Change

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?

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Sweet Rain ( Shinigami no seido ) Accuracy of Death

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.

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Change 2008 *wow*

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

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Zettai Kareshi ( Absolute Boyfriend)

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*

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Batman - The Dark Knight

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.

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Sky of Love -Koi Zora

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.

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

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:)

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