This is the ultimate shojo drama, despite its age, its immanence popularity to this day confirms that. Its a drama about friendship, about coming together and also learning to accept yourself. A very human drama. At its core Nobuta wo produce is a fairly straightforward story and in such narratives, it is essential that the characterization of the main characters are well rounded, in cases where neither are applied, the burden falls entirely on the actors ability to convey strong emotions to the audience. We should FeEl since there isn't much to think. This is where the actors shine for me honestly. In most shojo adaptations, since its usually written from a maiden perspective, the male leads are often written as perfect, almost porcelain statues. In mangas it works out because the writer effectively portrays the human side of such male protags but in shojo adaptations, they usually appear rather bland. some classic examples of good actors appearing bland due to the character would be Furukawa Yuki, Yamazaki Kento and Shuhei Nomurato name a few turn into pure card-boards with zero personality. They are good actors but the writing restricts them. Kamenashi Kazuya's character in this drama as such. He could have easily played Shunji like a cardboard, but Kamenashi's ability to balance the coolness and the human aspect of such a character. I have noticed this in many of his other works, he is extremely good a emoting. Even simple emotions he can portray effectively to the audience. Maki does a wonderful job with the empty combination of prejudiced stereotypes. beautiful jdorama. A puure classic.