TV Drama Review #95 - Iryu Team Medical Dragon 医龙

How long? 11 epis
When & which tv stn? 2006/FujiTV
Who's in?
Sakaguchi Kenji ~ Asada Ryutaro
Inamori Izumi ~ Kato Akira
Mizukawa Asami ~ Satohara Miki
Koike Teppei ~ Ijyuin Noboru
Kitamura Kazuki ~ Kirima Gunji
What's it abt? (editied from Fuji TV)
Asada Ryutaro is enjoying his peaceful life in the countryside, when he is visited by Kato Akira, an assistant professor of the Faculty of Cardiac Surgery at Meishin University Medical Hospital.
Ryutaro is a genius surgeon who used to lead "Team Medical Dragon," a world-class NGO medical team. In harsh environments that lacked medicine and electricity, Ryutaro witnessed many lives pass away. At the same time, he saved many other lives.
As a female doctor, Akira managed to become an assistant professor. She has ambitions to be promoted to professor by succeeding in a surgery using the Batista technique — an extremely difficult type of heart surgery — and also by writing a thesis on it. A year ago, Akira witnessed Ryutaro's skills when he was an NGO doctor. That's why she recruits him and asks him to use the Batista technique. Since Ryutaro's arrival, urgent patients who would have been abandoned in the past, are miraculously saved by the "hands of God". However, Ryutaro's behaviour also caused many problems in the Uni Hospital. On the other hand, Akira's boyfriend Kirima is also working on the same dream as her...but Akira didn't know about Kirima's past and his plans, when he became the 1st surgeon to complete a surgery using the Batista technique.
Love & Hates:
There are quite a few japanese med-dramas dealing with the uni hospital problems etc..and it always showed the darkness and ugly truth in these hospitals...one classic example is "The Great White Tower". This drama touched more on Ryutaro trying to form a best team for the Batista surgery...and of coz..how he managed to save the lives using his unique methods. Plot was quite fast paced with a new case every epi.
Sakaguchi definitely impressed me with his performance...at least he cld proved htat he cld lead a drama. Though he's quite expressionless most of the time...I think he pulled off quite well as Asada. Most of u cant remember Inamori ba..but then if i tell u she's the gd pal of the female lead in "Long Vacation"..perhaps u wld sort of rmb her. Nv seen such a serious Inamori before...I loved her performance here...how she broke down when she knew Kirima betrayed her and how she decided to move on with her inital aim to become a professor. The other cast gave a gd performance too...Koike looked a little weird...like "a kid doctor" becoz' of his looks. Kitamura...as usual..acting as a baddie la...but with a sad past.
OST is nice...nice instrumentals and there's an eng insert song which was beautifully sung..
Worth watching?
Wld reco to j drama fans la..but then it may be boring to many of u as well. Well, Iryu 2 is coming this autumn...and most of the cast will be back in action. Definitely won't miss it!

TV Drama Review #94 - Oishii Proposal 美味求婚

How long? 10 epis
When & which tv stn? 2006/TBS
Who's in?
Hasegawa Kyoko ~ Shiraishi Suzuko
Koide Keisuke ~ Katsuragi Haruki
Kobayashi Mao ~ Shimazaki Saori
Saeko ~ Asakura Michiru
Koike Eiko ~ Kashiwagi Maki
What's it abt?
Shiraishi Suzuko is a beautiful and strong-minded female Italian pasta chef. She broke up with her boyfriend sometime ago, but still could not totally forget him. One day, her niece told her that she would meet her rightful guy in a worst situation, but Suzuko didn't really take it to heart. Katsuragi Haruki is secretly in love with Saori, his late brother's girlfriend. However, Saori later dates another guy, and treats Haruki like her little brother. Suzuko and Haruki had arguments when they 1st met. Later, Haruki's company decided to take over the Italian restaurant which Suzuko is working at. Suzuko decides to protect her restaurant....
Love & Hates:
Sometimes, a typical romance drama with a old-fashioned plot turns out to be quite interesting. Why? Coz' u wld be curious to know how the 2 leads would fall in love. Haha...
Hasegawa does looked a little old besides the childish-faced Koike...but I think their chemistry is still quite good. Hasegawa looked classy when she wore a gown...but her usual image looked a little "auntie" to me la. Haha...Koike looked so different from his other role in "Nodame"...haha!
Saeko..cant stand her in "Hotelier"..and i still can't stand her here...her image and voice really don't match. Like a little girl keep bothering Koike's character..super fan. Lolz...The other cast are alright...nothing too spectacular.
Worth watching?
Wld reco to those who like romance dramas..u won't feel bored la..though u can expect what to happen next and what wld happen in the end.

TV Drama Review #57 - Nodame Cantabile 交响情人梦

Episodes: 11 + 2 nites special
Yr of telecast/TV Stn: 2006/FujiTV
Main Cast:
Tamaki Hiroshi ~ Chiaki Shinichi
Ueno Juri ~ Noda Megumi
Eita ~ Mine Ryutaro
Takenaka Naoto ~ Stresemann
Mizukawa Asami ~ Kiyora Miki
Summary: (edited, credits to wikipedia)
Shinichi Chiaki is the top piano student at his university and an excellent violinist, but he doesn't care about playing these instruments as much as he dreams of being a conductor. However, Chiaki has deeply rooted fears about traveling, found himself "trapped" in Japan. Because he's trapped, Chiaki starts to question exactly how far he can possibly go in music. Recently dumped by his girlfriend for a "sausage" looking fellow, passed a chance to go overseas, removed from his star spot in the piano competition because he walked out on his piano instructor; Chiaki is at his limit. This is when he meets Nodame (Megumi's nick). Nodame is a free spirit who reminds Chiaki that music can be fun. She reminds him what drew him to be a conductor in the first place and, in learning how to deal with Nodame, Chiaki learns how to deal with others. Chiaki begins to realise what is possible for him, even within the country of Japan.
For Nodame, Chiaki is everything she isn't. Clean, neat, dedicated, studious and inherently arrogant about his accomplishments and capabilities. Chiaki constantly bullies her into being more serious about life. He sees potential in her and her abilities as a pianist which she doesn't cares about. She loves Chiaki and wants to be with him, but, because she's not serious about her piano studies nor her personal hygiene, Chiaki denies her affections again and again.
But Chiaki and Nodame complete each other in ways no other can, a musical compliment that neither of them can completely escape entirely. Watching them grow as people and musicians, and even as a couple, is an interesting ride
Comments: My favourite J-dorama of the year! Omg! How could u miss it?! Nodame is actually adopted from the manga, up till vol.9. The storyline itself was simply interesting. Firstly, how Chiaki conquered his ultimate fears of taking a plane, how he find a meaning to do music in Japan, the people he met in Special Oke and the most impt Nodame!!! Next, the plot showed how some "weirdos" & other "so so" musicians in the uni could form an orchestra. I loved their performance lo, so different from the A Oke la (more professional). Well, their first performance was great, they cld play music not just by sitting, but stood up and created movements! 2nd performance was unique as usual, esp. their kimono outfits...perfect! U may find Chiaki couldnt fit into that grp, but it's really fun to see ppl crazy over him. Lolz! I liked every scene of Chiaki & Nodame together, his life was affected by her bit by bit, and she became more impt to him bit by bit too. Wow! I like their chemistry! Of coz, how cld i miss out the "manga effects" in the drama leh? Super exaggerating butta u wont hate it la. Somehow the plot itself was rather "high class", becoz' of the mentioning of various music pieces by different famous composers. U kinda get to know more classical music la...gd right? Also like some side-plots, like some guys crazy over Chiaki..erhem..Chiaki has Nodame le hor! Mine & Kiyori's romance was cute too, Nodame & her piano teacher...haha! simply interesting!
Character wise, Nodame really stood out of the crowd. I couldnt stop laughing when i saw her "rubbish dumping ground" home & how Chiaki cleared her hse, cooked her food & asked her to bathe. Lolz! Ueno Juri was simply a kawaii actress..and mind u she's same age as me lo! I didnt notice her till i realised she acted in "Swing Girls" & in "Engine" ah..ha! so different! Nodame was really the weirdo sia, she liked to compose new music or played by her own pace, played piano without knowing how to read scores etc.
Chiaki was equally good, liked his expressions when he buay tahan Nodame & friends. Lolz! He simply cant handle them la. Tamaki was already quite famous le, though i didnt watch his other projects yet. He acted in "Waterboys" movie version wor.
The other cast was simply great! Ha..must mention Stresemann by Takenaka. Lolz! It's hard for a Japanese to act "ang moh" right..some more a famous musician. Takenaka had to slang his japanese to a very westernised tone and he made Stresemann such a "colour wolf"..lolz! U may not like him initially, but u will get to know him better as the drama progress. Hehe!
Final episode was simply touching! Finally Chiaki said those words to his dear Nodame le, and his final performance with the RS Oke. Splendid!
Wondering if there wld be any special lo....**pray hard**. Havent check out the OST yet, bet it wld be full of classical music la. Hehe!
Ratings: 10/10 (Recommend to all folks, even those who dont like J-dorama. It's very different from other dramas on earth, must check it out!)

04/01/08-05/01/08
Nodame Cantabile 2 nites New year special in Europe. The special focused on Chiaki on the 1st nite and on Nodame on the 2nd nite. Well, the special was funny as usual, and I was so happy that Chiaki had finally "do something" to his love Nodame...So touching ah! Hahaha! Lots of classical music showcases through out the drama, and occasional appearance of the rest of the cast. New faces include Wentz Eiji, member of WaT & Becky, who were another 2 crazy fellas to me...and singer Yamada Yu, who cameo as Song Rui in the 2nd nite. I loved to see the interaction b/w Chiaki and Stresemann....that old fella still as dirty as ever...wahahha! Chiaki was so funny when he got jealous...and I was sad when Nodame was feeling down before her successful performance. Ha..
Wishing for a sequel...

TV Drama Review #43 - Rondo 轮舞曲

Episodes: 11
Yr of telecast/TV Stn: 2006/TBS
Main cast:
Takenouchi Yutaka ~ Nishijima Shou/ Kanayama Takumi
Choi Ji Woo ~ Choi Yoon A
Hayami Mokomichi ~ Kazama Ryugo
Kimura Yoshino ~ Ichinose Akira
Lee Jung Hyun ~ Choi Yoon Hee
Ichikawa Yui ~ Kazama Kotomi
Shin Hyun Joon ~ Kim Young Jae
Summary: Nishijima Shou, a Japanese detective whose father was murdered in Korea when he was still a boy. In hopes of discovering the truth behind his father’s death, Shou works as an undercover in a huge secret organization. Choi Yoon A, a Korean woman who visits Japan in search of her missing father. She opens a Korean restaurant with her younger sister, but soon faces the mercy of fate. The couple meets in a corner of Tokyo and fall in love. But what waits ahead of them… A “rondo” of fate, love, and history is about to begin.
Comments: A romance thriller drama, full of twist & turns. You will slowly know the true identities of the major characters in the drama. Not a bad try for the Japan-Korea collaboration. However, the pace is not the usual Jdorama style, rather abit slow, or more like korean style dramas. The plot was alright, nothing too spectacular. But i dont like the dialouge between the actors. One uttered in Japanese while the other uttered in Korean. As if they could understand each other, then sometimes they wld try to speak in each other's language. It's better to standardised the language ba, coz' it's just weird to see 2 languages going on in a drama. However, I like to see Shou teaching Yoon A Japanese while Yoon A did the same to him. It's quite sweet to see them interact la.
Cast wise, most of them are doing fine. It's nice to see Hayami again after "Gokusen 2". He looked very cool here, but the same expression from start to end. Ichikawa was reduced to a small character here as Ryugo's sister. It's a pity for the rising star, but i guess there will be more opportunities for her. Shin Hyun Joon looked so much better here than in "Staiways in Heaven". I liked his clean look...but he's the tragic character in the drama la..if u know what i mean. Choi Ji Woo's character has much depth, she looked innocent and pure on the outside, but deep down she has her secrets. Though many people didnt like her in Rondo, i think she has done a reasonable job here. However, her chemistry with Takenouchi isnt very very good, perhaps due to nationality differences. Our leading guy Takenouchi is so cool here! He's really an excellent actor! His performance was really superb la. But then i guess it's becoz' his character Shou has many developments too, with some unexpecting secrets behind him.
Ratings: 7.5/10 (This drama has many "dark" scenes, coz' happening at night or at some disco pubs. So, it may not be appealing to romance seekers. However, do give it a try, it's not tt boring.)

TV Drama Review #37 - Attention Please

Episodes: 11 + 2 special
Yr of telecast/TV Stn: 2006/FujiTV
Main Cast:
Ueto Aya ~ Misaki Yoko
Nishikido Ryo ~ Nakahara Shota
Aibu Saki ~ Wakamura Yayoi
Koizumi Koutaro ~ Tsutsumi Shuusuke
Fueki Yuko (Yoo Min) ~ Asou Kaoru
Maya Miki ~ Mikami Tamaki
Summary: Misaki Yoko was a rock singer before she joined the JAL cabin crew as a trainee. She was a punky tomboy who was outspoken and funky. She had a hard time during her training as she always create trouble or made mistakes. Also, her elegant instructor Mikami was strict towards her, and she reminded Mikami of a ex-student of hers. Misaki also offended Asou after she wore her uniform without asking for permission.
Misaki became friend with Shouta, an engineer of JAL, who aspired to become a pilot. Check out how Misaki fought through the tides & become a cabin attendant.
Comments: Ah! I really like dramas talking about cabin crew or airport-related jobs. This drama kinda reminded me of "Good Luck". But please be assured that it's totally different from the former. This's the first Ueto drama i had watched, and she really fit the role as the tomboy Misaki. I really like her hairstyle lo! Hahaha! Though she tends to be quite exaggerating in the drama, you wont be sick of her..and definitely u will enjoy her performance. If u dont know who is Nishikido, check him out in "1 litre of tears". His character, Nakahara was kinda plain to me, with little developments. He was always there for Misaki when she was down and gave her encouragement. I wished the drama could focus more on him, but sadly, this is Ueto's show. If u dont know who Fueki Yuko is...she's Yoo Min, who acted in "Yuri's family" & "All In". Yeah! She's a Japanese! Her character Asou didnt appeared to be a nice fella initially, so i didnt quite like her. But still, I am glad to see her in a japanese drama. She looked very elegant. As for the cabin attendant instructor Mikami...She's really elegant la. Like her alot too...
The plot was fast, hilarious, and serious as well. U get to know how the trainees were trained before they could get hands-on experience on the planes. They had to learn many stuffs; speech, etiquettes, life-saving skills, how to serve passengers on the plane, know the stuffs on the plane etc. If u are looking for romance here, u may be a little disappointed coz' it's not the main focus here. But that's what i like about J-dramas, they wont be boring even without any romances between the characters. The plots are rather realistic and really entertaining.
Also, at every epi of the drama, when the themesong was played, do look out for Ueto as she wore different JAL air stewardess's uniforms from different eras.
Finally, Kimura Kaera's themesong "Pretty Woman" was quite a catchy song, though her english pronounciation was a little off.
Rating: 9/10 (A must watch for J drama lovers. Let's ganbatte with Misaki san!)
Btw, AP special wld be on Misaki flying international flights...and her trip to Honolulu. Funny as usual...
6/4/2008 - 2nd AP special, with Misaki and friends flying to Sydney. What's more? They are now senior CAs wor! It's a pity Misaki's love interest Nakahara isn't featured here. Butta well, it's still quite a fun episode.