Fang Yang De Xing Xing

“My Lucky Star” (Fang Yang De Xing Xing in Mandarin) is now included in my favorite list of dramas with its logical plot, carefully crafted scenes, good looking actors, great camera shots and wonderful soundtrack…you could not ask for more. It is a story of a fake jeweler named Xia Zhi Xing (Yoo Ha Na) and how her life turned when she bumped into the rebellious young master of a jewelry empire, Zhong Tian Qi (Jimmy Lin).

I didn’t know that Ha Na is Korean until I read the forums. That’s why in the beginning I was wondering howcome her voice seems not in sync with her appearance and lip movements. At any rate, her acting was great to think she is a newbie in the industry. She can be “kikay” (funny) to lighten the mood yet be serious when the scene needed it. She also had a chemistry with Jimmy in spite the fact that they have a 12-year gap.

As to Jimmy, this is the first time that I encounter him...he's cute with his boy-next-door appeal. I thought his character (even in real life) is serious type, but in the process he loosened up and I find it cool. I also like the way his character turned 360 degrees in the latter part of the story, which is very unusual for a drama.

Leon Jay Williams plays the elder Zhong brother, Tian Jun. Here, like his other roles, he's the goodie-goodie type.

Lee Wei plays Han Zhi Yin, the happy-go-lucky half-brother of Tian Jun and Tian Qi who became a celebrity. Actually, it’s my first time to see him act in a drama but I heard of him before because of actress Tammy Chen. His character is tough outside but soft inside. Having this kind of character coupled with nifty hairstyle and fashionable attire made him a hottie. I also commend his acting here, it's superb...

Dong Zhi Cheng as Guang Ming, is Ah Xing's uncle. He gave the most comic relief in the story. I like his brand of comedy since “Meteor Garden” days as Shan Cai’s father. His acting has been effortless. Go Uncle Guang!

Hong Xiao Ling, the former fiancee of Tian Qi, is very effective as the anti-heroine. You can really feel the angst and greediness in her. Though in the beginning I mistook her for Yoo Ha Na because they have resemblance but as I went along, I realized they really don't look alike.

It's a pity that Ehlo Huang had only minor role here, he played the fiance of Ah Xing. I believe he is great actor; I hope next time he would be given juicy roles.

There are many scenes that I love in this drama but what I love most is when the songs "Ai Mei" and "Perfect Lover" were sung. Remember, they are the theme songs of "Devil Beside You" and "Magicians of Love", respectively. It's very unusual for a certain drama that one of the characters will sing other's theme. I also love the racing scenes...it added more thrill to the story. On top of that, the OST is great, as expected actually.

This drama is filled with excitement at the same time, light moments. It is complete in itself. At first I said I will not enjoy watching it but in the end, I was wrong, I felt really good…so addicting.

* photo credit to AF

Ying Ye 3 Jia 1

“Ying Ye 3 Jia 1” is drama series where Joe Chen Qiao En and Ming Dao teamed-up once again after their hit “Prince Turned into a Frog.” If in the latter I didn’t enjoy their tandem, this time I was able to feel the reel and real love between them. This drama is about four college students --Xia Tian, Jia Jiang, Fang Wei and Bulu--who grew up in westside street and study in Ying Ye school. Trouble ensues when the gun of Xia Tian's father was misplaced, a day before his retirement as a police officer.

Seeing Ming Dao once again in a drama feels good and being paired with her rumored girlfriend, Qiao En, is heaven. In fact, I am also one of their ardent followers. Ming Dao, as always, can connect well with his leading lady. His acting here is satisfactory as well. As to Joe, the way she giggled is very natural for a girl who is tickled by her crush. Her eyes were also glowing, I bet for Ming Dao, who else?!

Jason Hsu, who played Bulu, had the smallest part among the three lead guys. The angle between him and Wen Hui (Achel Zhang) didn't thrill me at all. Better if he was cast as Fang Wei because he and Qiao En do also have chemistry since they already teamed-up in other series. Huang Zhi Wei who played Fang Wei is not suited for the role because of his mature looks and stocky built to think his character is a college student. If not Jason, Ehlo Huang (Ming Dao's co-member in 183 Club) should have played the part or other actor who has this boy-next-door appeal.

Well, this is typical T-drama with the presence of a powerful third party to stand between the main lovers and one of them will be having a threat in his life or will drift away later on. But it is refreshing to see Ming Dao and Joe Chen doing some stunts.

To sum up, all I can say that this series is a must watch for Ming-En fanatics...

* photo credit to baidu

Gong Zhu Xiao Mei

Another Taiwanese drama based on Japanese comics, that is “Four Steps to Romance.” The story goes…adopted by middle-class parents, Xiao Mai (Angela Zhang) has this dream to be an heiress. Who knew that one day this dream would come true. Xiao Mai’s biological grandfather is the head of the biggest firm in Asia and after many years of searching, he finally found his long lost grand-daughter. As she starts her life as an heiress, Xiao Mai never imagined that she will also meet her prince charming, Nan Feng Jin (Wu Zun).

I thought this is a fabulous series basing the title, "Romantic Princess," but it wasn’t. First, I was hoping to see his and her Majesty in their royal court but there was only the so-called “Emp” short for Emperor who doesn't look a bit majestic. Second, the conflict of the story is shallow…Jin, the successor of the so-called empire does not want to take the responsibility. And lastly, the scenes lacked in drama and excitement.

Now on the actors, let me start off with Angela Zhang. In my opinion, she is not fit to be cast as Xiao Mai because she is not regal looking with her thin frame. Yes, she was an ordinary folk in the beginning but her transformation as an heiress should have an impact especially with how she carries her dress. Plus her acting was not cute here to think this is a romantic-comedy.

Wu Zun is a good choice as Jin because he really looks like a Prince with his good looks and way of carrying his clothes. His character also asked him to be reserved and he did it very well. I was just bothered with the tattoo on his upper right arm because it does not look neat and a “Prince” should be devoid of any marks on his body.

Calvin Chen as the playboy brother of Jin really transformed here. In “KO One” he wasn’t that cute but in this drama, he looked like Japanese singer-actor Jun Matsumoto with his hairstyle and clothes. I just noticed that in some parts, his acting is just acting, he couldn’t get into his character.

Their two other siblings played by George Hu (Lin) and Li Ang Lin (Ying) should be played by Chun and Calvin’s two other bandmates in Fahrenheit--Jiro Wang and Aaron Yan. Because Lin is kinda hilarious which is fit for Jiro and Ying who is silent-type is appropriate for Aaron. Moreso, the scenes where they drink together reminds me of F4 in “Meteor Garden.” The producer instead made this series for Fahrenheit since in “KO One” their good looks were not highlighted and they didn’t have scenes altogether. Well, just wishful thinking…

Gu Bao Ming as Emp was not frightening compared to Dao Ming Feng (who would forget her as Dao Ming Su’s mother) so I couldn’t feel the excitement. I guess, that’s because he acted funny at times.

Genie Zhou as Gong Moli added fun to the story. I love her cute reactions as the anti-heroine. She is very effective.

To sum up, the actors are acceptable but the plot eerrr...terrible...

* photo credit to apple daily

Huan Huan Ai

This drama is the next project of Rainie Yang, Mike He and Kingone Wang after their hit “Devil Beside You.” Here, Rainie Yang played Tong Jia Di who badly needed money to pay her family’s debt. So in order to pay back, she entered into odd jobs. While working for an event, her best friend Jiang Xiao Nan sneaked 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. Fortunately, a handsome and rich guy named Huo Yan (Kingone) happened to get the coupon. But the problem, his devilish younger brother Hou Da (Mike), is determined to exchange his “Master/Angel” coupon for Jia Di’s service.

I agree to what others say that this is like a sequel of “Devil Beside You” having the three again in the lead with the same characters as before. But DBY's story is cute because it is a school drama with a touch of surrealism. Nonetheless, seeing Mike once more in a drama feels good regardless of the story and his role so I did not mind it. Plus the fact that he looked more manly and handsome this time.

Okay, as to the acting…Mike has been always in character and could connect well with her leading lady. As to Rainie, her acting hasn’t improved…I didn’t find her funny and couldn’t feel the “love” in her eyes for Hou Da. With Kingone, he is becoming more and more debonair compared to his earlier dramas. But his role here was not that challenging so his acting was so-so. Judy Qiu as the anti-heroine was raw in her acting. I think she has the most challenging part but you could not see the angst in her face, she lacked in reactions…

With some raw acting and so-so storyline, this series is definitely for Rainie-Mike shippers...

* photo credit to AF

Xing Ping Guo

I watched this series using the fast forward mode, promise! I just didn’t like Ming Dao’s leading lady here, Achel Zhang…casting her in this production is one big mistake. To begin with, she is not a leading lady material...her sweet baby face works against her and the worse, her get-up and hairstyle were like that of a child. She was already 20 during the series and in the story but the people behind the production didn’t do something about her appearance. So physically, she didn’t match Ming Dao, they look like siblings. And second, she did not connect with him so there was no “kilig” (tickling) factor to watch for. I guess the leading lady role would suit Esther Liu (who played Sophie in “Green Forest’) better. She is two years younger than Achel but looks mature for her age. And Rui Rui’s good-humored character matches Esther well, like that of Sophie. Then I believe this drama would be much better.

The story begins with Tao Si‘s (Ming Dao) suppose wedding to Meng Zin (Yang Ya Zhu) but Rui Rui (Achel) screwed it up. He didn’t know that 15 years ago, Rui was the one he made a vow with for saving his life. How they would end up with each other is where the story revolves.

Actually, the plot is good ‘coz it’s light-hearted. Whereas, the farm setting gives me this warmth feeling. But then again, sorry to say, it’s only Achel who messed up the drama.

But in fairness to Ming Dao, he did an excellent job, as always. Here, his character is kinda' comical which suits him and he did establish connection with Achel.

By the way, Johnny (former 183 Club member) was also here playing Tao Si’s business rival. I think he is type-cast as the antagonist forever, maybe because of his “stern” looks.

Nonetheless, this series would eat-up most of your time because it has 30 episodes. Watching it in a normal mode would make you feel as if you wasted 1/3 of your life! Quite bad…

* photo credit to yesasia

Zhong Ji Yi Ban

This is another school drama with a touch of fantasy, comedy and romance wherein the members of the Taiwanese boy group, Fahrenheit, play the lead. Adapted from a popular Japanese manga, “KO One” is about a bunch of notorious and delinquent high school students who are only concerned with fighting and keeping their fighting ranks.

Jiro Wang plays Zhong Ji Yi Ban’s class leader, Wang Da Dong. As the son of church ministers, he acts as an innocent boy until he gets to school where everyone fears him. But I am not used to Jiro having a supercilious character, I like him more as wild and wacky like in "It Started With A Kiss.".

Calvin Chen as Wang Ya Se is the son of a Syndicate leader who acts arrogantly yet loves quoting literature passages. He looks mature for a high school student, but he looked good when he wore the hip hop attire in one scene.

Aaron yan as Ding Xiao Yu, the quiet type, is reminiscent of Hua Ze Lei and even resembles Vic Zhou. Hence, this role is like tailor-maid for him.

Wu Zun as the KO One holder matches well with his muscular built and sporty personality. But I like him more as Liang in “Tokyo Juliet” where he plays the soft-spoken and loving boyfriend of Sui.

Danson Tang plays the two-faced KO2 rank holder, Lei Ke Si. He is at his the best when playing the bad guy.

Na Wei Xun plays the mystery vendor Duang Chang Ren whom Da Dong, Ya Se and Xiao Yu approach when they are in quandary. For me, he is the most funny character in the story. Principal Qian Lai Ye (Ba Ge), School Dean Jian Yong (Hsia Ching Ting), Drillmaster Su Bu Qi (Jian Han Zhong), and Chinese Teacher Gu Wen Jing (Ye Hui Zhi) tend to be corny and trying hard. Actually, everytime their part comes, I tend to fast forward.

If there is a B movie, this is like a B series because of the overall quality. It seems you’re watching an old kung fu movie, waiting for Bruce lee to come out, hehehe, no offense meant. I guess, this production would have been much livelier if there are more students and fun-filled scenes because the life of the story is the class.

This one is more intended to the teen segment. But if you adore Fahrenheit, this is the chance to see them act together.

* photo credit to AF

Lu Guang Sen Lin

Green Forest, My Home” in English is basically not a love triangle drama but love quadrangle because the four main characters are romantically linked to one another. The story started when they were still kids. William (Leon Jay Williams) is the son of the founder of Spencer Royal School who promised his classmate Sophie (Liu Ping Yan) that he will protect her forever. However, her envious adoptive sister, Susan (Song Zhi Ai), gets in the way and pretended to William that she is Sophie. While Owen (Ruan Jing Tian) is Sophie’s childhood friend who also loves her. After 20 years, their paths crossed again at Royal Spencer School of Music and complications ensue, compounded by the closure of Green Light Elementary School, which is within Spencer Educational Foundation.

Shall I say, the story is delightful and unpredictable, with the right balance of drama and humor. The choice of songs “Wu Fa Kai Kou” by William So and “Lu Guang Chuan Shou” by Ah Bao made the scenes even more heartwarming and tender. While the skillful camera movements gave the drama more “drama.”

As to the actors, Leon Jay is like a Prince Charming with his Western looks and attire though sometimes he looks stiff. Ethan Ruan is not that adorable and charming as the supporting role but his being a virtuoso in violin suits him physically.Esther Liu is surprisingly only 17 years old during this drama but she looks mature for her age. So playing the 24-year-old Sophie fits her. Acting-wise, she did a good job. Whereas, Zhi Ai’s acting is still raw. She is the antagonist here who harbors the feelings of inferiority and inadequacy yet you cannot feel the angst in her.

Meantime, there are three things that I don’t like in the story first, the children. I tend to fast forward when it comes to their part. I dunno but they seem kinda annoying rather than cute. Second, Sophie’s love-hate relationship with William is a typical scenario in Chinovelas. And lastly, Sophie’s disease called pseudomonas. Life threatening diseases especially cancer are common in movies/dramas and this story is not even spared.

Except for these parts that I didn‘t like and Song Zhi Ai’s raw acting, this drama would merit a perfect score.

* photo credit to ent.sina.com.cn

Zhen Ming Tian Nu

“Zhen Ming Tian Nu“ or “Reaching for the Stars” is a 2005 series of Taiwanese girl group S.H.E (stands for Selina, Hebe and Ella). Selina plays Zhou Xin Lei, a stepdaughter of a wealthy man, Mr. Zhou; Hebe as Shen Xiao Rou is a strict policewoman who grew up with her grandmother; and Ella plays Ren Jie a vagrant who earns a living through odd jobs…these girls were born on the same day (February 14) and their lives will intertwine on their 22nd birthday.

What made me hooked to this drama is Guo Yan Jun who played senior manager Liang Zheng Hao. He is not that handsome but his character exudes certain charisma. His gradual attraction to Ren Jie is a surprise in the story. At first, they were just plain acquaintance with no hint of “magic.” But the difference in their status, instead of pulling them apart, drew them even closer.

Chen Zhi Kai as Xiao Ya Wei is also a revelation in the story. At first you would hate him because he is a gigolo and has this “care less” attitude. But when he met Shen Xiao Rou, his character turned 360 degrees and became a man that every girl would dream of.

Meantime, Ella Chen is suited for the role of Ren Jie with her boyish looks that matches with the character’s crass behavior. But it is otherwise for Hebe Tian, whose role as a policewoman did not suit her small frame. As for Selina Ren, she seemed stoic and pathetic all throughout the drama.

But then again, shall I say, the storyline is clever, the intricacies of the plot made sense, the opening and closing themes are perfect, and the story gave the three lead girls equal exposures. Ergo, this is something worth watching, especially to S.H.E.’s faithful fans.

* photo credit to dramawiki

"Dong Fang Zhu Li Ye"

Based on Japanese shoujo manga "Tokyo Juliet" by Miyuki Kitagawa, this Taiwanese drama talks about power and dream.

At the age of five, Lin Lai Sui (Ariel Lin) drew the “Little Daisy” for her mother and entered it in a contest. However, the design was stolen by Chu Xing (Simon Yam) and this incident broke up her entire family. She then vowed not to fall in love until she beat him in the fashion industry. Not too long after she met a guy by the name of Liang (Wu Zun) and every time their paths cross, she would always feel warm. One day she found out that he was the little boy whom she met in party and the son of his number one enemy, Chu Xing.

This drama is kinda dragging and tends to be predictable especially with the coming and going of new love rivals. Hence, there’s a never-ending jealousy between Sui and Liang.

What I like in the story is the part where all the guys who got involved with Sui became her friends in the end. I really find this cute and novel for a drama.

In reverse, what I hate is when Sui went to far away place later in the story. This reminds me of S.H.E.’s drama “Reaching for the Stars” and gives the story a very predictable outcome.

As to the actors’ performance, Ariel is really a good actress and she can separate herself from the character like in her other dramas. I also like her “chemistry” with Wu Zun, same with her other leading men--Mike He and Joe Cheng. They seem to act like a real couple.

This is Wu Zun’s first acting project which doesn’t require him to act that much. What he only needs to do is to establish a connection with Ariel which he nailed.

Simon Yam as the antagonist has the most challenging role in the story. He is really detestable with the way he smirks, walks and talks. He also look like a fashion designer with the way he carries his outfit…actually, he looks sexy even his age shows.

Evidently, I don’t advocate this series but because I have come to love Lin Yi Chen and Wu Zun, I finish this off.

* photo credit to AF

"Hua Yang Shao Nian Shao Nu"

This is the Taiwanese live-action adaptation of the Japanese manga “Hanazakari no Kimitachi e” written by Hisaya Nakajo. Done in 2006, it stars Ella Chen of the girl group S.H.E. as Lu Rui Xi, and two members of the boy group Fahrenheit, Wu Zun as Zuo Yi Quan and Jiro Wang as Jin Xiu Yi. This version focuses more on the love triangle among the three characters.

The story goes…After watching a high jump competition on TV, Lu Rui Xi was so inspired by a high jumper named Zuo Yi Quan that she decided to flew all the way from the States to Taiwan to transfer to his school which happened to be all boys. So, she disguised herself as a boy to get accepted. Luckily, Rui Xi ended up being Quan’s new roommate.

But from the very first episode, he already discovered that Rui Xi was actually a girl when he accidentally touched her chest. However, he kept this secret to his self. She was also unable to hide her female identity from the school doctor Mei Tian since he is gay. Meanwhile, their other classmate Xiu Yi started to question his own sexual orientation when he found himself having feelings towards Rui Xi.

Ella did a great job as Rui Xi, showing her funny and boyish side. Contrastingly, Wu Zun didn’t give justice to the role of Quan though physically he really looks like an athlete. But I understand that this character is aloof and soft-spoken, but here, he seems to be outgoing. Jiro Wang’s personality matches well with Xiu Yi’s character but he was not that wacky here as I expected him to be. While Tang Zhi Ping as the gay school doctor Mei Tian did the excellent job portraying the feminine side of the character except for sporting the long hair wig. I think in the manga, this guy is a discreet gay so no need to put on extensions.

By and large, this series is not that amusing with the absence of crazy scenes. The storyline is great, but this TV version is dull...

* photo credit to AF

"Hana Kimi"

This is the Japanese version of the comic series of the same title broadcasted last year. It features Horikita Maki as Ashiya Mizuki, Oguri Shun as Sano Izumi and Ikuta Toma as Nakatsu Shuichi. This even won the best drama in the 54th Television Drama Academy Awards.

Well, Maki did a great job in portraying Ashiya. I just wished that her hair was styled so she would really look much more of a boy.

Shun as Sano reminds me of his role in “Hanayori Dango” as Hanazawa Rui who is also aloof and a man of few words. I guess he gave justice to the character but his romantic side was not again emphasized.

Toma as Nakatsu was so hilarious. His style of comedy is actually better off than Jiro Wang who was his Taiwanese counterpart and he’s even more handsome.

I never expected that I will enjoy this one. I always thought that T-dramas are much better than Japanese. I do enjoy the scenes where dozens of students coming-up with wacky ideas and doing random and ridiculous things in the background. The three dorm leaders also had a big involvement in the story which added more entertainment. Basically, how the story was presented seemed more logical and the characters are like fresh from the manga.

To those who prefer the love angle, better watch the Taiwanese version but if you want fun-filled entertainment, Hana Kimi-Jap is the best!

* photo credit to dramawiki

"Yukan Club"

Based on the comic with the same title by Ichijo Yukari, “Yukan Club” was aired over NTV in Japan during the last quarter of 2007 and won the Best Drama Award in the 13th Nikkan Sports Drama Grand Prix.

This is a typical Gakuen (school) drama like “Meteor Garden” ,“Devil Beside You” and “Hana Kimi” but this time it’s a bunch of affluent high school students who solve crimes as their past time. Their mantra is: “Turning impossibility to possibility.”

I must admit, there are some scenes here that I find dragging but there are parts where I rolled over laughing. I love the character of Kenbushi Yuri played by Minami because she is so wacky while on the guys, I find Yokoyuma Yu who portrayed Kikumasamune Seishiro cute.

But what really drawn me to this series is Mike He (Taiwanese Male Idol) who guested in episode 7 as a royalty. Aside from being his big fan, I was also curious how he would speak in Nihonggo. In the story, he was teamed-up with the Suzuki Emi’s character--Kizakura Karen--who has this dream of marrying into a rich family using her attractive body and style. For a beginner in a new language, I admire Mike’s boldness in accepting this offer and he nailed it.

Overall, the series is still worth watching because of its humor. Xiao Mei is just an added treat, especially to his fans.

* photo credit to dramawiki

"Death Note" (The Movie)

The Death God dropped a notebook in the human world and picked up by a genius, Light Yagami. It says: “The human whose name is written in this note shall die…” Ergo, it is a notebook the determines people’s death.

I haven’t tried reading the manga nor its synopsis so I thought this was one scary live-action movie like “The Ring” hence, I was hesitant to watch it. But then, after watching it, I was impressed by the story. No wonder, this comic sold more than 24.5 million copies around the globe.

The film opens with news telling that killers, corrupt politicians, and all kinds of slime who have beaten the system are dropping like flies from mysterious heart attacks. People interviewed on the streets have mixed reactions on this matter, some appreciate what the killer has been doing while others see him as nothing more than murderer. And then, the story goes back on how Light found the notebook and the first casualty. Not long after, he begins to feel a celebrity status thus feeds his ego which leads him to execute more killings. However, the book has a set of rules to be followed to achieve ‘death’. Overwhelmed police asked the help of “L” to hunt this mysterious guy who resort into this kind of killings. But when authorities start to hunt him down, Light transformed into a “villain.”

Well, the story mainly shows that power corrupts man. Like some people who are new in power wherein the beginning, have this agenda to help the needy and make a difference in people’s lives. But once “power” sync into them, they will start to crave for more power, making them prone to corruption. Same with this story, Light wants to annihilate the crooked elements in the society but he doesn’t know, he starts to become one. What an irony. Hence, I found the story brilliant and at the same time, serves as a reminder for all of us.

Definitely this movie is worth checking out if you don‘t have time reading the comic series.

* photo credit to flixter

"Kindaichi Shonen No Jikenbo" (v.3)

I grabbed a copy of this one (also known as “Files of Young Kindaichi) because of Jun Matsumoto ’coz I thought it is one of his newer series but I was wrong…he was much younger here.

Based on a manga with the same title, “Kindaichi Shonen no Jikenbo” has only nine installments but it’s not new mystery per episode. Episodes 1 & 2 deals with “Captain Ghost”; Episode 2, “Coin of the Dead”; Episodes 3 to 5, “The Butterfly House”; Episode 6, “The Photographer”; Episode 7, “Cerberus: The Guard Dog of Hell”; and Episodes 8 & 9, “The Lucia Castle.”

The protagonist is Kindaichi Hajime (Matsumoto), grandson of the famous detective Kindaichi Kosuke, who has an 180 IQ. The story is a mix of suspense, mystery, thriller with bits of romance and comedy. It is full of flashbacks to show the background of the crime and the way it was perpetrated. This is the third live series version made in 2005, where the first one was done in 1995 having Tsuyoshi Domoto of Kinki Kids pop group in the lead role and the second in 2001 with Kazuya Kamenashi of Kat-Tun. However, I can’t compare this third version with the two earlier because I haven’t watch it.
Kindaichi’s female counterpart is Nanase Miyuki played by Suzuki Anne while Naitou Takashi portrays Kenmochi Tsuyoshi, his uncle policeman, who also help them in solving mysteries.

The part that I find cute here is when Kindaichi asked Miyuki, aboard a ship, to raise her hands (like what the characters of Rose and Jack did in the movie “Titanic”). But when she did, Miyuki discovered that behind her, Kindaichi and Kenmoshi were the ones doing the infamous pose, hahah!

The most creepy part in the series is seeing Ruri, the little girl, and his father, Madarame Shimon, in separate incidents, dead. That was so eerie!

At any rate, I tend to fast forward because some scenes really freaked me out and I was watching alone at night. So if you are into scary things, this series is the best for you.

* photo credit to blackholereviews

"Kimi Wa Petto"

A 2003 Jdorama of Jun Matsumuto based on Yayoi Ogawa’s manga series of the same name, “Kimi Wa Petto” (“You’re my Pet”) is another May-December affair love story but with a different twist. Matsujun plays 19 year old Goda Takeshi, a stow away rich kid, who was found unconscious inside a box by a 28 year old office lady Iwaya Sumire. She then nursed him back to health but after recovering, Takeshi doesn’t want to live Sumire’s place anymore to the point that he will do everything. He offered her to be her brother or even bodyguard, but she…decided to have him as a pet. So she promised to take care of him but he won’t have any rights and will just obey everything she says. Sumire baptized him as “Momo” which was also the name of her beloved childhood dog. With their proximity, a cute love story develops.

Some may view the plot weak, unrealistic, annoying and weird but manga stories usually goes beyond the norms, even exaggerated, yet remains grounded which makes it more exciting.
The struggle here is about a Western educated, elegant lady who has a trouble having relationships with men while there is rich kid who is longing to be loved…and these two worlds found comfort on each other.

Viewers should not only look at the master-pet relationship between the two but should go beyond. When you look at it this perspective, there is a mutual need that exist between the two which makes the story alive. For Sumire-chan, Takeshi can drop all and still be needed. To him, Sumire can be dominant, rude, weak and spiteful without the pressure.

Nonetheless, this is a cute love story where in the end, you will find yourself loving it.

* photo credit to asiandramaresource

"Pride"

Done in 2004, “Pride” deals on the sport of ice hockey and the game of love. Takuya Kimura plays the main character Satanoka Halu, the captain and star player of Blue Scorpions, who is very passionate on his craft yet indifferent when it comes to issues of the heart.

Halu’s refusal to conform to the methods of his team’s new coach, Yuichiro Hyodo, resulted to an antagonistic relationship between them. While Murase Aki (Takeuchi Yuko), an office lady from his team’s corporation, slowly changes him and would make the type Halu would fall for. These conflicts in the main character’s career and personal life would make the story grows in you.

As to the actor, I observed that Kimutaku’s appeal hasn’t waned over the years. How he “connects” with Yuko is like his chemistry with previous leading ladies. While Yuko reminds me of Matsu Takako, the actress who stars with Kimura numerous times.

Regarding the scoring, almost all Queen’s songs were used in this drama such as “I Was Born to Love You,” “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Will Rock You,” “We are the Champions,” “Too Much Love Will Kill You,” etc. which are suited with the love angle and fantastic hockey actions. But I say, it would be better if the songs are original to have more impact.

I noticed that Halu’s favorite expression here is “maybe” and I find it unusual for a leading actor in a drama to have his favorite word. This became funny when little Wataru imitated this catch phrase and he replied “must be.”

Nonetheless, this show is a pretty good one. If you ask me if this is worthwhile, I’ll say maybe nah, must be…heheheh!!!