"Accepted means ignored" that's what I always hear when people describe the LGBT scene in Japan, and this drama clearly shows that in the most honest manner. They will ignore it if they are outside their group, like people on the streets, etc, but once they are a member of their family, friends or a co-worker, it's a different story. But you can't also blame them because they are just worried as society is very unforgiving. As a straight guy, this is an eye-opener to me, it shows me the struggles gay couples have in our society, the stereotypes on gay people and the lack of knowledge on gay couples. This is somewhat similar to Ossan's love, I'm not saying this is better than Ossan's love, it is less funny and zero fan service, but this drama to me is heavier and explored LGBT theme way deeper.

No need to worry if you don't like heavy drama, it won't be that of a heavy drama at all, the overall cozy ambiance compensates for its heavy subject matter. This is a slice of life/food drama after all, so you can just chill, watch and enjoy. This is very similar to the Japanese movie "Little Forrest", they will show you how they cook the food then proceed to story, but unlike "Little Forrest" where it is 70% cooking 30% story, this drama is 80% story, so it has more plot and you won't lost into the story.

If you think it's already a big deal when Ossan's love uses mainstream actors to a gay drama, then this is more big deal than that. They not only have mainstream actors but established A-list actors. To give you an idea Hidetoshi Nishijima has a reputation of a tough guy in Japan, similar to Jason Statham in Hollywood. I also think it's a genius idea to cast him as the closet gay, his demeanor matches the character very well. Uchino Masaki (Tonbi, Jin), another A-list actor, portrays the more feminine character. Among the two I considered him the better and the more versatile actor, and this character he portrayed just added up to the vast range of characters in his resume. The chemistry of them both is phenomenal, they argue and makeup like a real couple. They also made decisions that even straight couples will be able to relate.

One of the highlights of this drama is when Kakei's mom told him "tell your co-workers you're gay, there is nothing wrong with being gay", and the actress who said this savage line is none other than Meiko Kaji, famous for Lady Snowblood series, the granddaddy of revenge movies which inspired Tarantino when he made Kill Bill. If you just realize what Lady Snowblood represents that time, and how it connects to what this drama represents this time you would also say the casting for this drama is really something, it's freaking genius.

Watch it not because it's a gay drama, watch it because it a very good story portraying a couple having struggles in our society and how they overcome those hurdles to become happy. This is a little gem here my friends.


FULL REVIEW
https://thatjapanesedramaguy.blogspot.com/2019/07/drama-what-did-you-eat-yesterday.html

Leggi di Più

M A S T E R P I E C E

I find myself having a different taste than most users here on MDL so I would totally not recommend it if you can't handle slow type of movie especially this one which is 2 1/2 hours long. This movie also contains sex scenes so definitely not for everyone. People with attention span of a goldfish would hate this movie.

Jongsu is an aspiring writer; he also works as a part time delivery man. One day while doing his delivery task he bumps into hae min, who is apparently his childhood friend. hae min said she is going to africa and ask jongsu to look after her cat. Hae min comes back along with mysterious guy named ben. One day ben and hae min visits jongsu, later on ben confessed to jongsu his secret hobby.

It is the definition of slow burn no pun intended, utilizing the time to explore the life of the lead character, his affection to Hae min, conflicts with his family and his view to korean society. The film is a character study and Jongsu is just our extension in the movie. The movie is very philosophical in which the central theme revolves around "little and great hunger"(what we want / what we need), it is also very metaphorical, simmering with ambiguity, it's the best example of less talk see it in action and it also loaded with symbolism throughout. Though being the film a slow burn and with its 2 1/2 hours running time, it is by no means a dull or boring movie. It is a hypnotic experience and throughout the movie you will use your brain a lot as mysteries after mysteries unfolds.

Cinematography is topnotch. It's beautifully shot, able to capture the eerie atmosphere on screen. I also love the shots at dawn, it's enigmatic yet mesmerizing. Music just makes this thriller movie 100x better. It is haunting, builds tension, underlines the mood and evokes characters emotion.

Acting is masterful, might be the best I've seen in years. Let's talk about the lead girl first. Jeon Jong Seo as a free spirited gypsy is just brilliant, the way she pantomime eating orange is very believable, the philosophical element of the movie plays here, that's why that scene is important in the movie. She also not just good looking but also has great screen presence. Yoo Ah In who played Jongsu is equally brilliant. The development of his character is handled really well especially during the later part when his character became obsessed. Steven Yeun is not just a guy from walking dead, the dude can really act. I love the way he made the character more mysterious through his facial expressions.

Perfectly crafted movie, you would feel the labor of love put by a director making movies like this. It's that type of movie that you would get something new every time you watch it. Definitely the best movie I've seen this year and the best korean film I've seen in a decade. This is a masterpiece.

If you enjoy the though provoking element and the whole ambiance in this movie I'm sure you would love to read some Haruki Murakami novels.

Check my Blog for other reviews & other JDramas stuffs. (｡◕‿‿◕｡)
https://thatjapanesedramaguy.blogspot.com/

Leggi di Più

Japan's answer to Satoshi Kon's Perfect Blue

Most people know Japanese dramas for being formulaic, repetitive, full of tropes etc. and that is because of the vast amount of high school and job oriented shows they release each season. Little did they know there is one aspect Japan excels a lot, and that is when their creativity takes over and start to think outside the box. They are by far the most innovative when it comes to script and ideas. This risk would sometimes result in some pretentious crap, but when struck gold, it would be a masterpiece that would stand the test of time. Masterpieces that makeup Japan's rich film history, but it's not only in movies as it happens in their dramas as well.

"Dakara Watashi wa Oshimashita" is the modern example of that. A story with a moving theme portrayed in an unusual setting. An underground idol who is desperate to improve and an office lady who seeks likes from her social media friends. Both are looking for that elusive attention, or should I say connection. The human connection theme is well portrayed and explored. It's not just a simple handshake, but a sincere thought of support to someone. Different people have different reasons for being a fan. To some, it's physical attraction, but for Endo Ai meeting Hana is the most significant turning point in her life.

The plot is timely and original. In today's world where the number of idol fans is on its peak, I think it's safe to say that this story will hit home on so many levels. The drama is well layered and also very raw. They show you all the good and the bad things about idol culture, from fun chants, idol festivals to unfair wage practices in idol industry. I also love how they didn't stereotype idol otakus. They portray them as ordinary people with regular jobs. It's too detailed and well researched with so many references about idol culture. It's been years since that anime movie "Perfect Blue" which many considered as a masterpiece for its time but mostly known for giving negative connotation towards idol otakus or idol culture in general. Now that 22 years later, Yoshiko Morisita counters that with her own masterpiece of a drama. For me "Dakara Watashi wa Oshimashita" is Japan's answer to Satoshi Kon's "Perfect Blue".

Before I thought all idol groups are the same, but watching this drama, I realized underground idol groups are a bit different. The drama did a great job in showing the appeal of these type of idol groups. You are not just an average fan who fangirl/fanboy in front of tv. You also go to their events and interact with them. It feels you are helping them to get better like you are also part of the process. Unlike other idol groups who have years of training to master their craft, their fans only appreciate the final product.

Though the writing in this drama is its strongest asset, it's those damn visual what takes it on another level. The cinematography is perfect. It's very poetic. I love the use of colors, especially whenever neon lights are present. I dare to say this is what they called cinematic storytelling, which you can't separate visual style to visual language. Sound design is also excellent, and with the help of brilliant editing makes such scenes very compelling. Not just powerful scenes, but it also has a fair share of scenes that will deliver goosebumps. Music used during those scenes fits perfectly. It underlines the mood and evokes characters emotion.

Speaking of characters, even if the drama achieved excellence in writing, cinematography, and music, the drama would have failed without good actors aboard. The good thing is this drama has good and capable actors. Sakurai Yuki and Shiraishi Sei's acting is on point, and should I say they have cute chemistry as well? That chemistry is a huge reason why these characters are well portrayed.

A fresh concept, brilliant writing, strong theme with excellent execution, this drama have it all. Its a toss-up between "Saka no Tochu no Ie" and this drama for my best Japanese drama this year.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-8Pt2B66RE
It's recommended to watch this MV after you see the drama. It has additional scenes that makes the ending more beautiful.

Check my Blog for other reviews & other JDramas stuffs. (｡◕‿‿◕｡)
https://thatjapanesedramaguy.blogspot.com/

Leggi di Più

"Don't judge the book by its cover"

First let me start this review with a mini rant

The only concern I see people having with this drama is that they said it normalize pedophilia. My defense on that matter is you would only consider a person a pedophile if he/she is occasionally attracted to children which in this case she's not because she was not attracted to him because he's a child. I know most will not agree with that argument but let's say you are correct and she's a pedophile. Does this drama normalize that psychiatric disorder? BIG NO. She's attracted to him but didn't take advantage in fact she was despised the whole time, the school, students and the society. The drama won't make you feel they are romanticizing that idea. As for the matter that it might affect the thinking of underage viewers. Do those kids have parents to guide them? Then what about stories like Robin Hood, mistress protagonist, serial killer etc. are those stories being normalize just because they were made? If you are inclined to call it a trash just by reading the synopsis then I am sorry but with that kind of logic I just couldn't help but think you are DUMB.

Chugakusei Nikki portrays the forbidden love between Hijiri, a middle school teacher and Akira, one of her students. The drama follows their story for the course of several years. There will be time skip in the middle of the drama, 3 years to be exact, when Akira is 18 years of age. The characters are well written, Hijiri was portrayed really well as an inexperienced teacher, adult yet not matured, and also Akira as rebellious and confused teenager. Side characters are interesting too especially Haraguchi and Shotaro, it's also interesting to see their love story develops. Their love is somewhat similar yet different. The plot is sensitive but the drama handled it tastefully, it is nowhere near as creepy as you might think. This show is also grounded to reality in that every emotion these characters portray is very relatable. What I also like is the pacing it's very balanced which makes every episode engaging. The drama also knows how to play with our emotions. The director is just so good on how to build tension and also how to end every episode. Expect roller coaster of emotions, it's highs is wonderfully high and it's lows is absolutely devastating, there's even couple of scenes where I was on the edge of my seat and to think this drama is not a thriller.

~ A good rain chooses the right time to fall and so it falls ~
~ When it comes to spring, the rain is certainly falling ~
~ It follows the wind and secretly enters the night ~
~ While the wind is blowing, the rain continues to fall until night ~
~ And moistens everything softly, without any sound ~
~ Silently, almost making no sounds at all, it makes everything wet ~

This poem in episode 1 summarizes the whole drama. It is a metaphor to the kind of love between Hijiri and Akira, a pure love similar to dramas such as Sekachu, Endless love series, Koizora, Be with you, Heavenly Forest etc. Pure love genre if you would know is what popularizes Asian drama. It basically portrays a couple that faced many obstacles. Pure love in sense that even after so many years they still long for each other. We haven't seen this genre for quite some time and I already see upcoming dramas with similar genre. This drama will trigger another pure love era.

Cinematography is just captivating. I love how they capture the green landscape on camera, the shot during sunset, falling rain drops, fireworks and that weird fish eye effect they always use. Those are not just gorgeous shots but also serve as a symbol to what these characters feel. That's beauty about Japanese drama, it is full of symbolism and just like what I always said, great cinematography is similar to great painting, it is not just beautiful but also captivates you, will make you move closer and examine the painting and not just say "oh this painting is beautiful". Music in this drama is just perfect, it underlines the mood and helps showing the emotions of each characters. It is a really great piece of background music. With great drama comes great ending song and "Prologue" by Uru is just like that. It's not just a great melody because if you read the lyrics it will make sense why they choose it as the ending song.

The acting is just brilliant but other than the acting, the casting needs more praise. They just casted right people for the roles, Arimura Kasumi for example, she has this cute, inexperienced image and if you watch the drama having that image made her portrayal of hijiri so effective. They also cast a rookie for the role of Akira, it a nice decision by them as it requires a certain rawness to the character. It doesn't mean Okada Kenshi is not a great actor though. He is indeed fantastic as he provides the intensity and angst to the role. They won't call him a super rookie is he is not. The side characters are also well casted, if you follow Japanese drama long enough you would be familiar with Yoshida you and Natsukawa Yui, they were both underrated actresses. Their characters played an important role to the story and they played them really well. Aside from Akira, it's the portrayal of those characters made this drama so much better.

Final episode will be tomorrow but I decided to make this review because what ever happen this drama will go down as one of the best Japanese drama I've ever seen and definitely my best Japanese drama this year. End game won't decide the rating this drama should get in my opinion because just like they said the journey is more important the than destination. More than just a drama but also an experience.

Edit
I've just watched the last episode and I don't want to spoil anything but it is indeed one of the best Jdrama ever!!!

Best Student-Teacher Romance Drama List
https://thatjapanesedramaguy.blogspot.com/2019/10/best-student-teacher-romance-japanese.html?m=1

Check my Blog for other reviews & other JDramas stuffs. (｡◕‿‿◕｡)
https://thatjapanesedramaguy.blogspot.com/

Leggi di Più

The English title "A House On The Slope" reminds me of that part in one of Haruki Murakami's books where it says, Frank Kafka was quite fond of slopes. He loves to gaze at houses built on the middle of the slope. He would sit by the side of the street for hours, staring at houses like that. Of course Murakami just made that up, but anyone who is familiar with Kafka's life knows that it's most likely a fact. House on the slope is a brilliant metaphor for what this drama is about, that awkward angle symbolizes misunderstandings inside that household, that if we stare at a house built like that we need to tilt our head at one side to straighten it up, just like kafka seeks his father's approval, and Risako, the main protagonist in this drama, wanted encouragement from her husband.

The writing is superb in every aspect. I love how they handled this delicate subject. It's also very detailed as it tackles "Postpatrum Depression (PPD)" way too deep. We saw character experiencing PPD symtoms, like excessive crying, mother having difficulty bonding with her baby, Hopelessness, feeling not being a good mom, and having thoughts of harming the baby. We also see how other characters reflects to this case, their marriage life, their struggles, it gives so many different perspective on child caring. I can't think of any drama or movies that explored this theme to this extent, but not only the theme, it's the execution that makes this drama a riveting experience. They executed it really well, those flashbacks that were told in different perspective, the thought provoking quotes, the interviews and especially the breaking the fourth wall element. It won't tell you who's right or wrong, but rather it will make you form your own opinion as our world, in general, is not black and white.

It's also a social commentary on people's lack of awareness on PPD, and due to lack of awareness, as a result they inadvertently bring pain and misery to their love ones. It just reminds you that in life, more than love, empathy in really important.

On the technical side the drama is still impressive. The acting is solid, not just Kou Shibasaki, but all the supporting cast. My favorite is the judge who is struggling choosing between her career and family, the actress really played the character brilliantly that I ended up sympathizing with her. The editing makes this drama very compelling, several scenes cleverly woven together, and those transitions are very neat. Those brilliantly edited scenes are just enhanced by its music. It conveys a sad melancholy mood which shows character's feelings and evokes certain atmosphere. Ending song in every episode give you that final kick, as that song's lyrics supports the plot.

This is what I love about Japanese Dramas, they are not afraid to tackle sensitive issues, and when they nailed it, they nailed it really hard. I tried to be nitpicky but everything they did in this drama was just perfect, story, themes, execution, acting, music, editing, even camera work, it deserves a perfect 10. This is what they called a true emotional roller coaster. It will change the way you think as this drama gives you so many perspectives. It's an early but very strong candidate for my Japanese Drama of 2019.

Check my Blog for other reviews & other JDramas stuffs. (｡◕‿‿◕｡)
https://thatjapanesedramaguy.blogspot.com/

Leggi di Più

One of the most important contemporary directors of today, Shunji Iwai gives us a suspenseful emotional ride in his latest film "A Bride for Rip Van Winkle". It reminds me a lot of "All about Lily Chou Chou"(also directed by Iwai) on how it uses the internet as the main element in the movie, how it affects characters minds and their relationship, simple chatting before social media now. This movie will make you realize how social media affects our society, how most of us make it our safe haven and sometimes create a fake identity and how that fake identity would factor in constructing our own, not giving much of a story away, the theme would be so obvious if you compare the 2 relationships of our main character had here, one living with lies and the other ironically real. Having said that, the theme in this movie was so strong and possibly the first time that was explored to this extent and just like Iwai said "I would like to show how we take to living in this world that our ancestor left us", so thought provoking indeed.

With 3 hours long this is perhaps the second longest Japanese movie I've ever seen next to Love Exposure and that is mainly because most climactic scenes were all shown in slow motion, it seems the director reiterates the point of what we should feel, some may be bother by it but I'm not as I see the reason for it, scenes before those slow-mos were so subtle so it's like a storm after a calm sea. Another reason is the criticism he is known for which is his film has a tendency to drag and some scenes were like that especially scenes that has metaphor in it or with meaningful dialogues, if you're like me who is into that then this will make the movie more engaging to you.

The film is basically a character study of a Nanami(Haru Kuroki), a part time teacher who is like a shadow, she has no personality, the film lets us follow her as how her character develops throughout the story, with Iwai's directing and Haru Kuroki's acting this film is an immersive experience. You can separate the movie into 3 parts the classic fall, perserverance, and finding happiness. The first act started when Nanami meets this guy on social media then without much thinking she eventually marries him, but the problem is she didn't have the ideal family, her parents were divorced and seems like their relatives broke the ties between them. Then she decided to hire Amuro(Gou ayano), a guy she met on social media, a jack of all trade ala Gintama, it is Amuro who provide fake relatives to her wedding. The end of the first act is strong as Nanami is humiliated and defeated and that first act sets up to a more interesting second and even third act. When I said suspenseful emotional ride I mean it as plot twist after plot twist, lies after lies got revealed but the biggest mystery is the title itself "A Bride for Riple Winke", what is relevance of that title in the story? Who is Riple Winkle? Well the way the movie reveals it is so clever, it's a work of a mad genius and definitely I didn't see that coming at all. Just like most of Iwai's films this film features misfits characters, those cut from society, this movie will depict their engaging journey and how will those character find love and happiness. Although with that engaging premise and roller coaster of emotions I had, still one important question in the movie remains a mystery although I'm sure that that was intended, I experienced that in All About Lily Chou Chou and I experienced it again here, I just don't know what to feel, I just thought of giving you a heads up cause that might annoyed you as well.

Great Cinematography to me is not just beautiful but also meaningful, it's just like in painting great painting should fascinate you, it should make you look closer to examine the details and not just stare at one and says "this painting is beautiful", you could have all the colors on your palette but if it's dull it's dull. Movies by Iwai are the best example for this they have the best cinematography I've ever seen that makes the movie so immersive and this movie is not an exception, his emphasis for lighting was really obvious here, it is stunning, extracting the natural colors in a scene, a perfectionist he truly is. Music really adds up to the emotion in those melodramatic scenes, particularly is that one scene with Nanami after the first act, the Visuals, the Slow-mo, the Music, the acting, it is perfect, I literally pause the movie and gather myself, stupid smile left on my face, instant goosebumps.

Iwai really loves using subtle actors in his films and the reason for that is because that kind of acting is most suited for his style of filming, before he had Aoi Yu and this time Haru Kuroki. Haru reminds me of Aoi Yu a lot they can even switch roles here and the strength of the character will remain the same, of course I'm not saying Aoi Yu is better, they are equally talented and Haru might even have some edge in drama and definitely in comedy. About haru's performance, I am one hundred percent convinced that this was her best performance I've seen from her and mind you I've seen a lot where she is considered great namely "emperor's cook" "juhan shutai" "little house" "solomon's perjury". The character she played here is so complex that one wrong move would make that character annoying, one wrong casting and the movie would be ruined, hard to explain it without laying spoilers, only you would realize what I meant when you watched it. There is one character I can't reveal here because of spoilers and it's a shame because I was equally impressed with her with haru and her name is not even included here on MDL. The character is crippled yet strong; she's like a playful spirited fairy and those eyes omg. The chemistry between them was magnetic, a total contrast to each other yet they share similarities, they want happiness. Gou Ayano although not as good as those two, it is his charisma that makes the character more mysterious and that is really important as that character is somewhat the one who drives the story. I have this theory about him that I will post on the comment section if you want, just click the spoiler button.

Movies like this makes me realize why I was fascinated, why I admire Japanese cinema so much, it is just that there is no other country that can offer me a story like this. Movie like this make me realize what kind of taste I have for movies, why I crave for original plot with clever twist, why I love thought provoking themes as those makes the movie to me an immersive experience. With that said, even with some draggy scenes or things remains unanswered I just couldn't give this lower than 9. Not a masterpiece but a must watch.

Check my Blog for other reviews & other JDramas stuffs. (｡◕‿‿◕｡)
https://thatjapanesedramaguy.blogspot.com/

Leggi di Più

The Quintessential Japanese Drama of 2019

First, I want to let you know that in Japanese Drama, THEMES is always more significant than the plot. It's doesn't matter who Nagi would end up with or how the drama would end. What important is how the show will convey its message. This drama is not your typical two-boys-one-girl type of story or other overrated romance crap. You could choose your ship if that entertains you, but just to let you know, this drama was not meant to make your heart flutter, it was meant to speak to your soul.

This drama is about the so-called "Hard Reset", not the one you do with your phone but the one you apply with your own life. The important decision you do to make a significant change and start anew. Completely changing your environment is essential, which is what the main protagonist did in this drama, a long vacation. It made her discover more about herself and broaden her perspective of the world, or to make it more precise; it made her have her dream.

Another theme is reading the atmosphere/mood or reading between the lines and I'm sure most of us are familiar with that feeling. When you enter a room full of strangers, most people will remain silent for a while. Judge people's faces, their expressions, their manner of talking etc. "reading the atmosphere" is everywhere, from school, workplace, family and even your relationship. Whether consciously or unconsciously, people do this all the time, this ability is ingrained firmly into us as a species. We as human, always look for a place we can call our own, and we need strong social bonds for that. We always try to "fit in" or wear all the right mask whenever it feels right.

"Stop Trying to Fit In, Aim to Belong Instead"

This drama will teach you fitting in will never get you home because fitting in is trying to adapt to a world that is not your own. Just like Nagi, you have to have your dream and not just live for other people. You have to forget the cool people; you have to find your people. Nagi found these people who help her reboot her life, the film buff grandma, scammer turned best friend Sakamoto, The most level headed mother and daughter (total opposite of Nagi and her mom), the bar owner mama and the most insensitive playboy neighbour. These characters don't only serve up as an exposition for the main character, but their story also conveys the theme of this drama, and the writer did a brilliant job on weaving them in a beautiful pattern.

The Pacing, Setting and Music add so much to the slice of life feels of this drama. Nagi's long vacation is a very well-paced drama; no time is wasted but doesn't felt rushed as well. It is entertaining enough to keep you engaged as you watch it. It also has mundane elements that if you notice would give a smile to your face like shirts worn by Nagi, it seems trivial, but those are valuable shirts you would find in thrift stores. Little details like this make me appreciate the drama more. The location would look very familiar to you after you watched the drama like it seems you also live there along with the characters. The cinematography is terrific in showing the green landscape, clear blue sky and by capturing the calmness and serenity of the laidback way of living. The OST is chill and relax, which complements the slice of life nature of this plot, but it can also get emotional when requires. I also never get tired of hearing the theme song "Reboot" sung by Miwa. It captured the whole theme of this drama.

The acting is ten out of ten, Haru Kuroki never disappoints. She is one of the best actresses in Japan right now and is indeed a national treasure in dramaland. Nagi's portrayal of inner growth is well portrayed, you might get pissed by her actions and decisions, but you always find yourself rooting for her. Haru Kuroki is very skilled as an actress, but it's her sincerity that makes Nagi such a lovable character. The title, Nagi's Long Vacation suggest this is only about Nagi, but this drama can easily be about Shinji as well, the only difference is Nagi only suppress her feelings where Shinji also hurts people around him. Shinji is a character you will despise at the beginning, but you would understand a bit about the character in the end. The writers gave him one of the best character development I've seen in recent years, and the way Takahashi Issei handled it is brilliant, probably his best performance ever. The way he controlled his emotions is masterful like at one moment his character angered you then you will laugh at his comic relief antics then you will feel him as he cries like a baby, what a man child lol.

Nagi's Long Vacation is the quintessential Japanese drama. They are the best when it comes to thought-provoking slice of life genre. You may find the characters caricatures until they slap you with realization quotes that will speak to you on a personal level.

Check my Blog for other reviews & other JDramas stuffs. (｡◕‿‿◕｡)
https://thatjapanesedramaguy.blogspot.com/

Leggi di Più

It's a given fact that some people will be put off by this drama due to its explicit content. It has to be the most sexually provocative Japanese drama ever, but given its plot and what seems this drama is trying to achieve, I think it's clear that the show needs the amount of nudity and the shock value of those sex scenes for the drama to leave a strong mark. Some supporters of women's movement might also be triggered by how they treat women in this show, and the people behind this drama might have already anticipated that as they tried to address that concern in the beginning of the first episode.

In the opening shot, we see a woman whom will be an integral character later in the show, advocating for a woman’s right to openly express her sexuality within Japan cultural mores, shamelessly flaunts her armpit hair to people while saying love means accepting nature, to her it's an expression of feminity and identity. The drama depicts her as a symbol of strong female representation. But even with that, people might still be put off by the show's handling of sexuality at points. It would be too taboo and misogynistic to a different culture, but this drama is not trying to be morally correct, it only depicts a story as what happened, to watch this drama you don't have to agree to enjoy it.

Naked director is an 8 episode drama based on Japanese legend, Toru Muranishi aka "The Emperor of Porn", a controversial figure but considered by many as the most innovative director of Japanese adult videos. He has a fascinating life, went from a Japanese struggling salary man to a legendary director that soon will trigger the Japan's pornographic revolution. It's a fictionalize biography of him, not everything happen is accurate, and some events have been overly dramatized for the sake of entertainment.

Although it's a semi biography about Toru Muranishi, it also shows Japan's economic and cultural expansion, the movement in the porn industry as people move from magazine to video/media age. Rules are changing, everything is changing but not Muranishi's strong resolve. Well paced drama, doesn't felt too slow or fast. It's also has nice balance of slapstick comedy to the underworld dark side of porn. What I especially love about this drama is it doesn't shy away from the bad actions of this main character. They didn't try to portray him as a hero or justified his actions, but also didn't try villainize the character.

It's clearly aims towards international audience. It promotes Japanese culture from food, hustling bustling Tokyo to the infamous Japanese sex industry. The drama also felt inspired by American television, not as thematic and preachy like most Japanese dramas. The music is a blend between electronic and rock. On the technical side, cinematography was the strongest. It clearly depicts 80's vibe, from colors, landmarks and the way they shot famous 80's establishment like disco scenes.

Wonderfully acted all around, these talented casts brought their best in this drama. Yamada Takayuki captivates as ever, brilliantly portray Muranishi, from facial expression to the way he speaks he nailed it. But what's amazing about his performance is how he balances the humor and seriousness given the situation. Biopics needs strong lead actor and Yamada Takayuki delivers. I've seen almost all of his dramas and movies and I think this is one of his best performance and definitely his most daring ever. The one the surprise me the most is the actress who played Kaoru Kuroki, Misato Morita. Talking about a career defining performance, the actress gave it all like literally, that scene alone with Takayuki deserves an award. She's one of the strongest female character in a drama for me, feisty, and she don't give a damn what others will think. Her character is that interesting that they could make a drama out of her. Not just the leads but the supporting cast is a bunch of interesting characters as well, all of them have their own quirks, but don't just serve as comic relief characters, and if there's a standout among them it's Shinnosuke Mitsushima, the one who played that goofy character Toshi, he is the gangster, the do it all of the group. With strong leads and eccentric set of character forms this dynamic group that is fun to watch.

If you're a fan of biopics and you want to learn more about Japan and its fascinating porn history then you should watch this drama. Even if it's considered as the dark side it is still part of its culture. Not for everyone obviously, it's too explicit, and I think even late night Jdrama slot would not show this drama. If there's no Netflix this drama won't get a green light unless they made this into movie. And before someone say it's glorifying porn, it doesn't mean they make this drama that they already glorifying the act, it's just simply telling a story. It's best to separate your morals and reasoning from a story and try to see it through neutral eyes.

Check my Blog for other reviews & other JDramas stuffs. (｡◕‿‿◕｡)
https://thatjapanesedramaguy.blogspot.com/

Leggi di Più

The Quintessential Japanese Drama of 2018

What makes Japanese drama different from its neighbors is how diverse its genre. From mystery thrillers, romance live actions, tearjerkers, weird WTF comedy to Job oriented ones. But my favorite is without a doubt the thought provoking genre. This genre is their forte in my opinion, those meaningful dialogues is always fascinating and this drama not an exemption, it has many dialogues that will make you think and it will teach you different philosophy in life.

Japan is the land of symbols, if you've been watching anime for a long time you probably see this already, they are so good using symbolism as part of the narrative, to me it not just makes the show looks good but it elevates the story. Their method of using symbolism is more prevalent in Jdramas and Japanese Movies, that's why I always tell my anime friends if you want to learn more about Japanese culture don't watch anime but watch Japanese Movies instead.

Aesop's tortoise and hare is one of those fables that are known around the world. In the story the tortoise keeps going on no matter what happen, it teaches us hard work, perseverance and going the extra mile, the hare on other hand has this cocky attitude believing he will win against the tortoise even he sleeps during the race, but his carelessness made him lose in the end. Bokura wa Kiseki de Dekite Iru gives this fable different yet very fascinating interpretation. According to the drama the tortoise doesn't work hard and it doesn't even care about winning or losing, he just enjoys whatever in front of him. The way the tortoise see the world is very different from the hare, the hare doesn't even exist in his perspective. Meanwhile the hare always check on the tortoise and he always looks down on him, the tortoise is huge part of his world. This philosophy of "Not Caring What Others Think" is basically the central theme of this story, which is also very much applicable in today's world of social media where everyone always cares what other people will think and everyone always look at other people's life and compare it to them. BE A TORTOISE AND STOP BEING A HARE.

This is such a cozy and laidback drama, I would compare it to Wood Job, Little Forrest and Bread and The Soup and Cat Weather, as for anime I would say Yuru camp and Aria are good comparisons. The story is also very well written, the touching moments and funny moments are very balanced. Pacing is also nice until the last two episodes where the plot seems all over the place, but it's ok as long as the message is there I wouldn't mind. This drama is very Ikigai. The message is given in a very subtle way and I like how the scenes are not over dramatic. The way they connect the behavior in animal kingdom to philosophy in life is brilliant. This drama also has a set of interesting characters that plays a very good role in the story, not a single one of them is useless. The acting by Takahashi Issei is no joke. I bet only few actors can play the character he portrays. It's the type of acting where an actor carries the whole show. It is perhaps the most eccentric character I've encountered in Japanese drama, the development of his character is also one of the most interesting ever.

Lastly if you are looking for romance you would be disappointed but it's really obvious what he feels for her during the end. I am happy that they didn't force it as it is not what this drama is about.

Check my Blog for other reviews & other JDramas stuffs. (｡◕‿‿◕｡)
https://thatjapanesedramaguy.blogspot.com/

Leggi di Più

The start of the new decade might be slow for Japanese dramas but in this year 2020 we got some of the funniest and wildest WTF plot in recent years, like the stalker masochist CEO in "Konootoko ha Jinseisaidai no Ayamachi Desu", and in this drama Uchida Rio portrays a woman who has intimate relationships with 5 different partners. When I said wild I don't mean the same goofy, meme worthy material you find in most Japanese advertisements, what I mean is the subject it tackled may be offensive to some especially if you are a person who always take everything seriously even if it's comedy.

This is by far the funniest Japanese drama I've seen this year and the reason for that is language they use is too graphic. There are moments where I can't believe the dialogue that coming from these characters, I cringe but then laugh out loud after. The setting is also another plus points for me given that I love anime, they work in CG Production Company for games and anime. You see them working hard but there are times where they are just slacking off and fooling around, and I don't blame them as working conditions in this industry is one of the worst. Like for example they rushed one project so that one of their colleagues won't miss his date, but not really it's just a usual appointment with a girl in a sex shop where he is a regular customer. LOL

It's more of a character driven than story driven plot, characters are not railroaded to certain goals or events, it's just these characters, their funny interactions, their development, those are what made this such fun drama. The cast are composed of quirky individuals, the female lead who is addicted to sex, the virgin friend boys love fanatic, the ex girlfriend obsessed muscle man, sex shop naive patron and this office fling playboy. Each episodes consists of segments where each explores the lives of these characters. We follow them in a slice of life way in which most of the time are just wild and WTF moments.

The acting is good for the most part, you don't need award winning acting for this type of drama anyway and all of them are good in comedy, their comedic timing is almost perfect. The chemistry between these actors is excellent, in which their characters compliments each other really well. The opening song at the beginning is as wild as this drama goes.

Conclusion In today's world where people are easily get offended by everything they see and hear, it seems this type plot wouldn't feel right, but just give this one a chance and you will see characters who respect and support each other for who they are. How I wish I have colleagues such as them.

Leggi di Più

I just came from work when I decide to watch this movie and damn this is such a relaxing movie and didn't expect I would enjoy this. I expect this will be another slow burn film that will make me sleepy. I even plan to eat while watching but I just couldn't take my eyes off the screen. These characters are just interesting and the visual are enticing. I really don't expect this to be a masterpiece. It has masterful cinematography, suiting guitar music and well acted characters that could potentially make this one of the best coming of age films I've ever watched.

I often tell my friends that if you want to learn more about Japanese culture don't watch anime but watch Japanese movies instead and this film is the very best example of that. Watching this movie will open your eyes about this kind of culture in Japan and on how they cut trees. The act is treated with respect (respect to the forest and forest god) and not just cut a tree then plant after which what I was only aware before watching this movie. The last part of the film is holy freaking moment, a combination of epic and comedy gold.

I watch this film because I am a fan of Shota Sometani and I was not disappointed and though the film's strength is the story it still one of his most important role to date. His performance here is not on par with his performance in Himizu but in this movie he proves he can also do comedic roles, his timing is just great. This film is in my opinion his best film to date and yes even better than Himizu. As for Ito Hideaki, the last film I've seen from him was Lesson of Evil which is such an epic movie. If you love Battle Royale and blood in your movies I highly recommend it. He had a great performance in Lesson of evil but I was more impressed with his performance here, he is such a badass and this movie is not even an action or a Yakuza film, it's a coming of age/slice of life movie lol. The chemistry between them is just great they are the total opposites, one is rugged type dirty guy and the other is like a girl and totally weak but once both of them are on screen there is such a magnetic force between them. You will enjoy Sometani's character development here. Given this film has two great actors and combined it with awesome chemistry makes this movie one hell of a ride.

Overall a great coming of age movie, relaxing to eyes visually and relaxing to ears with its music. A great movie if you want to learn more about Japanese Culture. If you love Departures, The Great Passage, Waterboys, Linda Linda etc. this movie is similar and has a similar vibe.

Check my Blog for other reviews & other JDramas stuffs. (｡◕‿‿◕｡)
https://thatjapanesedramaguy.blogspot.com/

Leggi di Più

When it comes to slow thought provoking films there is no better country that produces films like this than Japan, and there have been two directors that are front runners in this kind of genre which were Koreeda and Kawase. Both have similar styles but if you look closely koreeda films were tied with family while Kawase films were tied with how humans were connected with nature. Having said that, this film by Kawase is such a compelling film but compelling might be an understatement and strong might be a better word to describe it.

Well the story is simple a guy bakes pastries for a living, selling them under these beautiful cherry trees, in a street side shop that he doesn't own. He is somewhat unhappy with his life, because of certain events in his past. One of his close customers is a middle school girl who is also troubled by her relationship with her mother. One day an old lady appears and asks if she can be a part timer in his shop, he politely refused because he thought she could not do the job, but the old lady keeps coming until he accepts her when he has tasted her red bean paste. It is the word of mouth about Sentaro's improved Dorayaki that makes people mob their shop, but it is also the reason why the shop became deserted. At first the movie seems it is about food as you witness how much time is needed to prepare the perfect red bean paste. Until you reach into a point where you realize there is much more to it and the main point of the movie is so strong that might leave you in tears. Aside from how people were connected to nature, which was Kawase's trademark, there are also 2 main points the director wants to convey, which were "the stigma of leprosy" and "the value and meaning of life", the former is the most captivating but I find the latter rewarding.

Kawase as a director is always been impressive, her eyes and ears for films is in my opinion, unmatched. Her visuals as she captured those nature shots and blends it well with her poetic dialogues were very much engaging. Her camera work that sometimes would make you feel that you were watching a documentary was able to show the emotions of her characters perfectly. The way she captures background sounds works well for what she have, her canvass, and that would make a certain scene so poignant.

I've already said eyes and ears but now I will talk about the feels which was missing from the recent movies I've seen from her.


"we want to live in society where the sun shines"

If a single quote can knocked you off your feet, this is it, perhaps the most powerful quote I've encountered watching a movie. This quote left me bawling for tears literally, as the scene after this quote had been said were directed perfectly. The emotions that the director is trying to convey goes to me, it did hit me as it clearly show that the stigma on people who have this disease is still happening even though that Japan have already removed them from isolation since 1996. I even felt guilty that I might probably act the same way towards her like those customers and even Sentaro himself. We are only human, we only judges person based on their looks.


The acting, Nagase Masatoshi, this is the first time I've seen this actor that has this tadanobou asano-ish aura, well it may be disrespectful to addressed him this way, but I was impressed with him. He was able to show the struggles of his character in subtle way but what I was really impressed is his scene during the end. Uchida Kyara, who is kirin kiki's real granddaughter shows some promise although not to the extent of how jun yoshinaga impresses me, she managed to somewhat stick and not falls off just as a background character cause among the 3 characters , her character has less emphasis. Then its kirin kiki, who makes the time flew so fast, cause I was captivated by her acting the whole time. No need to pity her character, her character is already done with that pity phase. It is her character whose last purpose is to enrich the lives our other 2 characters, to show them that we were born into this world to see it and listen to it, since that is the case we don't have to be someone, that each of us has meaning to our lives. Kirin kiki has been the best Japanese actress for me since that time I saw her on akunin. She has done performances that melts your heart from movies chronicles of my mother, akunin, Tokyo Tower: Mom Me, and Sometimes Dad. You might just recognize her on supporting roles and that might be enough to call her great actress, but if you really want to see what she's capable of as an actress you need to see her in a main role.

Check my Blog for other reviews & other JDramas stuffs. (｡◕‿‿◕｡)
https://thatjapanesedramaguy.blogspot.com/

Leggi di Più

DOYA-JAA!!!! drama of the year for sure...

My opinion on sato takeru change from a so so actor to good capable actor and this was his best performance I must say and he deserves the best actor role on this. IF he continue do performance like this then he might join the ranks of those top class japanese actors. Haru kuroki is one of the best young japanese dramatic actress today and perhaps she is the best. Her acting here is like silent-but-deadly and she never overact and thats the best thing i notice on her.

The story is very engaging definitely one of the most inspiring drama's I saw and i love how they dramatize tokuzo akiyama who is a real person, his antics, his movements...I love it. I also like the way they manage those time skips it didnt feel rushed. The acting here was phenomenal even the foreign actors did well specially that french girl and I wanted to know what happen to her after. This wont become that much inspiring if not of this drama's music....they inserts right music at the right moment. I notice this in every episodes they will build up you emotion, just as you thought that was it but there still a final kicker at the end then BAM.

I didnt cry while watching this but i do feel like I wanna work more harder after. Watch it you wont regret it.

Check my Blog for other reviews & other JDramas stuffs. (｡◕‿‿◕｡)
https://thatjapanesedramaguy.blogspot.com/

Leggi di Più

So basically the movie is about humanity, just like the main character didn’t lost his humanity during that situation he fall in, he still help this other girl even narrowing his chance of surviving this hell, and just like how the government authority took advantage of the situation even though they are partly to be blamed as to the fall of the tunnel. The movie will also give you this question “will you choose the life of one person above the lives of other people affected by the situation?".

This is an intensely claustrophobic experience and I am not even a claustrophobic person. They really capture the emotion during the situation, the camera angle, the sounds from falling rocks and the dust particles are what makes it possible. I like the way they insert comedic moments in the situation, it’s hilarious but makes sense, they played it brilliantly. Aside from suspense, the drama is pretty heavy here as the dilemma falls to the people involved like the rescue leader and his wife, you will feel sympathy for them.

The CGI is brilliant, realistic, Hollywood level. The soundtrack will creep you as it brilliantly conveys that situation, lack of sound at some parts that suddenly broken by falling rocks or footsteps is brilliant, it added up to the horror element in the movie. Cinematography is insanely beautiful just made the acting better at some part.

Solid performance from the cast like Ha Jeong Woo, Oh Dal Su and Donna bae they are exceptionally brilliant but we need to commend Nam Ji Hyun for what she has done here because it’s her character that added up layer to the movie and she nailed it brilliantly.


That joke at the end is so good that it adds .5 to my score.


Check my Blog for other reviews & other JDramas stuffs. (｡◕‿‿◕｡)
https://thatjapanesedramaguy.blogspot.com/

Leggi di Più

Give this at least 1 episode

The narrative is fragmented at the beginning and it's also a slow burn but once those interlocking stories connect the drama will become engaging. It has gripping mystery like it will literally suck you in, every time a story connect to another will leave you nodding, it is so satisfying. Aside from the mystery I also like the chilling mood/atmosphere of this drama, it helps to arouse my curiosity. It is well directed drama; it knows how to lay clues and when to build tension.

Theme is revolved around T R U S T like father losing the trust of his daughter, gossiping neighbors , characters committing infidelity, trust leading to bullying, talking behind someone's back in a professional environment, someone who blindly follows others or beliefs, it is everywhere and it is impossible to miss. There is also another underlying layer here which is what people want versus being practical, people always dream, it might fade but another dream will replace it or an imposing parent will kill it.

I will give its music a perfect ten. It plays a huge part on how this drama builds its tension. It is a brilliant piece of music which underlines the mood of this drama. That aerial shot of those houses was brilliant, it seems a small detail but if you think about it deeply, it is the theme this drama wants to convey. Great acting from the cast, from the supporting cast to leads like Odagiri Joe, Risa Naka, Kuroshima Yuina, Anna Yamada, but the best performance should go to Risa Naka. Anna Yamada is a great young actress too. I am excited to see her future roles.

Overall it is great mystery drama, if you think of mystery dramas, this is I think the best you can get this year and it can compete to the best of the best mystery dramas/movies around. My only complaint is its ending; it is underwhelming and feels a bit rushed. I was expecting a huge climax but didn't get what I want. Also, the reveal is predictable or maybe it's just me because I've already seen lot mystery dramas. Lastly, thanks to HPriest for subbing this drama.

Check my Blog for other reviews & other JDramas stuffs. (｡◕‿‿◕｡)
https://thatjapanesedramaguy.blogspot.com/

Leggi di Più