Finally got around to doing some drama reviews. I'm currently watching a new Japanese drama called Smile starring Jun Matsumoto and featuring Oguri Shun.
Mr. Brain (Japanese)
Total episodes: 8
Synopsis: Tsukumo Ryusuke is a quirky, yet brilliant neuroscientist working for the National Research Institute of Police Science. Wielding a unique perspective and psychology, Tsukumo tackles the nation's most baffling crimes and scandals, going head-to-head with the most brilliant and twisted criminal minds. But his eccentricities and poor social timing can also aggravate people and circumstances, further complicating matters.
Review: This drama just finished up earlier this month. It was good seeing Kimura Takuya in a drama again. I am a really big KimuTaku fan! He is a really good actor and very captivating. But this drama is mediocre at best due to all the neuroscience jargon. The drama gets so bogged down in breaking down brain mechanics and doing psychoanalysis till you glaze over a bit wondering when will the mystery be solved. If you are a KimuTaku fan, you'll love watching this it's not bad but it's not nearly anything near Takuya's best.
I rate 6/10. (recommended for anyone especially for KimuTaku fans)
Full House (Korean)
Total Episodes: 16
Synopsis: Han Ji Eun comes home from a trip to China, which was paid for by her friends, only to find out that her house has been sold. The new owner of the house is the famous actor Lee Young Jae. Circumstances bring Young Jae and Ji Eun into a "marriage" bound by a special contract, making them appear as a couple to the public. Under the terms of the contract, they will be married for six months while Ji Eun does all the housework. She wins her house back by the end of the contract's term.
However, Ji Eun finds herself falling for Young Jae, who is, alas, in love with his childhood friend Han Eun Jung. Meanwhile, Young Jae's friend Yu Min Hyuk has become smitten with Ji Eun.
It's an emotional mess at any angle - and the fun and romance are just heating up (credit to Asian fanatics for sypnosis).
Review: Honestly, this drama made me angry halfway through. I was disgusted by Young Jae (Bi-Rain), I wanted to beat him up for being so mean. He was a jerk practically the whole time. The attractive and sexy guy, Yu Ming Hyuk, was a gentleman and knew what love should be like he liked Ji Eun but he was wasted in this drama! This is a prime example of why I have to space out watching kdramas. I watch like 10 Japanese or Taiwanese dramas before even seriously considering watching a Korean drama cause they tend to irritate me so. If you like Rain (although he doesn't look so good in this) or can take this irritation, watch this drama.
I rate 3/10. (watch at own risk of anger)
Why, Why Love (Taiwanese)
Total episodes: 15
Synopsis: Tong Jia Di needs a life besides work, paying down family debt, and more work. So her best friend Jiang Xiao Nan sneaks in a “Love” coupon in Jia Di’s raffle box praying that the lucky guy who draws it will sweep Jia Di off her feet. As it so happens, Huo Yan, the compassionate manager Jia Di has secret crush on, is the lucky guy. But, tho' the prince can exchange the coupon for Cinderella’s love, it doesn’t mean he will, especially when his devilish younger brother is determined to exchange his “Master/Angel” coupon for her servitude.
Review: This was a really fun drama to watch! Mike He is so cute and cool looking plus he gives an adorable performance that will win you over at first. But as the drama neared the end, I started feeling badly for Huo Yan (Kingone), he usually ends up playing these good guy roles that get no one and spirals into a deep depression. On the whole, this is a great drama and a must see for drama fans!
I rate 8/10. (highly recommended)
Love Beyond Frontier (Thai)
Total episodes: 120
Synopsis: Mike, a young man who a half Thai-Japanese traveled to Thailand, in search of his Mom, with no knowledge of Thailand or the language. Golf, a young Thai man who loves nature, has a bad past of losing his father and never gave up to anyone. He has a friend named Peul, who crazy of Japanese culture and is the owner of Golf's apartment. Because of being unprepared of his coming to Thailand, Mike has to encounter with many unexpected problems, which also includes meeting Pat. Pat is a beautiful girl, working in an advertising company who always involves herself in cyber life the internet and an online diary. All four, Golf, Mike, Peul and Pat, came to know of each other through an unexpected situation, causing them to live under the same roof. How will the difficulties and confusions created in the relationships of friends, brothers, and lovers play out in the end?
Review: I had tons of fun watching this it's fun seeing the couples go back and forth matching up. One of the brothers has an "L" complex though, he constantly eats lollipops, fixes his hair just like L, and dresses like L practically all the time. I don't know what it's about but I guess he just loves L. I do too so no complaints from me.
Looking for a fun, youthful love story, you'll love watching this long, long drama. Nothing new under the sun but still fun.
I rate 5/10.
Mei-chan no Shitsuji (Japanese)
Total episodes: 10
Synopsis: The story revolves around a young woman named Mei who finally finds the "butler of her dreams", whom she has been searching for since a past encounter.
Review: This drama made me laugh and just have a good fun time. I like the idea of having my own personal butler especially if he's cute like Hiro
There are duels and vengeful plots in this one. Check this one out for some light comedy.
I rate 7.5/10.
Oh! My Girl (Japanese)
Total episodes: 9
Synopsis: Yamashita Kotaro was living a peaceful life as a publisher part-timer aspiring to be a mobile phone novelist until two females suddenly appeared in his life. One is his six-year-old celebrity niece and the other is the little girl's stern manager. As he is forced to live under the same roof as the little prodigy, their differences soon manifest and disputes ensue. However, through co-habitation, Yamashita slowly comes to appreciate having a family and the warmth it brings, all the while developing a love-hate relationship with Fuji Mineko, the manager.
Review: First off, I have grown fond of Mokomichi Hayami, he's super tall, brown, and funny. In this drama, he takes on being a substitute dad for a child star trying to teach her about being unselfish, courteous to others, and showing her how to understand life. It is a good story showing how a family is what you make it and sometimes love comes in the strangest ways. I liked this little ditty.
I rate 7.5/10.
East Asian Drama Reviews: 7-29-09 -
07-29-2009, 06:03 PM
Hybrid Mode
