"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.