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Tamagawa Kuyakusho Of The Dead
http://aramajapan.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/aramajapan_tanagaawa1-300×236.jpg
" /> 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
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
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
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.
