As you know, I haven't posted for a while now (a little more than a month) because I've been quite busy with university exams. However, I recently finished my exams so stay tuned to The Keizou Journal as I now have four months of summer break! Expect many more posts for the weeks to come. (I'm actually working on three new posts as I post this message). Also, The Keizou Journal will be turning one year old on June 18, so I'll be trying to do something special. (^_^)v
It’s the first day of spring so I’ve created a TopChart full of PVs about sakura (cherry blossoms). As most of you know, sakura is major part of Japanese culture, so much so that artists release songs about sakura every year.
I’ve judged each PV on the actual song as well as the PV itself. This is the most extensive TopChart I’ve created so far, so sit back, relax and ENJOY!!!
Summary Alternative Titles: Nada sô sô, 涙そうそう, Tears for you Genre: Romance Release Date: Sept. 30, 2006 Starring:
Nagasawa Masami as Shingaki Kaoru
Tsumabuki Satoshi as Shingaki Youtaro
When Youtaro was a young child, his mother marries another man who plays at a Jazz club in Naha, Okinawa (the place where Youtaro and his mother lives). The man’s daughter, named Kaoru becomes Youtaro’s step sister. Soon after, Kaoru’s father abandons her and Youtaro’s mother dies. Before she dies, she tells Youtaro to send Kaoru to his grandmother’s place. To fulfill his mother’s last wishes, Youtaro sends Kaoru to a small island to live with Youtaro’s grandmother while Youtaro says in Naha. Thirteen years later, Kaoru returns to Naha to live with Youtaro and attend high school. However, several problems face Youtaro and Kaoru as they continue to live together.
Review After watching the trailer a few days before watching the movie, I thought Nada Sousou would be a boring movie to watch. After watching the movie, I was surprise to see myself actually enjoying some of the movie. However, I didn’t enjoyed not because of the story, but rather the superb acting by the main characters.
I thought the story was not very original. It’s just about brother and sister finding their ways through different problems. I also didn’t like certain aspects of the story. For one, there are a few “plot-holes” in the story, especially concerning Youtaro’s and Kaoru’s past . For example, we don’t really know if Youtaro went with Kaoru to his grandmother’s place, I just assumed he stayed in Naha to simplify things. Secondly, I thought that the last 30 minutes or so were absolutely unneeded. It just ruined the entire movie for me because it had no relation to any other part of the story and I felt like it was just thrown in there for no reason. The last 30 minutes also made me felt like the story had gone unfinished. I don’t want to explain this too much because I’ll be spilling out some spoilers, but if you watched the movie you might get a better understanding of what I mean.
On the other hand, although the story wasn’t very interesting, at least it was heart warming. You might get watery eyes when watching some of the scenes. Also, most of the acting was pretty good. Nagasawa Masami, who you might recognize from many J-dramas, does a superb job in this movie. The same can be said for Tsumabuki Satoshi and most of the other actors who are in supporting roles.
Last 30 min. of movie were totally unnecessary and ruined the whole movie
Story was not very original
A few elements of the story are unexplained
Recommendation If you enjoy romance movies, I would definitely recommend the first hour and half. I just can’t recommend the last 30 minutes for the reasons I’ve previously stated.
I recently browsed through all the J-dramas that are currently-airing for the winter season (Jan.-Mar.) and I was just overwhelmed by the number of dramas that seem like they're worth watching. Therefore, I thought it would be interested to start my very first real poll and find out what currently-airing dramas you are watching or plan to watch.
Please note that I couldn't fit every single currently-airing drama on the list. I just choose the ones that are generally the popular ones. If there's a drama not on this poll that you want to vote for, just leave a comment. (^_^)
