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Let's talk about Japanese Dramas!

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Damn the last episode of Ouroboroso was really good.
Really great wrap up.


The last episode of Zeni no Sensou was a little underwhelming, but overall the show was great.


This are two favorite of the season. I still have to finish watching Ghost Writer.
 

Rainy

Banned
So what have the biggest and best dramas released the last few years? I haven't watched any J-Dramas in a long time so I want to jump back in.
 
So what have the biggest and best dramas released the last few years? I haven't watched any J-Dramas in a long time so I want to jump back in.


I recommend Nazo no Tenkou sei (slow burn), Border, N no tame ni, Zeni no Sensou, Ghost Writer (personal choice), Ouroborosu (cheesy at times though).

These are the ones I can remember at the top of my head.
 

neoanarch

Member
Ordinary Miracles is one of the most ridiculously emotionally devastating series I've ever seen. But it never loses its charm and none of the characters ever become truly unlikable.
 
Anyone here watching Crazy for Me (on crunchyroll)? It's my first live-action J-drama and I was very skeptical, but it's got a good mix of comedy and drama and I like all the actors and am now caught up and anxiously awaiting the next episode.
 
Just watched Hirugao. The ending left me so
depressed
. Aya Ueto is so talented. My current plan is to watch everything she's done in the last 5ish years.
 

Jonnax

Member
Has there been a drama like Proposal Daisakusen? Had a lot of heart and had some really funny moments (DKNY :p) with a interesting premise. I think the only big downside was how the female lead was very much a passive character.

Saw Reply 1997 which is a Korean drama that starts off at a reunion and which is a spring board to a flashback to the character's youths which was also excellent.
 

maxcriden

Member
Just watched Hirugao. The ending left me so
depressed
. Aya Ueto is so talented. My current plan is to watch everything she's done in the last 5ish years.

Haven't seen Hirugao yet but thrilled she's in another great series. If you haven't seen them My Little Chef and Attention Please are both *amazing*. The latter starts a bit slow but both are immensely enjoyable shows! The food in MLC alone is worth your time. Seriously great shows.
 
Just watched Hirugao. The ending left me so
depressed
. Aya Ueto is so talented. My current plan is to watch everything she's done in the last 5ish years.


Great show! I liked how it portrayed extramarital affairs in more natural and objective view - showing the story from many different point of views.

From what I've heard there is a continuation ( a 1hr long special) that's in the works or maybe it's already been released.


This season I watched the "tatakau shoten" something something, which was really cliched and trite. I'm now watching "waga e he yokosu" which is pretty interesting so far.
 
Haven't seen Hirugao yet but thrilled she's in another great series. If you haven't seen them My Little Chef and Attention Please are both *amazing*. The latter starts a bit slow but both are immensely enjoyable shows! The food in MLC alone is worth your time. Seriously great shows.

I've seen Attention Please and I loved it. I will definitely check out My Little Chef. Thanks for the recommendation.

Great show! I liked how it portrayed extramarital affairs in more natural and objective view - showing the story from many different point of views.

From what I've heard there is a continuation ( a 1hr long special) that's in the works or maybe it's already been released.

Yeah, it's refreshing how it wasn't outright condemning or romanticizing it. It's weird how a show about affairs can have one of the best love stories I've seen. And about that continuation, I thought it ended how it should have. I think a continuation could only end with a
happy
ending, which I wouldn't mind but I think it would ruin the ending of the series.

I guess I have a question for everyone here: Are there dramas that you watch specifically because of an actor or actress?

For me that person is Erika Toda since everything she's in is usually pretty good
also she's very pretty
. Her acting and range is pretty amazing in the whole Spec series.
 

Kurita

Member
I guess I have a question for everyone here: Are there dramas that you watch specifically because of an actor or actress?

For me that person is Erika Toda since everything she's in is usually pretty good
also she's very pretty
. Her acting and range is pretty amazing in the whole Spec series.

Sure, that's how I choose most of my dramas now.
Toda Erika, Maki Yoko, Eita, Oguri Shun, Aragaki Yui, Sakai Masato, Ayano Go... If they're in it I'm watching!
 

Fluxdyne

Member
I'm surprised to find a J-Drama thread here lol.

Has there been a drama like Proposal Daisakusen? Had a lot of heart and had some really funny moments (DKNY :p) with a interesting premise. I think the only big downside was how the female lead was very much a passive character.
I wouldn't say it is exactly like ProDai, but Summer Nude also has some nice moments. And the same actors :)
 

Rainy

Banned
Time to revive this thread again, has anyone been watching anything good lately?

I've been watching Okitegami Kyōko no Bibōroku and it's been a relaxing and cute watch. The mysteries are cool too.
 

Kurita

Member
Yeah I'm watching Siren.
uzOgYN7.jpg
Matsuzaka Tori + theme song by [Alexandros] huzzah!
Pretty solid cop show, I'm not usually a fan but since it's not a procedural it's quite exciting to watch.
 

Damaged

Member
Time to revive this thread again, has anyone been watching anything good lately?

I've been watching Okitegami Kyōko no Bibōroku and it's been a relaxing and cute watch. The mysteries are cool too.

Honestly, since a certain site went offline I've been struggling to find new shows to watch :(

Tried legal high and it was okay but lost interest a few episodes into season 2
 

blakep267

Member
Ordinary Miracles is one of the most ridiculously emotionally devastating series I've ever seen. But it never loses its charm and none of the characters ever become truly unlikable.
Yeah I saw this on CR and really liked it. I wished it would be more eps and modicum more on the main 2 rather than the side characters

Anyway, I think I'm starting to gravitate more towards the J dramas and away from the K drama lately. The kdramas are so drawn out at times and predictable. Plus I'm still kinda pissed off after SWP
 

Rainy

Banned
Honestly, since a certain site went offline I've been struggling to find new shows to watch :(

Tried legal high and it was okay but lost interest a few episodes into season 2

Oh that sucks. I was actually thinking of watching Legal High because Yui Aragaki has caught my eye after watching Okitegami. Is it not good?
 

Kurita

Member
Oh that sucks. I was actually thinking of watching Legal High because Yui Aragaki has caught my eye after watching Okitegami. Is it not good?
Legal High is one of the funniest comedies I've ever seen, regardless of the country.
 
Anyone watching anything from this season?

Mutsu started of really interesting but the last couple of episodes were so-so.
Shitamachi Rocket isn't really interesting despite being very popular in Japan at the moment.
 

Rainy

Banned
Anyone watching anything from this season?

Mutsu started of really interesting but the last couple of episodes were so-so.
Shitamachi Rocket isn't really interesting despite being very popular in Japan at the moment.

I've only been watching Okitegami myself but I'd be down for picking up anything else that that's been airing if it's good.
 
I haven't watched Japanese drama in a while (this thread will help fix that though), but my all-time favorite Japanese drama is Nobuta wo Produce. The story is really beautiful and heartfelt. I shed many tears.

I liked Yamashita's acting so much I started following his other work afterwards. His performance in the Kurosagi film adaptation was pretty awesome.
 
Anyone watching anything from this season?

Mutsu started of really interesting but the last couple of episodes were so-so.
Shitamachi Rocket isn't really interesting despite being very popular in Japan at the moment.

Has been slow year indeed. I think I'll give Shitamachi Rocket a shot soon as it has aired. I'll basically watch anything with Abe, even those terrible Therma Romae movies.

I have only been watching Kodoku no Gurume. It's gotten bit boring, but food porn is food porn, I'll watch it.

edit.

Fuben na Benriya was nice light hearted comedy, with great cast. It has been only Jdrama besides Kodoku that I have watched in 2015.
 

I'm an expert

Formerly worldrevolution. The only reason I am nice to anyone else is to avoid being banned.
It's ok enough. It's the casting that does it, not the story. Yamapi and Satomi are both doing unusual roles for themselves and for Satomi it's a big jump in her skill. For Yamapi, this role fits more than others due to his naturally introverted personality. His first since Kurosagi that makes sense.
 

I'm an expert

Formerly worldrevolution. The only reason I am nice to anyone else is to avoid being banned.
Every season has 1 or 2 flagship series (either because of the time slot or cast) that in my opinion are 'must watches' simply because of the pop culture relevance they usually have. Basically for water cooler talk. Even if that doesn't apply to you, it's always good to follow those shows and the pick one or two underground darlings.
 

Rainy

Banned
Since I've only seen her in Okitegami (where I've really loved her as you can see), what has Aragaki Yui been in? What's a must watch?
 

I'm an expert

Formerly worldrevolution. The only reason I am nice to anyone else is to avoid being banned.
My Boss, My Hero and maybe the first season of Code Blue are must watch. Young Aragaki was something special. As she's gotten older her actual talent has radically stalled or she just doesn't care anymore. Legal High is just her going through the motions. Unfortunately a water cooler show though and the sequel was a give in after Sakai's boom.
 

Rainy

Banned
Legal High

My Boss, My Hero and maybe the first season of Code Blue are must watch. Young Aragaki was something special. As she's gotten older her actual talent has radically stalled or she just doesn't care anymore. Legal High is just her going through the motions. Unfortunately a water cooler show though and the sequel was a give in after Sakai's boom.

thanks for the recommendations and insight~
 

LordCanti

Member
Okitegami Kyoko is my favorite of the season but I haven't been able to watch very many. It's a shame that there's only one more episode but I'm hopeful that it'll get animated sooner or later.
 

firehawk12

Subete no aware
Are you guys Nisio/Monogatari fans? I'm curious how you think it compares, particularly since I'm coming mostly from an anime background.
 

LordCanti

Member
Are you guys Nisio/Monogatari fans? I'm curious how you think it compares, particularly since I'm coming mostly from an anime background.

I can't speak to the novels at all since they aren't translated but the script for the TV show is mostly devoid of the fast paced monologues (or dialogues), fan service, etc that most people would consider to be staples of the Monogatari series. As far as similarities go I'd say it shares the common thread of both being about people that are mostly unfortunate and facing extreme circumstances (she forgets every day she lives when she falls asleep, he has terrible luck).

You definitely don't need to be a fan of the author to enjoy it but there are some similarities there if you look for them.
 

firehawk12

Subete no aware
I'll admit, I am a bit disappointed that the characters don't speak like Araragi and Senjougahara/Hanekawa. You can feel a bit of them in these new characters of course, but it's not as overly heightened.
I think in the anime thread I described this as a Nisio text that you can show to your mom, which is both good and bad depending on who you are. lol
(No weird toothbrush scene I assume)
 

Rainy

Banned
Are you guys Nisio/Monogatari fans? I'm curious how you think it compares, particularly since I'm coming mostly from an anime background.

I've watched Bake and Nisei, and I do enjoy the small similarities between the monogatari series and this. But I also appreciate that it's a little different too. Essentially I agree with you and what you said in the reply above me.
 

maxcriden

Member
Okitegami Kyoko is my favorite of the season but I haven't been able to watch very many. It's a shame that there's only one more episode but I'm hopeful that it'll get animated sooner or later.

Is it pretty serialized or more procedural? And how series is the tone? I like Gakky a lot. She was great in Zenkai Girl.

Also, did anyone watch Algernon ni Hanataba o (Flowers for Algernon)? I'm a fan of the original story so...the Japanese remake looks good.
 

LordCanti

Member
Is it pretty serialized or more procedural? And how series is the tone? I like Gakky a lot. She was great in Zenkai Girl.

It's serialized-ish but it does follow the format of having a new case for her to solve every week so there are episodes where a case is solved and the overarching plot doesn't really move forward.

If I had to describe the tone I guess I'd say a drama with comedic elements? It's not going for laughs all the time but it's not super serious all the time either.
 

Rainy

Banned
While waiting for new episodes of Okitegami I started watching Ryusei no Kizuna.

Just watched episode 2, this drama has a great mix of sadness, comedy, and suspense.
 

maxcriden

Member
It's serialized-ish but it does follow the format of having a new case for her to solve every week so there are episodes where a case is solved and the overarching plot doesn't really move forward.

If I had to describe the tone I guess I'd say a drama with comedic elements? It's not going for laughs all the time but it's not super serious all the time either.

Thanks for the info! It sounds really good. Aragakai Yui was great in Zenkai Girl. Y'all should definitely check that drama out if you haven't.

While waiting for new episodes of Okitegami I started watching Ryusei no Kizuna.

Just watched episode 2, this drama has a great mix of sadness, comedy, and suspense.

Ah man. My wife and I have tried to get into this show like 2-3 times. I'm glad you're digging it...we just couldn't get into it at all. I think we only watched one ep. It was...the comedy aspect of it just didn't work for me. :/ The storytelling and story within a story aspect with the club gangster or whoever (it's been a while since I've seen it) I really didn't care for. Does it change things up some as it goes on?

--

BTW, did anyone watch Kimutaku drama I'm Home this year? That's another one on my radar.
 
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