The beginer's (aka my own) doramas guide

[dangermousie]

Because I’ve been talking about doramas so much lately, I’ve decided to make a list of all the doramas I’ve seen, I am watching, or am going to be watching shortly, with a short reason why, plot synopsis and photo. For those who don't know, doramas are Asian (Korean, Japanese, Taiwanese, Singaporean etc) miniseries, anywhere from a few to 30+ eps

Comments

[dangermousie]

It's called Tokyo Juliet because it's based on a Japanese manga. It was set in Tokyo ergo the first part, and Juliet is because I've often seen it used as a pseudonym for a female star-crossed lover (I have no idea if you'd gotten to the point where Liang's parentage is revealed). Doramas usually take a bit to get going btw. This one is not the best one ever, artistically, but the gorgeous angst is so fun.

[dangermousie]

it is quite slow going (especially without sound)

I hate watching things without sound (even when as here I don't understand the language). I keep forgetting how much sound adds to interest level, until it's taken away (I am watching this one with sound though). I actaully really like the soundtrack for this, too. Doramas are usually slow (at least compared to a movie) because they have all these hours. I have no idea how this one ends, hopefully not with suicide though :P

[lesbiassparrow]

When I get Pride I am going to make you watch it with me. :) There is nothing hotter than men on skates. Trust me.

*tries to resist running off to ebay to buy others*

[dangermousie]

Deal. Watchalongs work wonders on me, if it's not something I am super keen on at the start.

Tokyo Julieeeeeeeet. Watch Tokyo Julieeeeeeeeeet. Aaaaaaangst :P

[lesbiassparrow]

I hold fast on Tokyo Juliet! Though just maybe I will have a peet at youtube.

I am ashamed to say I just bought two more Japanese ones - one is Hana Yori Dango and the other was a bit random - Beautiful Life, about a disabled library and a hairdresser. It sounds angstalicous. (But I totally saved on postage buying them together! So I should go and buy more...)

[dangermousie]

Hmmm, I am curious what you'll think of HYD. It has by far the scariest fashion of all I've seen. Also, you know it's another variation of Meteor Garden, right? (I like MG better). But even with all that HYD is a lot of fun if you can get past the really OTT first ep.

[ficchica]

Ooh a new list of programs to go and watch!
Kimi Va Petto [Japan]: I am actually not sure if I’ll be watching this one, though I started, as the concept itself (human pet) is just too weird. I did hear really good things about it, so anyone seen it?
I'm downloading it at the moment. I've seen the first episode I think it kind of works - its funny and its sad. The main characters seem like such opposites. She is so strong, aloof but actually quite lonely and he is exuberant and weird but as the episode went on she unbent enough that she cried about her boyfriend cheating on her. Then again I like wacky things so I don't know.

Yup, it’s the first dorama I am watching unsubbed.
I'm glad I'm not the only person who is watching silence like this.

[dangermousie]

Then again I like wacky things so I don't know.

I like wacky too. Thanks, I'll give it a try.

I'm glad I'm not the only person who is watching silence like this.

The thing is, I got hooked. And then, after two eps, when the choice was watching unsubbed or not watching at all, there was no question. The funny thing is that I am rather compulsive about watching this. Not like with 'Smiling Pasta' which I also tried unsubbed and liked but it's something I'll watch more of at some point. I don't have this unreasonable burning need to watch more or to know what's going on.

[callmecaito]

I went and watched all of Kimi Wa Petto a few months ago (WHAT? JUN IS CUTE OKAY?) and it's very cute, I though. Jun's character in this is completely the opposite of Shin in Gokusen: instead of reserved and stoic, he is affectionate and boisterous, though his eyes are still as expressive as ever. The idea is weird, but somehow, it really kind of works. I think it's largely because pretty much all the characters acknowledge that the setup is really awkward and random, but the interactions between the two leads steadily become more and more natural as the characters grow more comfortable with each other and their strange arrangement.

Also, Jun is cute. Way cute. Even hot. And occasionally naked (though we don't actually get to see anything, boo.)

[dangermousie]

OK, I am sold. I am definitely trying this.

Also, Jun is cute. Way cute. Even hot. And occasionally naked (though we don't actually get to see anything, boo.)

LOL. What's the point of nudity if we can't see it :P

[crumpeteer]

You're right. The kid in the first picture is blindingly hot.

[dangermousie]

I know. I need to find out who he is and what he's been in.

[crumpeteer]

Takizawa Hideaki. Singer first (aren't the all) actor later.

Let me make a comment on Kimi Va Petto, in that I've read the manga Tramps Like Us and it's quite good. Interestingly the guy even LOOKS like the guy in the manga. The whole pet thing starts out rather weird, but it takes on a sweet, sexy, rather kinky twist on the relationship without going overboard. At least the manga did anyway.

[dangermousie]

Simply must see more of him. And thanks for the heads up on the manga. Everything I hear about it really does seem to indicate that KVP is good, so I am definitely watching.

[fivil]

Yay pretty Asian people! Sorry, I have nothing more valuable to add. I started watching the first ep of Goong last night and yeah, it's definitely very nice but then I realized, HOLY shit every episode is like 70 minutes so over 240 hours of this, where am I going to find the time?!

But I think I'll try to, anyway. It feels worth it. I really enjoy getting into various entertainment forms from different countries, they're always so unique and it's cool to enjoy what people a thousand miles away also enjoy.

[dangermousie]

It's not 240, it's only 24 :) so a lot more manageable :)