[Discussion] Ai no Uta
[Discussion] Ai no Uta
How did you like Ai no Uta, starting the beautiful Kanno Miho? I think her role in this drama is very different from that of the others, which makes her more likable. What do you think?
*Please vote only after you have seen at LEAST 3 eps. Thanks!
*Please vote only after you have seen at LEAST 3 eps. Thanks!
After seeing the first episodes (and the first 10 minutes of Ep.2 without understanding much...) it seems like a really nice drama. And Miho Kanno is just a very interesting woman. At first I wasn't sure where I knew her from, but then I remebered "Dolls". There I thought of her as a extremly fascinating person too. The other characters are nice too, though "his" (you know, the old guy...) niceness can get a bit annoying from time to time. Almost like Densha crying all the time ;-)
Episode 1 is indeed interesting, I tried this drama because of Tamaki Koji, because I've seen him in Konna Koi no Hanashi (that drama is good), and if you have seen that, it's like he's playing the same kind man role again. It fits him though. And yes a different Miho Kanno this time, though as the show goes on I think we'll see her usual sweet acting like her dramas before.
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I realized a few things after seeing ep.2 and reading the wiki (maybe I'm just thick-headed and you know this already)...
1) The little girl also plays the little girl in Hotman (kawaii )
2) The old guy is the artist who sings the theme song (I found that hard to believe).
Anyway, I thought ep.2 was really good too...
One more episode and then I'll vote.
1) The little girl also plays the little girl in Hotman (kawaii )
2) The old guy is the artist who sings the theme song (I found that hard to believe).
Anyway, I thought ep.2 was really good too...
One more episode and then I'll vote.
After seeing Ep2 I can only say, what a wonderful drama! I just love Miho Kanno in this, but the other people in it are just so adorable BTW, does anyone know where to find the bridge which seems to be a central point in this series? Since I will be going to Tokyo, I think I just want to go there for fun Google Earth Links are welcome ;)
Is the main character really look that old like in the picture with white hair and stuffs?
http://wiki.d-addicts.com/Image:AinoUta22.jpg
http://wiki.d-addicts.com/Image:AinoUta22.jpg
No, look at his entry in the wiki:Rice wrote:Is the main character really look that old like in the picture with white hair and stuffs?
http://wiki.d-addicts.com/Image:AinoUta22.jpg
http://wiki.d-addicts.com/Tamaki_Koji
If you could post it when you get it gryzze, that'd be greatly appreciated.
As for the Drama itself, this was my most anticipated show coming into the fall season because of Tamaki Koji. His last drama, Konna Koi no Hanashi, was fabulous and I can see why it was voted one of the best dramas of 1997 (as I recall). So I expected this to be just as good and it's impressing me. In fact, I think Ai no Uta and Konna Koi no Hanashi share a lot in common thematically and you can draw comparisons to both of them. It's not going to be the most popular drama this season (that'll be Hana Yori Dango if you ask me) but I do think it'll be the most meaningful.
As for the Drama itself, this was my most anticipated show coming into the fall season because of Tamaki Koji. His last drama, Konna Koi no Hanashi, was fabulous and I can see why it was voted one of the best dramas of 1997 (as I recall). So I expected this to be just as good and it's impressing me. In fact, I think Ai no Uta and Konna Koi no Hanashi share a lot in common thematically and you can draw comparisons to both of them. It's not going to be the most popular drama this season (that'll be Hana Yori Dango if you ask me) but I do think it'll be the most meaningful.
I agree...skrhgh3b wrote:how can a show about a suicidal girl and a dying man be so... uplifting? it's an amazing feat. lately i've been as depressed as i can ever remember being, but somehow this drama still makes me feel good when i watch it.
I cannot express how much I like this drama. I love the personalities of Matsuda Yoko (Miho) and Kataoka Yuji (Koji). And there's something with this drama that makes me love it more and more after each episode...
Like someone said, this drama is waaaay underrated...
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Yeah, I'm wondering about where the show is going to go now. It really feels like the developments will be obvious however, they could throw a curveball at us. As I pointed out in my previous post, there's a lot of parallels between this show and the last drama Tamaki Koji was in, Konna koi no Hanashi. I'm hoping that this develops like Konna Koi because that ended up being one of my absolute favorites.
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This is a pretty good drama. Although, I can kind of picture where its headed. The problem I have with this drama is the main character. She doesn't fit the role of a low self esteem, suicidal, negative person. I have a hard time buying into her character. I don't think its a lack of good acting, but more of "does a woman like her really going to have these type of problems" I just have a hard time buying into it. Is not like its not possible or it doeesn't happen, I just don't think its likely. A actress like the one in Star No Koi would have been perfect for this role "the stalker one". This is the best drama probably this season though. Kiken na Aneki is pertty bad so far neither main character is a good actor or doessn't play thier type of role well, the dialoge is bad and over exaggerated to a irratating point. Hani yo dango, is OK I just get the feeling that its more about putting very popular actors and actress together to generate ratings more so then a good story. Some times putting a "All Star" cast takes away from the drama and story. I liked the last round of dramas better, Slow Dance, Dragon Zazuka and of course Densha Otoka. (My appologizes for the spelling mistakes with names and titles) I have a hard enough time with english, rather less Japanese.
I think it's a matter of not really showing how low her self-esteem is rather than her look. In fact, I think Kanno Miho fits the role prefectly. They only bring up the fact that she has had problems in the past but don't really go into depth about how much it has affected her. Rather, they go into how she's changed by the Kataoka family. Without the extra emphasis on how down and out she is, the change in her personality doesn't really have the extra punch it needs to make the viewer empathize. It lacks a certain dramatic "oomph" like other shows of this type have. I think the message and content is sound but the show needs more "glitz and glamor" which is the opposite of something like Densha Otoko IMO.
Now to go off-topic a bit to reply to Keeper (sorry for the inconvience folks).
As for shows this season, I do think Ai no Uta is the best from a story standpoint but lacks the dramatic tension.
1 Liter of Tear is pretty good too but the content is, while based on a true story (as I recall), is kind of standard fare.
Kiken na Aneki is all over the place in terms of story so it really has a hard time focusing. The setup is great though and the supporting cast of characters is wonderful. The real problem is with Itoh Misaki and she shows, once again, she really isn't a very good actress. Moriyama Mirai on the other hand nails all of his stuff and his interactions with the rest cast is great IMO.
Brother Beat is the other one I'm watching and I think it's a pretty good show. Certainly better than Kiken na Aneki but I really haven't paid as much attention to Brother Beat than the other stuff. So it's a bit difficult to give it a full run down.
Now to go off-topic a bit to reply to Keeper (sorry for the inconvience folks).
As for shows this season, I do think Ai no Uta is the best from a story standpoint but lacks the dramatic tension.
1 Liter of Tear is pretty good too but the content is, while based on a true story (as I recall), is kind of standard fare.
Kiken na Aneki is all over the place in terms of story so it really has a hard time focusing. The setup is great though and the supporting cast of characters is wonderful. The real problem is with Itoh Misaki and she shows, once again, she really isn't a very good actress. Moriyama Mirai on the other hand nails all of his stuff and his interactions with the rest cast is great IMO.
Brother Beat is the other one I'm watching and I think it's a pretty good show. Certainly better than Kiken na Aneki but I really haven't paid as much attention to Brother Beat than the other stuff. So it's a bit difficult to give it a full run down.
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Kanno Miho's is a good actress, she just isn't IMO properly cast for this role. The supporting cast is very good. The "outsider guy" and the energetic friend are played really well. As for the overall drama, it is starting to shape up to be pretty interesting. The main issue in my opinion isn't the possible love situation between the two main characters, but what will happen to the children and who will end up taking care of them. I am starting to get a little sick of the constant bridge shot all of the time. Its like half the drama is taking place on that bridge. What bridge is that any way?
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I think Kanno Miho is just perfect for this role. You can (well, at least I can) really feel, how hard it is for her to be loved and to change her own personality. But the support cast is truly great too. And little Shun is just the cutest ;) Oh, and Kanno Mihos outfits are just so cool sometimes. Good fashion sense
Actually, the only person I'm having the most problems with is Tamaki Koji. His overabundance of loving and smiling and being happy all the time really annoys me from time to time. This can go so far, that I feel happy when he is in pain for a change...
But I love the whole show, my favorite drama of this season.
Actually, the only person I'm having the most problems with is Tamaki Koji. His overabundance of loving and smiling and being happy all the time really annoys me from time to time. This can go so far, that I feel happy when he is in pain for a change...
But I love the whole show, my favorite drama of this season.
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that's just cold. it is a bit saccharine though, but maybe it just takes that kind of endless flow to bring a character like miho's around. i agree on just about everything else, but i like the oldest kid best, all 3 are adorable as all get out, but he's the cutest.docsnoek wrote:Actually, the only person I'm having the most problems with is Tamaki Koji. His overabundance of loving and smiling and being happy all the time really annoys me from time to time. This can go so far, that I feel happy when he is in pain for a change...
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i defintely agreee its a slow phase drama but i love the funny convo they haveneokenzo wrote:IMO this is the best drama I this year, definitely one of the best drama I've seen. Definitely looking forward to the rest of the episodes. I do agree that this drama is underated.
I wonder whether Kataoka will die in the end or a miracle happens and he lives
and wakui emi is so funny
that's just about the emptiest critism i've read. in fact, i want to see more of that bridge now just to spite you. off to watch episode seven....Keeper of hells gate2 wrote:I am starting to get a little sick of the constant bridge shot all of the time. Its like half the drama is taking place on that bridge. What bridge is that any way?
I tried to find it on Google Earth before, but no luck finding it yet. So if anyone knows... the next time I'm in Tokyo I will definitly go there :)skrhgh3b wrote:that's just about the emptiest critism i've read. in fact, i want to see more of that bridge now just to spite you. off to watch episode seven....Keeper of hells gate2 wrote:I am starting to get a little sick of the constant bridge shot all of the time. Its like half the drama is taking place on that bridge. What bridge is that any way?
But bridges are really popular, you could make a fun drinking game out of it. Anytime a person crosses a bridge in any J-Drama you get to drink a shot or something :)
Just found some location info for the show. I'm gonna go check out the bridge tomorrow!docsnoek wrote:I tried to find it on Google Earth before, but no luck finding it yet. So if anyone knows... the next time I'm in Tokyo I will definitly go thereKeeper of hells gate2 wrote:I am starting to get a little sick of the constant bridge shot all of the time. Its like half the drama is taking place on that bridge. What bridge is that any way?
http://loca.ash.jp/show/2005/d200510_ai.htm
Woah! What a cool site! I only wish I had known from it about one month earlier when I actually was in Japan Well, next time ... (I have to start saving money now... *g*)Tatsumaki wrote:Just found some location info for the show. I'm gonna go check out the bridge tomorrow!docsnoek wrote:I tried to find it on Google Earth before, but no luck finding it yet. So if anyone knows... the next time I'm in Tokyo I will definitly go thereKeeper of hells gate2 wrote:I am starting to get a little sick of the constant bridge shot all of the time. Its like half the drama is taking place on that bridge. What bridge is that any way?
http://loca.ash.jp/show/2005/d200510_ai.htm
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I have really enjoyed this series so far. I'd say it's one of the best in recent years. The success of this series, IMHO, depends on the fate of Kataoka. Some believable miracle MUST happen to cure his disease. That would be the only reasonable conclusion to the story, as far as I'm concerned. "Love conquers all" kind of message. I'm looking forward to such a happy, uplifting ending.
If I like the ending, I'll help provide esub. (I'm a language professional.)
If I like the ending, I'll help provide esub. (I'm a language professional.)
dorakura wrote:I have really enjoyed this series so far. I'd say it's one of the best in recent years. The success of this series, IMHO, depends on the fate of Kataoka. Some believable miracle MUST happen to cure his disease. That would be the only reasonable conclusion to the story, as far as I'm concerned. "Love conquers all" kind of message. I'm looking forward to such a happy, uplifting ending.
If I like the ending, I'll help provide esub. (I'm a language professional.)
at first, i thought kataoka should die, not because i wanted him to, but i thought it would have made a real and powerful ending. but now i want the series to have the most unrealistic, only-in-a-drama happy ending ever. i cried my eyes out after episode 9... again. i'll be estatic if kataoka has a miracle, but it wouldn't surprise me if he still passes away....
It does seem unrealistic, although around episode 5 or 6 the doctor said that a miracle was possible, so the writers have done the setup.neokenzo wrote:I think Kataoka will die. It will be a bit too unrealistic if he doesnt suddenly die. Having said that I am sure there will be a twist in the last episode
It didn't matter so much to me before whether he lived or died, but after seeing the fantastic ending to episode 9 if he dies I think I will be very unhappy with this drama.
Well, in a way it's a metaphor. Bridges are used to connect one piece of land to another over a body of water or a crevasse in real life. By connecting the two you present new possiblities to yourself. This is the same way for the story. The bridge represents the path to get through the conflicts these characters face, the water represents the problems themselves, while the land on either side of the bridge represents a past and a future. Think about how the show sets up some of its scenes and etc. Also, look over the plot events of the first episode and apply what I just said to that. The show is certainly more interesting in that regard. ;)I am starting to get a little sick of the constant bridge shot all of the time. Its like half the drama is taking place on that bridge.
I am kind of tired of the bridges though. I want tos ee more of the pretty female police officers.
This is my fav. show of this season, even better than Hana Yori Dango (HYD is my 2nd favorite, Oniyome Nikki 3, Kiken na Aneki 4). ^_^
My argumentation? Well, I'm an uber-IRC slut, and this is the only show which I watch straight to the end without pausing it and checking for new msgs in the channels. >_<
My argumentation? Well, I'm an uber-IRC slut, and this is the only show which I watch straight to the end without pausing it and checking for new msgs in the channels. >_<
I think its because of those 2 reasons, if he lives, its just too unrealistic. For me, it would be anti climax last episode if he didnt die.Tatsumaki wrote:It does seem unrealistic, although around episode 5 or 6 the doctor said that a miracle was possible, so the writers have done the setup.neokenzo wrote:I think Kataoka will die. It will be a bit too unrealistic if he doesnt suddenly die. Having said that I am sure there will be a twist in the last episode
It didn't matter so much to me before whether he lived or died, but after seeing the fantastic ending to episode 9 if he dies I think I will be very unhappy with this drama.
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i know some people are saying its LOGICAL that he dies. True, its logical in real life. In the tone of the drama, i'm really not too sure. a funeral scene with everyone crying and no real happy upside possible would be surreal and really out of place.
while i understand why some of you almost NEED him to die for it to be realistic (although i feel almost bad for you that you need that) it almost feels out of place in the show.
remember, this was marketed with bright orange and pink posters with the two people smiling at each other.
we shall see...
while i understand why some of you almost NEED him to die for it to be realistic (although i feel almost bad for you that you need that) it almost feels out of place in the show.
remember, this was marketed with bright orange and pink posters with the two people smiling at each other.
we shall see...
No .... I think it would be more likely that they have his death and fast forward 2 years with Ai as "mom" for the kids. Funeral scenes are generally more used in mid-drama or in the beginning ...nikochanr3 wrote:i know some people are saying its LOGICAL that he dies. True, its logical in real life. In the tone of the drama, i'm really not too sure. a funeral scene with everyone crying and no real happy upside possible would be surreal and really out of place.
while i understand why some of you almost NEED him to die for it to be realistic (although i feel almost bad for you that you need that) it almost feels out of place in the show.
remember, this was marketed with bright orange and pink posters with the two people smiling at each other.
we shall see...
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I have to agree with both points here.nikochanr3 wrote:yes, i agree that's the other outcome i see.
i still don't think he needs to die for the drama to be good. there's enough "have disease and get sick and die " dramas.....this isn't even the only one this season.
Besides, the only dorama
("Konna koi no hanashi" spoiler - dont say I didnt warn ya...)
good points, I might be thinking too conventionally. and jdoramas can be quite unconventionalnikochanr3 wrote:yes, i agree that's the other outcome i see.
i still don't think he needs to die for the drama to be good. there's enough "have disease and get sick and die " dramas.....this isn't even the only one this season.
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i think the uncoventional thing here is that AI has already discovered herself....she doesn't need him to die to finish her transformation (although it would certainly cap it if he did). the pacing in that way is weird.
its not like SEKAI NO CHUSHIN DE or something like that where the whole thing is leading us to that point of the main character's death (it's heading there from 5 minutes in and on)
its interesting...
its not like SEKAI NO CHUSHIN DE or something like that where the whole thing is leading us to that point of the main character's death (it's heading there from 5 minutes in and on)
its interesting...
Perhaps all the reasons above is why I (we) love asian dorama so much.
Because of the unconventional thinking by the writers, directors and so on.
Plus, the added bonus, they do tend to have a less stoic view on life as a part of the whole and include death with a different aspect to it.
Regardless of how you see it, I believe the ending of Ai no Uta will have something extra up its sleeve, and probably be a very (I sure hope so) fitting way to end this.
(even if we dont want it to )
Another thing...
Perhaps a hint to how it ends, I dont know.
Because of the unconventional thinking by the writers, directors and so on.
Plus, the added bonus, they do tend to have a less stoic view on life as a part of the whole and include death with a different aspect to it.
Regardless of how you see it, I believe the ending of Ai no Uta will have something extra up its sleeve, and probably be a very (I sure hope so) fitting way to end this.
(even if we dont want it to )
Another thing...
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if he dies, i'm going to be irritated, not cause i didn't enjoy the series, but because it wasn't marketed as a "guy dying of a disease" show (it really wasn't, it was a woman who winds up living with a guy and his three kids) and was all pink and orange and such. And if he dies, its a dude dying of a disease show, albeit a good offbeat one.
after Sekai no Chushin de i swore no more people dying of disease series, cause that was HARD. i saw a lot of parallels to me and my life, and i understood the characters so much and that was really HARD. I needed a vacation after that...
then this show SUCKED me in....
after Sekai no Chushin de i swore no more people dying of disease series, cause that was HARD. i saw a lot of parallels to me and my life, and i understood the characters so much and that was really HARD. I needed a vacation after that...
then this show SUCKED me in....
Almost from the start, I've been expecting a "Konna koi no hanashi"-style ending, which ultimately was an uplifting conclusion.techie wrote:Besides, the only dorama
("Konna koi no hanashi" spoiler - dont say I didnt warn ya...)...which had an excellent ending.
I watched this drama primarily because there was a lead from "Konna koi no hanashi" and a lead from "Koi ga shitai" -- two series that have become favourites. In some respects, I'm finding "Ai no Uta" shares thematic elements with each of these other series.
Yeah, it has a lot in common with both series in themes which I find really interesting. I also gotta admit, there's a lot of parallels with Konna koi no Hanashi in Ai no Uta. In fact, Ai no Uta has this laid back atmosphere that Konna koi no Hanashi had for most of its run as well. It wasn't until the last few episodes that Konna Koi tweaked up the drama level a bit. It's also a bit amusing that the best and most dramatic episode of Konna Koi no Hanashi, episode 9 (one of my favorite drama episodes ever), is actually also the episode that's been the most dramatic for Ai no Uta. Not only that, both of them has had Tamaki Koji dealing with children.SnWa wrote: Almost from the start, I've been expecting a "Konna koi no hanashi"-style ending, which ultimately was an uplifting conclusion.
I watched this drama primarily because there was a lead from "Konna koi no hanashi" and a lead from "Koi ga shitai" -- two series that have become favourites. In some respects, I'm finding "Ai no Uta" shares thematic elements with each of these other series.
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