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Love Exposure/Ai no Mukidashi
http://i1370.photobucket.com/albums/ag254/jashiman/JDorama/Love%20Exposure-Ai%20no%20Mukidashi/cover1-02_zps69cf40ad.png
" /> TYPE: movie
GENRE: romance
YEAR: 2008
Intro:
This movie is about the formation of a love triangle from the perspective of each of the three involved: Yu, Koike, and Yoko.
Summary:
Yu is a youth who tries too hard to be a rebel committing “sins” and ends up becoming a pervert/crossdresser etc. as well as with a love triangle.
Koike is one of his panty shot victim and gets interested in him. The problem is she’s also very popular with other guys.
Yoko is an adopted daughter of Yu’s father’s old flame.
All of the main characters have family issues, the reason for their being what they are.
Critique:
As you can see there are lots of conflict points with each character and the movie does show them. Aside from the perverted scenes the movie is mostly quite good. It uses new ways of movie making techniques not seen in Japanese movies before. They are not new in the world, in anime or games but it’s a definite departure from the typical Japanese ways you see. The actor’s/actresses’ performances are in part from great to impressive. Overall it’s one of the best if not best japanese romance movie I have seen so far.
Be warned, though. It’s 4 hours long and will bear on your mind in some way. You might not be able to sleep well. And I don’t mean the perverted parts which are actually not that many or dominating. I didn’t elect to watch it because of it. It was actually kind of surprising after the first hour.
Verdict: 9
cast: 9, well fitting
cast performance: 9.5 very good
script/directing: 8.5
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Majisuka Gakuen 1 Episode 1
" /> 
" /> Onizuka Daruma, Maeda Atsuko
" /> 
" /> Team Hormone
[BBvideo]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKr9MYpTLbs [/BBvideo] Synopsis:
In the year (2009) in Majisuka Jyogakuen, an all girls “yankee” highschool, somewhere in Japan. Rumor is spreading about a new transfer student coming who’s supposed to be some great fighter. Daruma shows up and immediately beats the freshman guards. Atsuko meets up with her in their new class. Later, Daruma ascends the stairs and challenges the ruling group “Rappappa” of the school and gets beaten easily in 7s. Meanwhile Atsuko tries to use the library which is actually used as a battle ring. She gets mugged by Team Hormone. Atsuko runs into the hurt Daruma lying on the ground who grabbed her leg. Atsuko drags Daruma to the infirmary. The next day Daruma’s defeat has made the rounds and Team Hormone intends to put her in her place. Atsuko had retreated to the stairs when Team Hormone drags Daruma by for some more a beating. Team Hormone’s bullying, and slandering attitude finally made Atsuko voice her mind. She’s immediately attacked. The camera shot changes to the inside of the building from where only the rough shadows of the fight are visible. It’s a massacre. Shortly afterwards, Sado walks by noticing something amiss and looks out. She’s shocked by the mess in front of her.
Daruma’s cowering in the corner, shocked and in disbelief of what happened before her eyes.
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Ah how could I forget the Cutie Honey movie? 
i still yet have to complete it. Nat-chan 
I liked the 3 part OVA based of it. -
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Majisuka Gakuen 1 Episode 2
" /> Kabuki Sisters
" /> Yuko
Synopsis:
The day after the incident, the school girls are scared and in disbelief. Daruma runs up to Atsuko, calling her Atsune [Atsune + Onee ~ big sis] and pledges her filth. Atsuko rejects it. Daruma drops to the ground begging her which prompts Atsuko to tell her to stop. Daruma interprets it as Atsuko agreeing to her becoming her underling. Atsuko gives up and turns to read on her book on nursing.[key]
After school the Kabuki Sisters beat up some Yabakune students (a rival school). Atsuko and Daruma happens to walk by. The Kabuki Sisters challenge Atsuko while disposing Daruma in an instant. Atsuko ignores them and tries to walk away but her bag gets flung away. Tomomi tears up her book on nursing but Atsuko still ignores them and walks away again with her stuff. Daruma fights them and ends up in the school nurse’s care who’s an enemy of women.
Daruma swears to protect Atsuko from the Kabuki Sisters.
Meanwhile Rappappa is devided on how to deal with Atsuko.
Daruma stalks Atsuko to her part-time job at the Akatsuki General Hospital. This is also where Yuko has been hospitalized and plays a card games with the male patients. Daruma realizes the importance of Atsuko’s book and secretly fixes it the next day.
On her way back, Atsuko finds Daruma beaten up again by the Kabuki Sisters who were waiting for her. It’s revealed the Kabuki Sisters had told Daruma they were going to challenge Atsuko and that Daruma had tried to foil their plans but failed. Atsuko is upset about their attitude and another fight ensures.
Tomomi uses her secret move with effect but is beaten anyway which yet again surprises everyone.
Daruma frantically apologizes for her failings and Atsuko simply gives her a good look.
Kabuki Sisters are depressed having lost their confidence. At home Atsuko finds her book fixed and smiles.
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Majisuka Gakuen 1 Episode 3
" /> 
" /> Gakuran; Nezumi
Synopsis:
Daruma and Atsuko happen to walk into Yabakune territory and get intercepted.
The Yabakune students want to challenge Yuko and harass them.
Atsuko tries to ignore them and before a fight breaks out they are rescued by Gakuran.
At school the girls (Team Hormone) mentions the reason for the conflict among the two schools. Supposedly, the first bosses stole each others lovers, hence, starting the long war between the schools.
Gakuran stalks Atsuko and “saves” her numerous times. The girls think one needs too many lives to be around Atsuko. They are suggesting that Gakuran might has fallen for Atsuko.
Daruma and Atsuko run into the Yabakune students again who have reinforced themselves. While this is happening they are being observed by Sado but a policeman chases them all away.
The next day Atsuko isn’t showing up and the girls joke about Gakuran having kidnapped her, eloped with her and doing yuri stuff with her.
Daruma frantically looks for her. Atsuko is actually on the roof when Gakuran approaches her. The girls are observing this and are excited about the possibility of a confessing of love. Daruma arrives in time when Gakuran confesses her love for Daruma to Atsuko.
😆 Gakuran challenges Atsuko to a fight between guys over Daruma. Atsuko is amused and tries to leave without fighting. However, Gakuran is skillful in provoking her and a fight ensures. It’s a fight of speed, Gakuran’s domain. The fight gets rough. Gakuran immobilizes Atsuko against the fence. Atsuko is forced to use a secret move. Gakuran is rendered harmless by a single hit.
As everybody leaves the camera shows Nezumi observing them from behind cover.
Daruma and Atsuko run into the Yabakune again. Gakuran shows up having changed her “mind” and addresses Atsuko by her first name. Atsuko leaves a bit distressed leaving Gakuran to the Yabakune. But Sado shows up insisting on having “fun” for once in a while despite Gakuran’s protesting it’s her fight.
It’s a quick fight. Gakuran mutters that Sado is never serious.
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Majisuka Gakuen 1 Episode 4
" /> Sanshou Sisters
" /> [/Sanshou Sisters; Principal Yuriko
" /> 
" /> Atsuko’s mother Sachiko; Atsuko’s past happy days
Synopsis:
Once again Atsuko remembers the death of her friend Takahashi Minami before leaving for breakfast. It’s a breakfast made by her father which looks suspect. Her mother Sachiko arrives home and tells her to skip school as it’s a rare occassion for everybody to be together.
Meanwhile Shibuya asks the Sanshou Sisters (Goth girls) to secretly deal with Atsuko behind the scene.
Atsuka was meant to be in Yabakune but ended up in her mother’s rival school. She tells her she won’t accept her becoming a Rappappa member. Back then Yuriko, her rival, was in love with Atsuko’s father but lost to Sachiko in a match: driving bikes and seeing who gets closes to a poo hole…
tenchiahhhhhh After reminiscing her rivalry she tells Atsuko to aim for the top. Atsuko, having enough, leaves for school.
At school, the Sanshou Sisters ambush Atsuka. Daruma comes running to save her. Myao throws a dart at Daruma who dodges it. The dart goes on toward the principal who catches it easily and orders them to go to class.
The principal comments that Atsuko resembles her father which she takes with a wry smile. Further she says Atsuko could have been her daughter…
At the hospital Yuko invites Atsuko to a game which she declines due to work.
Atsuko overhears Yuko saying randomly “if you don’t like it then lose.”
Atsuko gives in to the Sanshou Sisters hoping the fights would end if she loses. They beat her and present their victory picture to Sado.
Shibuya puts a good word for them. Sado is amused and mutters that Atsuko won by losing. Shibuya’s smile disappears, later commenting that Sado is unhappy.
Daruma asks Atsuko about her loss but she just smiles. Daruma can’t accept it. Daruma nags Atsuko about friendship. Atsuko, annoyed, punches out but purposely misses. She tells Daruma to leave her alone.
On her way home the Sanshou Sisters ambush Atsuke again for vengeance. They chain her to a carussel and beat her up good. Daruma arrives claiming to do anything for friendship. The Sanshou Sisters beat her up and make fun about friendship. Atsuko gets upset and acts but is handicapped by their elaborate trap.
Daruma shields Atsuko allowing her to hit the Sanshou Sisters. This reveals the Sanshou Sisters’ dissent as everyone is for themselves.
Nezumi observes the Sanshou Sisters’s loss and laughs. Atsuko accepts Daruma’s victory chicken wing, having warming up to her.
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Majisuka Gakuen 1 Episode 5
" /> 
" /> Choukoku; Minegishi Minami
" /> Ya-ho!
Synopsis:
Choukoku has showed up and beating up everybody worth fighting. She was once defeated by Yuko and has sworn to beat 100 people in order to defeat Yuko.
She’s the only member of the “100 poems by 100 poets” club. Everybody she beats she gives them a poem card.
There are seven cards left and but only six top Rappappa members available. Nezumi suggests to her to take on Atsuko.
At the hospital Atsuko breaks up two patients in dispute by force which surprises Yuko and piques her interest. While looking after Atsuko Yuko is overcome by sudden nausea, impared vision and keels over. Sado appears at a bad time but Yuko pretends its her periode and teases her. Sado reports the Sanshou Sisters’ incident to which Yuko orders her to keep the Heavenly Queens in check. Sado doesn’t believe she can keep them under control. Yuko tells her that they will lose.
Meanwhile, Nezumi dances happily having found an opportunity she could use for her goal.
Atsuko is now closer and more talkative with Daruma who has her scooter stolen the other night. At the school gate, Daruma and Atsuko are told by the new (self proclaimed) student council president Minegishi Minami they got only 10 seconds left before the gate closes. Inside the school someone has been putting up posters saying Atsuko is a murderer. Daruma is upset and removes them.
Choukoku meets Atsuko and asks if she’s the rumored great fighter. Atsuko replies she’s mistaken. Choukoku suddenly slashes out at Atsuko who doesn’t make a move. Choukoku notes that Atsuko’s the real deal but cannot fight her as she’s not motivated. Nezumi suggests to attack Atsuko’s weakness to force her to fight.
Choukoku meets Atsuko again and is surprised Nezumi’s peculiar intel was correct. Another intense fight ensures.
Choukoku is strong but is beaten anyway. It’s the second time she ever lost. Atsuko comments whether one wins or not it’s stupid. Choukoku laughs and tells Atsuko to watch out for there are many bad people who are after her.
Meanwhile, Nezumi acquires information from the Yabakune and makes a deal to bring down Rappappa wherein she actually doesn’t “pay” anything.
Sado has been keeping Rappappa in line and had relied Yuko’s wish that the Rappappa members shall not mettle with Atsuko. However, Shibuya is very upset about Rappappa’s reputation being put in doubt due to their inaction. Sado slaps her. Yuko makes a surprise return to Rappappa. She actually left the hospital without permission. Sado is suspicious but thrusts her.
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Majisuka Gakuen 1 Episode 6
" /> Shibuya ,
" /> myterious girl
[BBvideo]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VcBMWDPG2zk [/BBvideo] Synopsis:
Yuko tells Sado to do as she pleases. Yuko says she can’t wait for the graduation in a month’s time but would love to see the view from the roof again with Sado again. Yuko tells Sado that she’s taking on Atsuko herself.
Shibuya, upset, threatens Atsuko. Daruma confronts ber but recognizes her as her former mistress. Fear overcomes her. Shibuya and Atsuko are cluesless, though.
Daruma was once defeated by Shibuya with a headbutt and became her slave.
Shibuya leaves, now even more upset. Nezumi suggests to Shibuya to deal with Atsuko in her secret hideout hidden fom everyone’s view. Whether she wins or not Atsuko won’t talk about it anyway. The secret will be kept from Sado. Shibuya orders Dance to bring Atsuko before her.
Meanwhile, Daruma tries to escape (for training) but could not do it in the end.
Daruma tells Atsuko that she had trained the headbutt attack in order to reclaim her loss. She tells Atsuko that she’s going to face Shibuya and she wishes her to witness her fight.
While at work Yuko tells Atsuko to change her sad life and get friends.
Atsuko is worried and hurries to Shibuya’s hideout where Daruma is already defeated. Shibuya doesn’t let them go and keeps bullying Daruma. Atsuko gets serious. She takes on Daruma’s style which looks a lot better, too. Shibuya rushes forward and is headbutted which throws her back and renders her unconcious.
Daruma thanks Atsuko and offers her a victory chicken wing. Atsuko doesn’t accept it and tells Daruma that it’s her win.
The next day Atsuko meets a mysterious girl.
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Majisuka Gakuen 1 Episode 7
" /> Black
" /> Sado+Yuko
Synopsis:
Sado remembers her fight with Yuko and how she got her name from her.
With Shibuya’s defeat Sado can no longer prevent the inevitable war. Black makes her move.
Daruma and Atsuko are ambushed at night. From the shadows Black cites her poem of death for Atsuko. It’s a message for the upcoming battle. With her inhuman speed Daruma and Atsuko are unable to get hold of Black. Daruma notes it’s a bad situation. Atsuko says it doesn’t matter to her. Daruma counters it matters to the others. Atsuko replies Daruma should take care of it then. Daruma is happy to be called by her name and takes on the assignment.
At the hospital Yuko invites Atsuko to go out playing with her. Yuko drags her to the arcade and to a shrine while having fun.
Meanwhile, Sado has been missing Yuko. She visits the hospital only to find Yuko gone missing. She happens to overhear the nurses talk about Yuko’s secret and is deeply shocked.
Upon hearing that Atsuko doesn’t want friends and hates fighting Yuko tells her “hurting each other isn’t fighting” and “there are times when you discover something precious”.
Meanwhile Sado has been frantically looking for Yuko and has fallen into despair.
Sado remembers their fights together and how she admires Yuko’s cheerfulness and strenght.
Upon returning Yuko gets slapped by Sado. Yuko is surprised, yet still cheerful but freezes when seeing Sado’s troubled face. Sado apologizes and leaves without another word.
On her way home, Atsuko is met by Choukoku who informs her of Daruma’s plan to fight Black. Worried, Atsuko rushes to the battlefield.
Meanwhile, Daruma has lured Black out and lighted up the area to remove the shadows Black could use to her advantage. Black beats her up anyway when Gakuran and the Kabuki Sisters arrive to assist her. Daruma tells the surprised Black that it tastes better when eating together with friends. Black points out that she would get to eat less which shocks Daruma.
😆 From a bridge Atsuko witness them being beaten up by Black. It’s a hopeless fight.
Daruma, mobilizing all her might, happens to grab and yank off Black’s precious rosary. She freezes temporary, gets headbutted and tackled down by Daruma’s massive body. Black falls unconscious.
The girls are happy and are sharing Daruma’s victory chicken wings.
Atsuko realizes the fight has bound them together.
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You are too much of an Ikki-tousen fan so you are seeing it everywhere. woooo1 😆 
Officially, no! Yes, it’s similar. But there are differences.
-Ikki-tousen has a mixed cast, Majisuka Gakuen is all girls => idols!!!! Note, IDOLS!
-Ikki-tousen has fan-service, Majisuka Gakuen has none, none at all even thought it’s all idols.
-Ikki-tousen is a typical fighting story where the heroes train/power, have masters, Majisuka Gakuen has only the fighting part and more scheming
-Ikki-tousen has superpowers/effects, Majisuka Gakuen is TV “real”
-Ikki-tousen has harems, Majisuka Gakuen has none unless you count itself.
In fact many shows these days have some manga/anime elements. For example,
Hana-Kimi, Hana Yori Dango’s rival, has 5! listed TV shows that are officially not Live Action even though the story is virtually the same with dismissible differences: Hanazakarino Kimitachihe (Chin.)
Hanazakari no Kimitachi e (Jap.)
Hanazakari no Kimitachi e 2011 (Jap.)
To the Beautiful You (SKorea)
Secretly Loving You (Taiwan)
Anyway, I will finish the synopsis for Majisuka Gakuen 1. I dunno if I should do the synopsis for Majisuka Gakuen 2, too, before moving to other shows. Unless you are bored of Majisuka Gakuen.
I have a dozen lined up. And for some I really want to do more since they are really good. I will do half at least.
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Majisuka Gakuen 1 Episode 8
" /> Gekikara
" /> Ono Erena
Synopsis:
Sado is pained by Yuko’s terminal illness and upset about Black’s defeat. She decides to unleash Gekikara, who’s returning from prison for hurting Yakuza.
The girls are scared and don’t dare getting Gekikara’s attention.
On their way home Atsuko and Garuma find the Kabuki Sisters bloodied, and hung to a fence. Gekikara shows up stained in their blood asking if Atsuko is angry. Gekikara.leaves them alone while laughing maliciously.
On the roof Atsuko is worried and can’t figure out what to do. Erena appears and gives her looks that could kill but leaves without a word.
Meanwhile, Gekikara massacres Team Hormone and does horrible things to Wota, the team leader. She has to be rushed to the hospital. Everybody around Atsuko is targetted and beaten except Daruma. Atsuko is very upset and meets up with Gekikara. It’s a fight without holding back or restrain. Atsuko is beaten when Gakuran and the Kabuki Sisters arrive to save her but are beaten. Atsuko gets back into the fight. Even after being beaten into the ground Gekikara still leaves laughing telling everyone to stay away from Atsuko It doesn’t feel like victory at all. Atsuko leaves saying she has no friends.
Meanwhile, Nezumi is suggesting something to Sado whose eyes widen.
Sado intends to unleash Torigoya without telling Yuko. Torigoya tells her it’s impossible for her since she’s the weakest. Sado agrees but ominously tells her she has no choice. Torigoya is scared …
Daruma while passing by the principal’s office overhears the principal’s talk about Atsuko’s sad past. It was the principal who orchestrated Atsuko’s transfer. Knowing Atsuko’s strength the principal wanted her to clean up the place. Atsuko’s teacher is upset about throwing her into violence.
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Majisuka Gakuen 1 Episode 9
" /> Torigoya
" /> 
" /> dark Atsuko
Synopsis:
Torigoya has been locked alone in a hen house by Sado. Torigoya gets attacked by aggressive roosters and is scared to death. Sado tries hard to bear with Torigoya cries for help but moves to save her anyway. It’s too late, before her stands the awakened Torigoya.
Everybody is depressed and Atsuko avoids contact. Daruma is worried about what she found out about Atsuko. While Unagi’s returning from her shopping errand she runs into Torigoya. Torigoya grabs her head, unleashing her powers, she whispers something into Unagi’s ear. Unagi meets up with the girls but is totally changed and scared to death when being offered her favorite food.
Meanwhile, Atsuko finds her book defiled by Erena. Atsuko chases after her and runs into Torigoya who attacks immediately. Atsuko fails to escape and falls unconscious. Atsuko wakes up in the infirmary, is confused, and sees her dark self in the mirror. Atsuko snaps but is restrained by Daruma. After reporting her success to Sado, Torigoya does her powers on Sado, too.
Afterwards, Nezumi shows up telling Sado about Yuko and Atsuko’s relationship and that Yuko plans to have Atsuko succeed her. [Ebil!]
Atsuko is haunted and withdrawn, and gets suggestive messages designed to trap her.
Sado reports to Yuko about releasing Torigoya without permission. Yuko is displeased and upset and telling her she had released an evil that should not have been released ever. But Sado tells her she’s very happy about Atsuko suffering. Sado confronts Yuko about her plans with Atsuko to which she doesn’t reply.
Sado leaves leaving a gaping hole in their relationship.
Meanwhile, Atsuko goes to Minami’s dying place where Torigoya ambushes her. Atsuko is unable to resist and Torigoya goes all out with her powers. Atsuko falls for Torigoya’s illusion and relives her nightmares. Thinking Torigoya is Minami Atsuko won’t let go of her. Torigoya is dragged along by Atsuko into her nightmare. The awakened Torigoya falls unconcious and is sealed. Torigoya wakes up and faces the dark Atsuko. Atsuko beats her up good. As the last Heavenly Queen is taken down Nezumi is delighted.
Nezumi immediately suggests to the Yabakune to beat Atsuko to complete MajiJo’s destruction, conveniently keeping to herself the prospect of their own destruction. The Yabakune go to war. Nezumi is in high spritis over her success.
Meanwhile, Yuko falls to the ground and writhes in pain in her hospital room. Atsuko has fallen into deep depression and is still affected by Torigoya’s manipulation.
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Majisuka Gakuen 1 Episode 10
" /> Atsuko: Nursing, seriously?
" /> 
" /> Let’s become nurses together promise.
Synopsis:
Everybody is depressed. The Heavenly Queens have been defeated and Rappappa are at a loss as what to do.
Unagi has recovered from her trauma, although, not truly cured.
Nezumi catches Erena red handed putting pins into Atsuko’s shoes and confronts her about the posters. As Nezumi turns Erena into her pawn they are overheard by Mukuchi.
Sado is preparing herself for the fight with Atsuko when she is notified of Yuko’s condition.
Atsuko returns to the class room to find Erena with a letter of challenge. It’s a trap setup by Nezumi. Mukuchi tries to stop Atsuko from going and takes all her courage to speak up. Everybody is surprised. Wota rallies Team Hormone to support Atsuka despite their claim that Atuko doesn’t view them as friends. Atsuka tells them she will be fine and Wota agrees to stay out of her way.
At Yuko’s bed Sado has become weak and insecure. Yuko tells Sado she hates her being weak and she should go and do her job of protecting MajiJo.
Atsuko arrives at some desolate factory where the Yabakune ambush her. Nezumi is with them and is very delighted as she’s about to reach her goal. Atsuko is still confused about Minami’s death and her guilt and can’t fight properly. Just when the Yabakune are about to finish Atsuka off Sado appears. The Yabakune boss turns to Nezumi for an explanation but she’s already gone.
😈 Atsuko is told to get serious which she does finally. Sado stylishly beats a bunch of the Yabakune up. Atsuko is more brute, though. The Yabakune students are no match and escape leaving their Boss behind.
😈 Sado leaves the Yabakune boss to Atsuko. The Yabakune boss gets motivated and rushes forward not realizing she got the worse opponent. She’s taken down by a single straight punch. Daruma arrives late. Atsuko admits her mistakes and starts to embrace and appreciate the people around her. Sado leaves and tells them it’s not over yet as she only did this because it’s her duty to protect her school. As Atsuko had beaten the Heavenly Queens Sado will face her next. Only then can she face Yuko who’s fighting her illness she says.
Atsuko now realizes that Yuko’s been the school’s Boss and is sadden and distressed over the inevitable.
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Majisuka Gakuen 1 Episode 11
" /> Sado: Is that all you got?
Synopsis:
Sado reminds Atsuko of Minami and she tells Yuko she cannot fight Sado. Atsuko says further she finally can move forward in life. Yuko convinces Atsuko to fight telling her no matter what happens she has a future. While Atsuko leaves the room Yuko silently lets out her regret not being able to fight Atsuko. She cries in despair and blood appear from her nose.
Meanwhile, Nezumi is a bit disappointed about the Yabakune losing but is happy it turned out better than she expected. Nezumi is ready to mobilize her Nezumi Gundan (the Mouseketeers)!
Erena is sad and ponders about what’s she been doing all this time.
She discovers her sister Minami’s and Atsuko’s notes of friendship in Minami’s book.
The whole school is anxious of the upcoming fight. Sado reports to Yuko her readiness for which she gets her blessings.
At home Atsuko’s father has made some “ordinary” dishes. Atsuko isn’t pleased looking at it all, though. For the first time he gets serious and lectures her about life.
On her way to the fight Erena tells Atsuko that she hates her. Atsuko cuts her off and simply replies she won’t lose or else Minami would laugh at her.
The Maeda Gundan form up to accompany Atsuko but are told only Atsuko can ascend the stairs.
Sado invites her to the inner club room. It’s a sanctuary and the battle ring. Both remove their symbolic restrains. The fight starts and Sado immediately establishes her superior strength. Atsuko is surprised and beaten which disappoints Sado. Remembering everyone’s seriousness Atsuko gets up again. Atsuka lets lose her true fighting ability surprising Sado. Sado is overjoyed by the prospect of a good fight. Sado gets slowly beaten but she’s still stronger. Both exhausted and beaten are ringing with each other on the ground.
It’s rough and their fight can be heard downstairs. Everybody is impatient. Daruma is restless. Nezumi, lurking around the corner, isn’t her usual self either.
Both give their all in a last exchange of fists. Although, Atsuko went down first and Sado still standing, Sado loses consciousness at last. As Sado cries over her failure Atsuko offers her a hand, reminiscing how Yuko and Sado became friends.
While Sado cries out loud her defeat, Yuko has broken down and is being rushed for emergency treatment.
Outside, the Heavenly Queens surround Sado while looking speechless at Atsuko. Atsuko is received by an overjoyed Daruma and Team Hormone while the others leave satisfied.
Nezumi is unhappy at the result with Sado but smiles in secret anyway. After looking briefly at the confused Erena, Atsuko puts a hand on her shoulder, reminiscing of her sister. Erena finally overcomes her confusion.
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Majisuka Gakuen 1 Episode 12
" /> battle to the death
Synopsis:
Sado and Atsuko rush to the hospital where Sado frantically calls out for Yuko.
Yuko wriths in pain and falls into a coma. Sado is upset and starts telling and remembering things about Yuko. Yuko had lost her parents when she was still young and was taken in by her grandmother who also died soon enough. Yuko has been alone ever since. Sado still can’t believe that her beloved Yuko, who she thinks is invincible and who’s famed for beating 30 delinquents by herself, is dying.
Sado catches herself again and declares that she will attend graduation together with Yuko. Sado cries while assuring herself that Yuko will return. Sado tells Atsuko that she will stay at the hospital and that she will see her at graduation.
Before Atsuko leaves Sado thanks her which she simply returns with a goodbye.
Meanwhile, the girls are speculating about Atsuko and Yuko’s fight. They think Atsuko will likely lose. Wota tells them to stop which surprises them.
Now that it has come to this the Rappappa members are depressed.
The whole school still doesn’t know yet about Yuko’s condition. Some students start to ridicule Yuko to whom Atsuka gives a threatening look.
On graduation day, the 48th ceremony, the students attend in unusual high numbers. Wota point out that everybody wants to know who’s the strongest and that Yuko has to show up. Student council president Minegishi Minami tries hard to hold her speech despite no graduating student present but finally breaks down in tears.
Yuko, finally shows up along with her Rappappa but surprises everyone by being in a wheelchair. Yuko receives her diploma of graduation and is happy to have made it this far. Yuko calls Atsuko to come up. Everyone thinks it’s the final fight and is excited. Reluctantly, Atsuko walks up with everybody in tow and stops at the center circle (it’s a typical sport’s hall turned theater stage in Japan).
Yuko gives it her all to walk to Atsuko by herself. It’s the most painful and longest walk of her life…
Yuko lectures Atsuko not to be cocky just because she beat Sado and that Rappappa still has her. Atsuko acknowledges their loyalty.
Yuko punches Atsuko into the shoulder. It’s a symbolic fight. Yuko asks Atsuko if it hurts which she cofirms prompting Yuko to smile at the humble lie.
Yuko takes off her sailor tie and hands it over to Atsuko making her the Boss of MajiJo. Yuko tells everyone to follow Atsuko. All the students are speechless at the whole scene.
With her weakened breath Yuko tells Atsuko that she counts on her. Atsuko just congratulates her. Yuko falls into Atsuko’s arms but keeps on holding on. Yuko tells her that from here on Atsuko can no longer say she can’t fight anymore.
Sado tells Atsuko to takeover wheeling Yuko out. Atsuko sees Erena smiling and envisions Minami. She uses their armbands to tie her hair up. She has found her new life.
Yuko weakly asks her “having people who think of you, that’s true happiness isn’t it?” She adds further “There’s nothing to be afraid of as long as you got friends.” Then she falls into eternal sleep among falling sakura petals.
The next day Atsuko takes off her glass for the last time. And while she’s pondering the mysterious girl comes toward her and suddenly punches at her. Atsuko intercepts it. The girl declares her intention of taking over. Atsuko simply tells her to bring it on. The girl walks away joined by Nezumi.
" /> the next generation
[BBvideo]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vgsf06xM3vM [/BBvideo] -
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Majisuka Gakuen 2
" /> TYPE: drama
GENRE: shojo yankee
YEAR: 15-Apr-2011 to 1-July-2011
Cast: AKB48
Intro:
Majisuka Gakuen 2 is the second show in a series of shows about delinquent school girls and their struggles.
Summary:
Majisuka Gakuen 2 is set 1.5 months after the events in Majisuka Gakuen 1. With a truce in place with the Yabakune high-school the forces within MajiJo start to gather to overthrow the New Rappappa. A begrudged graduate returns and takes over Yabakune for revenge on MajiJo’s Atsuko. However, Atsuko has left MajiJo in Otabe’s hands and went on a scum hunting spree to find the answer to her inner demons. On the brink of MajiJo’s destruction Atsuko faces the choices between going to prison or saving her school.
Critique:
There are numerous changes in MG2 that are good and bad. The changes kind of balance each other out, though. Story wise it’s more complicated and full of schemes. The story has two major weakness that are also the reason for the show to exists. One, is the return of the begrudged graduate. It’s practically impossible. Two, Atsuko selfishly leaving MajiJo and hunting down the scums and hoodlums of Japan. Many of the cast have improved their acting skills but it goes under due to large cast and complicated story as well as the absence of the main cast from MG1. The impact is minimal.
Overall, Watanabe Mayu (Nezumi) virtually takes over the central role despite her being the secondary villain. It’s for this reason that she gets a show of her own (to be covered later). Also unlike in MG1 she’s wearing a suggestive colored hooded jacket symbolizing her emotions or state of mind or the deceptive role she’s taken.
It’s nice Takahashi Minami got a seemingly larger role than in MG1 but the limited activity of the police hunting for Atsuko was a bit disappointing. A bit more action would have been nice. Admittedly, there was not much time to have it all. The final large scale showdown involving another school was unexpected but it seems necessary to have the old main cast come back.
Verdict: 8.5
cast: 9
cast performance: 9.5 very good
script/directing: 7
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Majisuka Gakuen 2 Episode 1[BBvideo]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UvNYFGSoY8 [/BBvideo] 
" /> Nezumi+Center
" /> Team Fondue
" /> 
" /> Otabe; Shaku
Synopsis:
[1.5 months later]
Before everybody’s eyes Matsui Jurina, the mysterious girl, ascends the stairs and forces her way into the Wind Instrument Club room, Rappappa’s traditional HQ. She immediately challenges Team Hormone who are now part of the New Rappappa. She overwhelms them easily. The New Big Four appear to stop her:
Youran, formerly Gakuran, … the hair style
the Nou-Kyougen Sisters, formerly Kabuki Sisters
Amakuchi, formerly Gekikara
and the self-proclaimed Shaku, Minegishi Minami
Amakuchi tries hard to behave as she had promised the deceased Yuko to graduate this year.
Atsuko appears from the back room still without her glasses. Jurina claims the title Center which Atsuko rejects saying it can only belong to Yuko. Center challenges Atsuko’s position as President but she surprises everyone by saying that she’s only the Vice President. And then she jokingly introduces Mukuchi, who’s imitating Sado, as the president.
Then Otabe appears from the back room and Atsuko announces that she’s the real President. Everybody is surprised yet again and eye this new transfer student of whom they know nothing about. Center attacks her but is blocked easily. Atsuko gives off a little smile of satisfaction. Unable to fight or measure Otabe’s strength Jurina gives up and leaves saying that she keeps the best for last. Atsuko leaves claiming to have things to do which confuses everyone further.
Meanwhile, Team Fondue has taken Team Hormone’s previous position in school and discusses Atsuko’s strange decision. They plan their rise to power.
On the roof Nezumi has Center tell her about the new Rappappa. When asked Center is surprised Nezumi knew about Otabe. Nezumi replies that the world is in the palms of her hand. Further she says she never lost in a mind game. Center replies she’s only interested in one-on-one fights and that Nezumi should not (interfere with) use dirty tricks. Unbeknown to them the meeting has been observed by Bungee from the ground. Team Hormone discusses the situation. Now that Yabakune has been defeated no other school would dare interfere, hence, it’s the right time for a revolution. They think the New Big Four are too wimpy and busy otherwise to keep control.
Youran chases skirts; Nou-Kyougen Sisters train their kabuki skills; and Amakuchi studies hard.
On the other side, Daruma is gone for training once again…catching eggs.
Sado has stopped fighting and is working hard to become a nurse.
Black is a cashier at a supermarket near her home. She has a baby (!). The father is unknown.
Shibuya is now an IT office lady…nobody believes she knows a thing about IT.
Torigoya has become a super popular erotic massage girl.
They are suspicious of Otabe but since she’s been requested by Atsuko they guess she will do. The girls are depressed by the state of Rappappa, though. Mukuchi has enough and speaks up that they have to do it then. The girls are surprised and rise as a team.
Meanwhile, Nezumi visits Team Under, the fallen freshmen from the previous Rappappa. She easily beats them up to the music … while dancing and then recruits them for her Mouse army. Nezumi throws stones at Rappappa’s window to show her newfound army but only Wota sees it.
Back at Mouse HQ, Nezumi explains to Center her calculated conclusions that Rappappa will lose 7% every time they fight. But Center is only interested in one-on-one fights.
While checking out the situation Wota and Mukuchi discover the school strangely empty. They finally run into girls who immediately avoid them. They chase after them and find flyers calling for people to gather for a rebellion. They run back when suddenly … Yuko’s ghost appears in front of them. They shrink back but their escape is cut off by another Yuko ghost…
Meanwhile, Nezumi starts the meeting in front of a large audience.
Somewhere, Atsuko is bloodied and eats a sakura petal.[hint] Otabe asks her how long she’s gonna keep this up. Atsuko tells her “until the sakura petals are gone”.
-
Majisuka Gakuen 2 Episode 2
" /> 
" /> Barefoot Society; Shibuya
Synopsis:
The Yuko ghosts turn out to be the rumored twin sister. They are actually triplets!
😯 Everybody in Rappappa is surprised. The girls start to discuss their age.
😆 Oshima Yuka and Oshima Yuki tell them that Yuko had called them to meet Atsuko.
As to why they don’t know but were told they will know once they meet Atsuko. Atsuko hasn’t been to school for a while and the girls wonder if she got a boyfriend. The sisters go off searching. Somewhere Atsuko eats another sakura petal.
Nezumi’s flyers have spread like wild fire. Wota, Unagi, and Mukuchi (Team Hormone) are worried while waiting.
At yet another meeting the other girl groups are questioning Nezumi’s legitimacy only to be silenced by Center. Any resistance is taken care off by Center.
One by one they join up to form Nezumi’s impressive army: Tsu No Ji Rengou=Tsu character alliance
😆 [It’s her favorite sound.]Akachi returns with a stash of fighting mangas for Team Hormone to prepare for war. Bungee is late and gets ambushed on her way.
Meanwhile, Nezumi and Center lead the mob toward Rappappa. Team Hormone awaits them at the stairs and Mukuchi makes her Sado-esque appearance…until a manga falls out of her belly.
😆 Team Hormone is powerless in front of Nezumi and the mob. But when Gekikara’s laughing resounds through the hall, everyone gets silence. The mob claim to have no fear of Amakuchi but it’s clear the “spice” is rising. Gekikara says she’s now Chuukara and everyone slowly backs away. Wota tries to remind her of her promise to Yuko. Chuukara says she will keep her promise that’s why she will only mildly kill them. Center steps forward and asks for Gekikara. She complies and both start a violent fight. Team Hormone puts themselves in between to stop the mob from following the fighters.
The wounded Bungees returns and enters the trashed classroom. Before she loses consciousness she reveals that it was Yabakune’s doing. The girls discuss the sudden change of situation and speculate on other schools allying themselves with Yabakune.
Meanwhile at Yabakune school, Janken wins in a jan-ken-pon match against Sanae and Chiharu earning herself the President’s position,
😆 The Barefoot Society, the one who beat up Bungee, show up and claim control of Yabakune. They are led by Comeback, a returnee who was once expelled. After their elaborate introduction they beat up the seniors.
Center urges Gekikara to resume the fight but, to everyone’s surprise, are stopped by the Oshima sisters. The sisters tell them it’s not the time to fight among themselves and show pictures put up by the Yabakune…it’s Yabakune’s shoe hunt!
They conclude the armistice is over. Nezumi ponders and conclude that their school got it’s revolution, too.
Back at Yabakune, the master mind and ring leader behind the coupe reveals herself…it’s Shibuya!
😯 Shibuya had walked out of her job after getting a lecture from the department chief and a bit of … full body contact.
😈 Janken questions Shibuya’s motive about Atsuko and gets beaten up good. Shibuya declares that her battle is not over yet and steps on MajiJo’s flag.
Center insists on finishing the fight for the top position but Gekikara rejects saying Yuko’s the top. Center won’t stop but Gekikara apologizes and pospones the fight to everyone’s surprise. Center comes at her nonetheless but Nezumi suddenly goes in between. A complicated discussion over spilled milk ensures between Nezumi and the Oshima sisters. Nobody has a clue.
😆 Otabe appears and establishes her dominance with words of power. :wut:
She calls out for an eye for an eye. Center gives up, telling Gekikara not to run away and leaves. While leaving Nezumi whispers “war” to her followers who resounds it in unison.
Meanwhile, Atsuko’s out on the hunt for societies’ trash.
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Majisuka Gakuen 2 Episode 3
" /> 
" /> Center+Nezumi
" /> Nou-Kyougen Sisters (Kabuki Sisters)
" /> 
" /> Shibuya punches Nezumi
Synopsis:
Team Fondue discusses the sad state of Rappappa which causes the school students to suffer from attacks by the Yabakune. They are dissatisfied with Rappappa’s inaction. They have lost their confidence and admiration of the Rappappa they once looked up to.
Nezumi is upset (blue of anger) and ask what Center wants to do when she’s at the top. Center replies she just wants to take look from above together with Nezumi.
Meanwhile, the Nou-Kyougen Sisters appear at the gate of Yabakune. It’s a raid! or so they planned with their new entering style.
But the Yabakune guards just turn around walking away leaving them shocked in the middle of their performance.
😆 Then Shibuya shows herself with the Barefoot Society. The Nou-Kyougen Sisters are surprised and in disbelieve.
Shibuya introduces herself as a Yabakune student confirming her betrayal. The sisters decide to become the Kabuki Sisters again for the fight and discard their masks. Both sides storm off while Shibuya leans back and observes it. The Kabuki Sisters have no problem against the armed masses of guards and decide to split up to get hold of Shibyua, too. Taikabuki breaks through the enemy ranks and faces the Barefoot Society. However, Shibuya steps forward herself. It’s an intense fight but Shibyua is stronger.
Elsewhere, Team Hormone is upset and wants to take action but realizes they are too weak.
Somewhere under a bridge, Atsuko beats up a bunch of street punks.
The Kabuki Sisters’ fight has been secretly observed by a little mouse, pictures were taken and posted on a board at MajiJo. Morals is getting low. The New big Four are shocked at the revelation of Shibuya’s betrayal.
Amakuchi is in disbelieve and argues with Youran. Nezumi shows up and questions their ability to take responsibility. Youran decides to go to challenge Shibuya but is stopped by Otabe. Youran disagrees but is immediately put in line. Nezumi is very unhappy about losing to Otabe. Nezumi recognizes Otabe’s wisdom and mutters Otabe is not just a souvenir. Yet Nezumi is still confident in her being better.
Team Fondue is worried and inquires Center. Center just tells them to ask Nezumi. But when asked about an enemy raid Center says she will stop anyone from climbing the stairs regardless of from which school.
Meanwhile, Shibuya’s minions are hunting down MajiJo students all over town. Nezumi tells Shibuya she’s been waiting for her, an opportunity to get Shibuya to fight Atsuko again. Shibuya is suspicious and wants to know what she wants. Nezumi simply says they have similar interests. But Shibuya doesn’t fall for her and punches her.
Team Hormone is insecure wandering the area and runs into the beaten and barefoot Nezumi. Nezumi tells them to run away shortly before a bunch of Yabakune students appear. Despite their fear Wota rallies the team to fight. Mukuchi answers the call and they rush forward to their doom. Although beaten Nezumi now thinks better of Team Hormone.
Nezumi (now grey), bandaged and with a broken leg and crutches, tells Center to calm down. When asked what she would do in her stead Nezumi says she would pay them back with interest but would think first.
The rest of the New Big Four have enough and are about to leave when Otabe stops them again. Youran questions about Atsuko but Otabe wouldn’t answer. Youran leaves anyway but once outside she’s in despair.
Center goes on the hunt! … And Nezumi dances happily (having deceived Center).
-
Majisuka Gakuen 2 Episode 4
" /> Nezumi stops Shibuya’s fist
" /> Gekikara madness XL
Synopsis:
Team Fondue criticizes the state of Rappappa again and thinks of calling Choukoku for help who’s now a professional kick-boxer.
Meanwhile, Nezumi visits Shibuya. It’s revealed Nezumi had struck a deal and, actually, did allow Shibuya to beat her up in order to incite war. The little mouse is actually strong! Shibuya tells Nezumi that some of hers got beaten by Center but Nezumi denies knowing her at all.
Amakuchi is very upset but can’t decide to act as Gekikara. Shibuya’s picture is no longer on the board of honor.
Barefoot Society asks eager for its next target and Shibuya chooses Gekikara which causes some to give each other looks. But Shibuya decides to do it herself in order to lure Atsuko out. Shibuya tells Dance to deliver a letter but she’s confused as to whom and gets punched.
On the roof, Center reveals she’s aware of Nezumi’s lies but also tells her she likes her. Nezumi is a bit surprised.
Dance arrives at MojiJo and is caught by Gakuran/Youran. Dance is supposed to deliver the letter of challenge in person but after Youran told her of Gekikara’s mood she leaves it in her care.
While Dance runs off she tells Youran not to read it which she of course does.
Youran is upset and argues with Otabe saying she doesn’t want Amakuchi to endanger her graduation by turning back into Gekikara again.
Otabe gives in as she can’t stop Youran. Youran tells her not to tell Amakuchi and leaves.
Somewhere amids beaten Yakuza, Atsuko has already eaten half of the sakura petals but still can’t find her answer.
Amakuchi gets challenged by Center. She’s not in the mood but Center wouldn’t give up. When asked why Center wants to fight she counters asking why Amakuchi wouldn’t fight. Amakuchi tells her Yuko taught her to fight for a reason and that fighting without reason has no meaning. Amakuchi walks off telling Center to give her time to find a reason.
Shibuya is impatient waiting for Geikara to arrive at the battle site. Youran appears with shiny mafia-esque shoes. Shibuya beats Dance again. Shibuya leaves Youran to the Sanshou Sisters Twin Blade (Myao, Love-tan) who have also transferred to Yabakune. When asked about the missing sister they tell her she stayed with MajiJo so they made sure she wouldn’t talk e.g. beaten to a pulp.
Youran is stronger but is helpless against their dirty tricks. Youran loses her eye sight but regains composure while the sisters chitchat. Youran beats them in one go.
While Amakuchi walks in the hallway Nezumi asks her why she’s not at the fight…her eyes!
It’s Barefoot Society’s turn to take on Youran. Amakuchi arrives late and Youran loses consciousness in her arms. The Sanshou Sisters run away at her sight but the Yabakune girls laugh at the scene of friendship.
Amakuchi tears her necklace off for Gekikara’s. Uh-oh :pale: It’s not her usual madness…
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Majisuka Gakuen 2 Episode 5
" /> Shaku + Gakuran
" /> Gekikara dies?
Synopsis:
Gekikrara Rock! Comeback & Mayuge taunt as much as they want but their fists have no effect. Gekikara takes them out with single punches and then does her usual bloody work…They chose the wrong person to piss off. Uh-oh :pale: scary …but before Gekikara sends them to hell Youran wakes up and calls out her promise to Yuko. Gekikara leaves with Youran after threatening the remaining Yabakune students to let them through. :pale: Scary! Shibuya is mad but prevents her minions from going after Gekikara, the monster. Dance trying to calm her gets hit again.
At the hospital Youran gets an MRI scan while Gekikara waits outside.
Otabe inquires Nezumi about her telling Gekikara. Nezumi (white as innocent) apologizes saying her tongue slipped.
Otabe questions her loyalty and affiliation to which Nezumi shows her MajiJo badge. Both exhange cute smiles…
Nezumi implies there’s only war left. Otabe cuts her off requesting her and Center to investigate whose behind all this. Nezumi stops Center from challenging Otabe. Center leaves obviously upset which causes some reaction in Nezumi. Otabe noticed and says a pyromaniac will always return to the scene to see how far it had spread. Nezumi simply replies that she hates her.
Gekikara is back slandering along the hallway and meets Shaku who is questioning her own position. Gekikara tells her she must have her reasons and leaves.
On the roof, Nezumi admits Gekikara is stronger than thought but Center claims to be stronger. Nezumi tells Center Yabakune has the momentum. Center rep;ies it can be stopped and walks off. Nezumi is brewing some dangerous thoughts… :affraid:
Principal Yuriko is questioning why Otabe is at this school. Otabe replies there are more important things in the world than studying. Yuriko tells her she will only get hurt. Otabe thinks it will be a good lesson. The principal approves. Yuriko asks her about Atsuko but Otabe claims to have no knowledge. The principals coincidentally shows her a news paper article about a young girl involved in violence wherein criminals get arrested. The articles are all over the place…it’s a whole collection neatly preserved in a book.
😯 The principal lets her leave and finds her puzzle solved.
Meanwhile, Team Fondue train their Octopussy formation.
😆 But nobody cares!Next Human Missile formation! Even less potential audience around!
Center comes to look up her stuff/book. Team Fondue asks her to fight them so they can improve their fighting skill. Center declines and tries to leave but is being blocked. Brave girls get scattered. Center has a flashback of a fight long ago where a girl stab her with a knife (a few times). :affraid:
Due to her trauma Center snaps and the girls get to see her scar(s). The girls tell her they can’t just sit around when their friends get beaten. They want to do something. Center tells them they need anger to fight.
Somewhere, Dance dances when Gekikara comes up to her giving her a large super spicy cookie. Poor girl. Gekikara uses her cellphone to call Shibuya. They agree to meet at the same place to settle things. Gekikara gives Dance another cookie. Dance starts to bleed from her nose but Gekikara is already gone.
When Gekikara goes for her fight Nezumi mutters it’s no good if she fights so well. Nezumi dances and is caught in the act by Otabe. Uh-oh scary. :affraid:
Otabe says one needs to get rid of rats (nezumi) if one wants a nice house. But Nezumi counters one mustn’t underestimate the fertility of mice (nezumi).
Shaku visits Gakuran and chases all her girls away by saying she’s her girlfriend. Gekikara enters and sees them doing…
After a bit of talk about Yuko Gekikara tells her she will beat Shibuya. Gekikara gives Gakuran a crane. On her way out Gekikara gets stabbed by a disguised patient. Gekikara ~dies in Shaku’s arms.
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Majisuka Gakuen 2 Episode 6
" /> Center + Nezumi
" /> Nezumi trips Otabe
" /> Nezumi + magic mirror
Synopsis:
Shaku is still traumatized when Otabe arrives.
Shibuya is unhappy about Miso’s unsanctioned action. Shibuya realizes they crossed the line. Shibuya tells Miso she had stained her name. Dance defends Miso and gets beaten again. Miso rises and claims it’s the Yabakune’s way and that Shibuya is in the wrong. Miso appears to have stapped Shibuya who punches her.
Miso kind of fell into madness.
Team Fondue is scared, upset, confused…they can’t cook their fondue. They look at Center’s bag for help.
Nezumi (black of death) tells the upset Center to leave it be as it’s not their problem. Nezumi tries to stop Center but can’t. Nezumi mutters she hates fighting but loves to win. Nezumi and Otabe happen to cross in the hall. Nezumi tries to trip her but to Nezumi is surprised she simply moves pass her without incident. Nezumi is displeased. Nezumi moves on and notices something about Choukoku’s poster and gets in high spirit again.
Bungee finds Shaku in a bad shape and tells her Miso had turned herself in to the police. Shaku leaves in anger and is stopped outside by Team Under. They challenge her self-proclaimed position…
😈 Somewhere, hoodlums have mugged a passerby and before they know it get beaten by Atsuko. She’s unhappy as it’s getting nowhere. She leaves without realizing she has lost her badge.
Shibuya trashes her place wondering why Atsuko hasn’t shown herself yet. The Barefoot Society tells Yanken to let herself beaten by Shibuya so she could let out steam and calm down.
Nezumi arrives …
Shaku meets Otabe at the hospital where Gekikara is still barely alive. She says she couldn’t go further to beat Yabakune (Team Under had to pay the price).
Shaku wonders if she will end up leading a so-so life. Otabe tells her she once was unbeatable until she lost once e.g. the opposite of Shaku. There’s always someone stronger than the best she tells her. Otabe says Atsuko is searching for her “wall”.
On her way back Shaku runs into a Yabakune group and overhears them… They notice her but think she’s weak.
Shuko transforms and puts on Gekikara’s necklace. Yanken steps up to fight her.
It’s an intense and messy fight. They are about evenly matched but Shaku wins at last…before she loses consciousness.
Bungee finds her and tells her that Gekikara woke up. Team Under arrives, calling her Shaku-nee and swears filthy to Shaku.
Center goes to visit Gekikara and meets Otabe. Center is unsure as to how to approach Gekikara due to their relation. Otabe suggests to her to talk about their common experience.
Meanwhile, Nezumi is conferring a mirror in her hideout… “Mirror mirror who’s the nastiest person in the world?”
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Majisuka Gakuen 2 Episode 7
" /> 
" /> Choukoku vs. Center
" /> Crying mouse?
Synopsis:
Choukoku appears before Shibuya claiming to want to beat Atsuko. Nezumi (~snow camouflage) supports them working together. Shibuya tells Choukoku to take on Otabe but Atsuko is hers.
In reality, Nezumi blackmails Choukoku to work for her while combining their interests. Choukoku has no choice as she needs money for her mother’s surgery. When asked where the money came from Nezumi tells her it’s her father’s dirty money. Nezumi hates her father for not caring for her. For a few moments she gets quiet. Is the mouse crying wonders Choukoku. Nezumi catches herself quickly.
On the roof Nezumi (pink) throws a paper plane of the Choukoku vs. Akiyama Yoshihiro fighting poster. She’s drowned in music but doesn’t dance. Center asks her if she’s hiding something from her. Center addresses the rumor that she’s been seen going to Yabakune. Nezumi doesn’t deny it and puts it as serving their goal. Center re-affirms her friendship with Nezumi who is a bit phased each time.
Gekikara tells Otabe she felt fear after meeting death for real. She says further real strength isn’t in fighting but it’s in those who know fear. Gekikara tells Otabe she’s relieved that she is the president.
Meanwhile, police Chief Keiji is onto Atsuko’s trail. Atsuko wonders if she will perish before the sakura petals are gone.
Choukoku happens to meets Center at some shrine. Choukoku gives Center her fighting cloves and tells her not to betray her friend. Center is speechless.
Shibuya organizes the fight for Otabe and Choukoku.
Center enters the Wind instrument club and demands to see Otabe but she’s already gone to the fight. Center goes after her. Center ends up facing Choukoku as Otabe didn’t appear yet. It’s an intense fight but Center is no match. Choukoku beats Center and ends up crying over the deed. Center recovers and another round of fighting starts. This time Center wins.
When Nezumi comes Shikuya says Choukoku had lost which surprises Nezumi (blue). Shikuya accuses Nezumi of tricking her and asks about Center.
Meanwhile, Center throws away her cloves… She’s become serious.
Gekikara suffers complication and is moved for emergency surgery.
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Majisuka Gakuen 2 Episode 8
" /> Minami as officer Keiji
" /> 
" /> Gekikara in Netherworld ; Otabe loses to Atsuka
" /> 
" /> Sutegoro Boss; the devil
Synopsis:
Nezumi manages to calm Shibuya down by saying it serves them if any strong opponents are gone.
Center questions Nezumi but affirms her “like” for her again. Nezumi (blue) is a bit troubled by it. She attempts to say something but dismisses it.
Gekikara has fallen into a coma and wakes up finding her way to the old MajiJo where everything is back to what it was. (not really) Yuko greets her. Gekikara is overjoyed telling her she had been looking for her all over the place. But Yuko tells her she has no time to waste in this place. Gekikara insists on staying but Yuko tells her to go back. Yuko tells her she cannot return, though. Gekikara asks if they will see each other again. Yuko replies that everyone will come here eventually.
After a moment of looking at each other Yuko punches Gekikara sending her back. She wakes up to meet the remaining old and new Big Four.
Meanwhile Team Hormone and Team Fondue have a friendship meeting…approved by the principal. Uhm… it’s love between kouhais and sempais. Mukuchi’s done being silent…now calling herself Oshaberi…[talkative]
Shikuya visits the Boss of Sutegoro (Gakuen), Nakamata, to enlist soldiers.
Center comes up the stairs again and attacks Otabe but she dodges with ease. Otabe tells her she’s like Atsuko as well as her past self. Otabe requests Center’s help for MajiJo. Outside Nezumi is unhappy and jealous. (Nobody would trust her to ask her. Is the mouse crying again?)
Atsuko beats up some more Yakuza.
Nezumi appears at Yabakune…
While passing by the principal’s office Otabe sees the police visiting her.
Center goes to Nezumi’s hideout but she’s gone. Nezumi (white) calls Center on her cellphone and telling her she’s been trapped by the Yabakune. It’s a trap setup by Nezumi.
-
Majisuka Gakuen 2 Episode 9
" /> 
" /> 
" /> Synopsis:
While Center is on her way to save Nezumi, Nezumi (white) is briefing Yabakune students about Center’s strength and how to defeat her.
But when she’s about to leave they do trap her for real. They don’t like traitors and think Nezumi is a bully which she confirms. Nezumi is a good fighter and probably would have survived if not for the blunt weapons the lot are wielding.
Center arrives in time, and tries to get Nezumi out while being under attack. She remembers a similar scene where she covered her mother from her father’s abuse. But her mother abandoned and left her behind…
Nezumi is troubled by Center’s dedication to her but is too hurt to act. Center gets surrounded. Nezumi rises and joins her saying: “As if I would leave you alone.” Center just comments she never seen her fight before.
Samuburi discovers the fight but decides not to call Team Fondue thinking it wouldn’t do any good anyway. Then she hears sirens and shouts the police are coming.
The Yabakune students run away. Nezumi shouts after them in anger (wanting some more beating). Center gives her an ‘are you kidding’ look.
😆 Shibuya returns to find her grunts hurt. They reveal have took care of Nezumi and Center. Shibuya isn’t happy and they start to question her authority and loyalty. Shibuya beats them and tells them she doesn’t care about leading. They all leave except for Dance.
Somewhere, Keiji investigates another crime scene where Atsuko beat another bunch of thugs half dead. She has a hunch but can’t figure out the reason.
While going back Center tells Nezumi she will join with Otabe in fighting the Yabakune. Center reveals she knew of Nezumi’s betrayal but still insist of being her best and only friend. Nezumi is moved still trying to rationalize things but Center does not waver.
Samuburi gives Team Fondue her exaggerated heroic tale. Otabe overhears it all and comes to Center. Otabe at first addresses Nezumi’s betrayal. Center tells her it’s not a betrayal because she knew about it. When confronted Otabe just replies she forgot what she wanted to say and leaves.
The Barefoot Society have come to the Sutegoro Boss for help. Despite her looks she quite strong. Unbeknown to them Nezumi (black) is already there, eating cup ramen, and plotting her revenge. Nezumi seems to have accepted Centers as her important and only friend. She doesn’t care if MajiJo or YabaJo get destroyed.
Shibuya is left alone and beats Dance again, but she still stays with her. Shibuya silently stares at her, she’s realize something about her only loyal underling.
Center remembers her first meeting with Nezumi. Atsuko is on her last sakura petal.
The Yabakune students are gathering…
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Majisuka Gakuen 2 Episode 10
" /> Dance’s true power
Synopsis:
Nezumi summons her troops, too. The Sutegoro students are still discussing which side to take.
Black visits Gekikara and they start to discuss high school life. When asked about Black’s child becoming a yankee in the future she said she would put him into MajiJo. Genderbender!
😆 For the first time Shibuya paints Dance’s nails. Dance tells her not to worry about being left alone. Shibuya immediately hits her as usual but this time Dance catches Shibuya’s fist revealing she’s been allowing to be hit. Shibuya hits her anyway.
Atsuko eats her last sakura petal but still hasn’t found her answer. While depressed, the Oshima sisters appear before her. Atsuko remembers Yuko asking her to look for the meaning of her life and her strength. Yuka gives her Yuko’s last message that she’s been happy. Yuka tells her she should find her own answer.
Nezumi is holding her war speech but gets questioned about her betrayal. Center appears to save her and sets things “right” with the insurgent student. Center tells Nezumi no matter how many times she gets betrayed she will stay true friends with her. Nezumi is flushed and leaves quickly. She returns to her hideout which has been cleaned by Team Under. Basically the whole school views her as a traitor now. Center saves her again but Nezumi can’t hold it anymore and tries to run off. Nezumi doesn’t want to be looked down to which Center tells her they will always be equals.
Nezumi runs away anyway but then notices an unexpected person appearing…
Shibuya surprises Gegikara by visiting her. Both are on friendly terms. Back at Yabakune the Barefoot Society show her the pledges of various schools they have gathered to help them crushing MajiJo. They question her authority again. Shinuya demonstrates her affiliation by putting on YabaJo’s badge.
Atsuko tells Otabe that she feels empty as the bottle. Otabe tells her she wouldn’t have to look if it was easy to find. Atsuko puts back on her sailor tie. Atsuko asks Otabe to help her out until the end.
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Majisuka Gakuen 2 Episode 11
" /> 
" /> Synopsis:
While Atsuko leaves for Yabakune, Nezumi calls the police and tells on Atsuko. Shibuya makes a video of her war declaration to be send to Rappappa.
The Sutegoro discuss the various schools gathering for the showdown and think MajiJo is as good as finish but are unsure about Atsuko. Nezumi tells them Atsuko is done for as the police will take care of her. Nakamata asks Nezumi about her belief. Nezumi replies she doesn’t believe in anything. Nezumi loses yet again and leaves.
Team Fondue is distressed about their 10:1 odds against the Yabakune coalition forces.
Nezumi, insecure and all left alone, is visited by Center. Nezumi still in denial and tries to run away from their friendship. Center lets herself beat up by Nezumi. Nezumi is unable to overcome Center’s tenacity. Center tells her she loves her and no matter what doesn’t want to be left alone. Center tells her further that she needs her and takes of Nezumi’s hood off… Nezumi finally loses her composure.
Meanwhile, Atsuko raids YabaJo and meets Shibuya. Atsuko tells Shibuya there was no need to betray MajiJo as she would have answered a challenge anytime. Atsuko wants the war to end peacefully but Shinuya wouldn’t have it and challenges her.
Shibuya removes her nails (so she could make harder fists…) while they circle each other. They make their stance and are ready for it when police chief Keiji shows up. Atsuko doesn’t mind continuing but Shibuya lets Atsuko escape so they could eventually fight properly.
Shibuya denies any knowledge of Atsuko. Chief Keiji tells Shibuya Atsuko crossed the line where the police have to act. She tells her she used to be a yankee, too.
Meanwhile, Rappappa received the video and the MajiJo students start to come together and enlist for the fight.
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Saba Doll [Saba Doru]
" /> Nezumi: “We meet again.” = I’m back!
" /> The shocking truth!!
TYPE: drama
GENRE: shojo idol
YEAR: 2012-Jan-13 to 2012-Apr-7
Summary:
38 year old Usa Shijimi is a triste, ugly and unpopular female teacher at a delinquent school but outside the school she’s the super popular 17 year old Watanabe Mayu(yu). Shijimi tries hard to pursuit her dream while running her “normal” life. One day she gets exposed and the fans let lose a storm of anger. Her dream crushed she has to face her fans to apologize…
Critique:
This is Watanabe Mayu’s drama show as herself. In this show Mayu gets to show off all her acting skills which is a lot more than in Majisuka Gakuen1&2. She also gets to show her chameleon ability between the two distinct appearances and roles. It’s really surprising how she could look that much different with just simple makeup. I’ve seen better chameleon-like actors/actresses with even less, though. Even though there are a lot of good actors and actresses in the show she’s able to keep her center stage by acting rather than by story. Not that the story doesn’t revolve around her anyway. There are lots of funny or comic relief situations which makes it entertaining.
In case you are wondering the story is superficial similar to the manga “Obaachan wa Idol” (My grandmother is an idol).
Verdict: 8.5
cast: 8
cast performance: 9.5
script/directing: 8
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Saba Doll Episode 1
" /> Usa Shijimi
" /> Utamaro
Summary:
Usa Shijimi uses a public toilet to change into Watanabe Mayu (Mayuyu). At work she’s hassled by the notorious womanizer idol Utamaro of the Chiquitita band. Due to her tight schedule Shijimi has sneaked way from school again while leaving a pre-recorded session on tape running her class. The students are too busy fooling around to care.
Saba Doll Episode 2Summary:
AKB48’s Boss Akimoto and Mayu’s agency Boss have decided to have her defect to Nogizaka46, AKB48’s rival group. Mayu doesn’t like the idea which makes her insecure. She’s cornered by Utamaro and falls for his “good friend” trap.
While training and watching the trainees she decides to size the opportunity in order to become Center.
Saba Doll Episode 3Summary:
The fans are upset about Mayuyu’s transfer to Nogizaka46 and even call her a traitor. Mayuyu is shocked and depressed. The promotions are pushing her into the Center role and she starts to doubt and wonder if it was all a mistake after all.
Her sister Asari’s boyfriend, Minoru Sato, suddenly makes an appearance …her secret is in danger. Nashimoto, a student and devote Mayuyu fan, is confused. She tells him regardless of the answer he may find he has to decide things for himself. Mayu decides to set herself equal to the others idol which starts a fierce rivalry.
Saba Doll Episode 4Summary:
Nashimoto loses a fight with another student, Tabata, over the idol worshipping corner (Mubo). Mayu loses to the competitiveness of the other idols and in her depression starts to drink tea. She’s taken from a variety show by her manager to protect her dignity which infuriates her Boss. Mayu seeks advice from Utamaro who tells her it’s her job to standout regardless of what she has to do. She volunteers to fight and wins, impressing the Nogizaka46 members.
~”Winning in a very uncool way yet it is important.”
Saba Doll Episode 5Summary:
Mayu is told to return to AKB48 and have a solo debut. She’s confused as what to do. She’s told to follow her dream of becoming a legendary idol. Nashimoto refuses to submit a future questionairy form. Due to her schedule Mayu is hard pressed in helping him. When her radio show gets extended she gives it a shot in giving Nashimoto courage by announcing her own decision and display of courage. Shijimi doesn’t make it back in time but Mayu did manage to help Nashimoto. Sato has sniffed out Mayuyu’s trail.
Saba Doll Episode 6Summary:
Mayu is told to do a movie. Mayu accepts it but is shocked that Utamaro will be her partner. Sato has come to the Usa sister’s home and he immediately finds various revealing things…
Utamaro coerces Mayu into an outdoor rehearsal which is actually a setup for a promotional scandal. She’s told to do another, and reluctantly accepts it at first but in the end refuses to go through with it. Her movie gets canceled. Her Boss tells her to become an idol who doesn’t need to take risks. Sato is around their home…
Saba Doll Episode 7
" /> Sato sniffing power MAX!
Summary:
Mayu is holding a promotial two-person-in-private event for her solo debut. Sato and Nashimoto, each have won a ticket. Mayu is too nervous because she’s alone on the stage. The pressure of performing in her own way is getting to her. Utamaro tells her to face somewhere and eat something to calm down. But her last lunch was eaten by her manager. She panics but sees some canned mackerel. Sato appears and tries to proof the truth about her. He’s confident in his sniffing power…but the fishy smell nearly kills him.
😆 😈 Nashimoto got into a fight and comes too late but Mayuyu insisted on waiting for him. He thanks her for saving his future and she encourages him once more.
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Hanazakari no Kimitachi e ~Ikemen Paradise~ (2007)
" /> Type: drama
Genre: comedy
Year: 2007-Jul-03 to 2007-Sep-18
Summary:
One day, Ashiya Mizuki, a Japanese girl in the U.S., is enamored by Sano Izumi’s high jump on television. When Sano Izumi gets injured and no longer does high jump Mizuki decides to get him back into the sport. Against her family’s wishes she moves to Japan to attend the same school as him. However, it’s an all-boys school, so Mizuki disguises herself as a boy. Through shared experiences, adventures and her unique situation Mizuki comes to realize her shortcomings, her love for Izumi and her connection with fellow students. Eventually, Mizuki’s secret is exposed and returns home.
Critique:
WARNING: The first version rule applies to this show and all of its variations. Once seen most people are likely to be biased and cannot or have a hard time to warm up to other versions.
Hanazakari no Kimitachi eis based on the Hana-Kimimanga by Hisaya Nakajo. This show is the closes version to the manga in terms of atmosphere. However, it has comedic changes that are unique and intended for television. The cast in
Hanazakari no Kimitachi eis just perfect better than most shows. I would say it has the best all male cast for an all bishie show. All the cast’s acting is also perfect for their role despite some unique japanese cliche comedic that may not appeal to westerners. In this regard it’s better than the japanese Hana Yori Dango but loses in terms of story. Imho the korean Hana Yori Dango has it all, though. However, a number of such comedic scenes aren’t necessary or are out of place but the majority does serve the show well. I can’t imagine the show without it. It’s what create its unique Hana-Kimi atmosphere.
Horikita Maki’s (Ashiya Mizuki) acting is so natural it’s indistinguishable from acting. She fits the description of the role perfectly down to being very athletic. Her control of emotions and expressions are also phenomenal. I haven’t seen anyone going through a changing emotional & expression marathon lasting over 15 minutes before. She displays a boy image that’s not out of place either. Don’t misunderstand she’s no doubt a girl.
Oguri Shun (Sano Izumi) is the same as in Hana Yori Dango. He hardly has to act and could as well be replaced by anyone. It’s only his looks that’s perfect for the show (disregarding his mishaped chest). As you will see later on it’s still difficult to find a good replacement.
Ikuta Toma (Nakatsu Shuichi) is the most prominent male actor in the show. His acting of his emotional troubles are superb and quite entertaining. The show’s FX of using flashlights for his blushing was quite interesting. It’s been used since in later shows.
Kamikawa Takaya (Umeda Hokuto) is great in his role as the doctor. His censored scenes are hilarious despite having nothing to show. His changing of character mode and his subtle approaches are really something, too.
The St. Blossom girls are somewhat disappointing as they are only for show for the most part, though. Iwasa Mayuko (Hanayashiki Hibari) is just too cliche and mostly serves for comic relief. But her important scenes where it counts did turn out well. The same goes for the other girls so it’s not really that bad. I just wished they had a stronger impact or rival Mizuki.
The special episode featured Minami as Julia. She’s the best addition the show could have. I was initially disappointed that the special skipped on the trip to California but Minami made it all up.
The OP is also a perfect match if you disregard the lyrics and just listen to the all denial parts. Not that the lyrics are bad but it’s just amusing once you know the show a bit.
Overall the show is most entertaining. If it were more serious it could easily outdo Hana Yori Dango but then again it probably would not be the same. It’s understandable that many are divided between these two shows.
Verdict: 9.3
Cast 10
Cast performance 10
Script/Directing: 8
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Hanazakari no Kimitachi e ~Ikemen Paradise~ (2011)
http://p9.storage.canalblog.com/95/37/755608/70889884.jpg " /> Type: drama
Genre: comedy
Year: 2011-Jul-10 to 2011-Sep-18
Summary:
Same as Hanazakari no Kimitachi e ~Ikemen Paradise~ (2007) with different side stories.
Critique:
This show is a remake and a near carbon copy of Hanazakari no Kimitachi e ~Ikemen Paradise~ (2007). I appreciate the different film location, schools and even the different image of schools but the rest is just bad.
The show features Maeda Atsuko (Acchan) as Ashiya Mizuki and Kashiwagi Yuki (Yukirin) as Kishinosato Juri, both are from AKB48. They are one of a few highlights of the show.
Acchan’s acting is her usual self but the boy part is out of order. Her display of boy poses is just too exaggerated, and cranky (not forced). She spreads her legs too much for a sturdy boy pose and her arm movements are too robotic and wide. She is far from matching Horikita Maki’s performance.
Yukirin’s role virtually is a
second(!) Hibari from the original. Her mysterious graceful aura is an improvement to the original Hibari as well as her more serious acting. However, she still doesn’t get much screen time to make a larger impact. Basically the show addresses and tries to fix all my complains about Hanazakari no Kimitachi e ~Ikemen Paradise~ (2007) but totally fails due to trying to copy the old cast. Because of this the rest of the cast appears to be misfits and sad copies of the originals.
They do get to show their own strength but the old character images are just too large to fill. Nakamura Aoi plays a more emotional Sano Izumi, a major improvement, but he’s bad at switching modes. Izumi is no longer the cool, closed and mysterious guy which kind of sucks.
Even the class room & dormitory rooms were fashioned to resemble the original despite architecturally completely out of place. The show does make an effort to change scenes & stories for the better but they don’t have an impact on the show or its perception to get rid of the bad taste.
Iwasa Mayuko reprises her role as Hanayashiki Hibari but at a later time, though. This time she’s not as cliche as before and more serious but sadly the script leaves her out on the sideline.
The show is watchable and maybe even good but if you have seen any of the other versions of Hanazakari no Kimitachi e first you will be in for some disappointments.
Verdict: 6.7
Cast 7
Cast performance 7
Script/Directing: 6
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Tamagawa Kuyakusho Of The Dead
" /> Type: drama
Genre: horror comedy
Year: 2014-Oct-03 to 2014-Dec-19
Summary:
16 years ago, a zombie virus spread from Mexico all over the world. Now a vaccine is keeping people safe and the zombies are getting extinct. In Tamagawa ward, Japan, a special welfare division of misfits is responsible in capturing zombies and monitoring infected people. Akaba Shinsuke is the rookie member and an emphatic naive pacifist. One day, Tachibana Rin joins the troop and he is assigned to take care of her. She’s out to kill zombies. The appearance of a new zombie virus strain pushes both of them to their mental limits. One personal disasters after another forces them to evaluate their stand on the issue. And then the unthinkable happens…
Critique:
The mixture of horror, seriousness and japanese comedy fails to create a solid show. A lot of times when action is required the comedy just downgrades it. But there are times when japanese comedy does have its uses. It’s just not enough to counter or strike a good balance.
The show mostly focuses on the different opinions on the issue of handling zombies and personal tragedy of people involved. It also addresses issues of society and to a little extent the governing body.
Hayashi Kento (Akabane Shinsuke) fits his role well but the comedic acts just degrades his image. Hirose Alice (Tachibana Rin) does well, too, but she’s not convincing with her handling the boken (bamboo sword). Her movements are too slow, sloppy and wide for someone versed in Kendo. Otherwise her headstrong image is somewhat monotone most of the time.
Like the rest of the cast Kaneko Nobuaki’s (Koda Kenji) skills are wasted on comedic acts. But at least him being a zombie otaku does make some sense and does entertain somewhat.
Disappointingly, the conflict between the ward, central HQ and the government resolved without much action or event. And the end of the show arrives too quick and it is too much of a fairytale.
Verdict: 7.3
Cast 8
Cast performance 7
Script/Directing: 7
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Tamagawa Kuyakusho Of The Dead Episode 1
" /> Summary:
Akabane Shinsuke gets stuck during a mission. Tachibana Rin happens to pass by and saves him. She hates his guts for being unmanly.
Tamagawa Kuyakusho Of The Dead Episode 2Summary:
Tachibana Rin joins the odd troop. Despite his shame & fear of her, Shinsuke is forced into taking care of her. She’s an extreme zombie hater and is out to kill them which is against the current policy of catching and experimenting. A female neighbor is out against the perfect family of the community whom she accuses them of hiding a zombie. It turns out to be a never seen cases of Mr. Hide-Zombie who transforms from moment to moment.
Tamagawa Kuyakusho Of The Dead Episode 3Summary:
Due to the rareness of zombies these days the department is in danger of being cut entirely. The troop turns an informational event into a promotional event with Rin performing a dance & singing show on stage. She saves the Vice Governor from a zombie, hence, saves the department.
Tamagawa Kuyakusho Of The Dead Episode 4 & 5Summary:
Shinsuke & Rin investigate rumors of a zombie in a far off village and are facing a mass attack! They escape barely but nobody believes them as the villagers have removed all evidence…
While Shinsuke goes off investigating alone the lax members of the troop are captured when going out eating. After managing to get off a call for help Shinsuke rushes to their rescue. He’s useless when the veteran Omori-Machiruda pair arrive to save the day.
Tamagawa Kuyakusho Of The Dead Episode 6Summary:
One of the upcoming famous Okuda Yasuda comedy troop has been infected and tries to hold out for the important last breakthrough stage performance. It’s a comedian’s dream and pride to play his role to the last joke. Even Rin couldn’t resist this zombie…
Tamagawa Kuyakusho Of The Dead Episode 7Summary:
Zombie makeup are the rage among highschool girls! Rin is traumatized & mad after being called an old hag. Shinsuke’s brother in law, Sasaki Naohiro, has been infected before getting his sister Sasaki Miwa pregnant! (He visited an infected prostitute to get in the mood.) He has been keeping it secret. Now it’s too obvious to hide. It appears the health care administration is secretly removing evidence of a new zombie strain.
Tamagawa Kuyakusho Of The Dead Episode 8Summary:
Naohiro’s secret is out and there’s a possible danger to Miwa’s baby. Naohiro tries to sell himself to an underground zombie market mafia in order to leave behind a large sum of money. Rin is outraged! She buys him off.
Tamagawa Kuyakusho Of The Dead Episode 9Summary:
Rin’s childhood friend Sachine has fallen into the trap of a dubious talent recruiter and got infected. “Welcome to Z” is the latest horror massage left behind by a beauty who is spreading a virus that is resistant to immunisation. Rin recognizes her as Sachine. Sachine is on her last breath. Rin is torn between horror, fear, and love. Shinsuke is being chased by a fast Bolt-zombie.
Tamagawa Kuyakusho Of The Dead Episode 10Summary:
Rin’s has caught her zombie friend. She’s staying away from work and has entrenched herself at home. The new zombie strain is spreading and new zombie variations appear. The population is unaware of the danger and people foul around with them. Rin secretly delivers her resignation.
Tamagawa Kuyakusho Of The Dead Episode 11Summary:
Rin is still locked up in her apartment and won’t come out despite all Shinosuke’s pleas. Miwa’s baby isn’t infected but Naohiro finally turns to a zombie. Shinsuke ends up doing all the capturing work with the ‘useless’ muscle-head sempai. They face the Bolt-zombie again but are unable to fight & capture it. Rin appears and puts the zombie down but ends up getting bitten. Shinsuke snaps and kills the zombie.
Tamagawa Kuyakusho Of The Dead Episode 12Summary:
The Bolt slayer case and murder is being investigated as he was the governor’s son. Rin is turning fast into a zombie. Everyone tries to be by her side to the last moment but it’s hopeless. Koda confronts Comissioner Machiruda and urges her to let him research a new cure. Machiruda reveals that the new strain was the result of a new vaccine gone wrong, hence, the government tried to cover it up. Rin spends her last moments having fun.
One year later…Naoya has been born. Shinsuke is still depressed over his losses. Koda succeeds in turning Naohiro back. And then Rin returns but the fight is not over yet.
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Subete ga F ni Naru ~The Perfect Insider~ [Everything Becomes F]
" /> 
" /> Type: drama
Genre: horror crime
Year: 2014-Oct-21 to 2014-Dec-23
Introduction:
The show is based on the 1996 novel
Subete ga F ni Naruby Mori Hiroshi. There’s also a manga and there will be an anime in 2015. Mercedez Benz is one of the sponsor of this show. Summary:
Saikawa Kohei, an associate professor of architecture at National Jinnan University, due to circumstances is together with his wealthy student Nishizono Moe. They become involved with unusual locked room murder cases and work together to solve them.
Critique:
Ayano Go’s (Saikawa Kohei) portrait of Kohei is different from the closed yet reliable character in the novel/manga. Kohei is rather a lively nerd which actually fits him. His reactions and facial expression, wherein you can see his personality, are really good.
Takei Emi (Nishinosono Moe) plays the highly intelligent and serious yet cheerful and open Moe. She easily switches between the two sides of her. Her sly inquiring about Kohei or making him jealous is quite entertaining. There’s a good chemistry between both and they form a good partnership that’s very convincing.
Hayami Akari (Magata Shiki), surprisingly, manages to give off an eery, dangerous, dominating aura yet being nice. It’s near perfect for this murderer and super genius programmer. I guess the setup and dialogue do have a part in this.
Mizusawa Elena (Kunieda Momoko) plays the cold and direct assistant professor Kunieda which is a good counter balance to the Kohei-Moe pair. She also serves to bring in some comic relief.
As to the murder cases they are typical intrinsic closed room cases. The story is typical such that Moe goes investigating, takes some action and has to be rescued by Kohei. Kohei is reluctant because of her. Moe often uses her connection to get detective Totsugi Shigeyuki (Ukai Daisuke) to show her police reports. Daisuke expression of suffering at her hands is funny yet he’s all professional in his normal capacity.
However, that’s not all. The Magata murder cases are the highlight and true arc of the show. It’s all eery and thrilling. Despite little blood and censorship the facts by themselves and how they are told are horrific and scary. Unlike most shows the main arc gets relatively a lot of screen time. At this point it was impossible to stop watching.
Verdict: 9.2
Cast 9
Cast performance 9.5
Script/Directing: 9
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Jigoku Sensei Nube [Hell Teacher Nube]
" /> Type: Live Action
Genre: mystery sentai
Year: 2014-Oct-11 to 2014-Dec-13
Introduction:
This is a big budget live action based on the manga series
Jigoku Sensei Nubeby writer Sho Makura & illustrator Takeshi Okano (1993 to 1999 in Weekly Shonen Jump). Summary:
Nueno Meisuke aka Nube is a new homeroom teacher of a 2nd grade class-3 at Domori high school. He has a cursed left hand which houses the demon lord Baki-Oh. He secretly solves curse/demon cases and fights desperately to save the students from monsters (yokai). A long the way he gains allies and comrades in arms. But his greatest enemy is closer to him than he prefers.
Critique:
Like all sentai shows it features a japanese sentai acting and costume/CG monsters. Although not as much a classic sentai shows but it can’t escape the impression. The actions are good, though. The cast is good as well as their performances so it’s not that bad. It just downgrades the seriousness and leans toward silliness.
Maruyama Ryuhei (Nueno Meisuke) as Nube is alright if only there was not this stupdity side of Nube. If he were more like Eikichi Onizuka from GTO (1998) with a better balance between stupidity and funny that would have been perfect. His cool attack is in total contrast to his usual clumsy bakaro appearance. But that’s his classic role so I blame the script for not tweaking it better.
If this show were Final Fantasy 7 then Hayami Mokomichi (Tamamo Kyosuke) would have been the perfect Sephiroth. Here he’s the perfect ikemen Tamamo-sensei, a man among men, who catches the hearts of both sexes. He even has his own BGM.
Kiritani Mirei’s (Takahashi Ritsuko) displayed personality has a stark resemblance of Fuyutsuki from GTO (1998) but she’s the prettier model. Nube being head over heels for her and other relationship related reactions are the really funny. Her blog in the show has a S&M apperance! Her beating Nube was not quite convincing, though. She’s a chemistry teacher but does a physics experiment…
Yamamoto Mizuki (Hazuki Izuna) plays the female summoner quite well if only her being a model wouldn’t be so distracting, too. As an Itako-girl she has a very cute fox jokai, Koinari. Koinari houses in a bamboo pipe which she decorates like they do with cellphones.
Sano Hinako (Hosokawa Miki), too, in her role can’t stop being a model despite her twin-tail disguise. Yes, that’s right this show has a handful a of super models if not the majority among the cast. Please try to focus when watching. There’s a scene where Mikitty proves her superior ‘strength’ by employing her otaku fan base. This is another show misusing and showing otaku power. Otakus seem to have become quite accepted these days for TV screening.
The show follows typical classic character development and relationship schemes, augmented by influences from modern social media tools like twitter, instagram etc. Naturally its weakness lies in annoying classic elements. In every episode there’s a discussion between angel (Minako-sensei) and devil (Baki) over troubles like moral and how to deal with it. Despite some serious topics the allegories are sometimes amusing.
The show appears to try to promote Buddhism and implicitly countering Christianity, even getting as far as having the famous Exorcist scene. Overall it’s a solid show and better than I expected.
Verdict: 8.3
Cast 8
Cast performance 9
Script/Directing: 8
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Gomen ne Seishun ~Regret from my school days~ [Sorry Youth! / I’m sorry youth!]
" /> Type: drama
Genre: school comedy
Year: 2014-Oct-19 to 2014-Dec-21
Summary:
Hara Heisuke (31) returns as a teacher to his high school (Tonkou) in Mishima city, Shizuoka prefecture. Three private high schools, the prestigious Sunzu West High School, St. Mishima Girls High School and Komagata University Affiliated Mishima High School (Tonkou) are side by side. 14 years ago a fire has put the St. Mishima on the brink of bankrupcy ever since. Hara Heisuke, with regrets and feeling of guilt, he is stuck to his hometown. It is finally decided to merge Tonkou and St. Mishima to save both schools from low student numbers next year. A joint cultural festival is planned for the merger. Heisuke dedicates to make the cultural festival a success. Meanwhile, he faces his dark past while solving his students’ problems.
Critique:
This is not quite your ordinary school drama show.
Nishikido Ryo (Hara Heisuke) skillfully plays the pained and secretive yet kind nature of Heisuke. Sometimes he shows a split second emotional revelation of the protagonist’s true feeling which he hides quickly.
Mitsushima Hikari (Hachiya Risa) plays on one hand the tough guidance counselor yet has a soft side. Due to some circumstances it was difficult and confusing to figure her story out. She and her sister are at the heart of the secrets in this show.
The rest of the cast’s performance is good, too, giving rise to many good and funny scenes. The show also has a healthy rivalry between Buddhism & Christianity with Buddhism prevailing in the end. There are some surprises and twists.
Verdict: 8.3
Cast 8
Cast performance 9
Script/Directing: 8
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In the AKB48 special yesterday (recorded) they held a sudden audition for an extra character appearance. Menchi Battle! It was kind of funny. Ogasawara Mayu won the role.
Too bad the original cast that are still left didn’t get to participate. I would have liked to see Nezumi (Watanabe Mayu) and Center (Matsui Jurina) again. Well, aside from no longer being that young both would have probably outclassed the others. -_-; There’s no one Jurina couldn’t beat in anything other than Mayu’s beauty/cuteness. She was (is?) known as the pie-less queen for never having lost, hence, never got a pie smashed onto her. Even after about 100 shows and 10vs1 battle she remained untouched.
" /> 
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" /> [BBvideo]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0irSODvo4A [/BBvideo] -
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Nagareboshi [Shooting Star]
" /> 
" /> Type: drama
Genre: romance, family
Year: 2010-Oct-18 to 2010-Dec-20
Summary:
Okada Kengo is an employee at the Shinenoshima aquarium, whose sister Maria only has a year to live unless she gets a liver transplantation. His fianceé Aizawa Minako breaks up with him over the issue. Makihara Risa works in the sex industry to pay off her good for nothing lowlife of a brother Shuichi. Shuichi makes her life miserable whenever he can. Risa commits suicide but gets rescued by Kengo who contracts her into a marriage. They go through various troubles including betrayal but in the end they finally find to each other.
Critique:
The cast consists of mostly famed actors(ses). Takenouchi Yutaka (Okada Kengo) with his mostly serious poker face is kind of downgrading the role. I’m also not quite happy with the under-performance of some others. I know they can do a lot better. Inagaki Goro as Makihara Shuichi is so hateful he must be doing a good job.
This drama is somewhat fickle with surprises yet the story is also predictable. It’s also slow at times. The show has potential to be a lot better. With its flaws I have to rate it less despite liking it a lot. If Ueto Aya (Makihara Risa) doesn’t convince you to watch it then I don’t know what will.
Verdict: 7.3
Cast 8
Cast performance 7
Script/Directing: 7
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Toubousha
" /> The “nice” policeman
Type: drama
Genre: crime, detective
Year: 2004-07-18 to 2004-09-26
Summary:
Nagai Tetsuo is a probation officer who’s married to Junko, a doctor, and has a son. One day, his wife is murdered and his son is injured in an attack.
Nagai comes home late and fails to hold the attacker. Nagai takes his son to the hospital run by his father-in-law, but his son is attacked again and left in a coma.
Nagai is being suspected by the police. He becomes a fugitive, and tries to prove his innocence. What he finds is a shocking revelation.
Critique:
The cast consists of mostly famed actors(actresses). Some show themselves at their best. I have no complains here.
Even though, it starts out as a seemingly ordinary family drama the tension gets build up very quickly while turning into a crime show. It’s not your typical of the mill japanese crime/police show, though. It’s a bit more like a thriller as a show than as a movie. It looks like a movie than a Japanese TV show.
It’s somewhat more complex in terms of people and relationships than your typical straight forward detective show. All in all it’s a great show.
Verdict: 8.3
Cast 8
Cast performance 8
Script/Directing: 9
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Great Teacher Onizuka / GTO (1998)
" /> http://2400express.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/eikichi.jpg?w=310 " /> Type: live action
Genre: school, society, comedy
Year: 1998-Jul-07 to 1998-Sep-22
Introduction:
The live action is based on the manga of the same name by Fujisawa Tohru. The story is a sequel of Shounan Jun’ai-gumi and precedes “GTO Shonan 14 Days”. An anime was made a year later.
Summary:
Onizuka Eikichi, an ex-leader of a motorcycle gang, whose lifelong dream is to become a teacher finally gets a chance to be hired by the lady director Sakurai Akira. [Her first name is really Akira.] Onizuka is assigned to a class of troublemakers. While facing a lot of opposition from the students and teachers alike, his passion for teaching and helping his students outside school matters, eventually win everyone over.
Critique:
Aside from the cast’s great acting the chemistry is pretty much perfect. Many of the actors and students from the show became famous later on e.g. Oguri Shun (Hana Yori Dango, Hana-Kimi, Gokusen). Sorimachi Takashi (Onizuka Eikichi), his acting and style sets the whole atmosphere of the GTO show.
As far as the GTO story is concerned the show is the closes version to the manga despite some difference. However, the impression and appearance of Onizuka is different from the manga and anime. He’s less intimidating and more sympathetic and social. The atmosphere and relationship is more toward that of lifelong friendship than just respect and appreciation as in the manga.
The show did more or less sets off a revolution in how Japanese school dramas are made. The only complain I have is that the truck scene isn’t realistic, but that’s rather unimportant.
Despite the years the show has remained a top favorite of mine as it does for many others. It’s not doubt a must see show.
Verdict: 9.7
Cast 9
Cast performance 10
Script/Directing: 10
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Great Teacher Onizuka / GTO (2012)
" /> Type: live action
Genre: school, society, comedy
Year: 2012-Jul-03 to 2012-Sep-11
Introduction:
The live action is a remake of GTO (1998) based on the manga of the same name by Fujisawa Tohru. The story is a sequel of Shounan Jun’ai-gumi and precedes “GTO Shonan 14 Days”.
Summary:
Same as GTO (1998) with different story details and other minor changes.
Critique:
There are some improvement as well as decline regarding the cast. The girls are all prettier and more in line with the manga. There’s only one returning actress. And due to previous fame this show has a very huge guest cast. Imho all these faces are overkill and distracting. The old GTO didn’t have any guests yet, imho, the old cast is better in terms of impression and chemistry. The cast here mostly pale in comparison.
Shirota Yu (Danma Ryuji)(e.g. from Hana-Kimi, Subete ga F ni Naru) seems to have been added as an extra since originally it’s a delinquent pair not a triplet. AKIRA (Onizuka Eikichi) is the perfect image of Onizuka from the manga. He’s intimidating, a delinquent at heart, seems careless and harsh yet does help his students in the end.
The stories and events are essentially the same but completely different in details. There are parts that are new and better as well as worse. All in all this show comes closes to the manga in terms of Onizuka’s character and atmosphere.
Having seen GTO (1998) I can’t come to like this version. I’ve struggled with rating it, weighting the good and bad, and for me the bad outweigh the good. None-the-less, in its own right it’s a solid show and probably good for anyone who hasn’t seen the original.
Verdict: 7
Cast 7
Cast performance 7
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Majisuka Gakuen 4 CastMajisuka JoGakuenName: Miyawaki Sakura
alias: Sakura
note: transferee from Kagoshima
RappappaName: Shimazaki Haruka
rank: Boss
alias: Salt
note: previously in MG2 as Docchi from Team Fondue
Yokoyama Yui
rank: Shitennou (Heavenly Queen)
alias: Otabe
note: dumbed down Otabe from MG2
Kawaei Rina
rank: Shitennou (Heavenly Queen)
alias: Bakamono
Iriyama Anna
rank: Shitennou (Heavenly Queen)
alias: Yoga
Kizaki Yuria
rank: Shitennou (Heavenly Queen)
alias: Magic
3rd yearsName: Sashihara Rino
alias: Scandal
note: Wota from Team Hormone
2nd yearsTeam Hinabe[Team fire-pot] Takahashi Juri
alias: Uonome [fish eyes]
Kato Rena
alias: Dodobusu
Oshima Ryoka
alias: Kusogaki [damn brat]
Mukaichi Mion
alias: Jisedai
Uchiyama Natsuki
alias: Kenpou [cites constitution]
1st years strongest comboKojima Mako
alias: Kamisori [Razor]
Owada Nana
alias: Zombie
Gekioko High SchoolNursing School 3rd yearsYamamoto Sayaka
alias: Antonio
note: school crusher/school sign hunter
Watanabe Miyuki
alias: Kobii [milky => coby=unkind]
2nd yearsSuda Akari
alias: Tsurishi [fisher]
Tani Marika
alias: KY [Kyuuki Yomenai=can’t read the atmosphere]
Matsumura Kaori
alias: Zako-boss [Boss of weaklings]
OthersName: Takahashi Minami
alias: Minami
note: MajiJo graduate, adviser to Sakura; owner of restaurant/café “Asobina” (her fav. sentence)
Name: Kojima Haruna
alias: Kojiharu
note: MajiJo graduate; Torigoya from MG1&2; she has risen to fame & wealth in the ero-business
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Majisuka Gakuen 4 Episode 1[BBvideo]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FydtHNVIi3I [/BBvideo] 
" /> 
" /> Kojiharu & Scandal
" /> 
" /> 
" /> 
" /> 
" /> Sakura: “Soon, it will be the season of Sakura!”
Synopsis:
It’s about 2.5 years after MG2. (4 years in the real world)
Iwata Karen & Nakanishi Chiyori are being beaten by some students from another school when a limousine stops by. Kojiharu asks the girls for direction and gets called a hag. She promptly disembarks and beats them up. She tells the MajiJo students not to lose when wearing the emblem. Kojiharu feels a new wind blowing when Sakura walks by.
Team Hinabe discusses food and chats about Rappappa with Scandal. Scandal has recently returned from her 2 year long suspended from school. Team Hinabe tells her Rappappa isn’t unified anymore but individually each member is as strong as ever. They tell her that Salt has no interest at all but is leading Rappappa because she doesn’t want to obey anyone. Scandal is amused about everyone being just flies to Salt.
Meanwhile, Bakamono fails to identify a game card again which causes a round of ridicule by the others. As Otabe doesn’t seem to be any better Bakamono touches on her repeating years issue. Otabe sticks her fingers up Bakamono’s nose :: and tells her “it’s a matter of timing”. Salt suddenly appears from the backroom and hits Bakamono for making a ruckus before going back to rest. Salt suddenly opens her eyes when she felt a disturbance.
Sakura, oblivious to the violence around her, walks up to her class and enters. She’s questioned about her intrusion. Okada Nana is about to punch her for her insolence but stops short seeing Sakura’s eyes. Team Hinabe riducules Nana but Scandal tells them that Sakura’s eyes are like Meada Atsuko’s. She’s someone who holds back at the last because she can overpower anyone.
On the way, Team Hinabe meets a gang from Gekioko Koko who immediately pick a fight with them. The Gekioko students returned beaten and are questioned by the Gekioko upper echelon. Antonio is upset they picked a fight with MajiJo without permission. KY says it’s fine as Antonio would eventually addMajiJo to her collection of defeated school’s signs&flags anyway. As it has come to this Antonio plans to raise an army to overpower MajiJo.
Meanwhile, Sakura is having lunch at the restaurant café Asobina. Minami asks Sakura if she came for the top of MajiJo but Sakura tells her she came for the better view from the mountain. Minami warns her about Rappappa.
At school Sakura asks Team Hinabe about Rappappa’s location which prompts them to laugh it off as a ridiculus idea.
However, Sakura is serious and walks off after getting the information. Everyone immediately quiets down at the realization. Team Hinabe runs after her for being passed over by this transferee but Sakura ignores them.
They pushed her into a room and the fight starts. Sakura is fast and agile but seems to lack experience and gets caught and hit a few times. Sakura quickly dispatches Kusogaki, Jisedai and Kenpou. Dodobusu grabs and pushes Sakura against the wall but is defeat at the same time by a Kenpo move (see Atsuko vs. Gakuran). Uonome’s kick boxing seems to be superior but she is driven against the wall… the shock from the realization of doom is hanging over the room for a few moment. Then it’s over when Sakura stops her last punch.
Uonome runs after Sakura, telling her the order to defeat Rappappa, and tells her she can still run away. Sakura just walks off muttering she won’t run away ever….a flashback showing her (5) year old self being left behind by her father.
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Episode 2[/url] [/size] 
" /> 
" /> 
" /> Sakura licking blood
Synopsis:
The news of the transferee beating Team Hinabe is making the rounds.
After confirming Sakura’s intentions Team Hinabe decides to help her. They explain the hierachy to her.
Just when Sakura is about to go up the stairs she’s intercepted by Salt. Salt tells her to do her best and leaves.
😈 Meanwhile, while having a food fight Team Hinabe is being made fun off by the Kamisori-Zombie pair.
Team Hinabe doesn’t like their food lifestyle being ridiculed and tries to beat them but gets beaten instead.
And since Team Hinabe mention Sakura the Kamisori-Zombie pair sets their eyes on her.
Otabe inquires Salt about her situation but Salt’s bored and just says “nothings going on”. [Salt’s expression!
😯 ] Salt goes off to beat some students from Gekioko Koko. It’s a massacre and she’s still bored.While eating lunch again at Asobina Sakura piques Minami’s interest as she’s still fine. Mimani gives Sakura some food for taking home. Sakura notices the Kamisori-Zombie pair waiting for her. After a bit of praising Kamisori attacks but only manages to cut some of her hair.
[It’s good fight!] Sakura gets cornered and falls leaving her food strewn on the ground. The pair make fun of it and step on it. Uh-oh!
Sakura’s pissed! Don’t waste food! Sakura is seriously out for blood.
😯 Kamisori quickly goes down, but Zombie resists her. Kamisori recovers and another intense fight breaks out. The pair go down again and again but won’t give up. Sakura preaches to them and then leaves with her food. (Two admirers are born.) Salt watches from a far as Sakura leaves.Gekioko Koko’s top brass have another meeting about the latest fight but Antonio is against taking rash actions. The Heavenly Queens discuss the situation and Yoga decides to take action. [notice the “solt” signs got replaced by “salt” signs on the door to Salt’s sanctuary. So much for engrish.]
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Suteki na Sen TAXI
" /> Type: drama
Genre: human, slice of life (sci)fiction
Year: 2014-Oct-14 to 2014-Dec-16
Summary:
Edawakare (Takenouchi Yutaka) is the driver of a Sentaxi model 6 which can take a passenger back to his or her “life’s turning point”.
Critique:
STARTo
The show is a bit weird. Each episode shows a common life story situation that somehow goes wrong or ends up undesired.
RETRY, CHOICE – B
[The show is good!] Each episode shows various outcomes based on how a person changes their choices each time.
RETRY, CHOICE – B – B
Sometimes, the person gets defeated by their own choice, though.
RETRY, CHOICE – B – B – B
Sometimes, the person is too adamant which turns negative.
RETRY, CHOICE – C
[The show is great!] Despite the predictable choices a person makes in trying to fix his or her situation there are unexpected turns and twists.
RETRY, CHOICE – C – B
Sometimes, an equally important outside problem appears, though.
RETRY, CHOICE – D
[The show is superb!] Some of the turns and twists are even GAME OVERs!
Sometimes, an antagonist is revealed to be a super antagonist, too, connecting stories and time lines.
CHOICE – ALPHA
[The show is fantastic!] Sometimes, it’s not up to the protagonist’s choices at all!
CHOICE – A
Sometimes, the end is a slightly different beginning. Sometimes, the end is a dead end.
CHOICE – E
Sometimes, the least desirable choice is the right one.
CHOICE – Z
Sometimes, it’s a ghost!
The best stories usually feature the best actors, too, which makes them quite enjoyable. Not all stories reach the same level of goodness, though, beware of your own high expectations.
The not so good stories are not bad per se. They all take up half the episode’s time to introduce, hence, their actual play time is less than the better episodes. Therefore, their lesser number of choices, turns and twists is perceived as not so good as they finish in a simpler & faster manner.
Aside from the main story of each episode, there are little connecting side stories involving Edawakare. They are short but very amusing at times. And sometimes the main story’s final ending gets revealed together with life’s wisdom.
Verdict: 8.7
Cast 8
Cast performance 8
Script/Directing: 10
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Episode 3[/url] [/size] 
" /> Synopsis:
Team Hinabe notes that the Kamisori-Zombie pair haven’t shown themselves since their loss and wonder about how Sakura will take the top.
Salt is impatient (while waiting for Sakura to reach her and give her a good fight, saving her from her boredom). She gives Bakamono permission to deal with Sakura which she happily does. Otabe critizes Salt’s move as Yoga has been waiting for her turn. Yoga would do anything for Salt.
Bakamono runs into Sakura but since she asks for the whereabouts of “Ten Kousei” (=Transfer Studen) (like a person’s name) nobody could help her.
😆 Meanwhile, Yoga visits the class, but since Sakura isn’t present she beats Team Hinabe to invite Sakura to meet her.
Otabe tells Salt about Yoga’s move. Otabe suspects Salt’s longing for Sakura and inquires her about her motive to no avail.
At Gekioko Koko, Antonio is happy about the news. Antonio can’t wait for Sakura to clear to away the obstacles (Queens) for her. Kobii isn’t happy about the strategy as she prefers confrontation.
Having heard this the Kamisori-Zombie pair arrive first to challenge Yoga. Sakura arrives to find them beaten. The Kamisori-Zombie pair offer their allegiance to Sakura. They propose to take on the Heaven Queens themselves while Sakura takes on Salt. Sakura refuses saying she wants to do it properly by beating them all one by one. Outside Uonome criticizes Sakura about doing it all by herself. But Sakura goes off without listening.
At Asobina, Minami shows her an allegory about the power of an individual verses many. Sakura simply smashes it…(she believes in her overwhelming power)
Sakura faces off Yoga. Yoga leads her to the storage room of the gym where nobody could interfere. As Yoga is very flexible and always counters Sakura is unable to touch her at first. Sakura goes down and gets beaten. However, Yoga is actually really weak. Sakura easily takes her punches and recovers. Sakura tells Yoga her fists are “hot” and that Yoga can’t beat her (with emotions). Yoga is cornered and goes down after a few hard punches. On the ground Yoga still tries to hold Sakura but loses consciousness.
Outside, the Kamisori-Zombie pair have come to help Sakura but she still refuses for some reason. Salt smirks satisfied at the sight.
The news is making the rounds and friends and foes alike gets excited. Magic, upset, tries to beat Yoga but is stopped by Otabe. Yoga apologizes to Salt. Salt tells her not to worry as nobody expected anything from her. Yoga breaks down. Poor Yoga! Bakamono, still hasn’t found “Ten Kousei”, returns and is told by Salt that the name is Sakura but she still doesn’t get it.
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Episode 5[/url] [/size] 
" /> 
" /> Synopsis:
Team Hinabe discusses happily about the recent events while a bunch of students look on from the outside. (waiting in line for their downfall
😆 ) It kinds of make them a bit nervous, though.Bakomono trains thinking she lost due to lack of power. Of course none of the others think so. After Salt retreats, Magic criticizes her behavior and gets lectured by an upset Otabe.
Meanwhile the Kamisori-Zombie pair try to appease Sakura with servitude and offings for lunch. While Sakura walks off Magic makes her announcement to Sakura over the school’s loudspeakers. It’s a little psychological warfare for her magic performance. Some students siding with magic out loud get quickly punished by the Kamisori-Zombie pair.
Walking down the hallway Sakura meets Salt and both exchange punches. But both stop just inches from each others faces. Then Sakura cycles quickly trough a defense and counter attack (grabbing Salt’s offensive arm while punching). Naturally, Salt’s defensive move is faster and easily stops Sakura’s punch with her other hand. Salt tells her to improve quickly otherwise it won’t do any good. Upon returning to the club Salts meets a worried Otabe, As Salt is rather carefree Otabe’s worries won’t leave.
While Sakura has lunch at Asobina and has her usual non-progressing talk with Minami the Kamisori-Zombie pair are freezing outside. (It’s winter and they wear summer clothing).
Upon returning to school Magic stops Sakura by trowing a card (queen of diamonds) which gets stuck into the concrete wall. She lures Sakura into a dark storage room. All prepared for her magic. Magic isn’t bad at first but it doesn’t take long for her to start using her tricks. Sakura gets handcuffed to a shelf. While Magic beats the helpless Sakura up the Kamisori-Zombie pair arrive to save her. They are no match for Magic and go down quickly. Upset and using sheer brute force Sakura breaks lose the handcuff…
😯 Magic admits her loss by crushing her own card.The Gekioko students are overjoyed by the news. Antonio prepares to make her move. Meanwhile Kobii also makes her move by recruiting her own soldiers (Shirogiku & Kurobara).
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Episode 6[/url] [/size] 
" /> Shirogiku and Kurobara
" /> Synopsis:
The Kamisori-Zombie pair tells Team Hinabe what happened including their heroic exploit of the situation. They perform a self-admirer-asking & narrating session.
😆 (Note Sakura’s achievements on the board) As to why they do it: They declare themselves to be proud Sakura underlings. Then they hurry to greet Sakura in front of the school.They thank her for yesterday and trail off in their own relationship world again…calling the group Team Sakura and how their (standing/posing/walking) formation should be. Sakura tells them there’s no such team and leaves. Although, the realization sets in (they will ignore it anyway).
Magic apologizes for losing and harming Rappappa’s honor but Salt tells her she doesn’t care about that. Salt’s only interested in facts. Salt leaves for her room while glancing at Otabe… Otabe picks up the cue and makes her move
At Gekioko the students are in high spirit over the losses of the “weak” Heavenly Queens. They side with Konii’s option of attacking MajiJo and criticize Antonio. Antonio puts them in place. When inquired by Tsurishi Antonio tells her it’s her duty to care about her underlings. She expressively tells Tsurishi she isn’t like a careless Boss.
At Asobina, Sakura, looking at her injured hand, stops for a moment. Minami wonders how long she can keep up being alone by herself to which Sakura of course replies she will go as far as she wants. However, Minami hints at her she would be stronger if she fights for someone.
Meanwhile, the Shirogiku-Kurobara pair show up at MajiJo. Kobii has recruited them to get rid of Sakura in order start a proper full scale war with MajiJo (instead of an easy win according to Antonio’s strategy).
The Kamisori-Zombie pair are thinking on how to make Sakura accept them when Daruma shows up(!) She tells them “you don’t want to become underlings” “you become underlings”. She meant them to force themselves on Sakura (and not getting forced). She tells them to have faith and keep doing it and they will eventually get accepted. Daruma gives them her chicken wings along with some advise about eating making them stronger and leaves. Despite their doubt about Daruma they take courage from her speech. [Note: In her talk Daruma mentions Takeshi’s time will come, the guy Kojiharu was with in episode one.] On their way the Kamisori-Zombie pair are stopped by the Shirogiku-Kurobara pair and a fight ensures…
On her way back, Sakura stops for a moment having missed the Kamisori-Zombie pair in their formation positions. Then she overhears students talking about the Kamisori-Zombie pair getting beaten.
Masamune and Katabutsu have been “nicely” asked by the Shirogiku-Kurobara pair to give Sakura their “invitation picture.” Together with Team Hinabe they discuss what to do and how evil the kidnappers are. They decide not to give it to Sakura but Sakura has already arrived and snatched it. They tell her it’s trap and she shouldn’t go but Sakura runs off regardless.
The Shirogiku-Kurobara pair are having their “fun” when Sakura arrives. She gets clubbed right away but breaks club by second time. Sakura is surprised by their simple reason for having fun and all. She tells them they are not her underlings but she won’t forgive people (around her) getting hurt. The Shirogiku-Kurobara pair start to cite their nickname related signature speech before rushing at Sakura. Sakura barely holds her own against their strong combos. When Sakura appears to win Kurobara uses a pepper spray to blind her. Sakura gets beaten and goes down while being confused. The Kamisori-Zombie pair gives Sakura hints on the Shirogiku-Kurobara pair’s positions. Combined with her senses Sakura beats them. Sakura tells them she had better things to do then dealing with them.
When they leave Team Hinabe comes running. When asked by the Kamisori-Zombie pair Team Hinabe denies wanting to save them which causes Sakura to grin a bit as it reminds of herself.
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Episode 7[/url] [/size] 
" /> 
" /> Synopsis:
While talking with Team Hinabe the Kamisori-Zombie pair are all over in love with Sakura. They get into a little fight over how same year student are above underlings,
😆 The Queens are aware of Gekioko’s intentions and hope Otabe will put Sakura in her place and end it all. The have strong confident in Otabe as she’s been a real Heavenly Queen from the beginning (before them).
Otabe tells Sakura to meet her the next day. Sakura replies she can do it now but Otabe tells her off by saying there’s a time and place for everything.
Otabe tells Salt she’s grateful to Sakura for making her do her job of protecting MajiJo. Salt says she’s not interested in carrying anything while fighting but Otabe tells her she already does.
At Gekioko, Antonio is puzzled by the Shirogiku-Kurobara pair’s action against Sakura. When Kobii expresses her doubts, too, she gets a suspicious look from Antonio. When news arrive that Otabe and Sakura will fight the next day Antonio tells her underlings to prepare for battle. Everyone is ecstatic except Kobii.
Team Hinabe and the Kamisori-Zombie pair are having lunch at Asobina. (Why?) They discuss the fight tomorrow. Since the Kamisori-Zombie pair didn’t know they get teased.
Meanwhile, Sakura is anxious and hits a tree making its leaves fall. The next day, the group offers Sakura a special hinabe meal. It’s a mix of literally everything. Ugh. Sakura hesitates but is urged to eat up. And she does.
Before Otabe leaves the Queens give her tips on Sakura’s abilities. They tell her they will be waiting for her victory. When asked if they doubt her they tell her they want her to win.
Bakamono can’t stand waiting and leaves but is stopped by the others. Bakamono tells the others they got to go watch her fight as she’s fighting for them. They leave together.
Otabe and Sakura are locked in an intense fight. They exchange strong blows but Otabe easily punches through Sakura’s defenses. None intends to give up, Otabe is more experience and pays her back with the moves Sakura defeated each of the other Queens. Lastly she gives Sakura a headbutt.
When told to go back Sakura remembers her trauma and gets up again.
Sakura intercepts all of Otabe’s previous moves and beats her up. She pays back every hit. Otabe tries to continue but her body wouldn’t move. When she does Sakura stops her with Salt’s move. Sakura tells her she won’t forget her and leaves.
Salts arrives to see Otabe still on the ground and mumbling about continuing. Salt tells her it’s fine. Salt tells her she has taken up her seriousness and will take responsibility.
Outside, the girls have been waiting for Sakura. They get happy when hearing that she won. For the first time Sakura thanked them which surprised everyone. The Kamisori-Zombie pair go off in their own happy Sakura-underling world again.
Next time: the Secret Strategy! Kobii’s move!
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Episode 8[/url] [/size] 
" /> Synopsis:
[note: lots of subtle & suggestive english scribbles in the background]
Sakura goes up the stairs where the queens are already waiting. Sakura and Salt agree to fight tomorrow.
While the girls are having a chat they are spied on by a KY. [her dressing’s of Docchi(=Salt/Paruru) from Team Fondue]
Antonia fires up her followers for the battle but Kobii is strangely silent and unhappy.
Meanwhile, Kobii has recruited local female gangs and intercepts Salt on her way to the fight. Kobii courtly introduces herself… but they are no match for Salt which upsets Kobii, Kobii takes it matters in her own hands but can’t do much either. Even after firing up Kobii loses to Salt’s chained combos. Konii falls under a rack of pipes damaging the rack. When she tried to stand up the metal pipes start to fall down. Salt pushes her aside but gets completely buried under the pipes… The gang members witness it and no longer want to follow Kobii and run off.
While waiting Sakura and the queens hear sirens. Magic’s cards fall and she picks up the death card. Sakura rushes to just see Salt being moved into the ambulance and driven off.
Next time: It’s war and Jurina shows up!
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Episode 9[/url] [/size] 
" /> 
" /> Your are too weak!
Synopsis:
Salt’s in ER while Sakura waits outside. The Heavenly Queens question her and criticise how she would not know what happened. Kobii listen in on them from the shadows before leaving.
The whole school of MajiJo is depressed and eerily silent which worries the girls.
Antonio is outraged and then Kobii’s involvement gets revealed by KY…
Salt wakes up and tells the Queens about Kobii. She wants to go for her fight but is stopped by them.
Meanwhile, Minami meets the depressed Sakura outside. Sakura is shocked by the events but it’s part of being the top.
The Heavenly Queens decide to go to Gekioko for revenge. Hearing about that Team Hinabe decides to join them. Reluctantly the Kamisori-Zombie pair join, too.
Meanwhile, Sakura visits Salt to find her trying to leave. But she’s too injured to actually stand up. Salt is distressed and depressed to find herself unable to act when she finally realize her responsibility.
Naturally, Sakura steps in for her and rushes off. Center appears and complains to Salt about being a bad patient.
Meanwhile, Kobii is being summoned by Antonio. Antonio is mad but Kobii has no excuses.
The Heavenly Queens arrive and easily dispatch the guards. KY stops them and informs them about Kobii just before they get surrounded by the rest of the students.
But Antonio arrives in time to stop the fight. She goes on her knees and begs them for forgivesness and for the debt they now owe MajiJo. She still offers them to fight.
Sakura arrives in time and with Otabe’s approval takes on Antonio as MajiJo’s representative. Antonio is on a different level. She easily avoids or counters Sakura while delivering her own punches.
To top it off she does her double (Teakwondo) kick. [She’s a Korea music fan and is fluent in Korean] Akura is down for the count or so everybody thought.
Sakura still manages to get up and gets serious! She surprises Antonio with a powerful punch. Sakura mimics Antonio’s moves and the fight gets rough and intense.
Still, Sakura is no match and ends up on the ground again. Antonio makes a jump for a punch down hit but gets kneed by Sakura. It’s down to an endurance and power contest which Sakura wins barely. Although having lost, Antonio is satisfied and has forgiven Kobii. The Heavenly Queens approve of her victory. The Kamisori-Zombie pair get to carry their beloved boss.
Next time: The return of the Mouseketeer!
-
Final Episode 10[/url] [/size] 
" /> Gutukou, the new enemy
" /> flying kick
" /> Salt’s Force powers
" /> 
" /> 
" /> Majisuka Gakuen 4Synopsis:
It’s a month later. Things start to return to normalcy. The 3rd year graduation ceremony is tomorrow. Team Hinabe dreams of becoming the new Rappappa. However, they are five people so one got to go?
😆 Salt has disappeared which worries the Heavenly Queens. They fear she left for good.Students from Yabakune suddenly appear and raid MajiJo. They will be the next leaders next season. They say bad things about Sakura and look down on the “weak” Rappappa. Of course this doesn’t sit well with the MajiJo girls. Before a fight starts Sakura appears. Gutukou pretends to turn away but slashes out. Sakura easily stops her as well as her own counter punch short. She tells them to come at her anytime. The Yabakune leave.
Suddenly, Salt returns and immediatly tests Sakura with a powerful punch. She says she wants to settle things. Sakura agrees.
Meanwhile, Antonio and Kobii are reconciling and having a nice moment.
The next day Salt and Sakura meet for their fight at the gym. It’s an intense fight with Sakura giving it her all but Salt easily evades (with Aikido). Salt just waits and punches at the right time when Sakura’s moves reveal an opening. Salt is just better. She starts to stop her punches visibly to show Sakura her short comings. Soon enough Sakura adjusts and starts to connect her punches. She manages to time her moves to counter Salt’s which makes her smile.
Outside, Nezumi and Minami are observing the fight. [Minami’s emblem is a skull…]
Sakura is down a a half dozen times but wouldn’t give up. While Sakura’s on the ground Salt gives her a last punch beside her head. A tear falls down…(sadness because she’s monster)
Remembering her hard road and her way of life, Sakura forces herself up and rushes toward Salt. Salt gives her a powerful punch sending her falling back. Then Salt extends and offers her hand. She tells Sakura she got a long way to go. “Know your weakness and become strong!” And that’s how Rappappa left.
It’s Sakura’s first loss of her life. Nezumi wonders if Sakura will lose heart. Sakura realizes her wrong way and accepts her shortcomings. She intends to go on and overcome it.
-
-
Well, MG4 is for promoting the new girls. So its cast is no surprise. But they are the best there is… As far as fights go Sakura is really good even though she knows close to nothing about martial arts. Paruru/Salt, Yui/Otabe etc. are veterans so their parts got dumb down no surprise there.
Obviously, the staff realized that AKB48 and their sister groups will fall out of favor as soon as the original members (1-3. gen, 6th. Yurina/Center, Yui/Otabe) graduate. Hence, they have made the plans for MG4 to MG7. Even though hulu got a few million more subscribers because of MG4 I doubt that would change anything. The new girls (12th+ gen.) are just different. They have a different view and aim. They joined because they want to be part of AKB48 and not because of ambitions as the originals.
I haven’t followed them but by a glance I don’t see many top material. Yamamoto Sayaka(Antonio) and a few others are good but just not many. Sayaka is as old as Yurina & Yui so she will leave soon, too. Yui will be the new general manager she’s likely stay or another 5 years at most. After that I bet the whole group will go down.
I dunno about other idol groups but it seems the Hello Project! is the only real rival.
Patlabor – the Next Generation had some of them. Although, the first impression was quite impressive I doubt it’s representative.
BabyMetal is way too much of a niche group and not really idol-like. Only a few could do it. And the ones that are on it are already the best there is.
Mai Kuraki’s 15th Anniversary show…”The Most Popular Asian Influential Japanese Singer” she’s hardly an idol anymore.
" /> -
Senryokugai Sousakan
" /> 
" /> 
" /> Type: live action
Genre: crime detective comedy
Year: 2014-Jan-11 to 2014-Mar-15
Introduction:
The show is based on a series of novels “Senryokugai Sosakan Hime Deka Umizuki Chinami” by Kei Nitadori.
Summary:
Umiduki Chinami is a national elite who is assigned to an investigation team. It’s an undesired situation and Kyosuke Shitara is tasked to keep her away from actually investigations.
Critique:
This show is very entertaining and funny yet does not leave out the seriousness of the cases. The cases are typical detective cases. However, the show pride itself on out of the box thinking. Some episodes include independent puzzles. The first episode has two good ones but the later where pretty easy. I could solve them in seconds. The number of puzzles gets less toward the end.
Emi Takei (Chinami Umiduki) again plays the investigating heroine (Weather Girl; Subete ga F ni Naru). This time it’s her first women role and the role is a bit of a mixed character type wise (combining previous roles). As detective she’s the funny, social character but at home she appears to be the nerdy unsocial type. The contrast is a bit strange.
Chinami is a national elite, AFAIK this is asian specific thing. In past this used to be very common in asian countries, though. In short, she passed a national exam which makes her the best of the best. Hence, she’s a person meant to be in a national leading position. In asia there’s only one higher exam one could take in the past and become the absolute #1 of a country, but it’s not necessary meant to be a ruling government position. More like Master of Masters rank. Getting a rank similar to 20th century western fantasy stories like Saruman/Gandalf the White from LoTR.
As such an elite, there is fear of Chinami’s possible failure will become the team’s responsibility. It’s about the shame of having ruined the future of a national elite. A very troublesome situation for a japanese person. The show subtly criticizes verious japanese social specific problems.
Takahiro (Kyosuke Shitara) plays the rookie member of the team. Yet, he’s more experience than Chinami, but otherwise he’s also socially slow. As the lowest ranking member he’s part of the plot to take the fall in case Chinami makes a mistake. In case you are wondering, yes, he’s from EXILE. The #1 boy group in Japan, the equivalent of “Take That” but way more successful and longer living.
Verdict: 8.3
Cast 8
Cast performance 9
Script/Directing: 8
-
Miss Pilot
http://und.edu/features/2013/10/_media/miss-pilot.jpg
" /> Type: slice of life
Genre: Inspirational
Year: 2013-Oct-15 to 2013-Dec-24
Summary:
Tezuka Haru, has been job hunting but nothing seems to work. Out of a fluke she tries the exam to become a pilot and passes. But without putting much thought and running on enthusiasm only she is met with one disheartening obstacle after another…
Critique:
This show is (funny) good but it takes a bit of patience & tolerance to overcome first episodes. The reason is the strange setup of introductions. The first episode is all about Haru. The other characters get their real introduction with episode two.
Horikita Maki (from Hanazakari no Kimitachi e) plays the mindless or ignorant yet lively Haru. You could say she’s kind of an airhead but she got a lot of vigor and a strong sense of duty/justice. Everyone is easily taken by her. In this show Maki gets to show all her skillz again.
All the other actors are good, too, but they are restricted to their very specific type of character. It’s an odd group of people that covers every possible person there is. It’s feels strange at first but it turns out well later on. Needless to say, all actors are proficiant in english which is a extremely rare in Japan. Maki is no exception (as seen in Hanakimi) but she’s the rough diamant here =with the greatest potential.
The show is specific on japanese pilot training which differs slightly from other nations & airlines. This refers to the maintenance part training. Imho it’s a good thing. The show doesn’t explain the technical language of aviation being used in the cockpit.
It’s not tragic since they are of no consequence for watching the show. If you are interested in aviation it’s not a problem even though some terms are very technical e.g. N1=turbine rpm. If you are interested in pilot training this show is it even though a documentary is of course a better source.
Verdict: 8.2
Cast 8.5
Cast performance 9
Script/Directing: 7
-
-
Soratobu Kouhoushitsu/Public Affairs Office in the Sky
" /> 
" /> Night and day contrast?
Type: relationship, slice of life
Genre: military, romance
Year: 2013-Apr-14 to 2013-Jun-23
Summary:
2009, Sorai Daisuke/Sora-pyon, an elite pilot from the 305 TFS, 7th Air Wing, Hyakuri AB, has been selected to fly with the Blue Impulse, Japan’s premier aerobatic unit like the Thunderbirds, Blue Angels, Red Arrows etc.. However, an accident made him ineligible to ever fly again. It’s 2010, he’s been transfered to the PR department of the Defense Ministry.
Three years ago, Inaba Rika/Ina-pyon/Usagi/Inaba no Shirousagi, as a young news reporter made a mistake and got her company Teito TV(=Imperial Capital TV) sued. She’s been transferred to the Information (variety) department doing odd coverages when she’s sent to do some coverage about people in uniform. It’s still a difficult time for her but it’s the first step toward her goal of returning as a news reporter.
However, their most important PR production turns into a disaster. Daisuke and Rika part in a bad manner.
February 2011, 6 months after the PR disaster. They still fear to face each other. March, the Great East Japan Earthquake. They do their work not while uncertain about each other’s situation.
April 2013: the Blue Impulse return home, Matsushima AB, Fukushima. Everyone’s gone with the wind. Will it be their last meeting?
Critique:
Obviously, this show was made to improve public relations of the JSDF. It’s not exactly propaganda but rather to improve public understanding. It’s mostly about the lives of the men and women in the military services as well as giving a view on TV media. Although, it is in part Japanese specific, most parts apply to elsewhere in the world. Until the past decade most Japanese were not interested or have a strong dislike toward JSDF due to the war. Many want to keep the peaceful life but it’s definitely over this year. This show is one of many medias made in light of renewed nationalism of the recent decade.
If you want to live a peaceful ignorant life skip this show.
A lot of effort has been put into creating this show. The show itself only shows a glimpse of that behind the scene at best. You will understand when watching. Imho a glimpse of the men and women behind it is given in the retirement farewell ceremony in episode 10. Note the civilian contractors in the back.
The (romance) stories’ background are intentionally simple but work out as complicated as ever.
Aragaki Yui plays the beautiful, ignorant, direct, zealous (annoying japanese) yet shy and not-honest-with-about-her-feelings reporter. Her outbreaks are shocking.
She starts out as the more ignorant japanese citizen, making lots of annoying comments. She has misconceptions like addressing the AirForce. Officially, Japan doesn’t have an AirForce, as in for war, but they do. It’s called Japanese Air Self Defence Force (JASDF).
😆 Sorai Daisuke, plays the broken, apathic guy who lost everything and who gets dragged back to reality by her. As the show progresses both develope an understanding for each other’s side (public/media vs. military) and improve in their own job.
The show does go into some Japanese specific issues like the 1995 (Kobe) earthquake when the JSDF could not yet be deployed for the disaster by law.
Or that the JSDF could not clear homes in 2013 unless for rescue operations because of private property issues etc… There are some other general and specific explainations for other military related issues. And lots of typical (military) aviation related details for the laymen. Yet, nothing out of the ordinary, though. (except some random shots that perhaps should have been censored…)
All in all the show is well made with many good and known actors but there’s government interest and censorship.
There’s not a single word about the Fukushima reactors not even the name itself in the show. Or the rescue operation for JAL. Perfect censorship here.
Although, it’s mainly about the JASDF not everything is shown either e.g. AWACS, F-2. The show also doesn’t show any weapons or ordnances except ceremonial rifles. It’s definitely a show for those interested but don’t know a thing.
As mentioned before it does not make explicite propaganda like some other media. For example the word country is used only two times with some importance: “for country or love”
Watch with caution and keep these in mind.
Note:
Want to know more about the earthquake & Fukushima? Look for the documentations from Fukushima Central TV (FCT), the prefecture’s premier channel.
Verdict: 8.3
Cast: 9
Cast performance: 9
Script/Directing: 7
-
Ouroboros
" /> Type: revenge live action drama
Genre: crime, detective, conspiracy
Year: 2015-Jan-16 to 2015-Mar-20
Introduction:
The show is based on the manga of the same name by Kanzaki Yuuya.
Summary:
Ikuo and Tatsuya grew up in an orphanage when their favorite teacher, Yuiko, was murdered. The incident was covered up by the police and they swore to take revenge.
20 years later (15 in the manga), Ikuo is a detective while Tatsuya is a Yakuza lieutenant. As they come closer to truth they are dragged into a power struggle of national proportion or so it seems…but the real truth is more shocking.
Critique:
The show’s hue leans toward darkness with a high body count. The show has everything: tragedies, twists, secrets darker than black, real evil, intrigues, conspiracies, betrayal, and distractive/feisty actresses…
And there are a lot of good fights and stunts. Ikuta Toma (Ikuo) & Oguri Shun (Tatsuya) are quite covincing with Toma doing the best & difficult stunts. They went to Korea for training (all non-Karate moves).
Yes, it’s the two main male actors from Hanakimi. They are not the only reason the show’s successful. And yes, you fan girls will see them naked, front and back.
There are also some good, funny, and heart breaking scenes and moments through out the show.
Ikuta Toma has the more complicated role. His usual appearance is that of a socializing detective but his face darkens at times. And he smells like a dog.
😆 Despite that when being alone with Tatsuya he shows the doubtful even wavering side. He’s good at it but with him the contrast appears extreme and perhaps irritating.Oguri Shun (Tatsuya) on the other side is the perfect smart and handsome yakuza type. He’s dark but has a hidden heart. This role fits him. Not everything is what they appear to be. The show has a fast pace seemingly ending half way but then takes on a new darker path.
Watching the show through to the middle with it’s growing scope, complexity and secrets all the characters become suspect. The suspicions really last until the last episode when everything is revealed. Sometimes the suspense is unnecessarily forced by the script, though.
Like many police shows, the show criticizes the japanese police force but goes further on the organization’s internal conflicts, misconducts and dark sides. But sadly this is just the peak of an iceberg that’s not too far from reality. Like in some other nations if a government employee marries a foreigner they get socially excluded, transferred to the country side, with no hope for a carreer. Social services are practically limited, too.
The main villains in the show are the powers that be controlling Public Safety. Public Safety is the notorious (police) special (secret) services department organization in Japan e.g. Section 9 from GITS etc. Officially, Japan doesn’t have secret services but they do.
All in all the show doesn’t go beyond the police sphere of influence, though. There certainly must be other backers, yet they are left out. They are imaginatively seen only once early on.
The end is rather typical with other conspiracy stories involving “abandoned” children e.g. “Zankyou no Terror”. It’s a dubious “good” ending since both dragons return “home” and live happily ever after with their beloved Yuiko, eating her omlet rice.
Trivia: For some reason only the women wear the S1S (Search 1 Select/Souichi) badge.
Verdict: 9.2
Cast: 9
Cast performance: 9
Script/Directing: 9.5
-
Fukuie Keibuho no AisatsuType: live action
Genre: crime, police, detective
Year: 2014-Jan-14 to 2014-Mar-25
Introduction:
It’s based on a novel of the same name by Ohkura Takahiro.
Summary:
Assistant Inspector Fukuie solves murder cases despite her supervisor’s, Inspector Ishimatsu, misgivings. As all the glory are shared, he tolerates her eccentricity.
There are some strange secrets about Fukuie’s transfer from 4th division (? crime) to 1st division (murders) which pique the interest of the top brass.
Hence, a conspiracy from within the force is watching her.
Critique:
Imagine a female Inspector Columbo, who’s unorganized and is working independently, hence, generally gets excluded by her colleagues.
The show starts off with heavy guns: Sorimachi Takashi (Onizuka from GTO1978) committing two perfect murders.
Actually, this keeps mounting. It’s a show full of veteran actors playing murderers.
The cases are rather typical yet somehow they kind of come across as disturbing.
There’s a historic lesson at the beginning of each episode.
Although, they are general knowledge each one is actually a riddle of murder. The solution is within each episode.
All in all the appeal of the show is on the actors and the investigations. Everything else isn’t too outstanding enough.Verdict: 7.7
Cast: 8
Cast performance: 8
Script/Directing: 7
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Ataru
" /> Police 24 hours Hottie Girl Cop
" /> police mascot contest!
" /> biggest other help
Type: mystery
Genre: crime, police, comedy
Year: 2012-Apr-15 to 2012-Jun-24
Summary:
Ataru/Chokozai(=Bugger), who suffers from “savant syndrome,” which allows him to discover microscopic evidence of unsolved cases. He gets lost and wanders about Tokyo.
Why does he always go to the criminal sites? What explains his strange behavior? His sad past will be revealed as the story unfolds.
Ebina Maiko/Ebi-chan (ebi=shrimp), a famous police actress and mascot, is very unhappy about the missiveness of the department’s cases as anything other than murder.
Maiko happens to run into Ataru and notices his mysterious ability that helps her solving the cases.
Critique:
Ataru is similar to the Rainman and Chuck, the Intersect, but has perfect memory and an ability to scan and analyze. He’s more like a wandering highly advanced tricorder.
He hits or bites anyone blocking his way. Maiko gets the most of it including free looks at his body.
Note: He’s used to american (artificial) hot dog (with lettuce) and complains about the Japanese which are real ones or maybe it’s the other way around or maybe both are artificial?
Note: the search engine “Aterou”
Kuriyama Chiaki (Ebina Maiko) plays the passionate, harsh tomboy and unappreciated/ignored mascot doing independent investigations.
She starts out as the ignorant newbie who grows as the show progresses. Thanks to Ataru she also gets to finally solve the case of her mother’s death.
Note: For some reason she trips a lot on the street in front of her home. Her posters on the wall and how quick they get replaced when she resigns.
😆 Also they wear 1st department pins instead of 4th department.Actually, everyone is peculiar in some way in this show. And virtually, everyone in this show is a guess star, too. Paruru appears all dressed up in the special and nearly unrecognizable. She plays Atsumi’s mysterious wife.
Sometimes there are also peculiar scene shooting techniques. Imho they irritate more than serving anything. Note: in the background there’s sometime an old or young pair fouling around who may try to seek shelter from the camera view.
The Matrix re-enactment scenes are funny, too. There are many other things in the background.
Verdict: 8.7
Cast: 8
Cast performance: 9
Script/Directing: 9
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Blood [Korean]
" /> 
" /> ancient enemies
Type: conspiracy
Genre: medical, romance
Year: 2015-Feb-16 to 2015-Apr-21
Synopsis:
Park Ji Sang is born to parents who have been infected with a vampire virus. Despite initial self-dislike he comes to like it after having rescued a young girl, Chae Yeon.
After enemies killed his mother Ji Sang becomes a surgeon in order to travel the world and track them down. In the war riden Kochenia Republic, he finds the original source and is tipped to a cancer hospital in Korea.
He infiltrates the hospital. On his first day, he meets Yoo Ri Ta, who’s prideful of her abilities and the niece of the General Director. He becomes her superior and rival. They get into a hate relationship but as a team they have to put up with each other.
Together with his friend they try to track down the data but it’s all a trap…and the enemy is overpowering.
Critique:
Despite the title’s name suggestions it has only remotely the vampire theme in common with Blood+. The show is more similar to Iryu Team Medical Dragon, but based on “Frumoasa si Bestia”.
WARNING: Blood and violence, lots of bloody medical operations! Not as often as Iryu Team Medical Dragon, though.
Koo Hye Sun (Yoo Ri Ta/adult Chae Yeon)(veteran actress from Boys over flowers, the korean version of Hana Yori Dango
Ahn Jae Hyun (Park Ji Sang), an ikemen and as the main actor is perhaps the worst of all. Certainly, the role doesn’t allow him to act out a lot but still not enough, even though, he gets better toward the end.
Ji Jin Hee (Lee Jae Wook) plays the villain who’s like John Shea playing Lex Luther from Superman & Lois. His slyness and poker face makes him the ideal villain full of ideals yet so evil to the bone.
He starts out as a good and ambitious doctor. However, he believes the end justifies the means. In his 40 years long struggle toward his goal he has lost his perspective, and with mounting failures and “betrayals” he has become more and more ruthless.
All in all the show is not so much about the conspiracies but rather about the history, the tragedies and the relationships of the various characters. The border between good and evil is blurred.
It does take a bit of patience at first but the show starts to be “enjoyable” once things start to unfold. The show does have typical weaknesses based on tvtropes that appear more toward the end, though. They don’t have much impact at that point, though. And the villain points it out and makes the hero realize it, too.
😆 Other weaknesses or “errors” are: for example once the heroes realize they are being monitored they start to meet at home yet they still kept meeting in those monitored places in later episodes. This could be blamed on availability of sets or convenience but still couldn’t they just go somewhere else?
Another eye sore/catching feature, is that all major actresses wear bloody red lipstick turning them into vamps even those who are not vampires. Ri Ta’s story telling is most amusing. (in shows often appears when females are telling stories where their fantasy runs wild)
As for the secret character. Hint: note the shoes, pants and movements. Even though it was easy to get the characteristics and figure out the gender, for ten long episodes the show didn’t make any mistake that would have revealed it. And then the revelation of the historic connection was so far fetched it’s shocking.
Another riddle that bugged for eighteen long episodes was the fate of Chae Yeon’s parents. That was so double and triple misleading. Whoa, and look at her neck trembling! She no longer wears a veil. But when I thought it’s the last stretch the show turns up another two or three notches. So much to take in.
And just when I thought it’s truly ending it keeps going further so keep watching to the last second.
other hints: Take some note of some signs/remarks that appear once in a while in the background…
And the answer to question #100 is: Watch the show!
Verdict: 8.7
Cast: 8
Cast performance: 9
Script/Directing: 9
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The Girl Who Sees Smells [Korean]
" /> 
" /> Monster’s true eye. Mu-gak: “You’re really like a dog”. If looks could kill…
" /> Police fashion
Type: mystery, slice of life
Genre: romance, crime, fantasy
Year: 2015-04-01 to 2015-05-22
Synopsis:
3 years ago, Choi Eun-seol arrived home to find her parents murdered by the “Barcode” serial killer. She escaped but got overrun by a car and lost her memory. Her brain damage lets her see smells.
In the hospital, Choi Mu-gak’s sister is mistaken by the killer. Due to his grief Mu-Gak loses (nearly) all his senses. By fate the uneven pair work together to solve crimes. Unknowingly to them the people seeking their lives are nearby.
Critique:
The two lead characters are quite interesting and the actor/actress get to show exceptional skills due to their (part-time) comedy performances. Both acting out their shyness etc. are very convincing. It’s impressive when it comes down to it. These are mainly responsible for the anticipations the show’s building up. Aside from the villains there are other good & famed supporting actors but they are pushed into the background (by design) by these two.
However, typical story writing weaknesses like failings of the police, extending the moments to catch on facts etc. are somewhat irritating in contrast. The show intentionally leads on a wild goose chase. Don’t misunderstand it’s a good hunt and very thrilling up to the point when it blows into your face.
That’s when the real hunt starts. The villain is an incomparable master mind leading everyone with ease by the nose. That said the clues are there from the beginning, e.g. his(her) dog. The disappointing thing is that things are dragging a bit compared to the pace of the first half. One reason is that romance is a bit more present in the second half not that it wasn’t there before, though.
The show doesn’t end with just the serial killer case solved. All in all, imho the show is enticing or enchanting due to the lead actors who makes it very entertaining and funny.
Verdict: 8.3
Cast: 8
Cast performance: 9
Script/Directing: 8
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You who came from the stars [Korean]
" /> 
" /> past regrets/atonement
" /> 
" /> treasures: a princes’ hairpin; a diva’s high heels
" /> First Contact
😆 Type: mystery
Genre: romance, crime, fantasy
Year: 2013-Dec-18 to 2014-Feb-27
Synopsis:
Do Min Joon has been trapped on Earth for 400 years and living in hiding.
One day, Korea’s hottest actress, Chun Song Yi, moves in next door. She imposes on him, wrecks his life and gives his orderly home a woman’s worse touch.
Yet she embodies his past’s regrets and worse of all his days are counted.
Critique:
I had preconceptions about the show but I was wrong.
Jun Ji Hyun “Gianna Jun” virtually plays herself, Korea’s super actress and model (comparable to Angelina Jolie but better at acting). She’s not leaving anything out except being evil. That would have been out of the lead character’s role but not unthinkable. You got to see it to know what I mean. In this show she also like a chameleon. Currently, I only attribute 3 Korean actors/actresses in this class. Similarly to Nicole Kidman in one single scene in “The Stepford Wives” (2004 film) only a lot more and better. Even though Gianna only did one stunt (the fake ones don’t count) that wasn’t so special it kind of stuck. Same could be said about her out of the blue uncut pseudo Kata showing her abilities. Or her other numerous acts. You better watch to the last second and all specials. You won’t see much of her skin, though (She’s already married. yet, there’s a scandalous number of kissing scenes).
There are lots of other famed actors and guest stars who sometimes try to disguise themselves.
The location of the lead character’s apartments and their adjacent balconies is reversed throughout the whole show. I’m pretty sure they used one apartment for the shootings. Despite of all the other stunts and action scenes the unimportant balcony stunts were imho the most scariest of all (considering it’s winter and windy all the time). There are many other scenes that were obviously shot on the same location and days but used in many different episodes. Talk about efficiency of coordination and planning the show in advance. In this regard the connected flashbacks are seeded a bit too far in between. Not that this was bad it’s just bothersome to look back.
There’s no more than 2 or 3 songs and some karaoke but somehow there are 9 OST for the show!?
Depending on your respective, I think it’s not really a happy ending …the ending’a situation is, in another certain famous story, the beginning of the story’s nightmare.
Verdict: 9
Cast: 8
Cast performance: 9
Script/Directing: 10
-
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Shine or go crazy (Korean)
" /> 
" /> 
" /> 
" /> 
" /> 
" /> 
" /> 
" /> Type: history
Genre: pseudo historic drama
Year: 2015-Jan-19 to 2015-Apr-07
Summary:
While pursuing assassins, (beggar) Wang So is kidnapped by Yang Shin Yool. She’s in danger of having to marry an old Chinese general and plans to fake a marriage with
So. It’s a one-night marriage with both hiding their face (lady’s honor) or identity (man’s honor). They go separate ways, afterwards, and return to their recently founded country of
GoryeoSois forced to marry princess Yeo Won. Five years later they meet each other again as the country’s power struggle unfold. Unbeknown (various reasons) to them their unsanctioned “marriage” is in danger of being discovered. The breach of Royal marriage command is punishable by death! But worse of all Jool is fatally sick since birth.
Critique:
As Korea doesn’t have mush of noteworthy history or many good stories most history shows are more madeup/fictional than based on real fact. No wonder considering it having its first unification not so long ago (a long with Japan) at least in asian terms. I started watching the show with lots of preconceptions and didn’t plan to watch beyond the first episode, though.
This show is frankly no exception but so far it’s the one with the most real facts even if only counted on one hand. The show is about the unification nation and its reformation King
Gwang Jong“Legend”Frankly, the show is fictional as many others. Its plot and stories are composed of well known concepts and ideas. I still like Legend more for its myths/legends, fantasy parts and strategies.
Unlike Legend the show is very modernized, too. For example, the dates or the rings of marriage. The public visible sign of a wife is her hair pin. This also applies to Japan btw. Too bad, the related scene was made too unnoticeable while focusing on other matters. On the other hand the reverse scene was done a lot nicer.
The show’s cast is average with some good actors. Jang Hyuk plays the cursed, and banished beggar prince Wang So quite well. However, his idiot’s appearance & acting can be annoying. Don’t misunderstand, his character is not that of a perfect prince but rather a combination of Forest Gump and Irresponsible Captain Tyler. He’s only smart when it’s convenient. Him trying to sell his body was fun as well as his shacken emotional troubles over male Jool (reminds a lot of Hana Kimi).
Oh Yeon Seo plays Yang Shin Yool, the quinta-lingual (old indish, latin, chinese, arabic, korean) merchant, the last & lost princess Shin Jool of the now fallen
BalhaeLee Ha Nui as princess Hwang Bo Yeo Won was more interesting and impressive yet she didn’t get as much screen time and love. It may not seem so but imho it’s much more of an imbalance than Legend. And despite appearances, this is not a triangle relationship, at least not this one. This poor woman has to go through the embarrassment of being the 2nd wife, other hardships to survive, and despite sacrificing everything for her family she fails. And then there’s her forbidden love.
But all these allowed perhaps more actors to show subtile expressions then in Legend where only a handful got the opportunities. Something imho hard to find in western shows/movies etc. The colors chosen aren’t random and obviously applied for various fields of meanings.
And for some reason, Yeo Won’s star mark is never shown or even mentioned, yet, her destiny is accepted as a fact.
Overall the show lives on the romance(s) of
Soand Jool and the typical court intrigues stories. You might be confused by the princes from the different clans, yet being the sons of the same King. They just belong to their maternal side’s or relative’s clan.
In asia the importance of the paternal or maternal side can depend on each family’s status but generally they are equal. Hence, it’s equally common for the maternal family to be important. For example, in Japan men may take on their wife’s family name. Or in Vietnam, both keep their original names. It’s only in (sexistic) western/oriental cultures that woman give up their names (or have less/no rights). It’s also very common for the (elderly) women to have power over everything other than direct “command” power.
Sometimes, I feel it’s a bit dragging on the self pitying scenes. The show definitely appeals more to the romance leaning audience. The show has average decent actions and virtually no war scenes like Legend. No war at all to be precise.
There are more intricate dog & cat fights yet is less …dedicated and cruel than Legend. Jool was completely crushed too quick and after only one fight. In the end, imho, Yeo Won suffered the most. In Legend they all die several times over for real.
The show deals a lot with economic issues similar to later european middle age economy. And most money used being silver not gold. Silver was what brought the house of Hapsburg to power all over Europe until someone else found a larger mine…
It’s a bit more complicated but still not as cruel as Legend, maybe. It seems rather tuned down, yet, it’s not good for the faint hearted. This show doesn’t spill a lot of blood but lots of tears. In contrast, Legend was full of intense conflict & fighting and spilled most blood during the birth of the first child & little sister. That was shocking. Se Won, the best fighter & Jool’s lost brother, was wasted for nothing…just to spare from burdening her with his sins.
The final showdown was kind of unreal, hence, disappointing. Or simply said nothing happened. Although, the main villain claimed to have done it for sake of the country, too, this reason was given as reclaiming deserved respect. But mostly it was about ruling in the background. There’s some mentioning about the
KhitanThe show left out the stories about King Hyejong, Yeo Won’s half-brother. This is a source for confusion as it’s only mentioned once, even though it’s obvious. As well as the deadly fights forced onto the 34 princes & princesses … obviously after
So’sbanishment. The traitor’s right hand men are never given even tough their assassination was supposedly the cause of it all. In the end, the intro scene is shown again. It’s about 20+ years later and, obviously, Jool is no more. The final scene is a dream, fiction or “perfect ending”. Or everything was fiction to begin with.
😆 It’s about 5-10 years later, Jool has returned and is united with So. In reality, Jool never existed and the reforms took 17 years to be put into law.This show…it will be one of only two or three korean “feudal/sword” show I will ever recommend, probably. On a side note
Legend-Tae Wang Sa Shin Gitakes place 500 years earlier. Goryeo being Goguryeo’s self-claimed successor state in name and Balhae, a direct child state of Goguryeo. Pyongyang was Goguryeo’s later capital, hence, the reason for trying to move back. Like Goguryeo, Goryeo lasted slightly over 500 years instead of the 1000 years wish. There are no other historic relationship between the two shows. Verdict: 8.3
Cast: 9
Cast performance: 8
Script/Directing: 8
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Hitotsu Yane no Shita / Under One Roof (Under The Same Roof)
" /> 
" /> 
" /> 
" /> Poopy impression
Type: Family Drama
Genre: family drama, comedy
Year: 1993
Intro:
This is one of the most popular classic series in Japan and abroad. Two shows (seasons) were made with an average rating above 34%. Very few shows have a better rating. Only the summer Olympics have a significant higher rating (40-47%). The series supposedly had 12 complete reruns. The data is probably outdated.
It reminds of “Full house” but that’s where the similarity ends.
Synopsis:
The Kashiwagi parents passed away in a car accident leaving their children behind. 18 year old Kashiwagi Tatsuya, the eldest son, unable to take care of his siblings decides to have their relatives & adopters take care of his siblings. He goes in pursuit of his marathon career.
Seven years later…
Tatsuya/An-chan, 26, is going to marry his fiancee, Chizuru, and decides to have a family meeting. He also plans to open a cleaning shop.
Masaya/Chi-niichan, 25, has been adopted and is going to inherit a hospital from an uncle (mother’s ex-fiancee). He has become elitist and snobbish. He offers Tatsuya money to stay away. Masaya hates Tatsuya’s hypocritical behavior…
Koyuki, 22, the eldest sister, has become an office lady who was angry at Tatsuya for renting pron has now an illicit relationship with her boss (ex-college sempai). She has been living by herself nearly all this time…
These three are supposed to be leading but things turn to the worse (acceptable for japanese TV at the time; more in 2nd season).
Kazuya is hanging out with bad company. He’s an ex-convict and because of that he has trouble with the police and work, regardless whether the accusations are true or no. He pulls a knife on Tatsuya the first time they meet…
Koume, 17, the youngest sister, the top #2 high school freshman, is having a hard time living with her cousin. She tries to hide her miserable situation from her siblings especially since what happened to Fumiya. Koume works secretly as hostess to gain independence…
Fumiya, the youngest brother, now 15, was involved in a motorcycle mishap two years ago and had been bound to the chair. His relatives had sent him away because they got their own son by then. He has cut himself off from the others and retreated into his shell…
Tormented by guilt Tatsuya decides to take care of Fumiya without talking to Chizuru first. He usually decides on things without talking to anyone first. Naturally, at this late point it’s all a disaster.
Masaya, meanwhile, is torn between loyalty to his blood related family and his foster family. His only confidant is a patient who could die any moment from heart failure when exerting herself. However, she’s been kept in the dark by everyone…
Koyuki gives up everything to attend to her newfound family or so it seems. Everyone’s just unreliable and she has to try to “fix” things her way.
They end up partying more often than their pockets would allow. Tatsuya, being simple minded and assumptuous, easily blows things out of proportion. He often preaches but the man has a price. Pudding and cakes are a means for bribery, which actually, doesn’t work. Yet he throws a tantrum over them.
In this season, except for Masaya, the brothers easily fall prey to women from which new troubles arise. Koume, having a father complex, intends to live with uncle Hirose Yukio instead of her mother. Yukio was once a love rival in the love quadrouple. However, she is attacked and raped on her way home.
As the situation unfolds and they overcome more or less the troubles and trials the bonds between the siblings improved (or not).
Masaya never saw Koyuki as a sister and as circumstances develop it becomes a troublesome love triangle between the siblings. Koyuki was actually adopted and is unrelated by blood.
Critique:
This show is the reverse of the later “Hotman” show/manga, the starting situation that is. Both are great in their own respect.
Eguchi Yosuke as Tatsuya/An-chan, is great in performing the all happy outgoing brother who’s oblivious to his siblings’ lives. Imagine the Japanese version of Jim Carrey. Naturally, the siblings are resentful of his carefree life while they had hardships. His performances as the later tormented and or the bakaro brother are very natural, funny, embarrassing, sad, etc. And in line with the other actors it makes the family drama scenes great. There’s lots of [strike]domestic violence[/strike] “sibling love” in those scenes yet it’s well controlled within bounds. I wonder if there were accidents shooting these scenes.
Later on, Tatsuya being always presumptuous gets himself head over heels involved with a hostess. Although, this is certainly a possibility it resolved way too easy. The main reason being the compactness of the many stories within this short show. Then again I guess japanese TV wasn’t ready yet at the time for more serious stuff, too.
Sakai Noriko as Koyuki doesn’t seem much in comparison (for a reason) but she undoubtedly has an important role; playing the weakest and naive big sister/stand-in mother. It doesn’t appear noticeable but she’s the one holding everything together. Without her support the family falls apart. She represents the perfect japanese woman except she doesn’t do flower arrangement and or wear kimonos.
The majority of the cast isn’t so outstanding but they all are very natural and convincing in their roles. It’s difficult to say if there’s chemistry since there’s constant sibling “fights”. Overall I can’t think of anything major to complain.
Not much has been said about Kazuya’s 7 years. Maybe I missed it… I don’t remember whether he lived alone, with relatives or in an orphanage. All that’s said was that he was in a detention center. Everyone else has a more detailed reasonable history.
How, such a family could realistically makes things meet ends in Japan, I can’t say. Japan has a high Gini index (54,7) as well as being one of the most costly regarding living expenses. Note the house is 2 story high and has about 17.3 tatamis in 4 rooms for the whole family…
Verdict: 9
Cast: 8
Cast performance: 9
Script/Directing: 10
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Hitotsu Yane no Shita 2 / Under One Roof 2 (Under The Same Roof 2)
" /> 
" /> 
" /> Type: Family Drama
Genre: family drama, comedy
Year: 1997
Synopsis:
Around 1.5(2) years later (4 in the real world), Koume has finished high school and is about to enter college. She fails to see her number, actually misses it, and returns home without commiting suicide.
Masaya leaves for Germany to give Tatsuya and Koyuki space, and to pursuit his new found dream of a poor doctor helping poor people like their parents and uncle Hirose Yukio.
In order to improve their finaces they take in the boarder Hayakawa Masumi who was mistaken as a girl, hence, is forced to crossdress.
Kazuya meets the love of his life but it’s not a happy first meeting as she blackmails him for a million. Mochizuki Miki’s all about money to support her mother who’s in a coma. After her mother dies, Kazuya convinces the family to take her in and let them camp out in a tent in the garden…
Tatsuya’s old sports friend Kawamura Izumi shows up and recruits Kazuya. Miki, being jealouse and fearing him getting doped, keeps an eye on him.
Fumiya has made a penpal girlfriend, Terada Nami. However, both have kept secrets about themselves. After a troublesome hide and seek, they find to each other. Through adventures and mishap their relation deepens into true love.
Troubled by Koyuki, Tatsuya, arranges with their neighbor an omiai for her with Maezono Toshio. Toshio is a persistent bald guy, who when turned down poses as his imaginary twin to chase after her again.
Koume finally enters college and is coerced into the tennis club by Nagumo Shunpei. They spend a hot night together in bed. The family roughs him up after finding out. Kurahashi Miho having an illicit relationship with Shunpei is bend on hurting and bullying Koume.
She reveals Koume’s rape to Shunpei. Koume attempts suicide by climbing the tall chimney of a public bath. (climbing without safety line while the chimney sways)
Koyuki has to beg and grovel in the dirt for Shunpei to come save her, but he wouldn’t. Yet Koume makes up with him.
After a fight with Tatsuya over Koume she appears to have given up on him. Koyuki finally gives in to Toshio and agrees to marry him. However, she develops leukemia and doesn’t have long to live. The uncles and Tatsuya keep it a secret. Actually, he can’t tell her. When he forbids her marriage everyone’s upset. He lies about loving her. Toshio challenges him to a kendo fight but couldn’t win over his stubbornness.
Because of his old “acquaintances” Kazuya gets in trouble with the police again. After some serious trouble he manages save Shogo from the gang and unite him with his sister Miki.
Fumiya gains public interest due to his painting and even wins in the exhibition.
Koyuki faints and the secret is out after she escapes from the hospital. Koyuki makes Tatsuya promise her to… Since, she doesn’t have real siblings there is no hope of saving her.
Tatsuya & Masumi chase after Megumi, Koyuki’s half sister, to her school. These perverts get arrested for harrassing and kidnapping.
In the end, Kazuya and Miki part ways.
Critique:
Looking back it’s kind of amazing how a true continuation could be made after 4 years and with all the original cast. Lots of other shows failed to do the same and even with only one year gap e.g. Firefly or Hotman etc…
Throughout the show Tatsuya is wearing a T-shirt with a bunny emblem this is a hint to be found in the first show. After things with Nami and Shunpei got resolved they are not seen again. The main reason being the compactness of the many stories within this short show. It’s a lot more compact and cramped than season 1.
Despite the timely short comings there are imho some excess scenes I’m not sure why they would be necessary. And how could Miki endure Kazuya’s snoring?
Miki is a great addition to the cast. The scene where she teases about Koume with “chu chu”, like kids do, while Tatsuya is clawing tightly onto the newspaper was fun.
Verdict: 9.4
Cast: 9
Cast performance: 9.5
Script/Directing: 10
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“Under One Roof 2” features more ballads and idols than the previous season. Surprisingly, even after 20 to 40 years of huge popularity nearly none of these songs have been translated yet! What’s more, in nearly every episode there are slight differences either in lyric, arrangement or timing. Both shows have a huge amount of dialogues, about 50 to 100% more than the average show in the same time. These seems to be the reason there’s no complete English translation for the second season. Well, I have my own version with completed lyrics.
Using simple karaoke effects results in 1-2 megabytes of scripting code just for the lyrics alone, though. -_-;Normal dialogue is bare bone simple in comparison. I can relate to the scare effect of attempting to do the subtitles for the show.
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Legal High
" /> 
" /> the monster and the heroine
" /> 
" /> heroine power make up!
" /> 
" /> alternative existence; defiant & obstreperous
" /> 
" /> punk rock, rebellious heroine
" /> 
" /> punk’s best appearance
" /> heartbroken heroine
" /> 
" /> the true asadora heroine
Are wa koideshita=That was Love
[BBvideo]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWcVlZiqgnk [/BBvideo] Don’t Look Back
[BBvideo]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWrs8AFkha4 [/BBvideo] a scene copied from “Nihonjin no Shiranai Nihongo”
[BBvideo]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYqW7UdFDcY [/BBvideo] Type: Law drama
Genre: courtroom, comedy
Year: 2012
Intro:
Two shows of the series were made with a “better” average rating. There’s half a dozen or so songs written for the whole series that are good, funny, weird, or awkward. Yet, they are obviously base on well known pieces. They all appear in the shows (in parts) but may not be the center of attentions.
Synopsis:
Komikado Kensuke is an extravagant lawyer bend on winning as long as there’s money to make. He’s holding the absolute winning record and has no qualms to show off. He will do everything to keep his record and or win the rematches to erase the loses.
Mayuzumi Machiko is a lawyer newbie who by circumstance partners with Kensuke. She’s determined to put up with him to one day beat him.
Namase Katsuhisa has a grudge against Kensuke because of a past case and would do anything to ruin or defeat him. Kensuke himself is scarred by the case. Three years ago, it was him who put 3 year old Saori-chan through a painful drug trial leading to her death; it was all to win the case…
And then it’s happening again, Machiko secretly puts her body on the line to bring forth proof…. and the price she has to pay is shocking! While facing death she keeps her smile and brings the case to a close. However, it’s the end of the partnership. A tearful Machiko bids her farewell…
Critique:
Best courtroom series ever! Maybe a bit exaggerated but I stand by it. And yeah, watch every second attentively or you will miss something. Not only because the main actor is talking and doing “interesting stuff” at the same time. There’s some minor bonuses.
Sakai Masato as Komikado Kensuke is amazing in this show. (He’s different in all other shows.) Here he’s superficial similar to comedian Woody Allen due to his oratorical skills; or imagine a combination of a Japanese comedian and Lex Luther from Superman & Lois.
The comedic side of the show is there to hide the truths the shows is touching on. This is similar to a jester of past ages. Kensuke addresses and or makes fun of human stupidity, double standards, hypocrisy, social engineering, social lies or pressure, public opinion or will nothing’s left out not even deep rooted japanese social problems. That said this show is the more serious of the two seasons.
It’s all only possible (on Japanese TV) with him running his mouth as a character trait. He’s usually rude and bashes on all sides to shack everyone up, and takes them down with theatrical or sensational speeches and performances.
Many cases appear to be based on
simple reasons but, frankly, they are quite common in real life civil courts. Kensuke appears as a pure lawyers but as the cases progress he ends up revealing hidden or “alternative” truths. Who knows. ¯_(ツ)_/¯ 😆 Anyway, it seems he has a weakness in acting. It’s rarely seen or hard to notice, but his right eye twitches sometimes. I guess because of the complexity of acting in these show it came to light.
Aragaki Yui as Mayuzumi Machiko, often called “asadora heroine” by Kensuke. “Asadora” (Morning Drama) is NHK’s morning program of drama shows. It’s often the stepping stone for young actresses. The theme’s mostly about a young girl working hard to overcome troubles in life. It has long become a prestigious program, its fame and popularity also serves to foster tourism and foreign relations. “Oshin” is often cited as the best known world wide and being the highest rated show ever with 52.6%.
She’s your typical country bump who gets used by Kensuke and others. Her singing brings tears to the audience.
😆 During the course of the show she grows up while struggling to keep to her ideal and not giving in to Kensuke’s influence.Her speech also seems to change toward the end. [This is her usual way in other shows, though.](More development can be found in the next season.)
Koike Eiko, THE gravure idol, plays as Sawachi Kimie. She’s only interested in men fighting it out, hence, she gives conflict a hand when needed. Her role is surprisingly broad even though it’s not that important except for a handful of scenes.
In this season you get to see
the woman who Kensuke running away from with his tail between his legs or
- Kensuke’s trauma of opposing a towering giant or
- facing the biggest regret of his life or
- instant loss at first sight, the sadistic judge making him grovel in the dirt and rot in a hole.
The cases are “ordinary” leaning toward Japanese specific issues with the Special about one of the biggest social problem in Japan: school bullying.
And yes, some detail stuff are made up but there’s no reason why something similar wouldn’t exist. Perhaps some tricks aren’t necessary new but certainly not all used in the ways they are in this show.
Unlike regular courtroom shows, there are often chitchat among the lawyers from both sides and other minor irregularities. And there are lots of theatrical stuff.
There’s not much else to criticize because it all can be waived due to the comedic or inseriousness. For example, the “ninja” Kensuke hires and the time and preparation needed are often unrealistic. Or often there’s not much time between courtroom sessions.
Despite the shortness of the show the final episode was surprisingly the long awaited final showdown between Kensuke and Machiko.
While watching the show all sorts of tears came up. If you thought you’ve seen it all then brace for season 2!
Verdict: 9.3
Cast: 8
Cast performance: 10
Script/Directing: 10
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Legal High 2
" /> We are hot!
" /> 
" /> illusionary love and peace team; heavenly team
" /> 
" /> 
" /> dubious victory
" /> 
" /> cases of abuses
" /> 
" /> the robot puppets
" /> 
" /> bombshell; Ninjas bout!
" /> 
" /> eyes! & faces
" /> 
" /> secret master guidebook
short performance “Rotten delusional Girl!” is a derivative of some other piece
[BBvideo]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwxYV6y7Cl4 [/BBvideo]
[hidden]complete karaoke:
Gohan tsubu ga tsuite iru yo to kao o chikadzukeI drew close to your face, with grains of rice stuck to it
Dosakusa ni magire te kimi kuchibiru ubata
But in the midst of my confusion, I took my lips away
Nante moso zenbu moso
What a delusional, totally delusional
Watashi moso fujoshi Girl!
I’m a rotten-delusional Girl!
female version foundhere[/hidden] Type: Law drama
Genre: courtroom, comedy
Year: 2013
Synopsis:
Sometime later, without realizing Kensuke’s greatest enemy has prepared his downfall to hell. Machiko faces the most difficult decisions of her life.
And admits it all, the case of the century has brought new strong opponents. As if that’s not enough the worse of worse judge re-appears.
As the cases come and go, Kensuke realizes Machiko’s being held up by him and kicks her out. Machiko ends up joining the enemy or is it Kensuke?
Critique:
The continuation of season 1 is a complex show with stories intervened similar to “newer” modern Korean shows.
Sakai Masato as Komikado Kensuke outdoes himself again, reaching new highs (of embarrassment
😆 ).This time it’s about truths of human nature nobody wants to hear, acknowledge or admit. The consensus: The truths to all your questions about the world you cannot find in any text books, you can find it looking back right at you in any mirror. You just have to look beyond its appearance.
Since the first Special, Machiko is fully depicted as a strong country girl. She gets to show it off more in this season. She appears to be really strong in real life, well, at least in her back and legs.
In this season you get to see
Machiko beating up Kensuke to a pulp or
- a head-on, bare-fisted court fight between geniuses or
- under the whip of the sadistic judge Kensuke’s an obedient, teeth-less puppy or
- the freezing hell of the Chief Prosecutor or
- the alluring prospect of a super woman or
- the most hated person of the century making him lick dirt or
- Kensuke getting struck down by a messiah.
What more is there to be desired? Well… It’s kind of puzzling, it’s never shown how the “prince” came to join them in the beginning. Jane’s personality changes are also puzzling. In her case, it could be hand waived, though, but still I don’t see a good reason why it had to be this way.
Why the “prince” isn’t reacting to Machiko’s botched up cue phrase was puzzling but boy that was mean!! And I fell for it. This is a case for another class action lawsuit.
😆 On a side note, in the later half Machiko and Beppu are wearing the same necklace which also appears in other later shows with them. They were probably part of the same agency.
Verdict: 9.7
Cast: 9
Cast performance: 10
Script/Directing: 10
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JOKER Yurusarezaru Sosakan
" /> talk to the hand
" /> photocopy his head
" /> victory in defeat
sample
[BBvideo]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLIkYWNDSUg [/BBvideo] Type: police drama
Genre: mystery, conspiracy, crime
Year: 2010
Synopsis:
Date Kazuyoshi is a detective of the Kanagawa prefectural police force. He’s a embarrassing, shameful detective who’s not respected by his juniors. Yet, he solves cases with or without the higher ups consent. Miyagi Asuka, newbie detective, is forced to partner with Date. It’s a harsh time of trial. Rumor has it criminals who got away with their crime were mysteriously disappearing. Katagiri Saeko, a reporter, frequents the police for the scoop.
As the story progresses Date comes under suspicion. Asuka gets torn between loyalty and mistrust, good and evil. Is Date a murderer, especially did he murder her brother?
Critique:
[The original review kind of went lost quite some time ago. This is my tentative rewrite which is lacking in detail.]
This show is about mystery, heinous crimes where criminals cannot be judged or punished by law, e.g. the infamous criminal law code 39.
Part of the police force are unhappy about the situation. This is the basis for the background story.
Sakai Masato as Date Kazuyoshi plays the gentle, gullible detective with a dark past and secret. During the day, he is a funny guy who often gets into embarrassing situations. He gets no respect whatsoever but his ability is recognized or rather he’s tolerated. At night he’s the iron disciplined, yet, “displeased”, unfailing/unswerving vigilante. By circumstance he is met with his admirer who may or may not turn to evil…
Anne as Miyagi Asuka plays the rookie, country bump female detective. Whenever Date goes on his selfish research she has to take care of all the paper work. Needless to say Date’s embarrassing “behavior” drives her mad.
Ryo as Katagiri Saeko plays the reporter. She’s wasted in the show. She just serves to initiate events or introduce new information. Her death is just so evil, pointless.
The mystery story parts are good. They show the true evil and the thin line between good and evil our (dark) heroes have to tread. There are also examples of alternative possibilities.
The renegade police vigilante story is too dark in this show. Even though, the “master” doesn’t kill the criminals he killed their own. Not only once but twice and willing for more. This is just too simple, shocking, and unbalanced an evil. Well, it appears the show set a new bar here.
Verdict: 8
Cast: 8
Cast performance: 8
Script/Directing: 8
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Hanzawa Naoki
" /> friends for life
" /> who’s watching who?
" /> the evil army of the government
[hidden]WARNING! may not be suitable for viewing
Inspector Kurosaki[BBvideo]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ReF82UDY9k4 [/BBvideo] [/hidden] Type: Business drama
Genre: thriller, suspense
Year: 2013
Intro:
This show is based on a series of novels of the same name by Ikeido Jun. There are 4 novels. This show covers the first two. The show’s last episode has the highest episode rating in over a decade. And it has started intense debate in Japan. It’s eagerly awaited to receive a continuation.
Synopsis:
Due to a past event, Hanzawa Naoki joined the Sangyo Chuo Bank in 1992 which merged with the Tokyo Daiichi Bank in 2002. Now, he’s the head of the Loans Division of the Osaka Nishi branch of the Tokyo Chuo Bank. One day the Branch manager, Asano, forces him to award an unsecured loan of 500 million yen to Nishi Osaka Steel.
As a result, the loan is lost when Nishi Osaka Steel went bankrupt. Asano makes Hanzawa the scapegoat. Naoki is forced to recover the loss or be shipped out. However, the Nishi Osaka Steel owner has disappeared. Naoki starts a rigorous manhunt by himself. To make matters worse, the Regional Taxation Bureau shows up for an unspecified inspection. Naoki has to recover the loss before the Tax agents confiscate the money.
Having survived the crisis Naoki has become the Deputy Manager of Operations Department 2 at headquarters. When the bank is about to face the scrutiny of the Financial Services Agency, Naoki is assigned to deal with the troubled Iseshima Hotel, as it would endanger the bank.
What was supposed to be a simple matter turns out to be an internal intrigue of the highest level while putting the bank (and Hotel) on the brink of imminent death. Naoki is willing to do anything to save both including doing a dogeza if forced to but he will pay it back double.
Critique:
I will ignore the real internal workings of a bank or accounting and point to other obvious problems. The depiction of bank business and accounting is very basic anyway, and just serve to feed the story. It would be unfair to fiction to kill it off right then and there.
For more information on Japan’s mega bank system you want to watch the show “Karei-naru Ichizoku”. Or watch geopolitical, economic documentaries. I recommend the ones done by France. Imho they are the best there is. It’s just data and scholar opinion, though. However, without deeper understanding than the best history text books around the world can offer, you will never understand the true political motives.
The show, actually, has a lot of short comings. It’s simple and one-sided imho. The enemies usually has it all planned, and just sits around waiting for the time to make his next planned move. The enemies hardly do anything in addition to what’s already plan. And the rivaling government’s army of agents are just slower or one step behind the hero. In real life, industrial espionage is not to be underestimated. With such big enemies you would expect at least internal cell phone & computer log records and tracking; not to mention detectives.
No such thing can be found in the show. I dunno whether they are in the novel or not or if they where cut due to time constraints of the show. My guess is they aren’t there to begin with.
Even if the enemy does interfere Naoki magically cast it away or has it done somehow. For example when he was given tons of statistical work that would take all the time to do. Yet, he still goes off to take care of his main problem and we never see the given work being done or resolved.
Naoki works together with a reporter to get information and public “support.” However, the media in Japan is close to the government and industry and has appropriate censorship in place. Just look at the media coverage history of the nuclear industry. Until Fukoshima, there has virtually been no kind critiques. That aside there’s a law in Japan forbidding publicizing false facts. Therefore, making a scoop without revealing facts or having their confirmation is impossible. For the same reason Japan has really good documentaries. Btw. in light of Fukushima, in 2014, another major censorship law was passed in Japan further restricting publications. But for these reasons Japanese documentaries are highly reliable. Comparatively, Discovery channel is up to date and great on new things but has too many misinformation or sensational/manipulative information.
Aside from the first newspaper publication we never get to see the other 2nd publication. Perhaps this was in the novel, though.
Most of the suspension come from the timely pressure Naoki is under, which are, frankly, solved faster than any spy show or movie. In a mega city like Tokyo or Osaka, despite the great subway or bus network you can’t make a round trip anywhere in less than 1.5 or 2 hours. It’s all ridiculously unrealistic. Well, lets ignore the rest of technical scrutiny.
One good thing in the show is the friendship between Naoki and his close peers. Here, Kondo Naosuke is depicted as the weak opposite of Naoki. It’s too bad Tomari Shinobu is never shown doing anything but providing support.
But worse of all, Naoki’s wife, Hanzawa Hana, appears to be a poor shadow of her novel counterpart. Ueto Aya’s acting talents are wasted on her. In the novel she’s supposed to be a lot more crafty and “evil” (perhaps no good for Japanese TV). Here she’s just the “uninformed” goody goody homely wife…nearly serving as decoration only. This degradation is really sad but at least the results of her coincidental or not spy activities weren’t cut. She’s at least the ideal Japanese wife who supports her husband.
The show does depict the wife and family of Asano in more detail but all the other villain wives are all evil or at least one is impartial.
The evil government and it’s representative Kurosaki (=death…) are just stereotypes who serve to put more pressure on Naoki. Kurosaki is quite some weird guy with amazing calculative skillz and scary way of dealing reprimands for his men, literally. Here, governmental employees are untouchable, waiting for a reason to bring down the hammer of judgement. Frankly, in Japan, they are being kicked around the same in real life, too
Even though, antisocial forces (Yakuza) are mentioned once, they never get to play any part. It’s unimaginable they aren’t involved in some of the small businesses or with Higashida Mitsuru.
There are a few shocking revelations. Well, they are kind of predictable so they are rather confirmations than surprises. Evil is everywhere it’s a wonder no major tragedies happened.
Disappointingly, the later half of the show (2nd novel) got resolved too quickly in the end. Overall, the show is an extremely enjoyable thriller if you ignore its short comings.
Verdict: 8.3
Cast: 8
Cast performance: 8
Script/Directing: 9
-
Boss
" /> 
" /> 
" /> Eriko cool; Police work: maskot Peepo! ; the thief
" /> dream couple
" /> unacustomed to earthquake: is she really Japanese?
" /> 
" /> Reiko ; Katagiri
" /> 
" /> Kimoto Mami power up; Yamamura-san
" /> 
" /> Iwai-san takes a good sniff; Hanagata Ippei
Type: detective drama
Genre: crime, detective, action
Year: 2009
Synopsis:
Osawa Eriko is recalled to head the newly found Special Crimes Countermeasure Unit. Officially, it’s a quick response investigate unit meant to deal with high priority or difficult or modern crime. It is to provide assistance to Criminal Investigation Division 1. However, the truth is a complex layered matter of interest from various groups within the “organization.”
The unit has been raised by Nodate Shinjiro who also selected the colorful team:
Eriko, 40, Division 1/4 outcast inspector, highly intelligent, an expert in profiling, a beauty, a single among single, self-declared busty, heavy drinker, and messy (exhibitionist) sleeper.
Katagiri Takuma, 31, Division 1 outcast, a handsome, gloomy, hard working man, a master marksman, has shooting phobia, has no experience with women, , bloodtype B, self declared awkward.
Kimoto Mami, 25, expert forensics, Scitific Crime Detection Research outcast, fair introvert nerd, has difficulty to follow “order”, bloodtype B.
Hanagata Ippei, 24, rookie from a police box, healthy, willing to do anything, bloodtype O, a weirdo.
Yamamura Keisuke, 50, Sgt., Environmental Haelth and Safety outcast, careless “Trapper”, divorced twice, has a dislike toward beautiful women, likes cabaret clubs, bloodtype AB.
Iwai Zenji, 39, Sgt., Organized Crime Division (4) outcast, a brawler, cross-dresser, likes men, bloodtype AB.
It basically consists of peculiar police “troublemakers”, hence, the true purpose is to isolate them. The unit’s office is located on the 6th floor in the corner of the Annex building.
The unit solves cases due to each member’s peculiar strength and their boss’ intuition and smarts. The members more or less overcome their weaknesses for good or worse.
Critique:
So far this show has the best team of all police dramas. Half of the cast are better or best actors. The advantage is it makes a great show to enjoy. The disadvantage is some are not available for season 2.
The women are strong in this show. Amami Yuki as Osawa Eriko is just great as usual.
Takenouchi Yutaka as Nodate Shinjiro makes a good pair with her (and in other shows). In the show they have a 18 year old relationship kind of like Akane & Ranma, a like-despising one. Nodate says he raised the unit for his gokons (Nodate-kon).
Kichise Michiko as Narahashi Reiko is Eriko’s rival in womanhood. It’s a good friendly, poisonous relationship. A reason for cat fights! Toda Erika as Kimoto Mami is the junior for both woman to raise. She has the best character stories in the show. We get to see her grow while going through goo and bad time. Mostly bad times if not worse of all in both seasons, though.
Too bad the show is kind of short, there’s not that much or extensive relationship scenes to enjoy like in longer shows like NCIS. However, all necessary character stories and relationships are there so there’s is really nothing missing.
The majority of crimes turn out to have some mystery to them that are solved in smart ways. It’s very enjoyable to watch.
The conspiracy in the end was shocking, misleading, suspenseful. Even though I could guess roughly how it would go it kept me glued to the screen until the very end. Sorimachi Takashi (GTO) as Takakura Ryuhei, the mastermind of the Black Moon, was a surprise appearance. He’s always soo evil when playing the bad guy. Here he’s double/triple crossing everyone and escaping nearly all our heroes’ traps. He even plants a fuel-vapor (thermobaric) bomb that’s exaggerated as a nuke equivalent with no one in Japan able to disable it (except Japan’s foremost criminal bomber). This is too much of a Hollywood trope. All that needs to be done is preventing oxygen mixing or contact for a moment, e.g. sand, water, nitrogen would do. If you thought you’ve seen it all then brace for season 2!
Miscellaneous stuff:
The show is up to date on scientific research e.g. James Surowiecki’s work on the Wisdom of Crowds/Collective intelligence that just came out.
The first few seconds of the ED is very reminiscent to the Japanese “Yuki no Hana”. Well, I would have identified it regardless in which language.
Verdict: 9.7
Cast: 10
Cast performance: 9
Script/Directing: 10
-
Boss 2
" /> Numata Yoshimi replaces Reiko and that’s just the start
😈 
" /> 
" /> OMG fan rage over a Korean boy group ; Eriko’s omiai under surveillance
" /> 
" /> Sachiko, the dark angel; Sachiko makes another unsuspecting comment
" /> 
" /> police super team; maskots Peepo! Peepa! Peepee!
Type: detective drama
Genre: crime, detective, action
Year: 2011
Synopsis:
It has been two years since then… Nodate, who has risen to become the counsellor as a result of the performance of Eriko and the unit, accepts an important case with the intention of securing another promotion. And, so he revives the Special Crimes Countermeasure Unit.
Critique:
The bad: Kichise Michiko as Narahashi Reiko and Toda Erika as Kimoto Mami aren’t available or only partialy available for the show. Reiko’s and Eriko’s farewell on bad terms over Mami’s exiling was sad.
Hasegawa Kyoko as Tadokoro Sachiko/Sacchi isn’t an equal replacement for Mami. She has a double background story we don’t to see much other than the implications and “results”. She is badass but we get only a glimpse.
Shaku Yumiko as Numata Yoshimi replaces Reiko. At first, she is your ordinary forensics but whoa once she starts her “play” she’s convincingly fanatic.
The episode with the ex-french-legion soldier was unsuspecting, yet, good. Darker yet less evil than the one with the ex-Yakuza boss. Both stories are typical twisted stories where our heroes end up saving the bad guys.
I have hoped to see Sorimachi Takashi (GTO) again and the show was leading on for a while, but he got killed off to introduce an even greater evil. That was a little disappointing. Omori Nao as Morioka Hiroshi, the mysterious ex-police now ministry-secretary. He plays the usual underdog antagonist but the show sent me for a loop until the end. His shooting skillz is superb is an understatement. Despite being cornered on both sides he shot them both and wins unscathed! It’s a true dark and heinous conspiracy. And it’s still not over yet.
Just when you thought Mami rejoined the show for good she’s killed off for the x times here. She’s really the preferred target in this series. Eriko also has become a prefered target in this season. In the end she’s infected with a deadly virus but manages to run a few times. That’s a bit too much even for her.
Miscellaneous stuff:
Notice Eriko recommending and praising lawyer “Takako Mamiya” from “Rikon Bengoshi” in the show. Notice the lawyer’s appearance at the airport. I think it’s just a print worn by someone, though.
Verdict: 9.5
Cast: 9
Cast performance: 9.5
Script/Directing: 10
-
-
ST Scientific Task Force [Korean]
" /> the team
Type: police drama
Genre: mystery crime, comedy, detective, action
Year: 2014
Introduction:
This show is referred as ST season 2!
Synopsis:
Five exceptional researchers are gathered and given powers for special investigations in response to diversified modern crimes. They are called the Scientific Task Force or ST for short. They work in the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department’s Scientific Crime Laboratory.
The elite rookie Inspector Yurine Tomohisa becomes the ST’s commanding officer.
Akagi Samon, the true leader; forensic expert; has a fear of other people; leads, organizes & analyses the team and their gathered information.
Aoyama Sho, a profiler with an American PhD in criminal psychology; a compulsive messy with order in the chaos.
Kurosaki Yuji, a chemical expert with such an excellent sense of smell that he is able to discern the scent of poisonous substances; unbeatable brawler; does not talk to just anyone.
Yamabuki Saizo, a Nobel price level chemical expert who is also a monk.
Yuki Midori, a physicist who also has an exceptional sense of hearing; a compulsive exhibitionist.
All of them possess great abilities but are socially inept.
The most eccentric of them is their leader and forensic expert,
Critique:
The show’s concepts are badly mixed and realized. And frankly, this overshadows everything for me. The show invests into comedy the wrong way, too. Or maybe because the actors aren’t well in doing them.
The team’s members are designed superficially similar to the genetically enhanced augments from
Star Trek DS9 – “Statistical Probabilities”For example Fujiwara Tatsuya as Akagi Samon when he finally has figured it out he virtually has a “headache” attack or some such sickness.
In the first half the stories are your ordinary mystery cases. This is the good part of the show. In the second it goes the way of
JOKER Yurusarezaru Sosakan. Here, renegade ex-policemen commit murder and try to turn people against the law and police. That aside the true aim (main theme) is to draw and plunch Akagi Samon into darkness. Turning him into a monster and making him the new leader of the renegades. This part is just bad and on the last drop. Verdict: 7.3
Cast: 7
Cast performance: 8
Script/Directing: 7
-
Missing Noir M[Korea]
" /> Gil Soo Hyun taking measurements in his mind’s eye
" /> Jin Seo Joon’s secret: HOME
Type: police drama
Genre: mystery, crime, detective, action
Year: 2015
Synopsis:
Genius ex-FBI agent Gil Soo Hyun is recruited to head a new task force to solve the toughest cases. Due to his past he has an secret agenda of doing what he deemed right.
Veteran detective Oh Dae Young is partnered up, and is to keep an eye on Gil Soo Hyun.
Jin Seo Joon is the information gathering, analysis nerd. She has a secret past which serves to create a bond with Gil Soo Hyun, willingly or not.
Critique:
This show has perhaps the most twisted stories of all mystery crime dramas. The stories are good, suspenseful, interesting. Most of them have more than two twists. Nothing is what it seems and all involved appear to be the bad guy at some point. Until the very end it’s unclear who’s the victim or criminal or what’s the truth. Frankly, the story I liked most was more a ordinary mystery case. Be warned: many of the stories are dark, even creepy.
The actors are ok but it could be better. Too bad, the best actress is just a guest star and gets killed off.
Unlike other mystery shows only Gil Soo Hyun and Oh Dae Young do the walking. This kind of small team is kind of refreshing and it gives a new or better perspective on solving the cases. It also adds a thrill to it all.
Despite everything the show is really good.
Verdict: 8
Cast: 7
Cast performance: 8
Script/Directing: 9
-
Tsukahara Bokuden
" /> 
" /> ShinEmon facing his biggest childhood enemy, the seedling!
" /> 
" /> Samon: No way!
" /> Mahiro
" /> unending defeat
" /> Samon makes a move on Kano
" /> final journey
Tsukahara Bokuden Episode 4 Eng Sub 3[BBvideo]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5A_KRGQCCs [/BBvideo] Type: semi historical drama
Genre: history, samurai, action
Year: 2011
Introduction:
This is the story about the legendary swordsman Tsukahara Bokuden, considered to be the best Japan ever had. To this day people devoted to Japanese sword-fighting, would make pilgrimages to the Kashima shrine, where his
grave liesSummary:
ShinEmon was born into the Urabe Yoshikawa house, Hitachi no kuni (Hitachi Province, today’s Ibaraki Prefecture) on Honshu, but is adopted later.
In 1505, 7 years later, he’s coming of age and receives the name Takamoto, hence, Tsukahara Shin’emon Takamoto.
He has mastered the Kashima-chuko and Shindou sword style. He is eager to learn more and requests to be allowed to become a wandering swordsman in training.
As heir to the Tsukahara, neither his adopted father, the head of the Tsukahara, nor the head of the Hitachi Daijyou clan agree.
The Kashima shrine is rundown and has become less visited. After an insurgent attack on the shrine, ShinEmon is let go to spread the Kashima-chuko sword style and the Kashima deity’s fame again.
His younger sister Mahiro, is a shrine maiden serving the
Monoimi-samapriestess. Yamazaki Samon has doubt about his lowly self being allowed to accompany ShinEmon. However, he has no family to leave behind. If anything happens he will be punished or won’t be able to return alive either.
😈 Their first fight is against bandits (Mad Max 2) to save a poor village. ShinEmon’s logic gives the battle expirienced/hardened Samon a headache.
The first duel is against Maki Genki, the human devil with the Daifu Ryu style sword fighter (frog like style).
ShinEmon is confronted with the dilemma of unending fighting (war) bigots more. And he is asked for an answer to a way of winning without killing.
In 1508, they reach the capital Kyoto. On their way they save Kano from ruffians (free roaming ex-soldiers or bandits).
They get tracked down and invited by her father, the main retainer of the Oouchi-clan. From then on ShinEmon is entangled in the rivalry between the Oochi-clan and the Hosokawa-clan, who serve Kubo-sama (The Shogun).
ShinEmon is urged to duel Oono Hidetaka from the Hosokawa’s side.
Sometime later Enchin fails to assassinate Kubo. The Hosokawa, as revenge, suggest the Oochi, hence, ShinEmon take care of Enchin.
Enchin, is an Igamono (Iga ninja), who’s verse in any weapons like the sword, spear, blowgun, bo shuriken (stick shuriken). He actually uses an unknown secret weapon, too. ShinEmon can’t figure it out but jumps into the fight anyway.
In 1511, the Funaoka-yama battle is won [Atsumori (Heike Monogatari)]. ShinEmon is awarded for taking the enemy leader’s head. The Hosokawa assert, the presence and award of a guest is inappropriate and lowers the Shogun and his retainer’s honor. They suggest a new duel to show off to the public.
ShinEmon is forced to fight NanEi. NanEi is ruthless with a two bladed Naginata on both ends. It’s impossible to win against him with a sword.
In 1512, Kashima’s lord is killed in action.
In 1513, ShinEmon has noticely changed. It has been a while since any no worthy/strong opponent has showed up. Just when he decided to continue his journey he learns of powerful hidden sword masters.
He meets up with Okutsu Genzaburo to challenge him but he had already forsaken the sword. Okutsu tells him there’s no meaning in pursuing sword fighting/killing strength. There’s no escaped the from that hell. Sometime later, Okutsu goes on a killing rampage forcing them to face off. Dying, Okutsu tells ShinEmon he will soon enough fall into darkness, too. This more than disturbs ShinEmon and he develops fear of himself being swallowed up by darkness.
Meanwhile, ShinEmon saves Yamamoto Kansuke, famous future strategist. ShinEmon takes Yamamoto Kansuke as his pupil.
In 1516, haunted by ghost of his opponents, with deep suffering and worry ShinEmon decides to return to Kashima. Having returned he decides to cleanse himself in 1000 days of confinement prayers. At the end he obtained Hitotsu no Tachi (one sword), a new style of timing and stance.
With a looming infighting ahead, ShinEmon is forced to take sides. Upon deep meditation to find an answer he obtains Heihou no Ken (Sword of Harmony). It’s ideal is to win without a fight.
ShinEmon decides to leave on another journey. His former master tells him to never come back. No matter what happens he is to pursuit his own fate and not that of the clan. ShinEmon names his new style Shinto Ryu and takes on the name Bokuden. Boku as in Kiboku (tortoise-shell divination) (partially from his original birth name Yoshikawa).
Critique:
Remember this is the time of the Warring States, a time when headhunting was still in practice. For more refer to “Samurai Headhunters” documentary.
http://www.smithsonianchannel.com/shows/samurai-headhunters/0/3391088 http://docuwiki.net/index.php?title=Samurai_Headhunters official clips
https://www.youtube.com/show/samuraiheadhunters [BBvideo]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yA-i3GM7-E [/BBvideo]
Sakai Masato as as rebellious swordsman ShinEmonThe fights in the show are good. Although, there are sometimes too many cut scenes, but the slow motions are a good counter balance.
The fights are not not your usual kendo esque/ordinary style but “realistic” street fighting if I may say so
The fight with Oono Hidetaka reminds me of a fighting game match I had myself. It was most remembered because of the exact same action. Although, in my case it was a mid air kick contest that I won.
The fight with NanEi was highly anticipated because of the difficulty but it ended with just a single hit kill. It’s not exactly disappointing but seriously?
It’s nice the show depicts ShinEmon as someone who’s open to new things and is not biased. He rather tries to assimilate. adapts, transform new or other styles into more practical useful with his style or skill.
If you expected some romance you will be served only little. The show is true to historical records here. However, don’t bet on ShinEmon dying a virgin, though.
Miscellaneous stuff:
ShinEmon: “Not good, I guess food is more important than the match…”
Samon: “even an old saying goes “30% talent, 70% looks”.”
ShinEmon saves Kanon but Samon makes the move on her.
😆 Verdict: 8.7
Cast: 8
Cast performance: 9
Script/Directing: 9
-
The Next Generation Patlabor – Tokyo War
" /> movie version
http://cdn.snsimg.carview.co.jp/minkara/blog/000/017/751/410/17751410/p1.jpg " /> original AH-88
Type: live action movie
Genre: mech, conspiracy, action
Year: 2015
Intro:
This is the final movie to the live action show of the same name. The movie is based on a 2011 novel by Oshii.
Synopsis:
2013, a disgruntled, and dissatisfied Self Defense Force group commits a series of terror attacks on the Japanese government. Their goal is to force awareness to the changes and new challenges in the post 9/11 world, and an increase in military spending.
Inspector Takahata Tosi arranges with the Police Security Unit – Special Vehicle Section 2 (and the russian FSB) to handle the crisis outside the law of the land. The terrorists preempt the police Patlabor unit by launching an attack that destroyed all the unit’s facilities. However, this was foreseen and the unit escaped just in time.
The Japanese Self Defense Force scrample their F-2 jets and AH-1 S&T Cobras into battle over the Tokyo skyline but are easily defeated. Takahata corners the renegade ground support crews and annihilates them.
The heroes are forced into a dramatic showdown. While Akira has trouble with her Labor, the other women fire away at the enemy bird. Akira has to stand in the open and remote control her labor’s weapon by eye sight. Akira, Takahata, and Kasha shoot down the enemy.
Critique:
The movie follows
Patlabor 2: The Movie. See there for more insider or background details as they are pretty much the same. The movie starts with a Hellfire destroying a the Yokohama Bay Bridge. It reminds of the Maverick attack in”True Lies”. Of course this is a movie trope. Neither missile would be able to destroy a section of such a large bridge. The difference is actually explained in the movie.
The terrorist’s motive in the movie to raise public interest was right at the time of the anime movie in 2002 but in 2015 events in the world has already overtaken it. As you may remember disagreement with China has raised Japan’s realization of their isolation and solitude. PM Abe and nationalists have worked hard to raise Japan’s foreign relations and international commitment. Major military projects were initiated and completed. Japan promised commitment in the war against terror, resulting in a Kenji Goto’s murder. As Abe “promised” in 2014, in early 2015, Japan changed its Constitution for international deployment & use of force, and the military budget was greatly increased.
Compared to regular action movies the movie is lacking a bit on action. By that I meant there’s no constant action. It has stretches that look like your regular drama show with long dialogues, too. The Patlabor actions are limited in their freedom of movement. I guess the budget wasn’t big enough for more.
The terrorists use a customized AH-88 “Hellhound” (see anime movie) classified as AH-88J2 Kai “Grey Ghost”. It’s a combined Comanche-esque design (completely different design! ) with an AI and state-of-the-art thermal optical camouflage. Obviously, the design was chosen for easy and cheap production of the mockup. It’s unlikely a real helicopter modified for the movie. It’s neither realistic, practical nor feasible as is. It still looks cool.
The story is kind of simple or rather does no dare to venture for more. Kasha’s FSB mentor is codenamed “Red Golgo”! Onodera is the master mind who idolizes and follows in the footstep of Tsuge (from the anime movie). He’s ruthless in achieving his goals. An eye for an eye – Takahata, executes the terrorists on the spot. Scary! Aside from the actors and their immediate surroundings, some news, etc. not much else is going on. It really feels limited. The air battle is good, although, not as extensive as say the american Godzilla movie.
Overall, it’s a Hollywood level movie with incomparable smaller budget. It’s well done in that regard but I doubt it will please everyone in the same manner as a real Hollywood action movie. It certainly sets a new bar for modern Japanese CG movies. If it wasn’t a live action but a full CG movie like Appleseed, it probably would have been a lot better.
Verdict: 8
Cast: 8
Cast performance: 8
Script/Directing: 8
-
Keizoku
" /> veterans Mayama Tooru & Kido Aya: “Not again!”
" /> top secret stealth fighter a la Ace Combat X-02 Wyvern or NCSI-New Orleans S2E03 Skystorm
Type: mystery crime drama
Genre: mystery, detective, action
Year: 1999
Synopsis:
Todai graduate Shibata Jun joins the MPD as an elite detective. She is an extreme moronic simpleton, clumsy, naive, and gullible virgin with a super analytical brain and has no sense of direction. She’s the daughter of legendary detective Shibata Jun’ichiro, who solved all crime cases. He usually took case files home and had them solved by morning. In truth, he never looked at them but let his 9 year old daughter read them. She always found them cheap mysteries, though.
On her way to work she often helps people solve their problems. She can solve any university level problem instantly. To help some helpless internet user she fixes his laptop by connecting it directly with the Pentagon’s supercomputer giving him access to unpublicized data. Later, the user(s) became famous world wide, and their faces well known in certain circles.
There are a total of six people in the unit each with certain skills. While solving cases Jun learns about the world, the human heart and its dark side.
Critique:
Nakatani Miki as Shibata Jun can be characterized as a combination of your typical Japanese woman and a naive country girl who knows nothing of the world or people. She’s full of contradictions that borders on ridiculous. She’s extreme on both side of the medal on most anything. She remains on the good side, though. Seriously, can there ever be a person like her?
Watabe Atsuro as fellow detective Mayama Tooru is Jun’s relyable and experienced “knight”. So far it’s the best role I saw him in. He basically pulls her back to reality and reveals the true human nature or motive behind the cases that Jun can’t figure out. He usually does it at the very end when Jun asks the murderer about their motive. He also does some secret investigation throughout the show. The romance part doesn’t appear until near the end. It’s still your old style proper Japanese drama.
Suzuki Sarina as Kido Aya is virtually the big sister in the unit. She’s an elite who got dumped into the unit from General Affairs and mostly works as librarian. She usually teases Jun or tells her simple kid’s lies but often has to come to her rescue.
Famed police actor Ryu Raita plays as Nonomura Kotaro, the unit’s chief. He serves as mediator and provide comic relief stories about his marital troubles. They only appear as intro to each episode, though.
The rest of the cast don’t seem to matter much. Overall the above form a good team with nice relationship. This arrangement is better than the later
Keizoku 2 – SPEC. The mystery cases are ordinary in today’s therms. For example the 3rd story is about a room when entered it is empty one time and full the next time or vice versa. It’s your typical moving wall ninja trick or changing labyrinth trick. But how an ordinary person can pull it of in the time given or creating it in the first place without residents noticing is a greater mystery.
😆 It’s a bit old and may not be appealing for some but I still think it’s a good show in its own right.
Verdict: 8
Cast: 8
Cast performance: 8
Script/Directing: 8
-
Keizoku 2 – SPEC
" /> the special team!
" /> 
" /> tooth; spitting tooth attack
" /> Saya’s Mr. pillow
courtesy Hello! ProjectSaori masu!
[BBvideo]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyUfSRrGEPw [/BBvideo] Saori masu! battle
[BBvideo]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pA6Jj–44P4 [/BBvideo] Type: mystery drama
Genre: mystery, detective, action
Year: 2010
Intro:
This is the continuation of the Keizoku show but made 11 years later with a (nearly) complete new cast. Unlike the first this show is about crime committed by people with paranormal or ESP powers. It’s a remake and an alternative universe. Therefore, by all means it’s “Keizoku 2 SPEC”. Aside from the drama show there are two specials and three movies.
Synopsis:
While the SIT (Special Investigation Team) special commando unit went after criminals, Shimura gets separated and shoots at Sebumi Takeru. However, he is hit instead. Sebumi [Takeru sounds worse] is accused of shooting Shimura.
Sebumi gets shunned to the “unsolved cases” special division SPEC of Public Welfare, the secret police force. It’s located in a separated corner of the MPD HQ. SPEC is tasked with cases of ESP, that can not be explained with science, to build up evidence to stand trial. In other words, handling nonsense cases and claimer complaints that are passed around departments.
😆 Then unit is always on the verged of being crushed from enemies and friends alike. (ESP ability is called SPEC in this show.)Sebumi’s rock bottom enthusiasm is met with Toma Saya’s hunger. The one armed woman is totally annoying to his proper and correctness as a policeman. Saya’s patronizing and ease of acceptance of shocking law breaking procedures is another annoyance. Obviously SPEC is used to do this. Yet, she has conflicting issues about lying and telling the truth.
It’s all unacceptable but no matter how hard he tries to use common reasoning only Saya can solve them. As the cases come and go he is forced to acknowledge her expertise and skill going so far as actually asking for them.
Unknowingly, the secret enemy organization and the old enemy have been manipulating them since the distant past. It’s a secret war between humans and “established” SPEC population. Saya is fated to face her past again and become instrumental in committing her own sinful cruel tragedy. Having lost everything she finally faces her true enemy.
It’s a shocking revelation. Will she become the enemy’s slave or die by his hand or…?
Critique:
Toda Erika as Toma Saya has lots of much fun. Most of the time she makes all kinds of faces. This is actually true for many of her roles but it’s totally different from her proper public appearance e.g. Hana Yori Dango2. She’s an actress for all I know. It’s refreshing to watch, though. She usually gets bullied by Sebumi Takeru and the criminals. Sometimes she pays them back, of course, and when she does it borders on excessive. One funny thing is she studies Schroedinger’s cat and it seems she still didn’t finish it midway of the show.
Her ex-boyfriend “Lefty” teaches preparatory physics classes for university entrance exams: writing gravitational kinematic orbital equations and continues with relativity and the twin paradox. This is a hint. This final level is normal for senior high school students in Japan (and some European countries). It’s a mystery why Saya’s stuck with Schroedinger’s. Yet, she calculates the time passed within the Hayabusa space probe because of her father’s work. This is another major background story difference as it occurred after Keizoku.
It’s also kind of funny watching how skilled she is in handling and eating food of any size(!) with just one hand and chopstick. She eats at least as much as ten people. It’s her “side effect” (term borrowed from World Trigger). You got to wonder how she handles toilet issues. Well, Japanese controls are on the right so it should be convenient. She uses weird tools for cooking…which looks edible, probably. Sebumi didn’t die but is still ungrateful.
😆 She’s probably taste deaf.Kase Ryo as Sebumi Takeru is the stiff, soldiering detective. Being stiff with a poker face his acting hardly influences impression. He starts out as ignorant, proper policeman, but due to lack of power falls to the dark side. He basically fails as the perfect counter or sheath for Saya which is all too human. It’s only hinted in the show Saya being some kind of monster. When volunteering for unit Zero, the secret police within Public Walfare, Sebumi pulls a tooth bare-handed! He also has extreme defense reflexes to throwing/flying attacks from the side, e.g. outside FOV. Is he even human?
Ryu Raita as Nonomura Kotaro is one of the old cast (aside from chief clerk Kondo-kun). This old chief is (still) two timing with an idol police woman, Miyabi! They are there for comic relief and or from time to time make some insightful comment. Miyabi joked once she was pregnant which for some reason is taken as given later on. Further confusion was made with her having a relationship with another young detective. This side story is completely irrelevant to the story.
There are a number of recurring names from Keizoku which caused some confusion. The show has a reference to Sakai Masato (as Date Kazuyoshi) in Joker where he plays a detective who secretly makes untouchable criminals disappear. It’s a good cruel show with similar things going on, hence, the reference.
At one time it was mentioned using a PHS phone was alright in a hospital. This is certainly not true at least not in all hospitals. In the same episode there’s a whole listing of Japanese specific diseases.
As the story progresses it gets clear our two protagonist are just a play-ball in a war between two secret all-powerful all-present organizations and society. Even dogs are serving agents. Yet, both sides, for some reason, need our protagonist as actors in the war. The most trouble some issue is in the later quarter of the show where things suddenly escalate into chaos. Both sides get partially or in whole wiped out and two boss showdowns happening one after another. It’s makes sense watching but having it suddenly explode and end is awkward. In case you are confused, Youta did die. The show is just preparing for things to get resolved with the Special and the 3 follow-on movies, though. I’m not happy about this scripted dependency.
Saya makes some nice statements after recovering from her overwritten memories saying : she’s who she is. Or rather her super deductive brain cannot be deceived. It’s like when you understand a theory or the matter things you can always recreate the equations. Hence, you actually don’t need to remember an equation if you understand it all. Well, I’m not so sure a personality won’t change when memories are changed, though, e.g. split personality. After all memories, experiences, and meetings make what we are. If the wiring don’t change it should be alright but who knows. Surprisingly, Sebumi manages to recover, too. In his case, it’s sensory / draumatic memory e.g. smell. He’s a hound! Saya further says suffering and pain changes (people) into kindness. This is certainly true that is if revengeful fallen people are discounted. Therefore, facing and accepting pain is important.
The final episode leaves you wondering what actually happened in the end. Saya used her secret SPEC power “which” independently acted to save them. At least that much is obvious but watch the Special for the answer.
In the Special, an enemy appears who collects SPEC DNA to gain and control SPEC powers not his own. This is obviously an idea taken from the anime DNA². Saya’s power is finally revealed, too. Don’t be shocked. There’s a reference to Turn A Gundam and Gundam. It’s a leap in thoughts. There are more unimportant references. The Yakuza cop (see Neko Samurai) has actually cool skillz but fails on any other account!
Saya reveals an interesting cue: the Kanjis for reading Ku-on can be read as Que-en in frenchgish (as Kuon does with Maman instead of Mama). Kuon’s acting is great. Too bad she’s so evil.
Btw., there’s a new poster on the walls for every episode or instance. I dunno about their connection if any.
The difference between the two shows is based in time, characterization of the protagonists, and story. In other words, it’s mostly a generation based difference or taste if you will. I think both are good in their own respect and do have their own awkwardness and issues. Keizoku is ordinary but has twists while Keizoku 2 is more (weird) fun and less serious. There are some good stuff in this show, though.
Verdict: 7.8
Cast: 8
Cast performance: 8
Script/Directing: 7.5
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Tantei no Tantei / Detective Versus Detectives
" /> 
" /> special finger care! ; special face care!
" /> 
" /> ΕΜΡ trap; nasty stuff
PV
[BBvideo]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjrlE9UXgLU [/BBvideo] Type: detective drama
Genre: crime, detective, action
Year: 2015
Intro:
The show is based on a series of 4 novels of the same name by Matsuoka Keisuke. The show at least covers the 3 novels (training, vs. Gedo, vs. Shinigami). Frankly, the 4th novel is supposed to be the final which seems to be included. I’m not sure due to the timing.
Synopsis:
Sasaki Rena is a beautiful woman with excellent memory and intelligence. Five years ago, her sister Sakura-chan was murdered by a stalker who had used a private detective to track her down.
Rena is bend on hunting down evil private detectives, and one day get the one, “Shinigami”, who caused her sister’s death. She went through rigorous training and became the most hated anti-detective detective in the country.
With possible enemies in her own company, the whole world has become her enemy. Even if wrong, she is unpopular among her own colleagues. Soon enough her enemies and the police plot to take her down. Every detective firm known has started to investigate her.
Despite enemies at every corner she escapes fatal blows. Unknowingly, she already has stepped into the net of her arch enemy. Her every step’s been guided by the enemy. When she finally realizes it’s already too late. She’s forced to choose death and save someone or live (for the time being).
Critique:
Shocking, brutal, violent and intelligent. For reasons mentioned and or not further explained posting of images has been limited. This show is undoubtedly meant for the female audience. Ye woman and gals should be watching this. Seriously.
So what’s it about? On the surface it’s about detectives hunting detectives. The things they do border on or are crimes and murder.
However, subtly the main theme is violence against women. Crimes are committed on all three sides (the good, the bad, and the victims).
Important information are provided and spread throughout the show. They are worth listening to. Ya better do.
Kitagawa Keiko aka Sailor Mars as Sasaki Rena is awkward. Well, she’s completely different from her usual self. She’s cold as she has shut herself off. Through hard work she uses all her knowledge and skills to gain an edge in the uneven fights against her male opponents. Due to her emotionless appearance and poker face she’s a turn off. Frankly, this affects the show greatly.
In the second half the focus increases more on Kawaguchi Haruna as Minemori Kotoha. She’s the typical weak sheltered little sister who starts to live by herself trying to gain independence. Being caught in the reality of being a novice assistant she’s absolutely helpless and lost. Therefore, her role didn’t help improve the show.
The “real” partner is the detective Kubozuka Yuma, who typically is against private detectives. Sadly, he gets killed off as soon as he becomes an ally.
The fights are brutal as far as TV drama shows go. There are way more brutal movies, though. Despite everything not a lot of blood is spilled but when it does it’s a pool. The show doesn’t hold back on tricks you shouldn’t try at home. Don’t even think of trying. Better yet forget it.
Since Rena is smart, it’s immediately obvious when the show tries to set her up, when she makes a mistake. On the other side there’s at least one case where she’s way too smart…or rather impossible to figure out within the time constrain.
It’s really something: Abiru has prepared a modified laptop that won’t boot when found. The motherboard has to be put into a microwave and heated for 6 minutes at 170 degrees such that the soldering points will melt and the interrupted wire will be reconnected. Afterwards, chill it in the refrigerator then put it back and the computer will boot. An amazing scheme that would put police forensics to shame!
Let’s ignore the microwave could have fried all the internal circuits.
😆 Imho figuring out the problem in the first place is no easy task. From a real world example, there was once a specialized precision control industrial computer board numerous engineer couldn’t figure out the problem for years on end. Then someone newly assigned figured it out in an hour and some hours more to fix it. The problem was energy levels beyond the limits of measurement, hence, nobody could figure it out. It was right between the macro cosmos (measurable world) and the micro cosmos (immeasurable world=quantum). Simply put, regardless of the number of engineers with unlimited time they wouldn’t have been able to solve it but yours truly genius would pull it off. That’s why it is impossible or that Rena is too smart not to mention Abiru.Overall, the show is good but the actors fail to please. It’s not exactly their fault and I dunno if the script and directing could have been improved with the given setting in place. It’s a shame because I think the show has the potential for being better not to mention there are a lot of good stuff I cannot further in details.
Verdict: 7.6
Cast: 8
Cast performance: 7
Script/Directing: 8
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Btw. Kitagawa Keiko is getting married in January! All ye Sailor Mars fans rejoice! Update:
She got married on January 11!
http://blog.stardust.co.jp/keiko/20160111_1758/ 
http://image.news.livedoor.com/newsimage/4/f/4f356_760_2065152_20160111_195751_size640wh_9285.jpg " /> -
Age Harassment
" /> voodoo nailing pigs
" /> Emiri dogeza : “It’s okay. It’s about my duties.”
" /> 
" /> “When she’s done here, please, take her away.” ; sit dance
[BBvideo]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWuwcERNi-M [/BBvideo] Type: workplace drama
Genre: slice of life, office
Year: 2015
Synopsis:
Yoshii Emiri manages to be hired at a top trading company. However, despite being on the career track she’s shunned to the General Affairs department (the stereotypical Japanese odd job/punishment department).
Naturally, she’s unsatisfied but puts up with it. While she tries hard to get used to her work and overcome many trials she witnesses or experiences all kinds of harassment. Whenever things start to get overbearing she would give people a piece of her mind.
Sometimes, it helps people to solve their problem. While some admire her courage she’s become a headache for the higher ups. They come up with more ideas to “improve” woman’s situation but the reverse is true.
Critique:
This is nearly like another version of Shomuni but more specific about harassment. You might be interested in “Onna wa Sore o Yurusanai” (Women Won’t Allow It) as well.
Takei Emi as Yoshii Emiri is in her feisty, hotblooded, and brazen element. If you watch the show you know you are waiting for Emiri to snap.
The show’s a collection of all kinds of harassment towards women but not necessary exclusively restricted to women. The Japanese have an abundance of examples and cases to show, each with its own Japanese nick name term. Some border on mobbing but mobbing is not explicitly punishable by law. There are enough to fill an encyclopedia. However, it’s not complete, the worse are left out. For example “Nikkin Kyoiku” is a front to handout abuses to make people quit by themselves. It’s very common in Japan’s management culture. Not like it’s all that different or even worse elsewhere, mind you. In Korea it’s physical violent. In certain region in Germany it’s common to steal someone’s lunch. Or if you are a foreigner in Germany or Switzerland life threatening attempts to your life is also quite common e.g. cutting your bike’s breaking wire or sending threatening letters. Yet, I consider workplace conditions in Germany to be the most proper of any country. Things were worse in Norway or Russia, long before the Breivik incident. In most cases, it’s a cultural thing where people don’t consider it bad or are oblivious.
The show also stereotypically emphasizes the conflict between career and clerk track employees. The distinction refers to people who are meant for leadership (working until it’s done on time) and people working regular hours. For many cases the show discusses what makes something a harassment. For others it gets down to the root cause as well as the human reasons behind them. Despite being about a serious theme the show is enjoyable thanks to the cast.
Verdict: 8.3
Cast: 8
Cast performance: 8
Script/Directing: 9
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Algernon ni Hanataba wo (2015)
" /> 
" /> Sakuto’s presentation; best friends Hiyama Kosuke and Yanagawa Ryuichi shocked over Sakuto’s experience
" /> 
" /> Algernon; Algernon’s mother
" /> 
" /> Kawaguchi Rio and Koide Mai; Sakuto’s young sister Karen, who used to despise him
Type: human drama
Genre: society, science tragedy
Year: 2015-Apr-10 to 2015-Jun-12
Introduction:
This show is based on the novel
Flowers for Algernonby Daniel Keyes and not the short story. This show is different from Algernon ni Hanataba wo (2002). Synopsis:
Shiratori Sakuto, 28, mentally disabled, has been abandoned and put into a home for kids on probations run by Dream Flower Service. One day, he delivers flowers to Mochizuki Haruka who works at a brain physiology research centre.
She’s part of Professor Hachisuka Daigo’s team studying the improvement of mental performance. They succeed in creating ALG which showed promising result in a lab mouse, henceforth named Algernon. Algernon can spell Japanese as opposed to Sakuto.
Meanwhile, Kawaguchi Rio becomes attached to Sakuto for he would not suffer when she’s gone. While looking for a human test object they decided on Sakuto, who’s willing to do anything to get smarter. Sakuto is transformed into a genius through surgery and ALG. As Sakuto realizes reality he comes to dislike human nature while becoming more elitist thanks to Daigo’s brainwashing suggestiveness. Rio becomes distress with Sakuto’s developement and realizes her mistaken approach. When Haruka turns down Sakuto’s courting he makes it out with Rio.
However, due to an unforseseen fault or side effect in ALG Algernon’s intelligence begins to fade, and he dies. Sakuto realizes his situation, too, and works to solve the problem. Due to his relationships been gone bad he is left in the dark about Rio’s fate. It’s a race against time.
Critique:
The show is true to the novel except for some alterations. As with the novel it’s all about mental and emotional development, including or rather using human relationships as an example. It’s in part from a modern point of view including technological and scientific understanding.
However, it’s inherently missing all other new discoveries and understandings of later times. Using ALG the story neatly overcomes early development requirements e.g. wild children. Using Daigo’s brainwashing, the story narrows down on the stereotypical image of the elitist superintelligent. However, the story’s point is shown with Sakuto realizing his mistake of ignoring the human heart.
Yamashita Tomohisa as Shiratori Sakuto is good at imitating disabled people. Although sometimes it seems he’s over doing it. As Sakuto becomes intelligent he’s missing all the things children learn about relationships, and etiquette. While he accused others of looking down on him before without realizing he’s doing the same now. Well, it’s typical human nature to be oblivious to ones own doing. To have this part in the novel/show is a plus. Well, for the sake of development Sakuto’s type of human he already has developed has been ignored.
Kuriyama Chiaki as Mochizuki Haruka is for some reason not surprising (see Ataru). Since, Kill Bill she’s kind of on track to be Japan’s Angelina Jolie. She’s slightly better at acting, though, especially subtle emotions. Here, she portrays a man’s dream of a woman. Like Sakuto you are meant to be drawn to those lips of hers. Seriously, she is meant to be more attractive than Rio.
The major difference to the novel are some relationships and Kawaguchi Rio’s fate. While in the novel Sakuto’s supposed to have a purely sexual relationship with Rio in the show he cuts ties with her right away. Unlike the novel Sakuto does not lead a sad life afterwards but continues his life with his friends.
As expected it’s a good show thanks to the original novel. It’s supposedly better than the previous show. For another fun version see Dirty Pair TV episode 12.
Miscellaneous stuff:
The brain logo can be drawn in a single line.
Verdict: 8.3
Cast: 8
Cast performance: 9
Script/Directing: 8
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Gold
" /> the champ with superhuman genes
" /> Nikura Rika buffled
" /> the last rebel
Type: Family drama
Genre: Human society
Year: 2010-Jul-08 to 2010-Sep-16
Synopsis:
Saotome Yuri is a successful entrepreneur mother famed for her books on raising children. She has her children to prove her right. Except for the youngest, all of them are on track as candidates to take part in the next Olympics.
Nikura Rika, is an average “failure” of a common woman, who for some reason gets hired as Yuri’s assistant. In reality, as Yuri tells her someone else selected her. However, the real truth is even more surprising or rather unpleasant. As she works she gets more involved with Yuri’s family secret for good or worse. As she deals with all kinds of problems she has to stand up to Yuri while trying to solve things in her own way rather than just following orders. Will Rika last or fail as miserable as everyone else before her? Or maybe there’s an even a larger storm ahead?
Critique:
The main theme of the show is about the ways of upbringing children and how they turn out to be or how people are. It discusses as well as shows the problems involved and how various people deal with actual life. Of course human relationships are part of it all. However, at the end we are told not everything is straight forward and there are bound to be problems. The difference is not to give up and how a problem is dealt with rather than being ignored or delegated. Well, this all is debatable with no end so I will stop here. The story and plot of the show is a thing of its own, though. This is all the more reason to watch it.
Amami Yuki as Saotome Yuri is superb as ever. Yuri is charismatic, assertive and psychologically overwhelming in convincing people. As a business woman she gives people only one chance to redeem. However, she emotionally like any mother except using her superior psychology to shape or whip her children (and everyone else) into line. It’s also enjoyable to watch her rebuke bad people.
Nagasawa Masami as Nikura Rika is just another poor soul hired to be the girl for everything. This suffering heroine has to give her everything to please Yuri’s demands however unreasonable they are.
Including all the other veterans and good actors this show is quite enjoyable. Note Sorimachi Takashi and Takei Emi.
Quotes:
Yuri: “More than that, he was going to sell his daughter as a woman. He’s disqualified as a father, no matter how poor and no matter how stupid.”
Yuri: “If a woman is sold off even once, she’ll have that vice following her.”
- Yuri: “The most useless thing in this world is badmouthing someone out of envy. If you’re that free, drain some sweat, think and do something about it yourself. Happiness or unhappiness, don’t matter as long as you’re alive. Fortune, misfortune always alternate like a swing. However, it would be terrible if it stopped. There would be only boredom. Eternal boredom.”
- Yuri: “There are two reasons why a woman mustn’t harm her body. The first is for your own sake. The second is for the sake of your future children.”
Verdict: 9.3
Cast: 9
Cast performance: 10
Script/Directing: 9
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Sekai no Chuushin de, Ai wo Sakebu / Crying out Love, in the Centre of the World
" /> 
" /> under the umbrella; romance of the fickle hydrangea field not
" /> 
" /> “Love and Marriage”
" /> went to war, went to jail, gone through marriage, now’s time for heaven
[BBvideo]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2ccCch-lwA [/BBvideo] [BBvideo]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Qzerr3I_JQ [/BBvideo] Type: boy meets girl drama
Genre: slice of life, romance, tragedy
Year: 2004
Intro:
This is not a live action as some seem to think! The show is based on best selling novel “Socrates in Love” (Koi Suru Sokuratesu) / “Sekai no Chuushin de, Ai wo Sakebu” (2001) by Katayama Kyoichi. It has since also been made into movies (same name; Japanese 2003) and “My Girl and I” (Korean 2005). It has also been staged into a musical in mid 2005. There’s also a radio drama and manga. If only the manga was made by CLAMP.
Synopsis:
2004, Matsumoto Sakutaro (Saku), 34, is a doctor who works hard until he collapses. He’s a dead man inside. 17 years ago, he lost the love of his life, Aki. He’s weak. He’s still holding tightly to the bone ashes of his beloved, unable to let go. He’s unable to move on. He’s shattered and burden from the lost. He’s waiting for death to come.
Now, with his old high school about to be demolished he has returned to his hometown for the first time. He has realized it’s time to process the past and let go. It’s a heart breaking journey down memory lane.
1987, a coastal countryside town, it started to rain when Hirose Aki was holding a condolence message for a deceased teacher. Saku stepped forward to hold an umbrella for her. It’s the beginning of their relationship.
As thanks, she gives him a sea cockroach and pulls some pranks. When her birthday (July 2) nears he ghost writes a postcard to a radio station to win a walkman for her. He lied about her having leukemia to win. They start to exchange voice diaries via the walkman. They face off various troubles. Despite her increasing health issues, they went to a deserted island for fun until she collapsed. When she does develop leukemia, he writes another postcard claiming the first was a mistake and that she’s fine.
Weeks went by as her parents prevented him from visiting. When they finally meet, Aki appears to be fine. She, actually, has been left in the dark about her true illness as they hope she would belong to the survivors. She eventually finds out by herself but wasn’t sure. Using her cunning she tricked Saku to spill it. Aki tries to drown herself in the ocean but is saved by Saku. In order to stay together Saku tries to forge a marriage application without knowing it being illegal. Realizing anyone could die any moment regardless of circumstance Saku decided to live in the here and now.
They finally manage to hold a formal wedding photo session. However, Aki’s health deteriorate once again for the last time. Aki requests to see the blue sky over the ancient rock Uluru. October 23 (Saku’s birthday), she ditches Saku to go by herself to keep her pride and dignity. Saku catches up and they try to enbark on a flight but Aki loses consciousness…
[not part of the novel]
2004, six years ago, he convinced and supported Kobayashi Aki to give birth and become a single mother. They became friends. She’s virtually his caretaker/stand-in wife.
When Saku suddenly disappeared to return to his hometown she chased after him fearing the worse. Saku tried to kill himself but found out he doesn’t want to die.
He tells her of his regret of taking Aki and possibly resulted in her early death. If only she were to live another 4-5 years (extreme optimism) she could have saved by the bone marrow donor program established in 1991.
Sharing his pain Saku starts to value Kobayashi’s affection… When saving Kazuki from a traffic accident Saku accidentally dropped Aki’s bottle, shattering it and leaving it forgotten. Kobayashi’s hit instead making him realized she’s the only person in the world who’s there for him.
Critique:
The story mainly takes place in 1987 (July 2 and later). They actually were able to show an original working Sony Walkman (WM-101).
The love story is really great, yet so sad and depressing. If you are easily depressed this will be hard to watch. It’s sadder than “Air” or “I’m Sorry, I Love You”.
However, the story is just the toppings. The details displaying, dealing and processing the issues of relationship, feelings, psychology and other matters is what makes it really great. They are basically Plato’s / Socrates’ played out discussions in a more down to Earth fashion.
Obviously, some things are constructed and forced, and there are some logic errors but they all can or have to be hand waived for the sake of the story and plot. Other than that the show may have been trying too hard to emphasize the depressing state. It’s all very well arranged and directed.
Admittedly, many story elements aren’t new or haven’t been used elsewhere. Even the story introduction admits it. After all it’s just one of a myriad of Romeo and Juliet variations. Or just look at life inspired collections like “Salad Days” or the radio programs in the show (very common in Japan) or Reader’s Digest.
All the characters are well made and nothing’s coincidental. In retrospect, Kobayashi is definitely a foreign element and not created by the author. It’s a subtle difference, though, without hard facts.
Ayase Haruka as Hirose Aki is perfect for the role. She won the audition against an extremely huge number of candidates. It’s no wonder she won the Best Supporting Actress award. Officially, she’s not a main character! It’s typical for Japanese shows but it’s unclear whether this is an economic exploitation or a discrimination. Aki’s charismatic, cunning, skillful and crafty including using a woman’s weapon to motivate Saku. Don’t be fooled by Ayase Haruka’s image of the perfect female specimen Aki’s just a normal girl. She hates to lose, hence, appears strong but is weak inside.
Yamada Takayuki as young Matsumoto Sakutaro starts out as a glumly, boring guy who becomes more lively thanks to Aki. Even though he doesn’t have a multitude of expressions the script made it up quite well.
The show’s story starts when they are 16 going onto 17 and being (10th grade) high schoolers. It seems they are one year too old or perhaps this has been adjusted to conform with the legal marriageable age (boys: 18; girls 16).
There’s no adult Saku in the original novel and they happen to be in the same class in junior high school. Aki became sick in 3rd year.
As to the question whether it was wrong or not to take Aki on the final trip, remember this is fiction. There’s no sense to put in excess thoughts or interpretation into something that might not have been considered in the first place. Keep to the facts! Of course it could have been inspired by real life stories but there’s no prove of that.
However, for the sake of discussion … It was Aki’s decision. She decided on it knowing it could lead to her death. She accepted the risk, in part to fulfill her wish, in part for Saku’s future’s sake. She may have hoped again to unburden him from having to take care of her. She just underestimated his love, weakness, and feeling of guilt of letting her go.
The special is basically a summary retold from Yatabe-sensei’s perspective. It does have a minor number of unseen footage. Yatabe reviews the developments or the important points to be conveyed.
In scope the show is better than the movies unless you prefer their specific cast more. The Japanese movie was made at the same time and appears to be similar story wise except it’s 10 years not 17. It’s good in its own right. Here, the story is told from Fujimura Ritsuko’s view point who happens to find Aki’s cassette. At the same time Saku returns.
The Korean movie has french, anime and comic elements which gives off a strange feeling. Story wise it’s the same as the movie above. The comic parts are too artificial to be funny. There are a number of other things that don’t seem right. I’m particular unhappy with great dislike about Su-eun’s (Aki) final scene. Su-ho (Saku) comes back telling her they couldn’t go. He stands tall across her seat. She hunches over until her head rests on his stomach (looks like she’s giving a blowjob). He rests his hands on the back of her head as if hugging. In the end Su-ho stands on a field of purple flowers seeded by Su-eun. It’s your stereotypical sunflower field trope.
Miscellaneous stuff:
An ambulance breaking and skid turning. It’s a wonder it didn’t turn over.
The ED scenes made to look like film shot in the 80’s reminds of “The Wonder Years”.
Ep.2 Notice the change of the town in the zooming scene on the hill showing the contrast between the 80’s clean air and the less bright 00’s. Maybe it’s the sunset or CGI manipulation but it looks so genuine.
Special: Yatabe imitates Aki? It’s revealed how Tomoyo and Aki became friends. Yatabe says it was “Hatsukoi” (First Love) for Aki and Saku.
future Tomoyo is married to Obayashi and named her daughter Aki.
Even though, “Ayase Haruka” is a famed celebrity she’s still living incognito.
Quotes:
grandpa Kentaro: “I want you to steal something for me. Someone’s bone ashes.” …
grandpa Kentaro: “Wait, I will haunt you when I die. I will curse your descendants, too.”
Saku: “Why would you curse your own descendants?
- Aki: “Living with someone you love or living with someone while loving another. Who is more fortunate?”
- Aki: “I’ll get fat. I’ll get as heavy as your grandpa and riding on the back of our bike.”
Saku: “What are you talking about?”
- Aki: “Don’t you think that to lose something is to gain something?” (Usually this refers to making efforts that comes with abstaining something to gain something else as a result of the efforts. Aki refers to herself, though.)
- Saku: “I remembered … your birthday … July 2nd. I was born into a world with you in it.”
Aki: “I have been waiting in a world without you. I was waiting for you to be born.”
Saku: “You only had to be alone for 3 months. Isn’t it unfair? I’m going to be alone forever.”
see “Love Story” (1970) Oliver : “I am a Romeo who must live on after Juliet’s death.”
- Aki: “I knew it. There’s no afterlife after all. Heaven doesn’t exist. This place … This is heaven.”
- Yatabe: “So that you won’t forget the time you shared with her?”
adult Saku: “So I won’t forget she died.”
- adult Saku: “Feelings for a person who’s alive will grow stronger than for a person who’s dead.”
Verdict: 9.3
Cast: 9
Cast performance: 9
Script/Directing: 10
-
-
-
-
-
Kagi no Kakatta Heya
" /> 
" /> 
" /> 
" /> So revolting!
Type: riddle drama
Genre: detective, crime
Year: 2012
Synopsis:
It’s Friday, Aoto Junko, a hotblooded woman, starts her new job at a law firm. Junko “acidentally” pushes the button to a bank safe while her boss and the bank manager are still inside. The door needs two codes to open. One of which is held by the manager. The door can only be opened on work days, though.
Enomoto Kei is sent to open the door which he does. Enomoto Kei is master lock maniac working at Tokyo Total Security firm. He’s a super nerd and versed in any area of science and technology. However, he has no interest in anything but locks.
Junky has a strong sense of righteousness which drags her and her boss into followup locked room murder cases.
Critique:
Something’s strange with the management and direction of the show and how actors are hired or designated in this show. It also only has a cast of three while the rest being all guests. The show is shown from the point of view of Toda Erika as Aoto Junko. She has the most texts and screen time. On episode 1 basically is running the show by herself but Ohno Satoshi as Enomoto Kei does the revelations. Yet, she is just a supporting cast. Anyhow, in this show she’s just started in a law firm. Her acting and appearance is different from the usual: showing lots of puzzled faces (furrowing eye brows). Like Mitsuki she’s compulsively attracted to buttons, levers, and anything that has some sort of action function or trap.
After visiting the scene, Kei rebuilds a model of it in just a day to precise measurements he took while walking and remembering it in his mind. We only get a glimpse of him “walking”, though, so it may not be so. Well, for room size scale walking isn’t the best method because of the bigger error margin compared to eye sight. Or maybe he remembers it in detail without having to take any kind measurement. Both ways works for me to recreate a floor plan.
Kei solves how the locked room suicide cases are actually murder cases. He also solves how the murder took place as it is usually necessary to unravel the mystery of the locked room. However, he has no interest about the murderer, hence, (sometimes) Junko and her boss are left (with a dump founded look; Junko’s hope shattered) to somehow proof or pin point the murderer. Remember he has his own job and this is just asking for a favor (during work hours and free time). He doesn’t consider it work and won’t accept compensation but in return he asks for free advise when needed. I had to wonder if this was a hint. As it turns out the advises are his way to bring in new cases for him to solve… He may also not mention it’s a murder case when he deems the case to be a real closed room case.
Her boss makes all kinds of excuses to get it over with to reduce this waste of time. But when talking to corporate clients or press etc. he takes all the credits. In any case he gets dragged along and even starts to make suggestions.
The interesting thing is several cases have “magic” involved.
Overall it’s partially a parody and comical so it’s real fun sometimes.
It’s well prepared and directed; everything weird has a reason. The staff was meticulous about details. The BGM is used as a means to control attention, it’s a beat type or exciting type of music. It stops and or resumes at certain cut scenes. We are well led here. Either way the result’s the same nothing’s coincidental. You can’t miss things here.
Verdict: 8.3
Cast: 8
Cast performance: 8
Script/Directing: 9
-
-
Onna Nobunaga
" /> 
" /> Type: historical fiction drama
Genre: samurai, action
Year: 2013
Introduction:
This show is about Oda Nobunaga, who arguably paved the way for Japan’s final unification by Hideyoshi and later Ieyasu, and the departure from savagery of the Warring States. Ultimately, this would set Japan on the path toward the modern age. That said this show is a pseudo alternative account of who Oda Nobunaga really is…..
Synopsis:
Oda Nobunaga, born as a girl, is raised as a boy in order to be the heir of the clan.
Critique:
Simply put, Oda Nobunaga in this show is no ordinary man!!!!! It’s Lady Oscar!
The show features two of the best actresses.
Her Amami Yuki shows her famed performances as an ex-all-female theater performer. She’s in her element.
Kato Koyuki as Onou; in some scenes she has her act down so meticulously as if she was doing those unnatural things naturally and automatically…I was wondering if she was born into it. It must have come from lots of training all her actress life.
better than expected.
The majority of animes about Oda Nobunaga weren’t worth watching. One reason being there are too many versions, hence,in trying to make a new version things strayed.
The show has foul language; the BGM theme seems to have pieces from the Legend theme. There are some mistakes: the arrow stuck to her back fell off! I guess they couldn’t burn the house again to redo the scene.
Overall it’s amusing and fun to watch. Nothing to take seriously.
Verdict: 8.7
Cast: 8
Cast performance: 10
Script/Directing: 8
-
Top Caster
" /> 
" /> Dream team vs Men in Black team
" /> Eat or Suffocate!
Type: Reporter drama
Genre: society
Year: 2006
Synopsis:
The legendary (exiled) anchor Haruka Tsubaki returns! Out of everyone she appoints Nozomi Asuka as her assistant. Asuka is basically her closet slave/servant.
Critique:
The show is pure entertainment with some serious themes.
Features:
international food (fish,beef): the infamously smelliest in the world!
Horse jokes!
Verdict: 8.3
Cast: 8
Cast performance: 9
Script/Directing: 8
-
" /> 
" /> face off Satoko Aoike vs. Toma
" /> heat protection
" /> hidden magic
" /> 
" /> shooting skillz
" /> no those are not red socks
Type: mystery movie
Genre: mystery, detective, action
Year: 2012
Synopsis:
Following the third prophecy of Fatima the SPEC society proceed to take over the world. But Ninomae returns and rebels wiping out the committee. He asks Toma to join but she refuses citing her pride as police woman. Toma is under suspicion of treachery. Super agent Satoko Aoike returns to Japan to deal with them.
Critique:
The story is somewhat lacking. It’s also lacking in other places. I admit I watched it because of actors. Overall, it’s a bit funnier and the special effects are also Hollywood esque. It could be better, though.
Verdict: 7.8
Cast: 8
Cast performance: 8
Script/Directing: 7.5
-
-
" /> 
" /> Laws of Freedom
" /> The prince
" /> spies in the shadows
" /> lone librarian warrior among wolves
" /> 
" /> Type: society live action special
Genre: censorship, action
Year: 2015
Introduction:
Based on the novels and anime of the same name.
Synopsis:
About half a year has passed since the kidnapping of the commander of Nishina Base and the especially fierce battle of Odawara. Peace is returning to Musashino’s main library. Komaki recommends a book to Nakazawa Marie, who’s a hearing impaired. Komaki gets taken away for this. It’s a pretext to arrest Komaki, blemish the library and finally expend censorship on larger scope. And another conflict starts…
Critique:
Good story. The show and special and movies are very close to the novels/anime.
I got to say the set is a really nice modern library in a military base. I had doubts about the cast but the main ones turned out well chosen.
This is a serious theme which is pure “fantasy” still. If you agree then you are the perfect constituent.
😆 Just a few years ago history books among others in various countries including western and Japan had seen another spurt of censorship. Abe’s party has revised and introduced history books for schools denying or without the Nanking incident. Or under the pretense of protecting original national language (France) or introducing new and easier writing rules (Germany) word in used for centuries or since their inception have been replaced or removed altogether (French, German, English etc.). Even wikipedia is actively censored in all kinds of way by applying it’s rules or obfuscation (under pretense of moving or reorganization to delete content). Social engineering is happening and not just recently. Most people likely catch only on 1% of it at best or not at all.It’s said Komaki can only be held for 7 days before he must be released from detention. I dunno where this comes from but in Japan you really do not want to get in such a situation. The basic detention period without charge is 72 hours. Afterwards, a court can permit a 10 day extension for a total of 23 days. In Japan you have a 0.2% chance to leave after 72 hours. You won’t get forgotten for years like in some other countries but spending in detention for months isn’t unheard of. There are no special visit time permitted whatsoever outside of work days.
Verdict: 7.8
Cast: 8
Cast performance: 8
Script/Directing: 7.5
-
Konkatsu DekaYear: 2015
Thoughts:
This show is about Hanada Yoneko (neko-chan
😆 ), who’s a god sent for the police. One day a female criminal made her realize she has to get married now or never. However, that’s a problem. That is because she attracts and falls for criminals. Therefore it has become a semi-law that men she gets involved with and who are connected to a case are without a doubt criminals.She wants to get married but can’t!! She gets encouragements from her senpais (for a reason). Yoneko isn’t exactly picky as she goes for all kinds of stereotypes. The good thing is her boss: “If you report it(her radar hit)… we can forgive any kind of love.” => Any love is forgiven for the sake of justice.
If only that were true with the Japanese police force. The policy in reality is that members of the force cannot have criminals in their family. This means either they cannot join the force to begin with or have to leave. And if they marry a foreigner their career’s over and they get posted somewhere in the countryside. This is about the honor of the police and you know how serious they are about their hypocritical honor.
Anyway, the situations are kind of amusing and you get to see pick up tricks of the criminals. The actors are mostly veterans, not top notch but nothing to complain about.
The cases are secondary in this show. There’s not as much riddles to see here if you are looking for such cases. But that doesn’t mean the cases aren’t without merit. For example episode 3 is sending us for a loop until Yoneko intervenes. Hint: it’s easy, consider her radar being absolute! Scaryyy!!! Case aside the real shocking revelations are at the end of the episode.
So rather than criminal cases the real issues are human nature, relationships, circumstances etc.
Overall, it’s an OK relationship show.
Verdict: 7.7
Cast: 8
Cast performance: 8
Script/Directing: 7
Shiritsu Bakaleya Koukou
" /> 
" /> The New Order
" /> Ninja skillz
Year: 2012
The rundown all-boys yankee high school Bakada is merging with the well-off all-girls high school Cattaleya. This doesn’t sit well with either side of the student body.
Since Cattaleya’s carrying the “costs” the girls immediately “establish” their dominance. Bakada gets called Cattaleya No.2; the school gets a face lift; everything’s cleaned and shiny; the “art” on the walls are removed; a messy’s mess is gone; the H magazines are gone; and now it all smells of aux de toilet.
The girls also installed vicious mechanical transforming monsters in the toilet. But worse of all their beloved desks of traditions with inscriptions, names, and words of spirit are gone!
In other words Bakada is no longer a man cave! This obvious communication problem, naturally, leads to conflict… And on top of that the other schools make fun them, too.
This show’s cast is made up of members of then new generation of AKB48 and the male idol group Johnny’s Jr. Aside from them there are a few (really good) regular actors.
Even though acting is new to them their lack at it isn’t as apparent as in Majisuka Gakuen 4. Kojima Haruna, Shimazaki Haruka and a few other are the only veterans among them. It was made after MG2. Shimazaki is playing her (now) typical role but she’s much better in MG3 than in anything since. In comparison the guys seem all used to acting or their roles just fits them. I can’t tell.
The show is roughly comparable to the Gokusen series. However, Gokuen is pretty much dominated by Nakama Yukie’s acting and charm alone while SBK is more homogenous or evenly. So I think SBK is kind of more approving for most viewers, even though, the story may not be as engaging as Gokusen 1. Yet, there are really good parts, too. And I think the “fights” are a lot more amusing and entertaining than Gokusen. The only negative thing is most of the stories center around the guys, though. Even if not the guys are still the highlight.
Miscellaneous stuff:
The school’s the same as in Saba Doru as the show was used right afterwards.
Verdict: 8
Cast: 8
Cast performance: 8
Script/Directing: 8
Majisuka Gakuen 5THIS STORY IS A WORK OF FICTION!
" /> Year: 2015
Thoughts:
After MG4’s the disappointing performance changes were made for MG5. MG5 is a Hulu exclusive for a number of reasons:
the millions who signed up for MG4
- it’s not appropriate for Japanese TV (;°Д°)
To sum it up MG5 is bloody violent, brutal, bone cracking, sword singing, and gun blazing explosive. It’s more like the original only more extreme… seriously extreme. (≧人≦
Fatal gun violence is 40000 times less in Japan than in the states but it seems the MG students managed to close the gap! They changed school set again.It’s one year later (5 months in the real world). Salt failed attendance and has to repeat a year. The Heavenly Queens follow except for Bakamono who miscounted and graduated. ｡ﾟ( ﾟ^∀^ﾟ)ﾟ｡
The stury starts with Antonio being captured by the Ryotou Yakuza who then get cleaned up by Salt. The Gekioko’s now in Majijo’s debt so they are made fun of by the Yabakune. While the Ryotou try to safe their reputation their rivals, Akechi Sougyo, got wind of it. And then Salt gets assassinated. Σ(ﾟロﾟ) Otabe takes over (was long overdue). The graduate’s show up to her funeral, too. Despite the elder’s advice Sakura takes things into her own hands… Yabakune see their chance and challenge Sakura. She loses restrain and goes berserk. Gekioko (Kobii=Coby) doesn’t stay quite either… From here on things get out of hand and the eight way War machinery gets into full swing. Yes, it is unexpectedly very complicated.
The story is better and not zombie engaging as MG4. The characters and acting have improved. Not to mention there are regular actors now in the show. The downside is there aren’t many grunts. The OP/ED also have returned to classics/rock but still not as good as the originals. And they no longer vary from episode to episode.
The bad thing is it has become a kill-them-all story. щ(ꎤДꎤщ) There are a bunch of shocking revelations. And MG5 finally admits story wise connection to MG1 and not just with the appearance of the old cast/alumnis.
Well, the show does attempt a bit to address the difference or reality of the world of youth delinquent verses the world of adults. Don’t expect anything here. I do wonder whether the major Yakuza struggle of that year inspired the direction of the show this time.
The actions scenes this time are all ordinary; they include lots of jitter and sometimes flash effects. Yoga’s the only smart fighter but… so this part is rather a step back. There are minor funny scene but also disturbing scenes. (ﾟロﾟ) ! /(ﾟ0ﾟ)
Overall it started out a bit stereotypical but halfway it became complicated and curiosity came in the way of stopping to watch. I enjoyed it even though there were trouble some parts. There are a lot of little (character) stories but they lack more depth. They only serve to let you see the connections and what’s going on but no more.
I think the connections are a bit forced this late in the game. Anyway, with this it is the absolute end of Majijo… Will there be a continuation? Perhaps, but the original MG school is supposed to be obliterated and Yabakune and Gekioko no longer have any students. Most members of the multinational crime organizations and corrupt police are goners. It got to be a fresh start with a new generation.
Verdict: 7.8
cast: 7.5
cast performance: 8
script/directing: 8
Ex-Girlfriend’s Club [Korean]
" /> 
" /> 
" /> 
" /> The cat, the lion, the fox, the
che et ah 
" /> The bear?
Type: slice of life
Genre: romance
Year: 2015-05-08 to 2014-06-
Synopsis:
The story centered around a famous webtoon writer named Bang Myung Soo (Byun Yo Han) that write webtoon based on his past relationship with all his ex-girlfriends. Kim Soo Jin (Song Ji Hyo) is a producer who is assigned to make his webtoon into a movie.
Critique:
The show is all about relationship and in this case troublesome, amusing situation. Nothing to take serious about but I think the end is a bit disappointing.
All the actors depict extreme types, each with their quirks… Maybe the Korean way is a bit extreme but really well acted out their specialties and funny to watch.
The guy doesn’t compare with his female colleagues, though. And yeah it’s a bit leaning more on female friendship.
Verdict: 8.7
Cast: 8
Cast performance: 9
Script/Directing: 9
MAJISUKA GAKUEN 0 ~Kisarazu Brawl Version~
" /> 
" /> 
" /> 
" /> unsuspecting heroes
Year: 2015
Thoughts:
This is an “encore” to Majisuka Gakuen 4 and MG5. It features HKT48 (aka Hakata) members only e.g. Sakura, Katsuzetsu.
The story is simple: The delinquent girls from Shekarashika Girls’ Commercial School are on a school trip to Kisarazu because Tokyo was full.
The girls beat up some grunts from a local gang which starts the feud.
I’m guessing the story might meant to be a prequel to MG4.
The final showdown features and references Wota from MG1, Team Hormone, now called Ageman (!); retelling her affair, punishment and
posting as captain of Hakata. The final surprising revelation might be connected to “Shiritsu Bakaleya Koukou” were she, too, had a BF. I didn’t bother to check whether it’s the same guy; even if it’s not like he would even listed anywhere.
😆 The ED features HKT48’s performance.
Other thoughts:
Too much jitter all the time! Why crappy unprofessional hand filming has become “in” is unfathomable. You can thank nature for being smarter we never truly experience this in life other than when being hit on the head.
Uma (horse) lover jokes… this one is bad.
Verdict: 7
Cast 8
Cast performance 7
Script/Directing: 6
AKB49 Renai Kinshi Jourei – The Musical
" /> 
" /> 
" /> 
" /> animals on stage intermezzo
Type: musical
Genre: musical
Year: 2014
Introduction:
It is based on the manga of the same name. It covers the first 5 volumes.
Synopsis:
Minoru Urayama, a boy, has a crush on Hiroko Yoshinaga, who dreams of becoming a member of the idol group AKB48.
He cross-dressed as a girl named Minori Urakawa to help her and accidentally becomes the 12th generation Kenkyusei member of AKB48.
An adventure starts…
Critique:
In the first edition: The musical obviously features AKB48.
Sae Miyazawa plays Minoru Urayama, an obvious choice. Mako Kojima and Nana Owada share the role of Hiroko Yoshinaga, also obvious choices.
In the second edition: The musical features SKE48.
Nao Furuhata plays Minoru Urayama. Ryoha Kitagawa and Ami Miyamae share the role of Hiroko Yoshinaga.
As far as musicals go my standards are high with little to no compromises.
Despite how amazing the girls are at learning a dozen or two songs and dances within a week on regular basis most of them don’t have it for a musical.
This has been shown more than often enough in the (3?) Wizard of Oz or Dorothy and co. competitions over the years. AFAIK only Otabe, Mayuyu, Umeda Ayaka, Tano Yuka and Masuda Yuka have ever made it on this stage but only the last three won.
That said the musical is not bad it just doesn’t excite me enough. BBC One’s Dorothy competition was more exciting. Many of the girls perform nicely, though.
Half the songs are good enough the others are so-so. Frankly most of the good ones whether they are in the musical or encores or special features are all AKB48 classics. There are a bunch of familiar AKB48 (anime) songs I don’t remember where they are from. One is definitely a classic Sailor Moon.
Verdict: 8
Cast 8
Cast performance 8
Script/Directing: 8
Ooku – Special (2016)Ooku ~Saikyou no Onna~ (Part 1)Ooku ~Higeki no Shimai~ (Part 2)
" /> 
" /> 
" /> the scene everyone was waiting for
" /> 
" /> Uta, human target practice
" /> Type: (pseudo) historic special
Genre: historical
Year: 2016
Introduction:
This special is for the 5 season Ooku from 1968 to 2006.
There is NO relationship to “Ooku Tanjou” like some seem to believe. Ooku Tanjou is a complete different animal… imagine gender bending a la “Saber Marionette” world..
Synopsis:
In the first part, Omiyo becomes Tokugawa Ienari’s concubine for revenge. However, she falls in love with someone who becomes her rival. A sad fatal love developes.
In the second part, Ume and her sister Uta are ordered to become Tokugawa Ienari’s favorite concubine. A fatal rivalry ensures…
Critique:
Sawajiri Erika plays both Omiyo and Ume, obviously due to her classic beauty. Her performance is solid and classic. The differences are negligible, although, Omiyo and Ume are opposites. One being the stronger type the other the weaker type. Blame it on the classic ways.
The first part is “modern” and features Watanabe Mayu (AKB48) who plays a special and unique role (in the whole series I think). However, only 2/3 of her special role is actually being used while we only get hints on the other 1/3. She’s been wasted only for the part that’s pretty much common and redundant throughout the series. The other part could have been interesting offering something new but things end up boring. Yet it features the (only) nicest and cruelest love story of both.
The second part features Renbutsu Misako as the Akane type (super heroine) Uta.
Since the Ooku series is the kind that if you have seen one you have seen them all at least in my opinion. And since the special doesn’t stray too much from the classic it is kind of disappointing. It has a higher score because of all the other actors involved, its kind of beautiful scenery and the dances.
Verdict: 7.7
Cast 8
Cast performance 8
Script/Directing: 7
Ishi no Mayu
" /> police business cards with mascot
Type: human drama
Genre: crime, suspense, mystery
Year: 2015
Introduction:
Based on the novel Novel Ishi no Mayu Keishicho Satsujin Bunsekihan by Asami Kazushi.
Synopsis:
Kisaragi Toko is a rookie in the First Investigative Division (murder crimes). While on a serial killer case she faces prejudice from other departments and has a hard time conforming with the elitist attitude of her division. As the case unfolds she has to face a painful past, defend her father’s honor, and face the scorn of her colleagues, too. And on top of that the killer chooses her as the person of contact. Everything is directed her way…
Critique:
This show borders on horror or features some disturbing shots… Well, it’s a single large case story rather than a show with many. This a novel story after all (see end).
Kimura Fumino as Kisaragi Toko, I have somewhat of a mixed feeling. Despite everything she’s undoubtly the center figure of the show. Perhaps I’m too harsh, here.
The rest of the cast doesn’t shine intentionally, although, her senpai does a good job. They all are male and really experienced actors.
I wouldn’t say the story is that complicated but we still get sent for a loop most of the time. However, half of the troubles are rather due to police incompetence… or should I say it’s foreseeable but the police fail to see. It’s debatable whether that’s realistically accurate or not. As for anything else the show’s more realistic than any or most other Japanese police show. I won’t go into details here. I can’t award points for these.
The same goes for the final surprising (not really) showdown. Overall, I’m slightly disappointed over these but otherwise it’s a solid story. And well, the main points are on the human side, the human circumstances and the life-long struggles of the people involved rather than just solving the case and catching the criminal. So these can be forgiven.
Verdict: 7.7
Cast 7
Cast performance 8
Script/Directing: 8
Seirei no Moribito/Guardian of Spirit (Season 1)[BBvideo]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kXNDM5EzVk [/BBvideo] 
" /> 
" /> forced banquet
" /> the imperial capital
" /> lady of the lake : Torogai
Type: fantasy history live action
Genre: mystery, fantasy, action
Year: 2016
Introduction:
This is a series of 22 (4+9+9) episodes total in 3 seasons over 3 years based on the 12 novel Moribito series by Nahoko Uehashi.. Like the anime of the same name Season 1 covers the first novel.
Synopsis:
Balsa saves Chagum, becomes his guardian and is thrust involuntarily into an adventure of being the most sought after!
Critique:
I just relized it’s been 8 years since I last saw the anime. Like the anime the show is lavishly beautiful. The special effects & animations are really good; hard to tell from real or not. Well, the forests are real, though. It’s comparable to “the Legend”. I think it’s a first with this level and scope for a Japanese show of this size. In return they saved a bit on the size of the set, though. Might be better in season 3.
Haruka Ayase as Balsa was quite some shocking surprise. Here she shows her real life athletic ability. She’s no less than any other famed female martial artist actress here. Well, she’s a track and field person in real life not just in “Sekai No Chuushin De”. She does the action scenes very convincing… maybe too convincing.
😆 And despite all the heavy makeup she looks too good still. Maybe she lacks grace, though, but that’s how Balsa is. Or maybe she has too much of it?😆 The rest of the cast is full of really good actors. I could but can’t wish for much more. I doubt there’s more in the budget for better ones anyway.
Hayashi Kento as Shuga is definitely a good choice. He’s an unsuspecting chameleon actor. You may have seen him often but never realized it in his disguises. This will be interesting later on. Fumino Kimura as Ratu Kedua, Chagum’s mother, gives it her all. Perhaps her best performance so far.
Ohno Satoshi as Emperor of New Yogo is kind of evil. He’s different from the anime.
The story is closer to the novel than the anime and more complicated. Therefore, it makes a bit more sense in certain parts. The details are a bit different but that’s normal so I can’t tell for certain. Overall, it looks like a mix of your typical Chinese/Hong Kong martial arts movie and some fantasy movie with lavish backdrops both real and CGI.
The art design is kind of even more chinese influenced than the anime. The temple’s design reminds of the Korean legend of the tree, though. And the wall paintings are european baroc or later rather than greek-indo-asianized variation. Here, Balsa’s people resemple a certain mountain people, who got eradicated by the Han, even more than in the anime. Here childhood friends more of those in the south. And well, some everyday things are too modern or rather modern stuff made to look historic primitive.
The action scenes are better than the anime. (ﾟ0ﾟ) Unlike the anime the show features Balsa’s childhood adventure with seemingly mongols. She had her first fight at a pony station which is more chinese than mongolian design, though. The mongolian design is famed for efficiency.
Balsa has her first battle with mountain bandits; witnessed the evil of men and took her first kill. And there’s bloody medical procedures. Torogai, here, is more of a witch. There are other indigenous people, too. They look and have accessories like southerners than people of northern regions.
While the anime had a prominent story part in the mountains where they took refuge the show cut it short. Also different on the way back they are attacked by a huge tentacle creature from another realm. The end kind of came fast as it’s cramped into episode 4. Only episode 1 is normal paced.
Now, if you actually look at the map… it looks like a typical Japanese/Korean map meaning West is up and North is to the right. Hence, the land it takes place is somewhere north-west of ancient Korea territory (see Legend) into the mongolian area.
Verdict: 9.5
Cast 9.5
Cast performance 10
Script/Directing: 9
Descendants of the Sun/태양의 후예 / Taeyangui Huye (2016)(Korean)
http://asianwiki.com/images/7/70/Descendants_of_the_Sun-001.jpg " /> Type: romance
Genre: medical, humanitarian, crisis, war, crime, world politics
Year: 2016
Summary:
One day, soldier Yoo Shi-jin meets surgeon Kang Mo-yeon in a complicated circumstance. It’s a short lived romance and they go their separate ways. 8 months later they meet by chance on the other side of the world where life and death are as close as it gets.
Critique:
As a romance show it’s good but not the best there is. The actors performed their roles very well but not outstanding. Nothing to complain, though. The side stories are the best part of the show.
Nearly all of them are about (world) crisis. The things soldiers and doctors are facing in the field. Unlike most catastrophe/3rd world movies it features nearly everything out there. It’s only missing the deadly “game” involving environmentalist in the field.
With the resources at hand it’s doing a better job than most higher budgeted movies/shows. For some reason the UN is often involved but, actually, UN endorsement is completely missing.
Not so much (emphasized) tragedy, but a lot of blood and tears are spilled in this show. Imho the best Korean show this year. Watch it if you get the chance.
If you don’t want to waste time watching it all, watch the two comprehensive specials. You will miss all the side stories, though.
A second season has already been announced to be in the works, supposedly coming next year.
Verdict: 8.7
Cast 8
Cast performance 8
Script/Directing: 10
**This is a repost: Mar 11, 2017**I haven’t watched a lot in the last 9 months so this is partly “new” from last year(s) that’s been lying around half written/watched.
The K2 (Korea)(Korean)
https://www.dramafever.com/st/news/images/27fef4c2-9fc3-4e3d-bce4-4698548a3ddb.jpg " /> [BBvideo]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jzFg6GPksQ [/BBvideo] Type: conflict of interest drama
Genre: action, espionage, politics
Year: 2016
Summary:
Kim Je Ha was in Division 040-151 of the South Korean special forces (the best). He was wronged and discharged. So he worked for the PMC Blackstone where he gets betrayed, framed, internationally wanted for mass murder and crime against humanity, for joining ISIL.
Upon returning he falls into the claws of Choi Yoo Jin and dragged into the dark world of politics and corporations. Before long havoc breaks out all over the place…
Critique:
Story wise the show starts a bit delayed and leaves us in the dark for a few episodes. The story turns out rather ordinary (with the same schemes) for making us wait. However, the rest of the show is an explosion of actions on par with James Bond movies (just cheaper and less frequent). The veteran actors are great. The good looking young main actors pale in comparison. Song Yoon Ah as the scary dragon lady Choi Yoo Jin is amazing and dominates. As the queen of the magic mirror, she’s just one among many vile, vicious, and feral beasts of man… Really, I end up watching for the action and her.
Quotes:
“There’s no such thing as a master who doesn’t betray his or her slave.”
Verdict: 8
Cast: 7
Cast performance: 9
Script/Directing: 8
**This is a repost: Mar 11, 2017**Kuchibiru ni Uta o /Have a Song on Your Lips (2015)Type: movie
Genre: life troubles
Year: 2015
Summary:
Yuri Kashiwaga, broken and scared, returns to her hometown to stand-in for her pregnant friend as a music teacher. The choir club is about to take part at a competition and aims for national level. Reluctantly she helps the students. While struggling with her own problems she discovers her student’s problems being far more grave…
Critique:
At a glance it seems to be another Tegami (letter) story but it’s not quite. The movie focuses on the meaning of life depicted by Yuri, Nazuna, the choir captain, and Satoru. Overall it’s a nice movie but not outstanding. To be honest I watched it because of the title song and Yui Aragaki.
Verdict: 7.7
Cast 8
Cast performance 8
Script/Directing: 7
[BBvideo]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbE7qV-8HDo [/BBvideo] Tegami (Have a Song on Your Lips OST) by Aki Angela
excerpt, perfect version
One of the most beautiful japanese songs there is. The rhyme is great (if sung correctly).
It kind of reminds of another similar one….
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vq4JDesX93c real world winner sounds bad in the later part…
**This is a repost: Mar 12, 2017**Proposal Daisakusen/Operation Love (2007)
https://plainbread.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/168566625291l2.jpg?w=510&h=286 " /> Type: love drama
Genre: romance
Year: 2007
Summary:
Iwase Ken’s childhood friend, Yoshida Rei, is getting married. By pure “luck” a “fairy” appears and gives him chance(s) to win her by sending him back in time.
Critique:
The show is very beautiful, with nice scene and music. However, the stories are common and the main actors don’t quite capture me nor impress me. Also there are weird poses, slapstick etc. which seem to try to add some comedy but totally turn me off. At some point I couldn’t watch it and skimmed. I do like Rei, though.
I understand it’s quite popular with some people so it may be just me.
Verdict: 7.3
Cast 7
Cast performance 8
Script/Directing: 7
[BBvideo]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qex8FT0OiB4 [/BBvideo] The title song is popular…
Aragaki Yui performing with her fans. No she’s no relation to the show.
**This is a repost: Mar 18, 2017**I just found out there’s gonna be Code Blue Season 3 will be airing this summer. So I’m re-scheduling and re-shuffling releases for the next dozen reviews. So I’m gonna stick with shows featuring Aragaki Yui which happen to fit in well for some reason including new ones.
Gal Circle
" /> Type: comedy
Genre: life comedy
Year: 2006
Summary:
Kitajima Shinnosuke, a cowboy from Arizona, comes to Shibuya to look for Momoko. Seeing a group of girls dancing Para-Para he figures that’s the best place to start. His existence changes people’s lives in Shibuya.
Critique:
This is a comedy based on Shinnosuke’s 4 year old self’s knowledge of Japan, Japanese language & culture, people and the world. Misunderstandings on his side lead to [strike]horrible[/strike]experiences or insights which changes the lives of the people involved. It’s a bit lacking but the stories get better toward the end. It’s very enjoyable if you disregard some shortcomings.
Verdict: 7.7
Cast 8
Cast performance 8
Script/Directing: 7
ED:
[BBvideo]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpiKAwPBeB0 [/BBvideo] note some american country moves
**This is a repost: Mar 26, 2017**Papa to Musume no Nanokakan/Seven Days of a Daddy and a Daughter
https://wannabefob.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/large.jpg " /> Type: comedy
Genre: comedy, gender (bender)
Year: 2007
Summary:
Kyoichiro, a minor department chief, his relationship with his daughter Koume has become distanced. One day, after they are caught in an earthquake, they have swap bodies/souls.
They have no choice but to live each other’s lives without disrupting or damaging them….
Critique:
A funny amusing show with a family friendly story about relationships. The actors are good but it’s a bit awkward.
They obviously didn’t master their body language well enough, hence, their gender bending act is not naturally convincing. They are missing the subtle touch which makes things look a bit forced, yet, funny.
Verdict: 8.3
Cast: 9
Cast performance: 8
Script/Directing: 8
**This is a repost: Mar 21, 2017**Nigeru wa Haji da ga Yaku ni Tatsu/We Married as a JobType: love comedy
Genre: social life, love
Year: 2016
Introduction:
The show is an adaptation of a Manga of the same name: Nigeru wa Haji da ga Yaku ni Tatsu/The Full-Time Wife Escapist by Umino Tsunami.
Summary:
Moriyama Mikuri, highly educated and recently graduated, has a problem finding a stable job. Depressed and frustrated she develops a bit of a job hunting phobia. Her father arranges for her a housekeeping job at Tsuzaki Hiramasa’s apartment.
When her parents suddenly move to the country side she brazenly proposes to Hiramasa a contract marriage. What began as just an employment becomes romance.
Critique:
The show is more than just an Aragaki Yui aka Gakky show for her fans. I like her but I didn’t intend to watch the show at all because of that. However, once I realized the machination I kept watching it. It’s obviously a well (government) supported show based on many research papers which came out that year (2016). The show enjoyed a lot…lots of promotions through many many aired specials, appearances, interviews & shows.
Aragaki Yui plays Moriyama Mikuri, well versed in house work, but her habit of expressing uncalled “good” ideas have made her unpopular in her jobs. Her personality and demeanor is of the classic japanese girl/woman represented by Sanrio’s Hello Kitty, the de facto official Japanese image. And is outdated this year (2017) by Sanio’s new angry red panda (Aggretsuko or Aggressive Retsuko, see anime of the same name 2016). The other important notion is the housewife is still a respected career in Japan. Gakky’s acting is as good as ever since her first movie 10 years ago and she looks (nearly) exactly the same also (a feature of the show). You can look forward to her split second mimic changes when she realizes a lie; and following her cunningness.
Hoshino Gen as Tsuzaki Hiramasa is an IT system engineer, the top ace at 3I and self-proclaimed pro-bachelor. His insistence on keeping his tranquile pro-bachelor gives Mikuri a hard time to approach him. He represents japanese men who have no experience with women and are “happy” being left alone. And he got lots to hide. Hoshino Gen provides the show with his Koi song.
Ishida Yuriko (San from Mononoke Hime) as Tsuchiya Yuri is Mikuri’s “deprived & accused sex-crazed” aunt, a department chief at a cosmetic company. Before she realized her career centric life has left her being a single with no hope of ever finding family happiness. To her Mikura is the daughter she never will have and insists being called Yuri-chan.
Otani Ryohei as Kazami Ryota is Hiramasa’s co-worker and playboy who intends to snatch Mikuri away for himself. Due to circumstance, Ryota and Hiramasa fight it out in secret.
Likewise all of the cast consists of good actors.
Aside from the show’s story the show features more or less detailed discussions about unmarried couples. This is done using various forms
1. A documentary form with interviews and other TV re-enactments and psychology lessons featuring Mikuri.
2. Wherein the main actors discuss their opinions, economic options, social appearances, arrangements and rules.
3. Real life situations wherein the pair faces disaster
4. Some social engineering. This was too targeted and it seems these were withdrawn in the nick of time.
Although, it’s marketed as a comedy it’s rather ordinary with funny good scenes achieved in part by various forms of acting rather than just dialogues. I really like this part.
As is obvious the show depicts the modern day situations of women and women living together, a different point of view from classic forms (see “Nagareboshi” or “Marumaru Tsuma” reviews). Some other minor mentions are public dissatisfied view on globalization and national economy, and the realization that young people in most countries no longer have a need to own a car.
In the beginning Hiramasa and Mikuri have a contract defining the duties and responsibilities of husband (employer) and wife (employee). The marriage is institution similar to a company. It’s a strict and inflexible system representing Hiramasa’s inability to break out of his self created bachelor prison. As time passes and new situations appear the system is tentatively adjusted but retains a clear distant relation between employer and employee. I’m most unsatisfied that the system is finally replaced, yet, not as extensively discussed in the very last episode. It leaves me wishing the show was longer than just 11 episodes. It should be noted that the ideal relation the show appears to hint is the classic form. Although, the show covers both sides it leans more toward men because Hiramasa’s situation is tantamount to the story and the system’s development. At times it feels somewhat like a love guide for low-esteem, shut-in, and NEET japanese men. The good part was Mikuri’s pointing out the exploitation of women/housewife and her invented love exploitation.
Even if you are not interested you should still take a look at the discussions. Although, spread all over the place and at times not long lasting, I think the story makes it worth to keep watching for the discussions.
Miscellaneous stuff:
*They built the whole inside and outside of the house & company floor in a studio. The date painted on the wall changes.
*Shinichiro Azumi, Pittanko kan kan’s host, is featured in one version of the Koi dance of the ED. All versions can be seen in the specials. The dance has become popular.
*The show features a lot of references to other shows and mangas including “Sanada Maru”.
*Mikuri’s city council ticket ~men should share by getting pregnant and her regret not being a scientist to make it possible.
*The daydream victory of Mikuri’s housework labor party.
*The show & cast won a number of awards (wikis not yet updated)
etc.
Verdict: 9
Cast 10
Cast performance 9
Script/Directing: 8
https://i.imgur.com/jRLuufq.jpg" />
Gakky comparison
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-38606355 Koi dance
[BBvideo]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GD7tFt7kRN0 [/BBvideo] image is mirrored!
[BBvideo]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKyLtbqltro [/BBvideo] special
[BBvideo]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MzGAyfXcfrg [/BBvideo] the love rivals
Another Oh Hae Young/또 오해영/Ddo Oh Hae Yeong
http://image.chosun.com/sitedata/image/201604/22/2016042202348_0.jpg " /> Type: romance drama
Genre: romance, comedy, supernatural
Year: 2016-May-02 to 2016-Jul-05
Synopsis/Summary:
Park Do Kyung, a successful sound director with his own studio, had been dreaming (premonitions) of a woman who is always caught in dangerous situations.
Oh Hae Young had just called off her wedding, one day before the event. This incurred the wrath of her parents and she became the gossip of town. The real reason was much worse she couldn’t tell anyone.
(Nose-bleed hit-and-run encounter.) Do Kyung tries everything to avoid her but always ends up helping her because of a secret guilt. One day her name-twin appears who had left Do Kyung on their wedding day.
Critique:
This high profile show features two popular veteran actors in the lead roles but I watched it for the supernatural. Unfortunately it wasn’t exactly something new and I’ve seen something similar already in another Korean/Japanese show.
Eric plays Park Do Kyung and Seo Hyun Jin plays Oh Hae Young. These two veterans are usually great but in this show it doesn’t come out well. I blame the script and or the blandness.
Or maybe because it’s often too serious and lacks some entertainment. The rest of the cast is also high profile but suffers the same problem.
In any case, there’s no real other reason to watch this show other than to watch the actors.
Verdict: 8
Cast 9
Cast performance 8
Script/Directing: 7
[BBvideo]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEL-x063zus [/BBvideo] Healer/힐러/Hilleo (Korean)
http://www.jaehakim.com/wp-content/uploads/9999/12/Healer.jpg " /> Type: action, fiction, conspiracy
Genre: romance, comedy, thriller, action
Year: 2014-Dec-08 to 2015-Feb-10
Synopsis/Summary:
One day, night courier legend “Healer” gets a peculiar DNA sample mission to find a certain woman. As a result he’s caught in a conspiracy of national proportion and secrets of his own lost origin.
Critique:
One of the best thriller/drama show around. This show gives you no time to rest. The only bad thing is how fast it wrapped up in the end: within half an episode!! As such it’s one of those shows I dearly wished it would go on much longer.
The cast is superb. This cast has no weak link at all. One of the best cast of any show.
Park Min Young plays Chae Young Shin / Oh Ji An, the woman in question. As an orphan she had gone through tough times but is now in good hands. She works as a tabloid reporter and in the coffee shop of her father. Park Min Young is just great in this show. Despite being “young” she’s done pretty much any role possible. There’s no way you could miss a show with her (High Kick series; City Hunter etc.). Even if you don’t recognize her you won’t miss her performance. The only bad things to criticize are TV tropes of her role.
Ji Chang Wook plays Seo Jung Hoo / Park Bong Soo / Healer. As usual he’s done a lot of action in this show. Although, his role allowed him to don all kinds of characters we actually don’t get to see it acted out much.
What else is there to say but “watch it”?
Verdict: 9.3
Cast: 10
Cast performance: 10
Script/Directing: 8
[BBvideo]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rcg87VbT8Ic&t=33m46s [/BBvideo] What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim/김비서가 왜 그럴까/Gimbiseoga Wae Geureolkka (Korean)Type: romance, comedy
Genre: Drama, office, romance
Year: 2018-Jun-06 to 2018-Jul-26
Synopsis/Summary:
One day, Kim Mi So, head secretary of Lee Young Joon, decides to quit her job. Young Joon is dumb founded as there’s no better (servile) secretary in the world. He starts to do anything to keep her by his side.
Critique:
Honestly, I watched it because the couple from “Because This Is My First Life” made a cameo appearance, including theme BGM. It’s their alternative future and past in this show.
It also features a glimpse of “Another Oh Hae Young”. Don’t ask me why they blurred it.
I didn’t plan to watch it but the main actors kept me watching the show. Admittedly, there were times I skipped parts for various reasons that are irrelevant in this review.
Park Min Young plays Kim Mi So. Honestly, I didn’t recognize her but her superb performance caught me. She’s so gorgeous in this show. It’s how she looks these days, though.
Park Seo Joon plays Lee Young Joon. Young Joon is a notorious, ignorant narcissist. There’s nobody in the world who could put up with him. The contrast between him and Mi So gives rise to a lot of fun, entertaining, an expressive situations.
Since it’s a comedy, the cast may come across as weird but they did a good job in pulling it off. The story isn’t great. It’s all about relationship, life situation, past secrets, and a cruel experience.
There’s no other reason to watch this show other than to watch the actors. Because of them the first episode is a very good intro episode. Most shows half fail to catch you in their first episode. So this was a surprise.
Verdict: 8.5
Cast: 8
Cast performance: 9.5
Script/Directing: 8
[BBvideo]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cz-A5Pv-_1E [/BBvideo] **This is a repost: Mar 29, 2017**Master’s Sun [SKorea]
http://images6.fanpop.com/image/quiz/1061000/1061541_1386481937730_500_281.jpg " /> 
" /> secretary’s spiked attire
Type: romance
Genre: romance, comedy
Year: 2013
Synopsis/Summary:
Tae Gong Shil suffers from insomnia as she can see ghosts. They ghost won’t leave her alone once they relize they can contact her. Experience of being outcasted she leads a secluded life of fear.
One day she runs into Joo Joong Won, a cold and ambitious CEO, who measures all human relationships through money. To her surprise, touching him makes the ghosts disappear. After realizing Gong Shil can provide him with corporation secrets from the dead victims of other corporations Joong Won offers her sanctuary while charging her a fee (very high for her, dirt cheap for him).
Critique:
This show is more like a detective show than a ghost story or a love drama. Therefore, it does have an ample amount of actions and thrills. This show has a past related story arc.
So Ji Sub as Joo Joong Won is stuck with yet another cool and cold appearing guy image. Not much acting for him in this show.
Gong Hyo Jin as Tae Gong Shil is a bit irritating. While she represents a “duck” image her mixed cutie acting makes it weird imho.
Overall the show is entertaining with minimum plot scheme.
Miscellaneous stuff:
*Wonder Girls appear in one episode
*dog scenes lol
Verdict: 8
Cast: 8
Cast performance: 8
Script/Directing: 8
[BBvideo]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQ0xwkAMI [/BBvideo] [BBvideo]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZBn1e9pr2Q [/BBvideo] Viewing 157 reply threads- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
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