Suzuki Sensei Review

Title: Suzuki Sensei

Genre: School, Drama, Human

Episodes: 10

Broadcast period: 2011-Apr to 2011-Jun

Cast: Hasegawa Hiroki, Usuda Asami, Tsuchiya Tao and a lot of other child actors, and adults…

This drama revolves around a teacher who tries different types of theories and unorthodox practices, in order solve the issues and problems occurring in this class of middle schoolers.

Suzuki Akira (Hasegwana Hiroki), also known as Suzuki-sensei, is the homeroom teacher of 2-A. While dividing the student into classes, Suzuki-sensei had a goal of making “the most harmonious class”, which is ones of his believes, by compiling pupils that would engage and interact in such a manner that they would be able to comprehend, accept, discuss and solve issues that would arise. But also give the class and school a platform for dialogues, that would be deemed as unethical or morally wrong, such as sex and pregnancy.

At the same time Suzuki-sensei meets Hata Asami (Usuda Asami), and starts sharing his practice and theories with her, and even discusses possible outcomes and dilemmas in each situation presented in school…

This drama is one of the old dramas I downloaded years ago, while being new to the Asian drama world. I remember starting out and loved the school/teacher genre, so I decides to download it, but later read the summary about it being a serious drama, so I completely forgot about it.

After watching it I have to say I agree about the ‘serious’-talk. It really is a serious drama, with quite some shocking element, I didn’t expect. The thought that sex would be so common for 6^th/7^th graders is not something I even realized. Of course, you can blame it on the Asian drama would trying to portray their society as ‘innocent’, but tbh, when I heard those words coming out of their mouth, phew…

I am not sure about the ages of the young actors, but they seem quite good I their portrayal. To be able to do such complex characters is refreshing, and the fact that thing are said out loud, makes it an interesting watch. This drama isn’t a ‘feel-good’ drama; it has some disturbing elements too, but I kind of felt like they were necessary - as they are never shown in regular dramas.

To sum up: an interesting drama with a different take on ‘reality’, compared to your regular JP school drama.

☆☆☆☆ / 4 out 5 stars

♥♥♥♥ / 4 out of 5 hearts

Hono no Tenkosei REBORN Review

Title: Hono no Tenkosei Reborn

AKA: Blazing Transfer Students

Genre: Comedy, School

Episodes: 8

Release date: November 10, 2017

Cast: Shigeoka Daiki, Hamada Takahiro, Kamiyama Tomohiro, Kotaki Nozomu, Kiriyama Akito, Fuji Ryusei, Nakama Junta and Kawashima Umika.

While transferring schools Shigeoka Kakeru (Shigeoka Daiki) meets Hikari (Kawashima Umika) at the entrance. Soon after he is thrown into a ring with six other transfer students: a boxer (Hamada Takahiro), a wanna-be samurai (Kiriyama Akita), a narcissist (Fuji Ryusei), a scaredy-cat (Kamiyama Tomohiro), a genius (Nakama Junta) and a yankee (Kotaki Nozomu). For some reason the seven are forced to fight one another, in a “transfer student fight-off”. The group soon decide to run away, but are soon captured, and realize that all have the same first name: Kakeru.

After a turbulent first day, they are introduced to their principle, who tells them that they are part of the “Blazing Transfer Student”-mission, where they have to transfer to problem schools and fix the problems from within… But why are they all there in the first place, and how big of a coincident is that they all share the first name?

When I heard that all seven Johnny’s WEST were going to star in a drama together, I was so excited. These guys are so funny together, so I was sure it would be fun watch. And I was right: it was so silly that it became hilarious. As Japanese drama goes, this one is most defiantly one of those you’d call “wacky” or just plain ridiculous. But again, since it’s a Japanese drama, it really embraced the silliness and became a good drama to watch, with really nice acting. The storyline is not too confusing, and it actually does keep you watching… kind a.

All in all, a funny/silly drama that isn’t that time consuming.

☆☆☆½ / 3½ out of 5 stars

♥♥♥♥ / 4 out of 5 hearts

CROWS ZERO 3 Movie Review

Title: CROWS ZERO EXPLODE

AKA: CROWS ZERO 3

Genre: Action, Delinquents, School

Origin: Japan

Release Date: April 12, 2014

Cast: Higashide Masahiro, Saotome Taichi, Katsuji Ryo, Nagayama Kento and Yagira Yuya.

This movie is a sequel to CROWS ZERO 2, and the third movie in the series.

Kaburagi Kazeo (Masahiro Higashide) is a new transfer student at Suzuran High School. As he arrives he witness’ a fight between the current TOP Goura Toru (Yagira Yura) and another student. The fight is interrupted by Kagami Ryohei (Saotome Taichi) who arrogantly announces he will be the TOP. While commotion is going on, Kazeo refuses to fight but knocks out a student whose attacking him, with a single punch.

Former mobster Katagiri Ken (Yabe Kyosuke) encounters Makise Takashi (Takahashi Tsutomu) and while the two converse Makise offers Ken to work at the mechanics shop with him. It is soon revealed that Ken used to work for Ryohei’s father, who was the head of the gang, and had helped take care of Ryohei when he was little.

Due to issues at home, and some bad influence by drop-out from other schools, Ryohei decides to rein havoc at both schools, and Ken’s new gig. At the same time, Kazeo is refusing to fight, even though he might be the strongest amongst the students…

I gotta apologize for the summary, I really tried not to spoil, but it is very hard to explain this movie.

If I were to compare the movie with the other two I have to say it’s not as good, and I honestly can’t blame it on the cast. This movie is bad because of the story. Very little focus is used on the relationships between the characters, and they used way too much time on Makise and Ken. I know that they tried to give a bit back to the fans of the series, but with an entire new cast, I kind of felt that I never really got to know the new characters. It is hard to trump the originals I agree, but they didn’t give them much space to grow tbh.

Though the layout of the school was much better, and the quality of the surrounding was better - but still isn’t good of the overall doesn’t work. I mean they did try to go all out, but the ended up having too much.

On the other note, I admit it was refreshing having a new cast, and new storylines. I like that it was much ‘lighter’ as in actually being able to see the scenes - for example: the mob and the bars, which were so dark before… I guess the got a new scenographer… Or whatever it’s called…

All in all, okay movie, but not close to the originals.

☆☆☆ / 3 out of 5 stars

♥♥♥ / 3 out of 5 hearts

Aogeba Toutoshi Review

Title: Aogeba Toutoshi

AKA: Brass Dreams

Genre: School, Music, Delinquents

Episodes: 8

Broadcast period: 2016-Jul to 2016-Sept

Cast: Terao Akira, Tabe Mikako, Mackenyu, Nijiro Murakami, Anna Ishii and many others…

Hikuma Koichi (Terao Akira) is a music teacher, strongly believing in involving all is students in all the performances they make, no matter how well they play. After having troubles with the music club Kanagawa Public Misaki High School invites Koichi to help them, in order to join the national competition. Soon Koichi notices the biggest problem of the club: the five members that don't want to return. The five had been a band, but due to other students ruining their performance, the five end up leaving everything that involves music. Because of their attire (being delinquents), no one wants them to return... except Koichi, who makes it his mission to get them back, and have all the students play at the contest. But it is not easy, as the five firmly refuse to return. How will it turn out?

Again, I apologize of the summary: I recommend you watch the trailer.

After watching almost every single Yankee drama out there, I kind of missed the genre. I tend to re- watch old ones, so this was a nice drama to come by, as it is new and fresh. I didn’t want another Gokusen, and this drama wasn’t like that.  Yes, there were Yankees, and a teacher “believing-in-the-students-and-so-forth”, but this one is a bit different. It felt a bit “heavy” as in quite an amount of emotions, I didn’t expect to feel. It took me on an emotional rollercoaster, I wasn’t ready for it. The cast was good too, much better than the average Japanese youngsters/newbie actors, so that contributed too.

The overall story was real, and I think this is one of those that is underrated, if you ask me.

All in all, a fine drama, with great cast, and decent story.

☆☆☆☆ / 4 out of 5 stars

♥♥♥♥ / 4 out of 5 hearts

AGAIN!! Review

Title: Again!

Genre: Time Travel, School, Comedy

Episodes: 10

Broadcast period: 2014-Jul to 2014-Oct

Cast: Fujii Ryusei, Hayami Akari, Kojima Fujiko, Kusumi Koharu and Okano Maya.

Imamura Kinichiro (Fuji Ryuseii) is high school senior with absolutely nothing to aspire to, and full of regrets for not being able to have great memories during his high school life. On the day of his graduation he by accident falls down some stairs together with Fujieda Akira (Okano Maya), and wakes up 3 years in the past, on the day of his freshman year of high school. Believing he can change his past, he decides to look for the one person he had been wanting to ask one question, all through his high school life. But when he finds out that the girl, Usami Yoshiko (Hayami Akari), he had remembered as someone he looked up to, is member of the cheer squad, he decides to find out what had made him look up to her in the past. At the same time, he and Akira try to find out why and how they ended up in the past…

This is one of those Japanese dramas that are lighthearted and funny, yet can bring forth a good message at the end. Even though the drama has many, maybe too many, silly points, the drama as a general is fun to watch is interesting. Though I must say I was at one point bored and annoyed, but that is a personal preference with these dramas, where I prefer the supporting actress with the lead. I know a lot of time I have it the opposite way, but the lead actress in this drama was unlikeable to say the least.

As a fan of time travel I will say this: the idea was quite intriguing. I didn’t understand how it happened but when it did I didn’t mind it. I was quite surprised by the idea of the means. Though if it had continued for more than 10 episodes I would have started questioning how and why, so thankfully it didn’t.

The acting was very b-rated and over the top, but still watchable.

So all in all, a fun and interesting drama, though not one of the great ones out there.

☆☆½ / 2½ out of 5 stars

♥♥½ / 2½ out of 5 stars

Botchan 2016 SP Review

Title: Botchan

Genre: Period, School

Broadcast date: January 3, 2016

Cast: Ninomiya Kazunari, Matsushita Nao, Furuta Arata, Yashima Norito, Mitsuhiro Oikawa and Yamamoto Koji.

Botchan (Ninomiya Kazunari) is a newly educated teacher who hates injustice and lies. After being offered a job far from his hometown, he is sent to a rural town. Here he meets several different characters, but is put in a pinch when he tells his honest opinion to the school’s vice-principle (Mitsuhiro Oikawa). Unlike every other teacher in the school, Botchan tells the truth, which leads to a fight of power versus honesty…

Sorry for the short summary, but this is one special that would ruin the entire thing if I spoiled too much.

It’s been a while since I’ve seen Ninomiya in a drama – Yowakutemo Katemasu (2014) I think was the last, so having him do a TV SP is quite refreshing. But generally, any drama or movie he does is good, so I never hesitate to watch his dramas or movies.

This special is good as it doesn’t focus on disharmony of an institution but the chaos too much harmony can bring. I love that the setting is in the early 19’s, which gives it and form of discipline yet shows that children will always be children no matter the year. Nino does a great job, and so does the rest of the cast.

To sum up, the special is interesting and fun to watch, so I would recommend it to history and school drama fans.

☆☆☆☆ / 4 out of 5 stars

♥♥♥♥½ / 4½ out of 5 hearts

Majisuka Gakuen 5 Review

Title: Majisuka Gakuen 5

Genre: School, Fighting

Episodes: 12

Broadcast period: 2015-Aug to 2015-Oct

Cast: Miyawaki Sakura, Shimazaki Haruka, Yokoyama Yu, Kawaei Rina, Iriyama Anna, Kizakki Yuria, Kojima Mako, Owada Nana, Takahashi Minami and a whole lot of AKB48.

After a small fit with the yakuza, Antonio (Yamamoto Sayaka) is kidnapped and beaten. Salt (Shimazaki Haruka) decides to crash the party and beats the yakuza to the bulb, and manages to save Antonio, even though they are rival schools. This sparks worry at Majijo High School, but also anger at the yakuza who feel like they have been stepped on. The Rappappa, now with Sakura (Miyawaki Sakura) as one of the four since Bakamono (Kawaei Rina) gratuated, want to take it to the yakuza, but are told not to by Salt.

Bakamono on the other hand has gotten a job at a firm, only to find out that they are the very yakuza who had kidnapped Antonio, and want her to kill Salt by handing her the gun. At the same time other groups are fighting the smaller schools, in order to take down Majijo and Gekioko.

That same night Salt gets shot, and Majijo and the Rappappa have to decide how they are going to fight…

Well that escalated. I kind of watched all 4 seasons of Majisuka Gakuen with that one light feeling where I did not have to worry about the acting or the storyline, as I knew they weren’t that good to begin with. But the fifth season really took me by surprise: the story is so dark and the camera shots kind of improved, not to mention the storyline. I usually wondered while watching this type of drama, about the parents of the Yankees or the teachers. Surprisingly this time around they added both, and much more! I am a bit confused by why they decided to end the drama franchise like they did, but I guess five seasons is all they wanted to make.

Besides that, the acting didn’t really improve; maybe a little bit by a few of them, but not all of them. And generally even if they added all the things they did, the drama isn’t really going to get better.

So if you have watched the four seasons I do recommend this, if not, you won’t really find it that interesting..

☆☆☆½ / 3½ out of 5 stars

♥♥♥ / 3 out of 5 hearts

Kamen Teacher 2014 SP Review

Title: Kamen Teacher 2014 Special

Genre: School

Airdate: February 14, 2014

Cast: Fujigaya Taisuke, Shiraishi Mai, Watanabe Natsuna and Kubota Masataka.

“To save the dilapidated field of education, Iikura of the Department of Education created the Kamen Teacher system, a teacher allowed to use violence. Gato Koichi, a politician working for educational reform, sent one Kamen Teacher to St. Fictional High School to use force. However, that special teacher, Araki Gouta, had doubts about leading with force. Will it be force that saves the ruined educational system? Or...?” (Intro)

This special is right after Araki Gota (Fujigaya Taisuke) loses his student, and is sent out to Kaku Gakuin. A month ago a female student fell from the school’s rooftop, presumed as a suicide, and because of that her boyfriend Amakawa Atsushi (Kubota Masataka) firmly believing it was an attempted murder, the school is terrorized by him and two of his fellow students.

When Gota arrives he is shocked by the yellow line in the classroom, separating students and teachers: the students are not allowed to cross it, nor are the teacher allowed to. Of course being who he is, he crosses the line and decides to hand out papers directly to the students, much to everyone’s surprise. When Amakawa enters the class Gota is beat and told that all teachers are crap; which Gota sees as a challenge, but he soon finds out that the students aren’t the real problem…

Compared to the drama I kind of liked this special a bit more. I don’t know if it is because of the actors are better at acting compared to the idol/newer kind of actors in the drama, but the overall special was very good. The idea of the ‘Kamen Teacher’ or ‘Masked Teacher’ is a dumb idea and honestly doesn’t make sense, but besides that the storyline is completely true to the current issues of the educational system. Japanese High School dramas usually are about the special cases or/and classes, but this special talks about the most current one: teacher-student relations. The drama does it too, but there is just too much Yankee all over that drama, it becomes over-seen. If you have watched the drama and liked it, this special will be a nice treat. Though if you haven’t, it’ll still be okay to watch.

☆☆☆☆ / 4 out of 5 stars

♥♥♥♥ / 4 out of 5 hearts

Omotesando Koukou Gasshoubu! Review

Title: Ometesando Koukou Gasshoubu!

AKA: Omotesando High School Choir!

Genre: School, Choir, Romance, Family

Episodes: 10

Broadcast period: 2015-Jul to 2015-Sept

Cast: Shirota Yuu, Yoshine Kyoko, Shison Jun, Yoshimoto Miyu, Mirokawa Aoi and Takahata Atsuko.

After her parents’ separation Kagawa Makoto (Yoshine Kyoko) decides to live with her mother in Tokyo. Her father and younger sister stay in Seto Island. As a huge fan of choir singing and growing up with parents who always did choir signing, Makoto decides to join Omotesando High Shcool - the place where her parents first started singing choir and also where they fell in love. Her goal is to reunite her parents by finding the famous 'love song' which makes you reminiscent of your past love. But the only problem is that the current choir club on the school only has 4 members and has 0 motivation in singing. Since the club lacks member, they must have at least 8, it is on the verge of closure, and the club advisor Suzuki Ariake (Shirota Yu), whom Makoto knew from when she was younger and whom she admires, is no help either as he is too busy with hostesses.

So Makoto decides to rebuild the choir and save it from abolishment, as well as save her parents' crumbling marriage. Can she do it?

I decided to watch this drama out of one reason only: Shirota Yuu. I didn’t really know any of the actors, so it was kind of random when I saw the poster, and noticed him. Also I really have not heard about choirs in school, so I was full with prejudice honestly – as choir singing is pretty ‘geeky’ from where I am. But I must admit I really enjoyed it. It was sweet, and really nice to listen to. They are sort of grow on you, not matter how geeky they are. And about Shirota Yuu… really… chameleon. I was quite shocked when I saw him. I didn’t expect him to look and act that way, but it was nice to see a different side of him. *thumps up*

I was quite glad that it wasn’t just about her saving the choir club nor it only being about her fixing her parents’ ruined marriage – kind of nice mixing both and getting a bit from both.

So all in all, I enjoyed this typical yet refreshing Japanese school drama.

☆☆☆☆ / 4 out of 5 stars

♥♥♥½ / 3½ out of 5 hearts

Majisuka Gakuen 4 Review

Title: Majisuka Gakuen 4

AKA: Majisuka Academy 4

Genre: Teen, School, Action, Comedy

Episodes: 10

Broadcast period: Jan-2015 to Mar-2015

Cast: Miyawaki Sakura, Shimazaki Haruka, Yokoyama Yu, Kawaei Rina, Iriyama Anna, Kizakki Yuria, Kojima Mako, Owada Nana and Takahashi Minami.

Since the students who made Majijo (Majisyka Jou Gakuen) notorious have graduated, the current Rappappa are living off the fame. Though the Four Heavenly Queens are strong they are not as tight-knitted group as they used to be. This all changes when a new transfer, Sakura (Miyawaki Sakura), student arrives. At first she has no interest in anyone, but soon she decides she wants to take the top - as she prefers to see things from above. This shakes the school’s grounds, but also excites the bored Salt -  who had been wanting to relive her boredom ever since she had beaten every single student in Majijo. On top of that the rival school Gekioko High want to finally beat their rivals once and for all...

Compared to season 1 and 2 (not mentioning season 3 as it about a prison not Majijo), the fighting is very very bad. I don't know if it because of the new cast or there is another director, but they really are bad at it - both the fighting and the 'beat' scenes. Atsuko is no longer there, not that I liked her, but there really isn'y anyone from the original series. Shimazaki Haruka, who plays Paru in season 3, is Salt is season 4 - the new head, but other than that nothing really is close to good acting. The lead is dull an quite a weird character - weird in the sense of not being portrayed as an actual human being, but rather a rag doll looking pretty - if being blank is pretty :S . The story is okay, I kind of like that the storyline has changed focus, meaning it is no longer about Atsuko, and that it once again is about getting to the top.

Whether it is recommendable or not, I have to say that unless you are a fan of AKB48, I don't really see why you should watch it... (and yes, I am a fan.. a bit :P)

☆☆☆ / 3 out of 5 stars

♥♥♥ / 3 out of 5 hearts

A Short Distance Relationship Movie Review

Title: A Short Distance Relationship
AKA: Close Range Love
Genre: Romance, School
Origin: Japan
Release Date: October 11, 2014
Cast: Tomohisa Yamashita, Nana Komatsu, Asami Mizukawa, Nozomu Kotaki, Mizuki Yamamoto, Hirofumi Arai

Kururugi Yuni (Nana Komatsu) was an expressionless high school prodigy. Her grades were all top-notch except English. Her class English teacher, Haruka Sakurai (Tomohisa Yamashita) appointed himself to become her private tutor. The guardian of Yuni and school's mathematics teacher, Kazuma Akechi (Arai Hirofumi), noticed Yuni had become emotionally unstable, so he decided to cancel the tutoring. With the help of her best friend, Nanami Kikuko (Mizuki Yamamoto), she realized that she was now in love with Sakurai who was admired by every girl in school, But every time she tried to confess in words, it always fail.

I forgot how good and charismatic Yamashita is. I liked the movie, it was a little slow throughout, and it have got a weird vibe over it. I’m not a big fan of teacher-student relationsships, but this was kind of cute, and it seemed like an adult romance even though she was a student. I didn’t mind the slow pace in the beginning since we get the small details and it’s really relaxing. Japanese movies are really so simple and so slow paced, I really can’t get used to it, however this one is really on the edge, it gives you as much to keep you hooked. All in all an okay movie.

☆☆☆☆ / 4 out of 5 stars

♥♥♥½ / 3½ out of 5 hearts

Sassy Go Go Review

Title: Sassy Go Go
AKA: Cheer up!
Genre: School, Drama, Romance
Episodes: 12
Broadcast Period: Oct-2015 to Nov-2015
Cast: Jung Eun Ji, Kim Min Ho, Lee Won Geun, Ji Soo, Chae Soo Bin, Shin Jae Ha, Kang Min Ah, Cha Hak Yun,

Set at the elite Sevit High School in Seoul, the drama follows the lives of five students as they attempt to survive in a vicious environment where academic elitism takes place. Kang Yeon do (Jung Eun Ji) is the leader of an outcast street dance club "Real King", a group of students who band together because of their poor academic performance, whereas Kim Yeol (Lee Won Geun) is the President of "Baek Ho", an elite club comprised of students from the top 5 percent. When the two clubs are forcibly merged to create a cheerleading squad, the two put their differences aside for the benefit of their clubs.

This started out really well, I fell in love with it almost instantly. Who can say no to those handsome guys! However I guess they blinded me for a moment, because after a while (not too long, after all it’s only 12 episodes) you kind of feel that the drama has fallen into a cycle. It keeps repeating itself constantly. Same problem, different characters. It was a well-produced drama, I liked the cinematography, (the school was so fancy!), all the actors lived up to their potential. There were a lot of newbies, but you couldn’t tell that it was their debut drama, I guess the standards for actors are rising in Korea :b Eun Ji did really good, I liked her very much in this drama, to be honost I’ve liked her since Reply 1997 and watches all her dramas, she never disappoints! As for the plot, it could have been better, that was the only thing that takes the drama down. Sometimes even though how good the actors are, they can’t save a boring plot. Overall, I want to recommend this, but I’ll have to warn you that the story can get on your nerve!

☆☆☆½ / 3½ out of 5 stars

♥♥♥ / 3 out of 5 hearts

Fashion King Movie Review

Title: Fashion King
Genre: School, Drama
Origin: South Korea
Release Date: November 6, 2014
Cast: Joo Won, Choi Sulli, Ahn Jae Hyun, Park Se Young, Kim Sung Oh, Lee Il Hwa, Han Hye Jin

Woo Ki Myung (Joo Won), a completely ordinary high school student, has a crush on Hye Jin (Park Se Young), the prettiest, most popular girl in class. So to win her heart, he decides to transform his image and become the coolest, best dressed person in the world. As his mentor Nam Jung (Kim Sung Oh) introduces him to the world of fashion, Woo Myung finds himself entering into a rivalry with Won Ho (Ahn Jae Hyun), the school's toughest fighter. Meanwhile, he doesn't notice Eun Jin (Choi Sulli), who harbors a secret crush on him.

I really liked the plot of this movie, but it didn't quite hit the right spots for me. The main reason why I watched this movie is for the casting mostly. I mean gaah Joo Won?!  As expected from Joo Won he also proves once again how good an actor he is, in a dorky and cute way this time. I'm not sure about Sulli since I haven't really seen her in much, but I thought she did OK. The universe here is fashion, school & rivalry. I must say that the combination of the three of them is rather great. I didn't laugh as much as I expected, but I felt very entertained. I definitely think this movie is worth watching, but comparatively it wasn't as great as other things I have watched.

☆☆☆☆½ / 4½ out of 5 stars

♥♥♥½ / 3½ out of 5 hearts

Ao Haru Ride Movie Review

Title: Ao Haru Ride
Genre: School, Romance, Friendship
Origin: Japan
Release Date: December 13, 2014
Cast: Tsubasa Honda, Masahiro Higashide, Yua Shinkawa, Ryo Yoshizawa, Izumi Fujimoto, Mitsuki Takahata

When she was a middle school student, Futaba Yoshioka (Tsubasa Honda) liked Kou Tanaka (Masahiro Higashide), who was unlike the other boys a quiet and gentle guy. Kou Tanaka then moved away and they lost contact. At the end of Futaba Yoshioka's first year as a high school student she meets Kou Tanaka again. Kou Tanaka’s name has changed to Kou Mabuchi and his personality seems different from his middle school days. Will he recognize her?

Last time I watched a Jmovie were… a year ago. Wow, I think I’m all “koreanized”, I guess that’s just what I prefer. But it was nice going back to the Japanese screen, and with such a lovely movie. The story sounded quite nice, and I missed those Japanese high school themed dramas, so I thought a movie would be a good comeback. The story was quite charming, and I loved how they gradually expressed their feelings and thoughts whether it be romance or friendship. One thing that bothered me a little, were the dialogues. They could have made the male actor talk a little more and make him explain his actions. It really frustrated me sometimes, but I guess that’s how it is.
It must really be a long time ago I watched anything Japanese since I didn’t recognize anyone, so it felt a bit ‘fresh’. I had no anticipation or anything, so I just enjoyed the movie and it did leave me with a nice feeling in the end. Recommend? Yes absolutely.  

☆☆☆☆ / 4 out of 5 stars

♥♥♥♥½ / 4½ out of 5 hearts

Suikyu Yankees Review

Title: Suikyu Yankees

AKA: Water Pool Yankees

Genre: School, Sports, Romance

Episodes: 10

Broadcast period: 2014-Jul to 2014-Sept

Theme song: Ashita e no YELL by Hey! Say! Jump!

Cast: Nakajima Yuto, Takaki Yuya, Ohara Sakurako, Yamazaki Kento and Oomasa Aya.

At a very young age Inaba Naoya (Nakajima Yuto) is saved by a Yankee who tells him life changing this, including never giving up on anything without trying. Living by those words for 10 years, Naoya returns from America to Japan, to the school where his idol went: Kasuminroi Technical High School - or Kusu High School. Here he decides he wants to take the ‘top’ and rule over the school, but the students of Kusu High School are not the Yankees that they used to be. To make things worse the school is to be closed down, due to its unpopularity and since the school loses out in both grades and reputation against Suiran High School.

Looking for the current top he faces off Mifune Ryuji (Yamazaki Kento), whom he believes is the ‘top’ of the school.  Unable to take him serious Ryuji brushes him off, having much more important things on his mind: Kitajima Torao (Takaki Yuya) a student at Suiran High School. Ryuji and Torao were best friends once; both loving to play water polo, but for some reason Ryuji quit and refused to play it, making Torao becoming the town’s hero (for making the town popular after winning championship).  When Toraos teammates beat up some of Naoyas classmates, Naoya decides to go head to head with Torao in order to pay him back - but Torao has one condition: it has to be water polo.

After the battle Naoya realizes one thing: he can save his school by beating Suiran High School, but first he has to recruit members to the Water Polo club…

I never liked these kinds of dramas with swimming sports, also one of the reasons I never finished Water Boys. But this drama is really funny, and I finished it in one go. It’s really my cup of tea and the water polo part is not so bad. I am just annoyed with the love stories, which I found boring - even though they were trying to make it interesting. Takaki Yuya and Nakajima Yuto are so grown up T_T, I kind of like it *_*. Their acting is great too, but that’s Johnnys for ya :P The rest was okay too, and the trio were soooo funy omg.

Okay sorry fan girl mode. Anyways, good and funny drama.

☆☆☆☆ / 4 out of 5 stars

♥♥♥♥ / 4 out of 5 hearts

Kamji’s Verdict:
I was looking for something light, entertaining, Japanese (yep ! The “Japanese”part is really important because I just wanted something real, something human, something only Japan know how to do..) to lift up my spirit which isn't feeling at the best at the moment. And I’m surprised that this drama entirely fulfill those goals. And there were so much more in it. Let's get one thing straight: It's not the best dorama out there, it's not amazing but by god was this wholeheartedly entertaining, fun and just what you want from a Summer Drama!! Johnny's, Johnny's everywhere. The only down I can actually pick out is, I personally felt the romance aspect was unnecessary. The romance (all like 5 of them!) added nothing to the drama and weren't needed. All this dorama needed was a bunch of guys being the best friends ever and that's what I got and I loved it!

☆☆☆☆½ / 4½ out of 5 stars

♥♥♥♥½ / 4½ out of 5 hearts

Gakkou no Kaiden Review

Title: Gakkou no Kaiden

AKA: School’s Steps / The Steps of School

Genre: School, Human Drama

Episodes: 10

Broadcast period: 2015-Jan to 2015-Mar

Cast: Hirose Suzu, Kamiki Ryunosuke, Ishibashi Anna, Sugisaki Hana and Suga Kenta.

“If you have friends there, school is fun. For the strong, school is a paradise. But for the weak...it's a mine-ridden battlefield. There are no passionate teachers who will help you, and you can't rely on your parents. All you can do is try to avoid the mines and wait for graduation. That's right... You should keep your breath hushed, and not move. If you move even a little, you'll become a target. When that happens... I've lost? Fight back and break it all! This is the story of the world's biggest weakling... And her rebellion.” (Intro of the drama)

Haruna Tsubame (Hirose Suzu) is a student at a prestige school, where rich kids are enrolling. She, with numerous of other students, is part of a program where children from ‘not-so-rich’ families are enrolled. Due to the money given by 8 riches students, called Platinum 8, or rather their families, the 8 are allowed to do anything without being put responsible.  As a joke the Platinum 8 put Tsubame as the president of the school’s council, knowing that Tsubame has a fear of big crowds. This leads to Tsubame encountering Shizukui Kei (Kamiki Ryunosuke), who tells her that she need to fight and that he will help her.

At first she refuses him, but when her best friend is at the verge of being expelled, she seeks the help of Kei…

As a fan of Kamiki’s I have to say, one great drama! I didn’t really know what to expect since I didn’t read the summary of the drama, but I really enjoyed watching it. You would think that 10 episodes with speeches would make you bored, but somehow the monologues where nice to hear. I call them monologues, but when talking you really felt like she was talking to you. So it wasn’t boring to be honest.

Kamiki was great; I am officially going to watch all his dramas/movies. Besides him, the rest was good too. I kind of thought they were all good actors.

All in all: a great drama with great acting.

☆☆☆☆ / 4 out of 5 stars

♥♥♥♥ / 4 out of 5 hearts

Who Are You ? School 2015 Review

Title: Who Are You?
AKA: School 2015
Genre: School, Mystery
Episodes: 16
Broadcast Period: Apr-2015 to Jun-2015
Cast: Kim So Hyun, Yook Sung Jae, Nam Joo Hyuk, Lee Pil Mo, Lee David, Kim Hee Jung, Lee Cho Hee, Yoo Young

Go Eun Byul and Lee Eun Bi (both Kim So Hyun) are identical twins separated at birth. Lee Eun Bi lives at House of Love, an orphanage in Tongyeong, where the younger residents look up to her as a mother figure. However, she hides the fact that a gang of mean girls, led by Kang So Young (Kim Hee Jung), while teachers turn a blind eye, bullies her at school. On the other hand, Go Eun Byul is the most popular girl at Sekang High School, the most prestigious private high school in Seoul's Gangnam District. Go Eun Byul shares a mutual attraction with Han Yi An (Nam Joo Hyuk), the school's star swimmer. They have been friends since childhood. Lee Eun Bi and Go Eun Byul look exactly alike, but only Go Eun Byul is aware of the others existence. Unlike the cheerful Lee Eun Bi, Go Eun Byul is prickly and secretive.

Overall, the story is really good, and it had a lot of potential which I think the writers could have done more out of it. The drama itself feels a little bit lacking, after the huge success with School 2013, you kind of have expectations for this one too. However, it just didn’t work out as thought so in the beginning. I won’t lie, it was entertaining and I don’t dislike the drama, it just leaves you wanting more. Kim So Hyun did really well, I was pleasantly surprised by her acting, and I would watch her in other things, but the most outstanding one in this drama were Yook Sung Jae *clap-clap*. He did SO WELL. His character was sweet and funny and I loved how he was a little shit but still really cared about the people around him. The writers created such an amazing character and did nothing with it, I will never forgive them for that. Nam Joo Hyuk did great too, but I didn’t like his character… somehow the writers overdid it (again blaming the writers :b ). One last thing I wanna comment on is that I really wanted more from the other students. Not just a 30 second montage. This drama is called School 2015, so there should be more! I’m looking forward to a School 20XX ;)

☆☆☆☆½ / 4½ out of 5 stars
♥♥♥♥ / 4 out of 5 hearts

Angry Mom Review

Title: Angry Mom
Genre: Family, Drama, Human, School
Episodes: 16
Broadcast period: Mar-2015 to May-2015
Cast: Kim Hee Sun, Ji Hyun Woo, Kim Yoo Jung, Im Hyung Joon, Go Soo Hee, Kim Ji Young, Jun Gook Hwan, Kang Moon Young

Jo Gang Ja (Kim Hee Sun) is a young mother with a daughter in high school. She lives with her husband and mother in law and works all day in a restaurant. Her relationship with her daughter is not really smooth since the daughter; Oh Ah Ran (Kim Yoo Jung) shuts her mom out. Life goes on until Kang Ja finds out that her daughter is going through a hell of physical and emotional bullying at school. The daughter denies being bullied and refuses to say anything to her mom for some valid reasons from her perspective. Kang Ja loses her cool and tries all ways to solve the issue. She meets Ah Ran’s homeroom teacher, reports to the police and even tries to bring a suit. When she realises her efforts are all fruitless; she resorts to the last measure she could think of; enrolling in her daughter’s school. Once she’s in as Bang Wol, she takes ending violence in school and finding the perpetrators in her daughter’s case on as a life mission.

Recently I have been craving school dramas, I don’t know why or maybe it’s because of the upcoming exams, but it had led me to this recently completed drama Angry Mom. Wow, this is not an ordinary school drama, it takes up issues and problems that many people decide to look at with a blind eye. It addresses real issues in the Korean school system and in my opinion school in general. I find the main lead to have a well-rounded character that keeps me interested as she struggles to protect her daughter but also isn’t so strong against the corruption that surrounds them. It hits the feels spot to watch her struggle with the realities that most mothers in the real world most likely face daily without the determination our protagonist has. The other characters are also fun to watch and fall in love with as you find them crawling into your heart slowly as their stories get fleshed out, for example the delinquent that our Angry Mom first set out to deal with – Go Bok Dong. I definitely recommend this drama to anyone looking for a school life drama with a bit of meaning and plot mixed into it.
The reason I didn't give it a full heart is because the drama surrounds alot about politics rather than the school life behind the walls. Still interesting, but not what i'd look for in this drama.

☆☆☆☆½ / 4½ out of 5 stars

♥♥♥♥½ / 4½ out of 5 hearts

High School, Love On Review

Title: High School Love On

AKA: Hi! School, Love on

Genre: Romance, Fantasy, School, Youth

Episodes: 20

Broadcast Period: Jul-2014 to Dec-2014

Cast: Nam Woo Hyun, Kim Sae Ron, Lee Sung Yeol, Choi Soo Rin, Jung Jae Soon, Jo Yun Woo, Shin Hyun Tak, Kim Young Jae, Lee Shi Hoo

Lee Seul Bi (Kim Sae Ron) is an angel with an honest and pure wish to become a human. One day when she was on duty, with no other choice she saved a human male student in danger. That is one thing an angel can’t do, which is meddling in the life of humans. The consequences of the accident is that she turned into a fallen angel on earth, not a human nor an angel. The only one she can seek help from is that human student she saved, Shin Woo Hyun (Nam Woo Hyun). Because she saved his life he had no other choice but to bring her with him home to his grandmother, and there she starts living as if she was a human being. However, there is too many obstacles on the road to become a real human being, and a lot more danger to it.

Okay, so this show has been going on since summer until December, there were a lot of cancelations and moving the timeslots every week, so you never knew when a new episode would come. Was this KBS2’ idea of promoting? More than anything, it just ridiculed the show in that sense that it would give others a negative thought of it before they even started it. I think it deserves better recognition than it got, the drama was interesting and distinctive and a little weird (in a good way). I started it with no expectations whatsoever, and got out with an enjoyably surprise. On the side note it made me feel old too :/ I felt like going back to those teenage/high school years, lol. On top of a quirky supernatural premise, it had endearing characters and a seriously beautiful camerawork with a skillful directorial touch that lingers on lovely little moments. Plot-wise this concept is well known in dramaland, the passion to be human, but somehow they fused many stories to get this new and fresh plot together. The main couple I actually fell too hard for them, they were actually not romantic or mushy… they were mostly practical and fuss-free. All the actors were okay, but throughout the drama you could feel the idols inexperience in the acting field. It bugged me A LOT in the beginning, but somehow they grew on me, I can see a future for them :b
Kim sae Ron, for gods sake she’s only 14! I don’t know what to think of her to be honest, she did an okay job, but failed at impressing me. Anyhow this show was really cute, I thought I wouldn’t like it, but I did and more. If you are looking for something not heavy with a nice story, this could be it.

☆☆☆½ / 3½ out of 5 stars

♥♥♥♥ / 4 out of 5 hearts 

The Queen's Classroom Review

Title: The Queen’s Classroom

AKA: Class of the Queen

Genre: Drama, Social, School, Comedy

Episodes: 16

Broadcast period: 2013-Jun to 2013-Aug

Cast: Ko Hyun Jung, Kim Hyang Gi, Chun Bo Geun, Kim Sae Ron, Seo Shin Ae and Lee Young Yoo.

This drama is the remake of the popular Japanese drama with the same name.

Shim Ha Na (Kim Hyang Gi) is a bright girl with a bit of a goofy personality, always smiling. Looking forward by sharing class with her best friend and it being her last year of elementary, she greets her class with joy and optimism. But when the class meets their new homeroom teacher Ma Yeo Jin (Ko Hyun Jung), the class is thrown into despair, and the one with the shortest straw is Ha Na.

Ma Yeo Jin is a cold and never smiling woman, who with her tyrannical ways makes her student gang up on one another, and favors the smartest students. She makes the class take tests every week so that the two bottom students become class presidents, having them do the cleanup jobs every week. The students with the worst results and the ones that are slowest in most things are ridiculed and made fun of by her. Any form of resistance is made futile by bulling them without any resistance from the teacher’s staff.

Since day one Ha Na’s personality makes her not only an easy target, but also very individual, so she doesn’t get manipulated as the rest.

Now she is stuck in a fight she didn’t sign up for, and Yeo Jins relationship with the principle seems understanding… What is going on?

I was really excited when I started watching this drama, because I was completely sucked in the amazing acting of these children. Even though people really liked Kim Sae Ron (because of her new drama High School Love On) but I really was captivated by Kim Hyang Gi. Yes she was the lead actress; however I found every scene she was in believable and honest – as if she really ends up in this situation. The rest were good too, another reason why I don’t find they should use idols as actors, unless they know how to act (TO CLEAR UP: many idols are used because of their fame even if they can’t act - this doesn’t apply on all idols though).  The actress playing the ‘witch’ was quite good, though I felt they kind of didn’t make her story that important (dunno if that is bad or good).

About the story, well I can’t say I hated it because it was almost identical with the Japanese one, except maybe the ending and some of the last episodes.

So to sum up: a good remake with great future potential.

☆☆☆☆ / 4 out of 5 stars

♥♥♥½ / 3½ out of 5 hearts