Last Friends

[gennie88]

While I am an avid fan of Hong Kong dramas and have watched a few Korean Dorama's, this series was my first foray into the Japanese style dorama. The series itself was a serious drama and the story, while dark, still had a very positive message, which was the importance of friends and friendships. I'd also like to note that the series also took a stab at introducing some relatively controversial topics and the popular cast really took a chance with working with it, especially Ueno Juri.

The story itself focuses on four main characters, Michiru played by Nagasawa Masami, Ruka by Ueno Juri, Takeru by Eita and Sosuke by Nishikida Ryo. The series utilizes many contemporary issues that are affecting young 20 somethings in Japan today. These characters interact, form relationships and come to terms with these issues in many tense and wonderfully complicated cinematic arcs. Ueno Juri in particular did a very good job of showcasing her acting talent by playing the quiet and broody Ruka, a departure from the high energy, sunny and silly characters that she's played in the past.

Ultimately I would recommend this series. While at times dark and serious, it is most def. a suspenseful and thrilling show to watch. My only criticism is that I felt that the story did fall apart at the end and that the special was more of a recap than an additional end to the story.

[merychan]

I like this drama, the actors are all very good!