[Drama] Orthros no Inu

Summer 2009

Episodes: 9

Starring: Takizawa Hideaki, Nishikido Ryo, Mizukawa Asami, Yaotome Hikaru, Harada Natsuki, Oshinari Shugo, Sasaki Kuranosuke...

The drama started out as the story of two man who seemed to be polar opposites. Ryuzaki Shinji is a man whose hands have an amazing healing power. With those hands, he is able to heal any injury or sickness that he wishes to heal.

On the down side, though, he seemed to be a cold, cruel murderer who has little interest in using his power for the good. His only interest was to play his game with the world, using his abilities to drive the people mad.

Aoi Ryosuke seemed to be a caring highschool teacher with a heart of gold. Little did the people around him know that he harbours a dark power of his own. His hands could suck the life out of people effortlessly.

Hasebe Nagisa is a detective who is caught in between these two men with unimaginable powers. When she discovered the powers, somewhere in her pea brain, she decided that it would be a good idea to let them meet.

On the other hand, a plotting politician, Sakaki who was healed by Shinji's powers planned to manipulate the two for her own political gain in hopes of catapulting herself to the status of Prime Minister of the country.

And blah, blah blah, insert some seemingly witty question to induce suspense. Totally useless since everyone's watched this except for me cos my life is miserable and fuck my job.

*****

I think this drama had a lot of interesting elements going on for it. And it was up to the screenwriter to make good use of it and make it into something brilliant. That didn't happen. It became a snoozefest. And since I never read the original work, I can't say if it was because they stuck to the story which was originally boring or it was because the screenwriter ruined it.

When I first heard the synopsis, I was really, really interested. So, I was watching this drama was it aired. But I lost interest and doubted if this was actually worth my time. Turns out, it wasn't really.

The whole idea of what an evil man with the power to help people and a good man with the power to harm would do is very enticing. There's infinite possibilities to how the story would progress, you can hardly predict the ending. Well, that is if the characters are as so. However, it seemed that Takki ain't got enough balls to play a baddie. If Ryuzaki was evil to the end, without conscience, cold, cruel, there'd be something more interesting to that.

This is one of the times when I really don't give a shit if the characters are many faceted. I just want an evil dude with the power to heal. No? I can't even have that. And his voice on the theme song is very annoying. The song sucked too. Takki ain't no singer. When he turned out to be good, my interest was gone. GONE! Like poof.

I took a liking to the character of Aoi Ryosuke from the beginning. And I will try to deny that it was because Nishikido Ryo played him. It is not because of that. It is because he was playing the damn character with that damn haircut which I so so like on him. Plus I have a thing for sad, tortured people who have a self-loathing tendency.

And the puppy eyes.

O~kay was that weird? I'll stop then.

Am I the only one who finds Nagisa annoying. I like Mizukawa Asami and her crack laughter. I usually like her characters cos they're all whee and stuff. When people play doting mothers I find them more rawr than whee.

Sawamura is bleh, and his perm is annoying. I don't get why men do perms. I mean, unless you're Domyoji, you can't pull that off. I can think of precious few who can. MatsuJun, Heechul and that's about it.

Ryo is so handsome in there. I can't help but say it. He is. And I usually would say I like men with some height. But I keep preferring the shorties, so I am going to stop making these things called standards. They're short, they're fat, they smell like sausages, it comes in a package, people. And Ryo is handsome here. The haircut is perfect.

My Johnny boys are so handsome. T_T I am moved to tears.

=D Decent ending, I guess. What's with the need for vague endings, I don't get. I don't like it when people leave things to the imagination. I just want them to tell me what it is and get over with it.

Also, the minor characters' sudden enlightenment after the death of Sawamura was too abrupt and made no sense at all.

Reitings: 3/5

[Drama] 1 Litre of Tears

Autumn 2005

Episodes: 11

Starring: Sawajiri Erika, Nishikido Ryo, Yakushimaru Hiroko, Jinnai Takanori, Fujiki Naohito, Narumi Riko, Sanada Yuma, Matsuyama Kenichi...

In 1986, a girl named Kito Aya, aged 15, was diagnosed with an incurable diseased called Spinocerebellar Atrophy. As part of her rehabilitation treatment and in order to help the doctor understand more of her situation, she was asked to keep a diary about the details of her disease and how it affects her daily life and also how she feels about practically everything. This diary was later published and inspired many patients to hang on in their battle against various sicknesses. This diary was the basis for this drama.

The drama follows the story of Ikeuchi Aya, 15 years old. The eldest daughter of a tofu shop owner with a caring and warm family. Aya has always been a happy, kind and hardworking girl with an optimistic view in life. The drama opens on the day of Aya's big entrance exam to high school. On the way to school, Aya tripped and knocked down a row of bicycles. By chance, a boy named Asou Haruto was contemplating to not take the entrance exam when Aya's accident happened. Haruto had no choice but to help Aya rearrange the bicycles and then sent Aya to the examination hall. A teacher later permitted the two to take the exams despite being late.

Aya continued to excel in studies and sports, being part of the highschool female basketball team and also the class representative. She also was dating a senior named Kawamoto. The future was seemingly bright for the 15-year-old until her mother noticed that she was tripping and dropping things a lot. When she fell and hit her head on a date with Kawamoto, her mother put her through a medical examination and it was found that she has a disease called Spinocerebellar Atrophy.

The disease will affect Aya's ability to move gradually. Her limbs would soon be difficult to control and speaking and breathing would prove to be a difficult task. Despite such a knowledge that her life would be greatly changed over the coming years, Aya decided that she should just try her best at what she was able to do and graciously accept the help of those around her although she felt bad for troubling them. She later realized that she had to give up a lot of things as Kawamoto decided that dating a sick girl was too much for him to handle and basketball was something that she could no longer do. But then there were those who remained helpful such as Aya's friends Mari and Saki, and also Haruto, who was always there to silently help her and cheer her up. Aya's family was also doing their best to ensure that Aya's life would to change drastically because of the disease.

However, the disease, being incurable, showed no signs of slowing down and soon, highschool seemed too much for Aya to keep up with. She was later transferred to a school for disabled people and had to bid goodbye to the highschool which she loved so much. When Aya felt down because of she could no longer do the things that she could do before the disease, that she was so different from the active self that she was, she would continue to write in her diary words of encouragement to herself. And apart from her family, Haruto was an important support for Aya.

The drama continues to follow Aya's situation and a decade later, when Aya was 25, her body finally gave in to the disease...

*****

^^ I just realized that my crap-talking about this drama was too crappy and was also left in another blog and that didn't do it justice as this was THE drama for me. This drama sparked my drama interest. Though I watched various Japanese dramas on TV, I wasn't particularly into them. I just watched and that was it. And this drama came along. With a brilliant soundtrack and pretty people starring in it. The storyline is great too. What more can one ask for?

It is strange though, when I watch this drama, I cannot see how Sawajiri can be this nice and then be such a bitch in real life. xD But hey, it is because she was in this drama that no matter what she does, I'll still be remembering her as Ikeuchi Aya. The same with Nishikido Ryo. This drama is probably the best thing that happened to them both, as actors. Sure, Ryo was famous as a Johnny's Junior, his group activities were fine too, but it is this drama that introduced Ryo to many non-Johnny's fans and overseas people who watched Japanese dramas. If the two on-screen lovebirds had any chemistry, it wasn't translated through the screen.

However, since then until now, Nishikido hasn't been the leading character in a drama before. I am a bit disappointed with that and am still intently waiting for him to get an opportunity to lead. I knew he wasn't ready yet, even during "Last Friends", but perhaps in a few more drama season's time. I hope he is not going to play second fiddle for the rest of his career. Nishikido Ryo can be a total impudent, rude asshole in real life. I don't care. xD One great character and the actor's image will be stuck to my head as that character. ^^ Hey, it is the first step towards seeing the best in people, though I have yet to do that with the people I know in real life.... xD

Anyways, Narumi Riko was also very impressive in here. To think that she was 13 when she was filming this... even more impressive. I foresee great things from her. She's very pretty too. Though I have problems watching "Hachimitsu to Clover", it isn't her fault though. I just really disliked the movie version with Aoi Yuu playing Hagumi. I like Aoi Yuu, but her portrayal of that character pissed me off to no end. TO NO END.

Sawajiri Erika. Married and has not been involved in a drama OR a movie since 2007. Such a waste! And the man is like... 44 years old. 22 years her senior. I mean, she can do better, richer, hotter. What the hell is she thinking? I don't rule out the possibility of love. I would too marry someone that much older than me. That is, if he looks like McDreamy. Gosh, McDreamy is hot. That hair~ But hey, whatever floats their boat, mmmkay?

But it is a disappointment that she isn't working more. She could have done more. I won't be satisfied if I had to give up a career that has yet to peak just because I am getting married. Such a waste. Anyways, her life, not mine.

The drama is one of the must-watch. It didn't achieve high viewership ratings, but it is warm, moving and inspiring. Keep in mind that there was this girl who was struggling with this disease. The hardships portrayed were not fiction. And she persisted and hung on to life as it slips through her fingers. Regardless of all the pain, she hung on to life. A life that those without any disease would waste away.

And among all that, I was initially pulled in by Asou Haruto. Who is probably a fiction, drama-only character. I can't help it. Fangirl instincts. And Ryo's shy and reserved portrayal of the character makes the character reminds me of him. Only a bit kinder and I cannot ever imagine Nishikido Ryo crying. I have seen it numourous times on TV, but as someone else. As Asou Haruto, as Oikawa Sousuke, as Ariake Taisuke. Not as Nishikido Ryo... I just think he's a dead-inside psychopath. xD What? I have a thing or two to say about his hair in here. Didn't suit him, but it was better than that red/blonde perm he had way back when. Erika looks best here, to me.

And young love. It is when we were young that we would be so reckless to get involved in hairy situations. Falling for a sick girl IS a hairy situation. As we grow older, we are too rational to do things like that. Everything becomes something that one should think about carefully, balance the pros and cons. See if there is a chance of having a good return on your investments. Investments of time, effort, affection and money. But when we were younger, such things didn't matter. What I would give to be able to be reckless and brave like that again. To have the freedom to act without thinking about the consequences. I didn't appreciate or make use of the chances to do that when I had them. T_T Oh well.

The songs "Konayuki" and "3 Gatsu 9 Ka" became frequent visitors to my playlist. Even now. ^^ I have gradually forgotten why I liked them so much apart from the songs being good, but after re-watching the drama, a song that is being tied to a good drama is twice as good.

Reitings: 4.5/5

[Drama] Ryuusei no Kizuna

Autumn 2008

Starring: Ninomiya Kazunari, Nishikido Ryo, Toda Erika, Kaname Jun, Ryo, Nakashima Mika, Shitara Osamu

Three siblings - Koichi, Taisuke and Shizuna - snuck out one night to see a meteor shower without their parents' permission. When they returned home, their home transformed into a bloody murder scene as their parents lay motionless on the floor. The two policemen in-charge found themselves feeling sympathy for the three children but helpless when it comes to solving the case due to a lack of suspect and evidence. More than a decade later, during the year the statute of limitation runs out, the policemen found renewed motivation to attempt on solving the case.

The three orphans grew into young adults who remained close while none of them forgot the resolution that they made all those years ago - to seek out the murderer themselves and kill him.

Koichi currently works in a restaurant owned by an interesting man. The smart, calculating one. He responsibly took up the role of a big brother as he looked out for his younger siblings after their parents' death. He undoubtedly was the most affected by the loss of his parents as he led the 'Ariake trio' towards the path of swindling and seeking out the murderer of their parents.

Taisuke works part-time at various shops and most often in a porn shop. The second son who is more often than not carefree and flaky. Often thought to be stupid by his siblings, Taisuke never managed to keep a part-time job for long, let alone a steady job. Taisuke plays a pivotal role in their quest to seek out their parents' murderer as he was the only one who saw the murderer leaving their house during the night of the murder.

Shizuna, their stepsister, just got fired from her job due to constant bullying from her superior. Pretty and overprotected, Shizuna's brothers always had her back after the tragedy that befell them. Though not related by blood with the brothers, they genuinely cared for Shizuna and always put her before themselves. Shizuna was also used as bait for their swindling activities.

The drama picks up the story from this point in time. To get on in life and earn a few extra bucks, the siblings committed fraudulent acts to various people using various comical schemes and succeeded everytime without being exposed. That was until they set Togami Yukinari as their target and what followed was a string of events which may or may not lead to the solving of the case more than 14 years ago.

*****

I don't love it, to tell the truth. It is not even half as engaging as I expected it would be. It is somewhat bland and dull. Though the snippets of fraud scenes were minorly amusing. It is lacking something, I have yet to find out what. Somewhat whimsical and ridiculous at times, I get that this must be the Kudo Kankuro influence as can be seen in Kisarazu Cats Eye, it is just that, I am not liking it. I don't get the humour.

Is Mika's character necessary? No. Do I enjoy her? Always. But I don't like how counterproductive her character is. If they want to add a character designed for her, at last make her useful, let the character contribute to the storyline. Well at least she looks nice in here.

I don't like Yukinari. Probably because I really enjoyed that scene where Shizuna was strolling with Taisuke while talking about Mika's character and Koichi. And I was hoping that it would progress to something romantic (despite the disgusting-ness of it if it were to happen in real life. We call this a drama for a reason.)

Bananaman's Shitara showed a different side to him. Though he might be playing a character. xD Nino is... ugh... can I say "not my favourite performance"? I like Ryo's character though, quite a departure from "Last Friend"'s Sousuke. And all the costume wearing helps with the likability.

I repeat - I don't love this drama. But I will finish it. Because I am sure I will have committed a crime punishable by death if I miss a drama starring two of my favourite Johnny's bois. xD Oh yes, I said it.

In episode 7, when the brothers were discussing about Shizuna and Yukinari's relationship and how Shizuna was falling for the son of their enemy, that final yell that Koichi let out was creepy. He scares me now. That face, the anger in his eyes - almost maniacal. I had goosebumps. That yell was not the whiny ones that Nino would make when an Arashi member was being dumb. It was lower, (with a teeny hint of Ninoness.) Creepy.

It always struck me as strange how he would yell and be mean to Taisuke but is all nice to Shizuna. So the little sister needs all the love and protection and the little brother can be pushed around. And... was that a confession when Taisuke confronted Shizuna about Yukinari? That part about how Koichi wasn't the only man who gets worried about Shizuna coming home late and stuff.

We wonder. We sure hope that pulls through because Taisuke's character is... Okay, I have the tendency to fall for idiots like that. I sure fear for myself with a taste like that. Anyways, is Shizuna not stupid? I mean, like, if you know falling for him would not give you a happy ending - at least not easily, then don't. It is simple as that? I mean, you can, at one point, choose to like or not like someone. It is not that I trivialize feelings like that, but people are all independent by nature. You don't have to love someone to live. There are other things in life.... like... I don't know... YOUR FAMILY? Your career? Geez, instead of moping like that, maybe Shizuna should try to... I don't know... get a job?! I mean, rich spoiled boys are really annoying anyways. Always walking around with a sense of... entitlement. It is rich boys like these who are able to be nice like Yukinari is because situations did not force him to be a bit more selfish to survive. Their world is all bright and shiny. I hate rich people. But I do intend to be one. xDDD

In episode 8, when the cop was asking Koichi what would he do if the murderer was made known. The way Koichi would answer "I'd kill him, I guess," so easily. Is that not creepy? Koichi officially scares me. Now that I think of it, he decided to kill when he was young. That is very creepy. Can he actually be, like a sociopath? Cos I think Nino is one. I will explain that later.

The FINAL episode just aired last night, I think. I am satisfied. Though the process of getting towards the ending is long and rather boring, filled with redundant scenes and 'family love', the ending was very engaging. With the sudden turn of events, the murderer turned out to be NOT whom they thought it was. With Togami Yukinari's father off the hook, Shizuna can have her happy ending. I didn't understand why Koichi had to turn himself in for the swindling, but I guess they want to instill moral values in all who watch the show. All goody-goody and happy. I find Nakashima Mika's character unneeded and forcefully written into the show. Though I don't mind it, I like watching her seduce Koichi. And Ryo. Oh... so... hot. So hot. I like Shitara as a cop. xD Very believable too. And strangely, I grew to like Yukinari. Oh well. It was a happy ending as the siblings picked up the restaurant where their parents left off.

Nino, Ryo and Erika delivered wonderful performances. Nino especially. My feelings for Arashi aside, you have to admit that he was great when he realized and confronted the murderer (whose identity I won't reveal for the sake of keeping it non-spoilery for those who have yet to watch the drama) and when he saw the handle of the umbrella and when the truth hit him. Very intense, I like. Ryo's acting improved. I mean, the upbeat, happy character of Taisuke might have suited him well or something. He is not as stiff as I remembered back in "Attention Please". I am glad. Erika too was good in here. I skipped "Code Blue" so I don't know how she performed there, but she has almost always been believable. This is the first time I saw Shitara Osamu, one half of the comedic duo - Bananaman play a serious character, and of course, that is new. Mika... her performance is... funny. Better than Nana. xD

Rating: 3/5

[Talk] Ryo and Erika

Adorable, aren't they? When I learned of the non-blood-related thing, I was half expecting a TaisukexShizuna or KoichixShizuna. Not happening though. Sad.

This is probably the reason for my dislike for the character Togami Yukinari.

[Buzz] Fall Drama - 流星の绊

HERE

T_T I have tears in my eyes. (No I don't. Its a sentence that merely expresses great joy indescribable by anything else.) Oh~ No wonder I woke up today to find the sky bluer and the sun brighter. Oh~ Oh~~~~~~~~~~~

xD Yeah, I should stop that shit. Basically, the drama will have Nino, Ryo and Erika playing siblings whose parents died 14 years ago. Someone killed the parents. Something about taking revenge for their parents or trying to catch em.

Apparently, it is replacing Maou! It will be on TBS, Friday nights at 10 p.m.. Some mysterious dude was the original writer. The script was written by the same dude who wrote "Ikebukuro West Gate Park" (The one that has Nagase Tomoya and Yamapi, apparently it was rather critically acclaimed. Didn't even finish watching that shiet.) this drama will be the dude's first work since that drama 12 years ago. (WOW)

Can I express how much I love the cast? Nino and Ryo... well I don't really have to highlight how much I love to have them in the drama! Erika~ I am pretty sure I saw her the first time with her playing MisaMisa in the Death Note movies. I really liked MisaMisa's style back then. The clothes, I mean. (I was a teenager, people make mistakes. Or not.) Her character in "Nobuta wo Produce" was great too. I watched "Galcir", "Tatta Hitotsu no Koi", "HYD 2", "Liar Game" (So didn't finish that one.) and now "Code Blue". I have "Ushi ni Negai wo" and "Yukinojo Henge" but didn't find time for the former and the latter was too disturbing, having Tackey crossdressing made me nauseous.

Ryo was in "Ganbatte Ikimasshoi" which I went through quickly because Suzuki An was getting on my nerves. Then he was in the very, extremely popular "1 Litre of Tears" which I watched repeatedly and was very, very much lovin it. Then came "Attention Please". Then I was screaming how he was typecasted. Always the nice dude who stood by the female main character. Like, I know already, give me something new! Then came the much fussed about "Last Friends". Thus he was able to break away from playing the main character's boyfriend!

Then it is Nino~ I vaguely remember seeing him in "Minami-kun no Koibito" before I got into Arashi. Didn't watch it religiously because the concept of the drama is stupid. Loved "Namida wo Fuite" though, "Stand Up" was a bit too weird and Suzuki An was bugging me again, then came the SPs "Marathon" and "Sukoshi wa, Ongaeshi Dekitakana", both being brilliant, I tried watching "Haikei Chichiue-sama" but it was too boring. Then "Yamada Tarou Monogatari" was hilarious and fun to watch. Watched too many of his movies too! Oh but "Amagigoe" was kinda horrific in a very bald-Nino sorta way.

Yes, ah~ I am excited. Whee~~

If they should anyhow change the three actors for the three characters, I will be offended and then sad and then um... move on?

[Buzz] 流星の絆 Drama

Okay, I am not sure about the title of this new drama. It is either "Nagareboshi no Kizuna" OR "Ryuusei no Kizuna". Frankly, I don't quite care. They can call it "Unko no Kizuna" and I will still watch it if the rumoured cast is for real.

Its about swindler siblings. A mastermind, a master of disguise and a seductress. But they weren't always like that, their parents died and they had to find a way to live. Or something. Whatever.

The best part is that Nino is rumoured to be casted as the eldest. Ryo or Toma is casted as the second and a girl is casted as the youngest, I shall make a daring assumption that it is Toda Erika because she is in the rumoured cast list.

I visited various sites to read up on the rumour and a few sites mentioned Nishikido Ryo will be playing the younger brother, some said Toma. I personally think that Nino and Ryo can make a good duo, since the two are like so short and so full of evil. BUT, a lot of Japanese sites said Toma will be playing Nino's character's younger brother.

T_T

I hope its Ryo. Cos I had previously thought that the two would make a good duo, and if they get along well, the people around them will suffer from their poison tongues, if they don't get along well, then serious poisons will be spitted.

Please be true. The drama. I don't care, I want another double-Johnny's because I am like that.

[TV] Waratte Iitomo Spring SP

7 April 2008

OMFG OMFG OMFG.

Yes, OMFG.

Nakai kept calling Ryo "Ashi no ura". I LOLed so much! Nakai pwns Ryo. Ueno Juri looks so pretty! Masami looks cute, as always. xD Eita looks yummy! And Asami looks hawt, as usual. xD Hiro looks... shaggable. What? Its just a descriptive term. KimuTaku has bad teeth. So does 98% of the Johnny's before they got big.

I lurve the interaction between the "Last Friends" cast. It seems that they bonded well eh? Awww.... I am just biased but, gosh I love the cast. xD I initially expected some catfights. But aww... they were so close.

I will watch it after I am back from the trip. I don't have time to screencap the whole damn SP, so I am just going to do the "Last Friends" part. I think. Well, we'll see.

Oh, the archery part. I miss doing archery. xD I did it once, even if I went there just to sit around, and hold the bow once in a while, and skip the warm up exercises. xD What? At least I hold the bow more than others okay?

At the beginning, when Masami was trying to introduce the drama, a little synopsis, the fans were too freakin' loud. Nakai was like "The hell are you guys screaming at?" (He didn't phrase it like that... but... err...) xD Apparently it was Ryo that the audience were fangirling over.

Nakai then asked "The hell are the two girls kissing in the poster?" (Again... he didn't say it like that.) xD I think the shoujo-ai thing is going to be the big surprise so they aren't really saying it straightforward yet. Juri is so pretty. Then Nakai was like "The hell does your character do?" to Ryo. Ryo was like "Oh I'm a DV (domestic violence) man." All proud and stuff. The bitch is so proud of his display of sadism. Oh... which is why the girls are all calling out for him anyways.

Poor Eita though, being eclipsed by Ryo just cos he is Johnny's and Eita isn't. And Nakai is Johnny's and KimuTaku is Johnny's. Eita is supposed to be the MAN. You know? xD his name comes first.

Then they had to do puns in another game. (Offtopic: Junno would so excel in this game) The fans were like "Aww, cute, cute!". Nakai was like "The hell are you screaming at? She won't be an actress if she ain't cute!" xD (Again... my choice of words, not his.) Juri didn't understand the kanji she was supposed to use in a pun joke. So, the hosts were like "..." Then Masami gave her a hug and was so protective. xD Also, also, Masami touched Ryo's arm and was joking with him. xDD Aww... xD I thought she would be intimidated, since Ryo's a sadist (Don't tell me he was acting, he is a sadist.)

They then had to throw rubber balls through a square located a distance away from where they stood. xD Juri missed and said something I didn't understand. But I think Nakai thinks its quite rude so he was like "Yo, bitch, choice of words!" Evil, that Nakai. xD (Do I have to even mention that it was my choice of words and not his?) Nakai totally LOLed at Juri. Nakai also totally went "ashi no ura!" at Ryo. xD Oh well, he can't really stop calling him that now eh?

Some lame games went by and then it was the ARCHERY game. Juri, Asami and Ryo all scored 100. But Ryo's was a golden arrow so his score doubled. Ryo was teased a lot before he got to shoot. xD Something about him being hot and loved by the women. And his arm-scratching when he was nervous. Nakai was like "Oi sole of the foot, chicks dig you much?" (I don't even wanna start...) Ryo was pretending to be modest and all and was like "Not really, not really." In fact, I think he was basking in his glory as the fans call him hot and shaggable. *Cough* What?

They had a word guessing game where Ryo squirmed a lot and he was feeling himself like it was nobody's business. xD That slug. xD Giving fanservice ain't he? Yes, its all about Ryo... what? I am biased. Bite me.