<![CDATA[Amped Asia Forums - Asian Entertainment Forums - Japanese Reviews]]> http://www.ampedasia.com/forums/ Sat, 21 Nov 2009 07:18:16 -0600 MyBB <![CDATA[Koizora review]]> http://www.ampedasia.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=14563 Tue, 14 Apr 2009 15:43:56 -0500 http://www.ampedasia.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=14563
Synopsis
The main character, Mika, is living her happy teen life with her friends when fate has her begin a relationship with Hiro. He may have the bad boys look but he's really gentle towards her. Their happiness irritates Hiro's ex-girlfriend, Saki, so much that she hires a bunch of up-to-no-good guys to kidnap and rape Mika.
[Image: findingmika.jpg]
Hiro brings his ex to Mika for punishment but Mika saves her from getting beaten to death. With Hiro's kindness and patience, her wound is healed and she becomes able to accept his touch again.
Soon after, Mika becomes pregnant with Hiro's child. They are both overjoyed and decide to keep the baby.
[Image: letshavethebaby.jpg]
Fortunately, the parents don't oppose much. The couple's hopes are smashed down as a miscarriage occurs, thanks to the Saki. Devastated but still holding on to each other, they agree to visit the memento of their child every year on the 24th of December.
The happy ever after is ruined with Hiro's sudden change of heart. From avoiding Mika to bluntly saying he wants to play with other girls, Hiro turns into to perfect jerk, causing Mika to suffer a lot as she still loves him and refuses to accept the breakup. He eventually throws her away and disappears from her life.
[Image: wontwipeyourtears.jpg]
Since life goes on anyway, Mika keeps studying and meets a nice and warm guy which promises to always stay by her side. Yu doesn't ask her to return his feelings but to be his friend. Thanks to his sweet nature, he helps Mika find her smile again and even keep her family together.
The ritual of visiting the baby's grave is still being observed by both Mika and Hiro and this leads to them meeting. But the brief encounter turns sour as Hiro walks away without replying to his ex' questions; "what were the reasons for this breakup, Hiro?" Mika starts following him but realizes how ungrateful it would be toward Yu who she is now with.
The next Christmas eve sees Mika and her current lover coming to put flowers on the memorial stone. Respectful of her feelings, Yu lets her go alone. When she reaches the place, it's not Hiro but one of his friends that is here to pay his respects. The truth is then unveiled: Hiro is dying from cancer. He's known for years and had forbidden anyone to tell her about his situation. Stunned at first, she runs to the hospital where he is. Yu accepts to sacrifice himself for her happiness.
She then gets back to Hiro's side. Although he can't move around much, they have lots of fun together and she devotes herself to taking care of him, praying that a miracle would happen. But Hiro passes away, leaving beautiful and tearful memories to his beloved, becoming the sky that watches over her.
[Image: savedbyhiro.jpg]


As I stated earlier, I've been avoiding this movie for some time. I was sure to end up sad I have no regrets. Even if some may find the story a bit long, there is no feeling of hoping in time. The actors' allowed me to watch love growing, blooming, withering then coming back strong.
One of the parts that really touched me was the post-rape views: all this red, the bloody sunset made me think of the testimonies I have read about this kind of trauma. And not being able to react to anything, wishing to disappear... these emotions have been well portrayed. I also appreciated that the emphasis was not put on the rape act as this is one of the reasons I feared to watch the movie.


After watching the movie, I have a few things to ponder about.
First is this question; How in the world can a girl wish for another one to be raped?
My country’s story has been very troubled and in times of crisis, awful stories would be told on this subject. I was always so scared of this happening to my sister that I had nightmares very often. So I just cannot begin to understand how one can wish this to another person. I can understand feelings of betrayal, deciding to never talk to someone, but wishing so much hurt and paying for it?...
[Image: inthefieldd.jpg]
It reminds me of a group of women who were crying because their husbands had been killed. They were known criminal and had hurt many families. I don’t agree with killing people because we don’t have the power to bring them back but how can they say this death is totally unfair? If you can accept being taken care off with the money stolen from another person, you must expect the same to happen to you. It’s only Karma.
The other aspect that is making my mind and heart hurt is Hiro’s silence. Why did he keep it to himself? Some will answer that it was very noble and courageous of him; he only wanted the girl he loved to live happily… But what about the pain the rejected person has to go through? Others might object that being there with him from the beginning and watching him suffer all these years might have made her grow tired of this; at some point she could have even hoped for his departure. And the pain from the two separations have her appreciate love… I have no absolute answer to this question. But I’d rather know, I think.
[Image: backtotheriverside.jpg]

Bottom-Line
Crying, laughing, getting mad, feeling puzzled are the emotions Koizora will let you experience. If you're up for some tears, then go ahead with my blessing. If you're looking for something funny and light, skip it but save it for some other day because Koizora is definitely a must-watch.]]>
Synopsis
The main character, Mika, is living her happy teen life with her friends when fate has her begin a relationship with Hiro. He may have the bad boys look but he's really gentle towards her. Their happiness irritates Hiro's ex-girlfriend, Saki, so much that she hires a bunch of up-to-no-good guys to kidnap and rape Mika.
[Image: findingmika.jpg]
Hiro brings his ex to Mika for punishment but Mika saves her from getting beaten to death. With Hiro's kindness and patience, her wound is healed and she becomes able to accept his touch again.
Soon after, Mika becomes pregnant with Hiro's child. They are both overjoyed and decide to keep the baby.
[Image: letshavethebaby.jpg]
Fortunately, the parents don't oppose much. The couple's hopes are smashed down as a miscarriage occurs, thanks to the Saki. Devastated but still holding on to each other, they agree to visit the memento of their child every year on the 24th of December.
The happy ever after is ruined with Hiro's sudden change of heart. From avoiding Mika to bluntly saying he wants to play with other girls, Hiro turns into to perfect jerk, causing Mika to suffer a lot as she still loves him and refuses to accept the breakup. He eventually throws her away and disappears from her life.
[Image: wontwipeyourtears.jpg]
Since life goes on anyway, Mika keeps studying and meets a nice and warm guy which promises to always stay by her side. Yu doesn't ask her to return his feelings but to be his friend. Thanks to his sweet nature, he helps Mika find her smile again and even keep her family together.
The ritual of visiting the baby's grave is still being observed by both Mika and Hiro and this leads to them meeting. But the brief encounter turns sour as Hiro walks away without replying to his ex' questions; "what were the reasons for this breakup, Hiro?" Mika starts following him but realizes how ungrateful it would be toward Yu who she is now with.
The next Christmas eve sees Mika and her current lover coming to put flowers on the memorial stone. Respectful of her feelings, Yu lets her go alone. When she reaches the place, it's not Hiro but one of his friends that is here to pay his respects. The truth is then unveiled: Hiro is dying from cancer. He's known for years and had forbidden anyone to tell her about his situation. Stunned at first, she runs to the hospital where he is. Yu accepts to sacrifice himself for her happiness.
She then gets back to Hiro's side. Although he can't move around much, they have lots of fun together and she devotes herself to taking care of him, praying that a miracle would happen. But Hiro passes away, leaving beautiful and tearful memories to his beloved, becoming the sky that watches over her.
[Image: savedbyhiro.jpg]


As I stated earlier, I've been avoiding this movie for some time. I was sure to end up sad I have no regrets. Even if some may find the story a bit long, there is no feeling of hoping in time. The actors' allowed me to watch love growing, blooming, withering then coming back strong.
One of the parts that really touched me was the post-rape views: all this red, the bloody sunset made me think of the testimonies I have read about this kind of trauma. And not being able to react to anything, wishing to disappear... these emotions have been well portrayed. I also appreciated that the emphasis was not put on the rape act as this is one of the reasons I feared to watch the movie.


After watching the movie, I have a few things to ponder about.
First is this question; How in the world can a girl wish for another one to be raped?
My country’s story has been very troubled and in times of crisis, awful stories would be told on this subject. I was always so scared of this happening to my sister that I had nightmares very often. So I just cannot begin to understand how one can wish this to another person. I can understand feelings of betrayal, deciding to never talk to someone, but wishing so much hurt and paying for it?...
[Image: inthefieldd.jpg]
It reminds me of a group of women who were crying because their husbands had been killed. They were known criminal and had hurt many families. I don’t agree with killing people because we don’t have the power to bring them back but how can they say this death is totally unfair? If you can accept being taken care off with the money stolen from another person, you must expect the same to happen to you. It’s only Karma.
The other aspect that is making my mind and heart hurt is Hiro’s silence. Why did he keep it to himself? Some will answer that it was very noble and courageous of him; he only wanted the girl he loved to live happily… But what about the pain the rejected person has to go through? Others might object that being there with him from the beginning and watching him suffer all these years might have made her grow tired of this; at some point she could have even hoped for his departure. And the pain from the two separations have her appreciate love… I have no absolute answer to this question. But I’d rather know, I think.
[Image: backtotheriverside.jpg]

Bottom-Line
Crying, laughing, getting mad, feeling puzzled are the emotions Koizora will let you experience. If you're up for some tears, then go ahead with my blessing. If you're looking for something funny and light, skip it but save it for some other day because Koizora is definitely a must-watch.]]> <![CDATA[[MOVIE] Kisaragi]]> http://www.ampedasia.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=14278 Fri, 20 Feb 2009 18:40:04 -0600 http://www.ampedasia.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=14278
Title: Kisaragi
Release: 2007
Genre: comedy/mystery
Director: Yuichi Sato
Cast:
- Shun Oguri as Iemoto
- Yusuke Santamaria as Oda Yuuji
- Keisuke Koide as Snake
- Muga Tsukaji as Yasuo
- Teruyuki Kagawa as Strawberry Girl
- Kanako Sakai as Kisaragi Miki
- Jo Shishido
Other info:
Nominated for 4 awards of the Japanese Academy (best director, best actor in a supporting role for Teruyuki Kagawa, best film and best screenplay)
Synopsis:
On the anniversary of the death of Kisaragi Miki, an almost unknow idol, five of her fans organize a meeting through a chat room with the purpose of offering her a memorial party.
During the meeting, one of them reveal that he suspects that the cause of Kisaragi death wasn´t suicide as the police and the papers said, but murderer; moreover, he´s certain about the fact that the murderer is one of the five of them. From then onward they start sharing information and accusations, and one twist in the plot is followed by another.

My opinion about this movie:
The entire movie is filmed in the same room where the meeting is being take place, which is somehow a way to distress the mind, coz as static as the set is, the dynamic is the plot.
The cast is great, and they do really well with a script that entails so much changes in the mood and the situation of each character.
The story is intelligent and well built, so for those who enjoy watching mystery movies is a must-seen (try and follow the hints, the end is very surprising and wonderful, bittersweet), as it is for those who love stories about the human being and how our actions towards other people can influence them to the point to change their lifes.
I can´t say anything else if I don´t wanna spoil, but is one of my favourite movies ever because it has everything I value in a movie: great plot, skilled actors performing well built roles that you can
feel as real, and the warm feeling a good and deep movie leaves on your heart.
As random note I would add that even the making of is worth of watching ^^[/align]]]>
Title: Kisaragi
Release: 2007
Genre: comedy/mystery
Director: Yuichi Sato
Cast:
- Shun Oguri as Iemoto
- Yusuke Santamaria as Oda Yuuji
- Keisuke Koide as Snake
- Muga Tsukaji as Yasuo
- Teruyuki Kagawa as Strawberry Girl
- Kanako Sakai as Kisaragi Miki
- Jo Shishido
Other info:
Nominated for 4 awards of the Japanese Academy (best director, best actor in a supporting role for Teruyuki Kagawa, best film and best screenplay)
Synopsis:
On the anniversary of the death of Kisaragi Miki, an almost unknow idol, five of her fans organize a meeting through a chat room with the purpose of offering her a memorial party.
During the meeting, one of them reveal that he suspects that the cause of Kisaragi death wasn´t suicide as the police and the papers said, but murderer; moreover, he´s certain about the fact that the murderer is one of the five of them. From then onward they start sharing information and accusations, and one twist in the plot is followed by another.

My opinion about this movie:
The entire movie is filmed in the same room where the meeting is being take place, which is somehow a way to distress the mind, coz as static as the set is, the dynamic is the plot.
The cast is great, and they do really well with a script that entails so much changes in the mood and the situation of each character.
The story is intelligent and well built, so for those who enjoy watching mystery movies is a must-seen (try and follow the hints, the end is very surprising and wonderful, bittersweet), as it is for those who love stories about the human being and how our actions towards other people can influence them to the point to change their lifes.
I can´t say anything else if I don´t wanna spoil, but is one of my favourite movies ever because it has everything I value in a movie: great plot, skilled actors performing well built roles that you can
feel as real, and the warm feeling a good and deep movie leaves on your heart.
As random note I would add that even the making of is worth of watching ^^[/align]]]> <![CDATA[[DRAMA] 33pun tantei -review-]]> http://www.ampedasia.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=14277 Fri, 20 Feb 2009 16:25:34 -0600 http://www.ampedasia.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=14277
Title: 33pun tantei (33 minutes detective)
First season chapters: 9 (2nd season coming this year! yay!!)
Broadcast period: 2008-Aug-02 to 2008-Sep-27
Genre: mystery/comedy
Cast:
- Domoto Tsuyoshi as Kurama Rokuro
- Mizukawa Asami as Muto Rikako
- Takahashi Katsumi as Police Inspector Otawara
- Totsugi Shigeyuki as Detective Motegi
- Sato Jiro as the judgment official
- Nonami Maho as Ai (assistant to the judgment official)
- Kojima Yoshio as the informer

Synopsis:
Detective Kurama Rokuro is a mystery & detective stories geek who "help" the police resolving cases; help, with "", coz he´ll distort even the easiest cases with his absurd reasoning (mostly based on the books he read, so you´ll found several references to Chesterton, Doyle, Christie and other writters) in order to make the show reaches 33 minutes. Besides him is Asami, his Watson, the inspector Otawara (who, dunno why, keps on asking our tantei for help ^^Wink, Detective Motegi (who will find the most bizarre witness), the perverted judgment official, his naive assistant and the Informer (a guy that can gives you hints about a case and teach you how to win a gold medal in the Olimpics).

I´m enjoying watching this, coz even if each episode has the same structure than the previous, the craziness makes every one of them special (for me, just the end of each chapter is worth of watching it ^^). So if you wanna roll on the floor and start guessing why Domoto Tsuyoshi hadn´t performed in more comedy dramas when it seems he bore for that, just watch it ;3]]>
Title: 33pun tantei (33 minutes detective)
First season chapters: 9 (2nd season coming this year! yay!!)
Broadcast period: 2008-Aug-02 to 2008-Sep-27
Genre: mystery/comedy
Cast:
- Domoto Tsuyoshi as Kurama Rokuro
- Mizukawa Asami as Muto Rikako
- Takahashi Katsumi as Police Inspector Otawara
- Totsugi Shigeyuki as Detective Motegi
- Sato Jiro as the judgment official
- Nonami Maho as Ai (assistant to the judgment official)
- Kojima Yoshio as the informer

Synopsis:
Detective Kurama Rokuro is a mystery & detective stories geek who "help" the police resolving cases; help, with "", coz he´ll distort even the easiest cases with his absurd reasoning (mostly based on the books he read, so you´ll found several references to Chesterton, Doyle, Christie and other writters) in order to make the show reaches 33 minutes. Besides him is Asami, his Watson, the inspector Otawara (who, dunno why, keps on asking our tantei for help ^^Wink, Detective Motegi (who will find the most bizarre witness), the perverted judgment official, his naive assistant and the Informer (a guy that can gives you hints about a case and teach you how to win a gold medal in the Olimpics).

I´m enjoying watching this, coz even if each episode has the same structure than the previous, the craziness makes every one of them special (for me, just the end of each chapter is worth of watching it ^^). So if you wanna roll on the floor and start guessing why Domoto Tsuyoshi hadn´t performed in more comedy dramas when it seems he bore for that, just watch it ;3]]> <![CDATA[code blue]]> http://www.ampedasia.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=13995 Sat, 20 Dec 2008 12:08:06 -0600 http://www.ampedasia.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=13995 for me this is a good movies because in here we can see how the doctor rescure man in danger situation
this movies play by aragaki yui (the most cool artist), and many young artist
i think u must wacth this movies i am sure u will satisfeld]]> for me this is a good movies because in here we can see how the doctor rescure man in danger situation
this movies play by aragaki yui (the most cool artist), and many young artist
i think u must wacth this movies i am sure u will satisfeld]]> <![CDATA[Dororo review]]> http://www.ampedasia.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=13444 Wed, 22 Oct 2008 13:48:31 -0500 http://www.ampedasia.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=13444
Satoshi Tsumabuki as Hyakki maru
Kou Shibasaki as Dororo

Story:
A female warrior (Shibasaki) who was raised as a man joins a young samurai's quest to recover his body parts from demons. Hyakki Maru (the samurai) is blind, but all of his senses are alligned with his surroundings. In his quest to recover his bodyparts from demons he faces a great warlord and slowly he finds out the truth of his origin.

Review:
As the story unfolds the plot becomes obvious and the action starts. The scenes in the beginning are amazing and watchable but later in the movie it suddenly makes an unexpected twist and turn to Power Ranger and Godzilla like scenary which actually cut it for me. Made me wonder: did they run out of fundings or what????? It would have been okay if the whole movie was made like that but seems quite ridiculous when some of the monsters are animated and others are poorly made costumes. But liked the fact that the movie and story is kindda similar to the animated ones.

Rating: 75% ...the fairly bad rating is due to the sudden FX change.]]>
Satoshi Tsumabuki as Hyakki maru
Kou Shibasaki as Dororo

Story:
A female warrior (Shibasaki) who was raised as a man joins a young samurai's quest to recover his body parts from demons. Hyakki Maru (the samurai) is blind, but all of his senses are alligned with his surroundings. In his quest to recover his bodyparts from demons he faces a great warlord and slowly he finds out the truth of his origin.

Review:
As the story unfolds the plot becomes obvious and the action starts. The scenes in the beginning are amazing and watchable but later in the movie it suddenly makes an unexpected twist and turn to Power Ranger and Godzilla like scenary which actually cut it for me. Made me wonder: did they run out of fundings or what????? It would have been okay if the whole movie was made like that but seems quite ridiculous when some of the monsters are animated and others are poorly made costumes. But liked the fact that the movie and story is kindda similar to the animated ones.

Rating: 75% ...the fairly bad rating is due to the sudden FX change.]]> <![CDATA[Hanazakari no Kimitachi e]]> http://www.ampedasia.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=12656 Sat, 06 Sep 2008 15:21:32 -0500 http://www.ampedasia.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=12656 This drama is based on the manga of the very same name by Nakajo Hisaya. Ashiya Mizuki is a female student from the United States (California) who runs off to join the all boys school Osaka Gakuen to try and meet/get Sano Izumi (Oguri Shun)..who is a high jump athlete....to jump again. She disguises herself as a boy in order to attend, but does not fool the school's Doctor Umeda, and that is where all her trouble begin. Along for the ride is Ikuta Toma who plays Nakatsu, a hot-blooded soccer player that falls for Mizuki even when convinced that she is really a he. Even more hilarity ensues there after!!!

Cast:
* Horikita Maki as Ashiya Mizuki
* Oguri Shun as Sano Izumi
* Ikuta Toma as Nakatsu Shuichi
* Konno Mahiru as Hara Akiha
* Kamikawa Takaya as Umeda Hokuto
Ishigaki Yuma as Tennoji Megumi(1st Dorm Leader)
Mizushima Hiro as Nanba Minami(2nd Dorm Leader)
Kyo Nobuo as Himejima Masao(Oscar M. Himejima, 3rd Dorm Leader)
12 episodes long.

credit: http://wiki.d-addicts.com/Hanazakari_no_Kimitachi_e ; http://wwwz.fujitv.co.jp/hanakimi/index.html ; ]]> This drama is based on the manga of the very same name by Nakajo Hisaya. Ashiya Mizuki is a female student from the United States (California) who runs off to join the all boys school Osaka Gakuen to try and meet/get Sano Izumi (Oguri Shun)..who is a high jump athlete....to jump again. She disguises herself as a boy in order to attend, but does not fool the school's Doctor Umeda, and that is where all her trouble begin. Along for the ride is Ikuta Toma who plays Nakatsu, a hot-blooded soccer player that falls for Mizuki even when convinced that she is really a he. Even more hilarity ensues there after!!!

Cast:
* Horikita Maki as Ashiya Mizuki
* Oguri Shun as Sano Izumi
* Ikuta Toma as Nakatsu Shuichi
* Konno Mahiru as Hara Akiha
* Kamikawa Takaya as Umeda Hokuto
Ishigaki Yuma as Tennoji Megumi(1st Dorm Leader)
Mizushima Hiro as Nanba Minami(2nd Dorm Leader)
Kyo Nobuo as Himejima Masao(Oscar M. Himejima, 3rd Dorm Leader)
12 episodes long.

credit: http://wiki.d-addicts.com/Hanazakari_no_Kimitachi_e ; http://wwwz.fujitv.co.jp/hanakimi/index.html ; ]]> <![CDATA[Maou]]> http://www.ampedasia.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=12655 Sat, 06 Sep 2008 14:42:48 -0500 http://www.ampedasia.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=12655 [Image: 9d6410e7ffc2c0_full.jpg]
[Image: maou.jpg]
Aura9969 is me on Photobucket, which is where these images are from!!


This drama is a remake of the popular suspense drama The Devil that was aired in Korea last year. Ohno Satoshi will be playing the role of a two-faced lawyer, one of which is a kind hearted soul and the other who is plotting revenge, using his brilliant mind, on the person who killed his relative. On the other hand, Ikuta Toma will play the double lead role of the man, who has become a detective due to his dark past, who is pursuing the mysterious series of murders and fighting against the devil (Maou).

Credit: Drama Wiki and Japanese Wikipedia


Cast:
# Ohno Satoshi as Naruse Ryo/Mannaka Tomoo

* Kouno Hiroki as young Tomoo (11 years ago)

# Ikuta Toma as Serizawa Naoto

* Kimura Haruki as young Naoto (11 years ago)

# Kobayashi Ryoko as Sakita Shiori

* Masuyama Kayano as young Shiori (11 years ago)

# Tanaka Kei as Kasai Hitoshi

* Uemura Yuto as young Hitoshi (11 years ago)

# Oshinari Shugo as Souda Mitsuru

* Honma Haruo as young Mitsuru (11 years ago)

# Waki Tomohiro as Ishimoto Yosuke

* Nakamura Ryunoshin (中村竜之慎) as young Yosuke (11 years ago)

# Uehara Misa as Takatsuka Kaoru

# Shinohara Mai as Nishina Eri

# Shimizu Yutaka (清水優) as Yamano Makoto

* Horimoto Takaya (堀本昴弥) as young Makoto

Guests:

* Ninomiya Kazunari as Kumada Masayoshi (ep1)
* Asaka Mayumi as Mannaka Yoshimi (ep1,2,4)
* Morishita Tetsuo as Kumada Takahiro (ep1,2)
* Kitaro as Hayashi Kunio (ep1,2)
* Okunuki Kaoru as Shintani Tae (ep2-)
* Oono Momoka (大野百花) as Shintani Sora (ep2-)
* Musaka Naomasa as Ikehata Takahiro (ep4-7)
* Yuka as Naruse Makiko (ep4-7)
* Tanino Outa (谷野欧太) as the real Naruse Ryo (ep5-)
* Shimada Kyusaku as Oosumi Kazuma (ep5-)

Producers, etc:

* Screenwriters: Maekawa Yoichi (前川洋一), Nishida Masafumi (西田征史)
* Producers: Takahashi Masanao, Watanabe Ryosuke (渡辺良介)
* Director: Kato Arata
* Music: Sawano Hiroyuki (澤野弘之)

Credit: Drama Wiki and Japanese Wikipedia

My opinion:

Yay!!!! This is the new drama on TBS in Japan and last week (September 3, 2008) was the 9th episode and what a series this has been so far!!! This drama is apparently a remake of the Korean drama "The Devil" that aired on KBS in 2007. Ridda-san (Ohno Satoshi) plays a two-sided lawyer (Angel/Demon) who is using his keen mind to avenge the death of his brother at the hand of a classmate (the brother's). Ikuta Toma is playing the second lead role of the detective Serizawa Naoto, who became a detective because of what happened in the past...can anyone guess…but anyway; he, well quite literally, runs around trying to solve various murders that happen to people close to him and tries to uncover the “true” criminal behind the various events. The story line is excellent; there is not really anything that I can say against it. The music and background sounds fit the moods of certain key moments nicely. The most interesting part, so far, has been how suspenseful and how the story is being played out in these 9 episodes so far.

I can’t believe how well the roles suited Toma-san and Satoshi-san. The only other role that I really liked Toma playing was Nakatsu in Hana Kimi (Japan), and the only other “Drama” roles that I have seen Ohno-san star in were Pika*nchi Life is Hard Dakedo/Dekara Happy and Kiiroi Namida. I have yet to watch the Korean version, but the way this series has caught my interest, I just may end up gluing my eyes to the screen to watch it!!! The first episode was aired on July 4, 2008 at 10:00pm (22:00). There are approximately 11 episodes, but you know how they like to do SPs, so who knows!?!?!?!? I recommend this series 100% to anyone who likes: Suspense, drama, some blood, Ohno, Nino, and Ikuta Toma.


If you want more info here are some sites for you: http://wiki.d-addicts.com/Maou ; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maou ; http://www.tbs.co.jp/maou2008/
ENJOY!!!!DanceChickenhearts
[Image: 9d6410e7ffc2c0_full.jpg]
[Image: maou.jpg]

Aura9969 is me on photobucket!!!]]> [Image: 9d6410e7ffc2c0_full.jpg]
[Image: maou.jpg]
Aura9969 is me on Photobucket, which is where these images are from!!


This drama is a remake of the popular suspense drama The Devil that was aired in Korea last year. Ohno Satoshi will be playing the role of a two-faced lawyer, one of which is a kind hearted soul and the other who is plotting revenge, using his brilliant mind, on the person who killed his relative. On the other hand, Ikuta Toma will play the double lead role of the man, who has become a detective due to his dark past, who is pursuing the mysterious series of murders and fighting against the devil (Maou).

Credit: Drama Wiki and Japanese Wikipedia


Cast:
# Ohno Satoshi as Naruse Ryo/Mannaka Tomoo

* Kouno Hiroki as young Tomoo (11 years ago)

# Ikuta Toma as Serizawa Naoto

* Kimura Haruki as young Naoto (11 years ago)

# Kobayashi Ryoko as Sakita Shiori

* Masuyama Kayano as young Shiori (11 years ago)

# Tanaka Kei as Kasai Hitoshi

* Uemura Yuto as young Hitoshi (11 years ago)

# Oshinari Shugo as Souda Mitsuru

* Honma Haruo as young Mitsuru (11 years ago)

# Waki Tomohiro as Ishimoto Yosuke

* Nakamura Ryunoshin (中村竜之慎) as young Yosuke (11 years ago)

# Uehara Misa as Takatsuka Kaoru

# Shinohara Mai as Nishina Eri

# Shimizu Yutaka (清水優) as Yamano Makoto

* Horimoto Takaya (堀本昴弥) as young Makoto

Guests:

* Ninomiya Kazunari as Kumada Masayoshi (ep1)
* Asaka Mayumi as Mannaka Yoshimi (ep1,2,4)
* Morishita Tetsuo as Kumada Takahiro (ep1,2)
* Kitaro as Hayashi Kunio (ep1,2)
* Okunuki Kaoru as Shintani Tae (ep2-)
* Oono Momoka (大野百花) as Shintani Sora (ep2-)
* Musaka Naomasa as Ikehata Takahiro (ep4-7)
* Yuka as Naruse Makiko (ep4-7)
* Tanino Outa (谷野欧太) as the real Naruse Ryo (ep5-)
* Shimada Kyusaku as Oosumi Kazuma (ep5-)

Producers, etc:

* Screenwriters: Maekawa Yoichi (前川洋一), Nishida Masafumi (西田征史)
* Producers: Takahashi Masanao, Watanabe Ryosuke (渡辺良介)
* Director: Kato Arata
* Music: Sawano Hiroyuki (澤野弘之)

Credit: Drama Wiki and Japanese Wikipedia

My opinion:

Yay!!!! This is the new drama on TBS in Japan and last week (September 3, 2008) was the 9th episode and what a series this has been so far!!! This drama is apparently a remake of the Korean drama "The Devil" that aired on KBS in 2007. Ridda-san (Ohno Satoshi) plays a two-sided lawyer (Angel/Demon) who is using his keen mind to avenge the death of his brother at the hand of a classmate (the brother's). Ikuta Toma is playing the second lead role of the detective Serizawa Naoto, who became a detective because of what happened in the past...can anyone guess…but anyway; he, well quite literally, runs around trying to solve various murders that happen to people close to him and tries to uncover the “true” criminal behind the various events. The story line is excellent; there is not really anything that I can say against it. The music and background sounds fit the moods of certain key moments nicely. The most interesting part, so far, has been how suspenseful and how the story is being played out in these 9 episodes so far.

I can’t believe how well the roles suited Toma-san and Satoshi-san. The only other role that I really liked Toma playing was Nakatsu in Hana Kimi (Japan), and the only other “Drama” roles that I have seen Ohno-san star in were Pika*nchi Life is Hard Dakedo/Dekara Happy and Kiiroi Namida. I have yet to watch the Korean version, but the way this series has caught my interest, I just may end up gluing my eyes to the screen to watch it!!! The first episode was aired on July 4, 2008 at 10:00pm (22:00). There are approximately 11 episodes, but you know how they like to do SPs, so who knows!?!?!?!? I recommend this series 100% to anyone who likes: Suspense, drama, some blood, Ohno, Nino, and Ikuta Toma.


If you want more info here are some sites for you: http://wiki.d-addicts.com/Maou ; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maou ; http://www.tbs.co.jp/maou2008/
ENJOY!!!!DanceChickenhearts
[Image: 9d6410e7ffc2c0_full.jpg]
[Image: maou.jpg]

Aura9969 is me on photobucket!!!]]> <![CDATA[Gokusen 3]]> http://www.ampedasia.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=12604 Sat, 06 Sep 2008 01:01:36 -0500 http://www.ampedasia.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=12604

Genre: Comedy, School
Film Date: April, 2008
Casts:
Anan Kenji, Enami Kyoko, Ishiguro Hideo, Kaneko Ken, Kiriyama Akito, Miura Haruma, Miura Shohei, Nakama Junta, Nakama Yukie, Namase Katsuhisa, Ryogoku Hiroshi, Takaki Yuya, Uchiyama Shinji, Utsui Ken

Synopsis:

Kumiko (known by her students as "Yankumi") becomes a teacher at an all-boys private high school. Her class is full of delinquents, but she tries her hardest to teach them not just about academics (her subject is Mathematics), but about lessons of life, much like any "dedicated teacher" story. Though she's forced to keep her family a secret from the public, her Yakuza upbringing gives her the strength and the experience to reach out to her students, while also providing comedic relief.

credit: http://www.mysoju.com/gokusen-3/

Review:

Gokusen 3 is more likely like the previous two series. The battle to protect his students as well as the teachings were totally the same. The three things that only Gokusen 3 differ from the previous two was her fighting skill gets better a little, different love interest and new co-teachers. It gets boring as every episode revealed and it doesnt even make me laugh at all. I dont recommend this series to those who doesnt want to watch the same old story. It will just waste your time. (although you may find the new students quite interesting than the old ones)]]>

Genre: Comedy, School
Film Date: April, 2008
Casts:
Anan Kenji, Enami Kyoko, Ishiguro Hideo, Kaneko Ken, Kiriyama Akito, Miura Haruma, Miura Shohei, Nakama Junta, Nakama Yukie, Namase Katsuhisa, Ryogoku Hiroshi, Takaki Yuya, Uchiyama Shinji, Utsui Ken

Synopsis:

Kumiko (known by her students as "Yankumi") becomes a teacher at an all-boys private high school. Her class is full of delinquents, but she tries her hardest to teach them not just about academics (her subject is Mathematics), but about lessons of life, much like any "dedicated teacher" story. Though she's forced to keep her family a secret from the public, her Yakuza upbringing gives her the strength and the experience to reach out to her students, while also providing comedic relief.

credit: http://www.mysoju.com/gokusen-3/

Review:

Gokusen 3 is more likely like the previous two series. The battle to protect his students as well as the teachings were totally the same. The three things that only Gokusen 3 differ from the previous two was her fighting skill gets better a little, different love interest and new co-teachers. It gets boring as every episode revealed and it doesnt even make me laugh at all. I dont recommend this series to those who doesnt want to watch the same old story. It will just waste your time. (although you may find the new students quite interesting than the old ones)]]> <![CDATA[Last Friends]]> http://www.ampedasia.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=12302 Fri, 22 Aug 2008 15:29:23 -0500 http://www.ampedasia.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=12302
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.]]>
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.]]> <![CDATA[Hana Yori Dango 1 Review]]> http://www.ampedasia.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=11940 Sun, 03 Aug 2008 19:06:21 -0500 http://www.ampedasia.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=11940
Hana Yori Dango
花より男子


Hana Yori Dango season 1
[Image: 975060272.jpg]


Synopsis
Makino Tsukushi is the only poor student at Eitoku Gakuen, the school of the ridiculously rich and privileged that is ruled by Flower 4 or F4, a group of four boys who come from extremely powerful families: Domyoji Tsukasa, the leader and heir of the Domyoji World Finance Group; Hanazawa Rui, the introverted son of a large company; Nishikado Sojiro, a player who is the heir of a tea ceremony school; and Mimasaka Akira, a madam killer with ties to the underground. If a student gets on the F4’s bad side, he/she gets a red notice and is bullied and driven out of school.

Makino hopes to pass her days quietly-- without drawing any attention to herself-- but one day, she stands up to Domyoji in defense of her friend. The next day, Makino gets the dreaded red notice. Even though she is harassed, Makino decides to keep going to school because she is a “tough weed”. She declares war right back on the F4. Her resolve gets the attention of her crush Hanazawa Rui and oddly enough, rouses romantic feelings in her worst enemy, Domyoji Tsukasa.

The series is based on the Japanese shoujo manga "Hana Yori Dango" (Boys Before Flowers) by Kamio Yoko.
Credits: DramaWiki

Episodes: 9

*Each episodes of 47-50 minutes but once you begin, it seems too short. But i think it's just a right lengh.

Cast:

[Image: 1.jpg] Inoue Mao as Makino Tsukushi

[Image: 200.png] Matsumotu Jun as Dômyoji Tsukasa

[Image: 330.jpg] Oguri Shun as Hanazawa Rui

[Image: 443.gif] Matsuda Shota as Nishikado Sojiro

[Image: 469.png] Abe Tsuyoshi as Mimasaka Akira

Nishihara Aki as Matsuoka Yuuki
Kato Natsuki as Okawahara Shigeru
Seto Saki as Asai Yuriko
Fukada Aki as Ayuhara Erika
Matsuoka Emiko as Yamano Minako
Sato Megumi as Sanjou Sakurako
Sada Mayumi as Toudou Shizuka
David Ito as Nishida
Kato Takako as Sengoku Sachiyo
Tomiura Satoshi as Makino Susumu (brother of Tsukushi)
Kobayashi Susumu as Makino Haruo (father of Tsukushi)
Ishino Mako as Makino Chieko (mother of Tsukushi)
Matsushima Nanako as Domyoji Tsubaki (sister of Tsukasa)
Kaga Mariko as Domyoji Kaede (mother of Tsukasa)

* Hana Yori Dango is my first drama. And i really liked it. With this drama i became a drama addict Dance. At the beginning we hate the F4 because they look terrible. But after we notice each of them are different from each other. Tsukushi is so good as actress she made a great part with Tsukasa. They are so funny.

Music opening: Wish by Arashi (it's Matsumoto Jun group)
But my favourite song in this drama it's the beautiful song "Planetarium" by Otsuka Ai. The lyrics are beautiful and the music Wawwww.

This drama is an adaptation of the taiwanese drama "Meteor Garden". But the few episodes and the chemistry between the actors is so good that we ask more. The members of F4 being in fight with each other for a girl, so interessing. You just need to watch 20 minutes of the first episode and you will be addicted for sure.

Some pictures of the drama:

[Image: hana-yori-dango.jpg]]]>
Hana Yori Dango
花より男子


Hana Yori Dango season 1
[Image: 975060272.jpg]


Synopsis
Makino Tsukushi is the only poor student at Eitoku Gakuen, the school of the ridiculously rich and privileged that is ruled by Flower 4 or F4, a group of four boys who come from extremely powerful families: Domyoji Tsukasa, the leader and heir of the Domyoji World Finance Group; Hanazawa Rui, the introverted son of a large company; Nishikado Sojiro, a player who is the heir of a tea ceremony school; and Mimasaka Akira, a madam killer with ties to the underground. If a student gets on the F4’s bad side, he/she gets a red notice and is bullied and driven out of school.

Makino hopes to pass her days quietly-- without drawing any attention to herself-- but one day, she stands up to Domyoji in defense of her friend. The next day, Makino gets the dreaded red notice. Even though she is harassed, Makino decides to keep going to school because she is a “tough weed”. She declares war right back on the F4. Her resolve gets the attention of her crush Hanazawa Rui and oddly enough, rouses romantic feelings in her worst enemy, Domyoji Tsukasa.

The series is based on the Japanese shoujo manga "Hana Yori Dango" (Boys Before Flowers) by Kamio Yoko.
Credits: DramaWiki

Episodes: 9

*Each episodes of 47-50 minutes but once you begin, it seems too short. But i think it's just a right lengh.

Cast:

[Image: 1.jpg] Inoue Mao as Makino Tsukushi

[Image: 200.png] Matsumotu Jun as Dômyoji Tsukasa

[Image: 330.jpg] Oguri Shun as Hanazawa Rui

[Image: 443.gif] Matsuda Shota as Nishikado Sojiro

[Image: 469.png] Abe Tsuyoshi as Mimasaka Akira

Nishihara Aki as Matsuoka Yuuki
Kato Natsuki as Okawahara Shigeru
Seto Saki as Asai Yuriko
Fukada Aki as Ayuhara Erika
Matsuoka Emiko as Yamano Minako
Sato Megumi as Sanjou Sakurako
Sada Mayumi as Toudou Shizuka
David Ito as Nishida
Kato Takako as Sengoku Sachiyo
Tomiura Satoshi as Makino Susumu (brother of Tsukushi)
Kobayashi Susumu as Makino Haruo (father of Tsukushi)
Ishino Mako as Makino Chieko (mother of Tsukushi)
Matsushima Nanako as Domyoji Tsubaki (sister of Tsukasa)
Kaga Mariko as Domyoji Kaede (mother of Tsukasa)

* Hana Yori Dango is my first drama. And i really liked it. With this drama i became a drama addict Dance. At the beginning we hate the F4 because they look terrible. But after we notice each of them are different from each other. Tsukushi is so good as actress she made a great part with Tsukasa. They are so funny.

Music opening: Wish by Arashi (it's Matsumoto Jun group)
But my favourite song in this drama it's the beautiful song "Planetarium" by Otsuka Ai. The lyrics are beautiful and the music Wawwww.

This drama is an adaptation of the taiwanese drama "Meteor Garden". But the few episodes and the chemistry between the actors is so good that we ask more. The members of F4 being in fight with each other for a girl, so interessing. You just need to watch 20 minutes of the first episode and you will be addicted for sure.

Some pictures of the drama:

[Image: hana-yori-dango.jpg]]]> <![CDATA[Artificial beauty (Seikei Bijin)]]> http://www.ampedasia.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=10883 Thu, 26 Jun 2008 01:17:44 -0500 http://www.ampedasia.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=10883 [Image: seikeibijinhf2.jpg]

Details

Title: 整形美人
Title (romaji): Seikei Bijin
Also known as: Artificial Beauty
Genre: Comedy
Episodes: 11
Viewership ratings: 11.4
Broadcast network: Fuji TV
Broadcast period: 2002-Apr-09 to 2002-June-25
Air time: Tuesday 21:00
Theme songs:
Unchained Melody by Suga Shikao
Arcadia by Silva


Cast

[Image: 11ok0.jpg]

Yonekura Ryoko as Saotome Honami
Shiina Kippei as Fujishima Ryusui
Kato Haruhiko as Takeda Ryohei
Konishi Manami as Fujishima Isaki
Aota Noriko as Itehara Aoi
Ichige Yoshie
Shibata Rie as Saotome Ruriko
Kubo Akira
Ogura Hisahiro
Kikuchi Maiko as Mukai Eri
Tanihara Shosuke as Yajima Tasahi
Abukawa Mihoko as Saotome Narumi/Saotome Honami (in flashbacks)

SYNOPSIS:

This is the ultimate love story that portrays every woman's dream. This story is about a girl, nowhere near attractive, who was born where ugliness runs in the family.This pitiful girl, who has no luck with men,She travels all the way to the Mediterranean to transform into a living beauty. Now she can finally get her hands on love and happiness. After returning to Japan, she starts a glamorous life as a fashion model: something she had always longed for.

IN MY OPINION:
the story quite simple and ordinay but it makes sense , this happens in reality at first were eager to do something good that in the end you'll suffer more, what i like about this series is that aside from the hilarious scenes thats makes me laughed more my heart touches on the love story it portraits and on the most obvious issue, which is having your appearance altered. among other japanese series i must say that this one is really good, its worth watching for.

see this link: RATE


credit to:http://www.jdorama.com/drama.684.htm,http://forums.abs-cbn.com/thread/2816349.aspx]]> [Image: seikeibijinhf2.jpg]

Details

Title: 整形美人
Title (romaji): Seikei Bijin
Also known as: Artificial Beauty
Genre: Comedy
Episodes: 11
Viewership ratings: 11.4
Broadcast network: Fuji TV
Broadcast period: 2002-Apr-09 to 2002-June-25
Air time: Tuesday 21:00
Theme songs:
Unchained Melody by Suga Shikao
Arcadia by Silva


Cast

[Image: 11ok0.jpg]

Yonekura Ryoko as Saotome Honami
Shiina Kippei as Fujishima Ryusui
Kato Haruhiko as Takeda Ryohei
Konishi Manami as Fujishima Isaki
Aota Noriko as Itehara Aoi
Ichige Yoshie
Shibata Rie as Saotome Ruriko
Kubo Akira
Ogura Hisahiro
Kikuchi Maiko as Mukai Eri
Tanihara Shosuke as Yajima Tasahi
Abukawa Mihoko as Saotome Narumi/Saotome Honami (in flashbacks)

SYNOPSIS:

This is the ultimate love story that portrays every woman's dream. This story is about a girl, nowhere near attractive, who was born where ugliness runs in the family.This pitiful girl, who has no luck with men,She travels all the way to the Mediterranean to transform into a living beauty. Now she can finally get her hands on love and happiness. After returning to Japan, she starts a glamorous life as a fashion model: something she had always longed for.

IN MY OPINION:
the story quite simple and ordinay but it makes sense , this happens in reality at first were eager to do something good that in the end you'll suffer more, what i like about this series is that aside from the hilarious scenes thats makes me laughed more my heart touches on the love story it portraits and on the most obvious issue, which is having your appearance altered. among other japanese series i must say that this one is really good, its worth watching for.

see this link: RATE


credit to:http://www.jdorama.com/drama.684.htm,http://forums.abs-cbn.com/thread/2816349.aspx]]> <![CDATA[Battle Royale 2: Requiem]]> http://www.ampedasia.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=10052 Wed, 09 Apr 2008 16:57:43 -0500 http://www.ampedasia.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=10052

Title: Battle Royale 2: Requiem (バトル・ロワイアルＩＩ　【鎮魂歌】)

Directed by: Kenta Fukasaku and Kinji Fukasaku

Written by: Kenta Fukasaku (writer), Norio Kida (writer), and Koushun Takami (original author of the novel which the the first movie was adapted from)

Cast:

Tatsuya Fujiwara: Shuya Nanahara
Aki Maeda: Shiori Kitano (Kitano's (Teacher the from original Battle Royale) daughter)
Shûgo Oshinari: Takuma Aoi
Ayana Sakai: Nao Asakura
Masaya Kikawada: Shintaro Makimura
Aki Maeda: Noriko Nakagawa
Takeshi Kitano: Kitano (Teacher the from original Battle Royale)
Ai Iwamura: Mai (Smiling Winner from the original Battle Royale)
Riki Takeuchi: Riki Takeuchi (Teacher)

Summary:

Well... three years since Shuya and Noriko were listed as fugitives by "The Republic of Greater East Asia", and no winner was declared during Program No. 12: Guadalcanal, Shuya and his group "Wild Seven" (past Program survivors and sympathizers) have since begun to wage their own private war of revenge against The Republic of Greater East Asia. In response the Government enacted "Millennium Anti-Terrorism Act" Battle Royale II.

This year's program varies greatly from Program No. 12, three years ago. This time around, the 42 students are armed with automatic rifles and body armor (not that it was of much help) and released to stage an attack on the Wild Seven group. The collars, though similar in look to the collars from the first film, have 2 slight differences, though they are still set to detonate if the student deviates from the Program, they now also link one male to one female, in the event that one of that linked pair is killed, the other will detonate, also to further the Program's new theme of camaraderie, both collars will detonate if one of the linked pair travels outside 50 meters of the other. Thats what I call TEAMWORK! Opening gambit, much like the first, all the teens huddled into a room, 1 teacher and the soldiers, and of course, true to form, someone always objects to The Program, this time, Shintaro Makimura, while holding a rugby ball, gets his head blown off, that was nice. Of course the collars being linked, Nozomi Sagisawa had to die too, her death, I didn't enjoy that as much. Now I admit, the opening scene where the students are traveling to reach the island itself, is cheesy. The explosions looked as if they were created by a 1st year graphic film student, but I still loved it. After eventually reaching the island, their numbers have greatly dwindled by almost half. More then are killed when they finally meet up with the Wild Seven group. After the initial meeting and removal of the collars, there is mild dialog and Shuya seems a bit battle worn, and at times a bit crazed. Talking philosophically (all of which Riki Takeuchi hears, slowly turning his want for revenge), where Takuma seems to prefer the blunt approach, hence the fist fight between the two, which I must add, I found mildly entertaining. During an unknown time on the island Nao and Takuma seem to develop an unspoken love for one another, later 2 more students and several more Wild Seven members die during what seemed to be a mortar attack by "The American Imperialists". At which point Riki Takeuchi decides he will no longer be on the government's side. Abruptly leaving after throwing medication at a television monitor showing a live feed to the Prime Minister. That is when the Prime Minister tells the Special Forces Division to exterminate Shuya and his dissidents at all costs. This is when the 2nd to the last battle occures. Shiori has one chance to avenge her fathers death, and fails when Shuya removes the gun from her possession, stating "If you point a gun you better use it, that is what it means to survive." Later on Shuya orders all the students, and children to flee underground. Shiori decides to stay. Half way down the escape tunnel, Taku decides he can not flee and he and two of his friends go back to help fight. Later the last ones left, Taku, Shiori and Shuya, battle it out with the SFD. Shiori dies but not before asking Shuya about Noriko, and revealing her true identity. It is then that Shuya and Taku run head first into battle... the last battle. At the end the "American Imperialists" bomb the island. Some time later in an Arab country, Taku and Shuya are reunited with the rest of the survivors including Nao and Noriko, they all part ways thus ending the film.

My thoughts:

Personally I will see ANY Tatsuya Fujiwara film, he is an amazing actor. Did I love the first film more than this, no. I found Battle Royale to be not as mature a movie as this. Where BR1 could be considered a teen action film, BR2 was more of a adult war film, more plot and story line, a little less gratutitous violence, though I can not say I am surprised that not many people found it enjoyable, as most of them were expecting a carbon copy of the original, just implemented with a new cast of characters. This film has depth, if you are willing to take the time to sit down and watch it for more than just its "name sake". Not to mention, Mayonaka Shonen Totsugekidan by STANCE PUNKS is an amazing end song as well.

My rating: 90%.]]>

Title: Battle Royale 2: Requiem (バトル・ロワイアルＩＩ　【鎮魂歌】)

Directed by: Kenta Fukasaku and Kinji Fukasaku

Written by: Kenta Fukasaku (writer), Norio Kida (writer), and Koushun Takami (original author of the novel which the the first movie was adapted from)

Cast:

Tatsuya Fujiwara: Shuya Nanahara
Aki Maeda: Shiori Kitano (Kitano's (Teacher the from original Battle Royale) daughter)
Shûgo Oshinari: Takuma Aoi
Ayana Sakai: Nao Asakura
Masaya Kikawada: Shintaro Makimura
Aki Maeda: Noriko Nakagawa
Takeshi Kitano: Kitano (Teacher the from original Battle Royale)
Ai Iwamura: Mai (Smiling Winner from the original Battle Royale)
Riki Takeuchi: Riki Takeuchi (Teacher)

Summary:

Well... three years since Shuya and Noriko were listed as fugitives by "The Republic of Greater East Asia", and no winner was declared during Program No. 12: Guadalcanal, Shuya and his group "Wild Seven" (past Program survivors and sympathizers) have since begun to wage their own private war of revenge against The Republic of Greater East Asia. In response the Government enacted "Millennium Anti-Terrorism Act" Battle Royale II.

This year's program varies greatly from Program No. 12, three years ago. This time around, the 42 students are armed with automatic rifles and body armor (not that it was of much help) and released to stage an attack on the Wild Seven group. The collars, though similar in look to the collars from the first film, have 2 slight differences, though they are still set to detonate if the student deviates from the Program, they now also link one male to one female, in the event that one of that linked pair is killed, the other will detonate, also to further the Program's new theme of camaraderie, both collars will detonate if one of the linked pair travels outside 50 meters of the other. Thats what I call TEAMWORK! Opening gambit, much like the first, all the teens huddled into a room, 1 teacher and the soldiers, and of course, true to form, someone always objects to The Program, this time, Shintaro Makimura, while holding a rugby ball, gets his head blown off, that was nice. Of course the collars being linked, Nozomi Sagisawa had to die too, her death, I didn't enjoy that as much. Now I admit, the opening scene where the students are traveling to reach the island itself, is cheesy. The explosions looked as if they were created by a 1st year graphic film student, but I still loved it. After eventually reaching the island, their numbers have greatly dwindled by almost half. More then are killed when they finally meet up with the Wild Seven group. After the initial meeting and removal of the collars, there is mild dialog and Shuya seems a bit battle worn, and at times a bit crazed. Talking philosophically (all of which Riki Takeuchi hears, slowly turning his want for revenge), where Takuma seems to prefer the blunt approach, hence the fist fight between the two, which I must add, I found mildly entertaining. During an unknown time on the island Nao and Takuma seem to develop an unspoken love for one another, later 2 more students and several more Wild Seven members die during what seemed to be a mortar attack by "The American Imperialists". At which point Riki Takeuchi decides he will no longer be on the government's side. Abruptly leaving after throwing medication at a television monitor showing a live feed to the Prime Minister. That is when the Prime Minister tells the Special Forces Division to exterminate Shuya and his dissidents at all costs. This is when the 2nd to the last battle occures. Shiori has one chance to avenge her fathers death, and fails when Shuya removes the gun from her possession, stating "If you point a gun you better use it, that is what it means to survive." Later on Shuya orders all the students, and children to flee underground. Shiori decides to stay. Half way down the escape tunnel, Taku decides he can not flee and he and two of his friends go back to help fight. Later the last ones left, Taku, Shiori and Shuya, battle it out with the SFD. Shiori dies but not before asking Shuya about Noriko, and revealing her true identity. It is then that Shuya and Taku run head first into battle... the last battle. At the end the "American Imperialists" bomb the island. Some time later in an Arab country, Taku and Shuya are reunited with the rest of the survivors including Nao and Noriko, they all part ways thus ending the film.

My thoughts:

Personally I will see ANY Tatsuya Fujiwara film, he is an amazing actor. Did I love the first film more than this, no. I found Battle Royale to be not as mature a movie as this. Where BR1 could be considered a teen action film, BR2 was more of a adult war film, more plot and story line, a little less gratutitous violence, though I can not say I am surprised that not many people found it enjoyable, as most of them were expecting a carbon copy of the original, just implemented with a new cast of characters. This film has depth, if you are willing to take the time to sit down and watch it for more than just its "name sake". Not to mention, Mayonaka Shonen Totsugekidan by STANCE PUNKS is an amazing end song as well.

My rating: 90%.]]> <![CDATA[First Kiss]]> http://www.ampedasia.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=9344 Mon, 18 Feb 2008 23:48:14 -0600 http://www.ampedasia.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=9344 This movie about relationship between big brother (Kazu) and his young sister (Mio). Mio, sweet girl, always do a bad attitude, but actually she has a sweet heart. She has a heart disease. Because of that, she must have a big surgery, that probably can make she dead. Before she take that surgery, she wants to meet her brother, Kazu.
Kazu, immature people, very love photograph and he always care to her sister. Before Mio take surgery, Kazu wants looking a boyfriend for Mio. Both of them help each other, but sometimes they fight.

My opinion:
This movie very sweet. When I was watching this movie, I want have a brother like Kazu, handsome & always care to his sister.

You must watch this movie.]]> This movie about relationship between big brother (Kazu) and his young sister (Mio). Mio, sweet girl, always do a bad attitude, but actually she has a sweet heart. She has a heart disease. Because of that, she must have a big surgery, that probably can make she dead. Before she take that surgery, she wants to meet her brother, Kazu.
Kazu, immature people, very love photograph and he always care to her sister. Before Mio take surgery, Kazu wants looking a boyfriend for Mio. Both of them help each other, but sometimes they fight.

My opinion:
This movie very sweet. When I was watching this movie, I want have a brother like Kazu, handsome & always care to his sister.

You must watch this movie.]]> <![CDATA[Detective Galileo]]> http://www.ampedasia.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=9343 Mon, 18 Feb 2008 23:24:24 -0600 http://www.ampedasia.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=9343 Kaoru Utsumi (Kou Shibasaki),detective who has just been reassigned to the criminal division, finds her investigation stalled by the seemingly supernatural phenomenons surrounding the event. She accompany by
an associate professor at Teito University, Manabu Yukawa (Masaharu Fukuyama). Yukawa is a tall, handsome, and brilliant man who is interested in nothing but physical science, while Utsumi is a hot-blooded girl with a strong sense of justice. Yukawa doesn't care about the criminal case, he only care with the supernatural phenomenons surrounding the event. For him, no phenomenons can't be solved. Together, the odd pair solves many difficult and seemingly impossible crimes with their individual talents.

My opinion:
This film is very-very great, sometimes more good than Detective Conan because when Yukawa solve the case, it's seem more realistic than Detective Conan.
So If you guys like film about Detective, you must watch this film.]]> Kaoru Utsumi (Kou Shibasaki),detective who has just been reassigned to the criminal division, finds her investigation stalled by the seemingly supernatural phenomenons surrounding the event. She accompany by
an associate professor at Teito University, Manabu Yukawa (Masaharu Fukuyama). Yukawa is a tall, handsome, and brilliant man who is interested in nothing but physical science, while Utsumi is a hot-blooded girl with a strong sense of justice. Yukawa doesn't care about the criminal case, he only care with the supernatural phenomenons surrounding the event. For him, no phenomenons can't be solved. Together, the odd pair solves many difficult and seemingly impossible crimes with their individual talents.

My opinion:
This film is very-very great, sometimes more good than Detective Conan because when Yukawa solve the case, it's seem more realistic than Detective Conan.
So If you guys like film about Detective, you must watch this film.]]> <![CDATA[Honey And Clover aka Hachimitsu to clover]]> http://www.ampedasia.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=9243 Wed, 13 Feb 2008 20:30:59 -0600 http://www.ampedasia.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=9243
this is another anime-based serie being brought to action after GTO,gokusen and Nodame (as far as i knowBig Grin) this dorama revolved around the life of 5 students i.e Takemoto (Ikuta Toma), Hagu (Narumi Riko), Yamada Ayumi (Harada Natsuki), Mayama (Mukai Osamu) and Morita (Narimiya Hiroki) and the love triangle between them..

basically,the story goes like this...
Takemoto was in love with Hagu once he first saw her near the pond. but,he cannot tell Hagu that he love her and kept the feeling to himself. as for Morita, he also fell for Hagu and expressly show his love towards her. Yamada fell for Mayama, but Mayama fell for another older woman,Rika. from here,the story will develop..

Since the drama is currently aired,so i dont really know what will happen. is the drama will end as in the anime or the director made some changes to it?!if you like the anime version, why not have a look at the action version?! but trust me on this, Ikuta Toma really good in this. he suits the character very well..

so guys..enjoy this..]]>
this is another anime-based serie being brought to action after GTO,gokusen and Nodame (as far as i knowBig Grin) this dorama revolved around the life of 5 students i.e Takemoto (Ikuta Toma), Hagu (Narumi Riko), Yamada Ayumi (Harada Natsuki), Mayama (Mukai Osamu) and Morita (Narimiya Hiroki) and the love triangle between them..

basically,the story goes like this...
Takemoto was in love with Hagu once he first saw her near the pond. but,he cannot tell Hagu that he love her and kept the feeling to himself. as for Morita, he also fell for Hagu and expressly show his love towards her. Yamada fell for Mayama, but Mayama fell for another older woman,Rika. from here,the story will develop..

Since the drama is currently aired,so i dont really know what will happen. is the drama will end as in the anime or the director made some changes to it?!if you like the anime version, why not have a look at the action version?! but trust me on this, Ikuta Toma really good in this. he suits the character very well..

so guys..enjoy this..]]> <![CDATA[Nodame Cantabile SP]]> http://www.ampedasia.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=9242 Wed, 13 Feb 2008 20:10:13 -0600 http://www.ampedasia.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=9242
just wanna add some info here..
this thread is about the Nodame SP that was shoot in Paris..this happen after Chiaki decided to go to Paris to participate in conducting competition. as for Nodame, she will continue her lesson in piano after she was accepted in a conservatory there..this SP basically has 2 parts. Part 1 will be focusing on Chiaki's journey in the competition that he join. and the 2nd part will be on Nodame.

since i dont wanna be a spoiler Toungue, i just let u guys know about the SP only this far..the rest,you have to watch it yourself..as for me,this is the best!as it conclude everything that happen in the dorama..and,to spoil a lil bit,in this SP,we'll see the love between Chiaki and Nodame will developClapping

happy watching!!Clapping]]>
just wanna add some info here..
this thread is about the Nodame SP that was shoot in Paris..this happen after Chiaki decided to go to Paris to participate in conducting competition. as for Nodame, she will continue her lesson in piano after she was accepted in a conservatory there..this SP basically has 2 parts. Part 1 will be focusing on Chiaki's journey in the competition that he join. and the 2nd part will be on Nodame.

since i dont wanna be a spoiler Toungue, i just let u guys know about the SP only this far..the rest,you have to watch it yourself..as for me,this is the best!as it conclude everything that happen in the dorama..and,to spoil a lil bit,in this SP,we'll see the love between Chiaki and Nodame will developClapping

happy watching!!Clapping]]> <![CDATA[Hotaru no Haka]]> http://www.ampedasia.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=9005 Wed, 30 Jan 2008 17:44:59 -0600 http://www.ampedasia.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=9005

synopsis:
this TV-Dorama is based on the anime movie by Isao Takahata, and was made in commemoration of the 60 year anniversary of the end of WWII. it`s focus is on the growing divide between the teenage boy and the family friend who initially takes them in after their mother is killed during an air raid. As rice rations grow scarce, the kindly housewife soon turns cold as she has to choose between feeding her sick son or the two orphans.

airing date: 2005-Nov-01

personal opinion: the play of Inou Mao as Sawano Natsu and the play of Matsushima Nanako as her mother, Sawano Hisako, is extremely good and realistic. but, although it was well casting, and Inou Mao is one of my fav. actresses, I swore I`ll never watch that movie again! this live action version makes the story more realistic than the anime version, particularly the act of Sasaki Mao as Setsuko.
I really recomand that movie (10/10), but I really think it can traumatize people that is not used to that kind of movies...]]>

synopsis:
this TV-Dorama is based on the anime movie by Isao Takahata, and was made in commemoration of the 60 year anniversary of the end of WWII. it`s focus is on the growing divide between the teenage boy and the family friend who initially takes them in after their mother is killed during an air raid. As rice rations grow scarce, the kindly housewife soon turns cold as she has to choose between feeding her sick son or the two orphans.

airing date: 2005-Nov-01

personal opinion: the play of Inou Mao as Sawano Natsu and the play of Matsushima Nanako as her mother, Sawano Hisako, is extremely good and realistic. but, although it was well casting, and Inou Mao is one of my fav. actresses, I swore I`ll never watch that movie again! this live action version makes the story more realistic than the anime version, particularly the act of Sasaki Mao as Setsuko.
I really recomand that movie (10/10), but I really think it can traumatize people that is not used to that kind of movies...]]> <![CDATA[Hotelier (ホテリアー)]]> http://www.ampedasia.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=8929 Mon, 28 Jan 2008 07:28:28 -0600 http://www.ampedasia.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=8929 Hotelier
[Image: 800pxhoteliermm7.jpg]

synopsis:
An incident in the past causes Ogata Kouhei to resign his position and leave the country in shame. Now, at the hotel's 30th anniversary, the hotel is facing a crisis; the president has just been admitted to the hospital, and the hotel is facing a potential takeover.
Under the president’s request, assistant manager Odagiri Kyoko goes to Korea in order to convince Kouhei to return. Kyoko is caught up in an incident where her purse is stolen when she meets Mizusawa Keigo, who tries to help her.
Ultimately, Kyoko comes back to Japan unsuccessful. However, under the advice from Korean hotel manager Shin Dong Hyuk, Kouhei returns to Tokyo Ocean Hotel as the new general manager. Upon his return however, Kyoko once again meets Mizusawa Keigo. Little does Kyoko
know, not only does Keigo want to take over the Tokyo Ocean Hotel, but he also carries affection for her.

cast:
# Ueta Aya as Odagiri Kyoko
# Tanabe Seiichi as Ogata Kouhei
# Oikawa Mitsuhiro as Mizusawa Keigo
# Bae Yong Jun as Shin Dong Hyuk

totel episodes: 9

airing:2007-Apr-19 to 2007-June-07

personal opinion:I loved that seriese Aya`s playing is excelent, and the uniforms fits her perfectly! but, I liked Saeko more in Nodame Cantabile (as Saku Sakura) than in Hotelier (as Morimoto Akane).
I`ve seen both the Korean and Japanese versions, and I think the Japanese is better!
I give that seriese 8.5/10.

Moderator's Note
Please upload your image to image hosting site. Do not use direct link from other forums or sites. I've reuploaded your picture.

Hollinaz
]]> Hotelier
[Image: 800pxhoteliermm7.jpg]

synopsis:
An incident in the past causes Ogata Kouhei to resign his position and leave the country in shame. Now, at the hotel's 30th anniversary, the hotel is facing a crisis; the president has just been admitted to the hospital, and the hotel is facing a potential takeover.
Under the president’s request, assistant manager Odagiri Kyoko goes to Korea in order to convince Kouhei to return. Kyoko is caught up in an incident where her purse is stolen when she meets Mizusawa Keigo, who tries to help her.
Ultimately, Kyoko comes back to Japan unsuccessful. However, under the advice from Korean hotel manager Shin Dong Hyuk, Kouhei returns to Tokyo Ocean Hotel as the new general manager. Upon his return however, Kyoko once again meets Mizusawa Keigo. Little does Kyoko
know, not only does Keigo want to take over the Tokyo Ocean Hotel, but he also carries affection for her.

cast:
# Ueta Aya as Odagiri Kyoko
# Tanabe Seiichi as Ogata Kouhei
# Oikawa Mitsuhiro as Mizusawa Keigo
# Bae Yong Jun as Shin Dong Hyuk

totel episodes: 9

airing:2007-Apr-19 to 2007-June-07

personal opinion:I loved that seriese Aya`s playing is excelent, and the uniforms fits her perfectly! but, I liked Saeko more in Nodame Cantabile (as Saku Sakura) than in Hotelier (as Morimoto Akane).
I`ve seen both the Korean and Japanese versions, and I think the Japanese is better!
I give that seriese 8.5/10.

Moderator's Note
Please upload your image to image hosting site. Do not use direct link from other forums or sites. I've reuploaded your picture.

Hollinaz
]]> <![CDATA[itazura na kiss]]> http://www.ampedasia.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=8928 Mon, 28 Jan 2008 07:12:25 -0600 http://www.ampedasia.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=8928 [Image: 320px-Itazura_na_kiss.jpg]

synopsis:
Late for a meeting, Kotoko was running along the corridor in school and bumped into Naoki, their lips meeting. Naoki showed his disgust, but Kotoko started to idolise him, who was good at everything from studies to sports. When Kotoko's house burned down, her father's good friend Machiko invited them to move in with her family. It was then that Kotoko realised Naoki was the elder son of Machiko, who took up the role of a fairy-godmother to bring the two together...despite the fact that Naoki was disgusted. Not discouraged, the clumsy and not-so-bright Kotoko started to do everything that would change her impression on him. Gradually, the icy-cold Naoki who disliked girls started to feel for Kotoko... (thanks to DramaWiki)

cast:
Akashi Ryotaro, Aoki Shinsuke, Hoshino Aki, Kashiwabara Takashi, Miyauchi Tomomi, Sato Aiko, Tohyama Toshiya

total episodes: 9

airing: 1996-Oct-14 to 1996-Dec-16

personal opinion: I really liked that seriese. full with laugh and a lot of family maters. we encounter with this kind of boys / girls everyday (at list I do). Personally, I sympathize with Kotoko...
the acting is nice and Sato Aiko plays Kotoko in a fine and very funny way. She really knows how to laugh about her big ears!
too bad it`s only 9 episodes!!!
in my opinion, that show deserves 9/10!]]> [Image: 320px-Itazura_na_kiss.jpg]

synopsis:
Late for a meeting, Kotoko was running along the corridor in school and bumped into Naoki, their lips meeting. Naoki showed his disgust, but Kotoko started to idolise him, who was good at everything from studies to sports. When Kotoko's house burned down, her father's good friend Machiko invited them to move in with her family. It was then that Kotoko realised Naoki was the elder son of Machiko, who took up the role of a fairy-godmother to bring the two together...despite the fact that Naoki was disgusted. Not discouraged, the clumsy and not-so-bright Kotoko started to do everything that would change her impression on him. Gradually, the icy-cold Naoki who disliked girls started to feel for Kotoko... (thanks to DramaWiki)

cast:
Akashi Ryotaro, Aoki Shinsuke, Hoshino Aki, Kashiwabara Takashi, Miyauchi Tomomi, Sato Aiko, Tohyama Toshiya

total episodes: 9

airing: 1996-Oct-14 to 1996-Dec-16

personal opinion: I really liked that seriese. full with laugh and a lot of family maters. we encounter with this kind of boys / girls everyday (at list I do). Personally, I sympathize with Kotoko...
the acting is nice and Sato Aiko plays Kotoko in a fine and very funny way. She really knows how to laugh about her big ears!
too bad it`s only 9 episodes!!!
in my opinion, that show deserves 9/10!]]> <![CDATA[nodame cantabile]]> http://www.ampedasia.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=8119 Mon, 17 Dec 2007 11:25:16 -0600 http://www.ampedasia.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=8119 ) even though it was classify as romantic, i dont think that the producer really focused in it..but as for me,i like this drama...its hillarious, its about music, Chiaki sempai is kawaii, Ryu is adorable n nodame is ........ (i'm speechless...dunno how to describe her Duh)anyway, hopefully you guys enjoy watching this drama as much as i do..

p/s:oh yeah,i think the synopsis given by the dramawiki might be a lil bit different from the drama..after you watch the drama,you'll realize what is actually the differentToungue[/align]


synopsis: (credit to dramawiki)

[align=center]Based on the hit comic book by Tomoko Ninomiya, this is a fun-filled quirky romantic story of two very opposite people.

Megumi Noda, or “Nodame” is a piano student at Momogaoka College of Music. An extremely talented pianist who wants to be a kindergarten teacher, she prefers playing by ear rather than reading the music score. She is messy and disorganized, takes baths several days apart and loves to eat, sometimes stealing her friend’s lunchbox when it is filled with delicacies.

Shinichi Chiaki, is Momogaoka’s top student. Born into a musical family, he is talented in piano and violin and has secret ambitions to become a conductor. An arrogant multi-lingual perfectionist who once lived abroad in the music capitals of the world as a young boy, he feels mired in Japan because of a childhood phobia.

They meet by accident. Nodame quickly falls in love, but it takes much longer for Chiaki to even begin to appreciate Nodame’s unusual qualities. Their relationship causes them both to develop and grow. Because of Nodame, Chiaki got the opportunity to lead a student orchestra and begins to have a broader appreciation of people's musical abilities. Because of Chiaki, Nodame faces her fears and enters a piano competition. Opportunities open up as both begin taking risks, stretching themselves far more than they ever thought possible.]]> ) even though it was classify as romantic, i dont think that the producer really focused in it..but as for me,i like this drama...its hillarious, its about music, Chiaki sempai is kawaii, Ryu is adorable n nodame is ........ (i'm speechless...dunno how to describe her Duh)anyway, hopefully you guys enjoy watching this drama as much as i do..

p/s:oh yeah,i think the synopsis given by the dramawiki might be a lil bit different from the drama..after you watch the drama,you'll realize what is actually the differentToungue[/align]


synopsis: (credit to dramawiki)

[align=center]Based on the hit comic book by Tomoko Ninomiya, this is a fun-filled quirky romantic story of two very opposite people.

Megumi Noda, or “Nodame” is a piano student at Momogaoka College of Music. An extremely talented pianist who wants to be a kindergarten teacher, she prefers playing by ear rather than reading the music score. She is messy and disorganized, takes baths several days apart and loves to eat, sometimes stealing her friend’s lunchbox when it is filled with delicacies.

Shinichi Chiaki, is Momogaoka’s top student. Born into a musical family, he is talented in piano and violin and has secret ambitions to become a conductor. An arrogant multi-lingual perfectionist who once lived abroad in the music capitals of the world as a young boy, he feels mired in Japan because of a childhood phobia.

They meet by accident. Nodame quickly falls in love, but it takes much longer for Chiaki to even begin to appreciate Nodame’s unusual qualities. Their relationship causes them both to develop and grow. Because of Nodame, Chiaki got the opportunity to lead a student orchestra and begins to have a broader appreciation of people's musical abilities. Because of Chiaki, Nodame faces her fears and enters a piano competition. Opportunities open up as both begin taking risks, stretching themselves far more than they ever thought possible.]]>