Long Love Letter (2002)

Where to begin?
This is possibly the weirdest and most surprising dorama I've ever come across. Nothing is what is expected, or what it seems.
It's just as hard to define its genre, because while it could be listed as a science fiction drama, the fantasy part is just a device to make a very human, touching and very present message come across: are we really capable of cherishing our lives? Do we truly appreciate all the little and big things thrown onto our path or do we give them for granted?


Were I to base the overall rating only on how much I liked it, I would give it a 10. But it's undeniable that it doesn't deserve it on the cinematographic level: the shooting quality is average at best, it reminded me of those catastrophe movies from the 70ies, like Poseidon, or Empire of the Ants, often naive, with some ludicrous special effects. And it certainly does not shine for its photography.
The music goes from ordinary to completely random.

But characterization, dialogues and acting make up in heaps for whatever flaw. If you have read The Lord of The Flies by William Golding, this drama may remind you of it. Mix it with the most classical concept of Carpe Diem - seize the day - and you have Long Love Letter.
Kubozuka Yousuke is adorable here, at times childishly clumsy, at others emotionally intense. But it's Takako Tokiwa who really steals the screen, her character being the epitome of strength of will, sweetness and courage.
In fact, this drama is acutely feminine, like mother Earth herself.
The kids play their part very well, one ends up liking a quite stony Yamashita Tomohisa too.

I adored the ending. It makes this into one of those dramas one is emotionally compelled to talk about with someone, share opinions and questions. Like it or not, it doesn't leave you untouched.

So, by now you have 2 choices: decide that both the drama and the reviewer are deranged and leave it be, or watch it.

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In contrast to what I felt, how much I cried, to many times my heart skipped a beat, how many times I was on the verge of praying for the character's safety... my comment is going to look miserable and unworthy to this drama.
This drama is absolutely brilliant! From the first seconds to the last ones. If you try to decide to watch or not to watch this drama after reading the plot you'll be mistaken, as even the best written plot will never prepare you to what you're going to experience during this drama.. it didn't prepare me...
As I wrote in one of my episode reviews, the plot changed with such speed... the characters were full of hope for surviving one moment, and the next they were thrown into the hole of absolute hopelessness... that was making me constantly very worried about the safety of the characters, and I came to fell their pain, loneliness, hopelessness... so naturally... when they were jumping over the canyon I wasn't even breathing... not to miss any rock falling from under their feet, any sigh or deep breath they breathed while jumping... my heart was bout to burst.
This drama had the most unexpected events happen, so I could NEVER ever guess what to expect further... This is the first time I was watching a drama and not expecting the ending even slightly...
The movie has almost no cinematographic value, so if you're looking for beautifully shot drama, this one's not for you.
This drama's highest value bear the dialogues, you should hear the words being said, or being kept silent but at the same time reaching you so clearly...
Definitely one of my favourite dramas from now on...
'Ima wo ikiro!'

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This is my very first review so bear with me.
Long Love Letter was one of the most unique dramas I've come across. Not only did it cure me of a vicious drama slump, but it also made me debate whether to choose sleep or the next episode. And, I chose the next episode even when it was 4 A.M.

Just like other reviewers have stated, don't let the synopsis trick you! It definitely wouldn't prepare you for the nail-biting and the nerve-wracking. Just when you think you've seen it all, Long Love Letter hits you with another shock! The plot literally takes you to the most unexpected places and it doesn't shy away from posing some serious questions about the dark nature of human beings. For me, Long Love Letter's brilliance was in its heart, its ability to create a 'home' amongst the insanity and the chaos, and its optimism in the direst situation. I liked how the young cast grew in front of my eyes from kids to mature grown-ups who learned to fully accept responsibilities in the end.

That's not to say that Long Love Letter doesn't have its flaws. Admittedly, it had its inconsistencies but I'm willing to forgive it because we're already thinking outside the box from the start. Also, it felt a tad too preachy at the end. However, what bugged me the most was the so-called Sekiya-Sensei. This character felt like a plot device in the sense that the writer brought her up whenever s/he needed conflict and had her completely disappear when she wasn't needed. Also, her conclusion at the end was laughable not to mention unbelievable.

The acting was superb! The most profound and touching scenes were done in the simplest ways. And, the romance was so sweet.

The cinematography wasn't exactly great. Some scenes felt randomly glued into each other. Whether intentional or not, the sloppy direction helped to reflect the mood of utter chaos and insanity.

The music was serviceable, average at its best. Sometimes, it played at awkward times.

I wouldn't rewatch this one soon because its scenes are still haunting my memory at the moment. Honestly, I don't know if I want to re-live this magnificent experience twice.

I would recommend this work to anyone because I think it truly had something for everyone.

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I didn't watch this drama for a long time, because the description put me off. It sounded boring and unoriginal. But when I finally started to watch this, I fell in love with it. It's unlike any other drama out there, surprising, and very good. The actors are great, and the plot is weird, at times funny, and really sad.

I don't know why the MAIN POINT of the dorama is not put into the description... well, perhaps because it would "spoil" the series... but honestly, if you're planning to watch this, here's something you would like to know, and I'll say it without giving away any spoilers; be prepared to a plot out-of-this-world, perhaps not quite scifi but close enough. But don't let that put you off; this is truly original and great to watch. My favorite dorama ever.

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First I have to say I was a little biased because I'm such a huge Kubozuka Yosuke fan. I guess I would like every drama he's in.

First I was a little surprised because after reading the summary I was expecting a completely different drama. I never watched a Science Fiction Drama before and I was skeptical. Also it seemed so unrealistic that I was wondering if it would be okay.

Still even after only a few minutes I grew so fond of the characters that I continued watching. The story wasn't as important anymore, because I was just cheering for the characters to be strong and hang on.

The main couple had an amazing chemistry and they were really, really cute. But still I liked that the romance wasn't the main point.

I also liked how important the bonds between the characters and their friendship was portrayed. It was lovely and cute.

I was a little disappointed by the ending, but I guess you can't help that with a story like that.

Still I personally rated it a 10 because I couldn't stop watching once I started and that's a rare thing.
I'm recommending this to everyone, even if they don't like science fiction or if the summary doesn't sound appealing. At least give it a try. :)

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Whoa, what a fascinating jdrama this was. Long Love Letter had me at the edge of my seat during each episode. And it felt as though each episode ended on a cliffhanger. Man, what a ride!

The title of the drama was a little off-putting for me. I mean, Long Love Letter? Ugh, I thought this would be some boring mushy-gushy eyeroll-worthy type of cheesy romance drama. The kinds I hate. But it wasn't. The romance is there, but that's not what captivated me. The storyline. So incredibly interesting. I enjoy sci-fi stuff like this, so this was a real treat. Basically it's about how some people who were inside of a high school for makeup exams and whatnot disappeared (along with the school) after an earthquake. There's just this big gaping hole of where the school use to be. And it's just so interesting, because we wanna know why did they disappear, how did they disappear, how and when will they get back (if they even get back), and where did they go? It's a fight for survival for the people who were left behind in the high school, and a huge mystery to the people who were still present after the earthquake. There are obviously more plot points and themes interwoven into this drama, but I won't delve into it least I spoil anything. And trust me, u do not want to be spoiled.

The only downfall of this drama, and for some it's a major one, is the ending. Some may find it horrible, and understandably so, but I'm not one of those who do. It's a little disappointing, sure. And it definitely affected my rating (this drama could have easily been a 10), but I understand where the writers wanted to go with this. I really can't say much else because everything is a spoiler. Just know it is worth the watch, with a fantastic cast, great acting, and an intriguing story. It really pulls u in.

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STORYLINE: 9/10 - CHARACTERS: 9/10
This was my first ever none western scifi show and I enjoyed it for it entertained as well as provided me with thought. Long Love Letter portrays a possibility of what could happen to the human race and once we got to the school scenes because suddenly both teachers and students’ behaviour to survive defers from the typical manner usually portrayed in school based dramas or anime which continuously had me glued onto the screen that I finished the whole drama in one sitting. The tremor happens at the ending of the first episode leaves you weirded out in regards of what genre the drama belonged to because here was me thinking it was going to be the same old school based plots. What happens to those within the school totally directs this drama in a whole new genre of SURVIVAL and CONFUSION with not only the characters, but myself too.

Despite its not yet worthy graphics that were used back in 2002; they usage of storytelling and camera angles actually managed to make me tense up at times.

ACTING: 8.5/10
The chemistry between Kubozuka Yosuke and Tokiwa Takako seems so natural for them that it is that more saddening how the drama concludes their relationship. Additionally, you can tell that for most the student’s it the role was new to them so they efforts I commend for they at least managed for most of the drama to make me believe. With Ichihara Hayato, However, I would like to praise The acting was not bad to watch Kubozuka Yosuke for his effort to try look older than his fellow actors whom portrayed the students but are actually near his age in real life. But in honesty they are moments were his young looking face failed him. Ps his face when he sulked is so cute to watch. As for the other characters

MUSIC: 4/10
The music really didn’t suit drama but it is funk which helps you get out the funk the drama ends up putting you in.


FAVORITE CONCEPT: Ending of episode 8 was my favourite for it provided both joy and hope to a very sad reality they were living.
PERSONAL THOUGHT: As humans we have unfortunately become unaware of the earth we need to survive, instead we treat it as both our source of life and dumping place.

CONCLUSION:
In a gist, Long Love Letter drama is Korean’s attempt at recreating a similar survival plot as that in Lost (American TV series). Therefore you should give watch this drama a go if you enjoy genres such as HINT of COMEDY – CHEESINESS – CUTENESS – LOVE – MEMORIES – MYSTERY – DEATH – RESILIENCE – HOPE - SCIENCE FICTION – MELO DRAMA - EARTH – PEACE – TIME – SPACE – FAMILY – SCHOOL – FOOD – SURVIVAL – FEAR – KIDNAPPING – SENSIE – STUDENTS – FUTURISTIC.

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I started watching this drama because I was taking a break from all the typical dramatic genres and wanted to watch something different. It's not like one of those dramas that focus on one aspect of life. This drama explores all the struggles in society; it's about survival, friendship, romance, and even rivalry. I won't give away the plot so, I'll say this; this drama is worth watching (just ignore the fact that it's pretty old) for it brings out all the different emotions in you and explores on the aspect that human beings are not perfect, and that feelings can cross over time.

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