I've decided to do a top ten list of the most underrated dramas. How did I chose? Well, I looked at several things: the ratings in the country of origin, how much people were talking about it when it aired, and how often it is recommended on boards and in forums today.
We start off with number ten,
,Love Shuffle a series written by one of my favorite drama writers- no one does human drama like him - Nojima Shinji.
Drama Name : Love Shuffle
Country : Japan
Air Dates : 2009-Jan-16 to 2009-Mar-20
Summary : Usami Kei is a salaryman who has risen in status due to his engagement with Mei, the wealthy daughter of his company's president. Shortly after she breaks off the engagement, a power failure leaves him stuck in the elevator of his apartment building. Trapped with him are three others living on the same floor - Airu, a trilingual interpreter, Ojiro, a model photographer, and Masato, a psychiatrist. While waiting, their conversation hits upon their love lives and the question of whether there is truly only one fated partner for everyone. As a result, they decide to try "shuffling" their relationships with each other. - Tokyograph
Cast : Tamaki Hiroshi (Nodame Cantabile, Shikaotoko Aoniyoshi); Karina (Real Clothes,Daisuki!!);Matsuda Shota (Liar Game, Hana Yori Dango; DAIGO (of J-rock group: BREAKERZ); Yoshitaka Yuriko (Tokyo Dogs, Taiyo to Umi no Kyoshitsu); Kojima Hijiri (Tokyo Tower, Warui Yatsura); Kanjiya Shihori (Buzzer Beat, Kimi Hannin Janai yo ne?); and Tanihara Shosuke (Watashitachi no Kyokasho, Mop Girl)
Why It’s Underrated : Honestly I think it is the show's premise that pushes people away from the drama. It really does sound like a melodramatic thing that is purely about love triangles and angst. Another thing that may turn some away is the fact that it is a much more mature and at times dark drama. Plus, the large cast may have driven people away, as some hate having to deal with larger casts.
Why You Should Watch It : All eight of the main characters get their moment to shine and all possible romances get a moment in the sun. (You can multiship and it's totally fine.) All eight of the main actors have amazing chemistry with one another, which makes all the friendships that are formed during the shuffle believable.
The truth is, around episode four, it stops being about the 'love shuffle' and starts being about the friendships and relationships that these people form. All of them start out the same utterly lose and unsure of their futures - but, they all end up in better places.
Also - who could forget the awesome OTPs, catchphrases, and twists that came out of this one? It's a truly brilliant human drama that really looks into the hearts of these people.
9/10 rating from me. It brought me one of my favorite drama 'ships, some of my favorite characters, and made me love Pandas. I couldn't give it any less.
Love Shuffle video using Love Today by Mika
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