JDrama: BOSS 2!

Ironically, being in Japan has really slowed my Jdrama schedule down.  The internet here is kind of slow.  Not in all of Japan, but on Rebun Island.  I did manage to get the last few episodes of BOSS 2. I loved the origianal (see my original review).  Everything good about the first one remains good. YAY! The line up is a bit different, but BOSS is still BOSS, which is all that maters.

You should definitely watch season 2 if you liked season 1.  If you haven't watched season 1 - what are you waiting for?  Watch it! Bonus point: Hasegawa kyoko from Dragonsukara is in it! (my review)



PS - the show doesn't do that much with personal development, but I really want Nodate and Boss to realize that they would be awesome together . . . I can be such a girl sometimes! 

JDrama: DragonSakura!

I got this drama based on a rating I saw on a JDrama blog.  It sounded like something I might like, so I got it.

DragonSukura:  A lawyer is called in the handle the bankruptcy closing of a high school with a terrible reputation - the students are all idiots.  The lawyer who overcame a past as a delinquent idiot in a motorbike gang is inspired to save the school rather than close it . . . by getting 5 idiots into Tokyo University (the most prestigious uni in Japan).

I realize that summary makes it sound like a typical high school drama.  However, it really isn't.  First, all the characters are pretty competent.  Even the idiots.  Particularly, Sakuragi Kenji (played excellently by Abe Hiroshi) or tough and cold lawyer.  I must say it was nice to have a main character that is completely competent and who's plans while ambitious are neither stupid or half-baked.  To me the character of Sakuragi Kenji makes the drama worth watching by himself.  Abe Hiroshi is really terrific in this.  The other characters are great too.  Including all of the students, who were all really well portrayed by their respected actors (many will know Yamashita Tomohisa - Nobuta wo Produce and Koike Teppei- Ohitorisama 1. because they are both quite popular with the girls and 2. I've reviewed other Jdramas with them in it).

So, I liked the characters. But, the story was also great.  You'd think a show that mostly deals with studying would be super boring, but it wasn't.  I felt very engaged and excited to watch the next show.  It was just really nicely paced . . . right up to the end that is.  The end was a bit lacking for me.  I often feel the ends could be pushed a little further in dramas though, so I don't let that get to me much anymore.



I really liked this one.  If you like kind of different dramas with pretty much no angst and really no romance (it is hinted at, but never ever dealt with), then this drama is for you.  I found it to be fun and light, perfect for summer!

Jdrama: School!!

I just finished another great Jdrama.  This one is called School!! I found it quite by accident when checking ::JDramas::.  It is the story of Naruse Seiichiro a tunnel construction worker who gets asked by his old teacher to come back to his old elementary school and be the principle.   The school is in a lot of trouble (darn those modern kids) . . . can he turn it around.

Like to sir with love but less rough and with smaller children

The show is really great.  It is a straight up drama (though funny) without any kind of romance etc.  I found the plot captivating and it really pulled me in and I couldn't wait to get to the end.  Not only are the stories fun to watch, but i felt I learned more about actual Japanese culture and what is considered "normal" than I usually do watching dramas.

He never looks that dower in the drama . . .

A plus of the drama is that the cast is just fantastic.  Another plus of the drama is the really stellar cast of adorable children.  The focus in on the 5th grade class and they all did a great job.  It was good to see that Japanese girls are usually taller than the boys at that age too. :)

Naruse or Eguchi if you prefer

The story revolves around the boisterous Naruse Seiichiro played by Eguchi Yosuke (who I already love from Lunch Queen).  His acting is just great.  There is just something about him that really is just more present than everyone around him.  He is a joy to watch, even when he is crying (which he does really well).  He really made the show.  If your already a fan you must watch School!!.

Not the most accurate chart  . . . .

Overall, this was a really enjoyable drama.  It was really addictive and I never hoped the show would just get on with it.  Its only 9 episodes long, so there isn't much filler.  If you don't want a lot of romance bogging up the story this is great for you.  Personally, I wish there was just a touch of romance, but that is just me.

Jdrama: Ohitorisama!

I recently finished another JDrama.  I picked Ohitorisama because it looked kind of sweet (and I am agnsted out for awhile) and was short (10 episodes).  Ohitorisama means one person (or you know perpetually single/old maid - for the record she is 33).

The plot is as follows our Ohitorisama broke up with her boyfriend 5 years ago as she wanted to keep her job as a teach and wasn't sure she could be a good wife at the same time.  Now she does everything alone and says she likes it.  Her school gets a male substitute who is 23 and useless.  Our heroine is his mentor . . . this is the story of how they "don't" like each other at all.

I really enjoyed this show.  It was sweet and I just enjoyed the silly stories.  It is not deep or emotional or much of anything really, but I still really liked it.  I guess I could relate to Ohitorisama and her love for doing things her own way.  If your in the mood for something silly and light, this is a great way to go.  Koike Teppei did a good job at being bumbling and fairly useless . . . I never really really liked his character expect for a couple of key moments, but he is okay overall.  Maya Miki plays the principle and I adore her.  All of her scenes were my favorite!

Love her!

 This probably isn't a good choice for a first drama, but if you've been at this awhile and would like to cleanse your palate this is a great choice.

KDrama: Hello My Teacher

Today I'm going to review Hello My Teacher.  It is a Korean Drama with Gong Yoo (from Coffee Prince, see my very early review of that here.  I love him.  You will too he is gorgeous and a great actor . . . I think.  He might just be ridiculously romantic slightly brooding and a deligeted little boy at heart.  I kind of hope that is true and he isn't acting).  This is the story of Na Bo Ri a girl who is terrible at school who really wants to be a teacher . . . and marry her old art teacher.  She isn't well trained though and ends up as a semi-baby sitter for his nephew Park Tae In (Gong Yoo).  The whole show is about their relationships . . . and weather she can be a teacher.  There is a lot more to it then that, but I will let you see for yourself.  Before watching I had seen a lot of mixed reviews, but I powered on due to my love of Gong Yoo. (My love is not creepy, he is totally older than me.  No worries).

This picture pretty much captures it . . . Na Bo Ri looks to happy though . . . MORE CRYING!

The characters and story are really well done.  Na Bo Ri acted the most out of character at times (for me).  She just got a wishy-washy in the middle, which brings me to the main point.  I both love and hate this drama.  On one hand I needed to see it to the end . . . on the other hand I couldn't choose . . . which love is better?  Which one is true?  Should our dear Biscuit just cut them both off for being frustrating and stupid? Maybe . . . Should she just grow up and make decisions on her own?  Should she just slap the h#ll out of someone (this is probably the option I would choose and still regret not seeing).  These are not thoughts I usually concern myself with.  Despite my obsession with dramas I'm not often drawn to the super drama filled dramas nor do I really feel that invested in them.

Aren't they cute!

 I got invested in this one, so I guess that is good . . . particularly if you someone who wants to be very invested in the shows you watch.  Part of the problem for me is the show is just so darn long (16 episodes) and I'm so very busy. So, I kept being drawn away by other things and then I would be like:  If I start again I'm going to be all conflicted and drawn in and I really do have other things to be doing right now . . . oddly this dilemma seems more common with kdramas (this is not a scientifically proven correlation).

Tae In likes basketball . . .

 In the end I watched the whole series at a fairly normal pace and then I stopped at the final two episodes.  I stopped for like 3 week before I finally asked myself why.  The answer.  I didn't want it to end.  I almost didn't want to know what happened.  What if the makers got it wrong? But, I did watch the end, which was really good.  Kdramas actually have endings that make sense to me unlike most jdramas so that is a plus.  They did a great job with it.  I shouldn't have been scared.  The ending fit without any of the characters doing anything too out of character.  There was also an extremely not courtship period before marriage and the idea that late marriage is much better.  I've seen this is kdramas and kmovies before.  I guess it is a cultural ideal of some kind.  The anthropologist in me may have to research this.

School boys . . .

Overall, I really liked this drama.  It could be one of my favorites, even though I still feel a bit tortured by it. If your up for it, give it a try.  Make sure you have some time on your hands!

Note: there is way more touching and even kissing in kdramas! \(*_*)/
Note Note: this is more than jdramas, not more than us tv really . . .

JDrama: Boss

I just finished another great JDrama: Boss.  This drama skipped the line.  I had noticed it, but dismissed it.  After reading a review over at The Geek Within, I decided to give it a try - immediately (as instructed).  I was looking for something different, not to long, and fun (read as not emotionally draining).  Boss defiantly fit the bill.

First, the older cast was refreshing after gorging myself on mainly high school dramas.  Sometimes adults are good.  Boss is also kind of a CSI style procedural.  I do mean kind of its a procedural and there are dead bodies, but it doesn't take itself too seriously.  Its a funny show after all.  The cases are fun.  I usually figured they out way in advance, but I still enjoyed watching the team solve the case . . . I pretty much just enjoyed watching the team.

Amami Yuki is fantastic as the Boss.  In fact, she is the best part of the show in my opinion.  Intelligent, tough, and a bit ridiculous . . . I wonder if she reminds me of someone . . . All the side characters are fun.  And Bosses interactions with Nodate are great.  Its nice seeing old friends portrayed well on screen.  Anyway, its the characters that make the show.

Sorimachi Takashi (GTO) is a guest star!  \(^_^)/

Overall, I would highly recommend for drama lovers.  Particularly ones who get overwhelmed by teen angst and love triangles sometimes!  I look forward to watching the sequel!

Densha otoko - the long story

Densha Otoko translates to Train Man and is supposedly based on a true story.  I first encountered the Train Man as a movie.

Everything Trian Man has the following story:

A young socially awkward otoko (big geek) sees a beautiful young woman being harassed by a drunk on the train.  The young man fights his instincts and interferes.  Going beyond his wildest dreams the woman exchanges contact info with him.  Their unusual love story follows.

Movie Review: The story is great.  Very sweet.  The supporting cast of internet helpers is really interesting as well.  Saori doesn't have a lot of personality for me, but she grew on me.  Overall, it a fun and adorable movie.  I would really really recommend it.

After the movie I read the book.

Book Review: The book came first, it is fun.  It is written to mimic the format of an online forum.  That odd format mostly works.  It makes for a super fast read, but it was compelling.  I must say I enjoyed reading the book, but the story works better in a totally visual media like the movie.

Drama Review:  The story is the same as the movie, but obviously told in a much longer format.  To be honest it didn't totally work for me in this format.  Train Man seemed more whinny and slightly annoying in the long format, while he never got on my nerves in the movie.  I liked the Drama version of Saori better though. I almost didn't get through the drama . . . the middle is just to much.  But, the beginning and the end are great.

Overall, I would recommend something Densha Otoko in your life!

JDrama: Yukan Club

Another of my favorite Jdramas is Yukan Club.  Its a fun high school drama and an adventure story.  Whats not to like about that?  It is a bit formulaic, though it some how works for the 10 episodes it plays at.  The story is that there are these 6 super rich and talented high school students that are super super bored.  So . . . they start meddling in mysteries.

The whole gang: Yuki is on the far left and Miroku is seated.

The characters are interesting, in particular Shochikubai Miroku and Kenbishi Yuri.  Hakushika Noriko grew on me by the end as well.  The chemistry between the 6 leads it what makes the show.  They are really quite good together.  I wish the relationships would have developed a bit more . . . I've learned to accept this in Jdramas, however.  Overall, its great. Try it for fun.

Jdrama: Hanazakari no Kimitachi e

I just realized I've not yet reviewed Hanazakari no Kimitachi e (Hana Kimi).  This is one of my favorite jdramas.  It is just so cute!  Unlike most dramas the steady stream of side characters makes the show rather than detracting from it.

Class picture!

The story is simple.  Nice young girl (Ashiya Mizuki) pretends to be a nice young boy to inspire her childhood love (Sano Izumi) to return to high jump.  Yeah, I know that sounds thin, but it works.  The plot does not really get old.  I must say that the main story is not my favorite part.  Rather the interaction of all the characters as a whole and Ikuta Toma as Nakatsu Shuichi in particular.

Isn't he cute!

The characters are what make this drama really worth seeing.  The plot is cute too and it really is quite funny.  This is from the cross dressing and just the story in general.  Sano is a bit sour and angsty for me and I like the actor better in other things I've seen him in, but I got over it.  I would definitely recommend this one.

JDrama: GTO

I had watched the GTO movie and that led me to watch the GTO drama.  Its an older drama so you have to give it some leeway for that . . . 1998 is different then now. Really.

Anyway its the story of a man with no qualifications that wanted to become a teacher despite having a shady past.  This drama shows how his unusual ways help his students to become better people and achieve their dreams.  This can be a bit repetitive, but is better then some about story originality.

Onizuka is a great character, though I often did worry he would do the wrong thing . . . which actually speaks to how well the drama is written and to what a great actor Sorimachi Takashi is.  He really makes the show and is the main reason I suggest you watch this movie.  Later dramas dealing with shady teachers really draw off of this one, so if you've like things like Gokusen then you really need to watch this. 

I would highly recommend this drama for people who love high school dramas.

Nobuta wo Produce

I thought I'd review another Jdrama that I really enjoyed  Nobuta wo Produce.  This is the story of a very shy (read that weird) girl named Kotani.  Two very different young men,  Kiritani and Kusano, take on the task of making her the most popular girl in school.  Unfortunately, while popular they are not very good at this.  Let the craziness ensue!

Despite the rather thin plot premise this is a pretty good drama.  I really enjoyed the characters and how they interacted with each other.  Despite each of their individual weirdness I feel they were all much more real than many drama characters.  The acting was also very good so they really felt like good friends.  Yamashita Tomohisa is particularly great in this!  He is really a pretty good character actor despite being so pretty. :) Unfortunately, this drama suffers from strange non-ending ending issues that plague many a show (at least from my Western perspective on endings).  I have no idea if the show ends like the book or not.  I've tried to find the book in English to no avail.

Nodame Cantabile

Nodame Cantabile is an absolutely fantastic Jdrama filled with slap stick humor, emotions, and music (if you want to view it its at JDRAMA).

This is a charming drama that I just can't get enough of!  Its true I am actually waiting very impatiently to part 2 of the movie . . . soon I should have it soon!  Back to teh drama though.  It is about the sweet Nodame who is floating through life in her unique way and just enjoying her music, but not living up to her potential to be a great pianist.  Then she meets Chiaki and arrogant composer and everything changes . . . the entire story is just enchanting. 

The characters are fun (though I feel some of my favorites are under utilized). I also have a love/hate relationship with Chiaki who I feel doesn't always deserve the amazing Nodame, but I have hopes of him shaping up.  So, far the specials and movie have been a touch disappointing as they don't add much . . . but I'm still hooked!  I would highly recommend this one.  Especially if you are new to Jdramas.

The OST is also great and worth downloading and listening too!

Attention Please!

I thought it might be nice to post another JDrama I enjoy.  Attention Please! is a sweet comedy (though a kind of girly one).

The plot goes like this tom boy becomes a flight attendant to impress a boy in her rock band who thinks she would look cute in the uniform. Don't worry this plot goes out the window pretty fast and the show is really about a slightly odd tom boy who doesn't really fit anywhere and so never tries at anything.  Eventually she learns that hard work is important and that caring about things is good . . . and she manages to loosen up a few of the other characters.

There is also a romantic subplot, which I found rather disappoint as it remains unresolved as is so often the case in Japanese dramas.  The series is good, the the special is really a waste of time.  I really liked the main actress Ueto Aya and I am kind of disappointed she hasn't been in anything else I'm remotely interested in.  Also, the version of Pretty Woman used for the outro is great!

Lunch Queen and Gokusen

I recently finished two very good dramas Lunch Queen and Gokusen.  Both were very enjoyable in their own way.

The cast and delicious omurice!

Lunch Queen is about a young women who loves lunch and gets bribed into pretending to be the run away eldest son of a family (who happens to own a yummy lunch shop's).  Unsurprisingly all the sons soon fall in love with the now absent eldest sons soon to be bride.  It was very cute and funny, all the characters were interesting, but once again the ending does leave a bit to be desired in the resolution department.  However, I still really enjoyed it and would suggest it though it will make you hungry.

Our fearless teacher.

Gokusen is about a yakuza princess who wants to be a teacher.  While keeping her background a secret she must try to help class 3D the worst in the school.  The story is fun, though very similar to GTO (which I would also recommend).  Its funny and the characters are strong.  The ending is stronger than most, so all around its a good choice to watch.  If you read the manga the story and characters do appear to be a bit different in the drama.

Akihabara@deep

I just finished Akihabara@deep which was quite good. The story is about a group of misfits brought together by a mysterious internet personality named Yui.  The group then become troubleshooters for Akihabara.  The show is much more adult than most jdramas and I would say its definitely not for children.

The cast

The show is very funny but also slightly creepy.  The character of Daruma is particularly creepy.  Kitamura Kazuki is also very good as the really strange/crazy/creepy Nakagomi Takeshi.  I think the slightly creepy nature of many of the characters and the dark nature of many of the stories really makes this show.  I really enjoyed it. The zombie episode was not one of my favorites, however.

Daruma creepy old guy who leers at girls

The adorable Ikuta Toma as Box-kun

In the show they eat a lot of Umaibo, which I've gotten to try.  These are corn "sticks" that are the consistency of Cheetos and about the size of a candy bar with a hole running down the center.  I sampled the seaweed flavor (I love nori flavored things) and found the Umaibo to indeed be delicious sticks. The characters also eat a lot of canned odon in the show, which is apparently very popular among otaku.

Tons of Umaibo!

If you want to watch I suggest ::Jdrama::

My Boss, My Hero

Another of my favorite Dramas is My Boss, My Hero.  Sakaki "Tornado" Makio is a tough high school drop out.  His father is an important gangster and wants Makio to get a high school diploma before he inherits the family business.

Don't let this picture fool you Nagase Tomoya is hot

The story is pretty straight forward, but each episode is very very funny. Nagase Tomoya really sells what could have been a very boring character (Makio really isn't very smart).  I highly recommend this silly comedy.  Though once again the ending is a bit of a let down, but not as much as many dramas. You can find it over at ::JDramas:: or at MySojo for streaming.

Yamada Taro Monogatari

Yamada Taro Monogatari or the Story of Yamada Taro is one of my favorite Japanese Dramas.  Jdramas are kind of like anime with live action people.  I like the humerous ones rather than the historical dramas.  Its funny as I don't normally watch sitcoms in English, but I really enjoy the humor and heart most Jdramas have.  They are a bit campy and over the top like watching a old screwball comedy.

The whole gang!

Yamada Taro has a lot going for it.  First, the story is good.  Yamada Taro attends a prestigious high school on scholarship.  Everyone is in love with him, but all he can thing about is food.  That is because he is dirt poor due to having such a large family and his father not being around.  Each episode is very funny as Taro works hard and is oblivious to everything around him.

A correlation chart, very popular in Jdramas . . . I'm not sure why . . . I can't read it so I don't know if it is an accurate description of the relationships

The casting is good. Jdramas cast tend to pull heavily from Jpop idols, but in this case everyone is well suited to their rolls so no issues.  Jdramas also tend to have very catchy theme songs because of this. 

The only issue is the end is kind of a let down.  I find this is true of most JDrama.  I think the Japanese and Americans may have different ideas of what an ending entails . . . still I highly recommend it!  You can find it ::JDramas::.  You'll need to join the group, but its a really nice site with lots of dramas to watch.  You can also find it streaming at mysoju

JDrama: Coffee Prince

The main cast

i am a big fan of japanese and korea dramas. they are a great mix of emotional and silly, which is very appealing. one of my favorites is a kdrama called coffee prince.

it was very well done and very enjoyable. the premise is that a girl must pretend to be a boy to work at a coffee house and support her family, obviously many silly situation result from this. these dramas are kind of like live action manga, so they are a bit over the top. i've seen quite a few and this is a really quality show, i would give it 5 out of 5 stars. that being said dramas rarely stick the landing in my opinion and most of the final episodes are a bit disappointing or I don't quite get them. it is probably my western sensibilities.

there is also a huge online community associated with jdramas, where you can get new shows to watch!

check out: ::Jdrams:: or d-addicts