Belle's Top 20 Asian Drama Actors; #9 - Tsumabuki Satoshi: itsplashes

itsplashes

Belle's Top 20 Asian Drama Actors; #9 - Tsumabuki Satoshi

Dec 23, 2008 14:46

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Name: 妻夫木聡 (つまぶき　さとし)/Tsumabuki Satoshi
Age: 28
Profession: Actor/singer (bassist and lead singer of Basking Lite)
Birthplace: Fukuoka, Japan
Height: 171cm
Charm Points: Warm crinkly brown eyes and sincere, gentle smile that light up the room. Beautiful, unassuming acting skills that endear him to the audience. A quiet, strong, steady presence that doesn't overpower you but rather makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside.
The Magic of Tsumabuki Satoshi: He's another one of those underrated, overlooked actors (at least, on LJ, rofl, because he's very popular in Japan) that I can't help loving. His acting has alternately made me smile, giggle, cry, and want to throw things at the television screen. His charisma isn't something mysterious or magnetic, unlike some of the actors on my list. Rather, his presence is familiar and normal and makes you feel protected and warm. Watching a drama with him in it is like sipping on hot chocolate on a rainy day: comforting. ;)
You've Probably Seen Him In: One of my favorite dramas of all time, Orange Days. Beautiful realistic story, engaging characters (and excellent characterization), and killer soundtrack. I couldn't ask for anything else. It tells the story of gentle and confused Kai who's trying to figure out what to do with his life after college and Sae (played by one of my favorite actresses/singers Shibasaki Kou), a partially deaf violinist with a beautiful face and a violent temper who realizes she can't get enough out of life. It's a coming-of-age drama that isn't just about romantic love but also about friendship, courage, and strength. Highly recommended. Satoshi's acting shines here in its comforting and quiet glory. You'll have to watch it to see what I mean. :)
You Should Check Him Out In: Another series I recommend, Slow Dance. Just a warning to those who can't take slow-paced dramas because this one is definitely one of the slower ones. ;) It tells the simple but realistic story of 25-year-old Riichi, a young man who's afraid of taking risks, and 31-year-old Isaki, a brash clothing-store owner. Loving one another is just not that simple. Other series that you might be interested in: Lunch Queen (I honestly only watched this because of him, the heroine drove me crazy) and an upcoming kind of historical drama (based on a novel) that I'm excited about, Tenchijin (Abe Hiroshi is also in the cast!). He's also an excellent movie actor and has always had a lot of challenging roles. Try Haru no Yuki for starters and look at the stills for Dororo (with Shibasaki Kou again ;)).
Why He's On My List: I'll never forget his superb acting in Orange Days and that one role was enough to solidify his position in my list. I only found him improving in subsequent series and I can't get enough of him. :)