Drama Review- 101st marriage proposal

This is a very old drama released in 1991. It had very high vieweship ratings (around 36%) and became a defining japanese drama. The theme song is 'Say Yes' by Change and Aska which became one of the best selling singles in japanese music history. This song fits the theme of the drama very well and is a great song that is worth buying. It became the best selling single for Chage and Aska.

The story is about a man called Hoshino san (Takeda Tetsuya) a supervisor for a construction company who has not got a promotion for twenty years. He lives with his brother. His love luck is as bad as it can get. He has gone through 99 omiai or arranged dates with the intention of marriage but has been rejected everytime. His confidence is not existant and he gives up too easily. He meets Kaoru Yabuki, cellist at his 100th omiai and knows that it would fail. She is beautiful and graceful and cannot forget her dead fiance. However, when he tells her of his terrible luck, she encourages him to keep going and never give up. He mistakes it for love but she rejects him over the phone the next day. However, he doesn't give up and keeps pursuing her to the end. She finally agrees for marriage but breaks the engagement on seeing someone who looks like her dead fiance. Still, he keeps going and in the end manages to capture her heart. The last scene is great! He ends up losing his bonus, promotion and job all for Kaoru but she marries him in the end as a jobless man who failed in law entrance.

I will start with the pros as usual. The story was good. I loved the second episode when he loses money in horse racing for Kaoru. It was touching. All the love scenes in the drama were great. It was very touching and emotional and felt like true love. The last scene was excellent and gave a meaning to this drama. However, when they return to normal life, it seems like a dream. It is not sustained and doesn't influence their life.

Hoshino's brother and Karou's sister could make a good couple but did not fall in love. Fujii san was just a test for their love.
Hoshino san's character is good as he is selfless and considerate. Karou seems to be fluctuating always and she cries for almost everything which seems rather absurd. She is also a little selfish. Naoto was bad in the beginning and became good. His role was done well. Momoko san is the cupid who always tells Hoshino to pursue Kaoru.

I like how Hoshino sacrifices everything for the sake of love and never gives up. From his side, the love seems true. But Kaoru takes a long time to make up her mind but in the end, leads to an unforgettable ending. I don't want to spoil the fun by giving a description of the ending.


The theme 'Say Yes' is the saving grace of this drama. Whenever this songs plays, the moment suddenly becomes special. It plays during all the touching scenes.

As for cons, the actress was terrible. She cried too much which is very irritating. She cries for things that are trivial. She looks blank sometimes too. The actor was nothing great but at least lived up to the role. The two were an unlikely pair. Their faces were not in the least similar. The side characters were better at acting than the main ones.
The characters were realistic and three dimensional. The story is easy to relate to. It maintains a good pace and keeps going well till the last episode. I didn't like episodes 7-10 but these are some important episodes in the course of the drama.

I watched Kekkon dekinai otoko, kurosagi, Abarenbo mama, Beach boys and this drama together and this one clearly had the best ending. TThe ending is what makes this one unforgettable and the others inferior. The ending is an examples of true love where the female lead marries a bankrupt male lead with no job prospects or great looks for love. The last scene was not a church or something grand. It looked like a poor, cheap wedding but that's what makes it unique and unforgettable.


Story- 4.4/5
Acting 4.1/5
Setting- 4/5
Script- 4.2/5
Overall- 4.1/5

Might be good for people who can't get married for a long time and even those who are married. Generally targeted at older audience even though it contains no adult content. It is an inspirational drama worth watching.

Pros

Story/ script
Ending
Theme song 'Say Yes'
Realistic and three dimensional characters

Cons

Inconsistency
Acting

Drama Review- Kurosagi

Kurosagi stars NEWS member Yamashita Tomoshisa and actress Maki Horikita. It is mainly a crime, suspense drama which boasts of some romance but lacks it for most of the drama. It is adapted from a seinen manga of the same name that won the Shogakukan Manga Award.

Kurosagi means 'black swindler'. Each episodes starts with an introduction on swindlers. There are three types of swindlers- Shirosagi (white swindler) who swindle people's money by deceiving them, much like a con artist; Akasagi (red swindler) who swindle people by manipulating their feelings and the most powerful swindler in history, Kurosagi (black swindler)who feeds on the above kinds of swindlers and wants to wipe them out from the face of the earth.

This is the second drama I have seen that has borth Yamapi and Maki Horikita (the previous one was Nobuta wo produce).
Maki Horikita is a law student whose uncle is swindled in the first episode. Kurosaki helps her uncle get money back from the swindler by swindling the money back. He is a kind of Robin Hood who helps people who have been swindled by swindling the money back for them. His aim is not to help them but to wipe out shirosagis from the face of the earth.
When he was young, his father was swindled and not knowing what to do, his father killed his whole family but luckily Kurosaki escaped. He became a swindler while still in high school in order to get revenge. He spends most of his time hunting for swindlers at a restaurant that Katsuragi owns, the man who deceived his father indirectly. He sold the swindling plan to the swindler who swindled his father. Kurosaki keeps him close so that he can get revenge from him. Katsuragi mostly talkis about pickes and coffee and is very old with lots of health problems. He sells information to swindlers and knows most of them.

Later Maki Horikita moves in next to Kurosaki and romance starts developing. However, her friend falls in love with Kurosaki too and they become rivals. Even though Kurosaki cries whenever she lectures, the effect of the love is rarely seen when he works. He remains unaffected which leads to the feeling that their love is not true or not developing. He never quits swindling until the very end. He even lands up in jail in the last episode. The ending scene was good when Maki Horikita promises to catch him.


The settings are pretty good especially Katsuragi's place. The plot was well done and the drama excelled in being a good crime, mystery drama but as far as romance is concerned, it was not given any importance and was like an add on.

Yamashita Tomoshisa did well at acting. He looked cool and acted okay. Maki Horikita was good too but I thought Yampi was better even though Maki Horkita won the award. The side characters did okay but nothing great at acting.

The plot was probably the best part of the drama. I don't know how the manga's plot was since I have never read it. 'Daite senorita'(embrace senorita) was the theme of the drama. It fitted the theme well but many themes were better than this one.

Overall, a good crime/mystery drama. The overall atmosphere was good and plot was done well. A drama to watch when you're getting bored with nothing else to do.

Acting- 4/5
Plot- 4.6/5
Setting- 4.3/5
Overall- 4.2/5

Pros

Plot
Setting

Cons

Lack of romance/ development

Drama Review- Kekkon Dekinai Otoko

This is a quirky and interesting drama starring Abe Hiroshi as a man who can't get married. Abe Hiroshi and Natsukawa Yui act superbly in the drama givng it most of its charm.

The drama is about an architect, Shinsuke Kuwano, who is forty and still can't get married. This is mainly due to his eccentric behaviour, disinterest in women and house, rudeness, stubborness and obsessive nature. He has developed some very eccentric habits like conducting classical music in the evening (while the music system plays the CD), eating high fat foods everyday, going to the hospital and bugging the doctor everyday and not conceding to the demands of clients at work.

In the first episode, he falls ill and collapses on eating steak and is taken to the hospital by his neighbour who has never seen him earlier. His neighbour has a dog named Ken to erase the memory of her ex- boyfriend of the same name. He meets doctor Natsumi there who diagnoses him wrongly. After that, he starts coming to the hospital everyday. Natsumi is forty too and she can't get married. She wants to get married but she cannot find anyone suitable. Natsumi and Kuwano's neighbour, Michiru become good friends and they spend most nights at each other's place.

When I read the title, I thought Kuwano might be a man who wants to get married but can't but the fact is, he doesn't want to get married. He thinks women will corrupt his house and he want to continue his stubborn ways. He is a perfectionist and has knowledge of many things. Sometimes, when he shows it off, it becomes rude.

Most episodes revolve around his working life with little interference from Michiru and Natsumi. Towards the end of the drama, their role increases.

The drama was unique due to Abe Hiroshi's eccentric character and good acting. But if you're looking for romance, look elsewhere. There is absolutely no romance until the second last episode. The drama is interesting, unique and has a great cast but since Kuwano doesn't show any interest in getting married, the drama drags on without him showing any interest in romance. In the end, both girls fall in love with him but he had a preference for Natsumi from the very beginning.

The whistling in the background when Kuwano does to the DVD shop, convenience store and bar in the evening is something I liked very much. It complements the atmosphere of the drama. Shinsuke's eccentric habits keep the drama interesting.

In the last episode, he proposes to Natsumi but messes it up with his pride and stubborness. Later, they meet on their way home and he invites her to his apartment.

Seems like the start of a great romance but this should have been done in the third episode and not the last one.

Still, this drama is great to watch since it is interesting even though it lacks romance. The ending was okay and made up for it. It could've been better though. Abe Hiroshi's great acting is not something you would like to miss.

Acting- 4.7/5
Story- 4.2/5
Setting- 4.2/5
Overall- 4.3/5

It is a comedy drama that might be good for people looking for some light entertainment.

Pros

Actors and actresses
Story
Whistling
Main character

Cons

Romance starts too slow
No development of feelings
Ending coul've been better

Drama review- Beach Boys

Beach boys is a popular drama starring Takahashi Sorimachi and Yutaka Takenouchi as the main characters. It also stars the award winning actress Ryoko Hirosue.

Upon getting thrown out of his girlfriend Fujiko's apartment, Hiromi (Sorimachi) decides to head for the ocean. En route, he crosses paths with Kaito (Takenouchi), an elite employee of a large multinational trading company in Tokyo who is running away from his problems at work after losing a key client. The two stumble into a quiet B&B on the beach run by the aging surfer Masaru and his high-school-aged granddaughter Makoto. Hiromi immediately applies to work there for the summer, and Kaito is forced to join him after he loses his wallet. The two share a room, with Hiromi trying to make friends, and Kaito at first resisting, unimpressed by Hiromi's devil-may-care attitude. Slowly over the ensuing episodes, Kaito becomes more and more at home in this sleepy rural town, and begins to wonder if he should give up his pursuit of success in the big city, and try to relax, and enjoy himself more. When he returns to Tokyo to finish his work, Hiromi and Makoto come to lure him back, but when he returns to the B&B, his boss and girlfriend Sakura likewise come looking for him.

-dramawiki

The drama starts off quite well with Hiromi and Kaito going to the same place and meeting by chance. Their friendship develops gradually and they come to know everyone in the island. They explore their interests and revaluate their choices. They land up togerther accidentally at the same inn and fight over it for some time. Since Kaito loses his walet, he is forced to sleep with Hiromi in a small room. Hiromi is not a guest and works at the inn.
The drama gives the feeling of a typical summer drama. There is always a beach, sea trees and the minshuku inn. Hirosue's grandpa also contributes to the summer offect.

This drama is refreshing and contains little or no romance. It is about a quest for searching for things you like doing in life and getting out of the cage (job) you have created. The drama might be especially interesting for office goers who are sick of their job. The drama portrays the truth- there are many people who do jobs that they don't like. It inspires those people to do things they love in life.
The song 'Forever' by Sorimachi Takahashi adds to the summer atmosphere and is a great song. He is a good singer. The song plays frequently during the drama. I listen to this song even now after I have fishished watching the drama.

The initial episodes were very interesting and refreshing. However, after Kaito goes away, it seems a little boring. It picks up after he comes back but the ending was not good.
They face problems and challenges together and overcome these to decide their own path in life. There is considerable amout of comedy in the drama and is amusing to watch. Again, I am shocked how Sorimachi Takahashi never won an acting award in his life since he acts quite well. Both the actors were very good. Ryoko Hirosue looked just like Utada Hikaru and at first, I thought this was Utada Hikaru acting.

The screenwriter did a good job too. The drama is a break from routine crime, historical and romance dramas.
Many people who are stuck in a job they dislike might find this one great.

What I didn't like was the ending. I hate sad and ambiguous endings. This one was both. I would have agreed with Hiromi and Kaito leaving if they left together. They go their seperate ways and I find it a little disappointing since they're such good friends. They could've done business or something together. Ryoko Hirosue and the others at the inn and island had a good ending except her grandpa, of course.
Even though Hirmo and Kaito left, their futures were not shown. This seems rather hopeless.

There is a special episode which I didn't watch. If you happen to watch it, please comment and tell me how it was.
Beach Boys has never been released on DVD. It had high viewership ratings (26.5%).

Overall, a good summer drama to watch. People looking for a change from the routine dramas might like it. Also, people who work will find it interesting and easy to relate too.

Acting- 4.4/5
Story-4.4/5
Script- 3.8/5
Setting- 3.4/5
Overall- 4.1/5

Pros

The theme song
Good cast
Unique story
Summer theme

Cons

Ending
Slight inconsistensies

Drama Review- Untouchable

Untouchable is a thriller drama starring Yukie Nakama. She plays the role of a journalist dedicated to bringing out the truth about political and social conspiracies. She joins work as a journalist in a third-rate magazine called untouchable.

In the first episode, a famous journalist Arisugawa Sumire, whose every news is correct, says about a construction company. Yukie Nakama only wants to interview her but it soon turns into a frenzy with dark underground organisation, police and everything. It seems that Sumire's success is based on the murder of many. From here, Yukie begins to discover about the hidden darkness in her world and pledges to expose it.

The following episodes follow her as she gets deeper and deeper into the darkness, finally leading to a major worldwide dark organisation whose candidate is contesting for the post of the Japanese president.

The ending is really unexpected.

The actors except Nakama play their parts well and Nakama looks cute with her long skirt and odd hairstyle. The drama is a real thriller and will leave you wanting to discover more about the dark organisation.


Ratings-

Acting-4
Plot-4.3
Story-4.2
Settings-4.3
Costumes-4.5
Direction-4

Pros- Good plot and thriller elements keep you waiting for more.

Cons- Nakama overacts for most of the part.

100th Post

Finally, the number of post has reached 100- a century. I hope now, our visitors will find more reviews to read. we're aiming for 150 now.

Pokemon Emerald

Pokemon Emerald is was released a while back but I am reviewing it now since I didn't get the time to review it before.

Pokemon Emerald is the game for the Honnen region. The honnen starters are very good, some evolving into very unique double-types (liek Swampert and Blaziken). Even though Sceptile is not dual-type, it is as good, if not better than the other starters. The best thing about the starters is that they are all equally good. I have played with all three and found them all exceptional. That could make the choice difficult but at the same time, any choice will be the right choice. Unlike Firered, where Squirtle was purely defensive, all the Honnen starters have good offensive power.


The graphics of the game are at par with all other pokemon games and pretty pleasent to watch. The battles are numerous and challenging. The gym leaders and pretty strong and might require a few tries to win over. The elite four has really unique types (like dark and ghost).

But the BEST thing about Emerald is the addition of the battle frontier which spiced up the gameplay significantly. All the frontier brains are strong. Sometimes too strong. Yet, the addition of battle frontier makes emerald offer a longer and more addictive gameplay.



Emerald is really the best game in the pokemon franchise. Even though the subsequent games also included battle frontier, Emerald's frontier was the best.

You can find it cheap at Amazon.com.

Pokemon Fire Red

Pokemon Fire red was released for GBA and features the Kanto region of Pokemon. The player starts from pallet town where he has to choose a starter- Squirtle, Charmander or Bulbasaur. The rest of the game focuses on the player catching more pokemon, training them, building a team of six and beating gym leaders and the elite four.

As with all other Pokemon games, Fire Red does not disappoint. It is spectacular. In fact, I might say that it is the best game in the Pokemon franchise except Emerald.

The starters of Kanto and pretty strong and diverse with many fully-evolving into dual types unlike the Johto starters. The gym leaders are also strong and present a resonable challenge. The elite four is pretty strong, especially the champion. the concept of the seven islands was very interesting and had me hooked to the game. The rematch with the elite four was also a much-needed element.

However, one major drawback of this game is that as soon as you have beaten the elite four the second time, there is nothing much to do. No battle frontier or something to keep you occupied forever. Despite that, Firered is very addictive and entertaining.

The graphics are a huge step-up from the GBC games and I am glad. The battle system is teh typical pokemon battle system. The cities all look pretty good.

A very entertaining and fun game. There are few games which can compete with pokemon games in addictiveness. DDo yourself a favor and buy this game.

Amazon.com offers a discount on this one. Gamestop.com might also be a place to consider.