Review #5: Sekai Ichi Muzukashii Koi (JDrama)

[goren_solves]

Review #5: "Sekai Ichi Muzukashii Koi" (JDrama)

NOTE: SPOILERS. This is an overall review of the drama "Sekai Ichi Muzukashii Koi" (2016), My reviews are all just my opinion, opinions that you may or may not agree with. I try to be fair and not biased, and always give pros and cons to keep things in perspective.



My Overall Rating:
4.0 out of 5 stars

Plot: http://wiki.d-addicts.com/Sekai_Ichi_Muzukashii_Koi

RECOMMENDATION: Super Highly recommended!! If you're looking for a light, but really funny romantic comedy, you will love this drama.
                                          Watch it, you wont regret it! :)



Yes, I am an Arashi and an Ohno Satoshi fan. I watched this drama because of that, but, I didn't like this drama because of that. It's the uniqueness and the cute & funny elements of the drama that made me keep watching it. The story itself isn't unique (I mean it's hard to get a real unique romcom story nowadays) but it's more of the characters and how it was developed that made this drama stand on it's own "merit" (<-- drama inside joke XD)

THE ACTING (4 out of 5 stars)
PROS:

• Ohno Satoshi's Samejima Reiji. Oh-chan is a great actor, even in variety shows, he can pull off acts that an average person can't. But truthfully, initially, I would've put his acting in the "cons" section. At first impression, his acting seemed a bit "overacting", like Jim Carrey style. But as I kept on watching, I saw that it wasn't. Ohno was actually portraying his character on point. Samejima Reiji is a stoic "no-nonesense" business man who is super awkward in dealing with people, particularly women. And that's exactly how Ohno acted him out. Even until the end, when Reiji changes bit by bit because of Misaki, Ohno maintained his unique characterisitcs that make him Samejima Reiji.
• Koike Eiko as Muraoki Maiko. Aside from Reiji, she was probably my favorite character here. Her character was an all-in-one package deal for Reiji. Loyal, smart, reliable, helpful, etc. And Eiko-san did her role great! She did it just right, acting with a sense of formality and professionalism, while keeping a mischievous side well hidden until an opportuniy arises for her to unleash it. I always like to see her expressions when talking to Reiji or Ishigami.
• Misa-san. Haru-san's acting here is similar to Ohno's. At first impression, it may seem like bad, apathetic acting, when in fact, it's actually good acting. Haru-san is no doubt an accomplished actress. She subtly showed that here, maintaning an acting style fit for her character -a socially awkward, but strong-willed independent woman, who is both a professional and a mystery. But what I liked is how Haru-san developed her character towards the end, where you can clearly see Misa-san breaking down her walls and being a more tolerant person towards Reiji, as well as smiling more.

CONS:

• No particular actor stood out for me to classify as a "con".

THE PLOT LINE/STORYLINE (3 out of 5 stars)

PROS:

• It's not a Shakesperean love story, but It is a very enjoyable plot. What started as an awkward first love, turned into something more meaningful, with a lot of comedy in between.
• I like that the story moved fast. It wasn't like you had to wait for the two leads to become a couple until the last episode.
• I also like the character developement. Both main character's gradually changed to be better individuals, as well as a better person to match each other.
• Ohno's first on-screen kiss! Kyaa!!

CONS:

• Misaki's story at the beginning was kind of nonesense to me. I mean it was never developed. When she was first introduced, it was seen that she had an ex-boyfriend and then she was crying at the gym. So you would think that something major happened in the life she left behind in Paris. But all of that was just put aside and completely left in the dark once the focus was on Reiji & Misaki. One of my major pet peeves with dramas or movies are incomplete plot lines or backstories. (I guess I have to rewatch the drama incase I misunderstood that part of the plot) But what I am glad for is that they included Misa-san's backstory about her grandpa, it helped explain alot about her character.
• Some of the things that Reiji was doing was borderline absurd at times. I couldn't help but think that is there any person who would actually do that?? Since it was so stupid and unrealistic. But I guess that exaggeration is part of the comedy.
• It's not a con on the plot, but I was so irritated by Wada-san's character. I was like, 'come on Reiji, stop talking to that guy, he's just trouble with a nice face!'. lol

Other kudos to the drama:

• The BGM was great, especially for the awkward/comedic parts.
• No characters or plot line were too annoying to ruin the drama.
• I really like the intro. I usually skip that part after the first episode, but the "American-style" intro opening was enjoyable to watch every episode lol.
• Oh and did I forget to mention.... Ohno's first on-screen kiss! Kyaa!! XD
• Favorite lines from the drama: "I get weird without you, but if I'm with you, I can change" & "Right now, I would rephrase it [what Goethe said] differently, 'Those that dont try to fix their faults for their beloved one, can't say they truly love."

CONCLUSION: This drama was such an enjoyable drama that I was looking forward to watching every week. A very light-hearted drama that entertains, and sometimes even touches. Overall good acting and good plot that doesn't dissapoint. I really hope they make an SP, because I already miss Rei-san & Misa-san :)

Please watch it if you haven't already!