Top 20 JDrama of 2007

A recent survey conducted by Oricon reveals the top drama choices for the year 2007. Among the lists are some of my favorite and many that I’ve never seen before. I like to post this kind of information in the future because this is usually how I decide what to watch next. Being not in Japan or that well inform about all the drama-world, this is how I keep up – simply watch the best ones! I hope you’ll find this helpful in some way as well.

1. Hana Yori Dango 2 (75.2%)
2. Kaette Kita Jikou Keisatsu (74.9%)
3. Galileo (73.6%)
4. Iryu 2 (73.2%)
5. Karei Naru Ichizoku (71.3%)
6. SP (70.9%)
7. Haken no Hinkaku (70.0%)
8. Papa to Musume no Nanokakan (69.7%)
9. LIAR GAME (69.2%)
10. Hanazakari no Kimitachi e (69.0%)
11. LIFE (68.0%)
12. Proposal Daisakusen (67.7%)
12. Hotaru no Hikari (67.7%)
12. Haikei, Chichiue-sama (67.7%)
12. Tokumei Kakarichou Tadano Hitoshi 3 (67.7%)
16. Tokyo Tower (66.9%)
17. Yamada Taro Monogatari (66.8%)
18. Watashitachi no Kyoukasho (66.7%)
19. Bambino! (66.2%)
20. Hataraki Man (66.1%)

Source: Asian Fanatic News

The bolded titles are those I’ve seen already. As you can see, I’m a little behind. However, I sure am happy Hana Yori Dango made it to number 1. Awesome!

p.s. I know I previously stated that I’ll only post on Friday from now on. However, I wanted to post this before 2007 is over.

Contemplating…a Schedule? Plus Upcoming Reviews

I’m going to try something new this coming year and that is posting according to a schedule.  I plan to post every Friday as I have classes Monday-Thursday next semester.  I might even make many posts but only one will be displayed every Friday thanks to this “Post Timestamp” tool I JUST discovered. XD  If everything works out and I find enough time every week to make a post, I think this blog will be a lot more fun to visit.  This will be the first post going according to that schedule.  Okay, now to the Asian Cinemas!

Galileo – The final episode has been broadcasted in Japan and the subtitle version should be up shortly for viewing.  When I’ve seen the last episode and fully digest everything, a review should be up shortly.  Overally, I’m planning to give this drama something in the B range.  While it is very interesting, somewhat funny, and offer a wealth of information, it lacks in character development.  Unfortunately, I value character development A LOT and especially so for a drama series.  Why?  Because there exists many episodes for the director to either fully or somewhat allow the viewers to understand a character.  This show puts too much focus on crimes and its results, leaving the characters involve to simply be the presenter of a crime.

My Two Face Girlfriend – This was a really great Korean Movie with a giant twist at the end that’ll surprise everyone.   It’s another story about love, but it’s a love story for someone with multiple personalities!  Quite crazy and quite hilarious too.  Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to like any of the character meaning the characters have no appeal.  That’s the only flaw with this movie in my opinion.  Also a possible B.

Merry Christmas – Happy Holidays!

It’s Christmas! I’d like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and thank everyone for visiting and reading my blog. To date, this blog has received 2,356 visits since its creation 4 months ago and I couldn’t be happier. I wish everyone will have a pleasant Christmas with your family and friends and of course LOTS OF PRESENTS. Here’s mine to you. It’s not much, but feel free to save it and view at your pleasure.

Hmm…Seems like…Nothing’s Good These Days!

I’ve been relaxing for about a week worth now thanks to the wonderful creation of Christmas Break. To my horrors, I can’t seem to find any drama that catches my attention while I’m on my break. So far I’ve just been catching the latest episode of what I was watching before. If this keeps up, I’m afraid of what’s going to come for the Asian Cinema community in the upcoming year. Anyhow, these are the shows that I’ve been catching up on.

Romantic Princess – The latest Taiwanese drama for actor/singer Wu Chun who became incredibly famous after taking part in the Taiwanese Hana Kimi drama. His co-star is Angela Zhang who’s also a singer. The show is about a poor girl who dream of becoming rich one day, living in a ginormous mansion, etc. The regular dreams every girl/person on this planet have. HOWEVER, what’ll happen when it DOES come true? Angela plays Xao Mai who must figures out what kind of world really is the best for her. Being happy and silly while always worrying about the bills, or being so affluent that it sucks?

Galileo – This is definitely a great show to watch if you’re into mystery, the supernatural, and science. Quite an interesting mix of the three all in one for this show. It’s also very humerous and quirky in its own ways. The show is 10 episodes long and 8 are already out. The show has a very simple, repetive plot but always end up surprising you: Detective finds an unsolvable case, takes case to Galileo (a genius physicist), the case is then furter investigated, and the true nature of the case soon becomes clear. It has a very Detective Conan feel to it if you know what I mean.

And that’s it. XP

Grave of the Fireflies – R

This will be my first review for an animated movie. I want to first explain why I think an animated movie can be count as Asian Cinema. The reason being it has all the characteristics for a great movie and sometimes even more: character development, exceptional scenery, and most important of all – a great plot with meaningful themes. In the movie Grave of the Fireflies, message about war, people, and death can be found in every scenes. Truly one of the greatest animated movie I’ve seen thus far.

Releasted in 1988
Based on the novel by Akiyuki Nosaka
Directed by Isao Ikahata
Overall Rating: A+

The Drama Difference

It’s late, but I can’t sleep so I’ll dwell on questions about Asian drama until I feel sleepy. One of the main question that has been on my mind lately is what’s the difference between Korean drama and Japan drama (henceforth Kdrama and Jdrama)? Some brief history: A series that is based on “drama” was originally started in Japan. One of the first drama the garnered the public’s attention was the Great Teacher Onizuka series that had emphasis on the dramas of modern life – something new to the Asian audience. And do take my word of it, that was / is a new idea. Asian cinemas have long focused on the ancients with long series from Taiwan, Hong Kong, and China being very popular. Series that focused on modern life and its problems were looked down upon by the old generation because it was too “leud” and inappropriate. However, that all changed as the years passed by. Korea finally joined the drama frenzy and was surprisingly very good at it. Their first biggest hit that also started the “Korean Wave” was non-other than Winter Sonata. So, what is the main difference between Korea and Japan in regards to their drama show?

Liar Game – R

Liar Game, a drama that ironically speaks more about honesty instead of shrewdness. I’m sure we’ve all been lied to once or twice in our life-time or perhaps vice versa where you’re the liar. This aspect intriques me and I once again embarks on another drama-watching adventure. A pleasant surprise for all Hana Yori Dango fans: Shota Matsuda (who played Soujiro in HYD) and Erika Toda (who played the too-happy-for-her-own-good girl in HYD2 near the end) star as the show’s main cast.

Based on a manga by Shinobu Kaitani.
Broadcased in April of 2007.
11 episodes in total.
Overall rating: A-

The Year End Wrap Up – R

Hello, everyone.  Once again, many apologies for not keeping up with this blog in the past few weeks.  If anyone’s in the US education system right now, you all should know it was / is Finals Week.  Thankfully, I only have one final left which gives me the time to post this.  Also, I like to point out that all review posts now include a “R” in the subject line to separate them from all of my rambling posts.

Well, as the year winds down this December, I’d like to take this time to take a look back at all of the Asian cinemas I’ve seen this year that makes an impact on me may it be positively or negatively.  Also please note that even though I did see these shows/movie this year, they may not have been produced this year.  Additionally, shows that I’ve already reviewed won’t be in this post.  Let’s start with the bad ones, shall we?