Summer snow
I'm posting here something that has been sitting in my drafts folder, now just over a year, yes, but I just managed to finished it a couple of weeks ago. Of course I keep it faithful to the original because I like to read what were my first impressions, specially on the actors. So, here we go.
2014-17-10
This is about a new review... Lately I'm reviewing a lot, but just words, I'm lazy when taking screencaps and I doubt the time this will actually be up here... but at least this is it. How have I felt after watching this?.. After a lot of consideration I've decided to keep my word and avoid spoilers, it's going to be really hard, 'cause I've just finished it and I want to scream out my mind! But I won't...At least these are my thoughts starting...
About the beginning
I love it!! ♡( ๑॔˃̶◡ ˂̶๑॓)✧ I mean, I am away, really far away from the ocean, so Japanese people are really lucky to have so much ocean around them! Anyway, this dorama starts enlightening us about the meaning behind the title. It's beautiful, it's like we all say "ah, I see".
Anyway, that's a plus, I like when the title makes sense, and even if this is pretty obvious from the start, it's still nice.
This is also rather old, from 2000, that means it's during the reign of Kimutaku and romance in Japanese dramas! and the beginning of the new century, but that's just a detail, lol
Info from drama wiki as usual
Title:
Summer Snow
Episodes:
11
Genre:
Romance, human drama
Viewership rating:
18.09
Broadcast network:
TBS
Broadcast period:
2000-Jul-07 to 2000-Sep-15
Air time:
Friday 21:00
Theme song:
Natsuno Osama by KinKi Kids
About Kinki kids and ...T&T
I knew nothing about Domoto Tsuyoshi
when I started to watch this, except for him playing the original Kindaichi. At prior, I said I wouldn't watch it, because you know, for me Kindaichi is cute little awkward Matsujun; but, and this is how I was enlightened by this dorama, now I want to give the original Kindaichi a try, yes! If I'm able to put my hands on the files, be sure I'm doing it.
By the end, it was Domoto's charm what impressed me the most. I mean, I really have no idea of how close this character is to the actual J-actor and person, but I loved it. His portrayal made me pass through all the stages, at first I was sceptical, then I was a little annoyed, but at last, I was totally in love with his charms, with his antics and with his humour. I couldn't take enough of him. Yes, I probably have a slight weakness towards Johnnies talentos 'cause they are really adorable. Of course, his looks are a bit unconventional, his eyes or eyebrows kept remember me to someone... I think it was Sho, but he controls his facial features much better and much more realistically... gomen Sho-chan, you know I love you! Or was it his lips? I don't know, something about him reminded me of Sho-kun. *Okay this was my opinion at the beginning, now, after watching several of his doramas, there's something lacking in his performance, but at least in SS I really like his portrayal, this is a comment from the future, LOL, but it doesn't mean I like him a bit less, though*
And there is another actor, unknown for me, Tsubasa
, from Tackey&Tsubasa, I thought he was much older by this time, but he is rather young. His character was really annoying at the beginning but he grew on me, at some point...
I've jsut realized I didn't take a cap of young Tsubasa, gomen!
The other actors
Well, there are a couple of actors that for sure will call your attention, for instance really cute and sweet Oguri Shun!! Although we already know about his talent, this may be one of my fave characters from him, after the one in Smile. He was GREAT in here. He plays the young brother who has a disability when hearing because of an accident. You'll definitely love his character.
Brothers
Then we have a really cute Hirose Ryoko, playing Yuki, a girl with many problems and a very slow pace, this contrasts so much with the high level of tension from Domoto, or Natsuo, yes, there's a silly play between their names, seems like this stuff happened a lot in the previous century, lol. Anyway, she is super cute, and I never saw her in this kind of role before, so sweet and dependable, so approachable. And the real delight happens between their chemistry on screen, it's great and super sweet. *Just because of it, I gave a try to Moto kare, you may want to restrain though*
They look extremely cute together
Then, we have really cute Chika-chan, Natsuo's little sister, she is really nice and likeable. Finally Yuki's father who is hard to beard at the beginning but pretty fair, and the so called doctor who is just insufferable, Seiji, I believe was his name, his acting is as terrible as the history and motives behind his character.
Now, this was previous to his main role as a Asadora, the character was not so good, though.
J-actors plus kids are the sweetest thing
The story
I really enjoy starting one of this oldies in which you can't quite tell where the story goes, or the pace, at the beginning. In this particularly, the pace is perfect, there are very important issues approached but there are successfully overcomings by the characters right on time to move to the next one. I think I really enjoy the pace, specially at the beginning and the evolution of the characters through the different situations. Specially in Natsuo's case, he is a little stubborn and not precisely an scholar but his ability to listen, in particular to Yuki will led to the pleasant transformation we all love to see, well at least me, lol.
You said yourself Tsuyo-chan
Jun, I mean Oguri's character is such an likeable one and you can't prevent but feel admiration for how he faces his problems, and the way he portrayed this character is really surprising, to such a young age, really remarkable.
Hiroto, is also a character that takes the chances and polishes himself becoming this dependable person.
Diving
The story in general is perfect, the only exception and a pretty big one is the end, meaning the last episode. The plot keeps closing the chances for the protagonists, and the end is inevitable, there's a foreshadowing around episode 8 I guess, take it into account, maybe 9. The outcome is childish and corny, it's like at this point they just tried to tie this whole thing with a pretty big bow that didn't fit with the decent work until there. Just one hint, do not be fooled by the cute ending song.
The balance
All in all, the end, much predictable, does not fade the strong built story and the characters will persist long after the end in everyone's memory, mine at least, as dear as in the whole. And the prevailing remaining feeling is overall positive, it may have its very low points but as in the Kinki Kids' song, there's a cheerful melody echoing from behind.
This is one of those doramas I'll surely watch once in a while again, just to enjoy the 10 episodes with much delight. And this is the start of a very strong leaning feeling towards Tsuyoshi's work, from which I still suffered, :D
So, all in all a nice cute and sad story with a little bit of that magic that we all find in perfect couples with a lot of struggles and flawless chemistry. Their effect is so strong that they paired up once more in Moto Kare so as we are able to enjoy them once more, though I have to say that the original is always better, right?
That's all... wait, my grades on this, well,.. let's see, just because of the couple, the supporting characters, the main and the side plots, this is a strong 4, maybe this could have reach to a 4 and a half or more without that end, but that kind of things happens, in doramas, and well, hopefully not in life, to some at least.
This dorama has a special place in my heart, mainly because of the kind of Japan, and the kind of life it portrays, I love this more innocent and simpler portrayal of life which exalts the real values and the family bonds are shown strong and fundamental. I know it's cheesy but if I'd ever find this type of guy I'd definitely keep his heart for sure. :D *pun intended LOL*
Let's keep this image forever
And that was it. After this I totally fell for Tsuyo-chan and now, recently, for his music. It's so weird how I feel about them, because watching the little bit of their concerts that you can find in YT, I have this feeling that, even though most of the times they are quitely just singing, it's so fine. I mean I just want to sit and to listen to them singing. Songs actually sound so much more endearing live! And a fact from the concerts, Koichi is adorable
So, a couple of non-min gifs to illustrate my viewpoint
Well, he's a lot older now, but he still has that irresistable smile of his.
And that's it! This is for forgetting about Tsubasa before
See you all, btw I AM in SUMMER from today onwards, yes the beauties of the south hemisphere ( ・◇・)
2014-17-10
This is about a new review... Lately I'm reviewing a lot, but just words, I'm lazy when taking screencaps and I doubt the time this will actually be up here... but at least this is it. How have I felt after watching this?.. After a lot of consideration I've decided to keep my word and avoid spoilers, it's going to be really hard, 'cause I've just finished it and I want to scream out my mind! But I won't...At least these are my thoughts starting...
About the beginning
I love it!! ♡( ๑॔˃̶◡ ˂̶๑॓)✧ I mean, I am away, really far away from the ocean, so Japanese people are really lucky to have so much ocean around them! Anyway, this dorama starts enlightening us about the meaning behind the title. It's beautiful, it's like we all say "ah, I see".
Anyway, that's a plus, I like when the title makes sense, and even if this is pretty obvious from the start, it's still nice.
This is also rather old, from 2000, that means it's during the reign of Kimutaku and romance in Japanese dramas! and the beginning of the new century, but that's just a detail, lol
Info from drama wiki as usual
Title:
Summer Snow
Episodes:
11
Genre:
Romance, human drama
Viewership rating:
18.09
Broadcast network:
TBS
Broadcast period:
2000-Jul-07 to 2000-Sep-15
Air time:
Friday 21:00
Theme song:
Natsuno Osama by KinKi Kids
About Kinki kids and ...T&T
I knew nothing about Domoto Tsuyoshi
when I started to watch this, except for him playing the original Kindaichi. At prior, I said I wouldn't watch it, because you know, for me Kindaichi is cute little awkward Matsujun; but, and this is how I was enlightened by this dorama, now I want to give the original Kindaichi a try, yes! If I'm able to put my hands on the files, be sure I'm doing it.
By the end, it was Domoto's charm what impressed me the most. I mean, I really have no idea of how close this character is to the actual J-actor and person, but I loved it. His portrayal made me pass through all the stages, at first I was sceptical, then I was a little annoyed, but at last, I was totally in love with his charms, with his antics and with his humour. I couldn't take enough of him. Yes, I probably have a slight weakness towards Johnnies talentos 'cause they are really adorable. Of course, his looks are a bit unconventional, his eyes or eyebrows kept remember me to someone... I think it was Sho, but he controls his facial features much better and much more realistically... gomen Sho-chan, you know I love you! Or was it his lips? I don't know, something about him reminded me of Sho-kun. *Okay this was my opinion at the beginning, now, after watching several of his doramas, there's something lacking in his performance, but at least in SS I really like his portrayal, this is a comment from the future, LOL, but it doesn't mean I like him a bit less, though*
And there is another actor, unknown for me, Tsubasa
, from Tackey&Tsubasa, I thought he was much older by this time, but he is rather young. His character was really annoying at the beginning but he grew on me, at some point...
I've jsut realized I didn't take a cap of young Tsubasa, gomen!
The other actors
Well, there are a couple of actors that for sure will call your attention, for instance really cute and sweet Oguri Shun!! Although we already know about his talent, this may be one of my fave characters from him, after the one in Smile. He was GREAT in here. He plays the young brother who has a disability when hearing because of an accident. You'll definitely love his character.
Brothers
Then we have a really cute Hirose Ryoko, playing Yuki, a girl with many problems and a very slow pace, this contrasts so much with the high level of tension from Domoto, or Natsuo, yes, there's a silly play between their names, seems like this stuff happened a lot in the previous century, lol. Anyway, she is super cute, and I never saw her in this kind of role before, so sweet and dependable, so approachable. And the real delight happens between their chemistry on screen, it's great and super sweet. *Just because of it, I gave a try to Moto kare, you may want to restrain though*
They look extremely cute together
Then, we have really cute Chika-chan, Natsuo's little sister, she is really nice and likeable. Finally Yuki's father who is hard to beard at the beginning but pretty fair, and the so called doctor who is just insufferable, Seiji, I believe was his name, his acting is as terrible as the history and motives behind his character.
Now, this was previous to his main role as a Asadora, the character was not so good, though.
J-actors plus kids are the sweetest thing
The story
I really enjoy starting one of this oldies in which you can't quite tell where the story goes, or the pace, at the beginning. In this particularly, the pace is perfect, there are very important issues approached but there are successfully overcomings by the characters right on time to move to the next one. I think I really enjoy the pace, specially at the beginning and the evolution of the characters through the different situations. Specially in Natsuo's case, he is a little stubborn and not precisely an scholar but his ability to listen, in particular to Yuki will led to the pleasant transformation we all love to see, well at least me, lol.
You said yourself Tsuyo-chan
Jun, I mean Oguri's character is such an likeable one and you can't prevent but feel admiration for how he faces his problems, and the way he portrayed this character is really surprising, to such a young age, really remarkable.
Hiroto, is also a character that takes the chances and polishes himself becoming this dependable person.
Diving
The story in general is perfect, the only exception and a pretty big one is the end, meaning the last episode. The plot keeps closing the chances for the protagonists, and the end is inevitable, there's a foreshadowing around episode 8 I guess, take it into account, maybe 9. The outcome is childish and corny, it's like at this point they just tried to tie this whole thing with a pretty big bow that didn't fit with the decent work until there. Just one hint, do not be fooled by the cute ending song.
The balance
All in all, the end, much predictable, does not fade the strong built story and the characters will persist long after the end in everyone's memory, mine at least, as dear as in the whole. And the prevailing remaining feeling is overall positive, it may have its very low points but as in the Kinki Kids' song, there's a cheerful melody echoing from behind.
This is one of those doramas I'll surely watch once in a while again, just to enjoy the 10 episodes with much delight. And this is the start of a very strong leaning feeling towards Tsuyoshi's work, from which I still suffered, :D
So, all in all a nice cute and sad story with a little bit of that magic that we all find in perfect couples with a lot of struggles and flawless chemistry. Their effect is so strong that they paired up once more in Moto Kare so as we are able to enjoy them once more, though I have to say that the original is always better, right?
That's all... wait, my grades on this, well,.. let's see, just because of the couple, the supporting characters, the main and the side plots, this is a strong 4, maybe this could have reach to a 4 and a half or more without that end, but that kind of things happens, in doramas, and well, hopefully not in life, to some at least.
This dorama has a special place in my heart, mainly because of the kind of Japan, and the kind of life it portrays, I love this more innocent and simpler portrayal of life which exalts the real values and the family bonds are shown strong and fundamental. I know it's cheesy but if I'd ever find this type of guy I'd definitely keep his heart for sure. :D *pun intended LOL*
Let's keep this image forever
And that was it. After this I totally fell for Tsuyo-chan and now, recently, for his music. It's so weird how I feel about them, because watching the little bit of their concerts that you can find in YT, I have this feeling that, even though most of the times they are quitely just singing, it's so fine. I mean I just want to sit and to listen to them singing. Songs actually sound so much more endearing live! And a fact from the concerts, Koichi is adorable
So, a couple of non-min gifs to illustrate my viewpoint
Well, he's a lot older now, but he still has that irresistable smile of his.
And that's it! This is for forgetting about Tsubasa before
See you all, btw I AM in SUMMER from today onwards, yes the beauties of the south hemisphere ( ・◇・)