'Tatta Hitotsu no Koi' Episode 4 picspam and a few comments
Life gets in the way of fandom, but I suppose this is better late than never.
Obviously, I liked the episode. The drama and tension are certainly beginning to ramp up as conflicts are introduced in this episode, chiefly in the shape of Hiroto's creepy wig-wearing ex and his meddling mother, plus we learn that Nao's father has had Hiroto investigated and is thoroughly unhappy about his precious daughter's attachment with a boy he considers to be entirely unsuitable and from whom he is determined to save Nao. Also, the health issues (for both Ren and Nao) were prominently featured and explained further, foreshadowing future problems for Nao.
1. Kame was particularly beautiful. What else is new? ;)
2. I love the relationship that keeps growing between Ren and Nao.
3. Hmmmm, whales? I also watched 1 Litre of Tears this weekend, and in that, it was dolphins. Same difference - animals metaphorically used to indicate a deep connection and communication despite distance and separation.
4. Kame did a splendid job emoting over Ren ending up in the hospital. His terror and anger were palpable and his face and posture was scary. Did you see what Kame did? He was literally quivering and the way he bounced a little in his anger and frustration was really cool. Nao stepped back from Hiroto, but I think if it were me...I would have run. She's a brave girl to stand up to that face. In any case, Kame sold that scene - I thought it was totally believable and very natural.
5. I LOVED KOKI. Finally, finally, he stopped making silly faces long enough to have a serious scene. It was a beautiful moment, Kou and Yuko in the grassy field. They were both rather adorable.
6. Ayuta is like some kind of awesome guardian angel, looking after Hiroto and Yuko while they're having their heavy discussion, but also the way he looks after Kou at the car rental place. He's such a wonderful character and I love him more all the time. Even if he does get used to be exposition guy when it comes to explaining what's up with Hiroto's ex.
7. Normally I mock all the running in jdorama, but I just couldn't in this episode - not when Kame runs so prettily. :) It's a great way to showcase Yokohama, in any case. And it also serves to indicate and heighten the distance between their two worlds (but, please, director - we really don't need to be hit over the head with this anymore!!)
8. Of course I loved the scene where Yuko explains Nao's illness to Hiroto - both actors did a terrific job. My favorite moment? When Hiroto hands her the tissues. Second favorite moment? When she hands them back. :)
9. Lovely tension at the end with Nao finding Hiroto huddled outside her building looking exactly like a stray kitty. Poor Hiroto - I'm sure he's been sitting there and thinking that he didn't think this through very well, but he can't leave, either. I feel so sorry for him, especially as Nao's mother and brother walk up behind her. A rather inauspicious moment to meet the family! [Side note: Okay, I understand why the director made Kame take his coat off - so that he could hide it behind his back later on, but seriously, I've been outside and freezing before and I never take my jacket off to use as a blanket - especially when wearing short sleeves! It's much more effective left on. So director, that was kind of stupid and jarred me out of the moment a little bit. Yes, I nitpick.]
Obviously, I liked the episode. The drama and tension are certainly beginning to ramp up as conflicts are introduced in this episode, chiefly in the shape of Hiroto's creepy wig-wearing ex and his meddling mother, plus we learn that Nao's father has had Hiroto investigated and is thoroughly unhappy about his precious daughter's attachment with a boy he considers to be entirely unsuitable and from whom he is determined to save Nao. Also, the health issues (for both Ren and Nao) were prominently featured and explained further, foreshadowing future problems for Nao.
1. Kame was particularly beautiful. What else is new? ;)
2. I love the relationship that keeps growing between Ren and Nao.
3. Hmmmm, whales? I also watched 1 Litre of Tears this weekend, and in that, it was dolphins. Same difference - animals metaphorically used to indicate a deep connection and communication despite distance and separation.
4. Kame did a splendid job emoting over Ren ending up in the hospital. His terror and anger were palpable and his face and posture was scary. Did you see what Kame did? He was literally quivering and the way he bounced a little in his anger and frustration was really cool. Nao stepped back from Hiroto, but I think if it were me...I would have run. She's a brave girl to stand up to that face. In any case, Kame sold that scene - I thought it was totally believable and very natural.
5. I LOVED KOKI. Finally, finally, he stopped making silly faces long enough to have a serious scene. It was a beautiful moment, Kou and Yuko in the grassy field. They were both rather adorable.
6. Ayuta is like some kind of awesome guardian angel, looking after Hiroto and Yuko while they're having their heavy discussion, but also the way he looks after Kou at the car rental place. He's such a wonderful character and I love him more all the time. Even if he does get used to be exposition guy when it comes to explaining what's up with Hiroto's ex.
7. Normally I mock all the running in jdorama, but I just couldn't in this episode - not when Kame runs so prettily. :) It's a great way to showcase Yokohama, in any case. And it also serves to indicate and heighten the distance between their two worlds (but, please, director - we really don't need to be hit over the head with this anymore!!)
8. Of course I loved the scene where Yuko explains Nao's illness to Hiroto - both actors did a terrific job. My favorite moment? When Hiroto hands her the tissues. Second favorite moment? When she hands them back. :)
9. Lovely tension at the end with Nao finding Hiroto huddled outside her building looking exactly like a stray kitty. Poor Hiroto - I'm sure he's been sitting there and thinking that he didn't think this through very well, but he can't leave, either. I feel so sorry for him, especially as Nao's mother and brother walk up behind her. A rather inauspicious moment to meet the family! [Side note: Okay, I understand why the director made Kame take his coat off - so that he could hide it behind his back later on, but seriously, I've been outside and freezing before and I never take my jacket off to use as a blanket - especially when wearing short sleeves! It's much more effective left on. So director, that was kind of stupid and jarred me out of the moment a little bit. Yes, I nitpick.]