The story is cute. There are no DUN... DUN...DUN... moments at all. It's mostly generic, will I be exposed in this most random way ever kind of moments.
I think the main couple did a great job. The female lead, Nishiuchi Mariya is quite well suited for the comedic genre. While pretty much everything she does is over-exaggerated, that's what made it funny. It's fun to watch the her oscillate between her two personas. I also like her well "mostly" internal dialogue. Her facial expressions are hilarious, and I do enjoy the "acme" cartoon effects.
The main male lead, is also adorable. His character is played in a much more subbed way, to offset the female leads over the top presence.
The music was fine. There are no "WOW I will always associate that music with this drama" songs. The music didn't really add anything to the viewing experience, but it didn't detract from the viewing either. Just complimented it nicely as background music.
Overall this is a fun romp when you need a little sugar in your diet. But like all sweets, don't eat too much or you will most likely end up bouncing off the walls from a sugar high, or curled up in a corner weeping because your belly hurts - then again maybe that's just me =-p
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I just chose it without any thoughts. At the time, I was in "japanese dramas mood" so I watched many japanese dramas without being picky or impatient.
2) Storyline/Plot:
To start with, I am not familiar with the story since I haven't read the manga or even heard about it so this was my first time getting to know the storyline.
Positive points:
*This drama's story made me interested ever since the first 10 minutes and that's really rare to happen since I never care about first episodes because they don't make much difference yet this drama's story made me really invested in its events so waiting for the next episode was a real torture.
*Main Genres:
--->Humor: Yes, this drama was funny because it was hilarious all over, sometimes it felt like anime scenes that was funny and entertaining most of the time.
The comedy concept was present too, we get to see funny characters with funny scenes. I have to point that Nika's inside conversations were really awesome which can bring good laughter.
--->Romance: it wasn't that deep nor that light. The romance in this drama was equilibred in a way that would make you invested in the romantic development and the whole concept. The teenage love story was cool to watch since it was light enough.
--->School: The usual concept that you find in school dramas; friends, enemies, teachers, popularity, nerds and so on. I've seen many school dramas before so this wasn't something special yet Switch Girl was more enjoyable.
Negative points:
*I can't think of any, except that this drama was too damn short! They should've made it longer, it felt rushed sometimes but that didn't ruin the whole concept.
Story: 8.5/10
3) Acting/Cast:
*Nishiuchi Mariya:
I am not familiar with her as an actress, she was introduced to me through this drama and what a great introduction! I liked her acting skills and enjoyed her role in a good way. From now on, I will anticipate her new dramas.
The character was great: Nika made us sad sometimes, excited some other times and entertained most of the time.
The ON and OFF modes were really awesome, I couldn't choose since both of them were enjoyable and funny; everyone of us have that hidden side within himself yet here it was exagerated to make it look captivating and hilarious.
*Kiriyama Renn:
I only saw him in "Hana Kimi Remake" but here he was different so I didn't know what to expect yet I surprised myself by accepting his general acting and role.
The character wasn't enjoyable like Nika's but I liked it anyway. Arata's appearance was nice and great sometimes; he may sound stiff at some points but all of that was decided by the storyline so I haven't focused much on that fact.
Another point that I should mention: Arata with or without glasses didn't sound contradictory to me; it was the same character with a different look.
*Other Cast: The supporting roles were cool and well chosen even the school nerds; no complains.
*Relationships:
--->Romance : The chemistry wasn't that great because romance wasn't deep enough.
--->Nika's family: Her mother and sister were always good to look at plus their adventures as a family was always hilarious.
--->Nika's school: Friends were good and the Monkey Boss made events entertaining sometimes.
*In each episode there were new cast and that's exactly what I love about J-dramas because with different cast comes different events, there's no spinning around the same point.
Cast: 8/10
Acting: 9/10
4) The ending:
I appreciated the ending, I was glad because they haven't took it to the usual concept of hiding something yet it wasn't that special, only acceptable and cool to watch: Nice ending overall.
The ending: 8/10
5) My impression (How did it affect me):
*I realy enjoyed this drama, even the waiting for upcoming episodes was fun.
*I haven't skipped any parts and that's really rare since I am an impatient person, believe me if I don't skip parts that means there weren't any chance of getting bored (well, that could be explaned by the fact that the episode's length was only 27 minutes).
*Is this drama memorable: Yes definitely, I enjoyed it so much. Even though, I finished it weeks ago, I still remember each and every event.
My impression: 9/10
6) Overall:
*If you like funny romantic school dramas then you would like this.
*If you like girls dramas you will enjoy this.
*If you're looking for a great female lead you may actually like this.
Overall: 8.5/10.
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Story- Really the story is nothing original and has been done many times before. Its a school drama with your average villains trying to mess with the leads throughout but becoming good by the end. However, I found it so funny, cute, and the romance was perfectly done (what I would like to see in more J dramas). My only complaint is that is was really too short. There's only 8 eps and thier barely a half hr long. I want more!
Acting/Cast- For the casting, I didnt know much about the lead actors beforehand, but they had awesome chemistry which made me invested in thier romance. I remember the guy that played Arata from Hana Kimi Remake. The impression he gave me right off the bat was he was HOT but not really memorable. In Switch Girl though, I really took notice of him! He was perfect as Arata. I cant wait to see him in more things.The actress who played Nika was soo good as being the switch girl. It was eery how she changed from being the popular school princess to being a nerdy looking slob at home. She convinced me well though.
Music- It was fun and silly when needed.
Rewatch- I could watch this many times over in a year because its short and really funny.
Overall Switch Girl is just a really sweet and fun watch.
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It made me sad that the episodes were short and it seemed like they crammed a lot of concepts into under 30 minutes, so the drama did feel rushed. On the upside there is never a dull moment in the drama, the characters are constantly moving. To all the manga fans, the drama is toned down and cool for the 14 and under crowd. Yet, to be honest I dont think i would have found this drama as awesome as i did without being a fan of the manga first (which is not yet completed). I did enjoy seeing real live people act out one of favorite mangas; enough to grit my teeth, rely on my own Japanese skills and finish the series no subs.
Happy watching.
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STORY-7. Although the story is kind of meaningless and random at A LOT of times, I honestly didn't mind. I smiled and laughed throughout every single episode. It was hilarious. I think it's because I haven't watched a romantic comedy in such a LONG time. I've been watching more dark-action packed dramas.. and watching this really lightened up my mood. Cuteness, cuteness, and CUTENESS everywhere!If you're looking for a drama that can you make you laugh and squealing out of cuteness, this is it guys! You might think that it's stupid, but just give it a try! It won't hurt!
ACTING/CAST 8-The acting wasn't too bad, but it wasn't 'great' either. I LOVE the chemistry between Nika and Arata. I could feel their love. And their kisses were proper too. They don't look like they're uncomfortable together. SO CUTE KAWAII! I feel like the cast is just perfect for this drama. I would not replace anyone else and exchange them for this cast.
RE WATCH VALUE-8, I actually marathoned through BOTH seasons! I couldn't get out of my seat! It's worth re watching as well! I would re watch this after finishing a sad depressing drama and has a sad ending.
I think you guys should give this a try. Who knows, you might end up enjoying it more than you think you would!
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I just spent the last 4 hours laughing and cracking up at random stuff. This drama is nonsense and full of cliches and yet, a thorough entertainer. I am glad I saved this up for the right moment because this drama just uplifted my mood. It was breezy and the best part is that you don't have to think while watching it.
The story is a reverse of usual nerd-to-model transformation stories. It is about a girl who hides her true self and only dresses up well and puts on make up while going to school. She wants the world to see her as prim and beautiful- hence, she is the most popular girl in school. Other times at home, she is nasty and as she puts it- very 'unladylike' (and somewhat gross). Her character is quirky, fun and she overacts during every situation. She is a very different female lead from usual ones because she has no manners, has a lot of sexual fantasies about the guy she likes and farts openly without embarrassment as long as she is in her 'OFF' mode. All this is meant to be entertaining so don't expect any deep characterizations.
I loved the main guy- Arata. I would love to meet a guy like him. He is also different from usual male leads because he wants to hide his true self by seeming ugly. He is cute and easy to like. He and Nika had good chemistry together and mostly, it was like the perfect romantic comedy. Actually, this whole drama is centered on their romance.
While there was unnecessary situations, they remained well within the limit of bearable. There was some drama just for the sake of drama. This is far from a serious drama and probably the first among all Jdramas that I have seen till now where characters aren't that deep. There is a sad past and all- but they don't give much emphasis to that. It never made me depressed and the comedic element remained so +1 for that.
And the ending- while the episode as a whole was mostly pointless (with the teacher and what-not), I loved the last few minutes of our leads together. It was sweet and there were some very cute kisses in this drama too. With only 25-ish minutes for each episode, it was a fairly quick watch and nothing drags on for too long. They could have made it longer and explored the side characters fully, but this wasn't bad either.
I recommend this drama to fans of cute romance, anime humour and to those looking for some silly, fun drama to watch! Plus, the rewatch value is great. I can definitely see myself watching this again and laughing again. :)
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Now here comes the part that may make you sad.
Reasons for the Marks...
Story 5/10: I just didn't get it. The story wasn't that interesting, the situations were just petty and stupid. Not a lot of 'switch girl'ing was there which sucked, it had so much potetial of being hilarious while trying to hide her switch from everyone including Arata but saw it was her straight away - boring!
Acting/Cast 6/10: The main actress was SO annoying; in her voice, the way she spoke. Her crying annoyed me, she looked like a man (she seriously looks like a less attractive version Hamao Kyousuke). Her voice was odd and deep for a girl. No offence to her there was just something about her appearance I didn't like. Best parts of the cast were Kiriyama and Jinnai and that was all. And the topless Kiriyama and a cute and romantic, lovely worded Jinjin were the best scenes.
Music 5/10: I don't remember it so it's an average mark.
ReWatch Value 1/10: I have no intentions of watching again.
Overall: 5/10. Will watch second season though as it's neither a straight like nor dislike. Only going to watch SG2 for more Kiriyama and Jinnai
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This drama is not for everyone. . . Just telling you that now. Do I recommend it? If you like Japanese Comedy or the actors & actresses, then yes. I recommend it.
This is a feel-good drama. The first episode was iffy for me & I didn't get into it right away. This story is weird in a funny way.
The acting was nice. I seen the main girl in Yamada-kun no 7nin to Majo that came out this year & like her. I've only seen the main guy in Hana Kimi Remake & he is better in this drama. Arata is more calmer than Nika is. But it;s opposite & not-so-opposites attract love story. I didn't like Arata at first, but he grew on me. Nika was hard to get use to at first, but she grew on me as well.
The music wasn't memorable, but cute.
I'll rewatch it for the interactions of the cast members.
I kind of like Nika when it comes to her personality, but not to that extent(what & see what I mean). I want to look presentable outside of the house & sometimes just want to watch my dramas/anime/read my books or manga when I'm at home.
Warning: sometime, there will be embarrassing moments in this drama, but it gets better was you watch more of it.
(This is my opinion!)
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The whole idea of switching between the "ON" and "OFF" modes is already good itself, but unfortunately it's not used well in this drama. Yes, we see Nika in her "OFF" mode sometimes, but most of the time she's in her "ON" mode trying to hide her true identity. So in the end, the plot isn't so great. We only get to see some stupid and irrational situations mixed with the "romance" between Arata and Nika. Because can we really call it a "romance"? They fall for each other so randomly that it's just hard and painful to watch. For example, only one friendly smile from Arata is enough to make Nika fall in love with the guy, and vice versa. Their relationship is just ridiculous.
Nika is kind of annoying and has a strong sense of justice, as almost every character in Japanese dramas/animes/mangas. Although I don't know which Nika is more annoying, the one in the "ON" or the "OFF" mode. Nika in her "ON" mode tries so hard to be perfect and flawless, which is irritating. On the other hand, Nika's true self acts as if farting and getting rid of unwanted body hair is something forbidden, unnatural. Really now? Then I must be some kind of a monster since I fart when I'm alone, I shave unwanted body hair, and I don't want the product I bought to waste so I cut the package open to use what's left in it. Also, her "OFF" mode isn't even that bad. She just tends to dress herself weirdly. And her hairstyle is ugly.
As for the acting, I really couldn't stand Nishiuchi Mariya's. Her facial expressions were odd, her way of talking was annoying, and her body gestures were just ridiculous.
Fortunately, Arata isn't as annoying as Nika, but he seriously needs to stop with his "two personalities" thing. One day he's nice and sweet, only to switch to his "I'm a cold guy" mode the next day. And he's a really oh-so-great-and-caring boyfriend considering he does nothing when the situation between Nika and the evil teacher occurs. You have a great taste in men, Nika. Also, I don't find Kiriyama Ren's acting that amazing.
Overall, it's not a long drama, so if you have some free time to spare, are really bored and aren't afraid of Nishiuchi Mariya's bad acting skills, you may want to give this drama a chance. Who knows, maybe you'll like it more than I did?
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