EPluribusModem
Milwaukee, WI
The story is phenomenal. I highly recommend it for anyone that is a fan of Japanese author Murakami, in particular his work "Wind Up Bird Chronicle". I feel that the tone of the series is not really fully appreciated until about the second or third episode. I found my self in tears about four times through out the series, primarily when the young high schooler, Niko would do a small monologue. Similar to the "snap shot" transitions and child narrations of Suicide Circle(Suicide Club), Niko give an untainted and far from cynical view of the fast past loveless world around her.
The acting in this series is top notch. Some characters who are only present for an episode perform at their highest to make a lasting impression on the viewer, and thus building another layer to the story and making the final episode more fulfilling, and heart breaking.
The music honestly didn't play to much in this series. It didn't need to.
Overall an amazing series that is a real anthropological view of Japanese culture and society from a first hand viewer. Definitely re-watchable, and definitely one hell of series.
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Going into the drama I was a little hesitant, since the manga had such strong characterization of Sunako's fear of the "bright" people. I thought that the acting was phenomenal and truly paid homage to the manga.
Also I was impressed with the time that the drama was able to give to all of the guys she lives with. I was worried that they were going to focus on Kyohei primarily, but they managed to really define and dimensionalize the other three guys.
Overall a really great drama, whether you were a fan of the manga, or just picked on in high school. The message of strength isn't constantly rubbed in your face, but it is omnipresent and leaves the viewer motivated to find their own, unique inner strength.
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