Write it as a dream, read it as a goal

Really late, I know, but I wanted to write something about this season, because I liked it a lot!

(but first of all, a minute of silence for my external HD, which definitely died this morning :'( I don't even want to think about all the things I'll have to download... if I'll ever find them sob sob ;_;)

Last Hope
This was aired in winter, actually, but I finished watching it only few weeks ago, so I can write about it only now. The first and most important thing I have to say about this drama is: if you haven't watched it, go and do it. NOW. Even if you don't like medical shows, even if you don't have idea who Aiba is. Even if you think he can't act... no, wait, ESPECIALLY if you think he can't act. You have to watch it.
I was really reluctant, at first, and I wasn't expecting much. I don't like medical things and lately Aiba isn't doing really good dramas, so I was like 'oh, the things I do for the people I like'. But I totally changed my mind after the 1st episode, and, the more eps I watched, the more I liked this drama. It's... it's just really good. And no, I'm not saying this because of the glorious sight of Doctor Aiba Masaki

Aiba's marvellous presence is just a nice extra. His acting is good, the other actors are awesome, the story is intriguing and intricate to the point that you understand everything only at the end, and spend the whole drama asking yourself 'JUST.WHAT.IS.HAPPENING.WHAT.WHAT.WHAT'. It's not one of those dramas that make you laugh with unnecessary comical characters; sometime it can make you smile, but there aren't funny scenes or character.

Each character was developed in a very good way, each one of them has his past, and somehow they're all connected.
I don't really care about medical stuff (I had to learn a lot about it, though, because I've translated this drama in my own language), and I usually don't watch shows about doctors, but the stories they told us in this drama were really good and emotional, they made me cry more than once ;_;
It's a drama that makes you think about many things, the chemistry between the actors is amazing and, like I said, there's also an intriguing story.
GO AND WATCH IT!

What to say about this drama other than... SHIT. I won't compare it to Hidarime Tantei Eye because... because NOTHING can beat that thing. Absolutely nothing.
You know that I always make those posts with the dramas I want to watch and I write the reason? When I'm skeptical about something, I watch it and I usually change my mind. Usually. Well, that's not the case. In fact, that's what I wrote before starting this drama:

"'The things I do for love' - part 1000000000000
Because when the various cases are solved by detectives, it's perfectly ok. When dumb detectives are helped by Jessica Fletcher look-a-like butlers, it's ok. When the detectives are helped by a cat that can become Matsuko Deluxe... well, they were cute, so IT'S OK. When the cases are solved not by detectives, but by 2 lawyers helped by a locks maniac... mh... at least the locks had something to do with the cases, so it's ok. But when the detectives are being helped by a WEATHER FORECASTER, then, Japan, there's something wrong.
Maybe it's a good thing that there still isn't the trailer, because I'm already here asking myself: 'Ohkura, why are you doing this to me?'. Because I'll obviously watch it only because there's him. I like Emi, but to the point to watch shitty things, so... Ohkura, it's all your fault. I only hope your face will distract me from Sasaki's one."

I've never been more right in my whole life, I swear.
The first episode was actually quite nice, because Emi's character was really peculiar. She somehow reminded me of Kagiheya's Enomoto, because they are both fixated with something, they're involved in crimes they always solve thanks to their obsession, and they have a strange way to approach others. But Enomoto was an intriguing character, they costantly hinted that there was something more, about him. Abe Haruko was just a strange weather forecaster, at the end. Also, Kagiheya's cases were really interesting, Otenki's ones were just plain boring.
The characters were boring too. Ohkura's was too similar to his role in Mikeneko, but worse. It was a mess -.-
I don't want to talk about Sasaki Nozomi's poor acting and dull character because I don't have time to waste.
So, bleah. I don't know how I managed to finish it... it must have been thanks to the power of love.

Aka the drama where I saw the Devil in human form. Look at what appeared right in the first episode

And people were complaining about his hair... WHO CARES.

Anyway, the plot was pretty original, for a jdrama, and, hey, they talked about SEX!!! The kisses were typical jdramas-kisses though.
It was pretty nice, nothing extraordinary, but I enjoyed it. There wasn't a character that I really despised (no, wait... MIKI'S MOTHER IN LAW), they were all quite nice, some more than others. I liked the 2 male leads, Haruma and Naohito did a good job. I quite liked Sakura too; I liked the fact that she was a good friend and really didn't care about people's opinion. But I didn't like when she was with Hiroto and behaved like a giggly school girl.

Oh, he keeps intruding~

But I didn't like the ending.

I mean, I was ok with her ending up with Hiroto, because she loved him, and he was such a cute nice guy, but I didn't like her behaviour near the end. She was so indecisive and ended up hurting Rintaro -.- And the final scene was weak :/

One last thing

Wow. Just... wow.
As you know, I wasn't excited for a lot of reasons: from the plot, it could have been a quite boring family drama and Sho... Sho isn't a good actor. I was slightly afraid of this drama, I thought it would made me cringe for most of it... and I was so wrong!
The story is interesting since the very first episode, you're costantly asking yourself who the hell is Yoshimoto sensei, what does he want, and what will his next move be. I've spent almost all the drama shaking my head at him, because he's crazy and brilliant at the same time, and all the drama being pissed with the Numata family. They just can't. Stupid, stupid, stupid people. Especially the parents. A lot of people despised Shinichi the most, but I actually felt sorry for him :/
It was really interesting, and somehow creepy O_O

Also because it portraits the actual Japan, all those families who have a double life inside and outside their houses.
The episode where the family discovers everything really hit me, and also the one set in the past when we discover the truth about Sho's character ;_; That one made me suffer ;;
I liked the ending a lot, even if they've trolled us a bit... but I think that the truth lies in the 9th episode. Also because

the actor that played the real Yoshimoto has played horrible evil scumbags in every single drama he appeared in, so he must be the evil one u.u

The cast was really good, the two sons were good too. But... guys, all the awards to Sho!
You know that I'm always criticizing his acting, because I found him inespressive, but this time... this time he did a very good job, I really liked him!! I don't know, maybe he's good with this king of psychotic characters, but he was really good T_T

I was almost forgetting THE THEME SONG. I love it!!
It was really a good drama, Sho's best one so far! WATCH IT. Or Yoshimoto will come to your home~

This drama. THIS DRAMA. THIS DRAMA!!!!!!
Me before starting the drama: "a drama about Air Self Defense Forces? Meh. But I like the main actors let's try it"
After the first 3 episodes: "Mmmmh, it's a bit slow... should I keep watching it?"
For the rest of the drama: "SOMEONE HELP ME MY TEARS KEEP FLOWING THIS DRAMA IS SO GOOD I WANT TO MARRY IT"
Really, if you start watching it, don't let the first episodes fool you. It's a drama that starts slowly, but from the 4th episode onwards it's really beautiful. You start knowing each character little by little (and you'll end up loving each one of them), you'll laugh and cry with them, and you'll ship these two guys like your own life depends from it

I like how Aragaki Yui is lately playing characters that I always love, and Ayano Go... *sighs* He was one of the crazy guys in Crows Zero (2, I think?), and the scary alien with long hair in Gantz PA, but, look. He can also be such a cute snowflake ç___ç

And the whole 'Ina pyon' thing was so adorable I suffered a lot.
The story starts in 2009-2010, and ends in 2013, so they have included the 2011's earthquake. And HOW they've included it T__T I wasn't expecting it and I really cried a lot :(
Actually all the last episodes made me cry ;_;
It was really beautiful, a little treasure, I'm glad I've watched it!!

The upcoming dramas I'd like to watch this year are quite a lot... and I already know that I'll not be able to see all of them!

( Read more... )
Genre: comedy drama
Date: from 4th February 2011, Fridays 23:15
Station: TV Asahi
Cast: Aiba Masaki, Kanjiya Shihori, Arakawa Yoshiyoshi, Mitsuishi Ken, Omi Toshinori, Nishi Keiko, Kaneko Nobuaki, Tsugawa Masahiko
Synopsis: Bartender Kase Goro announces that Sasakura Ryu (Aiba Masaki) is sacked despite winning a European cocktail contest at the age of 26. Not understanding Kase’s intentions, a dejected Ryu returns to Japan and leads a wandering existence. However, Ryu’s encounter with the magazine reporter, Kurushima Miwa (Kanjiya Shihori), who is actually the heiress of the Kurushima conglomerate, brings about a change in him. He sets his sights on being a bartender who can save the lives of hurt people with a drink, while he gropes about the way of life of a bartender.
Reasons: AIBA MASAKI. Also, Aiba Masaki dressed as a bartender. Sexiest thing in the entire world. This time I really don't care about the story (joking, the story seems interesting XD)


Taisetsu na Koto wa Subete Kimi ga Oshiete
Genre: Romance, school
Date: from 17th January 2011, Mondays 21.00
Station: Fuji TV
Cast: Toda Erika, Haruma Miura, Takei Emi, Suda Masaki, Goriki Ayame, Hirose Alice, Nakajima Kento, Ishibashi Anna, Nose Anna, Shinoda Mariko, Uchida Yuki, Nishimura Masahiko, Azama Morio
Synopsis: Uemura Natsumi (Toda Erika) is an English high school teacher at . It had been her dream to teach. She has a good relationship with her students because of her passionate and straightforward personality, and has a fulfilling professional life. Furthermore, Natsumi is in bliss for she is engaged to marry Kashiwagi Shuji (Haruma Miura) six months later. Shuji who was her classmate in high school as well as university, and is now a fellow teacher. Shuji is a popular biology teacher well-respected by students, parents and colleagues. Everyone blesses the marriage between Natsumi and Shuji. However, Shuji makes a mistake by having a relationship with Saiki Hikari (Takei Emi), a second-year female student in one of his classes the night before the start of the new school term. Hikari is, for some reason, under the impression that she is “defective goods” and has an inferiority complex. As a result of that one night with Shuji, Hikari approaches Natsumi … Shuji’s betrayal makes Natsumi learn about her jealous and cruel side, and she has to come to terms with her own self again. On the other hand, Shuji, who is caught between Natsumi and Hikari, is in agony but gradually finds himself hoping to save Hikari when he finds out about the darkness in her heart …
Reasons: School, love story... thing I usually like. And Toda Erika is one of the few japanese actresses I like. Last but definitely NOT LEAST, there's that pretty boy of Miura Haruma. Really, really like him. Yum *ç*

Fuyu no Sakura
Genre: romance
Date: from 16th January 2011, Sundays 21.00
Station: TBS
Cast: Kusanagi Tsuyoshi, Imai Miki, Sato Takeru, Kato Rosa, Takashima Masanobu, Yamazaki Shigenori, Denden, Oshima Yoko, Shirahane Yuri, Yoshida Hideko, Enami Kyoko
Synopsis: Inaba Hiroshi (Kusanagi Tsuyoshi) is a glass craftsman in Yamagata prefecture who has devoted himself to caring for his mother. He has a kind, gentle personality but has never fallen in love even though he has turned 36. 41-year-old Ishikawa Monami (Imai Miki), a full-time housewife, has travelled alone to Yamagata in search of winter cherry blossoms. However, she meets with an accident and loses her memory. She cannot even remember why she is here. Or the fact that she has a husband, Koichi (Takashima Masanobu), and daughter in Tokyo. Hiroshi looks after her and she falls for him, but is disturbed when she regains her memory. It is first love for Hiroshi, who is worried when he learns that she has a short time to live. Meanwhile, Koichi becomes aware of Hiroshi’s existence and soon undergoes a sudden change in character …
Raesons: Angst, oh, the angst! I'll cry a lot XD But I really like stories that make me cry... Am I a DoM??? And pretty boy here too: Sato Takeru ♥ (hopeless fangirl is hopeless)

Misaki Number One!!
Genre: School
Date: from 12th January, Wednesdays 22.00
Station: NTV
Cast: Karina, Fujigaya Taisuke, Kitayama Hiromitsu, Omasa Aya, Ichikawa Tomohiro, Ono Takuro, Tanaka Kei, Usuda Asami, Tsuchiya Yuichi, Hajime, Tejima Yu, Tsukaji Muga, Toda Keiko, Zaizen Naomi 　
Synopsis: Tennoji Misaki (Karina), the popular, number one hostess at a Roppongi cabaret club, transforms into a sexy high school teacher at the request of the club’s female proprietress whom she feels indebted to. Misaki becomes a teacher at the prestigious Mido Gakuen for a 3-month period, and is put in charge of Class 2Z which is full of problem children. She stands up to the students with her innate passion while hiding her identity as a cabaret club hostess.
Reasons: Maybe I'm a bit strange, but I'm kinda fascinated by hosts' world... And there's school here too, so I think it'll be quite good (for me). With 'Freeter, Ie wo Kau' I've started to like Karina... she's a good actress, she's beautiful and she doesn't have that stupid, annoying voice that most of japanese girls has O_O (but there's a little problem: I really HATE that Fujigaya guy... don't know why, but his face really annoys me)


Lately I'm a bit into Korean Dramas too, so there are also a few of them

Dream High
Genre: School, Romance
Date: from 3rd January 2011, Mondays & Tuesdays 21.55
Station: KBS2
Cast: Kim Soo Hyun, Taecyeon, Suzy, Ham Eun Jung, Wooyoung, IU, Uhm Ki Joon, Lee Yoon Ji, Jun Ah Min, Han Ji Hoo, Yoon Young Ah, Park Jin Sang, Kim Bo Reum, Bae Yong Joon, Park Jin Young, Lee Byung Joon, Lee Yoon Mi a
Synopsis: Six students at Girin Art High School work to achieve their dreams of becoming stars.
Reasons: At the end of the last two episodes of 'Mary Stayed Out All Night', instead of the preview of the next episode there was a commercial for this drama, and... well, I was really happy: I've searched for this type of drama for a loooong time!

My Princess
Genre: Romance, Comedy
Date: from 5th January 2011, Wednesday & Thursday 21:55
Station: MBC
Cast: Song Seung Hun, Kim Tae Hee, Park Ye Jin, Ryu Soo Young, Lee Soon Jae, Maeng Sang Hoon, Kang Ye Sol, Im Ye Jin, Lee Ki Kwang, Son Sung Yoon, Hwang Young Hee, Lee Sung Min, Lee Dae Yeon, Choi Yoo Hwa, Heo Tae Hee, Chu Hun Yub, Min Joon Hyun, Ahn Nae Sang
Synopsis: An ordinary college student, Lee Seol, finds out she's a princess. The grandson of Daehan Group, Park Hae Young, is put in charge of educating Seol on proper etiquette.
Reasons: seems that in Korea this thing of 'ordinary-girl-that-suddenly-finds-out she's-a-princess' is quite popular... so I'm... uhm... a bit interested, I think.

Paradise Ranch
Genre: Romance, melodrama
Date: 24th January 2011, Monday & Tuesday 20:55
Station: SBS
Cast: Shim Chang Min, Lee Yeon Hee, Yoo Ha Na, Joo Sang Wook, Yoon Ji Min, Im Soo Hyang, Yoon Ye Ri
Synopsis: Dong Joo and Da Ji were once a couple who were married at 19 but they quickly divorced. Years passed, they both return to their old house and discover that their feelings for each other have been endured.
Reasons: Because I've seen there's Chang Min as lead character XD Really, he's too cute *_* And it's a love story, so I think it'll be ok ^^


So, this is the end... they're quite a lot O_O (And I also have to finish Q10 from autumn of 2010, but... there's no subs T_T)

Sources: Dramawiki and, for Jdramas' synopsis, japan_world