Last Friends

I must say, i am not into dark and deep dramas. Last Friends is such a drama but despite the darkness of the theme, i must say i did enjoy this drama. Does this sound twisted to you all?. This is particularly a difficult drama to watch as it deals with domestic violence in relationships. Not that i am in or was in that position but having witness a housemate many years ago, go through a similar situation was actually painful for some of the scenes.

Despite the cheery front cover, i bought the show not knowing the details behind the show. The story line is about young adults going through issues such as gender identification, incest ( of sorts ), domestic violence and finding the "right" one.

Michiru

Aida Michiru is a hairdresser in tokyo who is a sweet and simple girl. Michiru comes from a broken home and is looking for settling down with a nice young man. She thought she had found the right man in Oikawa Sousuke - a local councillor. The day of her moving in with Sousuke sets up a chance encounter with her school mate Kirishimoto Ruka. Michiru moves in with Sousuke and things seems peachy keen initially.

Ruka

Eri

Ruka, on the other hand while trying to chase Michiru, strikes up a friendship with Takeru a make up artist. She bumps into him in a department store, where she dropped her cup and he tries to return the item to her. Friendship grows from there and Takeru moves into a share house with Ruka and her housemate Eri. Who is later joined by Ogurin. The four live quite a happy life on the outside but each person has a deep dark secret within themselves.

Ruka who is a motorcross racer, has a day job as a mechanic and competes in motorcross races to gain access to All Japan male dominated championship. She does not see herself as a female but rather a racer or a rather sexless character. Her disdain for her own gender is shown when her trainer refers to her as a girl and does not have the ability of a man. However, when someone whom she does not like, tries to kiss her, she shows disdain as any normal girl would.

Creepy Sousuke

The story revolves around Michiru and Ruka who come to terms with a difficult relationship Michiru is going through with Sousuke. She finally becomes the 5th member of the share house when she appeals for Ruka to help her. That was quite a poignant moment for me because in cases of domestic violence the first break through is when the victim actually puts her/his hand out for help. Ruka, gladly offers. All is not as innocent as it seems as Ruka, is in love with Michiru. **shocker/spoiler**.

Difficult Topic #1

Takeru who seems like a gay make up artist isn't so actually as he is later diagnosed with the fear of sex. Wow. Men actually fear sex. Rare. Having been abused in his younger years, he cannot stand to touch a woman as it reminds him of his past - hence making every woman think he is gay. Until he spots Ruka. Now this is as complicate as you get. And to add on the complexity, later Michiru falls for Takeru.

The story dances around these topics and actually what's good about this show is how much detail goes into the show about the issues at hand. I have not seen an asian show that actually deals with such details before.

What i like about the show:
* The feel good factor when you are living as housemates- kinda reminded me of me uni days many many years back
* Friendships sometimes transcend all other aspects - sex, love, etc.
* How you stick out for one another - this is totally lacking recently in my work environment.
* Deals with difficult topic as bare as possible without being nauseating.
* Stunning acting from Ueno Juri- can you believe she is the girl in Nodame? Ditzy as she was in Nodame she completely plays the role of Ruka very well in this show.

What i dislike about the show
* Can't say much as i really cannot pint point anything i do not like about this show. It's good. I can see why it won many awards and also have a SP out.

Takeru

So who was my favorite character:
* Takeru for some reasons. I like the fact he is so thoughtful and caring- malaysian men - please. Watch this show. Take a book out of takeru's characters. Much as he knows Ruka loves Michiru, he rather be happy for ruka then to be happy for himself. So.. selfless... /:)

* That evil sousuke - my goodness. Such a good actor. I really found him so creepy and scary. I was at one stage not able to watch this character without having goose bumps. I still cannot understand what really motivated him to ill treat Michiru- besides the fact of an unhappy childhood, let alone what he did at the end. However, i did feel sorry for him in the end.

I would recommend this show for those who like deep and dark subjects. I for one, ( good as it is ) emotionally draining on me. I was exhausted after the whole series. Now. I need to go and un-depress myself with something more - lighter.

p/s: Utada Hikaru's song Prisoner of Love is so appropriate in this show. And the song is stuck on my head.