mapleleaf_03
Maple Leaf Inn
First, let me discuss its novel history. This novel was created in 1965 and has been adapted many times. The writer was "Yamasaki Toyoko". The one who created 'The Grand Tribe' and 'Fumo Chitai'. Her signature works or let's say.. Her theme was more of 'Power Struggle'. I noticed that because I've watched some of her works. It's obviously that this genre is not open or friendly seen to viewers, maybe? Perhaps, because her works were written in a depth-collision contents. Or maybe.. too harsh to be true? I hope I conveyed my point of view correctly because my grammar is not that good. :/
Okay, let's proceed..
Shiroi Kyoto is a glorious, addictive, brilliant drama though it's an underrated and very rarely seen with some viewers.. Oopps. Probably, because there's no teens idol. How sad. :(
This is not actually an episodic 100% medical drama that you'll often see doctor here and everywhere giving medical term and operations. The Hospital is just a setting here. Yes, there's so many dramas about power struggle but this one is a 'great exceptional'.
It portrays and highlights the controversy of conflicts, moral issues, ethics, power and humanity. Let alone the drama engage and allows you to peek into a world of rotten politics where you can see some nobles struggling to achieve their goal. And one of them is Goro Zaizen and the other, Satomi Shuji. The contrasting points between them made it feels like they can be hardly friends or whatsoever and yet, they respect each other capabilities even no words are spoken. Well, action is louder than words, ne? :D
Like this for example:
---- REALIST VS. IDEALIST ----
---- EMPIRICAL VS. PHILOSOPHICAL ---
My gratitude and applause to the writer for some of its great metaphorical context, very sophisticated concept and well-written script. This will remain a classic one and your timeless ambitious character-who-goes-higher-and-higher-up 'Goro Zaizen'. And... the very unorthodox charm and metaphor title that is --
"THE GREAT WHITE TOWER"
Oh how divine you are!! *music plays, "Amazing Grace"* (^o^)
About the OST, you may feel that it plays repetitive but its melody were actually referring to the one who's "The Great White Tower". Sounds heavy, huh? Characters are well-developed, it also views their motivation towards in their careers though I find some of them unrealistic but not 100% actually, so you can easily ignore it. :DD
The depressing, distress and stresses you'll feel in this drama may let you have an admiration and memorable one, that for every consequences of life, there will be a paved with indifference no matter how you look at it. This is a highly recommended especially for us who are entering the society one day. It will helps you realize that despite how messed up the world is, some around the corner.. you'll know how important the relationship between people-to-people. ^____^
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This is BRILLIANT, I must say.
If you really ask yourself this: "Why do they have to commit crime over and over again? To cover their sins?" -- Actually, children can't blame for their actions when they respond to anything. I mean, THEM. Why? They are only children. And their experiences leads to a traumatic situations that if they've been found out, they will do the same thing to cover it again. It's like "Defense Mechanism". Hhhhmm.. Am I right? :|
If you're not agree then I must say.. "That wouldn't make much of a story, would it?" :)
Oh well, Journey under the Midnight Sun is indeed a bit too harsh when you come to think of it in a metaphorical way that.. LIFE is all about surviving.
Anyway, if you're familiar with the novel "Gone with the Wind".. You will somehow knew about these two very flawed people I'm referring to. :)
Well, if you're into a melodrama with heavy tone. Then give it a try! ^_^
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If you're not familiar in hospital/medical term, Code Blue are used in hospitals to alert the EMS Department and staff to various emergencies. The scene they head towards is always the worst and sometimes can't help but deal with the situations they are in whether it's good or bad. And those events will always work together for their own good as a doctor. Now, what does it mean to be a doctor?
This is not a drama with "at the edge on your seat". What I like in this series is the "Character Development" so it's not really about the intense to medical term but rather how those intern struggle to become a certified doctors. Though the season 1 has a cheesy scenes and you might find some problematic character or the actor/actress maybe? LOL. But still, you have to watch it before proceeding to Season 2.
The series may be too slow, Season 2 is way better than Season 1. The characters will slowly change and goes to their background. The story itself doesn't need to narrate each of their past, the "sympathy and compassion" alone towards their patients is what makes and already tell who they really are.
Each episode clearly illustrate the cruelty of medical society, it's sad but that's the reality. There were several heart-rending scenes and the OST is good. Not superb but enough to set the atmosphere.
I remember one thing in this drama that, "Taking a long way is not a bad thing, instead it'll bring out the best thing inside someone."
Hontouni, it's burdened a bit and yet inspiring. Life is mysterious, deeply painful at times, yet always beautiful. We all have memories of loved ones whom we have lost. Being a doctor is not an easy job. When grieving the loss of life of their patients, the intensity of their human emotions is actually a testament to the value of human life. And that will change your life forever. Am I too dramatic, ne? I'm not even a doctor myself. Sumi-masen! XD
Overall, I think the drama wasn’t as engaging as other Jdoramas I’ve seen although I have to applaud the writer somehow for some of the well written dialogues. What I like in Jdoramas is usually they have these almost poetic dialogues and sometimes, they speak in their thoughts. So I gave it 8 + 1 (For Erika Toda) = 9. As you watch this one, you may have to be attentive and careful observation between the characters.. No, you don't need to over-analyze it. XD
I love Hanabi by Mr. Children. Moving and sad.
"What value left is there
in this world I live in?
I start thinking its all meaningless
or maybe I’m just tired?"
"We all have our problems
but we hope for a better tomorrow
I wonder to what extent we can love a world
gripped by fear, thrown into unrest?"
PS.
I've read a small trivia somewhere. The main three character’s names were actually related with colors.
Ai zawa == Blue (calm)
Shirai shi == White (passive)
Hi yama == Red (emotional)
Also, a Japanese saying that Blue means “vein”, White means “gauze”, Red means “artery”. XD
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..is one thing that I've learned and reflect from watching this drama. This is hauntingly beautiful story that brings you to a world of dark mystery of a young woman Egi Touko. There aren't that many mystery or suspense dramas in Japan. Usually, you'll get an episodic drama with a "detective-genius-who-solve-all-case" so when a good one like this, it should deserve a good rating. Well, just because the genre is mystery doesn't mean it's always an episodic. Sometimes, it was to confuse and leaves to audience to think for themselves about the events regarding of what the conclusions will be.
The script was very well-written that gives a chilling feel and yet captivating. The actors did pretty well in portrayal especially Matsushima Nanako. She has this cold and creepy aura in this one that her acting transitions made me "never-to-be-forgotten" of her. Eiki and Touko has a very good chemistry, well.. this is not just an eye candy drama though.
Now, in this drama.. YOU are the Detective! :) I advise you to just go with flow in it or else, you may lose concentration to the story. Do not "overthink". :DD
I recommend you to watch this drama, nothing to lose if you try.. Who knows? You'll never know that you're missing. :)
ENJOY! ^_____^
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This review may contain spoilers
"Once upon a time, in a Faraway land.. There was once a Sleeping Beauty whose 'herself' remain asleep for a very very long time in the hauntingly beautiful forest.."This drama is a modern 'Sleeping Beauty' dark fairy-tale mystery and romance. Again, it's a deep-rooted Mystery. 'Sleeping' is not literal here rather it gives a psychological explanation and I will leave it to find out yourself. It can be an enchanted or haunted place where a dream/memories remain long-forgotten.
The storyline is more than a labyrinthine with so many nail-biting twist and full of surprises though it's a bit slow. Seeing a cliffhanger makes me want to re-trace everything from the beginning as I start collecting clues that was dropped along the way while watching this. Ooppss.. I can't discuss anything here that may gives spoiler.
Anyway, just to tell you all the while watching this, the more I'm going further with the story, the more my head messed up with all those endless clues. It will throws you some red herrings to make you doubt about your assumptions earlier. Brilliant, isn't? *wiping my bleeding nose* :D
This is a downgraded version of 'Ice World (1999)' and they were from the same writer so you could feel that they are in the same atmosphere though this one is not that enjoyable but it's more tragic because everyone is involved with the 'Sleeping Beauty'. I couldn't hold back my emotions as I wept at the cruelty of life. Well, that's the 'Twist of Fate', they say.
The ending will.. Ooopps!! I will leave it to find out yourself. And.. one more thing is, you may have to be attentive with the "Camouflage" opening song. I like it, by the way. Haha. :)
I like this drama even you'll have to cast out Takuya Kimura, the story will be the same. So it's highly recommended, don't be discourage just because this is an old drama. Just ride in an enchanted rollercoaster as you begin your journey to watch this. There's a mystery awaits you in the secret place. Enjoy! :)
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"THOU SHALT NOT VEX A STRANGER"
These words keeps echoing on my mind as I'm watching this while having a cup of coffee in the middle of the night. Actually, it's good to watch this in a dark room filled with silence at night. I'm not scaring you, I'm just setting up a good way to have a momentum so that you'll be able to enjoy it at the very least because.. it does sounds like an "Edgar Allan Poe" to it if you've already watch or read some of his works. If not, then if you've already encountered a dark series somewhere.
Some of episodes may be a bit too draggy but full of surprises at the end of each story. There may be some good or bad but the tension between emotion and reason extend its influence beyond those protagonists. Eventhough "SUSPECT" is already obvious, it's really an unpredictable twist that keeps you thinking what they've done or ask yourself this:
"Did your 'Detective Intuition' tell you that?" :D
Darkest tangle that leads you to a World of Dark Tales. Some of its OST is good as if it's breaking the silence and some are not that good. This drama is dark and measured, it often illustrates people to dramatic event that explore the darkness of human interaction.
And.. again, I'm not forcing you to watch this one and I can understand why it has low ratings in Japan though those actors didn't manage to save their sinking ship but I highly recommend you watch some of its episode I've seen that good so far. This may be pointlessly obscure or ridiculously mystical but it deserves a good ratings in other way or somehow.. I think so. :)
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Okay, this drama was based on the novel series that follows an episodic format with various stories. The shows focuses on the three (3) characters solving each crime. Ohno Satoshi's being a "robotic and eccentric" somehow I get the feeling that he has this mysterious past from the beginning actually. Sato Koichi made me laugh seeing his face when he react. Toda Erika, the lawyer-who-always-tailing-his-boss around plays a heartful and innocent young woman. At first, I nearly can't recognize her, hhhmm.. Hearing her voice here were in a low pitch. Well, still liking her husky voice though. But.. seeing her role as "Saya Toma" in Keizoku 2: SPEC were already haunting in my head and suddenly switching from this one which is a normal made her looks so different. :D
What interest me is that they're not police or detective. They are mainly "Two Lawyers and One Security Otaku" though when you think about it, it's a sensible decision. It has the same directions with Trick classic series though it doesn't interact in other way
because Kagi seems to borrowed some elements from Trick which makes it
an uncomfortably atmosphere and that they presented every clues as provided where to look.
This is not some detective series that treat the viewers like an
"Idiot" and goes beyond reality. There's some drama explaining some
things that are not necessary in detail. Don't get me wrong! I didn't mean to be rude. But that's it.
There are some soundtrack that reminds me of Nancy Drew, Sherlock Holmes and Agatha Cristie and I can visually "them" when I hear those OST. :))
Anyways, I'm familiar with Locked-Room-Cases and so If you're a fan of mystery dramas, there are far more mediocre or worst than Kagi no Kakatta Heya. The cinematography, OST and those close-ups shots has made it an enjoyable one. I'm not biased though. Haha! :)
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Here comes the "Para-Para" girls roaming around in Shibuya which they actually exist in real life. My goodness! Haha.
Just to tell some of its interesting facts:
* "Para para" is form of dance where everyone does the same dance moves.
* "Para para" dancing groups and "gals" aren't something made-up for Galcir, again.. they actually exist in real life! They are usually found in a district in Tokyo called Shibuya.
* "Gals" is common term used to describe a certain group of younha females in Japan. These "gals" are characterized by their unique tastes in fashion, music, social activity, and being part of a "para-para" group
It has the same elements with GTO except all girls around here. The most ridiculous ending ever I've watched so far but it made me laugh my lungs out for their stupidity that I can't tell if this drama is trying to be a comedy or not. There wasn't really a plot into this one but rather it's hilarious because of the Cowboy Hero's ignorance.
Just to tell you that I like its music transition though. You would want to watch this one if you'd like to pass time and like to rest your brain for a while. Come on! You don't have to be a serious person all the time, you know! *laughs*
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One Word ---- "EPIC FAIL"
From the first episode, the atmosphere is relaxed and has a light tone because it's indeed a "Summer Drama". I believe the plot has a potential but they didn't develop a twist, screenplay, storyline and character depth. The drama is just a plain itself as you can read from the synopsis, make your own prediction and.. tadaaa! You are 100% correct.
Okay, we have a bunch of friends bonding around here and there, and everywhere. We can feel that too because their friendship is somehow relatable. My! What a cinematography! What a music! What an acting! A lovely scene. You can feel the freshness of Summer Sea, Azure Sky and Cool Breeze and you'll enjoy it the most if you have a 14-inch TV or more than that. Along with the presence of music, I can assure that you'll love it. I swear. Witnessing like that makes you go -
"Aw, it's nice to be young!" (^o^)
Hhhmm.. am I the only here? *laughs*
Then again, the story is a piece of crap and I think the writer has ran out of ideas and script, perhaps? I noticed that some of its dialogues doesn't really necessary to be said, I just hope that the writer improved some of its quotes since his previous 'Proposal Daisakusen' is good and inspiring actually.
Seriously though, Why do you have to make this series? What's your intention really? You've wasted an expensive budget! Look, there's two highest-paid actress and Yamapi and branded gadgets such as Canon, Playstation and etc.
I'm sorry Erika, you were my favorite and I like your redeeming acting here so you don't have to blame yourself, ne?
And.. Yes, it's not a triangle-love story but more than rectangle, hexagonal, diagonal or whatever shape you want. Please, tell me that I'm not the only one who's ranting about this drama. It's so frustrating that I'm about to choke. :/
PS.
If you're a Yamapi fan and you're planning to watch this, then go! I'm not going to stop you, just to remind you of my concern above this 'NOTE' review.
All in all, I'm very sorry that I've vent my frustration to this drama. I'm so sorry.. that's it.
Here's a trivia about their names and its meaning:
Asahi -- Morning Sun
Natsuki -- Summer and Hope
Hanae --- Flower Blossom
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I feel blessed watching this film but never imagine that only saying a few words to others can mean so much and enough to change one's life. Seriously though, passing by a stranger and sharing some problems can actually happen in a real life. These characters begin to make a cross path to each other, helping others through an experience of a struggling life as well.
This film will always remind us that the world is not bad or a miserable place you could ever be no matter how you look at it, because somewhere in a corner..We just don't realize that such a thing can be called a "Miracle" especially to those people around you. Who knows, ne? :)
The reason why I watch this is because of Toda and Mana-chan, but don't get me wrong! You might find this boring and it depends how you view it.
Well, Overall, not an outstanding one. It's good I must say.
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