alexandral | Asian drama update

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Asian drama update

I have watched quite few different things recently:

Slow Dance. I gulped it in one go on Thursday which resulted in huge under-sleep on Friday. This is a lovely drama if you are a fan of the story how "an older woman helps a younger man to find himself and after that they marry in a very happy way". To be fair, the drama felt a little as if it was made to cater for the needs of over-thirty working ladies. But I didn't mind this at all because any drama that has both Fujiki Naohito and Tsumabuki Satoshi brooding, angsting and falling in love is wonderful by default.

I would appreciate recommendations of any dramas with Fujiki Naohito and Tsumabuki Satoshi very much.

Money's Warfare I have almost finished it, I just don't want to watch the last episode because I don't want the drama to finish. I have fallen in love with it's crazy ways completely. It scooped Baeksang awards for the best drama and the best male perfomace by Park Shing Yang. I must do a full post on "Maney's Warfare" to try to lure others into watching it :D, but at this time I have to mention that the episode 13 had the best kiss in the history of Asian drama. :D

Powerful Opponents (Kangjeok) I loved the first two episodes for the sake of the female herouine who is the cutest thing and the secondary guy, Yoo Gwang Pil who is wonderfully gloomy. He rocks my socks with his reserve. On the other hand, this drama has the ugliest lead male I have ever seen up to date. The President's Son has: Rabbit Teeth, Scared eyes, Bad dress sense and the haircut of Hong Gil Dong. I intend to call him Rabbit Teeth (or RT in short) from now on.

See what I mean: (Update: I watched more of "Powerful Opponents and Rabbit Teeth is improving on me).

One question: Do female bodyguards wear high-heels? Wouldn't this interfere with the duty? Don't they have "sensible shoes" dress code??????

Zettai Kareshi Love, pure love. If anyone have read the manga, please spoil me - Whom will the herouine (Riko) will choose at the end? The Robot? The Cheeky Manager Guy? I am rooting for the Cheeky Manager.. because he is human and the Robot (a gorgeous looking guy, no doubt!) is not and Riko won't be able to have many cute babies with the Robot, right?

Around 40.
Big plus: Fujiki Naohito!
Big minus: He plays a militant ecologically conscious guy and this self-righteous type annoys me to no end. I have personal reasons. :D
Some more big plus: I have only seen two episodes but so far I like the way the drama is dealing with the questions of "What is more important for a woman? Her career? Her family? Her friends? And should a woman marry and live in her marriage without love, just for the sake of the social acceptance?". The main female herouine is awesome and absolutely free of any stereotypes.
The result: I would recommend this to any fan of grown-up range of Japanese dramas.

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ZK. She ends up with boss. Night dies.

I like the boss, my shippings seem to have gone all wrong recently.

Re: powerful Opponents. Awww, I adore the President's Son with unholy love. Aww, well, more for me :)

Oh, please take him whole. I don't remember anyone from Korea seem so ugly to me. I need to find some better pictures of this actor, I think. May be he is good and it is all in the way he wears his pajamas?..

Fujiki Naohito dramas? I am sure everyone will rec Hotaru No Hikari, and it's very good, but I want to rec Itoshi Kimi E (just look on that tag in my LJ). He is a photographer going blind and falling for a pediatrician. It's my second fave jdrama ever.

Oh, I am going to watch Itoshi Kimi E first, I think.. Dian liked it too and then I can have a double of "disadvantaged person finds his happiness and love" (with Zettai Kares) . I am a terrible fan of these stories. Our world is so unfair I like it be better in fiction, at least.

As to Satoshi, he starred in Orange Days, which I haven't seen but is widely loved.

Thank you ! I like him already! He has dimples!

Edited 2008-04-28 18:19 (UTC)

I like the boss, my shippings seem to have gone all wrong recently.

Not in case if ZK, clearly. I have to say, I adore the manga this is based on, but in one way the drama is superior. In the manga I liked Soshi. But in the drama? I adore him with mad passion.

Oh, please take him whole.

ROFL. I must admit I like him mainly for two reasons, neither of which is applicable for you (though yes, I do find him attractive).

1. I am a sucker for older woman/younger man, bratty bad boy who is rich, strong lady who is poor type stuff. I'll swallow anything with this premise.

2. I loved him as secondary guy in Smile Again so much. He was just so aweet and awesome. So I am happy he might get the girl.

But I admit, I also find this (http://photonews.paran.com/newsphoto/2006/06/08/en/en200606061634511001_0.jpg) hot, and you do not :) Might like him better this way? (http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/1645/08fm.jpg)

Itoshi Kimi E is just amazing. It made me cry from the sheer quiet beauty of some scenes. And Fujiki Naohito is just unbearably beautiful in it.

I loved Satoshi in Dororo, a movie about a samurai who is missing most of his limbs (it's a fantasy, don't ask) but I don't think it's your thing.

I really need a FN icon, but don't have one so will use Pride icon instead.

But in the drama? I adore him with mad passion.

Me too. :D But I am trying to fight it ! Remember what happened with Hong Gil Dong?? :D But yes, Soji is rather awesome. It is great to see a guy who is has brains enough to recognize how awesome Riiko is.

1. I am a sucker for older woman/younger man, bratty bad boy who is rich, strong lady who is poor type stuff. I'll swallow anything with this premise.

Actually, I am a great fan of these stories too. :D Only I go only so far in the "bratty" direction. A guy who is whiny in his 20s (whatever happened to him, it doesn't matter) doesn't make my heart beat faster. I rather get "Oh, naughty child!" motherly response. :D

But I admit, I also find this hot, and you do not :)

This is a step in the right direction. May be he'll spike his hair soon and keep his moth closed??

Might like him better this way?

OH!NOOOOOOOOOO! Rabbit Teeth!

Itoshi Kimi E is just amazing. It made me cry from the sheer quiet beauty of some scenes. And Fujiki Naohito is just unbearably beautiful in it.

I am d-ling as we speak. :D

I loved Satoshi in Dororo, a movie about a samurai who is missing most of his limbs (it's a fantasy, don't ask) but I don't think it's your thing.

IS he attractive??? :D

Edited 2008-04-28 18:38 (UTC)

He is very attractive in Dororo. Mmmm...and very angsty.

You have to watch Aishiteiru to Itte Kure first, before Itoshi Kimi E, so I have someone to squee with :)

He is very attractive in Dororo. Mmmm...and very angsty.

Yes!! Oh my - but I remembered the Samurai haicut of doom.

You have to watch Aishiteiru to Itte Kure first, before Itoshi Kimi E, so I have someone to squee with :)

I am watching this already. THIS IS THE WIN!!! I LOVE IT! I am not as strong as you, though - I had to check the ending. :D

Edited 2008-04-28 19:34 (UTC)

I don't think he has bits of it shaved out in Dororo. His hair looks rather nice there.

THIS IS THE WIN!!! I LOVE IT

I am so glad! I've fallen in love with it quite badly. And they are so awesome together. This is the second drama I've seen Takiwa Takako in and she is just so good. And I've never seen Toyokawa Etsushi in anything before, but he is just amazing and I so want to watch more stuff with him. Plus, even if I don't mind liking a 22 year old, it's kinda nice to have a grown-up male lead. (And doesn't he remind you of a grown-up AU Rui?)

Plus, even if I don't mind liking a 22 year old, it's kinda nice to have a grown-up male lead. (And doesn't he remind you of a grown-up AU Rui?)

Hee! I am all for gorgeous grown-up leads. The herouine is as cute as a button and they have this very sexually charged relationship, very un-Japanese-drama style. LOVE IT.

And yep, I totally get the Rui vibe too. (I KNEW that somewhere in the alternative Universe he will get a girl!)

The herouine is as cute as a button and they have this very sexually charged relationship, very un-Japanese-drama style. LOVE IT.

I love the heroine too! She is pushy without being obnoxious. And I love the charged vibe, too. They are always very aware of any first touches, and everything. And I love how organically that part of their relationship develops, too, because I find it realistic.

yep, I totally get the Rui vibe too.

Yup. You, me, and

kitsune714. I am glad I am not the only one. I am even more gleeful because Hiroko reminds me of Makino a bit :) I didn't want Rui/Makino in Hanadan, but I did want Rui to have someone, and for her to be Makino-like so this is sort of a perfect AU :)

It is also like "Silence" without dying. I keep wanting to watch "Silence" again, you know. But I just chicken out every time.

I am even more gleeful because Hiroko reminds me of Makino a bit :) I didn't want Rui/Makino in Hanadan, but I did want Rui to have someone, and for her to be Makino-like so this is sort of a perfect AU :)

She has a very similar voice and mannerisms. I didn't ship Rui and Makino too, but I hoped for the other girl to return ** sigh **.. Because I watched "Meteor Garden" first and I was so crazy about DMS I was also Makino/Domioji (but I didn't like him as much as I liked DMS). But I liked Rui much more than I like Lei.

Edited 2008-04-28 21:10 (UTC)

OMG, you are so right! It's like Silence, only it's the guy who can't speak :)

I also liked DMS more than Domyouji and Rui better than Lei :)

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I have watched a bit of the episode 3 of "Powerful Opponents" . I think the President's Son is showing more feeling and I am warming up to him. But still, I don't understand - why would they uglify him with this horrid, horrid haircut so much???

But love triangles must go away. And Gwan Pil should have a decent OTP.

Hmmm. *butting in* I found the first pic hotter than the second one. Who is the guy, btw? :D

Mee too, I also prefer the first picture! He is the lead guy from "Powerfull opponents" , Lee Jin Wook.

Only he looks like this there:

Oh my. Such contrast. But I am keen on watching Powerful Opponents still. But to answer your question, yes, fictional female detectives and cops are obliged to wear heels because they would automatically look prettier, sexier, and make the law enforcement occupation that much more appealing. YES :D Proof include La Femme Nikita and Alias *LOL*

I like "Powerful opponents" and I am warming up to President's Son. He looks better in the ep.3 and the other two leads are awesome. I know you like ChaeRim - she is very pretty/perky/cool in this drama.

yes, fictional female detectives and cops are obliged to wear heels because they would automatically look prettier, sexier, and make the law enforcement occupation that much more appealing. YES :D Proof include La Femme Nikita and Alias *LOL*

LOL indeed!

Chae Rim has very nice clear (though a little pale) skin. She is supposed to have got her eyes done, for a recent drama. Since I've only seen her in Dal Ja's Spring I can't tell the difference :) I love actresses with clear skin. For some reason every Asian girl wants to look whiter/fairer while every Western girl wants tanner skin :D

Hmm, now you mentioned this.. I started "Dal Ja's" spring but could not get over the strange way Chae Rim looks there. I think she looks quite different in "Powerful Opponents". I am never too certain about these things but I think her eyes do look different from "Dal Ja's", as if they have been indeed "done"..

I would be flabbergasted the day I found a kdrama actress who didn't have any plastic surgery :P

Oh, I meant to watch this. (And I mean even more now) Because so often used kdrama storyline where the herouine (and sometimes the hero's too) just let their spouses walk all over them is one of the things I dislike but try to ignore.

Actually I haven't watched any Fujiki Naohito drama except Slow Dance (sorry I said earlier that for a first drama of his I'd watch Hotaru no Hikari - I'd forgotten that I saw him already in Slow Dance!). I have seen him in a very brief movie titled Jams Film S (it was a collection of Japanese festival dramas), in which I thought he looked like Takuya Kimura (!!). I'd love to watch Itoshi Kimi e but they aren't sold here in Indonesia/Jakarta yet. So I wil have to wait :D

His latest drama, Around 40, sounds interesting, too. http://wiki.d-addicts.com/Around_40 Wikipedia says:

39-year-old Ogata Satoko is a highly capable psychiatrist who is single. She's forthright, a caring older sister and reliable in her job and in private. Her interests are staying in luxurious Japanese inns and watching stand-up comedy videos. Satoko hasn't had a boyfriend in the past five years. Nevertheless, she derives satisfaction from work and isn't worried about her finances. Among her good friends that she hangs out with are 35-year-old Morimura Nao, her junior who proclaims that she won't marry, and 39-year-old Oikawa Sadao, her peer since high school. Satoko is happily enjoying the single life. At an alumni reunion as everyone is on the verge of 40, Takeuchi Mizue, her good friend since high school who is now a full-time housewife, rushes Satoko into action. "If you want children, you should marry now" and "It's women's happiness", but both are lost on Satoko, who isn't convinced. One day, Satoko attempts to cheer up Nao, who is downcast over a shocking incident, and goes to her favourite hot-spring inn. There she coincidentally encounters a breakup between a handsome but somewhat odd man, Okamura Keitaro (Fujiki Naohito), and his girlfriend...

Itoshi Kimi e

I absolutely volonteer to send a copy to you when I get it.

I have watched two episodes of "Around 40" and it is very interesting drama about the problems of working women. I like it very much, it doesn't seem to go the way usual Japanese dramas about the matter go. As in: "working women will be healed by yonger men in their life". There is a younger man, of course (Fujiki Naohito), but it is all somehow .. different. I like the drama but I am not obsessively loving it, may be because Fujiki Naohito plays a militant ecologically conscious guy and this type I don't particular like (I have got one at the office where I work, It is a pain!)

I absolutely volonteer to send a copy to you when I get it.
Eeeeee! Thank you so much for your very generous and kind offer! :) I have such a huge backlog of dramas though, that I am okay with waiting till the DVDs finally come out here ^o^

Thanks for your take on Around 40. Sounds very interesting. I am a big fan of older, working women that are looking for their loves. Perhaps because I am in a similar situation, haha. Re: militat ecologist. Have no idea what they are like since I don't know anyone like that, but people who are hardcore and impose their beliefs on others can be pretty annoying :D

I thought that "Around 40" could be your cup of tea.. :D The ecology guy is going to improve, I feel it. :D

Also there are two other female leads, two friends of the herouine. One just got married because she felt her time is running out and another is a married lady who wants to get back to work. As you, I find their life is something I can relate to very well.

Edited 2008-04-29 09:28 (UTC)

I want to watch a really bouncy drama at the moment :D Like, ones that make you giddily happy. Any recs?? I have finished Sweet 18 already so I have ran out of my supply of crack :D And Bad Love, much as I love Giant Hair, is kind of emo and I am starting to dread the ending >_>

Out of the recent ones I would really rec "Zettai Kareshi". It is great. Out of the old ones - have you watched "Lovers" and "Lovers in Paris"? Both are just the crack that makes you happy. They have some emo and some of the usual Koren drama things but both end happily.

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