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♪Fake star~Ken Hirai
I decided that for all you J drama noobs, there should be a advice section of what you should watch and what you shouldn't. This is a 3 part post.
I'll start with the first part:
The good
Nobuta Wo produce: High school drama, the friendship between the weirdo, the loner and the popular guy. Even now, it is still hailed as the mother of all Jdramas, one everyone ABSO-FUCKING-LUTELY needs to watch.
1 Litre of Tears: Tear jerking drama about a girl with a serious medical condition, I guarantee even MEN will cry. =) This is a sure fire winner at dragging in Jdrama fanatics. Amazing performances by the supports. Make sure you have 2 boxes of men sized tissues beside you
Hana Yori Dango, 1 & 2: The ultimate romance, the prince and the pauper girl falls in love. Its a sweet love story with comedic performances from the king of all Jdramas- matsumoto Jun. It's the most famous shoujo manga in Japan.
Hana Kimitache: Super ikemen paradise, and its not kidding, the supporting cast for osaka boys gakuen is super funny and super endearing. A typical love story again, but not without its comedic laughs. However, unlike the Taiwanese [draggy] version, it gives each character some screen time, and the couple aren't so focused on. Because of that, the supports in the form of Hiro Mizushima and Ikuta Toma will steal girls hearts straightaway.
Yama Onna Kabe Onna: Not a love story, as you would expect. It's about two women with opposite sized breasts. It pokes fun at society's views of women and succeeds in getting slapstick laughs and performances from famous faces such as Itoh Misaki and Fukada Kyoko provide a good substantial comedy drama. Well worth watching
So thats my list so far, it will be updated. ^^
♪ Niji~ Aquatimez
The third season of Gokusen has finally finished airing, personally i haven't finished watching it yet, but I'm doing quite well, I am on the penultimate episode. But like my earlier predictions, it certainly didn't strike me as very special. It was predictable and warm, just like the previous two seasons. I guess, its something to be comfortable with. It's a feel good drama, and it lives up to its name.
Critacally, the only thing that saves this drama is Yankumi and Headmaster Sawatari, who were at their best. The only reason why i watched it. The new rising stars of Johnny's entertainment and the other agencies did not have the same impact as Matsumoto Jun in the first season. The main leads were mediocre, Takaki Yuya has no personality, not until the penultimate episode. However, on the high note, some actors such as Miura Haruma and some of the other boys are incredibly well driven and performed well, many for the first time. I will be looking forward to more dramas by them. However, I honestly have to say, this season's JE boys are looking disappointing. But, Maybe it's just me because they are all so young, and hence there is no attraction to them, unlike seasons 1 and 2 which were my senior and were delectable at the time.
I'm not surprised to hear of Gokusen's low average watch rating of 22.5%, it's mediocre at it's best.
I'm hoping the third installment of Hana Yori Dango would fare much better than this.
♪ By Chance~ BABY V.O.X
I recently browsed over my Baby V.O.X songs again and suddenly felt the urge to watch something with YEH in. I thought she was pretty good in Goong and Coffee Prince. The only one i hadn't seen was The Vineyard Man, which is the inbetweener drama between the earlier two I've watched. I know this because YEH had long hair. LOL.
The Vineyard Man has essences of ChaeYoung, such as textiles efficient and the mum who works in the insurance business, and the idea of money. The Vineyard man starts of great, both leads are brought together in a series of hilarious and disastrous consequences. In addition, we are introduced to the Villain of the drama-JiHyeon's Boss, who is a complete bitch that stalks people to get what she wants [THAT WAS ODD!]
I loved loved loved JiHyeon's friend, she is AMAZING at acting and she's just so funny. The dynamic duo pairing between YEH and this actress is really good. I laughed so hard.
It's a shame that we might not see so much of her throughout the drama. *sigh*
Overall, i thought The Vineyard man has started off pretty well, and I'm hoping it doesn't drag the romance for too long because Goong did that and that was pretty boring by the end of it.
♪ LIPS~megamassoFirstly, I'd like to say that I'm not usually an anime watcher. I used to be, but that died down along with my baby fat. and also, I will add screencaps later, when i'm not blogging at 1 in the morning.I decided to watch the first episode of Vampire Knight to see what was all the hype about. My cousins are fanatical about it and did cosplay the characters this year at the recent MCM expo. Obviously, it's becoming increasingly popular due to the MASSIVE hype about Vampire Lore nowadays, for example, Vampire Knight and the recently popular Edward Cullen, from Twilight. So Vampire Knight- as any shoujo manga does, it starts with humour. Alot of humour and this reinforces the chemistry between Zero and Yuuki, two of the main characters. Long story cut short- Yuuki Cross is the adopted daughter of the chairman of the school, Zero is treated as one of the family through other consequences[these consequences are the skeleton of the anime], They are prefects and protect the truth of the night-school students: They are all vampires.Zero's character hints alot of dark moments that are to come in the manga.On first impressions, I really did enjoy watching the first episode. It has so much potential to be good. As many people have said, it borders on the darker version of Ouran High school Host Club, and I couldn't agree more. this really fueled my enthusiasm again for anime and manga.[although, my brother's obsession of Bleach is slightly drawing me in too=)]
♪ 承諾-HK earthquake reliefThe new MV and song released by the Hk artists in support of the earthquake relief. It is a beautiful song meaning 'promise.' Promise of support no matter what.The Lyrics are written by veteran HK actor and Singer: Andy Lau 刘德华 in memory and support for the 512 Chinese earthquake relief. The lyrics are amazingly well done and the amount of Hk artists are limitless. It includes major artists from present day and days gone by e.g: Liza Wang, Sammi Cheng, Mirium Yeung, even Jackie Chan. The song captures all the events that have happened, horrific images and rescues together. The amount of work HK has done has shown the world that the chinese will have a united front no matter what. That is inspirational.Here is the link to the MVhttp://youtube.com/watch?v=jOopRgIzPcEIn addition to the MV and the song, it has been rumoured that Jackie Chan and Jet li have donated a large amount of money. Jackie Chan even has a new song, in which he has incorporated all asian artists, including JYP from S.korea. In addition, Bruce Lee's House has been auctionaed with all money given to earthquake relief.Keep Donating.
♪ Cockney Girl~LeeHom Wang
Wang Leehom's [王力宏] recent album-Change me is resonant of Leehom's limitless talent. It features mainly ballads but also includes upbeat RnB tracks which are typically Leehom's style. Recommended songs in the compilation includes:
1.Cockney Girl
Cockney Girl is one of my favourite pieces on the album, it features an encounter to a British Born chinese girl with a eastenders/east london accent. Leehom's interest in languages is instantly reflective in this song. I personally enjoyed it, being a British chinese living in London. It's nice to be acknowleged.
2.爱的鼓励
爱的鼓励 is an upbeat pop-ish song featuring Leehom's beloved Jazz piano. The introduction is amazingly boppy which leads into a range of cheerful lyrics. It's singing about Love's praise and it does want to make you dance.
3.Our Song: A duet with S.H.E's Selina, it is a must forboth S.H.E and Leehom fans. I dislike Selina's voice but she actually sounds pretty good in this. leehom's attempt at singing in taiwanese is really good, and there are jazz interludes throughout the song which is pleasant to listen to.
Overall, it is an accomplished album and i thoroughly enjoyed listened to it. Plus the man is BEAUTIFUL. A must get for Leehom fans.
5/5
♪ Together When...~ Ayumi Hamasaki
So, another addition to the suju family- Suju M, Suju K.R.Y, Suju T. Now Super junior happy.
This new sub group features the members: Sungmin, Kangin, Yehsung, lee Teuk, Shindong, Eun Hyuk.
Their new single will be out at the beginning of June? Will it be any good?
Personally, i think it's just a way of exploiting the boys before they have to go into compulsory military service. And also because their social schedule probably clash.
♪ Love me Leave me~B'Z
Hey [non existant] readers ^^
How are you?
Anyways, with exams and my internet half dying, I will be away a bit.
For further reasons and discretions of my computer, you can read it on my personal blog.
♪ Sweet Impact~BoA Kwon
The latest Japanese album released by Asian Pop sensation BoA Kwon is certainly not a disappointment for fans.
It is no surprise then, than THE FACE consists of ballad and RnB tracks. Ballad tracks such as BE WITH YOU and LOVE LETTER show off BoA's amazing vocals and is pleasantly sweet to the ears. The more upbeat tracks such as BEAUTIFUL FLOWERS, and AGGRESSIVE are very impressive, it certainly shows the Jpop Princess side of BoA. In addition, the pop princess doesn't dissappoint her RnB tracks either with tracks such as GIRL IN THE MIRROR echoes a different side of BoA. The album is very nicely pieced together, tere is a good mix of pop, ballads and that ooph of BoA-ness that she certainly hasn't lost.
However, On the critical note, Some of the ballads and the high notes that BoA cannot reach can be a strain to the ears if you aren't used to her voice. Tracks like GIRL IN THE MIRROR highlights the flaws in BoA's vocal range.
By the looks of this accomplished album, BoA's american dream doesn't look too far away. The album itself is a joy to listen to, I myself found myself becoming more upbeat as i continue to listen to it.
RATING: ♥♥♥♥ /5
♪ cosmic world~Alice Nine
Well, If you're expecting hot guys and mediocre acting, then this is the dorama for you. Thing is, it's not bad and its not good. Mediocre at its best. But then again I've only watched 2 episodes. But many of the events reflect events from gokusen 1 and 2. And the setting for the 3 different schools look surprisingly similar- especially that park lane which leads up to the school.
Let's look at the drama even more critically. Takaki Yuya is a complete beginner in the acting world and it shows. The mouth twitches are slightly annoying and you can tell that he wants to laugh. Surprisingly, Miura haruma has really improved on his acting since 14 sai no haha, which is a relief. Also for those of you wondering who this season's matsujun/kame/bakanishi is, its them two. I can't help but think that Yuya and Haruma have a striking resemblance to Kame and Jin from G2.
The introduction of this drama, was surprisingly good. Sawatari Goro[headmaster] is AMAZING. He redeems the bad points of this drama. Yankumi's act is a little tedious. The 'pull out pigtails, take glasses off, whip hair' movement is old. But i guess it represents the manga and for what GOKUSEN is. So you can't take that out [ It's much like Tsukushi's EHHH phrase in HYD, it may be annoying, but it wouldn't be HYD without it]
Overall, if you're looking for a laugh, eye candy and a light hearted drama, this is for you. Two episodes in, and Yankumi is back to her cringeworthy self over that bad pilot from attention please.
Is it Good? its up to you to decide.
♪ Chao Xi Huan Ni~ Fahrenheit
That man in the image is Roger Kwok, Star of the latest 'new age' TVB drama, D.I.E.
I finished the drama last night, which included ending 1 and ending 2.
Needless to say, I'd have to go against the Hker's on the issue of endings. I preferred the original ending. The one Roger Kwok died in, because it was a dramatic twist, poignant and really told to fate of true love that nothing is ever perfect. That was why D.I.E was portayed as, that the 'cold cases' were never ever really simple. [despite wong sir's thoughts].
I don't like revealing spoilers, so i'm going to keep mum about the events of the last episode.
Let's talk about ending 2, The ending that pleases the Hkers, the happy ending. i was pleasantly surprised because it was fun and it poked fun at the audience and raised awareness for anti-piracy. The old cast came back plus the new addition of bobby au yeung who was incidentally, the guy that killed Roger.
The issue that it raises is how HKERS take dramas wayy to seriously. I mean, its a drama, its not a happy ending [ it technically was, but not happy enough] *sigh* I give up on their endless complaints.
♪ Leave me alone~ Chieco Kawabe
So is it any good?
It was good in the way it was closure to whole drama, but It drags. Skipping through the drama saved time and hassle.
I didn't like this drama series, it was too repetitive. It just seemed too boring. Although it was a great transition from boy to man for Yamashita Tomohisa [Yamapi] which coincided with his risque shots in this years an-an magazine. Indeed yamapi is breaking away from the JE boy image.
Overall, Masami and Yamapi gave a average performance. The guy that played Tsuru is an amazing actor. I shall look out for him in the future. =)
So what did you think?
♪ Girls, be ambitious~Miyavi
Yes, the very exciting, eccentric and amazing zainichi is travelling the globe on his THIS IS KABUKI ROCK TOUR. And he finally added a London date. And yes, I TOTALLY HAVE TICKETS.
I can't actually wait. I love Miyavi. Although I preferred his Gagaku and MYV pops days. His new hip hop image if something special as well. It's sort of edging on Epik high hip hop. Of course nothing will replace the retroness of epik high. But this is kabuki rock is just...a big fat ooph of Miyavi-ness.
Miyavi tour dates
USA CIRCUIT
2008/05/14 USA Anaheim
2008/05/16 USA Los Angeles
2008/05/18 USA San Francisco
2008/05/19 USA San Francisco
2008/05/21 CHILE
2008/05/24:BRAZIL Sao Paulo
EUROPE CIRCUIT
2008/06/21 GERMANY Cologne
2008/06/22 GERMANY Berlin
2008/06/24 NETHERLANDS Amstelveen
2008/06/25 UK, London
2008/06/27 SPAIN Barcelona
2008/06/29 GERMANY Munich
2008/07/01 SWEDEN Stockholm (sold out in 30 minutes)
2008/07/02 FINLAND Helsinki (sold out in 30 minutes)
2008/07/03 FINLAND Helsinki (sold out)
2008/07/06 FRANCE Paris[ FINAL]
ASIA CIRCUIT
2008/07/10 TAIWAN Taipei
2008/07/12 KOREA Seoul
2008/07/13 KOREA Seoul
2008/07/18 CHINA Shanghai
JAPAN CIRCUIT
2008/08/02 Osaka FANJ-twice
2008/08/04 Fukuoka DRUM Be-1
2008/08/06 Kyoto WORLD
2008/08/08 Nagoya Electric Lady Land
2008/08/10 Sapporo mole
2008/08/11 Sendai MACANA
2008/08/13 Kanazawa AZ
GRAND FINAL
2008/08/16 Tokyo AKASAKA BLITZ
2008/08/17 Tokyo AKASAKA BLITZ
♪ Tommy February6~Lonely Gorgeous
Gokusen season 3, the most anticipated sequel?
I highly doubt it,
I know it's old news =)
even if it's not going to be the most original thing in the world, I might give it a shot.
There's got to be some talent hiding there, and I miss Minoru and Tetsu and their yummy takoyaki store.
Here's a look-see at the cast of 3D.
Kazuma Ren~Miura Haruma
First impressions: he failed to impress in 14 sai no haha, so I'n dubious.
Ogata Yamato: Takaki Yuya
First impressions: a Je boy, would probably pull in the hey say jump fangirls
Ishiguro Hideo,Kiriyama Akito,Nakama Junta,Miura Shohei
I shall feedback on my impressions on G£ when i get the chance to watch it.
♪ Epik High~OneWelcome to my second blog.
It will be home to my thoughts on Japanese, Korean, Chinese entertainment.
Most of you know that I also have a personal blogsite, a place where I rant an rave like a lunatic at politics and things that would probably get me arrested. [no, not flashing]
Alrighty, Let's get this party started.
Current playlist[albums]
[KPOP]Epik High, Volume 5 Pieces
[JPOP]Chieko Kawabe, brilliance
[JPOP]BoA, The Face
[JROCK]TommyHeavenly6, Heavy Starry chain
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