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BrightestStar
Turns out, there's really no place like home
Good for it's trying to be
It's good for what it is, it was perfect for my mood during the last couple of months. A light comedy-detective show, with almost episodic cases. The 2 male leads had a lot of chemistry and I enjoyed their growing relationship throughout the drama. I enjoyed that Lu Yao was light-hearted as opposed to the typical mysterious oddball detective. As for the female lead, she did have her merits, and I find the actress performed her very well actually. It's just that her character remains flat, childish, and a bully who actually is very dependant on her dad despite denying it.Cases varied from fun to tragic to boring. Overall it was a nice and fast-paced watch.
I enjoyed the setting a lot. It felt more like a 1920 setting with people from this era. The decor used was nice and neat, makes you want to live there, or at least visit. The fashion in the drama is also a lot of fun. They did great on the execution of the opening and ending song and clip. It made you eager to watch more. The opening clip was particularly very vell executed in an artistic way, in my humble opinion.
Slight spoiler (but not really) ahead.
The romance in the drama was SO out of place. The actors just didn't have such chemistry, I felt nothing. Also, the characters were just too toxic to each other. In real life, they'd be the worst type of couple. He's manipulative and she's abusive. Both are very childish. On the other hand, the side romance was beautiful.
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The major flaw is having 20 something year old actors playing kids 7 to 10 year old. That... let's try to forget about it. Also Gou was definitely overstated in the events in the first, say 13-15 episodes of the drama, which is weird since, once adult, she didn't appear to me as not submissive to everything that happened to her. That is not to say that is a weakness of the drama.
This drama is about the hardships women of that era go through, their pain and suffering, and their inability to do much. They try the best they can but once war breaks, all they can do is pray for their loved ones. I think this drama succeeded in portraying that to me. The weird thing about it though, which made feel a bit uneven, is how the beginning has quite some whitewashing of certain historical figures and events, and how in the 2nd half of the drama, they were pretty much frank about the harshness of their realities. In general, this drama started succeeding in my eyes the moment it stopped taking liberties in history and started presenting us things are they are, as much as possible.
Ueno Juri was amazing in that role, and so was Osamu Mukai. One highlight is Miyazawa Rie as Chacha, the transformation of her character was marvelous. I was afraid Mizukawa Asami would ruin the drama for me but she didn't. I think as a character I liked her most, but the actress was a bit lacking in some emotional scenes. Still overall I think I can come to term with that actress. I think my favourite though was Kitaoji Kinya as Tokugawa Ieyasu. He was perfect in portraying such a cunning man, though at times hateful but overall a great leader. He managed to make me understand such a historical figure and why he did the things he did. I also loved Suzuki Honami as their mother, and her voice as the Narrator.
I gotta say, I love the choice of music used here in the drama. It's nothing too noticeable, just perfect in the background, either emphasizing on the feelings of the characters, or bringing us from one point to another.
As flawed as the drama is, it is still a splendid and enriching ride. Do give it a try if you are curious of the state of women in the warring are. The Azai sisters and their mother are the perfect example to represent the generation, but we see the hardship and strength to live of many of the women around them as well.
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I’m not sure if the creators of the drama or the original manga intended it, but what was portrayed to me in this drama is a case of abuse and generational trauma. Each character of that family portrayed a different side to it. When a mentally healthy and strong character enters such a home, it would inevitably disturb the fragile base of the family.
I was hesitant to start this drama because I was afraid it would be the frustrating type, where the male lead is useless while the female lead is being stepped on. But oh boy was I wrong. Sato knew when to put her foot down and when to let it slide. She was a fighter. Of course, Sato wouldn’t have lasted a day in that house though if Kento wasn’t unquestionably supporting her. I was afraid they’d do the whole “he’s busy at work ignorant of what is going on at home. Well, he was a bit away during the first 1-2 episodes but overall he was always there and always aware. Each of them was fighting a different battle of the same war.
The drama had its flaws. I didn’t like how some problems were solved through outside forces, otherwise, our protagonists would be powerless against the force they were fighting. It’s not a big thing it’s just that it’s hard to see anyone succeed in changing what is wrong with a family (or a community) if one is to rely on luck. Some storylines weren’t followed through like that of the sister or the business deals that Kenta seems to just keep starting haha. I would’ve liked to have more of the aunt. She felt like a breath of fresh air when she appeared despite being childish. Finally, I didn’t like some of the character reconciliations at the end. They honestly just didn’t deserve it. It logically wouldn’t happen at that point with how the character had been so far.
When it came to acting, it was overall a great cast. I don’t think anyone could’ve done Sato’s role justice like Tsuchiya Tao. It wasn’t just how mature she was at facing problems, but also how she could firmly tell someone off, whether young or elderly, yet still in a respectful manner from her words to her stance, her facial expression and her voice level. She shared such a sweet chemistry with Matsushita Kohei.
The one that takes the cake performance-wise was Matsumoto Wakana as Miyama Mihoko. She was too mischievous to root for but too hilarious to hate. In character from head to toe, like the way she looks at her husband or the manner she uses her phone when planning something. She might’ve had only one serious scene and that scene was very heartfelt and convincing and didn't feel out of character. It was a delight to have her on screen. Ishibashi Ryo, Kimura Tae, Ishino Mako and Onoe Matsuya were also great in their role, opinions about their characters aside.
The pace was a bit fast at times. I generally am a fan of problems being solved within the episode but some areas would’ve benefited from more time and exploration. I generally don’t pay too much attention to music but the choice of song and soundtrack added to certain scenes.
Overall a light and fun watch, with depth and character growth.
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This movie it a remake of a 1992 american movie of the same name, in a Japanese historical setting. I have not seen the original, but I've seen a couple of western style movies. This version felt closer to being a western than in did to being a historical Japanese story. The character and their actions felt more similar to that of a western story than Japanese. That in itself is neither good or bad, just an observation, and to set expectations right. The story itself is pretty predictable. One of the disadvantages of remaking an older movie, in my view, is that what felt new back then feels completely predictable and recycled today, even if it's a solid story. The same can be said about the music. It was just the usual, borderline boring, and nothing memorable
About the acting, I found it outstanding, from the whole cast, no exception. Even that girl playing a prostitute who's protective of her fellow girls, she only had a couple of lines but her looks were killer. They said so much. The male actors are most known, but as I said, all did great, from leading role to the smallest.
The setting itself felt like a fusion of a western town and a Japanese setting. I love the snowy setting, it felt like it connected so much with how the characters were feeling at that moment. And overall it was beautiful to look at.
Overall solid, though predictable story, with great performance which itself is worth checking out.
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This movie has a lot of pros, including the professionalism seen here, people actually dedicating their life and time to work. The relationship also proceed in a natural and realistic manner. I also loved the way they use the heroine's wardrobe, specially her shoes, to symbolize where Lala is in her career. She starts with plain semi-classic/casual clothes, and flat ballerina shoes, and with heels growing at every promotion. I do wonder sometimes, the things we see them wear at work wouldn't be permissible where I live, so is it alright in china, or is it just for the sake of appearing all glowy in the movie? In any case it was used to great effects.
I just felt that the movie was missing something, as if I was just watching people going on with their lives without really being invested or caring. It felt cold.
There is one thing that I felt removed the realism of the movie, which is that "company rule" that is obviously meant to be broken. It's just weird that they actually took it so seriously.
I have no complaint about the acting, all did a decent job.
The music didn't draw my attention in any way.
Overall decent movie, with intelligent characters, facing our everyday difficulties of life. Although I doubt it is that easy to quadruple your salary within a couple of years...
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The movie is pretty fast paced. The introduction of characters doesn't take long, and is straight forward, but shows enough charisma for us to care about them, and enough chemistry that you get taken by their feelings and brotherhood. It's my second time seeing Vicki Zhao, after Red Cliff. She's very different here. Her character here is solemn and serious. She isn't trying to impress anyone, or show off what girls can do. She starts off a fresh face, but we see her age and mature, her face worn out and exhausted. As for Kun Chen, it was my first time seeing him and boy was he swoon worthy! He had so much chemistry with Vicki Zhao that, they can be in a battlefield surrounded by people and blood, but you feel their intimacy and affection.
The story does require some suspension of disbelief though. It is just too hard to believe that all though of Vicki Zhao as a man. Not only her looks, but her voice too is very feminine. Overall I liked the direction, the cinematography, but some scenes were cut too abruptly when we wanted to see more of what is going on. The use of flashback and explaining to us what is going on was annoying. I was thinking "enough telling, more showing". So we didn't get much war strategy and different methods of fighting. The focus was the sentiment and the outcome. The music was appropriate, though not too varying.
If you are looking for a movie about humanity and the harshness war, a movie with strong leads, chemistry, and subtlety then this is the right movie for you. If you're looking for war strategies à la Redcliff and a more entertaining feeling, you may be (just a little bit) disappointed. If you are also looking for this great romance historical movie, this definitely is not it. I leave you with my favourite quote of the movie:
- There are no heroes on the battlefield, only dead men and crazy ones -
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I was actually more or less okay with gore because it wasn't that much, but it was very bloody, which doesn't bother me. What bothered me was the story. Honestly, I just didn't know what the movie was trying to tell me, or if it was trying to say anything, and I still don't. With that said, there is a lot to say about the gripping directing, keeping me all the way to the end while I knew early on that the story wasn't for me. Talking about directing, we need to mention the pacing, the colours used, and the music, coming together in perfect harmony with the world we are being led to.
The movie starts at a slow pace, and the pace gets picked up a little at a time, until the second half when things started happening at a much faster rate. We start in an apparent peaceful setting, where the danger starts creeping onto you without noticing. The colour used were pretty depressing, highlighting an apparent mundane life. That is until the bloody red colour starts taking over and making everything more lively, secret start getting revealed, and death everywhere. All this while listening to placed The Ballad of Mack the Knife. The lyrics were so the appropriate and the music so engrossing I felt I was being brainwashed. It really sets the tone of the scene.
Last but CERTAINLY not least, the acting. Of course the most prominent role here is that of Ito Hideaki. Lets just say I will NEVER be able to look at him the same way again. He had this detached feeling to him, no matter how nice he was and how much I wanted to trust him at the beginning. The way he's unflinched by anything at all was the scariest of all. Other then him, there were a number of adult actors but they weren't outstanding. The outstanding ones were the students. Each of them was distinguishable to say the least. Oh but I hated the white guy in the show. I don't maybe because his lines here so cheesy? Well he did look creepy but many times he felt out of place.
Do I recommend this movie? I'm still not sure, all I can say is, while watching it, the feeling of hopelessness kept growing more and more, that anyone can put an end to this hell.
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Whats more, there is the devil, or Akuma, who's job is the exact opposite. If akuma gets in the way of you accomplishing your job, you will be terminated.
I like that they set rules which they follow more or less, giving the story a logic of its own. I also like the showdown between Shinigami and Akuma, because I don't necessarily see them as good vs evil, but 2 people who believe in 2 very different things, and do their jobs according to their beliefs.
I wouldn't say that the acting surprised me here, but they knew where to cast each actor to best represent the character. I like the comedy and while the episodes were mostly predictable, we did get surprises here and there.
Although it isn't a high budget dorama (didn't look like it) I still like the decorations used, and the costumes would bring out the characters more as well.
Overall a constant enjoyable watch, I especially liked the last episode, where I wasn't sure how our shinigami would solve the issue and at what cost. I think it was a satisfying ending.
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However, the movie had many aspects that kept it from being outstanding in my view. First of all, I felt the movie had an identity crisis. It wouldn't settle for one and go through to the end. The first half was purely a scene investigation done brilliantly and, as a mystery junky, I was totally absorbed by it. During the end of the first half, it started leaning towards horror type which, though not my type, I understand that many mysteries use it to add more thrill. Then suddenly, just halfway through, all the secrets get revealed and nothing is left to be uncovered. It becomes a pure action movie. The problem here is, instead of incorporating the two genres in a complementary way, it felt that they just pasted together, without mixing it at all. At that point, all the character development and exploration get thrown out the window.
Another thing I cannot get over is the music here. Overall I mostly enjoyed how sound and music have been used here. That is except for one scene. It marked the beginning of the action sequence and starts with this guitar soundtrack. It only lasted seconds but it was a mood destroyer.
One last complaint is the death of one of the characters in the end. I wonder if I was supposed to laugh but that is what I did. I laughed at it though, not with it.
Again, despite my complaints, I was delighted to watch this movie. Well, my delight was mostly to watch Kaneshiro Takeshi but neither he nor Yen Donnie disappoints.
;)
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Ridiculous premise yet such a fun ride full of heart.
I started watching this drama for the premise and for the leading man Mamiya Shotaro who has earned my admiration since his role in Mr. Nietzsche in the Convenience Store. Not many actors can convince you at being serious in a ridiculous setting. The other actors that come to mind are Yamada Takayuki & Sato Jiro. That's why I don't think they could've picked a better choice than him for this role.Initially, I thought the premise was kind of ridiculous. But then I thought of the dilemma and identity crisis our hero goes through throughout the drama, and suddenly these thoughts become all too familiar to me. Especially during teenagehood and early adulthood. Didn't we all go through something similar during those years of searching for ourselves? Don't we sometimes show a different part of ourselves to different people? It is very true for me, having lived as a minority in a country where the majority are from a different background. The person I showed to the outside world was and still is a part of me, but polished to fit their liking. But I never showed that side to my family, who know my inner self more than myself. Then there are my close friends who are aware of both sides and treat me as a whole. Therefore I felt a particular Familiarity with Tsuyoshi's conflict.
Another point I found ridiculous in the setting is the Nanba family and their expectations. You'd think they'd be overjoyed that their son is thinking seriously about his future rather than chasing some pointless teen glory, yet they eat and breathe it daily. I thought maybe it's because it's the only thing the parents feel can be proud of since they raised their kids to be proud and not back down. The fact they provided a loving home for their children should've been more than enough (and they are such a loving family!)
As the episodes go on, Tsuyoshi makes as many friends as he made enemies and each friendship felt genuine. My favourite was episode 4 where he catches up with a previous middle school classmate. Despite all his sacrifice to attend the school of his choice, ironically not a lot of time was spent exploring his schoolmate, except for 3 of them (one an ex-gang member), however, his attachment to the place does grow on you. Many viewers complain about the love interest and, yes she does make a REALLY BAD impression on us early on, but it made sense for him to like her. And to not like the other girl in the club. It's because she's part of the package he wants, while the other girl would be too similar to the life he's leaving behind (though they'd make a strong powerhouse, especially for their duality haha). Anyways all this to say, even where at times things don't go where I prefer them to, it makes sense in the context of the drama, and in the character of Nanba Tsuyoshi.
Now to explore another department of this drama, acting and casting ranged from excellent to mediocre. As mentioned earlier, Mamiya Shotaro is what makes this drama work, this couldn't have been cast any better. most other characters were perfect for their role, to say the least. The one miscast in my opinion was Kamio Fuju. Don't get me wrong he is pretty and nice to look at, but the role and whole character felt awkward, and unnatural in the drama. Honestly, nothing about his character felt genuine as it did with say, Daimaru, Takeshi, Ichimatsu's boss in early episodes, or even that annoyed neighbour of theirs. But since I'm biased and enjoyed his looks I was okay with it :P
Music is rarely something I give much thought to while watching a show, unless, like it is here, it is an essential part of the show's identity. It just added to the fun of watching this drama.
Overall fun drama, I recommend it for a fun ride. Just, don't take it too seriously.
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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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What I loved most about this movie is exactly the same as what I loved about its prequels: the characters, the comedy, the weirdness, the direction and overall execution. I love Its weirdness it's really something I can only see japanese do well. In the movie they went a bit more extreme in the weirdness but at this point it's something you're familiar with and love so you'll welcome it with open arms.
I liked that we see more of the relationship between Touma and Sebumi. Their affection for each other is transparent between each other as it is for those around them. It's nothing romantic but still strong chemistry.
The endind did leave a lot unsolved. The little girl's role which I'm sure will be explored in the next movies, but also the fate of some characters (I don't want to believe in the worst happening).
Acting was excellent as always. I cannot imagine anyone other than Toda Erika and Kase Ryo playing Touma and Sebumi. Their interaction is so natural and their bickering and fighting is a joy to watch. Kamiki Just enjoys playing Ninomae as much as ever. Fukuda Saki is getting more comedic as Mirei (as she was in the special), Nonomura still seeming to be more as he appears but were not sure what it is yet.
To summarize this movie is still at the middle of the story and I'm finally ready to watch the 2013 movies :D
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I like Funakoshi Eiichiro here. He's the only character that felt natural and is playing a cool character ahead of its time. The rest was pretty standard. This movie motivates more to look up Kora Kengo movies :P For that reason I don't feel that I wasted my time watching this movie.
The music.. I didn't notice it AT ALL!
I don't really recommend for any value that I found in the movie, but if you are a fan of any of those actors, it's worth the watch ;)
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This drama had a lot of issues that I couldn't ignore, but I still enjoyed watching each episode on a weekly basis. I did not regret watching this and found it entertaining. It was more like cotton candy, that's sweet and fun to eat, but disappears quickly. You still have a faint sweet taste left in your mouth but nothing much and not for long.
On a more detailed analysis, while Scientific is in the title, we hardly deal with science. The most we get is some profiling. The dorama is typically episodic and cases vary. In order to make ST standout, instead of making complicated and require exceptional smartness to solve, they just really dumbed down the whole police force. For that reason most aren't that memorable to be honest. I remember one case where the evil guy admitted when really all they had was circumstantial evidence. What irritated me most was how the ST members were childish, and them acknowledging it was not enough, their behaviour was unacceptable that it was hard to suspend my disbelief
Acting vary from pretty good to alright. I felt that most other characters were just too young for the role, or to even be taken seriously. It felt more like they were playing pretend. We didn't get character development from all the team members, maybe 2 or 3, and the rest was their to fill space. We also had some other members of the police force where we get interaction with the characters which I found most entertaining but nothing too deep.
Okada Masaki is a sweetheart even though his character is a complete moron lol. It may be my first time seeing Fujiwara Tatsuya but I liked him here. He and Okada had great chemistry. I enjoyed their interaction and their scenes together were fun to watch. Hayashi Kento not only was he misplaced age wise, he also totally UNDERUSED. I still liked his interaction with Okada, but wished he was more forceful but they completely mellowed him down compared to the SP. Another underused actor was Watabe Atsuro who, after seeing in Bitter Blood thought he can do much more interesting and entertaining roles than he's offered.
The story isn't done yet, a movie will be coming up soon. The episodic format makes it that you don't really need to retain anything for the movie, so you don't really need to wait until the movie is available to watch the whole thing.
All in all, easy to watch without much commitment, entertaining but too silly.
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Before getting into this dorama, we need to set our expectations right so we acknowledge the genius applied here. As it says in the opening sequence, this is a Low Budget Action Adventure Story. This is the type of drama I can confidently say only Japan can make, and excel at it. I love the fact they don't even try to mask that it's a low budget. The story is generic and purposely predictable and cheesy. This isn't about the story or the action, it's all about the comedy. It is purposely stupid, and boldly blunt and fun. I just love how the heroes are so into their role when those around them just react in such pragmatic ways, totally killing the moment. It's just hilarious.
The drama itself is a parody of video games.. I'm not into video games myself but from the bit that I've seen my brother played, I got to appreciate some details here that I would've otherwise found weird. One example is when the heroes prepare for a fight, the way they stay on one side only and their movement felt exactly like what I see in video games the movements before the player actually starts fighting.
One of the most critical aspect in this drama is acting, and needless to say it was effortless. All did a magnificent job, including guessed stars. I don't know if there exist anyone better than Yamada Takayuki for the role he took. He has such a serious face perfect for dramatic scenes used in such a priceless way. All three sidekicks were spot on and did great. Not a moment was boring being around them. We also got some of the most surprising guest stars and their roles were nothing less than hilarious. I also have to add the sister, her character did spice up the story enough to wonder what the hell is going on with her.
I wouldn't say the drama is without flaws. For instance I found some some tropes just became too repetitive. It definitely isn't for everyone and it's sense of humour is pretty unique. It took me a couple of episodes to warm up to it and actually fall in love with it. Getting into it you have to get ready for the package of cheesiness, predictability, since it is done purposely, to fully appreciate the comedy.
Basically if you need a good laugh, appreciate Japan's unique sense of humour, and/or enjoy parodies, then this is a drama for you.
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