Once Upon A Time, There Was A Shabby Hotel!
I guess we read & listen to stories to discover something new & unexpected, but this doesn't mean that a good story doesn't have repetitive & expected elements. As kids, we learn this as soon as we hear our grandmoms tell us for the second time: "Once Upon A Time ..." One role of this is to make us feel at home and friendly: "Sure, we were there before!"The short series, Nihon Boro Yado Kiko (2019), is full of repetitions: Shabby hotels, one and only one song sung at every single episode, same fights, and so many others, however, the series miraculously uses all these to make us feel at home, and as some kind of framework for its new, innovative elements. And in the end, we'll have a product One Of A Kind! Story-telling at its best!
As someone who tends to be suspicious, even hateful of, the old, I started the drama with zero expectation, but now, I'm really going to miss Haruko saying: " 'Shabby Lodgings', That's by no means an insult!" I'm now a believer!
My Rating: 10/10
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Frustratingly charming
It was cute, it was charming, it had its spunk and its fun. The characters are likable, the stories were sometimes touching, and overall it's a good time, but I only gave it a 6.5. Why? Because nothing happens.You pretty much watch the same events play out every ep. at first it's a charming little template, but over time you soon realize how little character development or story progression actually happens. It pretty much resets at the beginning of each episode that somewhat makes it feel like a pointless drama to watch (for story and character fans). After reaching about ep 8-10, I already began feeling sick of the repetitive fights between the two leads for the same reasons over and over and over again. It wasn't like I couldn't understand either side, nor did I side with one particular character. Rather, I was sick of the fighting in general. It was supposed to be its main charm, "the bickering leads," and yet all I could do was roll my eyes. I wanted it to be over as soon as possible because watching two people argue over the same thing 12 times in a row is not the best time.
I can't really say it's a "feel-good" type of drama because i didn't particularly feel good or touched for majority of the eps. There aren't any lessons or omnibus types of stories, The leads would bicker, make up, root for each other, and then forget all about it by the next ep. At least for me, that frustration built up as the eps progressed. Their characters simply didn't improve or develop in any way. It's not a bad to have static characters, but if there is also no plot development, then you're just have zero story WITH static characters. They kind of just...go to a hotel, meet some people, take a bath, and then leave the next day. I imagine it's mainly due to the short runtime of each ep. It's not bad to have no story either, especially in a life genre like this. However, the combo of both makes it overall a pretty disappointing watch.
That being said though, I undoubtedly enjoyed the characters themselves. They may not have developed, but they were still quite likable. Haruko was adorable and had this fun, airy youth to her that contrasted well against Ryuuji's quips, and grouchy attitude. I also loved the touch of her love for old hotels direct paralleling Ryuuji's career. The settings were amazing. The hotels were grungy, yet extremely charming. The views they had were breathtaking, I particularly loved the pictures in the end credits, that was my personal favorite bit.
Overall, it was a fine watch. I wouldn't exactly recommend it. It's confusing because while I didn't enjoy it that much, it was also still a great show. The quality is great, acting is great, music, characters. It oozes charm. Even though I'm a huge slice of life fan, perhaps this one simply wasn't for me. It still might be for you though.
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What a lovely gem!!!
Right from the first few seconds of this "Nihon Boro Yado Kido", I was captured by the tremendously interesting concept: enough with the Tokyoite settings, filled with skyscrapers and modernity, let's show instead a much lesser known Japan, one more true to itself, with all its small towns and its "shabby hotels/pensions" filled with memories of the past and personality!What followed was a delightfully written, masterfully acted, and very aptly directed little masterpiece!
The music added some more value to the enchantingly catchy atmosphere, and I'm not referring exclusively to the wonderful enka song "Traveler", but to the whole musical score that so nicely accompanied the entire watching experience.
I think even Fellini would've been totally satisfied by the profound humaneness that oozes from every scene!
A particular praise to the leads: Takahashi Kazuya reminded me a lot of a young(er) Takenaka Naoto, so good and funny he was! And as for Fukagawa Mai, well, what can I say? I desperately fell in love with her already at the first episode! Not only is she absolutely gorgeous, but she possesses such a great acting talent!!!
The only thing I'm unhappy about? LOL, that's that I wish I could give this more than 10, seriously! ^__^;
Instant top10 of all time, as far as I'm concerned!!!
Arigatou, Nihon! ^_____^
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Life on the road can be tough, but it’s all worthwhile for all the run-down lodgings they’ll encounter: From outdated phones, televisions, and light fixtures, dingy and humble washrooms, to well-worn beddings...and OOH! Stained Carpets!!!! ...this is a Boro Yado fan's DELIGHT!!!
Nihon Boro Yado Kiko is a fun and spirited show filled with warmth and sentimentality of yesteryear, and part of its authenticity is that Takahashi (and even Fukagawa) have real-life idol roots- Kazuya Takahashi was a Johnny’s entertainment singer in the 80’s (and really exuded that early boy-idol style)-
and of course Mai Fukagawa herself came from the first generation of Nogizaka46!
Maybe that's the magic formula that makes Nihon Boro Yado Kido such a great little ode to the glories of yesterday! Really LOVED it!
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