[JDrama] Mischievous Kiss 2: Love in Tokyo (Running Commentary Episodes 6-10)

My Mischievous Kiss Marathon continues as does the running commentary.

May contain spoilers.

Episode 6--I agree that Naoki is sometimes a cold jerk, but I'm getting tired of others making assumptions about Naoki and Kotoko's relationship and his feelings for her. Like think about it: Would someone like Naoki marry someone he didn't WANT to marry?!

Haha---love Kotoko's nursing buddies, especially the femme-boy and the sinister-angel. 

Your words, Naoki. Use your words, not telepathy or whatever strategy you think you're using to express your feels. Hate it when they're fighting like this! Makeup already!

Are you kidding me?! That's too far. Acting cold is one thing, but completely ignoring Kotoko?! Proud of Kotoko for finally conveying her feelings. Naoki: ball is in your court now.

Episode 7--Awwww! Their makeup made everything worth it! So sweet. I don't even feel bad for what's-his-face for poaching on another man's wife! Though as Moto-chan says, he has helped strengthen their relationship. Absolutely loved Kotoko's imitation of Naoki when retelling Mama-Irie how they made up. Made me literally LOL. Even better was Naoki's embarrased "Oii!"

In her fantasies, why does Kotoko always give Naoki a personality transplant. She should know her hubby pretty well by now and that he wouldn't act that way. Haha, but that's what makes Kotoko who she is, I guess.

Kotoko's nursing class reminds me of my Education cohort. We only had 4 male education students! Haha

And yet another example of why Kotoko is so well-loved even though she's a moron. Her heart is too warm to resist. Yay for another lovely kiss and a softening Naoki.

Episode 8--   -__- Even in your fantasies, slapping a patient is never okay. I haven't commented on this yet, but what the heck is with the weird opening? The song isn't bad, just the animation-style sequence. What a wicked baa-chan! And Petty girls like the nurses irk me. Seriously.

Episode 9--Sigh. Yet another rival for Kotoko appears. You're not very funny, Rika-chan! Joking, my butt! "I'll give you something." Rika's such a little Shrew! Though, I don't understand why Kotoko still doesn't have any confidence as Naoki's wife. He did choose you. So childish, Rika. Also, you're being a jerk! Delusions, as well. Whoo-hoo kiss number, heck who's counting. Love how the adversaries simply make their relationship stronger. "When did I ever give you reason to doubt us." Um..all of the time. Are we watching the same show, Naoki? Though I guess technically, it's Kotoko constantly jumping to conclusions and letting her insecurities take charge.

Episode 10-- Slow your roll little Yuki-love-interest. You're like 10. But why is she and Kotoko so similar with their age difference? *facepalm* 

Oh, always wanted to learn more about Kotoko's mom, but uh-oh, even Papa-Aihara is nervous. What an over-the-top welcome! And how like Naoki to be a grammar-nazi. But a laughing Naoki... *swoons* Sometimes I wish Kotoko could see how sweet Naoki is the way that we do, but I guess it wouldn't have the same effect on viewers. I love how we learn that Kotoko's mom was exactly like her! Things have been going too well between our favorite lovebirds. Episode 11 will probably shake things up a bit.

Until later,

Tuma

[J-Drama] Mischievous Kiss 2: Love in Tokyo (Running Commentary for EP 1-5)

Hello Everyone!

I'm currently watching Mischievous Kiss 2: Love in Tokyo. I've always been a mega fan of the Itazura na Kiss series ever since I saw It Started With a Kiss and Joe Cheng. I watched the first season a while ago (see review), but I'd actually forgotten that I hadn't watched the sequel! *gasp*

As I've been marathoning, I've been keeping a running commentary on each episode. It contains my reactions, feelings, and thoughts as I watched each episode. From my review of the first season, I wasn't much of a Naoki fan, but as you can see below, he's starting to grow on me!

MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS.

Without further adieu:

Episode 1--The first episode is actually the same as the Love in Okinawa Special. Cute and great overview of what happened in season one as a refresher. Man, was the Mari girl annoying, though I don't completely agree with the way her hubby finally "put on his pants" in the relationship. Naoki is as much an ice prince as ever, but it makes his few moments of thaw that much more sugary-sweet! And his family is as wacky as ever. I adored Mama-Ikie in season 1 and am looking forward to watching more of her shenanigans.

Episode 2--I was annoyed through most of this episode. Naoki is still lacking communication skills, despite heartfelt intentions. Kotoko's communication ranges from whiny to high-pitched squeals. Yet, towards the end, I recalled why this lead couple and this show is so popular. Their default annoyance makes instances of their true characteristics more potent. If Naoki smiled all of the time, we wouldn't melt quite so swiftly when he smiles fondly at Kotoko. If Kotoko wasn't so immature and childish, we wouldn't appreciate her moments of growth.

Episode 3-- Mama Irie was more annoying than funny in this episode. Her constant interference, the way she draws sudden conclusions, and blows these out of proportion can be irritating. On the plus side, Naoki was a total darling in this episode! And his panty-dropping line of, "should we make one [a baby]" was absolute gold! Kotoko has finally decided what she wants to do with her life, but Naoki is still at the center of her choice. I wish she would be her own person already. Overall, super sweet episode!

Episode 4-- How does Naoki become exponential hotter with each episode? It's a paradox! This sequel is so steamy compared to the first one. I hope we continue with the whole kiss-an-episode phenomenon, cause I love it!

Episode 5--I know Kotoko's incompetency is part of her character, but how can a person not be good at anything?! But, I did get to enjoy Naoki's evil stare at another one of Kotoko's shenanigans. Poor Funatsu, we need to find you the nerdy girls! A jealous Naoki is nice. Very nice, indeed. No kiss this episode, but CUE love triangle.


Anyone else watching this drama? Feel free to discuss the first five episodes with me in the comments! =)

Peace,
Tuma

[J-Drama] Itazura na Kiss: Love in Tokyo

After a bit of a drama drought, I started and finished Itazura na Kiss: Love in Tokyo (even though I didn't finish A Gentlemen's Dignity yet. Oops.)

It's a more recent Japanese version of the ever-still popular manga Itazura na Kiss. I'm sure most Asian drama lovers know the story. A highschool girl, Kotoko, falls in love at first sight with the handsome, but cold Naoki on the first day of highschool. After two years of unrequited love, she decides to confess, but is publicly rejected. Her house collapses. Her dad and her Naoki's dad happen to be childhood friends who lost touch and they end up moving in which them. Cue romance, tears, tension, and drama!

Strangely enough I've yet to read the original manga series, but I first watched the Taiwanese version, It Started with a Kiss, and the Korean version, Playful Kiss. And decided to give the Japanese one a try. (Can't remember whether I've watched the original Japanese version. Should remedy that.)

In the end, I prefer the Taiwanese and Korean versions to this one. While Kotoko is endearing in all three versions, I prefer the Taiwanese and Korean versions of Naoki a lot more. The Naoki in this version was bland and drab. Portraying no personality whatsoever. Sure he was cute, but his acting left much to be desired. Also, the plot was less dramatic than the Korean and Taiwanese versions, but then again I find that often the case for Japanese dramas. No one seems to know DRAMA more than Koreans! I found myself skipping a lot, bored, simply wanting to see how it ended. Also, I was annoyed that it took until the very last episode for Naoki to pull his head out of his butt. I believe it happened a little earlier in the other versions and viewers had the chance to see them "dating." I could be wrong though; it's been a while since I've watched either version. The ending was really freaking adorable though! Gotta love Mama Irie.

Itazura na Kiss: Love in Tokyo is worth watching because the core story remains a good one, but only after you've watched the Taiwanese and Korean versions, which I believe to be better.

[Japanese Drama] Love Generation (1997)

I actually first became interested in dramas through Japanese dramas (Manga>Anime>Japanese dramas>Korean dramas). Though I like Korean dramas a lot better, Japanese dramas are still pretty good. They have their own personality and feel.

Love Generation is a straightforward romance between Teppei and Rico. It's only 11 episodes long, but it squeezes in a office romance, first love from the past, love rectangle, fights, confessions, and what have you. There was a lot less over the top drama that is characteristic of Korean dramas (no memory loss, playboy hiers, dying love interests etc), which is what I like about Japanese dramas. They're also a little more risque surprisingly in terms of portraying "skinship".  While I enjoyed watching Teppei and Rico's relationship grow, I soon became tired of the back and forth, fighting and making up between them. Sure Teppei wasn't helping matters, but Rico's constant insecurities and immediate assumptions began grating on my nerves. (Can't anyone simply ask questions before flying off the handle?) Also, the ending was a bit unsatisfactory, wrapped up too quickly and halfheartedly. I felt cheated. Love Generation is a short, cute drama, but not one of the best. (Oh, and the stupid glass apple motif? What was that about? Don't understand what it was supposed to stand for and it's summer vacation. I don't feel like using more than 3 brain cells to figure it out.)

Give it a try here if you'd like!

"Applily" Yours,
Fatuma
Looney Express Reviews

Buzzer Beat (JDrama)

Buzzer Beat

Genre: Romance, sports
Episodes: 11

Synopsis: Kamiya Naoki is a young player from a professional basketball team. But due to his relatively smaller size and his tendency to crack under pressure, he is unable to show his true skills on the court. Meanwhile, Shirakawa Riko is a cheerful, strong-spirited music college graduate aiming to become a professional violinist. One day, Riko finds Naoki's lost cell phone on a bus, and their meeting begins a friendship that eventually turns into love. However, Naoki was already considering marriage with his current girlfriend. And it doesn't help matters that Naoki's coach has fallen in love at first sight with Riko!

My Review: This a pretty cute drama, though nothing spectacular. The lead couple, Riko and Naoki were pretty cute, but Naoki was too damn gentle for me. I liked the supporting couple - Mai and Shuji muuuch better. They were so cute and quirky! lol It's a short and sweet without too much angst. Some of the characters are more interesting than others. I liked Mai and found Shuji adorable. Yoyogi was also an interesting character, with his gangster, badass cheating ways! lmao Utsunomiya was also fun because everyone thought he was gay, since he's "awkward" with girls. Buzzer Beat is an okay watch if you currently don't have something delicious on your menu at the moment. It's quick and to the point.

Screenshots:

LMAO! Episode 3: That's Shuji-kun buried under that sand!! 

Episode 4: BEST FRIEND HUG!!! Part 1

 Episode 4: BEST FRIEND HUG!!! Part 2

Episode 4: Uh-Oh! Caught a- cheating!!!

Episode 5: Riko & Naoki! Cutest Scene! 

Episode 5: Riko & Naoki

Episode 7: YUP!! A J-drama with REAL KISSING!!!

Episode 8: After a sleep-over...totally not the way you're thinking! :)

Epsiode 10: I like their easy companionship in the drama best. 

You don't alot of that in J-dramas!

Episode 10: More cuddling!

Episode 10: Cuddles!

BAMBINO!

BAMBINO!

Episodes: 11 

Synopsis: A drama adaptation of a popular comic written by Sekiya Tetsuji. After a year of working at a neighborhood Italian restaurant, Ban Shogo (Matsumoto Jun), an enthusiastic, cocky young college student from Fukuoka, comes to Tokyo to perfect his cooking skills as a chef in Italian cuisine. He discovers he has much to learn and has to continually prove himself to the very competitive, quick and efficient staff at the upscale Italian restaurant. 

MY COMMENTS: THis was a cute drama. Nothing spectacular. Though Matsumoto Jun was pretty cute in his character. He was like a little kid, getting excited..then pouting, then excitement again. It's an alright drama if you want to watch something cute and slightly amusing. It's short enough that you don't feel like you wasted your life away watching it! lol I finished it in a weekend. Give it a try. *shrugs*

Hotaru no Hikari 2 (Glow of the Fireflies 2)

Hotaru no Hikari 2 (Glow of the Fireflies 2)

11 Episodes

Synopsis: (of Season 1)

Hotaru works for a famous interior design company. It's a glamorous job but Hotaru's private life is totally the opposite of glamorous. She lives alone, and when she isn't working she's mostly lazing about her rented house in training wear. She's not interested in men. In fact, she isn't interested in anything. "I'd rather lay around than fool around," is her motto.
Her landlord is a bar owner, and one day his son, who has just separated from his wife, comes to inspect the rental property, not knowing that someone is living there. He is shocked at the mess, but not as shocked as Hotaru. He turns out to be her boss, Takano.

My Comments: I really didn't think it was possible, but...Season 2 is even FUNNIER than the first one! BWAHAHA! I nearly died laughing while watching this drama! And Hotaru and Buchou are the CUTEST, and WEIRDEST couple I have ever seen!! They have so many quirks, but you can't help but love 'em because of it. Hotaru is essentially a slob and Seiichi (Buchou) is a perfectionist and clean freak. The way they interact with each other and show their feelings is so adorable. This drama doesn't have much depth or emotion. I mean you never feel the need to cry at any point. However, if you want something cute, light-hearted and crazily funny, THIS IS THE DRAMA FOR YOU!

Looney Express gives Hotaru no Hikari 2 a 3.5/5

Nodame Cantabile (J-drama) Review

Hey folks,
Today I'm reviewing a japanese drama called Nodame Cantabile. I haven't watched a J-drama in  awhile, but this was just the one to get me back on track.

This drama is a wacky, weird series full of hilarity. It's about Shinichi Chiaki who is a piano student in a Music Academy in Japan, but his dream is to go to Europe and become a conductor. However, with a fear of planes and boats, his dreams seem impossible (I mean he can't walk to Europe, right? lol) But he meets eccentric and one-of-a-kind Noda Megumi (aka Nodame) who is also a piano student, but she spends most of her time stealing her best friends' lunch boxes. Anyway, Nodame falls in love with him and helps him conquer his fears.

This drama is absolutely hilarious. Yes, alot of it exaggerasted. Like when he smacks her, she flies 10 feet, but I still found it funny as hell. It is a really heartwarming series that increases your appreciation for classical music and hard work. And Chiaki and Nodame are such a strange couple!!! This is unlike any drama you've ever seen!

Give it a try! Looney Express Awards Nodame Cantabile a 4.5/5! YAY!