d'une amourette entre collègue et c'est t'en mieux. En même temps, retrouver réunis Tanaka Kei et Nishino Nanase qui m'avaient tenu en halène dans 'Anata no ban desu' ne pouvait donner que du bon (même si cette dernière a un rôle assez transparent malheureusement). Et Ishihara Satomi n'arrête plus de m'étonner depuis qu'elle m'a fait aimer les magazines de mode dans Jimi ni Sugoi! Koetsu Garu Kono Etsuko. Un drama à visionner sans ordonnance, donc et surtout pas à dose homéopathique.
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