Reviews

In the midst of hundreds of dramas, there's this one drama that is overlooked by so many people who assumed that it would be slow,boring or a drama that they would just dropped after episode 1. Like they say, don't judge a book by its cover. And definitely, don't judge a drama by its synopsis or reviews or recommendations. It happened to me.

I was just bored with the cliche, generic common dramas that was produced nowadays. I wanted something different, something that would make me really watch, not just because its popular or it has handsome or pretty actors. And I found this, I tried episode 1 and Boom, i didnt regret it to one bit.

Soredemo,ikite yuku was one of those dramas where it really grabs your attention with just one episode. With just one episode, it really intrigued me. The story was simple yet, as the episodes goes by it became a lot complicated. Without knowing, I was caught by the character's emotions, the plot and even the music moved me. I really like how the drama went to a lighter mode instead of making it a tragedy life drama leaving everyone depressed. No. This drama gave me a lot of thought, stirred my emotions and really touched my heart that not many dramas can.

Really love it ! If you're looking for a change , this drama certainly won't disappoint you. I dont usually watch these kind of drama, but soredemo,Ikite yuku is one of those dramas where you just need to try to watch once in a while !

Leia Mais

For those who have kept up with Surplus Princess's weekly releases, such as myself, the biggest question that dawned was how the writer's and PD's would handle the episode cut. The story with the decision to cut four episodes was surprisingly well done. With an episode cut, one must realize that there will be multiple loopholes in the plot, simply because reveals and plot progression need to occur quicker. Despite these inevitable gaps, the writers weaved around it well and focused on what was necessary. That alone saved the story and the only decision I don't agree with was the closing scene. It was unnecessary and it deterred the quality of an overall well done finale episode.

As for acting and cast, Surplus Princess is a perfect example of a drama that has great casting. Upon starting the drama, I knew none of the actors/actresses (except for the one playing Shi Kyung because I finished Two Weeks as Surplus Princess was airing). But regardless, they drew me in with their individual charms and how well they all portrayed various emotions. While I found the drama hilarious, when tense scenes came, each character's emotions were portrayed beyond my expectation and they were believable and natural. Not to mention, all the love floating around is just absolutely adorable.

Thinking back to the soundtrack and BGM used throughout the series, there wasn't much that stood out, but everything fit in. The music felt well-placed and repetition of tracks was kept to a minimal. A couple of songs grabbed my attention, and I give the PD's props for using music sparingly.

As for the re-watch value, there isn't much to be found in this drama, but it doesn't mean that the ride wasn't worth it. The re-watch value for Surplus Princess depends on how attached the viewer is to the cast and the chemistry between them.

Overall, Surplus Princess stood its ground exceptionally well. The writers understood how the episode cut changed pacing and most importantly, they loopholes were irrelevant and the primary plot was executed nicely. Furthermore, the cast is lovable. The relationships that blossom throughout the series are cute and gave me more than enough reason to finish the series (as if ten episodes were a lot, hah). I recommend this drama for anyone looking for something light-hearted and easy to watch.

Leia Mais

Oh, this drama. It started out so promising! I remember thinking a couple of episodes in that I actually liked all four leads, and realized how rare that is. Weird girl who doesn't believe in love, charming doctor, competent and independent (yet totally likable) career-woman, and roguish bad boy? What's not to like? So quiet, quirky Hana goes on a quest to Korea to solve a mystery, and as in so many dramas, ends up with a choice to make in the love department.

However, as episodes go by, the writing starts to fall apart. I slowly grew to dislike all four leads. The story dragged, characters started keeping stupid secrets and doing stupid and occasionally outright repulsive things. Luckily, the last episode rebounds a bit and at least ties things up nicely. But really, such a disappointment after a really good start.

Leia Mais

Tobosha (“Runaway”) might appear somewhat dated in various ways, having been made around ten years ago. It may even strike the film-savvy as a transparent remake of Hollywood’s “The Fugitive,” twice that number past. There is no reason to set aside such perceptions; both are valid enough points to be sure. Yet despite these (initially) eyebrow raising truths, Tobosha still offers tons of enjoyment and interest to the Japanese drama fan of any mileage. After all, this series could be considered one of the major progenitors of the big-budget action thriller on Japanese television. And if it can be considered anything, Tobosha is certainly exciting.

We join Nagai Tetsuo, a juvenile-parole officer, in a mad flight from the police he once closely worked with. Nagai returned home to find the aftermath of a brutal attack on his wife and son which only the child survived; despite being jumped by the culprit after, circumstances lead the detectives to lay the blame on him! When threatened with a swift death sentence and no justice in sight, our hero takes to foot—not only to clear his own name, but to find the real murderer before they make their next move. Our journey takes us through thrilling (if sometimes lucky) twists and turns, almost to the last moment. One thing this drama does excellently is throwing down evidence: something from the first episode might suddenly become shockingly relevant in the tenth. There are many instances where the viewer thinks they know something, but the detail actually refers to something else. My only problem is that certain reversals are more satisfying than others, though they all make good sense.

For those most concerned with "meh" endings when it comes to their Asian thrillers, don’t worry. I found this one well done and clear enough, though the first half could be considered rushed by some. For others more concerned with feelings as an aside to the action, the emotional aspect is given due diligence though nothing more.

Eguchi Yosuke headlines as our fugitive Nagai, physically in his prime yet slightly shackled by the mundane—if relatable—character. He looks great running, climbing, fighting, and investigating, yet I never got the feeling anything about Nagai “grew” or changed. That small complaint aside, nobody cries like Eguchi-san; he also displays a perfected, believable thousand yard stare which sent a shiver up my spine. Abe Hiroshi steals the spotlight as an Inspector Javert-esque detective, whose shocking disregard for protocol sets him aside from that great literary character in all ways but dogged pursuit. His Mineshima provides an excellent counterpoint for Nagai, almost as well as his chemistry links him with Eguchi-san. Their scenes together are some of the best. Mizuno Miki forms the third leg of the triangle, though her character felt more like a superfluous third wheel from time to time. The character is nothing special, but the actress has these expressive eyes and a knack for scenes which require physical activity. Of the remaining performers, they’re as you might expect: good, bad, and in-between.

In the introduction, I mentioned elements of the drama which come across as dated. Most noticeable among the offenders must be special effects. It seems clear a pretty penny got dropped for cinematography in general; Tobosha maintains an unfaltering silver-screen presence throughout its 11-episode run. Certain shots approach sincere beauty, such as when we witness our hero start running for the first time—his silhouette desperate against a backdrop of roaring flames. We even get an unprecedented number of extras for police chases, including actual squad cars (and also a helicopter). The problem rests almost chiefly with guns and explosions: guns spark like fireworks, while (with an exception or two) the explosions present as blatantly fake.

You know how when you buy a beloved album there’s always that song you skip? Tobosha has a soundtrack that can only be described with that type of situation. Two repeated instances struck me as cheesy, particularly this terrible almost “wild western” styled song. Almost everything else is suitable; my favorites include the piece used for “running” scenes, as well as the dramatic arrangements for big reveals. A great theme song can make or break an OST, so how lucky Toki no Fune (“Ship of Time,” as sung by a sweet-voiced Matsu Takako) was chosen for this one. It often begins to play a minute or two before the end of each episode, lending a nice amount of emotion to the final scenes. Plus, the credits themselves are worth staying to watch.

Leia Mais

First of all, i think they script writer did a brilliant job in this drama. I love every episode of this show just only one that i didn't like but it can be forgiving compare to other detective drama i watches before.
The plot is stand out itself from the start to the end, even people who don't like this typof genre still fine it enjoyable to watch because a good story teller they put in every episode.

The cast also did a grest job here. The story was great the casts was great and enjoyable and keep you excited in every episode.

Recommended whoever put this on the plan to watch list please find sometime to watch this drama, i don't think you will regret after watching this drama.

Only weak part would be rewatch valus since its a detective and mystery drama genre once you finish all episodes you already know the conclusion and the truth behind it, however, maybe for couple year if you cannot find any good drama with this genre you can always come back and watch it.

The best part would be the story of this drama, i think its a mangs but i never read it before so i have know idea about it before, i think the mangs artist also did a brilliant job here, as expected from 20th Century boy author who wrote Kurokouchi as well. Big thmub up for the author and the script writter for the drama.

Leia Mais

Loved it.
An amazing story about life and love.
Kimura Takuya was great as Shuji, and all the characters were adorable.
First couple of episodes were a bit ridiculous and I was constantly annoyed by Kyoko pushing Shuji away and ignoring him. However, the last 5 or so episodes were lovely. I loved the relationship between Kyoko and Shuji and how he cared for her so much.
The scene in which Shuji does her makeup in the last episode was a bit over the top, I must say, but him finally breaking down and crying was definitely needed.
I loved the ending, it was absolutely perfect!

Leia Mais

At first, when I've read the synopsis, I was like . . . "Oh! It's boring.." So, even if I really like Jang Geun Seuk, I didn't watch this drama. Well I was wrong. This drama is worth watching for (for me). It started with a thrill and ended beautifully. It's full of heart-melting romantic scenes. Geun-Geun couple's so cute. They really did well. Especially Jang Geun Seuk. I began to love him even more. I get to see more of him singing. Gosh! I really love his voice.
All in all, I recommend this for those 'romantic-drama lovers' like me. I bet you'll love this drama too.

Leia Mais

I wasn't exactly sure what Playful Kiss Youtube Edition was when I started watching it. I really thought that it was going to be a really abbreviated version of Playful Kiss but I wanted to check it out anyway. It turned out to be mini episodes that take place after the end of the main series.

I really liked this. Ha Ni is just as cute as she was in the main series but without the stalker element. Seung Jo really improved as a character for me. I didn't love him before because he never really seemed to love Ha Ni even after he did. In this, you could see it.

We also got to see the mother, brother and friends, which I liked. I was fine with the lack of Joon Gu because I didn't like him at all in the main series.

These mini episodes actually made me like the main series a little more. I don't think they needed to be longer than the 10-12 minutes that they were. They just needed to have more of them. While I couldn't really see watching the main series again, I can see myself watching these again sometime.

Leia Mais

It took me some time to start watching this drama, as I have already seen 1 Litre of Tears, and I didn't want a similar story. The main reason why I actually picked it up is because of Miura Haruma. I'm glad to say that the story was unlike 1 Litre of Tears - the two stories did have several similarities, but were nonetheless completely different.
You would think, based on the plot summary, that this would be a story about an illness, death and grief, but it's quite on the contrary. This is actually a story about life, happiness, love and the troubles that life throws at us.
I adored all the characters, especially Rikuto. While I hated him at first, I loved how he, and averybody else, evolved and changed.
I felt as if these characters were written specifically for these actors and actresses. They did a brilliant job in this drama, everything felt so natural.
I also loved how everyone was so supportive, his family, friends, colleagues and even passers-by - nobody was mean, judgmental...
My favourite song from this drama is Yorokobi no Uta - Yuzu.
The reason why I gave this such a low rewatch value rating is because I feel like this is something you watch once, and it stays with you forever.

Leia Mais

I've seen quite a few drama specials. Several of them are a little outside of the realm of traditional drama series. More risk-taking comes with the format, I guess. And I like that!

This one, however, is one of the oddest. Sometimes funny, sometimes a little disturbing, always very, very strange. My complaints: the motive given for the murders seemed like a bit of a stretch to me, and the ending left a very big question unanswered. Oh well.

I did find it entertaining, and the acting was pretty good. It took me a long time to finally place the actor playing Dae Shik--he's the bratty newspaper owner's son from Bridal Mask. This drama special was directed by Kim Yong Soo, of White Christmas, Equator Man, and Sword and Flower, as well as at least a couple of other drama specials, and his style is very much in evidence here.

So, long story short: if you're a fan of the director, and are in the mood for something different, maybe consider giving this a try. If not, you probably aren't missing much.

Leia Mais