May not be the best Japanese drama but is probably the most relatable one!
Life doesn't always go the way it is planned and there are going to be times when one is bound to fail. That time one may feel dejected and may also feel that they might have wasted their time, but as time passes they might move on. One might fail, but the experiences that they had garnered and the relations that they had build up throughout that time still stay, and these memories that they had made will be cherished by them throughout their lifetime. This is konto ga hajimaru's main theme.The drama has a simple but a relatable story and is carried by a stellar cast. All the 5 main characters Suda, Taiga, Kamiki, Kasumi and Kotone along with a strong supporting cast were wonderful. The acting felt so natural that there were times I forgot that they were acting.
This might not be the best Japanese drama out there but does have an ability to be cult classic. It is that drama that may want the viewers to come back and rewatch or recommend the drama to a person going through a hard time. This drama is just that awesome!
Watch it if you are a fan of slice of life dramas or you are a fan of the actors!
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Warm and light but important life lessons.
This is not your usual drama genre.There is no suspense or shocking plot, no twists or unexpected turn of events. Everything goes as anticipated. But even then there's something that'll keep the viewers hooked on. Perhaps it's the realistic story line with no exaggeration.
It is something everyone can relate to. All characters have something holding them back, you'll surely find one of them to be you. And the best thing is the character development. Gradually they all learn to move forward.
No one is perfect here. The affection they have for each other is beautifully depicted. Memories from the past and the events in the present are well linked.
There are times you might disagree with the views of a character, it's okay they can be wrong, but then they finally learn. Seeing them grow is quite satisfying. There's a lot to see, learn and apply.
Acting is excellent. Suda, Kamiki, Nakano, Arimura, Furukawa- all did their part so well that it makes you forget that Macbeth doesn't exist in real world. You can not forget the supporting roles either, they made it more interesting.
I like how everything is interconnected, it makes it overall more impactful.
It sure revolves around a comedy trio, but it might make you more emotional than laugh. In my case, well I'm heartless, so..
Don't worry, there are fun parts too. Yes, light romance as well, if you're wondering about that. It can be draggy at times especially for people like me who are not a fan of this genre but everything else makes up for it.
In a nutshell, it is a light, warm, realistic and a lesson packed watch, something you'll like unless mystery, fantasy, dark and heavy stuff is what you're looking for.
*Has a happy ending.
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Is it a detractor that the drama leaves you beyond wanting more of it?
Though the story itself felt complete as is.This drama has so much going for it. To get it out of the way, the acting was excellent as expected from the cast. I think it was my first time seeing Suda and Kamiki in a drama together but they did not disappoint, I love their scenes together. Taiga completed the trio with his endearing silliness. The female characters were all cast on point, the most noteworthy being Furukawa Kotone for the role of the kind soul Tsumugi. As for Arimura Kasumi, I wouldn't say she displayed many complications as Rihoko, but her characters speak to us all when it comes to our pride of being someone's fan. That part of her character was the most endearing.
Storywise, on the surface, it seems pretty simple, the characters feel a bit childish, and the sketches... aren't really funny (but on point). It never fails at being fun, but the more you watch, the deeper it digs into your heart. I love how this drama explores the theme of failure, how individuals reflect upon it, and how society treats it. Everyone is quick with the should have and shouldn't have, offering unsolicited advice, while completely ignoring the efforts put in despite the failure.
It lead me to think of how my life had gone so far, and how it is viewed by those around me. We are brought up with the belief that hard work entitles us to success, we become adults when we realize that is not necessarily the case. We become complete when we accept our past failures as a stepping stone for the next phase of our life.
When their teacher spoke to the trio about the next 10 years, it hit straight to my heart.
However, depending on what stage you are in life and what you experienced, each person's take on this drama might differ.
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The script, just as expected, was really very good (maybe not *absolutely* perfect, but pretty close); the cast was great (kudos also to the female leads: I knew I was gonna get a good performance by Arimura Kasumi, but I must confess not knowing well the other two, Furukawa Kotone and Yoshine Kyoko, and they were a nice surprise, both really beautiful AND talented - particularly the former, playing that marvelous character!), and the "packaging" (directing, editing, photography, OST) was, as I consider totally key, perfectly supporting the script, rather than trying to stand out so as to cover its faults (as it is, alas, the case of many modern series, all form and too little substance).
All in all, highly recommended! ^___^
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This review may contain spoilers
Another stellar slice of life dorama
This dorama casted top tier japanese young actors and gave them a script that only them will be able to nail. Centered on a non-successful comedy trio named Makube, each character have their flaws, struggles and crisis. Then, like a real life, not everyone of them find their way.At the first episode, it was difficult to grasp the direction, but once I found how the story flows, I became so attached. I also thought some of the Makube's chit chat feels too much & awkward, but it also felt human at the same time. Some dialogues were really thought provoking.
That's why I still think Japanese dorama is the best in giving a slice of life story.
One thing I totally can relate is how Rihoko attached to Makube because this trio like a light when she fell into the darkness. Gratefully, Makube also pushes her to rise from her hardship (also, thank you Tsugumi!). That's also the start of my fangirling journey...
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..THIS SKETCH IS TITLED - - -..
..the first episode is the already the climax of the story for me...
..the days are numbered for them to disband - to do their last skits, the treasure moments of their ups and downs..
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..this is so relatable for me - knowing that we have all our friends by our side not knowing what will happened - we bond by our likes and hobbies..
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..but at the same as we grow old, we must accept the reality to survive to have our own profession as part of our living without sacrificing the bonds with our friends having their own paths too..
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..the drama is just so right, with a little love story, it is focusing more on friendship and life in the future - also how the people may react in our lives..
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..plus the ost from aimyon is a bonus too, love the music and its lyrics..
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..this film will be treasured in my hearts and minds as my guide how will I face the challenges of my life each day..
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..the casts and staffs really worked hard (as always) for this film I loved so much..
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Relatable life lessons
If you want great drama that’s relatable and perhaps teaching you life lessons, then this is it! Every episodes will have that tear jerker and heart warming scenes. The acting is superb. Great plot and characters development. I’ve watched lots of jdrama. And probably this is one of the best drama that can happen to each of us, but they pack it with great writing, cast, and plotline.. and still be able to entertain us.Don’t be fooled by the opening comedy skit scene. Just keep watching and trust me, it’s totally worth it!
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A Slow, Warm and Thought-provoking drama
Now this is not a romantic or a comedy drama (despite the funny looking promo poster). It is actually a slow (really slow at times) and thought-provoking drama.This may not be everyone's cup of tea (as can be seen in it's fluctuating tv rating in Japan). However, the acting by the casts is stellar.
Again, this drama boasts the collaboration between two of Japan's finest young actor/actress, Kasumi Arimura and Suda Masaki. If you have seen the film Loved Liked a Flower Bouquet, you will totally understand why they are so highly sought after in japan . In this drama, this duo again provides us with their superb performance, albeit this time supported by a really strong casts all around.
Story wise, it's really about sticking to your dreams, no matter what the final outcome may be. You will see how the main casts struggle to fulfil their lifelong dreams despite all the setbacks and difficulties they faced.
In a way, it is also a story of hope, of how even someone whom may be perceived as a failure by many, may in the end be a source of strength to another.
Watch this, even if it's only for the great acting by the casts. You won't regret it.
(PS: Kasumi Arimura was voted the best supporting actress for her role in this drama in the recent 108th The Television Drama Academy Awards Japan Winner (Spring 2021). Suda Masaki was named runners-up in the best actor category, which was won by Hiroshi Abe)
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Watch It !
Whether watching this series was a coincidence or inevitable for you, you can decide after.I didn't have many expectations from this series as it was a slice of life. I thought I would enjoy it, but I didn't think I would love it that much. But it was more than worth it, I'm glad to have found this series. All characters are lovable and different in their own way. Their 'failures', worries and all struggles are relatable. You can adapt to their life situations and thoughts. Especially Macbeth's friendship meant a lot to me, they had a strong bond no matter what. Their interactions were really funny and put a smile on my face every time. Rihoko and Tsumugi's sibling bond was very sweet as well. All the other support characters were nice too, they had nice touches to the story. All of them taught something to our characters and us somehow. I didn't want to finish this because it felt like I would say goodbye to some friends, and I wanted to avoid that. I can say I ended up becoming Rihoko...I'm grateful.
After watching this series, I was reminded once again that things we do have importance, and even if we think we won't get the rewards of our behavior and efforts, they will return to us somehow. So we have to keep trying and do our best because nothing is in vain.
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Dayummmm Its good
Yup. The title says it all. Just fkn watch it.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Heartwarming, stress relief.
The show is a definite yes from me.Because it's under the slice-of-life category, the story doesn't have any shocking twist, it was relatable and real instead. It revolves around a group of adult friends, 3 men in a comedy group set to disband, a hard core fan of them and her sister (one of the guys' girlfriend appeared more frequently later in the show as well). The ending is built up to be bittersweet from the very beginning. Each of the character has their own backstory, struggles and distinct personality, which makes them unique - no one is a waste of time.
The acting is excellent. Everyone did their job well, turning the characters into actual people, those we can look into and reflect ourselves in their existence. I personally relate to Rihoko, so I guess you can, too, find someone with whom you can resonate your feelings. The atmosphere of the series became incredibly lively thanks to the cast.
The show is also packed with life lessons, about relationships, maturing, that sometimes you have to let go what you love because life is harsh and you have more important things to take care of, but that doesn't mean you can't live with your passions.
Long story short, it was a light-hearted, lesson-packed watch.
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The Comedy Skit Named Life That We Are All Living In.
Unfortunately, unlike the drama's name, Konto ga Hajimaru is not a sitcom kind of drama. It's the story of wasteful youth that we are all privileged to throw away. we make choices that we all wish to reach to the top, but in the end, most of the less lucky ones fail direly and wander with feelings of loss. In Asia, such wasting of youth is less tolerated from many people, if I am correct. We must make full of our youth for the future, and we have to work hard. Yet, not many recognize the effort. Not many approve such wasted times of grinding of the youths' own ways. Perplexed, disoriented, the youths who could not reach to their goals are left undone, and they have to begin again from the scratch. This is the story of the conte comedian groups that ground their life to devote into comedy, yet failed to reach to the popularity. With a mere aspiration, we start dreaming. For some people, it's because of the love. For some people, it's because of the friendship that motivated to live. And for some people, it's just because. I am the person that dreamt just because. I'm still feeling lost from the apotheosis of college graduation just a few months ago and I am too scared to make another gamble before turning into 30, and Konto ga Hajimaru was something that resonated within my heart. Yet, I must make my own move to start somewhere, and the drama definitely drove me a little. Here's to the people who would waste their flames inside the heart for the gamble of their youths, and here's to the people who are left in a crossroad of either stop dreaming or going for the broke. Here's to the younger me, who still did brave stuffs to dive into the gutter, yet will start again.Was this review helpful to you?
