Neko addicted to TV

Maid Sama! 　メイド　さま！

2011-01-09T11:20:00.002+08:00

Okaeri-nasai Goshujin sama...

It's been a long long time since i blogged about anime or dramas. Not really because i didn't watch any, not much time to blog about it anyway. Year end 2010 dramas were meh, but there were a few good animes in town. Kimi Ni Todoke was one i managed to blog and watch but i found this Maid Sama pretty interesting. While normally such fluffy animes normally past me, but some how Maid Sama's interesting story line caught me interested. I also learn alot of new words like "もえ、もえ” and ツンデレ. I almost gave up on this anime initially because i was watching it in Manila, and it was English dubbed for ANIMAX... god i hate those English dubbed animes. Loses the context.

However, i would think such storyline in real life might be a bit strange, particularly in the west. Some might say it bothers on セクハラ　(sekuhara) *hehehehe* but it goes to explain alot of the characters in Maid Sama. While i quite like the Japanese lifestyle, i have not totally embraced the Otaku culture particularly the Maid cafe concept. So i was skeptical when i picked up Maid Sama! But Usui Takumi won me over! I can't resist orange haired ,green eyed men.

Usui Tamaki &Ayuzawa Misaki ( face red as usual )

Ok, storyline time. The story is based on 16 year old Misaki Ayuzawa's daily high school life at Seika High School. This was a school that was predominantly a male school until recently, they introduced a small pool of females in the school. Misaki is the epitome of a feminist, male hater ( her dad left her, mom and sister poor and penniless) and a always i can do better than men attitude. Her attempts to change the school to a more integrated male and female school got her nominated to the post of School president （生徒会長）　with an all male council. Misaki is quite the super woman. She is almost the top student in school ( Usui beat her to it ), she runs the school council, and works part time at a maid cafe to make ends meet in her family. However, her strong and independent nature makes it hard for her to tell people she works at a maid cafe. Actually i find her pretty much of a control freak but her tough nature comes from her rather poor life. Sometimes, her school mates even call her Oni because she is as tough as nails.Until her classmate Usui Tamaki discovers her secret.

Usui Takumi on the other hand is a 17 year old student who seems to be a bit odd in the whole school. He's a cool, composed boy who is obviously quite popular with both the male and females in the school but he could hardly give a hoot on anyone except to quietly observe everyone in the school. And the boy is pretty much of a loner. Stays in a big apartment on his own with no parents in sight ( his mother died and he was sent to Japan to live with his grandmother). Till he met Misaki. In the start of the anime, it looks like Usui and Misaki had their clashes but he only took notice of her when he discovered her working at maid cafe and her interesting choice of job leads him to learn a bit more of Misaki.

The Discovery

Misaki thinks that Usui will black mail here but he doesn't instead keeping her secret and teasingly asks her to be his maid. And thus the start of a rather strange ( stalker like at some times ) and poignant relationship between these 2. She hates his guts. He drives her nuts, she can't read his mind at times and he almost pushes a limit in the definition of harassment yet at the same time, he saves ( in some very timely interventions ) her from her own stubbornness and of course boys who want to take advantage of her naiveness and also makes Misaki question her own point of view may not be always right as she thinks it is.

The Guys worshiping Usui-kun

The first 2 episodes get you wondering what Usui's intent is with the secret he knows, but it becomes clearer in the episodes along the way his intentions on Misaki. The poor girl is as blur as a sotong as we would say in Malaysia or Singapore and she is awkward as in response to his attempts to kiss her or post kiss reactions( hehehehe spoiler ) Her expressions are priceless in these scenes and her attempts to handle this is followed by a lot of blushing and wildly gesticulating arm movements. Her attempt so say i like you to Usui always comes out as " 碓氷　代嫌い！” ( I hate you, which Usui interprets as like )

What??

I especially like Episode 6, where Usui clearly made his intentions to Misaki. I thought it was quite gallant what he did but heck how he did it left my going hah??????????? (typical japanese way of expressing disbelief) Jumping off a school building and yet survive? This guy is a super man.

The Kiss , the confession and the leap

The characters of Maid Sama

Ayuzawa Misaki - Strong willed, strong at times ( she carries a heavy weight serving tray for exercise ) and skilled in Aikido. She carries a lot of responsibility in her family as one the main breadwinners in her family, with her mother being weak, Misaki has to work in the rather high paying Maid Latte. In the Maid Latte shop, she is also known as the rather cold but efficient waitress. Misaki is kinda feared in school by the boys, whom she will literally whack if they do not follow her orders. Usui sometimes tells her that being the class president she needs to consider everyone's opinion not just her own. However when it comes to boys, Misaki admits she does not have a lot of experience at this. Her attempts to be coy comes out awkward and downright embarrassing ( watch the Oni-tan episode... i cringed when she attempted those coy Lolita moments ) She hates Usui at first, thinking he is just another annoying guy who breaks girls heart. From the start of the anime she calls him Hentai Uchiujin ( Perverted alien ) and is confused with his attitude towards her but realizes she falls in love with him along the way. I guess it kinda explains how she can put up with his Sekuhara attitude towards her, if she has no feelings for him. In all her earnestness, she did know Usui felt for her till the very last few episodes... *duh, blur sotong* and was triggered by a conversation with Kuuga then she realized it. I do like Misaki's character very much in this show because she is not the wimpy kind of girl or helpless in anyway and you end up rooting for her and Usui.

Usui Takumi: He rocks leh............ Usui is not your average 17 year old. He is extremely smart, apparently quite a master chef (quite the opposite of Misaki whom he says is the only one in the world that can spoil the taste of congee ) and skilled in... kung fu... check out his kicks below and moe's girls in cat ears.

Neko Mimi Moeeeeeeeee

And his observations on people is spot on ( he can join criminal minds already!) He claims to stalk Misaki appearing in the most opportune time to save her from others and from herself . It is kind of stalking... he appears everywhere she goes. His interest in Misaki is piqued when he discovers her as a maid. A class president and a maid is quite a unique combination but her background and reasons for working as a maid waitress increases his interest in her. While he teases Misaki endlessly to see her reactions, he knows sometimes he goes overboard with that and knows exactly how to calm her down. And while he harasses her ( lifts up her skirts -_-" , corners her ) he stops short of really going through with his intentions and kills the mood at times with his one liner monotones. When it comes to Misaki, Usui is extremely jealous and protective in fact he marks her in the Summer episode. Again my jaw dropped when i saw that... *mattaku*

The many faces of Usui Takumi

While it is not really discussed in the anime, in the manga and in some end shots of the anime, looks like Usui is a English japanese mixed child of a wealthy disposition. He was living overseas in some scenes, showing a lady leaving a young Usui and some how he moved back to Japan, lives in a sparse and expensive mansion with a cat that hates him and seems more like a loner.

I like his cool attitude towards things, particularly when Aoi chan catches both Usui and Misaki in an embrace, he coolly walks away without any reaction leaving Misaki to fluster away there.

Aha!

The workers of Maid Latte:

Okaeri-nasai, Goshujin-sama

They all add to the storyline and Misaki has grown to like the people she works with, thinking of them of more as friends than co-worker. Satsuki ( the boss, middle, in blue ) is one of the first few people who notices Usui's interest in Misaki and she hires Usui to be a part time cook @ Maid Latte.

3 baka ( the 3 morons ): Delinquents from Seika High Academy who initially hate Misaki but they turn out to be her biggest fans. They also discovered her secret but some how Usui manages to convince them to keep it a secret.

I like the style in which the anime is drawn especially my kira kira moments and the chibi characters * hahahaha*.

Kira Kira

I thoroughly enjoyed Maid Sama so much so i watched it 3 times. I hope though there is a continuation of this. The ending is currently just perfect but the i would like to see this couple together. Ah... moe moe... hehehehe. Pick up Maid Sama if you have not. Never a dull moment.

Shizanmono

2010-07-25T19:43:00.000+08:00

I was about to start on Ghostwriter, but skipped it as this dorama caught my eye. Shinzanmono is the name meaning "new comer". I think this is the best dorama that i have seen this year ( not seen moon lovers nor team batista 2 yet ) but i find this dorama intriguing. The japanese are the best writers for crime and medical dramas, beating the hong kong tvb dramas ( which can be pretty lame in this 2 genre ) And Shinzanmono comes from a comic adapter to a TV Drama. Checking the blogs around, apparently this show is a top dorama for this year.

Shinzanmono features one of my favorite actors, Hiroshi Abe. An extremely tall and rather witty actor, despite looking a bit gangly at times. Over the years of watching him, he has grown to be an actor you like because he really can play a role well. From a teacher who suffers from a stutter, to an annoying Media wizard for a future Japanese premier, Abe can carry a role well. And he plays the part of a quiet, observant and clever detective impeccably in this show. Shinzanmono is a story about a new detective in Nihonbashi's small area called Ningyo-cho - or Doll Town. A lady dies in her apartment, strangled to death but who is the killer in this small and quaint little town. ( I miss japan terribly, while watching this dorama especially the walks along quaint places like this )

Hiroshi Abe plays Kaga Kyochiro an investigator on his first day in Nihonbashi's district police station investigating the death of Mitsui Mineko. She was estranged from her son and divorced her husband quickly and seems to have moved to Ningyo Cho to start a new life. The story focuses on the people who have met or come across Mitsui Mineko before her untimely death on April 13th.

Mitsui Mineko- The victim

I thought Mineko looks like an older version of Charmaine Sheh! We get to see her views and her life before her untimely death and her character will remind a lot of people of decisions they make but later regret and find it hard to turn back.

The story takes the view of Kaga investigating all the suspects in the show and there are many suspects! At least 20 of them!

The suspects.

In fact some rather prominent and popular stars make their appearances through out this 10 episode show. Each episode , there will be a suspect, from the son, to the baker to even the accountant, each suspect is cleared till the last episode.

I think this show will keep you riveted. I especially like the Ma-kitty episode where the story line is based on a shop owner's wife who is hooked on Hello Kitty. I like the fact Ma-kitty ( which is the name of the character ) who seemed shallow at first, is apparently not and was much more than what is made up to be her outward appearance.

Detective Kaga is added through his investigation by a young detective Matsumiya Juhei and a rather bumbling head of Metro police Kojima Kazumichi, who turned out to be not so bumbling in the end.

Queuing to buy Taiyaki

There are also funny bits in the show like the running joke of Kaga-san being never able to buy Ningyo-cho's famous Taiyaki dessert even though he queued for 50 times since his first day at work. In fact this shop is super well known to have long queues in Ningyo-cho even before the movie itself. I have eaten Taiyaki in Tokyo during my first trip there and actually it is quite a nice thing to munch on during a cold day in Tokyo. However, didn't need to suffer the queue above as I got mine in Asakura. Oh, also a note, Ningyo-cho is famous for it's senbei or rice crackers :)

And Kaga's take in elaborating his explanation can be quite physical. Like his explanation of how he found the name card of a suspect in the victim's apartment.

Crime Scene Demonstration!

What i like about this dorama:
- Keeps you guessing who the criminal, i swayed from the son, to the husband to everyone even at the last episode! Superb acting from all the stars make the show interesting.
- You get a minor tour of Nihonbashi without having to go to japan.
- And you feel you know the people of Ningyo-Cho, how close knit these people are within the city of Tokyo

What i don't like about this dorama:
- nothing really, it is quite good on it's own. I hope it gets this year's top dorama award! However, i can't really tell if this is the end as there seems to be a history of Kaga-San that seems hidden. Oh well, we will see.

My cutest suspect ever! Hope to get an Akita next time. Probably needs his own aircon room.

Cute Suspects Everywhere -I think i need to make a trip back to Tokyo soon and visit Ningyo-Cho

To Aru Matsu no Index Figurine

2010-06-13T20:36:00.001+08:00

I have never watched the anime but found the figurine beautiful and innocent. Compared to the highly aggravated and cranky figurines i have. Now, i am looking for a kimono clad figurine.. :) Even though i may not have watched that anime, i am willing to buy it! Provided my cupboard has more space. Recommendations anyone?

Nyan Koi! meow, meow, meow

2010-05-30T18:35:00.000+08:00

I have a stack of anime to watch which i have not been watching. From Naruto, to FMA and to a few more, it's been like TV watching me for the past few weeks. I wonder if the TV knows i snore ... *hehehe* .... Anyway, i manage to pick up this Nyan Koi anime some time back. I saw it a few times in the shop. Had this, should i should i not reason not to buy it. I didn't want it to be some bimbo shows that some anime are but the cat pics keep catching my eye and after reading the back cover, the story was pretty interesting as well.

This is another manga based anime that... like Kimi Ni Todoke, will have a season 2. The anime made it's way to the TV in Oct 2009. I must say anything cat based in the story, is normally quite attractive to me.

It's a story about a boy who has allergies to cats. Junpei Kosaka is unfortunately surrounded by cats and people who have cats. Worse still, he's secretly having a crush on a girl in school who looks like a golden retriever but is quite a cat fan! Of course being a harem comedy, there is some other girl in school that has a secret crush on him! Complicated!

His luck worsens when he angers a local cat deity when he kicks a can on a neko-jizo-sama, inducing the deity's head to ... drop off. He is then cursed with the ability to understand and speak cat - speak. And to top it off, he has to do a 100 good cat deeds otherwise he will turn into a cat himself!

Junpei is helped along the way by a few cat friends like Nyamsus, his cranky house cat, who becomes his friend in the end. The story sees how Junpei overcomes his allergy and his dislike for cats, to someone who comes to like them despite sneezing till the cows come home. He's is also surrounded by women who some how come to like him and all have cats. It's definitely a harem anime/comedy here.

This is quite a light-hearted show, a departure from my usual dark, bloody and some times vampire-ish animes i like to follow. It's not a deep thinking show, yet it is addictive enough for you to keep watching and wonder will Junpei be able to free himself from the curse. And his harem of ladies keep you entertained either with their daffiness or their antics.

Watch out for the last bit of each show where they have the characters appear in a short skit.

What's good?
* Cats of course, in all shapes and sizes. And they talk, talk and talk. Check out how they appear when they introduce the next segment within the show, they go "meow,meow,meow, meow. If my d
* It's a good story if you don't want shows that are deep and dark. Light-hearted fluffy stuff.
* Junpei has a good heart, despite hating cats, he helps them out and practically almost everyone that comes to him for help.

What's not so good?
* Too many characters, only some get good character development stories.
* I frankly cannot stand the tomboy character in the show, she is nothing but an annoying distraction.
* Of course, there is no real end to Season 1, there will be a season 2. I hate cliffhangers like this.

Does he ever get out of his curse? Well, we need to find out in Season 2. Check out Nyan Koi if you are looking for some light hearted relief.

Edward Elric-Oh Chibi Chan!!

2010-05-03T22:09:00.001+08:00

I think after Kyo Sohma (kyon-kyon), Edward Elric is one of my most favorite Anime characters. Before i start the review of FMA:Brotherhood, it's nice to write about one of the key main characters of the show. That's my Square Enix figurine by the way...

If you don't already know, FMA is one of the best anime series around and is 2009's most anticipated anime. After a 5 year stop, we get to watch the continuation of FMA. While i won't delve too much on the storyline yet, i want to touch more on the character Edward. With his younger brother Alphonse, both these 2 youngsters are the country's youngest alchemist practitioners, set in a 1940s background ( it looks a bit like Germany )

Ah... ignore the karaoke subtitles lah....

Edward is undeniably short for a 12 year old when he first joined the state alchemist ( and even as the series progress at the age of 17) and is often mistaken for being the younger brother of the pair compared to a towering metallic Al. However, the 12 year old packs a punch not only in terms of his martial arts skill but his ability to think fast on his feet, making him a formidable enemy to anyone. The pair's journey in the whole story is to look for the Philosopher's Stone and Edward's one true goal is to restore Alphonse ( his metallic younger brother )'s body to his natural body. Edward's greatest regret is the pain and harm caused to his younger brother and will do whatever he can to protect his younger ( and most self -reliant younger brother that is ) from harm - sometimes to the point where he is pretty much blinded by this. And you will see his determination to beat his disability when he fits himself with Automail ( kinda like prosthetics ) and how he bore the pain through the process, for a 12 year old, it's far more mature than his age. I also suspect Ed has fallen in love with Winry but is too proud to admit it. My take is Ed does not want Winry to be involved in their issues simply because he does not want her hurt in the process, hence does not tells her a lot of things and that annoys her till no bounds.

Actually, i never knew this i always thought Ed being short and Alphonse being one hulk of a metal was just purely coincidence but in FMA:Brotherhood, there was an explanation of why these are 2 like this. Though Winry will tend to disagree that it's the lack of milk ( which Ed hates ) that causes the lack of growth.

It's all not punctuated with doom and gloom, one thing FMA excels is the hilarious funny moments that fills the show and also Edward and Alphonses( at time - see the header ) funny faces! It's a riot at times.

I think Ed kicked-ass his Dad

When i first watched Full Metal Alchemist ( Season 1 ), Edward was the ultimate character for me. Strong, resilient and family comes first attitude is something that attracted my attention and a lot of viewers attention. Good acting from the seiyuu ( Romi Park ) also gives Edward a lot of depth. I cried tonnes/buckets when his mother died and Ed bore the responsibility of looking after his younger brother with a practically non existent father nowhere to be found. I think he found he almost had a father figure in Maes Hughes, one of the army people he meets along the way, and whom in turn takes care of the Elric brothers like sons. Be prepared for some heart wrenching moments here as the story develops. Edward wins a lot of people over in this show.

I hope you are tempted enough to start picking up FMA if you have not. Will be doing some reviews on Al next.

TA-DAA

2010-04-29T22:44:00.000+08:00

Got rid of that dodgy header and redesigned it. Much better!

MUAHAHAHA

2010-04-26T21:45:00.001+08:00

Ok! I finally fixed the freaking picture cropping. Muahahaha. Now i have to fix the header thingy.

Next in Review: Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood

2010-04-25T14:23:00.006+08:00

2009's most anticipated Anime. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. Oh Chibi-chan, you are up next in review.

Kimi Ni Todoke (君　に届け) - A review and there are spoilers.

2010-04-24T13:20:00.004+08:00

I make a horrible anime blogger because ... it's a heck more effort then being a food blogger! But i have decided to restrict my writing for anime based on shows i really really really like. Which is quite little at times. Some of the anime are not worth watching or putting a blog post up. But 2009 and 2010 has been a good anime year as i have seen quite a few number of good ones. This one is one of my favorites this year. Kimi Ni Todoke or in english, Reaching out to you.

This is actually an anime based from a manga as they always are and it's superbly converted to an anime. It's also going to be out as a dorama this year but i will hold me excitement on that as very few anime to dorama shows have really peaked my interest. For example, Honey and Clover, in my opinion plays better as an anime rather than a dorama.

Do you all remember the time when you were in high school, you feel like the social outcast? The gawky kid that no one wants to talk to or everyone throws a slushie at you ( this is so from glee :) ) Well, if those kind of awkward teenage moments come rushing back to you, then Kimi Ni todoke will bring you down memory lane. Set in Hokkaido, this is a story of a young girl who is considered a social outcast by her peers, mainly because of her name and her keen resemblance to a Japanese horror icon familiar to many. Remember Sadako? Meet, Sawako Kuronuma. :) With that long long black hair and that ability to "sneak" up on people quietly, the kids in her school thinks she is a freak actually. They even talk about her so called ability to curse people. Sitting next to Sawako was like sitting next to death itself. Everyone takes to calling her Sadako instead of Sawako until people mistakes it for actually being her name.

However, she is largely a misunderstood girl, and deep down, she is a nice and kind girl who just seeks out to be friends with the people around her. On her first year and first day in senior high school, she bumps into Kazehaya-kun, a popular and attractive boy in the school. Kazehaya is a complete opposite of Sawako. He's the brightness against her dark and gloomy nature. And the first person to smile and say "Hello" to Sawako. Unknown to Sawako, their first meeting was also when Kazehaya has taken a liking to this shy girl. What amuses me is he sees her as the below, while everyone else sees her as the above- scary Sawako. ( I prefer the below, as i am quite terrified of Sadako after watching The Ring, any puny resemblances, freak me out - hence i never kept long black hair for that reason ).

And thus, the start of friendship that latter blossoms to more than just friendship. Sawako learns to make new friends with the help of Kazehaya and people start trusting as well as respecting her for who she is. Sawako's joy comes when people called her Sawako instead of Sadako. Sawako and Kazehaya have a few close friends that play an integral part of the story line.

Kazehaya Shota: Main lead male character of the show. All rounder, sunny and popular guy of high school. Tries to do the right thing and for a teenager is unsurprisingly unbiased when it comes to friends. Normally teenagers are quite the opposite of him. I love the fact he sees people beyond their face value. Something we do not do a lot in this day and age. It's also nice he goes out of his way to be nice to people not because it's to gain popularity but because he genuinely likes them for who they are. Kazehaya is also extremely jealous if anyone shows a bit of interest in Sawako. Check out the episode where he thought Ryuu was interested in Sawako.

Kuronuma Sawako: The female lead of the show. If she is not scary, she is quite sweet and simple. She over analyzes a lot and probably is the first person who will do things to benefit others instead of herself. Kazehaya volunteered for summer duty because he says that Kuronuma always did the summer school duty and it's not fair. I like the parts where she interacts with her father and mother. It's so cute to watch especially her Otousan who dotes on her.

Ayane Yano + Yoshida Chizuru: This is the Yankee(deliquent youth) and the over made up girl of the school. They initially forced Sawako to "scare" the living daylights out their classmates in a school bravery test ... ( i am so glad i don't go to school in japan sometimes -it would have freaked me out if i have to do this ) but became firm friends with her when Sawako proved to be quite sporting. Chizuru happens be one of my other favorite characters in the show, as her romance between Ryuu and his brother is quite an interesting story at the end of the show. ( Tissue paper required for this part ).

Sanada Ryuu: A local ramen shop owner, his is the younger brother to Sanada Tooru, whom Chizuru has a crush on big time. Ryuu is a quite guy and talks as much as only 1 or 2 sentences before falling a sleep. However, in a class seating arrangement day, he pops himself behind Sawako, clearly stating his alliance for her. Ryuu is also surprisingly supportive of Chizuru's attempts to attract Tooru, even though he himself has been in love with Chizuru since he could remember.

Ayane Yano: is Chizuru's best friend. She dates an older guy in University and is known for wearing a lot of make up to school. More streetwise of the 3 girls, she picked up that Kazehaya was interested in Sawako way before anyone else did and tries to match make the both of them. ( These attempts are extremely funny in the course of the show )

I must say i was completely hooked on this show when i picked up the first episode. Mainly because it reminded me a lot on my school days ( no, i was NOT sadako ) but how kids interacted with each other and also the characters in the show were good and strongly built. The slowly brewing romance between Sawako and Kazehaya was also innocently sweet, in days where people are less interested in liking people for whom they really are. However, there are some certain flaws in the show, mainly because of the ending. The manga has not stopped in Japan yet, so when i watched the ending, all i could think was PART 2, PART 2! Both the 2 leads have stopped short of actually confessing to each other but then have confirmed they are both in love with each other. And it is so cute to watch them go through that realization period. It's both awkward and at the same time... painfully slow ... because i wanted to shout loudly to them both " HE/SHE LIKES YOU OK??" *Hand to forehead*. The character built up in this show is excellent. You grow with them.

However, since it is with a hanging ending, i am left salivating for more ... sigh... i ended up reading the manga online to find out what happen. Is it better than Honey and Clover? Yes, definitely. I like this story line a lot better than H&C as this is less depressing. Over the years, i found that H&C ( despite good comedic parts ) is more like a toxic relationship anime. Things you don't need in your life.

If you have time, pick this up. Definitely worth a watch. You will laugh, cry and be frustrated.... That's what i call good viewing :)

Kimi Ni Todoke - hajimeru

2010-04-10T10:17:00.002+08:00

Sometime this week, i will get to kick start the review of this anime, Kimi Ni Todoke... This is just a teaser. :)

Btw, the poster is done up by me, with pictures taken from around the internet.

My New Toy

2010-02-18T18:43:00.000+08:00

Muwahahaha -difficult to get Fatina from Tower of Druuga :) I loike!

Saikou no Kataomoi - Saiunkoku Monogatari

2010-01-12T21:49:00.002+08:00

Ok, just like animes who have filler episodes i also have filler post! This is a video from the ending OST from Saiunkoku Monogatari. One of the animes i do like but kinda like harem style. ( not as bad as fushiigi yuigi )...

Just listen to her voice... and this is kinda live. Credits - found in Youtube.

Valkyria Chronicles

2009-12-26T22:39:00.002+08:00

Top Left-Right(The good guys: Homer Peron, Faldio Landzaat, Edy Nelson, Irene Ellet, Largo Potter, Hans the Pig, Elenaor Varrot, Ramal Valt, Jann Walker, Welkin Gunther, Isara Gunther, Marina Wulfstan, Susie Evans, Rosie Stark, Zaka and Princess Cordelia )

More often than not, i get caught up in my animes. ( No, my life is not sad ) The characters placed in the anime are sometimes gets your guts far more than any academy award actor/actoress would. So, that goes by saying how good a job a seiyuu has done for that character (Seiyuu- Voice Actor) One of the shows that got me hooked on this year is Valkyria Chronicles. I could not believe i almost passed it up in the beginning. I am totally hooked on Faldio Landzaat's character.

Valkyria Chronicles is based on a Sega game which is now converted to an anime ( yeah they run out of things to draw about sometimes ) and i must say so far this is the best conversion anime i have seen. The anime is loosely based on this game itself and debut in Japan April 2009.

Alicia Melchiott

Valkyria Chronicles is set in pre-world war 2 Europe or a similar continent known as Europa. The main characters are Alicia Melchiott ( who is the principle character in the game ) and Welkin Gunther ( son of a former war hero ) while living in a small town of Bruhl, have decided to take up arms in the Militia to help push out the military occupation by the Imperial Army itself.

Welkin and Alicia do not along initially, as she hates his out of this world remarks ( Welkin is a biologist who is totally engrossed in flying pigs and nanny lizards - don't ask you gotta watch it ) and their pairing provide some laughs in the initial first 5 episodes. However, unfortunately for Alicia, she was chosen to be Welkin's assistant when he heads Squad 7 of the militia. Welkin also meets his ex-uni mate - Faldio Landzaat, a dashing young captain of Squad 1. Alicia was initially put off by his playboy ways but Faldio proved to be a more "in the know" kind of character then Welkin, who is always in his own planet.

On set of this 3 persons ( Faldio, Alicia and Welkin ) you get a sense of something will come up with this 3 and provides a storyline that breaks ones heart along the way. ( Get ready your tissues folk )

Besides the romance bit ( trust me you get into this stage where you start deciding if you are Team Welkin or Team Faldio ) ... the story line has a loosely tied link to what happened in World War 2. References of a race that was annihlated and viled, seems to run a references to the Jewish people and here they are called Darcsen but the truth was, the utilmate race which were the Valkyrians actually made up the story about how evil the Darcsen ( when they were actually not ). Valkyrians, potrayed as blond ( or white blond ) with reddish eyes were the race that saved humanity but turns out they wrote history they way it suited to their own political needs.

Also, the cruelty of war is played with great effect in this series as it progresses along the 26 episode. People who have preconceived notions of a race will change their mind and in all war stories, you will love someone you love along the way.

I must say the evil characters here are a mix. There are those that border along being a megalomaniac but there are a mix of evil characters who are only doing so because they do not have a choice.

Prince Maximillain, Berthold Gregor, Selveria Bles, George Van Damon (He's Gallian Militia but boy he sucks ), Radi Jaeger and Oops Prince Max appears twice due to picasa!

You have evil people in the militia which Alicia serves - like Damon which abuses her Valkyria powers later for his own good and the good evil guy (??) in General Jaeger who has a heart and knows that what he does, still should not step over the bounds of humanity.

At some points, you find yourselves sympathizing for all the characters, they end up the way they were because it's all the best options for each one of them. Such and emotional story.

I actually watched this in a space of 3 days as it was so good, i could not stop. The story line was fluid and it keeps you going for more. Actually i was SAD it ended. How come it can't be like naruto and bleach, keep going and going and going! I highly recommend this anime to people who are looking out for something good to watch.

Squad 7 & Squad 1

All picture credits are taken from the DVD.

Wow

2009-12-19T11:05:00.000+08:00

I really gotta start paying more attention to my anime blog :) *grin* ok, ok, will do so now

What neko was / is watching

2009-05-27T21:50:00.000+08:00

Plenty actually and lazy to do screen shots, am watching the following now:

Finished watching this last week but lazy to post:

Both are good, prefer Love Shuffle more... More updates this weekend. Need to catch with some -- sleep.

Natsume No YuujinCho

2009-05-12T22:27:00.001+08:00

I love this 13 part ( Season 1) anime. Natsume no Yuujincho means Natsume's book of friends. And it is no ordinary book of friends, in fact it is a ghostly kind of friends.Yup, it's yurei, youkai and obake a lot. Now, every one knows that Japan has ghosts ( of the long hair kind which is a bad characterizations ) but besides the usual floor crawling kind, their culture is rich which stories of monsters, fearful ghosts as well as fairies.

Natsume is a young boy who has inherited the gift of the 3rd eye. The ability to see residents of the "netherworld" and to him that is gift he rather not have. His ability has left him being shuffled among relatives ( parents died young ) as no one would want a young child who kept insisting there is something in the room when there was nothing there. Till he was accepted by a childless couple in the small outskirts in Japan. However, his spirit visions don't stop and continue to chase him. Worse off, every yurei he meets, keeps telling him he looks like someone they seem to know.

One day, while running away from one yurei, he accidentaly breaks the seal that houses a large youkai known as Madara. ( voiced by Hatake Kakashi's seiyu ) and this youkai tells him that he looks like Reiko. Natsume's late grandmother. Who had also the power to see ghosts as well as "seal" ( by taking their name ) them in what she calls her book of friends. She later uses it to summon the ghosts for her own bidding. Reiko seems like a powerful person, who can beat the crap out of humans and ghosts a like and ended making some powerful enemies when she took their name.

Natsume strikes a deal with Madara ( who turns into a cat called Nyanko sensei ) that while he works to return the names of the ghosts stuck by the deal, any remainder will be given to Madara, who will also eat Natsume at the end of the deal.
Each episode, you will get to see the different yurei, obake, small gods that make up Japanese legends. Now how many are really from Japanese legends i am not sure but some are down right creepy - like those with 1 eye or those that crawl on the floor. Some are downright cute and sweet. I have to say there were some episodes that were so sad, really, you need tissues. There are really no frightening ones ( like in juon ) but it gives you a good inside of how deep japanese cultures are. My favorite story is of the one where the yurei is peeping behind the man's shoulder.
Natsume, is not alone in his quest and in his journeys, he meet people past and present that are "special" like him. When i say past, he gets to know about his late grandmother a little bit more through the ghosts that he meets in his quest to return their names. At the same time, meet other humans who can see ghosts like him.

What i like about this show:
* The ethereal feel about the show, it looks so... soft... and feathery
* The story line of course.
* Natsume's trusting nature of human and otherwise and the friendships he builds with people around him.
* The music, the intro and ending song was pretty good in my books. Especially the last song. Can't find it anywhere but it is a pretty awesome song.

I found that his grandmother was one scary lady to begin with. Takes some guts to bop ghosties on the head with little thought and beat the crap out of them and he seeks to distinguish himself away from her.

I only wished they could extend the story line a bit more. For me 13 episodes was short. After the first season, they introduced Zoku Natsume no Yujin Cho as a continuation but the series still feels that it has more to tell. For those looking for horror yet not to be scared witless, then try Natsume Yujin Cho for starters.

Cat Shit One!

2009-05-04T21:55:00.000+08:00

Ok, not the real cat shit but bro introduced this to me over the weekend and i am sort hooked on gun totting rabbits man. Watership down gone bad! It's based on the manga Apocalypse Meow but based in Iraq. If you wonder how they get rabbits for americans and different races representing different animals- check this out on wiki. Hehehe. This is due out in 2010 as a anime series about 12 episodes i think. Who thought that bunnies were soft - think again.

Akai Ito -Red Thread of Destiny

2009-05-02T11:11:00.001+08:00

I have watched this for some time and haven't really found the "mood" to post things up on my dorama blog but hey. This is a good one to catch. If you guys don't already know, there is a movie out of the same name with the same cast of the show. The movie covers a condensed version of the dorama while the series ( by Fuji TV ) goes into more details.

The story is as most people know based on the mobile phone novel that had 36 million readers ( wow ) and i didn't initially pick it up because after watching Sky Of Love - i was thoroughly depressed. However, when the lead actor popped out on Astro... i thought i decided to check it out ( yes i am that shallow at times ).

Do you remember when you were in your teens, you had many friends but there is a small group which you were much closer to? Well, watching Akai Ito will bring back memories of such times. The red thread of destiny ( akai ito ) revolves around Atsushi Nishino and Mei Takemiya who from birth were bounded together by destiny and met when they where 15 going to 16 years of age.

Mei first met A-kun ( pronounced ah-kun and short for Atsushi ) in class when she picked up his chocolate bar. Theirs is a funny meeting at first, they keep bumping to each other in akward moments -such as, A-Kun, witnessing Mei being told that Yuza ( the person she originally liked before A-Kun ) was interested in her sister, her jumping around trying to get a phone reception on the school rooftop etc. ( That was a bit hilarious in some sense )

A-kun is initially a bit withdrawn from everyone and always seems to be having some chores or rushing off somewhere - and when asked by everyone he will say " i have things to do or" his favorite - "some adult situations to handle ... " however the group dynamics of mei's friends pulls him towards them.

The show does a flash back of how Mei and A-kun met 6 years back at a front of a cake shop and A-kun discovers a photo which gaves him indication they have met before. A little by little he realizes she was the little girl at the cake shop and slowly starts to fall in love with Mei. Check out the bit where A-kun asked Mei out on a first date- that was so cute! Lol

However, things turn a bit drastic after this, after the initial lovey dovey feel. As young teenagers, hormones raging, love affairs don't normally restrict to just a couple but there are others that interested in our hero and heroine. Taka, one of the guys from the group is interested in Mei, while Sara, ( the goth lolita girl ) was interested in Taka. Mei and A-kun themselves had a history in their family that has embedded deeply in drugs. A-kun's "adult situations" was actually his mother's drug problem that requires her to be in and out of rehab and hospitals as well. He hides his family problems from everyone including Mei, except with only the help of a guardian and Mami a girl he met when he was younger.

During a field trip to Nagasaki, Mei and A-kun set themselves up for a date which gets cut short 1/2 way as A-kun's mother gets admitted to hospital again this time. Leaving her alone with her friends in Nagasaki, Taka tries to make a move on her however, Sara who was having a crush on Taka feels betrayed and thought that mei was going out with Taka. She then decides to commit suicide unable to bear the hurt caused by this revelation. Here's where the story goes very fast pace here.

A-kun's mother's problems requires him to leave town for her rehabilitation to kick in and Mei, struggling to come to terms with Sara's attempted suicide starts of a series of misunderstanding that tears the 2 young lovers apart. Unable to understand A-kun's sudden departure from town ( he refuses to explain why to her and decides that the best way for her is to be cruel to her ) and also being blamed in school for Sara's suicide attempt, Mei, moves closer to Taka, the only person she thought understands here.

You need to watch the series as to what happens to A-kun and Mei from then on and whether these two star crossed lovers really get back together. The story will delve deeper into drug abuse and what happens to families when it happens, abuse ( yes, there is and i will not spoil your story you need to find out who ) and teenage pregnancy. I promise you at the end of the show your eyes won't be dry.
The 2 young thespians in this show deserve credit for this show. Junpei Mizobata plays the young A-kun. Now, when i watched him Hachi One Diver, i was not so impressed with him there. But in Akai Ito, he shines. A-kun is not one person who speaks a lot, but a lot of his emotions, feelings and thoughts are conveyed through Junpei's facial expressions. Also A-kun's character belies the maturity of a person so young bearing all his mother's problems stoically on his own. In someways, A-kun has become quite emotionally detached, that he rather put up with Mami liking him rather than to honestly tell her how he feels. There are some angles he looks a bit like a young takuya kimura with very expressive eyes, given the right drama, i think he can make it to takuya's level.

Mei was initially one character i thought who was pretty spineless but she turned out to be one of my favorite characters- her strength grows from each episode. The girl who plays mei looks sweet ( not very gorgeous but fits the story well ) and would love to save everyone except her self. The bits that really irked me in her character though when she accepted abuse from Taka ( aha- spoiler ) with reasons that i cannot fathom why one should. Possibly she blamed herself for his anger or insecurities. However despite what fate has thrown to her, unlike those around her that resorted

The other characters were well played, all likable yet characters with distinctive issues with each one of them. Only one i really do not like is Taka. I am not sure why they pick a guy who looks like a girl... what's with the over plucked eye brows for guys... Some how or rather he ended up not being my favorite character.

I have read some comments, this show is just for teenagers only but i don't really think so. A story if well told, will get audiences from all ages. The storyline maybe familiar but the actors and all carry the story to a point everyone can enjoy. If you start feeling any of the emotions any of the characters in show feel, i think it's a good show in my books. If you don't have anything to do this long weekend, catch this show.

Bakumatsu Kikansetsu Irohanihoheto

2009-01-18T19:56:00.000+08:00

Such hypnotizing eyes....

Occasionally, there are some titles that are a mouthful - like the above. Bakumatsu Kikansetsu Irohanihoheto. Wah lau. But this happens to be one of the good Animes i have seen recently - however it is not new though. Released in 2006 and ended in 2007 i am not sure why it took so long to reach our shores.

The story is set at the end of the Edo period where the Tokugawas are slowly losing control of what they had. Japan is going through a period of unrest and foreign interest in entering the country. Now, to enjoy this anime, you need to know a bit of japanese history otherwise you might end up being a bit confused and find the story dull.

Akizuki Yojiro is a stranger to the town of Yokohama wandering around looking for the Hasha no Kubi - a legendary harbringer of unrest and evil. This hasha no kubi exists when their is great turmoil and possess people to do evil deeds and change the course of history. In the course of looking for this "head" Akizuki meets up a kabuki troupe that is more than just kabuki troupe. Each one with a reason why they are together now.

Despite being a loner ( after all he is the eternal assassin ) he finds himself drawn back to the troupe. The story goes round to tell of how the troupe's ulterior motives are shown by way of their script writer Ibaragi Sosetsu. Turns out he is no ordinary writer this one. He is after all in pursuit of the same item Akizuki wants to destroy. Also, you will see his character being related to some of the people in the kabuki troupe. Akizuki is somewhat drawn to the troupe leader kakunajou and in the later parts of the story, she follows him on his quest for the Hasha no Kubi.

The story will weave through critical periods of the Edo history - though some i am not sure if the timing was right. I always thought Okita Soji died before Kondo Isami did- however this was slightly reversed - could be me who got the story a bit off :P

What's good about this show:
*Well- the lead character of course - never seen someone so.. erm hypnotic and good looking - ah!! fangirl! But the fact he is loner and never wanting to reach out to others and being extremely good with a sword was one of the reasons why i was pretty hooked to this anime.
* The kind of story i like - Samurai stories and i love anything in old fashioned japanese history. Realistic or otherwise.
* A romantic story line that is subtle yet nice .... :)
* Cool historical characters - be it said i am a big fan of the Shinsengumi - and i was pretty much thrilled they are in the story line.
* Some of my favorite seiyu is in this one - though he is the baddie here, the voice of Kakashi is playing Ibaragi Sosetsu.

What's not good about:
* You need to be pretty good in your historical understanding of Japan to enjoy this.
* Ok - the copy i have - subtitle sucks - why are all the japanese name in chinese *curse*

I still have not finished watching this yet - but do give it a try - i love this anime - i hope it doesnt end depressing.

Confusion

2008-12-28T22:25:00.001+08:00

I so don't understand pirates of the caribbean @ world's end....

Last Friends

2008-11-09T20:24:00.000+08:00

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.

What am i watching now

2008-11-06T21:20:00.000+08:00

This kitteh is watching a few things at time - like Gossip Girl, Natsume Yujin chio :P wah blur leh - finally i can do a post on anime i like the anime i am watching now

Tomorrow(2008)

2008-10-26T11:10:00.001+08:00

Dun talk with your mouth full, Dr Moriyama.

Like i mention, dorama season this year is pretty good in Japan. I have watched a few excellent ones this year. Well i am not complaining if there is such a windfall for me. I have been more of a japanese dorama fan than any other as you can see. Korean dramas are way to melodramatic for me and taiwanese - well i cannot really understand mandarin so i stick to my jdramas.

I was quite excited when YY said this drama was coming out. Reason being, i have not seen Yutaka Takenouchi in 2 years since his last show Kazoku. Which i think i reviewed before. Or did it. Here he plays a former doctor called Moriyama Kohei ( i so love the name - it sounds like those really traditional japanese names ) who left the profession due to a medical mistake. Moriyama decided to leave the city to forget about the medical profession and work as a civil servant in small town ( that looks like the town of Ise but actually filmed in Chiba prefecture )

The location of filming of the dorama.

Now, in japan medical mistakes are seriously taken ( unlike in malaysia ) where there is actually someone held responsible for the mistake. Sorry i find malaysia lacks a lot of things at times. And in this case, Moriyama took responsibilty of the death of a patient due to misdignosis of the condition. That was 8 years ago.

One day, a small accident in town makes Moriyama rethink his position as quiting. All this is due to the tenacity of a nurse Tanaka Aiko. Aiko works in small community hospital called Nishiyamamuro Hospital. It is a small somewhat run down hospital with many patients but few doctors or nurses. Yet the hospital serves this whole community whole heartedly regardless of this problems. Impending restructuring of the hospital sees that they need to turn away some patients but Aiko accepts them as the need to serve them is more. And Moriyama was impressed by her steadfastness.

A series of events leads to Moriyama finally donning the white doctor's coat where he had to save a pregnant woman from drowning in her own blood (SPOILER ) and he rethinks his decision to become back a doctor. Spurred by this event, he starts his part time job at Nishiyamamuro . But things don't end there so smoothly. Nurse Tanaka is connected to him in more than one ways. (SPOILER #2) and the arrival of a rather cold Endo Saya who is in charge of turning the hospital around to a more profitable enterprise.

Of course running a small town hospital means you have:
* Upstart young doctors trying to run the hosptial their way and privatise everything possible.
* Why so few doctors one?

I must say this story is a nailbitter. I sat through the show and could finish within 2-3 days. The story line intrigues you as it makes you fight for the underdogs in this show and there are many:

Underdogs:
* Moriyama Kohei himself- he struggles to gain confidence in himself and the people around him
* The hospital itself - it is such a stage of despair and lacking some human resources you feel for them
* The people of this small town itself - if the hospital goes bust they go bust!

The so- called challengers:

* Endo Saya

* The money eyed deputy mayor who cannot decide if he wants to be good or evil -:)

Now there is some truth in the show itself- alot of hospitals around Japan and around the world especially community hospital lack the funding that private hospitals has and it show cases problems faced by doctors and patients alike when money becomes a key factor in healing people.

What i like about this show:

I like this scene-part 1

I like this scene-part 2(spoiler!)

* Yutaka of course ! I must say i always prefer him short hair and clean shaven he looks very.. serious in this show but he is another one of the really great actors in Japan. Able to play many roles convincingly i find his role as Moriyama Kohei intense. You can see him struggle within himself - should he put his hand out to help or hide in his shell to avoid his own emotional lackings.

* Kanna Miho- superb actress here. Not the usual stricking beauty but her spunkiness in this show, challenging doctors and also her self to help people whom she sees is in need. I especially love 2 bits where 1) when her sister was seriously ill ( SPOILER #3) and her anguish was clearly written on her face. 2) when she fessed up she likes someone - hehehe -so sweet! This appears in the last bit but as you clearly know japanese dramas sometimes you can predict their ending.

* The small town feel. Call me old fashion but i love that feeling of being in a small time where you are quite close to everyone. Check out the bit where a major accident happened and there was not enough people to help out. I was like rooting for the poor doctors and nurses of the hospital.

* The show highlights common problems faced by a lot of people - many urgent and critical things with poor resources.

* Small touches like the sub story line on Endo Saya.

What i don't like about this show:
* Its too short- could have a run a few more episodes and this kitteh is happy.

* Quite a number of characters in the show that could be developed more. Of course this is only 10 episodes in shows so there is very little character development except for the leads.

* Kohei's character is something really too good. I won't be able to find any malaysian like him here. We unfortunately do not have such characteristics - and that sadly makes me think we don't have similar people in the world.

Those who are interested in medical dramas, do check out Tomorrow.

P/s: one more shot of Yutaka for the road - lol. Now, go back to work everyone.

Upcoming Review:Tomorrow

2008-10-09T22:55:00.000+08:00

Mmmm... dorama season this year is very good - here is a slight teaser - someone who disappeared for a few years and suddenly comes back with a rather good dorama. I haven't seen Yutaka in ages and boy... he does look good still. *kakkoii!!* It will be my next dorama review :)

10 promises made to my dog - preview

2008-10-05T18:01:00.000+08:00

Folks, this should be a good movie to catch - it's going to be shown in KL starting October 16th as part of GSC International screens. Tissue required. I am a sucker for dog faces like these.

Moonlight Resonance

2008-10-01T10:22:00.000+08:00

Ah-ha, finally you see a review on TVB dramas from me. I rarely like to write about them because their story lines are not as great as the Japanese ones but ever once in a while something good comes out from them and hey, I am addicted - hook line and sinker. Like most malaysians i was obsessed with this show. I didn't by the way catch it via AOD but got the dvd from TVB that they were selling in shops - i hope it is original -lol.

The show is actually a sequel of some whats to the other show known as heart of greed. Same casts with some additions such as Kate Tsui, Lee Heung Kam is added to add spice to show. Though it is the same cast the story line is some what different and the characters had some row reversals in MR and initially when i started watching it i got a bit confused as i was watching both almost the same time. Lol

The story line is now based on a bakery instead of abalone. And the family set up has taken a twist. Har Yue plays the father Jo Bao, who was originally married to Hor Ma. Both used to own a bakery known as Kar Ho Yuet Yuen. They have 6 kids together who consisted of Ah Ka(Moses), Ah Ho (Raymond Lam), Ah Yuen ( Chris Lai), Ah Yuet ( Tavia), Ah Heng(Fala Chen) and Chung Chai (?). As family, they were very happy together until Jo bao has an affair with Ah Hong and he divorced Hor Ma to set up a family with Ah Hong.

Ah Yuet and Ah Heng

Hong who had a daughter from her previous marriage Ah Chau ( Linda Chung ) feels that she should always be some what better than Hor ma and tries her best to ensure Jo Bao and his family do not see eye to eye with Hor Ma. It goes so bad that during the custody battle- she tries to ensure that all the boys go to her side and all the girls are left to Hor ma only. However in the end, Hor Ma had Goon Gar Chai ( Ah Ho ) and the two girls while the 3 boys had to live with Jo Bao. 14 years passed and while Jo bao got richer and richer, Hor Ma just manages by but lives quite a contented life with her children and father.

However, for some reason, Ah Hong is still unhappy with her lot and still has a bone to pick with Jo Bao's ex wife. The story goes on from there how the family starts off badly and later moves on to be reconciled. I find frankly this series is much much better than Heart of Greed. I have some reasons why:

Why i like MR better than HOG
1) Desserts and mooncakes are much better than abalone - lol

2) Less people die ( spoiler alerts )

3) Raymond rocks as Goon Kar Chai - i don't normally heart Raymond Lam but i find he role here is really quite good. The good older brother everyone would want. (^_^)V

4) There is a alot of slapping/ mop whacking and falling down in this show like:

* Hor Ma slapping Ah Hong
* Hor Ma slapping Ah Yuet
* Ah yuet and Sa Yi - slugging it out.
* Ah Hong slapping Hor Ma o.O
* Sa Yi mop whacking Jo Ba - this was so funny.
* Koong Koong - ladle whacking Sa Yi - damn funny as well.
* Jo bao using the mop on Sa Yi. Farnee!!
* Ah Yuet smacking Kah Mei ( did i remember this correctly)
* Sa Yi using the tang tiu on Kah Mei.
* Ah Kung slapped by Ma Ma.
* Ah Kung slapped by Hong Yi - wow - double lah this guy.

5) I like the story line much better - the 6 kids together as a family always together is something i always wanted as a family. :) Its nice to have a big family like this.

6) There are alot of romantic plots - like Goon Kar Chai + Ah Chau, Ah Chau + Dr Ling. Ah Ka + Ah Yuet ( yes, it sounds weird but they are really not related ), Ah Ka + Kah Mei. Kah Mei and Ah Yuen. Wow.. this is complicated man.

Ah Chau + Goon Kar Chai

Ah Chau + Ling B

7) Lots and lots of crying - either them or me.

My favourite characters

Now, if you do not already know Michelle Yim plays the scheming Hong Yi in this show. Contrary to the other show she plays the good sister. I must say she excels in this show as the principal evil lead - lol. Her mannerism and words are sometimes way out of line so much so i really hated her in this show. But it means one thing - she is really convincing as an actress. I really hated the way she manipulates the family around and gets a way with it. Argh - such skills!

Goon Kar Chai of course - need i say more?? I want older brother like him!

My mom wants me to add her favorite - Ah Ka ( Moses Chan ) she... die hard fan of his leh. I like the shot above, this is when Ah Ka first saw Kah Mei

My least favorite characters

Bosco as Dr Ling - i am so sorry lah bosco - normally i am a big fan of yours but really - i hate your Dr Ling characters. I know why you did what you did in the end but frankly you started of 2 timing already increased my dislike already. I know someone will go "what??" when she reads this - lol.

Sa Yi- well not really her character - she was damn annoying in the beginning i cheered when Koong Koong whacked her on the head with the ladle but her voice was really annoying. But when she sings she rocks.

Ok - Kah Mei- argh cant stand this scheming conniving woman. I know girls like her and i really felt so sorry for Ah Yuet when she came into the picture. But have to admit, this is one fit looking lady.

Favourite moments:

Goon Kar Chai as Sa Yi

Ah Ka doing a chinese opera skit of Hong Yi

* Tee hee - when the kids dress up as each other in their play. I thought this was so funny.

* The ghost street session- the group was trying to cheer Raymond up - hehehe i felt as if i was like 10 years old again, my cousins and i used to do that. Only instead of Jo Bao frightening us - my aunts will yell "What the hell are you all doing with all the lights off"

* When Ah Chau one upped her mother. That was so unexpected of her and from the start she was a limpy character but finally she did something i was very proud off. Way to go girl.

* When Ah Ka sings that song - Sa Yi gives birth to a boy - i dunno the exact translation but it sounded funny.

* When Ma ma realizes that Hor Ma is good and not the evil woman she is made up to be.

* When Hor Ma "paus" Ah Kung had taken the money from Jo Bao's company.

* I kinda like the theme song. It grows on you after a while.

Heart breaking moments:

* When Goon Kar Chai fess up to Ah Chau in a form of a cake - ooh my heart broke when she tells him "thank you for always treating me as a sister" *sobs* Poor guy.

* Ma-ma and Goon Kar Chai crying together after she discovers that Goon Kar Chai was dumped.

* When headstrong Ah Yuet always gets herself into trouble with her outspoken ways. I feel like her sometimes - outspokeness gets her into trouble at times.

What i really could do less with in the show:
*The Dr Ling + Ah Chau romance- aiyo -emotionally over strained by these 2 already.
* Chee Kiok Chu ditty that these 2 fellas like - i so no like.
* That piu sok - ah kung - damn annoying man.
* Linda Chung can really cry man. My dad walked past my room in a space of a 3 hour marathon and he remarked - that all he hears is crying.
* That lame Ah Yuen chracter in this show - i never seen someone so weak and so easily influenced.

Anyway, this is my most addicted tvb drama that i cannot stop watching. In fact as we speak, i am watching it second time -ahem after all that is what hols are. For watching TV. Anyway to conclude, i highly recommend this drama to watch and get addicted like me. I hope Gem of Life is as good - 80 EPISODES!

Change

2008-09-28T19:39:00.001+08:00

I watched this drama way before Moonlight Resonance came out but was a bit lazy to blog about this as i was - lazy to blog in general. This is an aptly titled drama in my case, since Malaysia is also having it's political disagreements. Now, if our political leaders will take a look at this drama and maybe learn something from it.

This vehicle is Takuya Kimura's much anticipated drama of the year. KimuTaku has played everything from pilot, to investigator, tycoon, hockey player, pscyhotic killer and and this would be his other first of playing the youngest prime minister of japan. Not to mention most good looking. I kid you not.. Yup, you did not see the picture wrongly but that's takuya. All the time he plays good looking suave characters but this time a round he is a nerdy school teacher to start off with.

"You mean the afro hairstyle does not suit me??"

A nerdy school teacher in Nagano with a shock of hair that the kids mercilessly call him MOJAKURA. Keita Asakura( takuya) likes the life in Nagano, it is quiet and the clear skies allow him to indulge in his passion of astrology. Unknown to a lot of people, keita is the son of fukuoka legislator. The latter's untimely death leads an opening in the party elections.

Scheming leader of the ruling party decides to promote Keita as a potential choice to boost the party's poor ratings. (Sounds familiar doesn't it) He gets his right hand woman -Miyama to help run and boost Keita up to contest in Fukuoka.

Keita is initially not interested as he and politics are like oil and water and only reluctantly agrees when his aged mother says she wants to campaign he subsequently agrees. Poor Keita, a teacher's life is so simple and running for office is a complete change for him. In the next course of the first 3 episodes, you will see how Keita gets voted into becoming a member of parliament. His simple and straight forward nature makes him a magnet for the normal people. A complete different air to the people who are into politics. Not to mention a good hair cut and some preening did change his final appearance.

Keita's ascend to parliament does not just stop at being a member of parliament. The leader of the ruling party- Kanbayashi Masaichi has other plans in mind. He feels that Keita can be a puppet and ratings for the party greatly improved with a simple minded and straigh forward, why not take it a step further?? Push keita to be the prime minister and hey, if he fails, Kanbayashi can always be the next prime minister.

I, mojakura, swear to be your ...

You will get to see the inner workings of politics how people jostle and cajole at the same time push their own interests before the interest of the people. And my, how at that point of time when i was watching this some few weeks back, really makes it a parallel comparison to what is happening in malaysia. Keita finally gets to be prime minister somewhat uncomfortably and miyama acts as the prime minister's special assistant.

What i like about this show:

1) The new prime minister's interest to sincerely listen to the people's interest or complains. Take the case of the moon jelly - Keita personally read each of the documents given to him to assess the real issue and insisted on a apology to the people for not listening to their complains. How many of our politicians would really do this?

2) He treats his staff as his family. They may be his driver, body guard or even his personal assistant but they are still normal people to him. His father's house ( the unofficial prime minister's residence ) is the house every one goes to and he works from there to get his ideas.

3) Some realistic portrayal of politics - i hate the hidden messages politician plays to get points across - why not just say it directly. hey, this could be also not just malaysia that has this problems.

4) They did not focus too detailed on any on screen romance, just simple hints which is good for this kind of show. Had they delved too much into it, i would have find it a bit out of place.

I give this show my thumbs up. It was slow to start of at the beginning, with him trying to adjust to life in politics but things quickly pick up pace once keita moves to tokyo. This is not all a serious movie as there are some comic relief along the way in form of Abe Hiroshii who plays Keita' special assistant to the prime minister. Keita realized that he needed someone in the team Asakura who not only is honest but believes in the same ideals as him. I found the bit below hilarious where Abe had to pretend to be Keita for a day.

What i don't like about this show:
1) Will there be anyone whole really stands up for the people?

2) Can we have politicians so honest to bear mistakes of their past and admit they were wrong - Nah!!!

However, for me the show had some home truths. In our country's recent political bickering, i realized as with this show, people do not fight for the underdogs or the people who are poor. Most politicians are only fighting for themselves. Hardly any would actually say they are fighting for the party or for the rights of the weak. I might sound idealistic or naive but if we had a bit of keita in all of us, maybe we will all be in a better place.

Do catch change if you want to watch some political upheaval. This is TK at his finest. I wonder what else can he play next?

Sweet Rain ( Shinigami no seido ) Accuracy of Death

2008-09-21T11:20:00.000+08:00

Sounds like a completely scary title all in one. However it is not a scary movie though. This is a japanese movie that recently hit town, amidst their usual horror movies and love stories, this one represents one that is not part of the norm.

This movie also hails the return of Takeshi Kaneshiro to the japanese silver screen after 6 years of working overseas in foreign production. I am ecstatic though, for many reasons and quite obvious reasons - lol.

Title of the movie, in japanese translates to Shinigami no seido and it is adapted from a novel by Kotaro Isaka. Kaneshiro plays a shinigami or the grim reaper named Chiba. When i first heard that, my first thought was .. ah.. Meet Joe Black! I was a bit put off by that thought. However, this version is a complete and different view point of death and life.

Chiba, normally appears 7 days before a person is to die and he observes the person's activities, interacts with them ( this is the creepy bit for me ) and decides if the person is to die ( proceed ) or can continue to live ( suspend ) . He is followed in his adventures by a dark black golden retriever who acts as Chiba's guide and rational mind. Chiba, is child like in some instances taking a keen interest in things we take for granted, like music. At the same time he is a complete dufus in human interactions. Take one example when Kazue Fujiki thinks she is being "picked" up by him. His reaction is immensely funny.

He meets 3 different characters in the space of the movie, a lonely and unwanted Office Lady, and has been gangster who is no more in favor with his bosses and and old lady of 70 who is a hair dresser.

The Office lady is played by Manami Konishi. For those who watched japanese doramas, she is already a well known name in that area. Her dreary job includes answering the help line for a electronics company and her life is mundane and dull. To make it worse, she is harassed by a stalker who calls her daily just to hear her voice when one day, she meets Chiba. He rescues her... sort of... well, he was the one that sapped the life out of her for a minute ( note. shinigami's cannot touch people with their bare hands will turn them gray, so notice the people with white gloves ) and he sort of changes her life and a her view of life. It's funny though, he asks her what is her thoughts on death but eventually ends up changing her life giving her a whole new perspective of what to life for.

For one, Sweet Rain, is a show you must pay attention to what people say and read in between the lines. ..... this is a broad hint here. :) Oh, btw, the show is covered with rain, it rains practically every scene.

Takeshi shines in this show. Rightly so as he uses more of his expression to convey the child like Chiba. And thought the title sounds heavy, this is a show that is funny as well. Trust the japanese humor, it is simple yet all due to timing.

I must say that black dog is somewhat of a character as well. He could stand in the rain dripping wet given my dog, he would have run for cover. The dog does not however say anything in the show, but all his thoughts are conveyed to Chiba via telepathy. You get to read the "thoughts" on screen and some are pretty hilarious. Like the one Chiba asks how people are chosen to die, the dog answers "you draw lots"... and waits... but Chiba was a bit shocked to reply. Dog adds on.. you are suppose to laugh here. That bit had everyone in the cinema roaring with laughter.

I truly like this show. This show is not like the normal shows you see out there. it is thought provoking as well gives you a viewpoint of if you have to change your life, you are also part of the change process. Also, you get some quick history of japanese cultures and beliefs. Ever wondered why crows are not welcomed in japanese house holds? they are the harbinger of death .

I highly recommend this movie. Watch it if not to just drool at Takeshi but get your thoughts thinking on this one.

Credits of pics go to mtime.com. I took most of the picts there. Thanks a lot.

Change 2008 wow

2008-08-24T11:00:00.000+08:00

I manage to get my hands on this and i am watching it now!! Will review soon. Good show!

Zettai Kareshi ( Absolute Boyfriend)

2008-08-16T15:10:00.001+08:00

I must get one of these. :) Robot boyfriends. When i am not watching movies, i go for my doramas. This month's pick is Zettai Kareshi. Translated on the cover was absolute boyfriend. However, i thought it sounded more like Forever Boyfriend. I didn't think this was such a good show to start with when i picked up the cover. In fact it looked initially like a fluff piece. The show starts Hayami Mokomichi and Aibu Saki.

The story is about a robotics company who develops a robot that is considered the perfect or ideal boyfriend. They pick poor Izawa Riko to be the candidate to road test the model 01. Riko is unlucky in love and always is being dumped or being used by men who feel she is emotionally heavy.

Izawa Riko

Based on a list of questions, 01(hayami) is suited and tailorerd for Riko. He comes delivered like a fridge(!) and all you need to do to activate him is kiss him!

Complete reversal of snow white, you need to kiss the prince. Lol!

Riko initially is annoyed by 01 whom she calls Naito. He cooks, he cleans and declares his love at inappropriate times to her and also walks around trying to imitate a body builder just to get riko to pay attention to him. Note to riko: Oiy, what are you thinking woman!!

Riko works as a temp staff in a up end patisserie business and is interested in being a real pastry chef. However, she lost sight of her dreams when reaching tokyo and is only successfully made cream puffs. One day, her boss Soushi, discovers how tasty these cream puffs are and encourages her to chase her dream.

The story then runs around how Riko tries to achieve her dream, with 01 trying his best ( or rather being really annoying or amusing in my case ) to help Riko. Most of the time, she brushes him aside and starts to fall in love with her boss. (Cue: AIYA) She also gets really annoyed when she has to take a few jobs to pay off 01 when the trial period is over. Like working in those kind of japanese bars ( ahem )
However, she slowly learns how deep his love for her is and she starts to fall for a robot. But can a robot relationship really work?

Ok, it is not a fluff piece. There are a lot of people in the world who do look for the right person to fall in love with. And sometimes you may not know the person is right in front of you till it is too late. ( i am not giving spoilers here ). Also, one thinks that emotions are simplistic is wrong. 01 is beyond programming and starts to grow real emotions after a while, comprehending how it feels like to be hurt and be loved.

Mokomochi, has truly improved in his acting here. I find he captures the essence of a robot very well and his dead pan face at times is a laugh. 01's determination to ensure his beloved is protected and loved shows till the very end of the show.

Riko's character was initially annoying. Childish and immature, she could not really be bothered about 01 in the first place. However, you see her change when 01 saves her irregardless of his own safety. Oh, throw in a rival 02 as well who challenges 01 for riko's affection.

Ending wise, i was hoping for something different. However, reality you know this one that is not destined to be. For people who love a good love story, do pick up Zettai kareshi. Not only you get a chance to ogle at Mokomichi's really buff abs here. But a chance for you to sit and think, what would you do for someone you love? As much as 01 did or how much Riko gave up for 01?

Naiteru, riko san. Naito mo, inai.

My most favorite scene.

Zutto isshoyouni.

Pack some tissues for this one. But worth the watch. *sigh*

Batman - The Dark Knight

2008-07-22T21:51:00.000+08:00

I am so in love..................... with Christian Bale. After watching this show, i realized how much i miss watching him. My first screen encounter with him was in Little Woman, i was already in love with Laurie the character in the book then on screen. *Sigh* Lup -leh....

Anyway, anyway i will stop drooling first but today's topic is about BATMAN- The dark knight. I am never a fan of batman. In fact even Batman Begins, i did not watch even though Bale was there. So since Lil Bro promised he will watch The Mummy with me, i will return the favor with Batman. Boy did he regret it. Cause i fell in love with Christian Bale- LOL....

BTDK is a continuation of Batman Begins, continuing on the Caped Crusaders work in cleaning up Gotham city. It is not a very easy task as people take him for granted. After awhile, it is like working in my current company, you feel tired and want a change. That is when a new star in the war of cleaning up the city's crap - Harvey Dent appears. He is the DA in the town and takes on the roll of being the town's hero.

Awesome Actor you are heath, sorely missed

Now, in a city full of crap, there is always a villian and who is Batman's number 1 villian, it's ... the joker. Yeap. Here comes the late heath ledger. I must say one of the reasons why i love this show is because of Heath as well. What a brilliant actor. Without the face make up, he does not fit a JOKER personality but when watching this show, he is born to be the Joker. He plays it with such brilliance ( i truly feared him in the show ) that i feel in my books surpasses Jack Nicholson. What saddens me, this will be the last time we see this brilliance.

For batman, this is an action packed show, aside for the 1st hour i was a bit sleepy ( it is the 11:30pm show leh ) i did not fall asleep in the rest of the show. WOOT acheivement for me.

Anyway it is my recommended watch for summer 2008. Ooh, ooh, if you blink, you might see edison Chen. Very very fast. Now, back to drooling, sigh... pity Christian Bale is married- Bah,humbug.

Sky of Love -Koi Zora

2008-07-13T09:26:00.000+08:00

Ok, i didn't expect to watch such a tear jerker drama. Frankly, teen romance shows do not end up high on my to watch list. Possibily because i am way pass that stage or too jaded to think such things ever happen. However, KoiZora, was one i picked because 1) alot of people ( like 11 million said it was good ) and 2) was bored couldn't not sleep so why not watch the movie to get some zzzz... How wrong i was . i think my pillow was completely soaked and tissue paper ran out because of this show. *blows nose loudly*

This show as you all may know is based on a cell phone novel in Japan. I am just wondering how it could be immensely popular and how we can tap such a base in Malaysia. Mental note to self that drama minggu ini may not work so well over here - LOL. The novelist also supposedly based this on her real life experience. If this is the case, it is terribly, terribly sad and depressing. As much as one loves to have a someone to love but the experience that mika goes through makes me thing she is quite strong to go through such life upheaving experiences and still have the courage to smile.

The story starts off with Mika bumping into Hiroki in school one day and he is instantly infatuated with her. She, however is clueless that he is interested in her. One day, she looses her phone, and is picked up by Hiroki, who calls her daily without giving out information who he is. I mean, would you date an asian guy with that blond a hair? First thing i thought - wah ... ini gangster surely.

Yeah, we serioused up when meeting the to-be-in-laws

Little by little, Mika is intrigued by the daily phone calls and starts to open up to Hiroki, till he organizes to meet her one day. Needless to say, she had the same impression as me. Runs away with trepidation. However, he does not give up and wins her over with his gentleness. It's funny though, as rough and tough as he may be, Mika senses a gentleness (yashiku) in him that is far mature for for 16 year old teenager.

Their love starts to grow until when Hiroki's ex decides that she does not take kindly to Mika being in the picture. Watch how hiroki takes to defending his current love. Any lady who loves being saved by someone, this would impress you all. There may be some scenes here that will get you thinking that japanese teenagers will resort to such violence when they are not happy with something. Makes our malaysian kids sound very tame.
Things start to go down hill after this when Hiroki leaves Mika suddenly with no explanation. With no closure for her, she spends her time wondering why and how until one day, she gets a chance to know why. I can't say so much without giving the ending away. Ok cue tears here. Lots and Lots of it.

The lead characters are actually pretty excellent in this show. Mika is gentle yet without being wimpy. She pretty much has a good head on top of her shoulder here. Be amazed that teenagers can have such a good wisdom here.

Hiroki. You are the man. :) I like how it was described that he will watch over Mika all the time. When there is sun, Hiroki is happy, when it rains, Hiroki is sad.. Sigh.. Go watch it. Bring lots of tissue.

My song of the moment - i'm yours - jason mraz

2008-06-01T17:14:00.001+08:00

My faith in english music is not lost when i heard this song over the radio recently and i could not stop listening to it, it's on auto rewind now. Hehehehe.

Click on the link to see the video but more to hear the song - the song is called I'm Yours by Jason Mraz. The tune sounds very reggae-ish but it sounds like a song i will be listening to on a beach....

I'm Yours by Jason Mraz
Well you done done me and you bet I felt it
I tried to be chill but you’re so hot that I melted
I fell right through the cracks
and now I’m trying to get back
Before the cool done run out
I’ll be giving it my bestest
Nothing’s going to stop me but divine intervention
I reckon it’s again my turn to win some or learn some

I won’t hesitate no more, no more
It cannot wait, I’m yours

Well open up your mind and see like me
Open up your plans and damn you’re free
Look into your heart and you’ll find love love love
Listen to the music of the moment maybe sing with me
A lá peaceful melody
It’s your God-forsaken right to be loved love loved love loved

So I won’t hesitate no more, no more
It cannot wait I’m sure
There’s no need to complicate
Our time is short
This is our fate, I’m yours

I’ve been spending way too long checking my tongue in the mirror
And bending over backwards just to try to see it clearer
My breath fogged up the glass
And so I drew a new face and laughed
I guess what i’ma saying is there ain’t no better reason
To rid yourself of vanity and just go with the seasons
It’s what we aim to do
Our name is our virtue

I won’t hesitate no more, no more
It cannot wait I’m sure
No need to complicate
Our time is short
It can not wait, I’m yours

Well no no, well open up your mind and see like me
Open up your plans and damn you’re free
Look into your heart and you’ll find love love love love
Listen to the music of the moment come and dance with me
A lá one big family (2nd time: A lá happy family; 3rd time: A lá peaceful melody)
It’s your God-forsaken right to be loved love love love

I won’t hesitate no more, no more
It cannot wait, I’m sure
There’s no need to complicate
Our time is short
This is our fate, I’m yours

No please, don’t complicate
Our time is short
This is our fate, I’m yours

No please, don’t hesitate
no more, no more
It cannot wait
The sky is your’s!

Lyrics are taken off and the video comes from Youtube:)

O Hanaya - san - Bara no nai hanaya

2008-05-04T15:23:00.000+08:00

Ok lum lum session everyone. Thanks to YY who introduced me to this lum lum drama - ...... I must say, sorry k-drama fans. J-dramas always has that subtle drive that makes you CRY and CRY. It is not those damn hor leen ones but something in the way they write it that makes you go *sobs*.

Bara no nai hanaya is 2007 Best Winter drama and i must say i am starting to think Shingo Katori is a darn good actor. If he is reading this, Shingo - you have a fan here. He should do more of this romantikku doramas more as he has the capability to be come and excellent leading man.

The title means - flower shop with no rose. How can that be? Shiomi Eiji is a single father who brings up his little Shizuku after his girlfriend dies in child birth. His life is solely devoted to bringing the girl up and he works part time and manages to set up a flower shop to keep things a float. The reason why the shop has no roses is slowly unfolded throughout the series.

This show also marks the return of the great actress in my view Yuko Takeuchi. After her divorce, she is back into doramas. She is Shiorata mio, a blind lady who was seeking shelter from the rain one day. He offers here shelter from the rain. Prickly, initially, she soon starts to get used to Eiji whom she fondly calls "O-hana-ya san" each time she sees him.

I love that sentence. The way she questioningly say it, very sure that Eiji will say "hai" in return just touches that spot in your heart.

However, Mio is not all innocent as you think she is. Shizuku's mother, was a daughter of a rich doctor who is out to seek revenge to the man he thinks made his daughter suffer in her last days. He assumes that Eiji was the one and is all out to make life miserable for him. Mio, is one of the means in which he seeks revenge through.

One thing that is extremely good about japanese dramas, is their very frequent use of expression without much words. The way shingo expresses himself when he can't really say it in many words is just... excellent. He is not a very rich nor very clever man in this show, a rather average joe who believes if he wants and believe in something, we must do everything possible to protect it.

Will Mio be able to see the good in Eiji and win him over? What if Eiji finds out? Ha... turn in and watch loh. How can i give away the ending. Soundtrack is superb as usual. The theme song - Zutto Issho sa - heart rendering. I believe no other asian countries - can make such good dramas except the Japanese. They rock man. :)

Dorama title: Bara no nai hanaya
Lum lum rating: ****
Overall rating: *****
This is 5 out of 5 star rating.

New theme

2008-04-27T18:14:00.000+08:00

Wah.... i finally found a nice theme. Hopefully more posting on this site.

I am Legend

2007-12-25T10:18:00.000+08:00

Wow, i just realized that i have not updated this for a long time. True to what Tan Kia Su says, it is really tough to maintain 2 blogs. :P Hehehehe. Anyway, let's get to business of the review.

I was supposed to watch The warlords with Lil Bro, but we were early that day and the next show was I am Legend, some quick decision, we decided to watch this show. We've been big fans of Will Smith since Fresh Prince of Bel Air, so it was an easy choice.

Anyway, we heard IAL is about 2 hours long, and yes it was. The premise of the story is that Will, who plays Robert Neville, a virologist is the only person left alive on earth. The earth is infected by a virus that turns people into vampire like creatures. Robert spends his time broadcasting daily on his radio - to see if there is survivors there and the rest of his days in NY, adding on rations, waiting at the pier for any potential survivors to meet up with him.

However, by 6 in the evening, both him and Sam ( the dog ) have to go back in doors and ensure the doors are tightly locked. Why? Because the Vampires come out to play...................

Now, though it is 2 hours long, this show is a pretty good show. I mean, you know the typical will smith shows, with his simple brand of humor and he is quite the action hero. You also get to see how being alone for 1001 days starts to play tricks on your Sanity. In fact- because one bit with "Fred", gets you wondering who on earth set that trap for Robert. If it were me, i would have gone insane on the 10th day. Robert is driven to actually eliminate the virus and spends most of his time experimenting on the "vampires" to find a cure for this plague.

Not to be overshadowed, the dog Sam is excellent. This is the first time, a non human shares enough screen time with the main actor. She is not only the cute side kick but an equivalent partner with Robert. She is the cutest and smartest dog i have ever seen on screen. Be prepared for some tears for a certain part in the show.

Would i recommend you this show? Yes. It's a good watch - albeit a bit long. However, there may be some who find the ending not so typical of will smith movies.

I am not worthy.... (Jay Chou )

2007-11-18T18:17:00.001+08:00

On the run was released this week in KL. Jay is really the king of slow songs... one of my more favorite tracks is I'm not worthy.. Hmm.. just my opinion but his songs sometimes sound as if you are falling in love for the first time..... :)

Here is the lyrics for the song:
這街上太擁擠
Zhe Jie shang tai yong ji
This street is too crowded

太多人有秘密
Tai duo ren you mi mi
Too many people with secrets

bo li shang de wu qi shui bei yin cang qi guo qu
someone's hidden by the fog at the glass

你臉上的情緒
Ni lian shang de qing xu
The sulky face of yours

在關于那場雨
Zai guan yu na chang yu
Is concerning that rain

zhe xiang nong tai guo wan qu zou bu hui gu shi li
this street is simply too narrow to return to the story

Zhe Ri zi bu zai lu
these days aren't green anymore

you ban bo le ji ju
just a few word exchanges

sheng xia ban kong hui yi de wo zai da fang zi li
i'm left alone in the house, with half-filled memories

dian ying yuan de zuo yi
the seats in the cinema

ge yao yuan de ju li
represents the distance between us

感情沒有對手是你跟自己下棋
Gan qing mei you dui shou shi ni gen zi ji xia qi
Feelings with no partner is the game of chess you played by yourself

還來不及仔仔細細寫下你的關于
hai lai bu ji zi zi xi xi xie xia ni de guan yu
it’s still too late to carefully write down your concern

描述我如何愛你
Miao shu wo ru he ai ni
Describing how I love you

你卻微笑的離我而去
Ni que wei xiao de li wo er qu
Yet you leave me away with a smile

Chorus:

這感覺已經不對
Zhe gan jue yi jing bu dui
This feeling is not right anymore

我努力在挽回
Wo nu li zai wan hui
I tried hard to retrieve

一些些應該體貼的感覺我沒給
Yi xie xie ying gai ti tie de de gan jue wo mei gei
A bit feeling of care that I didn’t give

你的嘴許的愿望很卑微
Ni de zui xu de yuan wang hen bei wei
The many wish from your lips is very petty and low

在妥協是我忽略
Zai tuo xie shi wo hu lue
I neglected to compromise it

你不過要人陪
Ni bu guo yao ren pei
you only wanted some company

哦這感覺已經不對
a zhe gan jue yi jing bu dui
ahh, This feeling is not right anymore

我最后才了解
Wo zui hou cai liao jie
I’m the last to understand

一頁頁不忍翻閱的情節
Yi ye ye bu ren fan yue de qing jie
i cant bear to open the pages describing the events between us

你好累
Ni hao lei
You’re so tired

ni mo bei
silently behind my back

wei wo diao guo ji ci lei
u've cried so many times because of me

多憔悴
Duo qiao sui
So sallow

而我心碎你受罪你的美
er wo xin sui ni shou zui ni de mei
Yet my heart breaks and you accepted my sin, your beauty

我不配
Wo bu pei
I’m not worthy

Seirei No Moribito

2007-11-04T16:42:00.000+08:00

This is one of the better anime's i have seen this year. I must admit i am normally hooked to historical themed animes.

The title is Seirei No Moribito- or Guardian of the Sacred Spirit. The story starts of with Balsa who is a travelling spearwoman. She is no damsel in distress, this woman. She can fight off any man and defend herself with no issues.

On her way back from her journeys, she rescues a young prince call Chagum. To thank her, Chagum's mother the second empress invites Balsa to the palace as a token of her appreciation. However, unknown to Balsa, there is a hidden motive for that. Chagum, is actually wanted dead by the emperor. Believed by the star diviner's his birth brings misfortune to the country, the King of Yogo sees that it is only fit to kill the young boy to free the country from potential drought.

However, the 2nd Empress loves her son too much and cannot bear to kill him. Hence when Balsa rescues him, she sees this as a chance to free her son from death. Balsa, and little Chagum runs away and hides from the forces of the emperor. They later find out instead of being a harbinger of doom, Chagum carries the salvation to the country- the much needed rainfall for the kingdom is found within Chagum and he must bring it to the legendary Nahji for the rains to come.

Chagum is not as spoilt as Balsa initially thought he would be but he is indeed a prince fit to be an emperor. Balsa discovers that this small child has an amazing ability to rationalize and also make mature decisions at such a young age. She in turn, teaches him life outside the palace and slowly sees her self as a mother figure for the young prince.

Now, the graphics of this anime is astounding, it looks beautiful and also very realistic. The story line is quite good. It keeps you addicted and you can watch it without so much as stopping. The soundtrack of this show is also good. I am quite stuck on the song Nahji no Uta which is a children's nursery from what i understand in the anime.

Do get this if you are interested in historical animes. Picture above is taken from the Official website.

Yamada Taro Monogatari

2007-10-21T11:29:00.000+08:00

Frankly, i am never a fan of Japanese Boy bands so normally i stay away from movies or any shows which are starring members of boy bands. I am not against them but just normally does not pique my interest.

So when i came upon the above title - i was not so interested as it starred 2 members of the band ARASHI, however turning to the back of the DVD it was the story line that caught my interest. I love shows of complete opposite. Poor kid in rich school.. Hehehe .. now that is what i call complete contrast- that goes to show why i find shows like Ouran High School Host interesting.

Yamada Taro(nimomiya kazunari) is a story of a poor boy who goes to an extremely fancy and snotty school. He gives the impression he is actually rich but unknown to his classmates he is as poor as a church mouse. ( How come church mouses are poor?? ). He's family even lives in a room house - where his 6 other siblings and his mom stays in happily despite the poorness. His unreliable father appears once in a while to add on to Taro's money woes. Despite being poor ( or bimbo in japanese) Taro's life is still very happy go lucky and nothing seems to disrupt his positive attitude in life. That also explains why his classmate mimura takuya(sakurai sho) is very intrigued by him

At the same time- he is the object of most of the girl's in his school especially Ikegami Takako. Her ambition is to get a Tama-No-Koshi which means to marry rich. I can't remember the literal translation but tama means jewel. She comes from a middle class family as well, so she is hoping to live a more pampered life. Now through out the course of the show - she discover the real Taro and also the true meaning of being in love with a person despite their background. I found her truly annoying in the beginning but after that, i got to see her in a different light.

What's good about this:

It's funny! Hilarious at times and over the top at times. Check out the portion where Taro dresses as a girl, here is a teaser picture *cackle*. There are also times where Taro flashes his megawatt smile and all the girls in the room faint.
In fact when Takako realizes the simplest things in life such as eating hot cakes with your family is a joy- i thought that was quite a good point in the show.

What's not good about this:
Sometimes, the over the top-ness is a bit kwa-cheong. Like the race for the Croquet or the beef race in the supermarket... :P Furthermore- i am just wonder how people can be so poor like the Yamada... sharing 1 bowl of dish every night. THAT is a bit kwa cheong.

Well, i wouldn't pass up this show. I find it interesting and have not stopped watching it. That is how i qualify if the show is good :)

Some interesting facts:

Nimomiya is one of the first members in Arashi to star in a Hollywood movie. He had a part in the show Letters of Iwo Jima
Taiwan has a similar series starring Vic Chou ( of F4) and the title is Poor Prince Taro.
Sakurai Sho- is one of the few members of Arashi- who has gone to KEIO University

Resident Evil: Extinction

2007-10-14T10:18:00.001+08:00

You might think a person like me is not necessary interested in gory, bloody movies but surprisingly, me likes! (^_^)V. Lil Bro and myself are big fans of er gaming horror movies and we trooped along after work that day to watch Resident Evil: Extinction. My brother's motives in watching this is just more than his favourite PS2 game, it is a chance for him to drool @ Milla Jovovich. For me, it is mindless relaxation.

Resident Evil is based on that game from PS2 though the only thing in common it has with the game is undead people. Yes, undead people. People that are infected by a virus that turns them into mindless flesh eating zombies. Only very few people are surviving and they are running from place to place to look for food, water and finally the cure.

The hero ( or -ine ) in this show, is Alice(Milla) and she is actually the only person who can overcome this infection. She roams around the US looking for a cure and running away from the people in the Umbrella Group, who are out to get her and harvest her blood to look for a cure. Alice has special powers compared to other humans, in which you will see in the show later.

While on the really humans portion, there is a group of people led by Claire Redfield, that rounds up remaining living people in search for a cure for the diseases.

Along the way, they kick a** zombies and meet up with Alice. They team up and try to find away to get to Alaska, where it seems the infection never hit.

Now, what's great about it? If you like action movies, i can't say this doesn't have any. Frankly, aside from Alice being pretty, she really knows how to knock people off. It's refreshing to see ladies kick butts. Besides Alice, there is Claire Redfield played by Ali Larter from Heroes fame as well as Betty ( one of the caravan followers ) played by Ashanti. The best scene in the whole show is the one where all the black crows were surrounding them. Cool!!!

Not so great part? Hmm- the story line is weak. Not much plotting, you can predict the outcome in about 1/2 way through the show.

But watch if it, if mindless violence let's you destress and if you are true Milla Jovovich fan.

The first post

2007-09-13T23:29:00.000+08:00

I finally gotten round to creating a second blog for my tv addiction stuff. Hopefully it carries on from here onwards... Here's to better anime/series and movies review. Though i think it may be more of Anime rather than anything else