[Drama] Code Blue

Summer 2008

Starring: Yamashita Tomohisa, Aragaki Yui, Toda Erika, Asari Yosuke...

This is a drama about 4 trainee-doctors who aim to be flight doctors. The four trainees were placed under their instructor, Dr. Kuroda, who seems to be a tough, stern old man who hates young people. (Or so, the actor says when he went on SMAPxSMAP)

Aizawa Kousaku, a seemingly very capable young trainee who is able to keep calm in a moment of chaotic mess. He is smart, skillful, confident and fears nothing.

Shiraishi Megumi, a booksmart who is able to get her theories right. A top-of-the-class type who lacks confident in herself and her skills. Most probably due to the fact that he father is an outstanding personality in the medical field.

Hiyama Mihoko, an eager young woman who gives herself more credit than she deserves. She started out with riding in the helicopter and performing surgeries on her mind but she has a compassionate side - like everybody else.

Fuikawa Kazuo, a nerd who thinks he's hot stuff. Clumsy and incapable is what he truly is. Yet he is sneakier than he appears BUT has a good side too. Like everybody else.

These four young trainees are rivals who will compete to be able to be a true flight doctor, who will ride on helicopters and save lives within a limited about of time and space and less than enough equipments.

Theme song:

Mr.Children - HANABI. I didn't really like Mr.Children until very recently. When I came upon "Dakishimetai" by accident. And then I go... "Ah, I get Mr.Children and their popularity now." And then suddenly, a lot of their songs sound nicer than when I previously thought they were.

Yeah. Its not bad.

*****

Shall I express my distaste for the drama upon watching first episode despite its high viewership ratings? Is it me, or is it that Pi is playing Kurosaki again? He doesn't smile, he's smooth, confident and cool. He knows what he is doing, he's all steady and shit. Yeah, and like in Prodai, there's a clumsy geek next to him to accentuate how tall, hot and cool he is. *Yawns* Type-cast galore! I don't get what is it about this man that is hot. His lack of facial expressions in both dramas and on TV. His refusals to do certain things that his seniors ask him to. His... HAIR! They all annoy me. His neck is too big for his small face. He is overrated. But oh well, for the sake of the memory of Akira. I'll just... watch.

Take Grey's Anatomy, and instead of climbing the ranks of medical doctors, the prize that everyone is aiming for is to become a flight doctor and voila, you have Code Blue. Well, with less drama and attendings+interns-banging and sexing up each other in the hospital.

Episode 1:

In a very Japanese-drama way, this drama quickly takes on the compassionate, human path where the trainees quickly realize that being a doctor is not all about the achievements and operations. The previously enthusiastic trainees quickly feel for the patients and know what to prioritize.

My first impressions on the characters quickly change towards the end. Which is exactly what the drama wants to show. Eager and brash trainees who quickly learn the more human, more realistic side of being a doctor and also, they learn about their own incapabilities. All of them except that Aizawa dude played by Pi. Yeah, yeah, Pi plays an outstanding trainee with lots of whatever good stuff. I am bored.

Yeah, he's good at everything. But probably, in the episodes to come, he'll reveal a DARK past. Woo. Probably killed someone before, thus brushed up his skills. Overcame obstacles and stuff and in the end he'll be a great doctor. Cliched.

I don't hate it as much as I sound like I do though. Its quite Grey's Anatomy, and I liked Grey's Anatomy. Now if only they can find a McDreamy~ or a McSteamy~. On a final note. Pi? Doctor? *Tee-hee*

Upon finishing the drama:

Did Yamapi make a single believable facial expression in here? I think not. Did this drama kill every ounce of like I had for Yamapi which I gained a year or so ago watching "Nobuta wo Produce"? Totally. In fact, it is running on a deficit. Geez, what the hell? I am placing my bet on botox. It must be botox. They can't make facial expressions after they get them.

What a crap drama. I regret even trying to watch it. And Pi's hair made me want to shave it all off. So annoying. SO DAMN ANNOYING. And rabid Pi fans can go ahead, bash the so-called haters for speaking their feelings or try to defend the damn drama or whatever. I am so sorry that they spent all that money making the drama. The only good thing about this drama is Ryo and Susumu Terajima. xDDD Okay I am biased cos I so totally am watching "Ryusei no Kizuna".

Ratings: 2/5

[TV] Code Blue @ Waratte Iitomo

3 July 2008

The Code Blue cast went on Waratte Iitomo to play some games and then to promote their drama. Pi came it late because he is a diva and he knows he's big stuff and even Tamori won't dare to blame him. No, actually I don't know why and I don't really... nevermind.

Anyways, Erika and Gakky do not seem as close as I half expected that they will be - or at least act like they are. I thought that any drama with two actresses casted in it with their names credited very close together will at least try to make an effort to tell the world that there are no catfights going on behind the scenes, since these people are working that "I am so innocent a bee wouldn't even try to sting me" kinda image.

Pi's hair... uh... not working for me. Not working at all. And even that short dude from the Code Blue cast seems hotter. Really. I always thought Pi's charm was not in his looks. Back when he just debut, he was hilarious when he had to goof around with Jin. And at least he tried to appear like he worked hard, I don't know if he did, but he sure appeared to. Now~ well, he has dead fish eyes, no kidding. Thought that for a while and his breasts are too big... I mean.. muscles? Whatever. Not that I am picking on his weaknesses, its just, nowadays, I don't seem to see anything out of him other than his poker face and his fish eyes. Maybe if NewS has a variety show, I'd be able to see what is making him so popular. Doesn't matter though, he IS popular and that is that.

I seriously think that if Pi weren't so in love so friendly with Ryo, I'd like him a bit less. OR I should really go find and watch Nobuta wo Produce again, therefore, igniting the interest for him which I built when he was Akira and I like Akira a lot. Ah~ nostalgia. Maybe its the hair.

Erika just doesn't seem friendly with Gakky, or is it otherwise? Gakky seems too kind to hurt an ant. While Erika... I don't know... she has the potential to be the new SawaEri if she hits it big, considering how she is still in a supporting role for Gakky... its not anytime soon then eh? I thought she'd just hit it big with "Liar Game". When Erika came out to answer one of the questions, Aoki Sayaka made a scene again. XD Aiba attracts 'fierce' women. xD

About the show, the two teams will take turn opening the choices on the board and then they will answer the question that is - What are the similarities between all the things listed on the board. The first one is that all of them have the same family name as Olympic winners in Japan. The second is that, the characters on the things listed can be read backwards and have a different meaning. Then it was the game where people on the Iitomo team will come up and talk of an experience and then the members of the Code Blue cast will determine if they can relate to it or not. A bunch of boring games.

I have a hard time deciding who would win a catfight, Gakky or Erika. Hmm... I think Erika, but then Gakky's crazy-long hair maybe be used to slap Erika if she turns her head really, really fast without twisting her neck. Its a close fight, really.

[Buzz] Code Blue

Allow me to pause for a moment, and laugh.

I am sorry, I am going to step on some toes here. But I cannot not laugh and tell it to the world how much I shall ridicule this drama and its casting.

I shall start now.

OHHOHHOHHOHHO. WAHHAHHAHHAHHA. What? Laughing is good. As Kanjani8 said a while ago, if I laugh, you will laugh. If you laugh, someone else will laugh along. So... I am spreading the joy and love. Be nice to me. T_T

Yeah, Yamapi? Doctor? Yamapi? DOCTOR? YAMAPI? DOCTOR?

My dog is James Bond. Yes, when the clock strikes 3 a.m., it morphs into the secret agent person and goes in search for Vesper Lynd and Honey Rider.

C'mon, it doesn't work this way. If I were lying on the stretcher, Yamapi would be the second last person I want doctoring me. The last one would be Aiba, of course. He doesn't have the... look. I know there's a reason why its a drama, but still, I see Pi, I see Akira. Remember "Akira SHOCK!"? Yeah. I can accept him as a swindler, a jobless time traveler, an idiot schoolboy, but a doctor? There is a limit on how unbelievable dramas can get, and Pi starring as a doctor just crossed the line.

In addition to that, Gakki and Erika... okay these two are a wee bit more acceptable. Just a wee bit more. 20-year-olds aren't supposed to be out of medical school yet. They are trying to act beyond their years and its just not right. They should go star as some impregnated teen who went through fucked up teenage years and cry to their boyfriends who are dying of leukaemia. Anything that doesn't involve a stethoscope round their neck and uttering medical terms which they most probably have no idea what they mean.

I will watch this though. ^^ Just to see how bad it gets. No doubt fans will like this because of the cast. Its Gakki and Pi reuniting! xD Hell, even I am excited. As I said it before, I shall say it again, I hope there's a cat fight that involves hair yanking and I hope there's Pi's character falling off from a helicopter and something dramatic like that. ^^ I can tell already, Erika will win the fight, she just works the bitchy look way better. We knew that back in Hana Yori Dango ~Returns~.

Drama starts 3rd of July. Summer is here~ summer is here! Well, in my case, its always summer...

[Buzz] Code Blue

Code Blue is a drama about doctor-in-trainings who will ride on helicopters and then fly around and save people. Or something.

Yamashita Tomohisa will play a training doctor alongside Aragaki Yui and Toda Erika. I foresee triangle romance type of a love story. Aragaki Yui will be the leading lady and Toda Erika the supporting actress, which probably means that Gakky will get the boy.

Its ironic how back during Galcir days (can't believe I watched that drama in the first place) Toda Erika was the main female character and Yui was sorta like a supporting, credited after Erika. Tables have turned. While Erika still plays supporting roles, Gakky carried not only dramas, but movies as well.

I LOL-ed at the thought of Pi playing a doctor. xD Like... xD seriously. He has problems graduating! (Not that I graduated yet. But still~~ playing a doctor?) Well, whatever I say, I am eventually going to watch this anyway.

So yeah. It will be aired July. Summer drama, like Maou. Though I am looking forward to Maou more. Ohno! Drama! Serious stuff! Toma!

Ohno + Toma pwns Pi + Girls.

[Movie] Koizora

2008

Starring: Aragaki Yui, Miura Haruma, Karina, Koide Keisuke...

The story opens as Mika boards a train and starts a monologue (or an imaginary conversation, really), talking to whom we would presume to be a man she loves. She was contemplating if meeting him was a good thing or a bad thing. A flashback ensues. Seven years ago, Mika was a freshman in highschool. It seems natural that people want to be dating when they enter highschool, Mika and her friends are no different. Occasionally wearing lip gloss to look better.

Mika's friend, Aya confessed to like a boy from another class who appears to be a junior delinquent with piercings all over his face named Nozomu. Nozomu and his bleached-blonde-haired friend met Mika and her friends for the first time that day, when Aya went to meet Nozomu. Oh yeah, Nozomu has the hots for Mika and Mika promised Aya to not be attracted to Nozomu.

One fine day, Mika was looking for her cellphone and found it nicely lined up among the books in the library and a boy's voice appeared as he called to help ease the effort of finding the phone on Mika's part. The boy refused to reveal his identity. Before she knows it, she is getting phone calls from the boy more and more often. And so before Mika is aware of it, a bond is formed through the daily phone calls made by a secretive, anonymous boy...

*****

Young love.

This story was originally made available only through cellular services or something like that. Then there was a popular novel based on the story. Then the movie spawned from it. And there was this big fuss about it way before it even released. So, even if you don't dig chick flicks, the curiousity driven by the fuss surrounding the movie will drive you to want to watch it.

It seems that Aragaki Yui is playing the same sweet, cute and naive role over and over again with no edge to the characters, nothing special. Your cute girl-next-door type. Which is exactly what the Japanese like in their top idols. When people thought Sawajiri Erika was like so, sure, they supported her. But when they show themselves as a bitch or just a bit less flawless, they turned their backs on her just like that.

Karina played Hiro's elder sister. Karina is so hot. xD Oh well, this is the type of story that portrays the sex life of kids nowadays and make it seem like its okay to have underage, premarital sex. Well I am not one to say its okay or not. But this is the type of movie that makes kids wanna go out and get knocked up.

Koide Keisuke plays the rebound boy for Mika. With a Kansai accent. xD No matter how often I hear that, from Ryo, from Kanjani8, from KinKi Kids, from Downtown, I still cannot get used to that. xD Especially in a movie. If its like owarai, then its suitable. But for movies... highly unrecommended. He plays a good guy. The type you'd bring home to meet your parents. But girls like bad boys. Period. I thought when I turned 20 that bad-boy fantasy will fade. Well... I am 20. It didn't go away.

I like thugs. I like those wannabe rebels who skip class and smoked underage. I don't know about now though. So likeD would be a better word. Ah young love. Its not a great movie. I feel like I am watching the same shit over and over again yet succumb to the tearjerking factor that these movies have.

I am watching it as I blog so... basically I don't know the ending yet... Okay, I know it already. Not telling though.

Chicks would love this movie. Depressing, predictable, cliched.

I have a thing or two to say about the big fuss about the movie. Totally overrated. TOTALLY.

Its that same story all over again. Its so familiar that you know you watched it in at least ten other movies. Its the sentimental thing that bring audiences in. Its the notion of young, first love that makes people watch it. Its the idea of a loving, loyal, protective boy whom every girl wants as a first love that makes girls fuss over the movie.

I won't call it a good movie. I call it a movie I like. I don't always like good movies.

Rating:
4.5/5

The hopeless romantic in me cannot give it a low rating.

Eff you estrogen. Its the estrogen that is making women weak for love stories like this. RAWR~

If you want me to TRY and be professional. Then the rating is 3/5. Ignoring the fact that I'm in a rather delicate state of mind now and any love story will make me bawl.

[Buzz] Summer Dramas

Maou

Updates on Ohno's drama, though unconfirmed, it is said that the lead female character will be played by a 19-year-old named Kobayashi Ryoko. And that Oshinari Shugo, Uehara Misa and Shinohara Mai will also be part of the cast.

Rumours.

Not confirmed or anything.

Ah I have no idea how the original Korean story is like, so I have no right to comment on the suitability of the cast. But if Ohno were to date that Kobayashi's character, it would be totally freaky.

Then again... Ohno doesn't look 28 so I guess its okay? Whatever, really.

I was under the impression that this is supposed to be a serious drama, you know, dark revenge, evil lead character killing all that is obstructing him. But then they casted a 19-year-old actress whom I have never heard of until today. What are they? Tight on casting budget? I was hoping they get someone big like... like... I don't know... someone big. xD Ohno deserves famous costars.

This is totally not related but there will be a drama version of Koizora, or so I heard.

In addition to that, Pi will be in a drama called "Code Blue" which also stars Aragaki Yui and Toda Erika. Its said to be a medical-related thing. I have no plans on seeing Pi uttering complicated medical jargon. Its just... Kusano Akira is... rich and batshit insane. So~~ still not confirmed though... rumours.

Ah another Pi-Yui drama. When Aragaki Yui was in Dragonzakura, she wasn't really that hot. Her skin was too tanned and you know how Asians just don't look quite good tanned unless they're going for the sexy look? And Yui most certainly is doing the cutesy thing. So... anyways, she got hot. xD We are looking forward to the reunion.

The last time Toda Erika and Pi were credited together was in Nobuta wo Produce (it might be the only time...) and they didn't really had a lot of scenes together. We are thinking... love triangle would be good. Must be an intern doctor with two slutty nurses. xD That would be a spectacle.

Oh, oh and cat fight! xD

This can NOT be a serious drama can it? I mean... these people are too young and too IDOL for it. Maybe in another 5 years. The society just doesn't take young people seriously. Trust me, I know. No one takes me seriously. (I AM YOUNG. DOUBT THAT AND BE DOOMED.)

Koike Teppei will be the lead actor in a drama called Shibatora, based on a manga.

[Movie] Koisuru Madori

2007

Starring: Aragaki Yui, Matsuda Ryuhei ♥, Kikuchi Rinko...

A girl named Aoki Yui moved into an apartment to live by herself for the first time after her sister got pregnant and went off for a shotgun marriage. The day she moved into her new apartment, she noticed a man carrying a large couch up the stairs all by himself. It turns out that the man lives in the apartment above hers. And then... err stuff happens.

Oh yeah, the lady who lives in the house - Atsuko - Yui used to share with her sister happens to be the previous occupant of her current apartment. (Yeah, they basically exchanged.) And Atsuko had something on with the dude who lives above Yui named Takashi. xD

*****

Err, obviously, I got lazy again. xD

Oh well, Matsuda Ryuhei is in here. His characters are always so... odd. Maybe its cos he looks funny in a hot way. But the story is kinda boring and quite predictable to me.

Its not bad. Its not good. The not bad part might be due to Matsuda Ryuhei.

Aragaki Yui seems to play the same part over and over again. Kikuchi Rinko... is... Kikuchi Rinko.

xD

Rating:
2/5

Uh-huh.

[Drama] Dragonzakura

[Moved from my old blog.]

Starring: Hiroshi Abe, Kyoko Hasegawa, Tomohisa Yamashita, Masami Nagasawa, Teppei Koike, Saeko...

11 episodes.

A poor, ex-motorcycle gang leader, lawyer is summoned to a school that is almost bankrupted to sort out its debts and stuff. But he decided that this would not do anything for his reputation which was ruined by an article showing the lawyer's past in a magazine. The school, Ryuuden Koukou is well known for producing 'stupid' students and their average mark is 36%. The lawyer, Sakuragi decided to send 5 students to the prestigious Toudai (Tokyo University). Thus a special acceleration class was held.

Sakuragi slowly recruited students to join, skillfully attracted their attentions to their studies, and gained the respect of the students and teachers alike.

Yamapi's character is Yuusuke, whose family is deep in debt left behind by his father who left the family. Sakuragi paid the debt using school money thus Yuusuke, feeling indebted (though he wouldn't admit it) joined the special class.

Masami Nagasawa's character is Yuusuke's childhood friend, Naomi (affectionately called Boo by Yuu-kun and later Hideki too) joined the class because she doesn't want her future to be confined to the restaurant owned by her family where her mother had to sorta... do waitressing while being grabbed and hugged by customers.
Yuusuke's bandmember, Hideki (Teppei Koike!!!) has a rich family, and his dad kept comparing himself with Hideki and made Hideki felt like he was worth nothing, he joined to proof his dad dead wrong.
Yuusuke's girlfriend, Yoshino, joined at first to be close to Yuusuke and also to keep Naomi/Boo's claws off Yuu. However, she become more and more interested in getting into Toudai and later realized something like this "The hell with Yuusuke, I'm gonna get into Toudai!"
Saeko's character, Maki joined cos she has a bitchy celebrity friend who sends her messages scorning her all the time. She was sick of all that crap, so she wanted to show who's the boss!
Then there is this nerdy twin, Ichirou, whose twin brother Jirou was the 'smart' one, expected to be accepted into Toudai. He always did the best for Jirou and one day, Jirou was being a total asshole, so he decided that Jirou is so not worthy of Toudai like he is. So he joined.
I may have exaggerated their reasons for joining the class and made them seem evil, the truth is, I think drama characters are too fictionalized. People are born to prioritize themselves. So, yeah, I included my own opinions. Ah... XD

Anyways Yamapi as a rude juvenile delinquent (sorta) is absolutely irresistible. But in a scene where his face was focused on by the camera, I can't help noticing his ugly, tasteless earring on his left ear. T_T

Teppei is like a puppy you want to put in your bag and bring home. Then you would feed him with milk and let him play with a fake bone! Aww sho kiut!!Teppei: Feed me, I am sho kiut!

This is the second drama I saw with Yamapi and Masami. The first being Proposal Daisakusen. They keep playing 'Childhood Friends'... xD tsk tsk tsk... Yamapi also collaborated with Maki Horikita twice, I think. In Nobuta wo Produce and Kurosagi (watching it tomorrow).

I first saw Masami in... 'Sekai no Chuushin, Ai o Sakebu", and her character shone, also her name was credited behind Kou Shibasaki's. I didn't care much about Kou's. The leading guy was also... yeck! But Mirai Moriyama was okay la.

Saeko, again was more likable compared to when she was in NANA. And those two guys from "A Litre of Tears", those two playing Ryo's character's sidekick was also in there, you would notice if you look carefully. xD

Ending details.

Wouldn't it be too predictable if only some of them passed? I have noticed that the trend of dramas lately was to try and make the ending less cliched. Which is why I knew that not all of them will pass. I was right!

Maki promised Hideki if he passed, she is going to XXX him. Well, the both didn't pass. Boo missed the exam cos her mom was sick.

And Yuu-kun was so in love with Boo. It was so obvious, but by then Yoshino didn't give a shit already. xD
The sight of Yuu-kun in a yukata is not only manly but sexy. xD

I am not a perv. T_T I am just bored of the monotony of my life right now. I am lovin' it. But I need to buy some stuff but I could never get myself out of the house or tear myself from the monitor without being discouraged halfway. I am an indoors person. It is just so hot outside.

My electric bill is going to soar... I cannot stand it. It is so hot! The air-conditioner is always on.

That bastard who lives next door actually burnt rubbish behind his house. It was a big, big fire. My God, does he have no common sense? The global warming is so serious, what the hell is he doing? I am pissed!