Keiichi in his room was staring at the letter accompanying the divorce doc the deceased wife had left behind. The letter stated that since he no longer want to be with her, there is no more reason for me to live.
Keiichi startled by Mita's appearance in the room, then told Mita that he had decided to keep the truth from the children forever. He felt it would be better this way for them. At the same time, he told her to burn the documents and letter. Mita took the letters and replied "Understood".
Just before she burned them, unknown to both, Yui who returned home to pick up her forgotten mobile had overheard the conversation. Shocked, she discovered the horrifying truth behind the cause of her mum's death. She confronted her dad, saying how despite her mum's confiding in Yui about her suspicions that their father was having an affair, Yui had defended her dad trusting him 100%. Now he had shattered her trust and before she left, she screamed at him being a disgusting dirty man!
Yui arrived late in class and her snickering classmate mocked that she probably came straight from her bf's home. Hearing that, Yui got up and slap the guy and shoved the other guy. Yui was reprimanded by her home tutor who said despite understanding the ordeal of her mum's passing but Yui's grades were sliding and if Yui had done anything she shouldnt be doing (sleeping with her bf as per rumours). Yui angrily retorted she had not! her aunt saw and came to apologise saying she will take over the matter.
Alone, Yui instructed Mita to go to the company to discover what sort of woman the 3rd party was but Mita replied "No it cannot be done." Yui asked in surprised why not but Mita replied "Tomorrow is my off day."
At home, Kii was happily focused on making Origami. She asked Mita to teach her how to fold a panda origami. Kii told her elder brothers that Mita knows EVERYTHING and there is nothing she cannot do. Her brothers were very impressed.
The 3 of the them tried to trail after Mita on her off day, to find out where she lived and what she is like as the agency woman said she is not able to tell them personal details of her staff. Though she had earlier shared with their father that it is not that Mita will not laugh but rather, Mita is UNABLE to laugh for some reasons. Yet she refuse to shed any light on this mysterious reason or Mita's strange behavior...
The kids followed Mita to a themepark. Mita bought 2 sets of lunch meal and sat alone. The kids waited for someone to join her from then till closing time. Yet Mita did not move an inch and her food was left untouched. They tried to follow her again straight from the park but lost her at a turning corner that night. It was as if she disappeared into thin air within seconds.
Yui went to her dad's company to see what the other woman looked like. She showed her the letter her mum left behind. her dad appeared and stopped Yui, saying her actions will cause him his job and how will he support them? Yui retorted that he was ready to abandon them and mum anyway for this woman.
At home, everyone could tell Yui and their dad is having problems. Keiichi also lied about having to work late to avoid the situation. We also see that Keiichi still had feelings for the other woman who is his colleague in another department. However the woman told him it was over since he cannot leave his kids now, and she had no intention of being mother to them.
Yui confided in her senior (her crush) about her family matters, She was regretful that she did not return call to her mum's last sms which said "Yui, I am sorry" She had assumed the mum had apologised for the fight the had the day before. She felt she could have stopped her mum's attempt if she only had called her mum. She started to cry and the guy hugged her. That night, instead of going home, Yui stayed over at the guy's place. He told her "my parents aint at home" and led her in....
Next morning, Keiichi confronted her daughter on her whereabouts and she retorted that she had spent the night with her bf, doing things that her dad did with the other woman, sleeping with the person she liked. Keiichi was interrupted by the other kids.
The more Yui thought about it, the more vengeful she was. She instructed Mita to expose her father's fake mask and behavior and scandal to everyone in his office. Mita took the documents and letter and replied "understood."
At the office, Mita was distributing photocopies of the letter and document, while announcing without emotion, the cause of the wife's suicide and exposing the affair. As a result, Keiichi was removed from the important project and may be reassigned to another position and branch.
At home, Keiichi confronted his daughter and told her what her actions had caused! Yui replied she wanted the rest of the world to know the fake mask her father wore. The rest of the family was wondering what happened and demanded to know cause of tension. Yui told Mita to repeat exactly what she had said to the office people, revealing the truth. The rest of the kids were all in shock!
Kakero pushed the father to the floor and asked him how could he had such a thing! Kii cried and told him not to fight with dad. Yui made a decision and told everyone to leave this home. Kii objected but Yui still told her to go. Kii ran to Mita for help but Mita replied "I cannot because I am not your family member. You guys have to decide what to do with your own matters." Hearing that, Yui grabbed Kii and told everyone to leave.
Kakero was first to follow after throwing the father a disgusted look. Kaito stood there looking at their slumped dad on the floor commenting, "You couldnt even be bothered to stop us from leaving.."
With that everyone left, leaving Mita staring at the scene emotionless without a word.
Mita walked towards Keiichi and silently, Mita left to get the origami that Kii had done for him.. Mita explained It was a origami panda that Kii had been trying to make since yesterday. On it, Kii wrote "Do father love Kii? Because Kii love daddy alot!"
Keiichi cried and lamented that he had never wanted to get married. He was forced to marry by his wife because she was pregnant and she blackmailed him that if he refused, she will kill herself. He was totally unprepared to be a dad and he thought things will be better after the birth of Yui but he was never ready. He always felt a sense of helplessness facing the kids and the only time he could not feel pressure is when he hides in the toilet or on the bus. He wasnt even sure if he even loved his wife at all.
Mita simply got up and stated "My work is done now. I shall be leaving."
While contemplating what to do since his last confession, Mita showed up at home punctually. Keiichi uncertainly told Mita to keep his secret from his kids, not that he didnt want to reveal it but that he would tell them someday later. He told her that the wife had committed suicide the next day after he served her the divorce document. He felt that it was better if the kids did not how then, the real cause of her death. However he would tell them the truth but via him and not Mita. Mita merely replied "understood" and went off to do her work without another word.
The rest of the family after the event last night told the family to get a new Kaseifu due to her oddness. Their father agreed.
Meanwhile that morning, the Tv news reported death of a school kid due to bullying. Unknown to the family, Kaito was also a victim in his class. He was forced to reveal his test answers to help a bully cheat. To make it worse, the bully now threaten Kaito to help them steal a toy.
Kaito was reluctant as he knew that will ruin his chances of entering a good private school if caught. However he was also fearful of the bullies making his life miserable. As such, recalling his father's warning about what the agency woman had said, Kaito turned to Mita and asked her for advice. Mita merely told him "you have to make your own decision for your own matters."
At that Kaito instructed her to "teach" the bully a lesson so that he can get out of helping him to steal. Mita replied "understood."
That night, Kaito reluctantly went to the toy shop and just as the bullies were about to get away, Mita appeared and started to punch the bully in the face! The incident was made known to the school and the head teacher refused to accept the truth that there were any bullying taking place under his nose. Their aunt made it worse for him by going to his class to give some grand speech about school bullying!
At home, Kaito in fit of anger told his family that he will no longer attend public school classes since he can still graduate with no attendance. Instead he will only go to the night tuition class which is better anyway to study in peace and avoid the bullies.
However that night, the bullies located him in his class and threaten him to meet in a remote warehouse or the bully will kill him if he tries to run.
Kaito of course tried to sneak away but he met Mita on way who said emotionalessly"Been a short time but thank you for your guidance all these while." Kaito was shocked and asked if she was reassigned to which she confirmed.
At that moment at loss, Kaito instructed Mita to kill the bully as such a scum will never learn his lesson and even if he grows up, he will only be a society scum and parasite to the society. So it would be better for everyone if he is dead now. Mita again merely replied "understood" and went to the warehouse. Without a word, she walked towards the bully and started to strangle his neck.
Just before the worst could happen, Kaito appeared and stopped her, asking her how could she have gone ahead! Didnt she consider she would be jailed or face capital punishment for her actions? Mita was going to leave with Kaito when the bully started to taunt kaito again, vowing that he will hunt Kaito now and kill him! He went on to call Kaito names like chick shit and coward etc and he was also a bully asking Mita to "stand up" for him. Kaito turned to Mita and asked "Is it better to run or get hurt?" Mita replied "It's your decision for your own matter." Kaito then asked "Does it hurt if one get beaten?" Mita replied "Yes it does." Kaito asked "Have you been hurt before?" Mita replied " yes I had"
With that, Kaito turned around to face his bully and they both started fighting. Kaito yelled at the bully and tried to talk sense into him, that if the bully had kill someone, didnt he know that he will never see that person again? the guilt and grief that follows will never cease. and no amount of apologies can undo the mistake? As he went on screaming at the bully, the bully finally stopped and left not before saying both are crazy and weird!
That night, kaito returned home agreeing with Kii that they didnt want Mita to leave. So they told his father to reinstate Mita. His father agreed.
At that point, their grandfather and aunt appeared and their father was reprimanded by the father in law for being a failure and useless dad infront of the kids. He demanded Keiichi to sack the weird housekeeper Mita but finally keiichi gathered his balls and stood firm saying no he will not.
With that the Father in law was dragged away by his other daughter and left. Mita also left as if nothing unusual or weird had happened...
Episode 1 revolves around the youngest daughter kii, whose birthday wish was to see her deceased mother.
The story opens with the dad Keiichi hiding in the toilet seemingly helpless and trying to talk himself through the day. The family was engaged in an disagreeement over what to do with the mother's belongings when Mita arrived for her job. Keiichi seemed a little surprise at how young and at lost with the seemingly efficient Kita yet emotionless woman of few words.
That night, everyone was shocked by the transformation of the messy home restored to its former perfect clean state. Kii was even telling her dad the mouldy bathroom was sparkling clean!
Keiichi received a call from the agency, asking for feedback on Mita's performance. Keiichi said she seemed to perform her role perfectly. The old woman from the agency said indeed that Mita is an excellent worker who will perform "every instruction" perfectly without question. However because some other clients had previously asked for switch being uncomfortable with Mita's so if Keiichi wanted to change her, it can also be done. Keiichi replied that he found it ok and the agency auntie seemed happy, however not before leaving a mysterious statement that they have to be very careful with their instructions because Mita will perform every instruction without thought and to perfection, and that possibly includes killing someone! Keiichi was taken back but the agency woman laughed it out saying who on earth would do that so there was nothing to worry about.
Everyone wanted to avoid the topic but their clumsy auntie (mum's sister) appeared and promised Kii that her wish will be fulfilled. The family was fearful because despite their aunt's good intention, she screw up things badly each time creating a mess. the next day, Kii got into a "fight" with her neighbor's kid who told her it was impossible to see her dead mother depsite what the aunt had promised. When Mita came to pick up Kii, Mita was informed about the "fighting" incident. Mita merely replied she will informed keiichi. Kii wanted to hold Mita's hand but discovered her hands were icy cold.
Kii told Mita that she wanted to see her mum again but the boy had said it was only possible if she died too. Kii asked Mita if she can help her and Mita replied "understood."
By the river where her mum died, both of them walked into the river slowly, their plan was interrupted by Kakero instead who yelled at them to stop.
Meanwhile, The father sent Mita to find out the "plan" as he was fearful of his overbearing fatherin law, who blamed him for his wife's death and being unsuitable candidate as her husband.
Mita learnt nothing but instead on the Kii's birthday, the aunt appeared wearing the same clothes their mum had during Kii's previous birthday celebration based on a photo. She tried to cook but burnt the meal instead. Kii got really upset and started crying insisting she wanted to see her mother.
Yui got upset with Kii and yelled at her that she too missed her mother and wanted to see her! No matter how hard she tried, she knew she could never replace the gap her mum left behind. She wasnt able to fulfil her duties as the eldest child. In fir of anger, she ordered Mita to burn all of their mother's belongings. Without a word, Mita set off to throw everything out in the garden.
Kakeru tried to stop her but when Mita looked at Yui, Yui said to continue and burn it all! Mita continued ignoring Kakeru who even hit her till she bled at the mouth. (Comment: WTH?! Punching is allowed and the dad didnt even think to stop him or reprimand him?!! There was no apologies later either?! Crappy script here) One by one, the kids started to cry and release the suppressed emotions and words they had wanted to say. Their grief, their apologies, their hopes that all went with their mother's death. Kii finally confessed that it was her fault that her mum was dead. She hated tomato and had wished her mum was dead for trying to make her eat the fruit. The family turned to Kii and console her that it wasnt her fault and that their mum loved her the most.
At that time, after Mita put out the flames (after the bitch nosy neighbor complained about their unsafe actions and that she will raise this issue during the community meeting), they discovered a partially burnt tin box with river stones. The dad shared that it was the precious stones that their mum had went picking with Kii and it was the first present she had received from her daughter. Hence it showed how much the mum cherished and loved Kii. With that all the children got past their sorrows and decided to start afresh with their lives without their mum. They all had made their own amends with their deceased mother that night.
Just as Mita was leaving the house, the father who was smoking alone outside confessed to Mita unexpectedly. "Their mother didnt die from an accident. She died because of me."
Mita looked at Keiichi without expression, and said "My job is done now. I shall be leaving." With that she turned and left without another word, leaving Keiichi shocked and at loss with her (lack of) reaction!
Having feast my eyes on all the Japanese male actors...I thought it was about time to divert my attention to a new unusual "family centric" J drama ー 家政婦のミタ (Kaseifu no Mita).
I say unusual because this is not one of those "Oh feel so good" everybody-love-each-other-happy-go-lucky drama. Instead, the story revolves around a family whose wife/mother had recently deceased, leaving behind a seemingly at lost dad and a bunch of kids ranging from eldest daughter in senior high, 2 sons, and the youngest daughter in kindergarten. As the house was constantly messy and lack of proper meals, the father decided to engage a house helper to assume the household chores responsibilities. Everything would seem normal except for the eccentric helper who is mysterious, quiet but chillingly knowing in everything.
Starring in this is Matsushima Nanako san, who has "retired" from the TV screen for the past 2 years, making her return with this suspenseful mystery drama. In here, she will assume the role as kaseifu (Japanese term for housekeeping helper). However, departing from her past drama image which had endeared herself to the audience with her cheerful, ladylike persona; this time round Nanako will have to draw in viewers with a completely "emotionless" character who maintains a cold expression at all time. It is a refreshing and bold 360degree change for both the actress and audience. If you ask me, this seemed like a Japanese twist on the famous Nanny Mcphee's character except there seemed to be no "magical" transformation or powers to date (having watched 3 episodes).
Story plot
Mita san is assigned to the Asuda family as their new Kaseifu.
The Ausda family had recently lost their mother who had drown in the nearby river for no reason. The eldest daughter Yui tried to assume the household responsibilities but it was indicative that she was not coping well with a messy home, non-cooked meals and un-replenished items. Yui has 2 other brothers Kakeru and Kaito and youngest sister Kii aged 6.
Mita's arrival into the family will bring about a series of up and downs for the family. While she was perfect in her job, yet her mysterious character and following instructions to a T without any thought or opinion seemed to create unexpected problems, but also seemingly resolving them eventually. Is Mita's presence a blessing or a curse? The audience will soon find out with the story development in each episode!
I may not like Paradise Kiss Movie, but I do like both the songs featured in the movie. Sung by YUI, "Hello" is the opening theme while "You" is the other insert track at the end. Between the two, I actually prefer the "You" track.
I want to start off saying if you are a great fan of Paradise Kiss manga or anime, then I think you may be sorely disappointed with the movie like I was. Apart from the hit-&-miss casting and acting direction, I totally hate the fact that they changed the ending and deviate from the original plot.
The anime itself had already "modify" and omitted content from the manga. That I can live with because the general direction was still similar and artwork was beautifully presented and executed.
How many of you remember the Blue gown from the Fashion Graduation show? I thought that was really a highlight in the anime and I loved (still do) that scene. It was like a breathtaking exquisite defining moment for both Caroline and George. However in the movie, I found it to be a complete letdown, bland awkward moment and the dress was frankly insipid and boring like those costume from C-grade flick. Before I go ranting away, I better start on my review and recap.
Paradise Kiss Movie Recap
(When you finished reading the recap, the trailer may make more sense to you)
The story started with Yukari aka Caroline (Keiko Kitagawa) being in a top high school and talking about her crush on her classmate Tokumori. She was scouted by Arashi on the streets and whisked away by Isabella to their Parakiss studio.
From there, Yukari woke up angry with Arashi just when George walked through the door. They exchanged looks and Yukari stormed out of the studio.
In school next day, Yukari was commenting out of the blue to Tokumori about "Have you ever met someone that you just know will wreak your life from the first moment you lay eyes on him?" Tokumori had no response for that sudden offhanded statement. Just then, George in his loud outfit walked into the class and spotted Yukari and snatched her off from her class. (yes, he just grabbed her and she followed him into his car) . He drove her to his fashion academy and explained about the upcoming fashion show where he and his team will be graded. They needed a good model as that will be part of the grades too. Yukari had not make up her mind whether to be their model George brought Yukari to meet his sensei who is also a makeover expert. From there. Yukari got a new haircut.
Yukari went back to school in the afternoon looking sheepish and uncertain with the new haircut. Her classmates teased her if the guy who whisked her away in the morn was a hairstylist and the new hair looked like a wig but Tokumori complimented her that the new look suited her. At home, she was reprimanded by her mother for the new hairstyle (cut fringe and wavy perm) and told her to spend more time preparing for her upcoming exam.
Next day, Isabella appeared in her class and took her away, bringing her to the fabric store where the rest of the gang are choosing fabrics for the new design. Yukari told the group that she had not agreeto be their model but since yesterday they were already treating as if she had ok'ed it. Arashi asked if she was being snotty thinking this is beneath her? Yukari glared angrily at an equally angry Arashi! At that point, George wrapped Yukari in a yellow cloth and commented on a new design with Arashi protesting! Back In the studio, George showed the group his new design which everyone went swooning ooo and ahhhh over, stating that it really was fantastic and suited caroline.
Next day, Yukari was reprimanded by her school teachers for George and Isabella unapproved appearances. After that, she seek comfort and confided to Tokumori kun about how all she needed is having someone she liked to be next to her to give her strength. Tokumori didnt get the hint at all. Yukari was exasperated that she was already so obvious....
After school, secretly to herself, Yukari admitted to herself that the more the school reprimanded and stop her, the more she wanted to hang out with the gang. With that she snuck back to the studio and was spotted the the group. While chatting to isabelle, George appeared at the stairway and smiled brightly at Yukari. Inside the studio, Miwako took Yukari's measurement and explained to her what ParadiseKiss at the door way meant. She learnt that the group formed their own label and made clothes to be sold in some place.
That night, george was driving Yukari home. All the while, she was complaining about her life and unhappiness with her life, blaming her mum for her lack of confidence in everything and all she ever do is study study and more study. George was visibly annoyed and instead of taking her home, drove her to love hotel. In the room, George told her if she wanted beer,she can shower first or as it is which he is fine with. Yukari was a little stunned at the development. At that, George walked up to her and pushed her to the bed and told her to just do it. As he inched in to kiss her, Yukari struggled but George told her to just lie still.
George angrily told Yukari that no one forced her and he didnt drag her into the room. She walked in herself. Yukari explained her brain was not working then!
So does that mean that she can now blame George for everything without any responsibility of her own just like how she deals with her own life, blaming her mum for her misery, blaming them when she came back to the studio herself? So just stay still he told her and he tried to kiss her again.Yukari was pissed and retorted go ahead and do what he wanted but she will hate him. She was proud to wear her uniform and she busted her arse to get into the school and she will not let any one deny her of her efforts. George paused and Yukari pushed him away and got up from the bed. Before she left, she told George will do the modelling and left, forgetting her bag.
In the studio, Miwako wanted to answer Yukari's mobile and saw Tokumori's pix. At the same time, both Yukari and Tokumori bumped into George. (Why was he in the station when he drives?) Tokumori saw Yukari's expression and challenged George not to hassle her anymore. At the same time, Arashi and Miwako appeared and they realised the misunderstanding later. Yukari also realised at the same time why Tokumori had never fallen for anyone in school because he was still in love with his first love Miwako who was his childhood fren. Except that now she is Arashi's gf.
The next nite at home, her mum told her she will be engaging a private tutor and Yukari was angry that there will be no rest. Yukari fell out with her mum and in a fit of anger, ran away from home to the studio. Arashi told her she was wrong to do so even though he appreciate her desire to help model for them. At that point, George appeared and said it was a good thing and offered accomodation at his place for her. At the same time, he recommended Yukari to modelling shoots as a start to earn allowance for her new independence.
While jittery and lack of confidence initially, she called George to decline the job but he told her she had to complete the task so that she will not make him and his sensei look bad. As she braced herself for the new task, she got the hang of it and was happy her shots turned out well.
Meanwhile, at his place, Yukari also was shown the "room", which host all the clothes and accessories and shoes that George had ever made. It was everything handmade where he found his first style direction. He confessed that he will never sell any item in this room as each item had a special meaning and memory for him. He believed these items will be worn by someone special and important to him one day.
A group of George's fren came, Yukari discovered her own jealousy when George told her on the side that he had slept with all the girls there except Kaori (his rival in school) and Yukari herself. That nite, he also mentioned his Paris plan. When Kaori wanted to see the "room", Yukari dragged her into her bedroom instead? Kaori explained that she was not interested in George thinking Yukari was mistaken about her. However Kaori told Yukari "There is more to modelling than just wearing pretty clothes you know?"
The next day, the group was devasted all their consigment were returned with nothing sold. The team will dissolved. Yukari realised then the importance of the fashion show for the group, it will be the last dress they will ever make together as a team.
At the rehearsal, Yukari was worried. She didnt want to screw it up for the team but she couldnt do her catwalk, and George was upset as she walked like a clumsy robot. However, just before the show started, George gave Yukari a handmade butterfly ring, telling her that this is all his hope, and that she didnt have to walk in a straight line like a model. Just walk the way she wanted, in any manner she desires, and just to be herself and he will be here waiting for her.
Yukari told Geroge to "entrust it (the gown and their efforts)" to her and promised that she will do the best walk and bring the audience to paradise with her. At the backstage, while the crowd was awed by Caroline's walk, George was mesmerised by the Caroline on screen. When she returned to the back, the silent crowd erupted into cheers! George grabbed Yukari and kissed her. Though she resisted initially, she relented and kissed him back. The results were out and Kaori won while George was place second with Yukari pouting. She commented the crowd loved it bringing the house down with their applause but George explained "It was you they were applauding for, not the dress." When the show ended, Yukari also made peace with her mum who attended the show (Yukari invited her) . The mum promised not to interfere with Yukari's life anymore asking her to return home.
Yukari packed her stuff and on way home she bumped into george. Learing she was going on a first date with Tokumori. George told her he will picked out her clothes and do her makeup.
She got mad while he was applying the finishing touches to her lips and yelled why should he be helping her dress up for her date and what was the kiss about since he is going Paris alone? She said she will carry on with modelling and with that they both went seperate ways.
That night at George's apartment, Isabella asked if it was really alright for George to leave his love and his muse behind. What is a designer without his muse? George smiled. At the same time Isabella declared she is leaving with George. At home, her mum passed Yukari a parcel and she realised it was a key to a warehouse.
When she arrived and opened the door, it was a room full of all the precious clothes George had made and he had left them all to her. She realised then that George did love her and she was his special person. Yukari started to cry to herself.
Time passes and Yukari is now a famous and accomplished model and not heard from George the past 3 years. Tomokuri was also rejected after his love confession. Yukari still goes back to the old studio and left magazine with her gracing the covers there, wishing George could see them.
She had a new NY assignment. She decided to roam the streets and thought she spotted Isabelle at a distance. She checked the show's designer and it was George. She rushed up and Isabella said George decided he didnt have to make pret-a-porter ready to wear clothes and now design for play costumes, so they came to NY a year ago. She passed Yukari the studio address.
Yukari stepped into the studio, furnished similar to Paradise Kiss. There was no one. A gush of wind blew and the designs flew out of the window. As she picked them up, she knocked over some magazines and saw all her faces on the covers. Just then, George appeared and walked up to her and they hugged and kissed.
The end.
Paradise Kiss Movie Review
Generally in the movie, the characters were supposed to be as close to the manga but unfortunately in the real life adaptation, I think Osamu Mukai failed miserably in his portrayal of George. While the manga/anime character was flamboyant, somewhat aloof, cold interwined with coolness, somewhat selfish and passionate about his designs, Osamu completely failed to deliver any of those characteristic. Geroge is suppose to be this cool dude who knows exactly what he wants, and he sees Caroline as his muse and inspiration as his work. However what I get from Osamu was a rather lame performance. He came across awkward, boring and definitely not oozing with the expected charm required from him with this character. In fact, I felt this might be one of the worst role I had ever seen him in. He could not deliver the passion nor his affections for Caroline/ Yukari. His emotional performance was as sizzling as a limp wilted leafty vegetable at best. Where is the dynamic yet cynic george? Where is the passion? Where is the drive? Even when he got angry, I couldnt tell. When he was seducing Caroline, it wasnt apparent. When they kissed, it was SUPER awkward like they had beaks on them.
Keiko was better. I thought she did alright but her "modelling" scenes were so "fake" and repetitive that I was thinking ok I get it already. However overall, I thought she fitted the role well.
I have no comments for Yusuke as Tokumori because his airtime is so short that it was almost like redundant.
What I couldnt stand was the way they dressed Isabella! It's almost an insult and nitemarish to see him onscreen. So someone think they can just dress a guy in some outlandish ugly dress, put a wig and turban like hat on him, put some lipstick and super loud lashes that can pass off as a beautiful woman?!!! In the anime, Isabella;s real identity was a secret and she was dressed so well and impeccable that no one including Yukari knew she's a he. Yet in the movie, everyone could tell. Please, the way they dressed Isabella here is worst than any social escort or if they want to make him look like a trans...the movie dressing team sure gave trans a bad name with the makeover. It was one word. HORRID!
The part I hate most was the fashion show scene where they totally destroyed the dreaminess of the act. They could at least have blue flowers petals scattered or floating all over. They could put MORE flowers on the dress. I could go on more here but not gonna waste my typing energy here.
I didnt know if they change the ending just to please the detractors asking for alternate ending or they had to so that they can work with Fox to get some scenes in the US.
The manga had both of them leading their own lives which was realistic and natural. So I hate this George and caroline getting together ending.
I was really excited about Paradise Kiss made live but having watchd it, it was a huge disappointment which made me wish I didnt. They ruined it for me. If they had done it as a drama, I think it would have been better but they have to change the lead actor. He just didnt fit the character for me.
All in all, you can watch the movie if you have no preconceived notion of what to expect based on the anime and manga and you may actually like it. However if you are hardcore lover of the original, you may not like it as much or worse, dislike the direction and execution of the show.
Their new video has launched! I'm a few days late but check out their new video. Attached is the Bombastic version. I dont always like all their songs but this song, like track Numb, kind of grow on me after listening to it a couple of times.
After watching Ouran High, I actually went backwards to catch an older drama (2010) starring Shunsuke and Yusuke. Titled "Tumbling" and the story theme revolves around the bromance between the 6 guys and the male rhythmic sports.
Frankly before watching this drama, I will confess to my ignorance that I never knew this 6party group sport existed for the male gender, even lesser so that it originated from Japan! So I guess there is something to learn everyday!
Story plot (with some spoiler)
Basically Yusuke (Tamaki from Ouran High) starred as a bad arse 3rd year student Wataru, who is like a "gang leader" in his school. Leading a bunch of followers, he basically was undefeatable and struck fear in all the other gangs from other school (and basically everyone in his school) because of his fearless fighting ability. I dont know if he fought because he was challenged or he was just bored and uninterested in the mundane life.
However, his school life took a turn when his new form teacher (let's call him braidy sensei) timidly informed him that Wataru had to join a club activity to make up for the lack of points in his second year. Wataru, supported by his sidekicks Keiji and Ryosuke, tried all possible "manly" ball games but unfortunately his bad temper and inability for others to "tackle" him in sports game made it impossible for him to last through. Additionally all the other students seemed to fear his presence. Just when both Wataru and Braidy sensei was left helpless, Wataru spotted his crush Mari joining the female rhythmic gym club. Wanting to impress her and be closer to her, Wataru decided to join the male rhythmic club in the spur of the moment, though he was mildly impressed by the individual performance by Hino, considered a star athlete in this field in the school.
However, the male club was depressingly unpopular with only 3 members including the captain Yuta. The group is often mocked by the female team as well as looked down upon by the female team's coach, and hardly get to use the gym and the gears. When Wataru wanted to join the team, Yuta as skeptical but the sensei pleaded with Yuta that it will only be for a month. Yuta relented and everything else was history.
Initially Wataru was impatient and had little regard and respect for the sports itself. He was keen to do everything Hino was doing but Yuta told him it was impossible. Fed up with just stretching and doing exercises, Wataru exploded and "ill treated" Yuta's equipment. Yuta told Wataru to leave since Wataru disregard was like trampling over Yuta's dream.
While Wataru had decided to quit initially, he decided to give it another go but Yuta rejected him. Undeterred, Wataru continued with running and practicing his upside down stunts and eventually convinced the rest of the teammate to help him. Evetually Yuta relented. At the same time, Wataru was getting more and more involved with the sports as he started to feel the sense of achievement which had always eluded him in the past. He suddenly found a purpose in life.
Unfortunately, one of his best friend Ryosuku started to feel neglected and got roped into some nasty business which involved illegal business. When Ryosuke wanted out, the gang denied him and wanted to bash him but Wataru came to the rescue and the episode ended with the real big boss appearing to get Wataru and Ryosuke off the hook. From there the two made up and Ryosuke with his natural athletic ability joined the club and impressed the original members with his agility. Keiji also eventually also join the club.
However, Reiji was angry and pissed and vowed to create more trouble for Wataru from wreaking his club's equipment to stirring up more fights. However that did not steer Wataru from his goal in aiding Yuta to fulfil his childhood dream of participating in the competition with a 6 man team. Despite having failed in their first attempt miserably and being the joke of everyone...yet their persistence eventually paid off with the female team applauding their efforts and converting the female coach's disdain to encouragement and support for the male team (indirectly).
Shunsuke starred as Ryuichiro, who is a loner in school and refused to get involved in any one else business. However, he seemed to be on good terms with Wataru, often watching out for him and his best frends, tipping Wataru off discreetly in possible moments of danger. It was not known why till later the reason for Ryuichio's aloofness to everyone. Reiji had tried to pull Ryu to his side to join his gang so that they can rule the school (and overtake Wataru notoriety) . Howver Ryu declined. In revenge, Reiji spread the rumour that Ryu had killed someone previously in Jr High. Wataru was shocked and tried to comfort Ryu that no matter what, he is his friend. The real truth wasnt that Ryu had killed someone, but rather his best fren had died in his place trying to protect him from a gang who bashed him in the head with a steel rod. Ryu felt responsible and because he was the one who stirred up the fight, he felt he had indeed cause the death of his best friend, and hence explained his unwillingness to associate with anyone else.
Reiji realising that he could not win Ryu to betray Wataru decided to hatch a ploy to trick the two into a remote spot, letting them think each other was in danger. Just when Reiji was about to "kill" Ryu with the steel rod, Ryu froze in the middle of the fight but Wataru protected Ryu from the rod swing and was hit in the head instead and went unconscious. Reiji laughed crazily that he had finally beat Wataru and ran off while Ryu went hysterical thinking history was repeating itself!!
In the hospital, Ryu nearly had an emotional breakdown but Wataru with his steel head turned up alrite with only stitches required. Ryu was relieved. Wataru told Ryu that he need not feel responsible because he would have done the same if Watru had faced the same danger. Which is exactly what Ryu's best fren had done, to protect a fren. Hence Ryu need not be laden with guilt all these years. Wataru asked Ryu he had never visited his best fren tomb and encourage him to go. At the tomb, Ryu met the sister and cried and apologised. Yet the sister said she never once blamed him because she knew how much her brother had adored Ryu who was the only person to befren her brother. With that, Ryu finally made peace with his past and moved on. As such, Ryu also joined the male club with Wataru!
On the other hand Hino was also a loner but for a different reason. He was always behaving and thought negatively about the male rhythmic club because of their lack of performance. However, Wataru through chanced incident of saving Hino from some bad seeds robbing Hino, came to understand that Hino's dad opposed Hino's interest thinking Hino was just escaping from reality after his brother was chosen for Olympic team but he was not. Wataru accidentally witness the cold fight between Hino and his dad, got involved by telling Hino's dad off and encourage him to come witness Hino's hard work and his real passion in the sport for at least once before jumping to conclusion or misjudging Hino. His pleas worked and Hino was grateful to Wataru for helping him resolve the knot between him and his dad, gaining his support and trust.
In each episode, the story focused on the each individual 8 team members, their past and present, their failings and their secrets. It is a rather well constructed and scripted drama with a good healthy dose of "teachings" about handling friendship that is applicable in real life.
Overall, I would recommend this drama. Shunsuke's image is completely different and more "wild" here. I think Yusuke also pulled off Wataru's role very well here, being the rough but loyal fren with a secret soft spot. In fact I actually think this role gave Yusuke more room and chance to deliver his acting skills than in Ouran high which was more restrictive due to the character scripted.
On another note, the other actor Shohei who caught my eye was the actor playing Ryosuke. For some reason, I thought he was rather cute with his blond wavy hair and fringe tied up. Upon further digging, I realise he was the same guy starring in the Hanakimi 2011 ed as Nakatsu! However, i still like him better here...lol!
This drama was so well received in drama that it actually carried on to the stage play last Sept- Oct playing from Tokyo to Osaka.
The show continues off 5 years later after the drama concluded. Ryoichiro Kiyama is now working in another school as a Japanese History teacher and formed a new club with all the boys which are rejected from other clubs. he brought them back to his old school to watch the team performance under the coaching from Kaneko. Meanwhile Wataru was off travelling to spread the good word about his mum's omelette and Ryosuke gave up his skirt chasing ways and ended up with 5 kids! LOL!!!
Hey people, sorry for the silence for the past few days. Been suffering from this nagging annoying and painful stiff neck that is refusing to go away after almost a week. I dont know why and how it happened but it did and no amount of massage or sticking on those plaster thing seem to do anything. Only the painkillers numbed the damn pain.
Anycase, I wanted to do quick review on Ouran High drama.
Thanks to Kerstin's sharing on liking and "persuasive nudging" to watch the drama, I trusted her views and decided to give it a second chance, to stick it out beyond the 1st episode to see if I could possibly like it. While I wont say I am in love with it as much as "HanaKimi" or as per the manga (though I am forgetting chunks of it having been several years now since I last read it), however that said, this series isnt as bad as I had thought based on my first impression.
For those who had not heard of this yet, basically it's a shoujo manga adapted romantic comedy drama, about a poor gal Haruhi on scholarship to attend a premium exclusive Ouran High school, and ending up "working" as a "male host" to pay off her accidental debt for breaking an uber expensive vase. She soon discovered how ridiculously wealthy (not to mention eccentric in some ways) her fellow 6 other peers are, not to mention the "agenda" of the host club was to "please" the ladies in the school.
Quick Story Characters
Each episode of the drama begins like the manga, shows the boys in different "theme" and costume. Each of the guys has their own quirks and character with the seemingly lovable but silly flamboyant verging on narcissistic leader yet childlike Tamaki leading the gang. At times, he seemed to be clueless naive goofball, overemotional yet at times he would sprout something that touches your heart with his honesty and perceptive insight. He is actually a rather comic relief character but also a very kind guy who never bears a grudge. He was raised till 14yrs by his mum in France but was then "exchanged for money"by his mother to live with his father and granny. The condition was that his mum should disappear and never to see Tamaki again. Later in the manga, Kyouya actually found the mum and helped to reunite them. His feelings for Haruhi was "mistaken" as a fatherly love intitally and he roped (unilaterally) Kyouya to be the mother.
Next person in the hierarchy is the cool and super intelligent Kyouya, holding the post as the club's "vice-president" and financial controller. Kyouya is as different from Tamaki as the moon and sun. While Tamaki is outspoken and silly, Kyuoya comes across as secretive, composed, cool type and seemingly cold, scheming and uncaring on the outset. However, as the story develops, we will his that he is rather caring side and plans ahead like a chess player.
However, his kindness is never apparent like how he grabbed Haruhi to bed as he wanted to illustrate the point to Haruhi (that she cannot overpower a man) and why Tamaki was angry at her over the seaside incident.
Next is a set of mischievous twins, Hikaru and kaoru, whose "forbidden brotherly love is a big hit with the gals. The story will evolve later for us to see the twins struggling to overcome their feelinsg for Haruhi and dealing with their widening their social circle
There is also an odd ball set of short and tall senpai, Honey and Mori where the former is cute and adorable while Mori his cousin side kick bodyguard is tall and man of few words. Put together, the group achieved a "all encompassing" dynamic host club members.
Drama Casting Review
In the manga, I personally like the twins quite a bit. Honey was cute and Tamaki was a tad stupid for me sometimes.
In the drama, Yusuke was playing the character for Tamaki. Okie frankly speaking I didnt or wasnt expecting much from Yusuke because I thought him to be an average actor from past drama I had seen. However, in here I thought he pulled off his role rather well and his expressions certainly had me laughing a few good bits. He isnt the most charming or handsome actor in the block but he is rather well suited for such roles. I didnt think anyone could pull off Tamaki's character honestly being so over the top and goofy, princely yet stupid...but I think Yusuke delivered it well. As I type and think of some of his "silly" facial expressions, I'm chuckling to myself. At the same time after this drama, I actually backtrack to catch another older drama he starred in known as Tumbling.
Who would imagine that in the drama, I ended drooling over Kyuoya! The character that I didnt think much of in the manga. Call me shallow, I dont care, but the actor Shunsuke taking on the role of Kyuoya was a piece of yummy meat for me! (lol!)
Crap I was getting all excited in the scene where he was toweling himself when Haruhi came out of the toilet.
Almost pee in my knickers (a phrase I learnt off Chef Ramsay) when he grabbed Haruhi and threw her on the bed and sat on top of her, pretending to want to kiss her and do the "H" stuff (he did it because he wanted Haruhi to understand why tamaki was angry with her for standing up to 2 strangers (men) instead of asking for help where the rest are nearby) till Haruhi called his bluff and said "Senpai will not do anything that is off no benefit to him". Kyouya then gave a "cold" laugh and got of her... Damn Haruhi! you sure know how to "cool off" a man's heat! In the drama, they did not elaborate more but in the manga, Kyuoya was "constantly" teasing Haruhi about her taking food home etc and it was Honey Senpai who pointed out Kyuoya's developed but hidden feeling for Haruhi after Tamaki finally confessed his feelings. However Kyuoya was quick to state that it was better because he have both their friendship and a happy couple.
I will first admit that I didnt think very much of him (Shunsuke) in the first few episodes. Maybe it was the hair.
However the episode where they were doing the Police cosplay and Kyuoya was in the police outfit with the shades, I was going "HOT HOT HOT" x100!!! If my drool could be measured, it will be overflowing from my bathtub now! The next scene that was also scoring perfect 10 to me, was the part where he threw his specs off and jumped off the cliff after Haruhi was pushed down. Man!! How come we dont get good looking hero like that in real life!?!! I kept trying to recall where I had seen him before then I realised he had appeared in Love Shuffle before.
(Left: Daito Shunsuke Right: Seiji Fukushi)
For me, Shunsuke ( on the left) looked a little like the actor Seiji Fukushi (acting as Kuroki kun in Nodame) but Kerstin think otherwise. Am I really seeing things? I dunno..no matter how I looked, they look like silblings to me! hahaha.
As for Chiba Yudai as Honey Senpai. They got a rather cute actor for the role but oh man, he was a tad too girly for me in some scene, esp the epi where they were tailing Haruhi and Honey was dressed in the pink girly maid outfit. That was abit yacky for me esp when he talked in that girly voice. Cute or not, sorry, I am not really into this "man-woman" thingie.
I didnt like the twins quite as much. Not sure if its the casting or the lack of airtime to develop their characters that made them a little uninteresting for me. I guess its not easy to find a real life pair of twins who are Both cute and can act.
As for the actress who starred as Haruhi...honestly, she was neither inspiring nor interesting. Actually she came across rather bland like her emotions was almost fixed and constant or perhaps brooding. She isnt cute, but she isnt non fitting either. In another words, she was forgettable for me and if someone else replaced her, I wont bate an eyelid or scream injustice.
Mori casting was ok but I was somehow expecting someone beefier! hahaha.
Overall, I think the drama only focus on the "manga" highlights and it was little too short to do the manga any justice. The drama was more like an "introductory" miniseries to each character and how they came together without really going into details. In the manga, the main focus was more like Tamaki and Haruhi comin to a "super" slow realisation of their feelings for each other, Haruhi coming to understand why Tamaki was the way he was, his kindness and his family problems that involves a cold grandmother and a "missing" mother and a "cowardly" father. So the drama came across more frivolous than what the actual managa actually represent.
Yet based on entertainment value, Ouran High didnt fare too badly afterall. I prob give it a 6.5 rating. The part for Tamaki that made me laughed the most was actually those moments where he got pinned to the words by Haruhi's harsh names for him. hahaha! So all in all not bad series to watch to get some laughs. I think I am going to replay the episode of kyouya over and over again just for the time being...
My stiff neck is giving me a headache so I have to push back my Ouran High review post..instead, while I was listening to my Mac, I thought it would be nice to share this tune with you guys. While I know most of you love the OST tracks, thought will be nice to deviate once in a while to introduce some of my favs.
This time round, here's a lounge chill track Sultry Blue which is the sort of background music and yet has enough character to stand on its own without being too mellow. Do I make sense? hahaha! Well, check it out (on the left) and you can judge for yourself. (Dwnload)
At the same time, I really really like the track "Price Tag" performed by Xenia from the Voice contest. I thought she did a way better rendition than the original Brit singer. There is something very unique and intriguing about Xenia's voice. It has a magnetic quality that really draws me to her when she is singing the right song. I hope Papa Blake will really groom her and have her talent blossom even more! If I were to pick base on voice, I kinda prefer hers to Taylor Swift. More importantly, I am really getting tired of all the techno soul-less tracks that is overwhelming the market that is based more on "sexy" images than talent. Can someone please just try to revamp the music industry to what it was - talent and meaningful songs that will last decades....
While watching cable TV, I heard "Mad World" on and surprisingly, I thought this version was way better than the original Tears for Fears's version. The slow haunting version was oddly more in tune with me than the original fast beat tune.
I chanced upon this track "Numb" by The Airborne Toxic Event early part of the year and quite like it. So hope you guys like it too. If you have no idea which song I am talking about, good. Check out the widget on the left for dwnld. The track will grow on you.
Just gotten back from a lovely holiday from istanbul and Greece.
Thought I will hop over here and then with shock...OMG! I just realised I havent blog here for ages! Has it been 4 months since I last wrote anything?!!! Crap!
Well, I was still watching drama but just not blogging them...lol. I mean nothing much to write since I canx translate Korean dramas and it's like a dry up pond in the Japanese drama Alley.
However, there was a rather interesting recent award winning manga adapted Japanese drama titled "I.S-Otoko demo Onna no demo nai Sei" which means "inter-sexuality -neither male nor female gender".
The story involves 2 lead actress which depict how they had to cope with social and family pressures on dealing with the fact that they are born with the reproductive sexual organs of both genders. The thing I like about Japanese drama over Korean is that they do come up with edgier scripts, covers more interesting topics rather than just sticking to romance and historical or family stuff like the Koreans.
Unfortunately there seem to be a dearth in the "good looking young and able to act" talents in the current Japanese entertainment circle. I cannot stand the AK48 girls and all these new young people they are dishing out in the youth category. Just look at the reprise of the "花ざかりの君たちへ イケメン♂パラダイス, Hanazakari no Kimitachi e: Ikemen Paradise" and you can tell...
Why on earth did they even bother to redo Ikeman Paradise is BEYOND my comprehension. Firstly, it's too soon and secondly but most important of all, they will NEVER BEAT the original Ikeman Paradise with all the hotties! Dont bother trying!
The actors and actress in the original drama were too well picked and perfect for the character they play! Seriously, no one played the role as perfectly for
Mizushima Hiro as Nanba Minami and Ikuta Toma as Nakatsu Shuichi
And I cannot envision any one else who played Mizuki as well as Horikita Maki.
Then there is the Japanese version of "You Are Beautiful". Dear lord, I nearly died when I watched the first 2 episodes. It's like waiting for the train wreak to happen. When you have seen a good drama series, you want to bang your head in frustration when you see a super bad remake... I couldnt bring myself to attempt to watch them butcher one of my fav past manga "Ouran High School Host Club" either. Sometimes...some manga are just best left to anime and drawn work without adaptation to drama...
That said. Watched another Japanese (2010) movie played by Ikuta Toma, titled Ningen Shikkaku / No Longer Human.
It's adapted from a super famous Japanese novel from one of the master novelist. While I like Ikuta in Ikeman Paradise, I am not so sure about his performance here in the movie. I think while he was adequate, I didnt think that he fully grasped and portray the role very well. In the movie, he came across as a pure drunk and alcoholic who squandered away his artistic talent through his vices addiction rather than someone who was pained at his inability to blend and fit into the society and seek to find solace in drinking, and the love hate relationship he had with his senpai. It's hard to explain unless you read the book but still, it's a good movie to watch to pass time.
And then I had also been keeping busy with watching Japanese Anime...(are there any other? Lol!)
Been following "Blue Exorcist" and "(青の祓魔師（エクソシスト）(Link to episode trailers), Ao no Ekusoshisuto," It's a good fun anime to watch and not to mention I LOVE the song Take off (dwnld) by 2PM (yes the Korean boy bands are taking over Japan by storm!)
A second on my watchlist as well is Nurarihyon no Mago (ぬらりひょんの孫) season 2.
With the change in producer, the season 2 is way cooler and more intriguing than season 1, not to mention better draw and less "cutie pie". I wont go into the story plot since you can google that easily but yes, they are certainly entertaining!
In terms of manga, havent started on any new works but I did manage to find time to complete reading the not so recent series of "Shiawase kissa 3-choume". I must have mentioned this before in my older post, that is, if you have not started on this, I really recommend this to you guys. The characters are beautifully drawn and adorable!
Truth is, I have kinda wean myself off Korean drama for a while. Alot of stuff on my plate and kinda short of time to do the other stuff I needed to do and also been travelling...It's bad to think of all the hours I had been spending on watching drama! Lol! Then again if I dont, what will I have to share with you folks right?
Let me know if you think there are any good stuff I had missed and really shouldnt for the love of "drama" (wanted to say love of god but sounded kinda blasphemy..hahaha).
Meanwhile, here's a friendly wave to all my other blog regulars...hope you gals are still hanging around and I havent lost you girls yet!
