People need to stop comparing this to the original manga or even the Japanese drama that followed after that - it is true, that this movie has made some major changes and cuts BUT (to come to the real important point) nevertheless the movie is not a good but an outstanding one! The storyline is built up very nicely, the actors are awesome (especially the female lead!) and somehow they were able to mix drama, comedy and lovestory in a pleasant way - it's not too much or too less from everything. It's a good and well-balanced movie who deserves recognition beyond the original. I have to confess that I liked this interpretation much more. I'm going that far and insist that this movie is not based on the Japanese original but is inspired by it- that sounds so much more precise and may be able to change your expectations (and prejudices) on that movie. Definitely a must watch! Cheers, Genshi