Orange Days

Country: Japan
Genre: Drama
Release Year: 2005
Type: Series

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Orange Days Review
Trying to maintain a balance as a college student and great member of society, Kai is willing to take whatever job there is to be offered. However, after several interviews that end in failure, Kai isn't in a very good mood. What is this poor little social welfare psychology major to do? Well, like any other college student, he's going to do his best. One day after returning from an interview, he notices a beautiful girl playing the violin in the middle of the campus, so he stops to listen. When the song is finished, he applauds the girl and gives her an orange he received from a friend, but in return, he doesn't get much appreciation from his generosity. A few days later, a friend of Kai's asks him to be his replacement for a blind date and what do you know, it's the violin girl who's there to meet him. But wait! She can't hear?! No problem. It seems Kai knows a bit of sign language to communicate with this lovely-on-the-outside, bad-attitude-on-the-inside beauty, Sae. With a little warming up, the two are on good terms and share interesting stories however, at the end of their "date," things happen that cause them to be separated in the amusement park. What happens next is a shocker you'll just have to find out as new friendships and romances are established in these "bittersweet days of youth" or much better, Orange Days.

Sweet, musical, and absolutely inspiring! The story was just wonderful. It kind of portrayed the life of Beethoven in a sense with a deaf lead that has social problems except for the fact that the musician is a beautiful girl who would rather not be compared to a "dirty old man with silly hair." This story was able to show that even with a handicap; anyone can achieve greatness regardless of how society sees them. In addition to personal conflicts, the romance that the story provided was so amazing and touching, it was really hard not to be completely moved by it.

Tsumabuki Satoshi and Shibasaki Kou play the two leads, Yuuki Kai and Hagio Sae. Considering the fact that they're rumored to be a real-life couple outside the television scene, the chemistry between the two in the series was very good. Kai's character is gentle and considerate and he's a hard worker as well. Sae's character is a little rough for a pretty girl, but nothing stops people from considering her a "princess." The other characters are members in the "Orange Society" which includes Kai and Sae, along with Aida Shohei (Narimiya Hiroki), Ozawa Akane (Shiraishi Miho), and Yashima Keita (Eita). Shohei is a playboy who doesn't think much about his future. He flirts a lot and breaks the hearts of many girls, but there is a side to him that is rather sweet and addicting. Akane is Sae's best friend. She's a support for Sae on campus and she seems to be interested in one of the guys even though she won't admit it. Keita is the "Orange Society" creator and he's a hopeless romantic. No matter how many times he tries to get a girlfriend, he gets the same response that he's "a nice guy, but…" Keita is a very funny character who tries too hard to gain affection from women. There are other characters in the series that have a little something to spice things up between characters, but it is best not to go too deep into detail.

With its eleven episodes, the story was well timed and played. It was a perfect amount to complete a most marvelous story.

Orange Days provides good drama and romance. The drama mostly dealt with Sae trying to cope with her loss of hearing, and Kae's problems with his girlfriend and finding a job. Of course, there was romance between the characters as can be seen throughout the series. There was also a little bit of comedy in the series as well, especially with Keita's trouble finding a girlfriend.

Well, since Sae is quite a talented musician, there's a lot of orchestra music in the series. Sure sounds dull, right? Actually, it's not bad! The music in the series is enjoyable and it perfectly suits the idea behind the "bittersweet days of youth."

This series was really something else. I thought that I'd dislike not being able to hear the voice of one the main characters, but with just sign language, a lot of emotions just flew out. There was really some great acting. The characters portrayed the trouble some college students have trying to prepare for the future, and the fun they could have away from all the stress. Truly, Orange Days was able to show that even with hardships, there are times that are bittersweet. I would definitely recommend this to everyone. It's quite touching and at the same time, educational. After watching this series, you'll know a little bit of Japanese sign language, and you'll learn to appreciate the things you have, the senses you can use, and perhaps appreciate the things that a person with a disability can do.

Written by Chiyuffie

Rating Meter: 92 %