First Love: Hatsukoi (2022)

Been eyeing this series for long and finally watch it! I need to start watching J-Dorama again to polish my Nihongo. It's been erased in my mind day by day now and I don't want to waste on it.
As a starts, I watch this series first since it is on Netflix.

This series has been said that got inspired by Utada Hikaru songs called HATSUKOI and FIRST LOVE.

PLOT

 the late 90s, Yae and Harumichi met and fell in love. After graduating from high school, Yae went off to college in Tokyo, while Harumichi joined the Self-Defense forces as an aviation student, and like that they separated.       

( Source : Dramalist )

MY THOUGHTS

I like how this series been arrange back forward from their teenage era and adult era. I was wondering why Yae seems calm for the first time she eyes to eye with Namiki and the cause is reveal from one episode to another which make it interesting to watch. Eagerly to know what happened and why both end up as decent adult since at the beginning been shown that these two is doing their best to be a pilot and Yae is one of the top students. I can say that this series is quite slow but not boring at all. But thru the prosses to arrive at the happy ending, I was scumble on my bed because it takes years for them to finally be happy. I feel the loneliness, the pain and the sorrow in them. 

CAST 

Thank you for reading!

Ride Or Die

Randomly saw the trailer on Netflix and I feels like watching it. It turn out to be amazing but 100% 18 above with nudity. Since this is LGBT so, feel free to skip and read about my thoughts. I think I love movies and series that involve emotion this is why I can enjoy 2hrs and 22min staring at my laptop screen watching this movie. I was shocked when I see Maki Yoko in this movie. I kind of like her from Voice. About to marathon her dorama's later. 

 

The text written on the poster is  " Kanojo means She " while on Netflix's title is RIDE OR DIE. I do not get the logic there but oh well. This movie is an adapted from the manga series "Gunjo" by Ching Nakamura. Which I bet manga has way more details on it.

• Movie: Ride or Die
• Country: Japan
• Release Date: Apr 15, 2021
• Duration: 2 hr. 22 min.
• Content Rating: R - Restricted Screening (nudity & violence)

PLOT

Her abusive husband is dead, killed by her lesbian friend who’d do anything for her. Now they’re running for their lives.

(Source: Netflix)

 MY THOUGHTS

Its understandable that Rei is willing to do anything to Nanae. She loves Nanae since teenagers and she do not even try to get her because he knows that Nanae is not a lesbian. Rei always there whenever Nanae in trouble. The part where Rei said that its no different if Nanae sell her body for money to man or to her, at least she wont force Nanae to do anything with her. There are so many silent moments between each scene but I love it. Its not boring because I kinda like this kind of emotional plot. I have no complaints so that is why this review is short. Its 18 and has nude scene and its not good to watch with kids. Overall, i do not mind re-watching this again at anytime soon.

CAST

Thank you for reading!

Parallel World Love Story

Watched this movie clearly because of Tamamori Yuta.
Never read any plot or novel because I do not to imagine how Tama would play his role as it written in the novels. 

~~ Based on the novel "Parallel World Love Story" by Keigo Higashino, this film tells about a love story between three people in two worlds.

• Movie: Parallel World Love Story
• Country: Japan
• Release Date: May 31, 2019
• Duration: 1 hr. 48 min.
• Content Rating: G - All Ages

PLOT

"A world" - After graduating from a university, close friends Takashi Tsurug and Tomohiko Miwa begin work at a company which does brain research. One day, Tomohiko introduces Mayuko Tsuno as his girlfriend. Takashi is stunned. When he was a university student, Takashi saw Mayuko Tsuno every day on the train opposite from the one he rode. He became attracted to her back then. "B world" - When Takashi Tsurug wakes up, his girlfriend Mayuko Tsuno makes breakfast as usual at his apartment. His friend Tomohiko Miwa introduced him to Mayuko and they have lived happily as a couple. Everything seems to be going smoothly, but Takashi begins to have doubts. Tomohiko, who worked with him at the same company, disappears and he can't discern if his memory is real or imaginary.

MY THOUGHTS

I was confused at first with all the A and B world but got hook up nicely with the plot in the middle of the story where Takashi keep saying that he see Mayuko is in the weird dreams too. So he keep having a deja vu from times to time which he thought it is his dreams. He knows something is playing in his mind but he just can not handle it. For me personally, i think Takashi is very selfish that he willing to backstab his good friend for love but this does not mean she is the saint. Both of them are falling for each other but she perhaps feels guilty towards Tomohiko that is why she staying? This movie is kind of slow but now really details in Mayuka's feeling. So I think this is not a love story but its more like a friendship between Takashi and Tomohiko. Its from novel I think the novel has more details. it has lots of silent moment scene as well right ? in the novel they should explained what is the character feels but from it so that is why it make us confuse. Overall its a one time watch and I think Tama did a great job played a Takashi.

CAST

Thank you for reading!

Gachi Baka!

Fetus Tegoshi Yuya and Masuda Takahisa. Istg that both of them are so cute here moveover that Damasu ! heheheheh ( tego called him Damasu on Worldista concert ). So yup I watched this series because of them. And I watched this series like more than one time and just finished re-watching again just because I am going to write a review about it.

I am over head to toe whenever Minoru appeared on screen. Has to pause each scene to straighten my heart and sight. LOL. I love him so much. Yup i am so in love with Tegoshi Yuya hahahaha.  

• Drama: Gachi Baka!
• Country: Japan
• Episodes: 10
• Aired: Jan 19, 2006 - Mar 23, 2006
• Aired On: Thursday
• Original Network: TBS
• Duration: 45 min.
• Content Rating: Not Yet Rated

PLOT

Former pro boxer Gondo Tetta has come to Kaki-no-ki-zaka High School as a beginning teacher. The school hopes to restore finances by improving the students' abilities and strengthening its baseball team. Tetta goes head-to-head with his class full of failing students who have no ability whatsoever in sports and studies. Everyday, he passionately encourages his students who have no drive at all. School is not just a place to study. It's a place to learn how to live! If it means helping out his students, Tetta won't hesitate to snap at the parents and school. Gondo Tetta's slightly dangerous class is about to begin. --TBS

(SOURCE : DRAMALIST)

MY THOUGHTS

As what he experienced when he was in school, that he has a teacher that always believe in him, so he wants to deliver the same to the new generation. So, he work hard and re take so many exam he can just to be someone like his teacher to own his own homeroom in school. I always like this kind of genre where a teacher need to take care of the class with full of problem's student. But Gonta is clever when he attacked to own the absent person first to make he come. Then is the person finally give in to the teacher surely he will listen and follows the teacher's order. Same vibes with watching Gokusen, GTO or Misaki Number One! The differences within this there are the teacher themselves that how they brings their attitude to grab the student's hearts. Of course there are a few love glimpse between the student and the teacher right ? It makes this story is kyunnnn to watch. So between Minoru, Kana and Kouta are cute love triangle. Seriously Massu is too cute as Kouta. I would like to explained each of every character in 3 nen E gumi but it would be a spoiler. So better watch it yourself.

  

CAST

Thank you for reading!

ATARU

Watched this dorama like 4 years ago and i watched it because of Tamamori Yuta.

We have Nakai-san here are the main role and most of SMAP fans must be watching this as well.

Do we have any SMAP fans over here reading my post? LOL

This is a plot of crime/investigation story that i kind of like it. Oh well, i do not mind any genre as long as i love the cast.

• Drama: ATARU
• Country: Japan
• Episodes: 11
• Aired: Apr 15, 2012 - Jun 24, 2012
• Aired On: Sunday
• Original Network: TBS
• Duration: 45 min.
• Content Rating: Not Yet Rated

PLOT

Nakai will play the protagonist ‘Ataru’, a man with autism who is also a savant, possessing special abilities in specific areas. This mystery drama will tell the story of Ataru, who solves cases using his extraordinary memory and deductive skills.

( source : dramalist )

MY THOUGHTS

Nakai-san played as Ataru is perfect. He does not look that he is try hard for this role at all. His role is alive. I love when everybody is trying to read his hand gesture. In the first few episode i am so confuse why Ataru can solve the case when he is like this but after go thru few more episode than i can finally understand why he can do it. This dorama is highly recomended because the plot is so interesting. It is not boring and make u cant wait to finished the whole dorama because u wanna know who is actually Ataru.

CAST

Thank you for reading!

Oh! My Boss! Koi wa Bessatsu de

 When they released the new I am super happy! Look at those cast! We have Nanao, Tamamori. Mamiya and Mone. I wonder who is Nanao would be in this dorama. Theme song is Luv Bias by Kis-My-Ft2

Super love Nanao since Siren and continuously love her. She is super stylist and she can play a strong role. And of course Tama is the top reason I am watching since  I am a die hard fans of Kisumai :) Oh oh, also Everything about this dorama its just so perfect with a lovely BGM.

• Drama: Oh! My Boss! Koi wa Bessatsu de
• Country: Japan
• Episodes: 10
• Aired: Jan 12, 2021 - Mar 16, 2021
• Aired On: Tuesday
• Original Network: TBS
• Duration: 60 min.
• Content Rating: Not Yet Rated

PLOT

Nami Suzuki was born and raised in a small rural town. She doesn't have a specific dream to pursue and she is an easy going person. As an ordinary woman, she desires to be happy with an ordinary life. She follows Kenya, who is her childhood friend and her unrequited love, and applies for a job in the supply management department of a large publishing company in Tokyo. Nami gets hired by the company, but she is assigned to work in the editorial department of a fashion magazine.

(source : dramalist)

MY THOUGHTS

The story line is so simple and so good. It is exciting to learn about how a magazine is created. I love how this drama is sharing the knowledge, well not much but still we know what are needs to create one fashion magazine, how they manage to write each column and so on. Nanao's role as Reiko is perfect for her. I have seen so many similar roles that Nanao played a DoS character. DoS means Sadist and all these DoS role suit her the best. I love it that Reiko is actually in love and whenever she face to face with that person, she is nervous. Reiko always strict toward her employee even to her own brother yet whenever with the person. Can see the cute side of her. Tamamori Yuta as Junnosuke is so handsome and so white. Tama's acting is improving a lot. His expression is real and we can feel the sadness whenever he showed it. I love the facts that Reiko and Jun is actually a siblings that revealed at the end of episode 1. I thought Jun and Reiko has no understanding towards it other but they are good. They are just a normal siblings that care about each other. Mone as Nami, she is good in her character. I have seen her in Koi wa Tsuzuku yo Doko Made mo and i think she is a very talented actress. She played as Nami is good. So the relationship among Nami and Jun is fake to be starts with but end up with both of them in love with each other. Jun is doing anything with his own pace and all out about telling people that Nami is his girlfriend. While Nami is being clueless all the time because they both haven't properly talk even though Jun has declared it already to others. It was all cute and sweet and funny till at the end of episode 9, Jun is just too kind and scarified so much for others instead of himself. There are so many scene and situation that hurt Jun so much yet he is smiling and hide his feeling. Its normal to have a lil bit of love triangle right but one of the scene is not logic where Mamiya as Nakazawa helped Nami to looked for her bracelet is unlogic in real life but with the humming of Fujigaya's voice is so charming and lovely. So that part is forgiven, LOL . All good from episode 1 to 9 but i feels like episode 10 is like the script writer is out of idea? They trying to create and emotional relationship for Nami and Jun but end up it looks so unfair. It makes Nami looks so selfish and annoying.  I started to feel annoyed with Nami. I think she is selfish and greedy. Knowing that Rio ended her relationship with Jun to pursue her dreams and Nami wanting to do the same. At some point when Nami called Jun to be her fake boyfriend for a day just because to remind Jun that he has the dream to be achieve instead of helping his father is...arghh. She did it just because Jun's friends asked her to do it. So can see that how much Nami does not care about Jun. If his best friend did not call Nami about it, she won't be lecture Jun about it at all. At some point I do not want Nami and Jun to end up together and i feels like Jun deserve to meet someone else and be together. Discuss it with a friend she said, at first Nami wanted a normal life but end up to wanna own everything . Aren't it greedy? Lets just end my review like this or else i might rant more about Nami ! Sigh~~~~  The best of all I love how Reiko's ending is! ehehehehe What is Reiko's ending? You have to watch it yourself :)

CAST

Thank you for reading!

Hyoten

I watched it because of Tegoshi Yuya, kyaaa!!!
And he played as Ishihara Satomi's God Brother. This time of the year, I think Satomi is the biggest and famous actress in Japan? Or I am wrong?

Based on the novel going by the same name by Miura Ayako. Remake of the drama going by the same name from 2001.

I did not watch the previous so I can not compare between both. But i read it said that this remake is perfect version of novel to be compare with another two. Prepare tissue is you watching it hehehe

• Special: Hyoten
• Country: Japan
• Episodes: 2
• Aired: Nov 25, 2006 - Nov 26, 2006
• Aired On: Saturday, Sunday
• Original Network: TV Asahi
• Duration: 1 hr. 55 min.
• Content Rating: Not Yet Rated

PLOT

The story tells that of the young Tsujiguchi couple who, loses their daughter to murder. The father, Keizo, secretly blames his wife Natsue for her being with another man during the incident and not properly watching their child. Instead of confronting her with his suspicion he holds his pride and schemes a grievous revenge. His torn wife has found life again when Keizo arranges for them to adopt a baby girl, allegedly to forget their pain.

( source : dramalist )

MY THOUGHTS

Even though Keizo is the one who arrange the adoption a baby girl to replaced the death daughter to make his wife happy but he is can not fully accept Yoko and love her fully. Why is Yoko hated? There are a reason for it. Watch it you want to know. Apparently she is adopted just for the revenge. Growing up with Yoko and knowing the facts that Yoko is not his own sister with blood, he can not handle himself but falling in love with her. He wanted to marry her when they grew up but the family against it saying that she is his sister so they can not get married. This story is so dramatic and sad. Full with misunderstanding and tears. The girl who played Yoko when she is a kid is too cute and really good. Yoko' s life is full of tears since kids. But she never once disobey her parents. The only person who always stand by her side is Toru. Even though Yuriko died for ages yet these two still blaming each other and put Yoko to be blame as their punching bag. They did not physically abuse Yoko but mentally. The only person who love her is only Toru. The plot twist is at part where they finally learned the truth about who Yoku is. But still the truth that does not make Yoko happy. How do she live with the truth of herself? Will she and Toru ended up together? This 2 episode is highly recommended.

CAST

Thank you for reading!

Ie Ga Tooi

Watched this dorama 4 years ago and re-watched it few more times after but still i can not figure out the arts of this dorama. I am just so stupid hahaha. Watched it because of Tegoshi Yuya and he is just lying there without any words. Hahahahahaah 

It is exciting when all of the casts are from NEWS and there are two former member here which is Kusano and Tegoshi. I miss them all together,sigh

• Special: Ie Ga Tooi
• Country: Japan
• Episodes: 4
• Aired: Sep 13, 2005 - Oct 26, 2005
• Original Network: TV Asahi
• Duration: 23 min.
• Content Rating: Not Yet Rated

PLOT

Kume wants to form a band with the four of them (Kume & Kojima on guitar, Kita on bass, and Tommy on drums) with Tommy's sister on vocals. Kojima is a boy who is popular with the girls, and Kita is a pervert who likes ero videos. Tommy is a quiet, unpredictable boy who has a fascination with watching bugs. Tommy is perhaps the only one out of the four friends who is still a child at heart, and he dislikes the fact that his friends will be growing up and moving onto high school without him.

( source : dramalist )

MY THOUGHTS

I have no idea what is this short dorama about but as long as i can stare at Tomi it is okay.  Tomi does not speaks a word and only love to stare at bugs. He ran away at one scene and coming back with dirt on him. So am confuse of what happened, Kita is so pervert and Kume is so obsess forming a band with them. Basically this is a story of 4 friends hangout after school because one of them has to wait for his sister to be done with work. And because it is Tegoshi who play the lead, i watch it quiet a few times with full focus! Hahahahha 

CAST

Thank you for reading!

The Cornered Mouse Dreams of Cheese

This is LGBT's movie and skipped if you don't wanna know.

Watching this movie because I want to see Tacchon.
I actually never seen him in any dorama or movie before and this is my first.
I knew him because he is one of Johnny's Idol and I've seen him singing in concert and music show. 

This movie is base on manga "Kyuso wa Chizu no Yume wo Miru" by Setona Mizushiro.

Some said that few part is change and I personally did not read the manga, so i came to watch this movie without any expectation and i do not even read the plot.

Well, mostly anything i watch i did not read the plot,LOL

• Movie: The Cornered Mouse Dreams of Cheese
• Country: Japan
• Release Date: Sep 11, 2020
• Duration: 2 hr. 10 min.
• Content Rating: 15+ - Teens 15 or older

PLOT

Otomo Kyoichi works at an advertising company. He has an indecisive personality. Even though he is married, he repeatedly has affairs. One day, a man appears in front of Kyoichi. The man is Imagase Wataru. Wataru graduated from the same university as Kyoichi. It's the first time they have met since Kyoichi graduated. Wateru currently works for a jack of all trades agency that does anything for their customers. He is sent by Kyoichi's wife to investigate whether Kyoichi is having an affair. Wataru tells Kyoichi that he has liked him for the past 7 years. He also tells Kyoichi that he wants to have a sexual relationship with him and in return he won't tell his wife about his infidelity.

(Source: AsianWiki)

MY THOUGHTS

 

When the new released, neechan and I was excited and compare the rating with Ossan's Love. Ossan's Love is the first Japanese BL movie that played by Tanaka Kei and i love it so much. So we was like , arghhhh ! OL has no kissing scene and this Tacchon's rate is lower than it so I think it waku waku for us! LOL. But after watched the movie i think the rating is not 15+ or older but 18+ older because this is another lever of BL series that i have watch. Even can not compare with all Thai BL that i have watched. This Movie is OMG!! I just do not what to describe. It is full of bare butts! Ohkura, i think is one of Johnny's that even done this kind of movie and if i were his fans, I think I can gone crazy and died! Japanese's dorama, when i come with movie, it is surely slow but the cinematography was  nice I loved the atmosphere it created. The story flow is interesting. I read some one write that it is impossible for a straight person become gay, Oh gosh, you have no idea how the human's mind works when they with their broken heart. Otomo having affair behind his wife with another girl not to save the marriage but his wife literally hire a private investigator just wanna find his mistake to end the marriage because she fall in love with someone else. That is crazy but it is reality. This movie is playing with emotion. I actually love the story line and i believe, manga will be more amazing. Gonna find the manga and read.

CAST

Thank you for reading!

Kaguya-sama: Love Is War

Watched this movie because of Hirano Sho. This is my first time watching Kanna and her eyes is beautiful. 

Theme song for this movie is from King and Prince called Koi Wazurai.

This movie is a 2019 Japanese film adaptation of a manga series of the same name by Aka Akasaka. It is directed by Hayato Kawai, distributed by Toho. The film was premiered in Japan on September 6, 2019. I don't watch the anime so I can not compare but in my mind, only Japanese movie or dorama can adapt with the anime/manga :)

• Movie: Kaguya-sama: Love Is War
• Country: Japan
• Release Date: Sep 6, 2019
• Duration: 1 hr. 52 min.
• Content Rating: 13+ - Teens 13 or older
  
  
  PLOT
  
  
• A prestigious private high school has students who rank academically at the top of the nation. The school's student council president is Miyuki Shirogane and their student council vice-president is Kaguya Shinomiya. They are attracted to each other, but do not confess their feelings for each other due to their stubborn pride. About a half a year has passed since they have kept their feelings private. Now, Miyuki Shirogane and Kaguya Shinomiya think the person who confesses first will be the loser. They both think of ways to make the other person confess first.

  (Source: AsianWiki)

  
  

  MY THOUGHTS
• 
  
• This story is hilarious. I like how the story line is. No big conflict its just a two person who is in love but do not want to declare. Who ever confess first is the loser. Miyuki is played by Hirano Sho is hilarious. I love the scene when someone came to Miyuki for love advice and Kaguya spy on it. Its hilarious. Even Miyuki himself was shock when his tips can be use and turn out to be a good result. The scene at the cinema was funny as well, i can not stop laughing how clueless Kaguya can be. She is rich and never been in the cinema before. She loves Miyuki so much till she make an afford to plan all the details but do not want to confess. I thought Miyuki is rich as well but he is from a normal family that going to school with riding his bicycle, from here i found out that this movie is not that cliche??? So, Miyuki always wearing uniform everywhere because he has no other good outfit because he is poor. Poor but so honest. I can re-watch this movie again at anytime because i enjoy it so much. Can wait for the 2nd movie to be out soon.

  
  

  CAST
• 

  
  

  Thank you for reading!

Life Senjou no Bokura

Back to LGBT series on my blog! Sorry :)

And it is Japanese BL

• Drama: Life Senjou no Bokura
• Country: Japan
• Episodes: 4
• Aired: Jun 19, 2020 - Jul 10, 2020
• Aired On: Friday
• Original Network: Viki
• Duration: 25 min.
• Content Rating: 13+ - Teens 13 or older

 

PLOT

One day after school, the serious Ito and the child-like Nishi meet by chance, as each endeavors to remain walking on the sidewalk`s white line. As time goes by, Ito recognizes he is drawn to Nishi in a way that is new to him. Nishi, for his part, is frustrated that they only get to meet on the sidewalk. Ito decides to act upon his feelings and kisses a surprised Nishi, who agrees they need to walk side by side for a change. The sparks between them are undeniable as their relationship blossoms in high school, survives the college years, and matures into adulthood. A deeply moving work that bears witness to loving partners, whose unchanging feelings must co-exist within a world of changing realities.

( SOURCE : DRAMALIST )

MY THOUGHTS

Once Akira told Yuki that he wanted a normal life. I shouted NO, i do not think he can change unless he is bixesual. It is not fair for Honoka to have to deal with this issue yet she is the one who keep coming to him. Yuki has guts to coming out straight away toward his mom just like that and i love how Akira's sister is supporting him all the way and he did the same when Hitomi wants to married Hassan. They speaking urdu is has no subs but i can fully understand! Overall, this series is short and should just be this way and the Aurora is splendid!

https://unsplash.com/s/photos/aurora

CAST

Thanks for reading!

Imawa no Kuni no Alice

I finally finished this series in one day. Took a very long time to watch this series because my Netflix's app on phone is acting up. I dont know why :(

I watched it obviously because of YamaKen. Have marathon all his dorama and movies since 5 years ago but i will do one by one sharing thoughts soon. Too many sharing i want to publish. 

As i only see the main male role, i do not care about others but the glimpse of the female role i already like it so much. I wonder why. Then i looked up at dramalist, i found out she played Ani ni Aisaresugite Komattemasu that i made the sharing on 2018. No wonder i love her.  Its so hard for me to accept Chishiya's role because he looks like Mizushima Hiro but he Chishiya is not him. The role is played by Murakami Nijuro instead and i never watch his acting before.

• Drama: Imawa no Kuni no Alice
• Country: Japan
• Episodes: 8
• Aired: Dec 10, 2020
• Aired On: Thursday
• Original Network: Netflix, Netflix, Netflix, Netflix
• Duration: 48 min.
• Content Rating: 18+ Restricted (violence & profanity)
• 
  
• 
  
• PLOT
• 
  
• Arisu—a listless, jobless and video-game-obsessed young man—suddenly finds himself in a strange, emptied-out version of Tokyo in which he and his friends must compete in dangerous games in order to survive. In this strange world, Arisu meets Usagi, a young woman who’s navigating the games alone. Together, they set out to unravel one mystery after another as they risk their lives and confront what it means to live.

  (Source: DRAMALIST)

MY THOUGHT

We are expecting season 2 to be air on the end of this year and i can not wait. Since this is an adaptation from manga and they made into anime OVA for 3 episode. I feels like wanna watch it and gets the spoiler but if I did I wont be looking forward the live action anymore so i decided to wait :) Tanoshimi !!!

Lets back to my thoughts.

Watching this series has the same feeling when i watched Zero : ikkaku senkin game. The vibe is the same. It is so intense and the loser is killed. Anyhow, there are different between these two series. Zero is a game to collect money and we know who is the coordinator while this series, we still have no clue how and why this game started and why all of them are choosen to be participated. Surprisingly that every each of the game in this series is a participant among themselves. Its shocking. Arisu is the brain in every game but some of the game that if he want to wins it included to betrayed your own friend/team. Soft hearted Arisu can not handle those issue and he mourn to wanting to be dead too. If I were Arisu i would be devastated as how he is. Usagi's character is interesting. She is an independent lady and very energetic. I like that she is not clingy and taking care of Arisu. Some scene they did a flashback of the few character which is interesting to know. Like who are they, what is their job was in real world. Anyway, I do not want to spill so much things about this series because it is worth to watch. 

CAST

Thank you for reading!