This is the closest thing to crazy...

...I have ever been.

This apparently amazing girl Loves you, and she's so lucky to have you.

I love eigakans.

I love kuroi corners.

I love chuusurukoto.

Aishiteru.

Kono subarashii hi, arigatou gozaimasu!

<3

Silence is my Sanctuary

"Yet you feed us lies from the tablecloth"

I'm so fucking pissed off right now, I can't even speak.

I can't even rage at this, it's so ridiculous.

Like you expect me to understand the archaic rules of this house, I shall expect that you will understand how much I don't want to speak to ANY of you right now.

Where the ____

are you?

I effing miss you.

会いたくて。。。会いたくて。。。会いたくて。。。

Thanks Channel 9. Thanks. Thanks for taunting. You swallow.

I LOVE John Cusack.

Kore wa ai desuyo.

Daisuki desu!

SHIAWASE!!!!

Kimi ga irunode watashi wa shiawase ni itteiru.

Dakishimetai.

Chuushitai.

Aishiteru.

LOL. Shamwow. Like that's not SUS.

Would you lie with me...

... and just forget the world?





I love playgrounds.

I love swingsets.

I love GLOMPS.

I love hugs.

I love kisses on the cheek.

And I think I may love you.

Saying something stupid....

... like 'I love you'.

DEAR GOD.

There's so much I want to say, I'm bursting at the seams with how much I need to express this.

Last night, was just, GUH.

All day today I had to make a conscious effort to deliberately keep myself from smiling.

What he said.

The most touching thing that anyone has ever said to me.

MOU! DAISUKI DAYO. CHUSHITAI!

Freaking hell.

Modern, Dana, Modern History.

Share the Spice of Life.

OMG.

OMG.

SIGH.

ONE OF THE BEST FKN DAYS OF MY LIFE.

SERIOUSLY.

EVER.

SWOON.

Will elaborate at some point.

Even if the Sky is Falling Down

“Rather waste some time with you…”

This blog has been delayed and cast aside for a while now. Whether I’ve been attempting to muster the courage in which to finally convey this into writing, or attempting to categorise my thoughts, I don’t know. When something is in writing, there’s a notion of finality to it, no?

It’s been half an hour… and I’ve been staring at this document, wondering what to write or how to begin. What questions do I want to answer?

Well, Green Cruiser, Ted Hughes, whatever we desire to call him. How is he? Wonderful.

The nicest, most wonderful member of the male species, I’ve ever met.

How embarrassing. I am unable to even extrapolate in words. Well, hmm, I suppose it’s simply because he’s funny and sweet, and... I find it easier to describe him when comparing him to V. It simply works that way.

So we get along swimmingly, he’s ridiculously easy to talk to and make jokes with. I am totally and completely one hundred percent myself and life suddenly seems beautiful like this, it isn’t necessary to pretend that I’m the person I aspire to be. At the moment, talking with him, I am the person I am.

With V, I always felt as though I were having a heart attack as we spoke, our conversations never lasted beyond forty minutes and I was never truly myself. I was a polite shell of the person I wished to be, rather, the person I thought he wanted me to be. We were never personal. I always initiated contact or conversation and I felt like our friendship was entirely unilateral and consisted of one person.

With Ted Hughes, conversation flows naturally, I don’t need to pretend to be anything or anyone. I don’t always have to be the initiator, the instigator I’m shocked sometimes because HE WANTS to talk to me! It’s surprising, and sweet.
In a nutshell, V is the cookie cutter template of the person I want to be with. He’s ambitious, straight-forward, handsome and eloquent… and yet, there’s rigidity, a shell to who he is. Ted Hughes on the contrary, is the actual cookie. He’s warm and enriching, delightful and kind. There’s something so fulfilling and exciting about being in his presence.

FML, Dana, you are infatuated. Or falling. Wait, you’ve already fallen, haven’t you? And it’s bleeding obvious.

Yet I feel horrible and irresponsible. It’s the HSC. I DON’T do this. Dana doesn’t do this. I don’t fall for people a few weeks before the biggest exams of my life. It’s ridiculous and irrational and completely irresponsible.

Which is why, of course, I’m not letting anything happen. We have our futures to think about, and I don’t want to jeopardize that at all.

And then there’s the convoluted politics of past relationships and I seriously don’t want to become entangled in that.

Gosh, the HSC, the HSC.

I am both glad and irritated for its presence.

There’s a part of me that is mildly glad that it is here, it’s an excuse to be hesitant.

When the HSC is over, I…

Don’t know what will happen.

I’m apprehensive, excited, but bloody frightened.

I really don’t want to become hopeful. I REALLY don’t want to. I’d rather be his friend and suffer quietly than not have him at all in my life. I don’t want to have to trudge through the dregs of disappointment either. Who knows.

But.

He’s freakin WONDERFUL.

The things he says, the slight and casual touches, abso-fucking-lutely EVERYTHING.

Gosh, someone shoot me in the cheek and call me Tyler Durden.

Even that stupid Japanese chopstick superstition is working in my favour. FOR THE FIRST TIME, EVER.

I don’t know what to do with myself.

But study.

And not hope. And not pray.

Just being thankful that there’s someone I’d rather waste my time with.

I feel like I haven’t done this blog justice. There’s so much more I want to say, but I have no idea where to begin. He’s just, pure, AWE-SUM.









But you already know that.




Until next time –
- Deeh
P.S Will blog the dream. When I get over it. Or have the courage to.

Green Cruiser

sigh.

FML.

<<3333333333


I have to study religion now.

Dyz, when I'm free, you're getting a massive blog post.

I'll make new "mood" pictures too (like the ones from two years ago).

Dammit. He's wonderful.

Yeah Dyz.

I'm falling.

Worst timing too.

But that's Murphy's Law, isn't it?

I have Philosophy that beckons.

FML, and yet I feel so elated.

Philosophy.

Letters from Iwo Jima 硫黄島からの手紙

すげええええ！！！　NINOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!

OH MY GOD NINO.

I knew he had acting talent, his one of the actors of Arashi but, whoa. I respect him so much more now. He was absolutely brilliant in that film, I can't believe it. Who knew that the snarky, bratty Nino could shine so well in such a bleak film.

'Letters From Iwo Jima/Iwojima kara no Tegami' Review
Japanese: Iwojima kara no Tegami
English Translation: Letters From Iwo Jima
Date: 09/12/06(Japan), 20/12/06(USA), 22/02/07(Australia)
Favourite Aspect: Stunning cinematography, the humanitarian approach/Nino's wonderful acting.
Least Favourite Aspect: Watanabe Ken didn't do much fighting.
Rating: A+! (4.7/5)
As a Whole: I have been wanting to watch this film for ages. It was worth the wait for three years! Nino is a fantastic actor! I love Clint Eastwood's fantastic cinematography which really emphasised the humanitarian aspect, focusing on the individual story of the soldiers on Iwo Jima.


Fangirling aside, I must note that this film takes its time to build to climax. It is a deliberately slow film, but I enjoyed its simplicity. I found myself able to analyse this film as Eastwood portrayed the conflict between fighting for what's right and fighting to stay alive. I found myself crying at the thought of the Japanese soldiers and the remnants of the cultural Bushido war mentality. They fought patriotism and ultimate honour, willing to die for it. It fantastic to also witness not only the Japanese perspective of things, but the sacrifice and inner-conflict between their desire to survive for their family and the Bushido mentality to die a death before dishonour. It was akin to peeling away the masked stereotype of Japanese war-like fanatacism. The acting was excellent especially by Nino and Watanabe Ken. It was incredibly heart-wrenching, especially when they showed mercy. If you want to watch a war-film this is THE war film. It was gut-wrenching, touching and even comical at times.

So moving towards my least favourite aspects. The gore was cool. I liked it. Although I felt that Gen. Kuribayashi's (Watanabe) role was lost amongst the stories of everyone else. Yes his story flourished throughout the film, but I feel like he didn't do much fighting. I don't know, I suppose it's because of The Last Samurai I expected him to be right in the action as opposed to the North of the Island planning strategy, but I loved his practical character anyway. Also despite it was a Japanese perspective, it was quite obvious to perceive the hint of American thought or cultural imperialism pervade the film. For example, those Army commanders who were sympathetic or kind were the ones who had been to America. It portrayed prejudice on both sides. There were hints throughout the film that it was made by an American, but that may be perhaps to demonstrate the underlying humanity of everyone - that in war we are all the same.
Eastwood himself that this film is not about who won or who lost, it is about sacrifices, and the sacrifices of those who came to fight to defend their country and what they believed in. That was most prevalent in the film. I was incredibly touched by that aspect. Overall fantastic, fantastuc film. I'd recommend it for any time, anywhere - just not with children. I'd definitely watch this again many times in te future.

"Smile" スマイルのー話を見た！

すげえええ～～

Wow.

Initial response. Wow. Let me just say, that I've never cried in the first episode of a drama before - not even for '1 Litre of Tears.' It was Episode 3 before I cried completely. As an immediate birthday present to myself, I watched the first episode of Smile (finally). It was unsubbed however, but with my limited knowledge of the Japanese language (you'd think that after almost 6 years of studying it, I'd be getting somewhere), and google translator, I managed.

This looks very, very promising. =D Very promising. I like it. I like Gakky, I like Jun's role and so far I'm very much appreciative of the pace and story line. This is so far quite intriguing and かわいい! I'm very glad that this drama isn't fearful to directly bring racial prejudice to the surface, especially within primordial systems such as law enforcement and the judicial system. At first I couldn't believe it, I didn't think that they'd be so bold and blatant about it but everytime I heard "Fuiripin Yaro!!" (roughly translated, 'Filipino bastard!') and saw Jun's face, I cringed. I mean, it's my own race getting persecuted here.

My beloved Jun isn't doing doing a bad job (like he could), I'm loving how he's portraying his dastardly situation: with hope, but there's a frailty to his character (as seen in the end where he's crying in HMV), like he's not the invincible Domyouji who dares defy the world, I welcome the change. The only problem I have is his expressions might be too intense? I don't know, maybe I'm just being apathetic and unable to relate to the situation. But there's more light and shade in his acting :) I also love Gakky! How cute is she! "The pig will make your wishes an dreams come true," めちゃめちゃかわいいじゃん！I did love the end though, I was waiting for the customary MatsuJun scream. "YAMERO!!!"

Classic.

Also, Oguri Shun - I might take back what I said about typecasting earlier. However, I hope he doesn't turn out to be like Yamapi, who although doesn't typecast, as in play the same type of character, he plays different characters the same way. :/ Interesting look for Oguri Shun though (not the long black hair) but the short carrot top with the earring. About the soundtrack, and my earlier comments. Hmm, I'm quite torn with the sountrack. The theme is sweet, yes, and I am compelled to like it (especially with all those babies in the background of the opening credits), but hmm, that Shiina Ringo's voice is a bit too...I don't want to say annoying, but I'm not accustomed to the style. But it fits, so I'll leave it at that.

Random points of interest...a) Marlon Brando, I didn't understand the conversation in whole, so hearing Marlon Brando pop up was rather random b) "Blue" being played in HMV. LOL That song came out when I was seven years old, natsukashii ne. Also, I'm loving the fact that Bito's dream is to open a restaurant that serves international cuisine - a point to note that he wishes to celebrate his biracial origins in his own way, that can be approved and accepted in such a xenophobic society.

I am really looking forward to the next episode of this drama!

Here's the link to watch it yo! (without subs, sorry)
http://smilejdrama.blogspot.com

Smile (2nd Post)

Isn't he gorgeous?

I still haven't seen this episode yet, as I am intending to wait until my internet broadband switches to offpeak time(incidentally at 12am - My birthday! Yay!) I forgot to initially explain the premise of "Smile," simply ranting on about how I was enough of an idiot to completely miss it.

When "Smile" was announced I was superfluously excited. Allow me to initially declare that I am one of those rabid Arashi/Matsumoto Jun Fangirls. I acknowledge that, and yet I wish to establish a delineation between myself and the teeny-boppers out there. I CAN make a less biased judgement (my judgement will be biased, I warn you), and I CAN acknowledge acting talent and that Arashi is not the centre of everything. That being said, on to "Smile."

"Smile" is a new drama that is airing this Spring (for Japan) on TBS, about a half-Filipino man named Bito (Matsumoto Jun) whose father is a deceased Filipino and whose Japanese mother disappeared. It also stars Aragaki Yuki who will play his counterpart who unfortunately, is mute due to an accident. The story follows that the two meet and together face the challenges of societal prejudices and constructs. The man handling the script is Takayuki Takuma who handled Hana Yori Dango - so it should be good, ne?

I have heard, and I have seen many Filipina fans raging over this, hoping to see Filipino culture somehow permeate this drama but - as a Filipina myself - I highly doubted it. Bito's biraciality (is that a word? Who cares, it is now) was a premise to tackle the underlying xenophobia that exists in Japan. I really admired this aspect of the Drama's premise - the bold grappling of racial issues. I am also overjoyed that Matsumoto Jun stepped out of his "pretty" or "kakkoii" roles (as much as we love them ladies ;P) and committed to a script that has a greater purpose applicable to Japan's society. I'm glad he's not typecasting himself like with Oguri Shun (who I do like, but don't you suppose Hanazawa Rui and his character in Hana Kimi are practically the same?) Living Australia a country founded on multiculturalism, it's difficult to believe that such dramas are very significant but I think it's quite quintessential in Japan and I'm glad that the renowned 'Elite' MatsuJun is prepared to take it on.

AND TO CLEAR THE AIR: YES. He's dark.(Seriously that boy has wonderful light skin.) AND YES, all Filos aren't THAT dark (I know, I'm lighter than him). But he's in character and his appearance isn't the issue here. That being said, I'm glad about his hair, although the モジャモジャ puff didn't quite suit him, it was growing on me. He's dark because he's playing a Filo - be glad ladies.

About Arashi not covering the Drama theme/soundtrack (instead their doing Sho's 'Quiz Show') . Needless to say, when I first heard the news - I was disappointed, extremely disappointed. However in hindsight, I can concede and see how it was a wise decision. As much as I am deliriously in love with Arashi, the closest thing they have to a solemn ballad might be a song like... I dunno, "Sirius" which was quite power-ballady in itself. Don't you think Arashi's music has an overwhelming multitude of layers? Their layered pop tunes might be a bit overpowering for a solemn drama which needs something simple like Utada Hikaru or Yui. I haven't heard the actual theme song yet, (the woman's name escapes me) [Shiina Ringo! That's it!] I'll be sure to listen to it. Despite what I've said, I must admit that I was hoping that this would be Arashi's chance to spring out a SOLEMN ballad. Ah, well.

About Aragaki Yuki - Ah, I first saw her with Miura Haruma in Koizora so they'll be my OTP(As with MaotsuJun, I'll always love them together the most), but this girl is undeniably cute! Her and Matsumoto Jun look quite good together with sastisfactory chemistry :) I haven't seen enough of her work, so I'll refrain from any judgement :D I'm really looking forward to this.

Power to ya, Ma~chan. :)

SMILE

ヤバイ！Oh no I'm such a BAKA!!! あほうだ！！！私はバカ！！

忘れちゃった！信じられない！I completely forgot! I cannot believe this.... epic fail. Goodness, I'm here bored out of my mind - doing GOD KNOWS WHAT AND I MISS "SMILE" Jun's new drama where he's half Filipino! I've been counting down the days until this new drama and what the hell do I do? I miss it because I'm sitting here doing whatever the hell it is I'm doing! As a Filipino and major Jun fan, I am ashamed of myself. When I finally did remember, I ran to my room and turned on my computer screaming. My brother thought I was posessed by something. OKay, so I catch like the last 5-10 minutes of it and it looks soooooo sweeeet and I can see the racial aspect quite clearly. BUT STILL. STILL. My KeyHole TV was being a major fail and lagged epically. Unbelieveable! ありえないの！

I WILL watch this someday!

Omg. Two days and I'm seventeen. じつは, to tell you the truth, technically I'm 17 tomorrow.

I still have to blog about, Koizora and Maou and all these other things I have watched... I'm getting there, I'm getting there. There is one thing I am excited about however ARASHI AROUND ASIA 2008 TOKYO DVD!!!!!!! ORDERED IT ONLINE FINALLY!! Best brithday present! Coming April 30 (approximately, according to yesasia)! I swear, my mum frowns on me for my Arashi fangirl-ism, but I sincerely don't care. Arashi are so blindingly awesome, they deserve our love and support :)

'Myu no Anyo Papa ni Ageru' - Review

Myu no Anyo Papa ni Ageru Review
Japanese: みゅうの足パパにあげる or Myu no Anyo Papa ni Ageru
Translation: Myu Will Give Daddy Her Legs
Date: 30/08/08 (Jun's 25th Birthday! How fitting!)
Favourite Aspect: The sweetness of the film and a new endeavour in Jun's acting
Least Favourite Aspect: Another debilitating disease, and I felt it was so short!
Rating: B -(3.5/5)
As a Whole: I stumbled upon this by accident as a fellow Jun fan had mentioned it over a YouTube comment, so of course as a loyal Jun fan I tracked it down immediately. This drama reminded me much of 1 Litre of Tears as Matsumoto Jun plays 25 year old Yamaguchi Hayato, father of a young family who contracts a debilitating disease, eventually losing all strength and mobility of his muscles. Although really cliche in the debilitating disease aspect, I liked this film as never before had I seen Jun play such a role. As the ever active Domyouji Tsukasa from Hana Yori Dango, I never expected him to be so bedridden and yet still remain so sweet. At first I was apprehensive as I couldn't imagine him so young and yet a father but he has excellent chemistry with his 'daughter' (major KYA FANGIRL MOMENT) proven in like the first five seconds of the movie. This time he was teamed with 'Karina' as his wife (who although didn't have as much chemistry going as my OTP Maotsujun) yet since they are talented actors they still pulled it off nicely. I actually preferred Karina to her role in Koizora (will discuss later), that tough girl image suited her MUCH better. This film isn't excessively dramatic, which is what I loved about it, it was sweet and although dealt with a painful subject, it did so with a very hopeful tone and the great Japanese firm 'never give up' attitude. Although the ending was really lovely, on a whole, there was something about this film that didn't quite have IT for me. Maybe I'm not used to MatsuJun like this or maybe there was something nauseating about it, however, I'd still reccommend this film for a rainy or sunny Friday or Saturday afternoon.

'Yellow Tears' Review

Yellow Tears Review
Japanese: 黄色い涙 or Kiiroi Namida
Translation: Yellow Tears
Date: 14/04/07
Favourite Aspect: It's overall, message, storyline and left-of-field pure Japanese centric film production
Least Favourite Aspect: The absence of Matsumoto Jun
Rating: B (3.7/5)
As a Whole: I was actually intending to watch PINKANCHI and PINKACHI DOUBLE instead of this film, but as they weren't available online, I happened to stumble across this instead. This film is so beyond Arashi's usual professional yet happy-go-lucky flavour. From the original manga by Shinji Nagashima and directed by Isshin Inudou this film, by those who are unaccustomed with the mellow side of Japanese cinema (think Isao Akiyuki Nosata's 'Graveyard of Fireflies'), may seem a tad boring, but it provides a highly realistic perception of life and much food for thought. It was a very relaxing movie, one about what happens when you attempt to achieve your dreams and afterwards. It's not like an Arashi SONG where your dreams are being fulfilled, instead this film has quite a raw and realistic flavour. As this movie was produced by J-Storm, you would think it would be all about pimping Arashi and the plotline would be something musically based (like Mariah Carey's shocking Glitter, or whatever that film was), but I really liked this film, it was very real, and harsh but gentle. I never underestimated this film as although Arashi is like the ultimate Asian boyband, they are all certified actors especially Jun and Nino. What I disliked actually is why Matsumoto Jun, one of the biggest and most decorated actors of the group was largely absent in the film. Although, yes, I may be biased as he is my favourite, he was not even a main character - which was needless to say, disappointing. But a great movie overall and one that I would reccommend.

Korean Movie Review: 200 Pounds Beauty

200 Pounds Beauty
Korean: 미녀는 괴로워 or Minyeo-neun goerowo
Translation: 'Being beautiful is Agonising'
Date: 14/12/06
Favourite Aspect: The gorgeous Kim Ah-jung and her incredible singing
Least Favourite Aspect: Too many cliches
Rating: B- / 3.5/5
As a Whole: This film was adapted from the Japanese Manga 'Kanna-san, Daiseikou desu' Suzuki Yumiko, and had such a wonderful premise which attracted me to it initially. Usually I do not indulge in Korean films or dramas but the plotline just seemed so hilarious. I loved the gorgeous Kim Ah-jung she was incredible, and her singing was brilliant. The storyline however threatened to drag the longer the movie progressed, and I found myself unable to laugh at the little bursts of humour the director attempted to interject throughout. I think the movie would have actually been rather funny without the director attempting to permeate the movie with little bouts of humour as the premise of the plot itself was interesting and funny enough without. In any case, it was an enjoyable movie. Some things I didn't quite understand, like how her love suddenly realises that she is Kang Hanna, but in any other case, an enjoyable film to watch when you have nothing to do.

My word I love you Jun

Seriously, I'm studying whilst simultaneously listening to Jun's radio show and what do I hear? WHAT DO I HEAR as I write down Nazi Policy on women in the workforce? Neyo's Closer being played on Japanese radio - Jun's radio show. Gah I love him.

Economic Crisis.

No shit we're in an economic crisis.

This is so fucked.

I WAS going to discuss the movie (omg it's so good), I WAS intending to discuss Obama's inauguration and Michelle Obama's impeccable style - but now, now I'm going to discuss current affairs and universal human theory.

That sounds pretty farfetched and bizarre but now I've finally come to terms with what it means to be in an economic crisis. The ripple effect of America is truly, truly... well, just, shit.

America sneezes and the whole world catches a cold. Well, when you're middle class, it's the FUCKING Ebola virus.

Today was a bittersweet day, my friends came over and we burned our notes and hung out. It was mellow and relaxing and it was excellent to see them once again, once more before the commencement of school. That was the sweetness, the bitterness is the knowledge of what is happening in the world around us. Across the news we have been bombarded with layoffs and people losing their jobs, getting fired, becoming unemployed. Rudd seems quite aloof, but hey, he's high and mighty, he's UP THERE, not down HERE. To be honest, I watched the news with a crease of concern wrinkling my brow with enough compassion to consider those who were now unemployed, but not enough consideration or grasp of reality to ever even entertain the thought that such ripples could effect my family and I.

Remove your head from the clouds of ignorance Dana and take a look at the world around you. They don't call it the worst crisis since the Great Depression for nothing. I haven't studied economics, so I couldn't wholly understand the mechanics of the situation last year, neither could I fully appreciate it. Hell, I do NOW.

Kono aida, (the other day) my dad was laid off. I was surprised, but my dad was laid off last year and we survived it. My dad was out of a job for a couple of weeks and we survived. He found a new occupation and we were once again fine. It was alright because my mum, in any case, was occupied with the higher paying, more substantial and financially secure job. I never thought this would happen.

She was laid off today too.

It's a bizarre feeling, precariousness and insecurity, not knowing the future - whether we'll sink, float or spend the next few years treading water. I'm quite nervous, I don't know what we'll do or what happen - but it's okay. As long as we're together we'll be fine. All we need is each other. We are what is important.

My mum cried, but at the moment my parents are both optimistic and cheerful. It makes me wonder what tumultuous troubles they shelter behind their smiles. In our precarious situation, I have no idea as to what we'll do. Both my parents don't have a job. Of course it bothers me, I'm almost furious but I don't want to blame anybody. I wouldn't know who to blame anyway, besides, blaming doesn't do anything or fix anything aside from granting us the dark satisfaction that finally we can extrapolate our hate and direct it at someone.

But it's of no use.

I don't know what will happen, but as Domyouji says, "It's ok to look forward."

Obama. Congratulations. NOW FIX THIS.

Hanadan Movie Final

This will take a lot of time and energy to blog, of which I do not have right now.

It was beyond awesome

It was epic

I shall explain more later
------------------------------------------
Below is the Fangirl Spasm of a review, if wish for an energy charged, review full of swearing, never-ending praising and genuine fangirl squeals, please - kochirae dozo, be my guest and read it. However, I decided to post my rational, review first after three months of having viewed it I am now in a rational state of mind and will also do so for other Dramas and films I have watched.

Hana Yori Dango Final Film Review
Japanese: Hana Yori Dango Fainaru
Date: 28/6/08
Favourite Aspect: It's overall message about marriage, the radiating chemistry between Inoue Mao and Matsumoto Jun (my favourite couple) and the perfect ending to my favourite drama ever.
Least Favourite Aspect: Why wasn't Tsukasa's sister present? And the director should have just went and added the deleted "cute" scenes. They were awesome and made one squeal.
Rating: A (4.5) (minus the point five because the plot cannot compare to the drama)
As a Whole: This was a fantastic film and ending to the series. The actors were excellent and Inoue Mao's and Matsumoto Jun's chemistry really uplifts the overall film as it has done throughout the whole series. Unlike many final movies this really lives up to its name, utilising all aspects of the Japanese Film Industry to produce this crazy, funny and wholsome movie. It would be very much well worth your while to watch it, despite the fact that the plot was a little weak but I liked how it stressed the importance of the trials of marriage and it truly cemented Tsukasa's and Makino's relationship. I reccomend this to everyone.

--------------------------------------------------------
EDIT:

Funnily Enough, it's three months later and I'm still in love with this film. Here's my fan review. However, I will commit to a real review as well. One which doesn't include swearing, fangirl spasms and spoilers.

Hana Yori Dango Final

Firstly, I’d like to say that it has been quite difficult for me to be able to rate this movie, and thus I’ll be a total cop out and not rate it at all. Don’t get me wrong, I simply LOVED this film. It was so beautiful and brilliant and utilised the full extent of the Japanese film prowess, but that’s because I’m a biased Hana Yori Dango, Maotsujun Matsujun fangirl. Initially, I was desperate to acquire this film, merge the subs, and even though the timing for the subs for the second half of the movie was 3 seconds off (thus resulting in mega confusion) I didn’t mind because, hey, I loved the movie and I could understand half of it anyway.

Allow me to deal with the things I think they could have accomplished better (criticisms, I wish to say but it’s such a harsh word), before I gush on about what I simply loved about this movie (almost everything). Okay, let’s start with the plot line. The plot line was quite weak. As an ending to the drama and a final obstacle for Makino and Domyouji, it’s a wonderful movie, but as a film by itself, but the plot would not be supported for anyone who had not previously watched the series (buton second thought, who would watch the movie without watching the series?). One could expect it in a way... but I mean, it was cliché, right? Second thing, Rui as a priest. Don’t get me wrong, I know that many people squealed “kyaa~~!” right? I really do appreciate the sentiment and I do fully appreciate the gravity of what he had done, but, something was a little off for me for Rui to be a priest – oh and MIZUNO SENSEI! From 1 Litre of Tears! I didn’t want him to be the bad guy! Why did Makino go out with him? Dame! Dame! Dame! But that’s about it for the various things I disliked. Oh and not that this is very important but, why couldn’t it have been saucier! Okay, I understand, Asian film industry –but still! You have two gorgeous people, two gorgeous twenty-somethings who are about to be married on a deserted island stuck together. For a month. You’d expect a little somethin’ somethin’ to be going on! Heck, I would have welcomed that. Oh and why wasn’t Tsukasa’s sister there!



Onto to what I loved. Okay. I loved how they were totally still in character and I loved how Domyouji was completely unwavering in his love, and that this encompassed and international scale, because at least I was able to relate and say, “Hey! I’ve been there!” (in terms of Vegas). Also, Makino’s wardrobe improved! (Not that I had any trouble with it before but hey, I loved it). It was such a funny, entertaining and dramatic movie! Hmm, oh I like how they appreciated Makino’s dream to become a lawyer and the two families finally working together, especially the sudden fame the Makino family received ;) Okay, let’s separate this:

1) The stunts. The stunts. Matsumoto Jun – I LOVE YOU for doing your own stunts! They were awesome! The fight scene was realistic and imaginative and creative and HE JUMPED FROM ONE ESCALATOR TO ANOTHER in style, sexiness and a funny yellow T-shirt! The stunts were awesome.

2) The F4 Airplane. That airplane was so fucking cool.


3) The renewed humour. OMG. The humour was back! Literally, I could not stop laughing, I laughed so boisterously and so breathlessly when I saw that our cute little Matsu-chan was covering up his erection! At first I was thinking “What the hell is he doing?” Then all of a sudden it clicked and I burst out laughing! Almost woke up the whole house! I can’t believe he had one!! He was so cute/funny!

4) MATSUMOTO JUN SWEARING IN PERFECT ENGLISH. It was both funny, impressive and shocking. Shocking I tell you, but nevertheless incredibly impressive. “Hey! are you crazy? What the fuck are you doing!?” Me: O_O to OoO to o(>____<)o
I loved it, it was so funny! And then the “see you guy” and everything, oh my god, gosh and his fashion! I mean those pants! And the sunnies! AND THAT ADORABLE CAR THEY WERE DRIVING! His English was actually very good. I could actually tell what he was saying without having to read the subs!





5) Okay, Makino PUNCHED A FUCKING BEAR. I burst out laughing! So did Dyanne! So did everyone in the room. ARIENAITSUNO! It was epic. That shit was epic. It was wonderful. I loved it. Go power to the woman who punches a bear.

6) THE KISS AT THE END. OH MY GOD. I LOVED IT. THE KISS AT THE END WAS BEAUTIFUL. I loved how he just grabbed her and wham! And they were both into it, and his hand holding her close and, and that was a good kiss for Asian Cinema! And then how they separated and then touched each other’s foreheads with Matsujun smiling so wide and her smiling so bashfully. KYA!!!! And then, and then how he picked her up with the cherry blossoms everywhere and then she leaned down and kissed him again! They both look so happy and blissful and I LOVE IT!!! O(>_<)O Has anyone seen the behind the scene bit where he kisses her and nuzzles her neck and she’s laughing and she’s loving it! *flail*!








Sorry, but I LOVED That scene.

7) Akira. Oh my gosh. Way to go for redeeming the entire HK Mafia. Unbelievable but CHO KAKKOII!!

8) THE END WHERE SHE WAS PREGNANT AND SHE TOLD HIM! HE LOOKED SO HAPPY! AND WHERE THEY DID IT TOO! AT THE BEACH AND HE LOOKS SO HAPPY AND I LOVED HOW HE SCREAMED: “WE MADE IT! WE MADE IT! WE MADE IT!” It was so touching, like everything they had worked and strived for had finally paid off. Lovely ending with his solo going on in the background.

9) Oh and that whole sequence where they finally reconcile! MATSUJUN SHAVING WITH A CREDIT CARD! I really liked that bit about the dreams where what’s his name? Kaburagi was trying to get her to break up with him by telling her about his own experiences and how he had no dreams including his fiancé and she had no dreams of him, and so Makino decides that the deciding factor of whether the marriage will work or not is asking Domyouji what his dream is. If she is included then, she knows it will work and they’ll be happy, if it doesn’t then she knows to end it. BUT! BUT! BUT! When she asks him he’s there swimming topless....... *FLAIL, MELT FLAIL*

“Which reminds me...What’s your dream?”

“Hm?”

“Your dream, what is it?”

*He’s standing there topless, half in the water dripping wet and staring at her with utter conviction and at this point I think he’s going to say something about the company about expanding the Domyouji Corporation (seriously, but no! Kya!)*

*Domyouji stays silent, staring and points directly at her**the conviction, the utter conviction! Flail!*

“It already came true”

“Eh?”

“I love you”

Then the look on her face is so touching like how could she have doubted at all his love, that this could work out. The look on her face is like, I’m so touched, no matter what the future will bring, I know for sure we’ll get through it together.
Then OMG HE WALKS OU OF THE WATER TO HER *ONCE AGAIN, THE CONVICTION* AND PLACES HIS ARM AROUND HER AND THEN-

“MOU ZETTAI HANASENAI”

FLLLAAAAIIIILLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL KYAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!

*Cue crescendo in music*
And Dana is crying.
You would totally expect a sex scene. But no. Sigh. But of course in the end, her dream was to have a family with him. She’s pregnant so, well, you know what that means, right?? *wiggling eyebrows*




Then the cute scene, where they run and play and gah, I love it. The director’s cut also included many more cute scenes.

Overall, this was a great end to the drama, it finished it off perfectly. What I really liked about this movie is that it stressed that Marriage is also another battle, it isn’t all sunshine and rainbows and that Makino and Domyouji experienced the ultimate trials of marriage and were still able to overcome and conquer. I loved how they realised the importance of marriage and what it means, that it’s not just a happily ever after if you don’t work at it.

Good message overall.

=)

16 Hours WELL SPENT.

Matsumoto Jun you are a sexy, sexy, sexy, sexy bitch.

I'm sorry to say this. But you are.

Roflamo, if anyone who knows me saw me say that, their whole image of me would be completely ruined. But you know, I am never one to shy away from pure and unadulterated fact.

You are even more of a sexy biznatch when you're rich, in new york, speaking english and totally and completely, one hundred percent passionately in love.

I have just spent the last day and a half watching the second season of Hana Yori Dango and the Hana Yori Dango Movie Final.

This shit is epic. This is HUGE. This is, the official love of my life. I love this series to death. I cannot ennumerate to you how much I am loving this series right now, I am obsessed with it. I cannot help myself. I love it. I would die with this thing, put it in my coffin, will you? Okay, I'll divide this into two posts since, as I said, this shit is EPIC. First, series two.

First reaction: WHOA.

JUST. WHOA.

SERIES TWO. WOW.

The first series was so funny, it was hilarious! This one isn't as funny but hell, it's more gut-wrenchingly heartbreaking, it REDEFINES ANGST. It begins from when Domyouji left for New York to discover who he was, to be "The Almighty Domyouji Tsukasa, heir to the Domyouji Financial Group." He has lost contact with Makino and the F4, so she decides to go to New York and see him.

ROFLMAO. They reunite at a hotdog stand OMG HE IS WAAAAAAAAYYYY HOTTER than before. Holy shit, New York did that boy some GOOOOD. In any case, he was there wearing these Tom Cruise Top Gun sunglasses and I was like D: *drool* and it was awkward and gosh, I was just so.... waaahhh....Okay to sum it all up, how I was feeling was so conflicted.

I sort of understood where he was coming from (it is HIGHLY ambiguous at this point) however, even though I was such a Domyouji/Makino fan, I felt like saying to Makino: Leave him! He's being a jackass! Go with Rui, the kind guy who loves you. (But of course, she doesn't need a kind guy who loves her, she needs Domyouji Tsukasa)Of course, I didn't really want her to be with Rui, I just wanted her to do SOMETHING that would make Tsukasa jealous, realise his feelings and then rush back to Japan to fall madly in love with her AGAIN. GAH. They're so stubborn those two! But then I started crying when Tsukasa's sister saved her from these evil guys (pathetic runts) then she ran after her car confessing that no matter how hard she's tried to forget him, no matter what she tries, everytime she really thinks she can get over him she feels awful because she's lying to her heart and she's betraying him and in her words: "I really...really...really...really...really...love him. I love him!" And she's crying and I'M Crying and faaahh.

Okay. whoosh. back to reality.

THEN. Tsukasa's MOTHER THAT EVIL WITCH (Back then, she was) goes and engages Tsukasa to Shigeru in front of her! GAAAAHH. And Shigeru is pretty annoying, very optimistic cheerful and vivacious, sort of like Makino at first - so YOU CAN'T HATE HER. DESPITE THE FACT THAT SHE DOES EVERYTHING TO STEAL TSUKASA AWAY. THEN RUI COMES ALONG AND KISSES MAKINO CONFESSING THAT HE HAS *SERIOUS* FEELINGS FOR MAKINO. THEN OMG NOOOOOO!!!!

What's worse is that if Tsukasa doesn't marry Shigeru then their companies won't merge and the Domyouji Group - richest greatest corporation in Japan - will be bankrupt and so will the Japanese economy and Domyouji knows this. That lives will be at stake that people's livelihoods and families will be affected so he forces himself to try to like Shugeru but he can't because he's still terribly in love with Makino and ...andd....and... this is a terribly long sentence. And you can't hate Rui because. Well, he's RUI.

In the end, Makino and Domyouji know that they love each other but are still too afraid to admit it because of all other factors involved. Then Domyouji discovers Rui's feelings and Rui is his best friend, and he's conflicted and he doesn't know what to do because Rui screams at him about how he's being such an indecisive jackass with his life and he gets angry because all those words are true and poor Domyouji needs to release all this pressure and stress and pent up angst so what does he do? He does what Domyouji Tsukasa does:

He beats the shit out of everybody and completely destroys the ENTIRE HALL.

Now Makino's wondering if she should give up Domyouji for Rui because it's easier and would hurt less people to be with him. THAT'S NOT A FUCKING REASON! I DONT CARE ABOUT SHIGERU OR THE ECONOMY! I DONT CARE.

In any case, Makino catches Shigeru fully trying to have sex with Tsukasa and she runs away *he's oblivious to all* and Shigeru tells her that they had sex although he pushed her off. But its good she doesn't believe it. Then Domyouji FINALLY BECOMES A MAN AND BREAKS UP WITH SHIGERU AND INTENDS TO DO SO BUT STILL KEEP THE MERGER IN TACT. HOWEVER, SHIGERU, WHO FINALLY REALISES DOMYOUJI'S HAPPINESS BREAKS OFF THE WEDDING AND TELLS HER PARENTS TO STILL GO ON WITH THE MERGER. SHE'S A LYING MOTHERFUCKING DUPLICITOUS BITCH.... BUT BY GOD YOU HAVE TO LOVE HER FOR HER NOBILITY. Thanks for being such a great sport. THE CHANGE IN DOMYOUJI IS UNBELIEVABLE!

AENAITSUNO!

ANYWAY. THEN HE GOES TO RUI'S HOUSE AND IN ORDER TO SAVE THEIR FRIENDSHIP GOES DOWN ON HIS FREAKING HANDS AND KNEES AND BEGS. BEGS. HE THE ALMIGHTY DOMOYOUJI TSUKASA WHO HAS NEVER APOLOGISED (well once, to Makino) IN HIS LIFE, THE PROUDEST MOST ARROGANT MAN ON EARTH IS ON HIS HANDS AND KNEES BEGGING FOR RUI TO GIVE UP ON MAKINO. MY GOD DOMYOUJI LOVES HER.

So now with Rui and Shigeru out of the way, they can be together. WRONG! The merger with Shigeru's family fails and the Domyouji group is going down the drain and because Domyouji chose to be with Makino his mum disowns him and cuts off all his money, so now he's poor BUT HE DOESN'T CARE. THIS SPPOILED RICH BRAT GAVE UP EVERYTHING, HIS LIFESTYLE, HIS LIFE FOR THE ONE HE LOVES. HE DOESNT CARE ABOUT BEING POOR, HE JUST KNOWS WITH ABSOLUTE CERTAINTY THAT THEY'RE MEANT TO BE AND SHOULD SPEND THEIR LIVES TOGETHER.

IN ANY CASE. He says this to her, but DO YOU KNOW WHAT SHE DID! THEY GO ON ONE DATE, RIGHT BUT THEN SHE BREAKS UP WITH HIM. MAKINO! I DID NOT GO THROUGH ALL THAT HEARTACHE AND CRYING FOR YOU TO GIVE UP ON HIM NOW, YOU BITCH! But seriously, you totally see where she's coming from. Because he's with Makino, Japan's entire economy is down the drain, their company is going bankrupt and thousands of lives are affected. So she ends it to end the suffering. So now THEY'RE SUFERING.

A-FREAKING-GAIN.

Now she's dirt poor and living in a fishing village where she meets this company owner who invented this great computer thing. She convinces him not to commit suicide and rebuild his company and they become great friends. Then Tsukasa comes to claim Makino back syaing: (omg)

"I'm not Domyouji Tsukasa anymore, I was disowned and now have nothing. I'm just a guy here to see the woman he's in love with."

Then what do those bloody villagers do! THEY FUCKING ACCIDENTALLY PUSH HIM OFF A CLIFF CAUSING HIM TO HIT HIS HEAD, HAVE MEMORY LOSS AND NOW HE CAN'T REMEMBER MAKINO AT ALL. THANKS GUYS. IDIOTS..

Anyway so at the hospital this Nurse bitch pretends to be Makino because he starts to get his memories back about the girl he was in love with and that nurse bitch pretends but he knows deep down inside because the domyouji/makino bond is "meant to be" ANYWAY. SO LIVE/DEATH SITUATION OCCURS AND HE EXPERIENCE DEJAVU AND HE REMEMBERS WHO SHE IS!!! YAY!!!

LAST EP. THIS WAS. ANYWAY.

THE PROPOSAL. OMG.

He proposes at the prom of after her graduation.

ONLY.

She rocks up late and its over and it's dark. wait here:

: dana. de3h - anata mo watashi mo POCKY! says:
After their graduation ceremony is the "prom" but due to car trouble she came late and the prom was already over. She steps into the hall and it's all dark except for one spotlight on him. he's like "You're late! Why aren't you wearing the dress I bought you?" and they talk a bit in the dark, then he asks he proposes! He holds out his hand and she takes it then all of a sudden the lights come on
.: dana. de3h - anata mo watashi mo POCKY! says:
and the auditorium is actually full and those shiny confetti stuff starts raining down on them and everyone is cheering and mexican waving and he sweeps her up off her feet and carries her and everyone they know is there to congratulate them and then they start to dance, because he's always wanted to dance with her at prom....



NOW OMG

THAT WAS SO GOOD, I HAVE BEEN ON AN EMOTIONAL ROLLERCOASTER RIDE.

14 HOURS OF GOODNESS.

10 HOURS OF CRYING. OMG IT WAS SO GOOD. BETTER THAN GOOD

RESPLENDENT

WONDERFUL

SUPERFLUOUS

BEYOND THIS WORLD

I LOVE THEM

omg i forgot to mention that Domyouji's mum finally accepts Makino because she saved the company and got them on top again because the computer guy she convinced not to commit suicide actually had a breakthrough invention that the domyouji group invested in and he chose to work with the domyouji group because of Makino so she saved everything and everyone and everything is all good. GO WOMAN POWER!

MatsuJun Hyperventilation

Domyouji Tsukasa and CUTENESS. These two vids are of MatsuJun having to act out skits/scenarios that people give him.

I'm acting like a fangirl.

I am not 14 any more, seriously!

But I cannot escape this:



Fuck man.

If he said that to me.

Died.

When he said "Oide" that was the cutest thing.

But gaaah, this next video. It makes me want to defenestrate my feminist ideals, and go out with a Domyouji Tsukasa, irritated, wild, white-shirt-wearing guy. Oh my word. I don't know why I find this supremely sexy but damn I wish I were that girl.

The situation in the video is, is that the woman's ideal man is this guy who is "irritated, wild and wears a white shirt" with the top three buttons undone. Mastumoto Jun has to act it out. Of course he could do it. He was Domyouji Tsukasa for heaven's sake!

But man.... faaahh.....



DIE.

That is the sexiest "Why?" I have ever heard.

If he asked me like that hell, I'd give him my bank details.

Vampiristic Tendencies.

Bite my neck and call me Nosterafu.

I am leeching, gasping, parasitically seeping the life out of my internet download limit in order to feed this growing child that I like to call "Rekindles Asian Sensation." Damn Hana Yori Dango, why did I even want to watch it in the first place?

I was on Youtube for like three hours today giving birth to my Arashi fandom. I have officially been converted to Arashi, Jenny, your band has won me over. They are adorable. I most especially can't get over all their personalities. I also found a few Hana Yori Dango vids on their but I haven't watched them because of course, they have spoilers. It appears that my source was unable to meet me again today and thus I am left unsatisfied, disappointed and not to mention, crazy obsessed. I feel like a junkie on withdrawal symptoms. Not good.

There's an adorable vid, just one of those slideshow ones, with Domyouji and Makino and heck I felt like bawling my eyes out. I'm not usually this emotional to pictures lol. But they have such a chemistry and work so well as a couple, kudos to the actors man. Gaaaahh.

But Arashi is just too adorable. Hmm, let me find an example. Oh I found this video of them with Ito Yuna, and of course, Ito Yuna was born in Hawaii and grew up in LA so she started teaching them Hawaiian Dance! It was so cute. "One, two, one two, uwehe"



Ito Yuna is gorgeous, and has a gorgeous singing voice. I love her. I would turn gay for her.

On other notes, lol I feel like doing one of those "51 things" Videos, for the sake of doing one, seriously, I reckon that it would be fun! First I need to find 51 things. I'd love to do one! :)

I'd better hop to it now, many things to accomplish! :D

Hana Yori Dango (Boys over Flowers)

EDIT:

Below is the rational, overall review, below that is the fangirl one.

Hana Yori Dango (Boys Over Flowers)
Air Date: 2005
Favourite Aspects: This is my favourite drama ever. I loved everything, the chemistry, the tension, the pace, the actors, brilliant. Also, Domyouji's transformation.
Least Favourite Aspects: Nothing much, actually.
Rating: A+ (5/5)
Overall Review: This is my favourite drama in the world. It's crazy, whacky and draws you in. The drama has a wonderful compelling quality that makes you want to do nothing but sit and watch as well as sigh and cry at the same time. Matsumoto Jun and Inoue have the best on screen chemistry I have ever seen, and Oguri Shun is an excellent Rui character who carries the right amount of ambiguity and mysteriousness. The change that progresses within Matsumoto Jun's character is gradual and believeable, which simply displays his remarkable acting talent and being able to accomplish such a change so smoothly. The last episode especially was beautiful, it wasn't cheesy, it was perfect. One of the best and most fitting love confessions for both their characters. Excellent.

-------------------------------------------------

There’s just something about Asian Dramas that always seems to get me. They’re completely different from Western Dramas. They lack the flair of the Hollywood signature bubble as well as our complications and idiosyncrasies and yet still manage to encapsulate the universality of the human condition. In my opinion, it is quite a good thing that they don’t encompass the “Hollywood” feel, which is why I love them. Asian Dramas are not afraid to be cheesy. Sometimes we need cheesy. Deep down we love cheesy. We revel in it. If we released our inhibitions, we would be living in houses made of macaroni and cheese because we love cheesiness.


One of the best (and major cheesy) Japanese Dramas around is 2005’s Hana Yori Dango (Boys over Flowers) meaning, boys are more important than flowers. This is the live-action drama version of the anime and manga originally written by Kamio Yoko. This series throws cliché at you but damn, those clichés are difficult to recognise – and thus we love them. A friend of mine is a rabid Matsumoto Jun (Domyouji Tsukasa) fan and thus of course she has watched this, along with perhaps everyone else. For three years I’ve been begged, bugged, pushed and prodded to watch this series and all the while I refused. Why? For the simple reason that I do not possess the internet download limit to support an entire series, as well as the fact that watching Dramas consumes a lot of time. But boy, I had totally forgotten that they are so worth it.

This series is excellent. It begins with our very strong, vivacious female protagonist, Makino Tsukushi who happens to be the only “poor” (in fact she’s not that poor, she’s middle class) student who attends Eitoku Gakuen, the richest, most prestigious and most elite high school in Japan. This school is home to the children of politicians, company and business tycoons and movie stars. Everyone arrives to school in a limo, have been (or lived) overseas and sports labels such as Gucci or Chanel with enough gall to flaunt that they bought said “school” paraphernalia in places such as Las Vegas, LA, New York, Paris and London. It’s enough to make a gal feel dejected. But not to be deterred, our strong Tsukushi endures the superficiality of her school, but most especially the F4. The F4, simply put, are the bane of Makino’s existence. Meaning Flower 4, the F4 are the richest sons of Japan and believe it or not – they rule the school. Literally. Because their families are filthy rich, they donate unhealthy sums of money so the faculty allows these students free reign. The F4 is headed by Domyouji Tsukasa, son and heir to the Domyouji financial group, followed by Hanazawa Rui, Mimasaka Akira and Nishikado Soujiroh. These boys don’t have to go to class, (frankly, they’re very intelligent) don’t have to wear a uniform and if you as so much look at them in the wrong way you’re dead. You receive a red notice. Red notices are serious business. You receive one and you are the weed of the school. Everyone (it’s frighteningly mob-like, really) taunts you, teases and harasses you to no end. That is, until one of the F4 – Domyouji usually – beats the living shit out of you.

Makino hates the attitude of the school. They fawn over the F4 relentlessly and are equally relentless to those who receive red notices. She hates the F4. So when viciously standing up for a friend, she receives a red notice. Domyouji Tsukasa is not pleased. A girl has never received a red notice before, and she’s the only girl who doesn’t worship the ground he walks on. Better yet, Makino has punched him in the face. However, in way of Domyouji’s (not to mention the whole school’s) rage, there comes an unlikely knight in shining armour – Hanazawa Rui. He’s cool, he’s calculated and mysterious. She begins to develop a bit of a crush on him.

That’s all and well, but how does Rui feel? Better yet, why is Tsukasa suddenly jealous of his best friend? Makino is the only girl who doesn’t like him, yet why does he suddenly focus his attentions on her?

I hated Domyouji in the beginning and loved Rui.

Now I am in love with Domyouji. He’s absolutely adorable. Rui it seems, is a good friend. But gaaaah Domyouji is so adorable and, well, different.

I was like okay, you’re only going to watch 2 episodes. Which is what I did. Then I couldn’t handle it. I wanted to watch one more, then one more, then one more and the next thing I knew I was getting caught up in this, laughing, crying, shouting. My word, I watched the whole thing. Now I’m desperate for more.

Five out of five stars on this one.
I loved it.