(old post) initial thoughts on Smile
Saturday, 18 April 2009
Smile (2nd Post)
Posted by De3h at 8:59 PM
Isn't he gorgeous?
I still haven't seen this episode yet, as I am intending to wait until my internet broadband switches to offpeak time(incidentally at 12am - My birthday! Yay!) I forgot to initially explain the premise of "Smile," simply ranting on about how I was enough of an idiot to completely miss it.
When "Smile" was announced I was superfluously excited. Allow me to initially declare that I am one of those rabid Arashi/Matsumoto Jun Fangirls. I acknowledge that, and yet I wish to establish a delineation between myself and the teeny-boppers out there. I CAN make a less biased judgement (my judgement will be biased, I warn you), and I CAN acknowledge acting talent and that Arashi is not the centre of everything. That being said, on to "Smile."
"Smile" is a new drama that is airing this Spring (for Japan) on TBS, about a half-Filipino man named Bito (Matsumoto Jun) whose father is a deceased Filipino and whose Japanese mother disappeared. It also stars Aragaki Yuki who will play his counterpart who unfortunately, is mute due to an accident. The story follows that the two meet and together face the challenges of societal prejudices and constructs. The man handling the script is Takayuki Takuma who handled Hana Yori Dango - so it should be good, ne?
I have heard, and I have seen many Filipina fans raging over this, hoping to see Filipino culture somehow permeate this drama but - as a Filipina myself - I highly doubted it. Bito's biraciality (is that a word? Who cares, it is now) was a premise to tackle the underlying xenophobia that exists in Japan. I really admired this aspect of the Drama's premise - the bold grappling of racial issues. I am also overjoyed that Matsumoto Jun stepped out of his "pretty" or "kakkoii" roles (as much as we love them ladies ;P) and committed to a script that has a greater purpose applicable to Japan's society. I'm glad he's not typecasting himself like with Oguri Shun (who I do like, but don't you suppose Hanazawa Rui and his character in Hana Kimi are practically the same?) Living Australia a country founded on multiculturalism, it's difficult to believe that such dramas are very significant but I think it's quite quintessential in Japan and I'm glad that the renowned 'Elite' MatsuJun is prepared to take it on.
AND TO CLEAR THE AIR: YES. He's dark.(Seriously that boy has wonderful light skin.) AND YES, all Filos aren't THAT dark (I know, I'm lighter than him). But he's in character and his appearance isn't the issue here. That being said, I'm glad about his hair, although the モジャモジャ puff didn't quite suit him, it was growing on me. He's dark because he's playing a Filo - be glad ladies.
About Arashi not covering the Drama theme/soundtrack (instead their doing Sho's 'Quiz Show') . Needless to say, when I first heard the news - I was disappointed, extremely disappointed. However in hindsight, I can concede and see how it was a wise decision. As much as I am deliriously in love with Arashi, the closest thing they have to a solemn ballad might be a song like... I dunno, "Sirius" which was quite power-ballady in itself. Don't you think Arashi's music has an overwhelming multitude of layers? Their layered pop tunes might be a bit overpowering for a solemn drama which needs something simple like Utada Hikaru or Yui. I haven't heard the actual theme song yet, (the woman's name escapes me) [Shiina Ringo! That's it!] I'll be sure to listen to it. Despite what I've said, I must admit that I was hoping that this would be Arashi's chance to spring out a SOLEMN ballad. Ah, well.
About Aragaki Yuki - Ah, I first saw her with Miura Haruma in Koizora so they'll be my OTP(As with MaotsuJun, I'll always love them together the most), but this girl is undeniably cute! Her and Matsumoto Jun look quite good together with sastisfactory chemistry :) I haven't seen enough of her work, so I'll refrain from any judgement :D I'm really looking forward to this.
Power to ya, Ma~chan. :)