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I have really been lazy updating this blog. My last post was in January? Like seriously. I need the motivation to write something. So much stuff going on in a year, so many things to talk about and yet here I am, my lazy ass refused to write anything. What the fuck?
So, I finished watching Gomen, Aishiteru. It was one of the most emotionally invested Japanese dramas I’ve ever seen. It has a lot of heart and warmth in it without saying so much. The simplicity in its storytelling was what drawn me to it.
I know that Japanese dramas like to emphasize on their characters’ and stories’ quirks. Sometimes a bit too much to the point of making no sense at all. Currently I’m watching Quartet and after a few minutes in, I was already bombarded with the characters talking incessantly about lemon and karage.
One more thing I noticed is that love stories in Japanese dramas nowadays seem so dry and detached. And they also tend to be glorifying extramarital affairs lately. Gomen Aishiteru also has the extramarital affair bit but it has been handled well. And nothing good comes out of extramarital affairs.
In addition to that, Gomen Aishiteru has that 90’s - early 2000’s romance feel that I missed so much. Granted that it was a remake of Mianhada Saranghanda and they could have done it with Japanese drama’s quirkiness. But I’m glad that they actually remained faithful to the original version and interpreted it with Japanese drama’s sensibilities. Like Tomoya Nagase said, it was more of a tribute/homage to the original version of the drama.
In the first episode, it was revealed that Okazaki Ritsu (Tomoya Nagase) has already passed away. So, the story unfolded in a flashback which I think it’s good because Gomen Aishiteru has been remade several times in multi languages, it had no surprise elements anymore. Besides that, I liked how the Japanese version treated the story differently. And I realized that Gomen Aishiteru was more about Ritsu’s journey and how the people around him affected by it rather than his destination.
Several changes have been made to the story which I think for the better. While passionate, obsessive love and revenge were the main ingredients in the original, Gomen Aishiteru focused on love and being humane in general. Ritsu was depicted as someone who wanted to give protection to anyone he cared about and loved (even when he was treated badly) rather than an avenger. The way he said that he wanted to be useful, not a burden and always trying to seek for approval from the ones he loved the most made it all the more heartbreaking.These traits somehow reflected on Mita Rinka (Riho Yoshioka), attendant and the childhood friend of Hyuga Satoru (Kentaro Sakaguchi) who happened to be in love with him.
By fate, Ritsu and Rinka met on the street of Korea when she was robbed and Ritsu just happened to be there at that time and helped her.
Ran is a gang leader who befriended Ritsu treated him like a brother. Ran offered him to be the adopted son of Ran’s family but Ritsu was still pining for his mother, whom he had never met before. He doesn’t know what she looked like, he doesn’t know how was she as a person and the only thing that was left behind when he was abandoned was a ring. And he was sure that there must be a reason why his mother abandoned him and he thought mainly was because of poverty.
“To be thinking of a woman (Hyuga Reiko who abandoned Ritsu when he was a baby) that doesn’t even think about you…It’s a waste of time.” said Ran to Ritsu. It drew parallel when Ritsu said “To be thinking of a man that doesn’t even think about you…It’s a waste of time.” to Rinka who waited for Satoru to realize her love for him for the last 24 years. That were a lot of scenes that emphasized this sense of connection between Ritsu and Rinka.
Unfortunately, on Ran’s birthday, Ritsu was shot in the head when he tried to protect Ran from the gang’s rival. He survived but had only 3 months to live. He decided to look for his mother before he died and he could at least be by her side when the time comes.
The first time he actually met his mother, he was completely overwhelmed, overcame with indescribable feelings to the point that he was speechless after seeing the figure of the person who he assumed was his mother right in front of him, he instinctively reached out to touch her face, forgot that his mother has never met her real son too, only to be rejected for the second time in his life by his own mother. And from that point onwards, all the suffering, sadness, disappointments, pain begun infected his already fleeting life.
Its ambiguous ending is what makes Japanese dramas special. They didn’t give you the answer right away, instead they left it all to us to make our own interpretation because life is like that. Ritsu most probably died because of brain-dead like he had been told by the doctors but they didn’t show where he died. He threw away the ring that had been with him since birth showed that he’s letting go of his life and left something even more precious behind…his heart to his brother. Just like the Happy Prince who’s willing to sacrifice himself for the sake of the people’s happiness in the fairytale read by Wakana.
Moving on to the performances, the cast did a great job at playing their roles effortlessly. Chizuru Ikewaki was flawless as Kawai Wakana, Baijaku Nakamura as Mita Tsuneo was good, though there were moments where he was over the top which I think it’s necessary for the character. Ayaka Onishi made an impact as commitment-free Furusawa Touko.
Kentaro Sakaguchi shines as Ritsu’s privileged and pampered but terminally ill step-brother, Hyuga Satoru who was sometimes selfish that he had hurt Rinka emotionally because he was so obsessed with Touko.
Otake Shinobu as Hyuga Reiko was interesting as the ‘hateful’ person which I kinda empathize for her later because yes, she made a huge mistake but at the same time she also suffered the consequences for what she had done and I think it’s unfair. As a matter of fact, she wanted the baby but she was told that Ritsu didn’t survived as he was a stillborn which was a lie made up by Rinka’s father, Mita Tsuneo.
Riho Yoshioka as naive and faithful Mita Rinka was excellent. She was the anchor in Ritsu’s and Satoru’s lives. The difference is that Satoru manipulated her for his own security while Ritsu saw her as an equal. It was unfortunate that her love for him could not be reciprocated at the time when she confessed to him due to his circumstances. I also liked that Rinka was someone who in someway a strong character and had the courage to move on with her life when she needs to because she knew that Ritsu wanted her to be happy no matter what.
Last but definitely not the least, Tomoya Nagase. He was spectacular as Okazaki Ritsu. He has proved time and again that he’s one of the best actors in Japan and extremely underrated. Okazaki Ritsu is the best character that he has ever played. He was passionate, melancholic, emotional, vulnerable and awkward at times when it comes to love because he’s never experienced it before Rinka came into his life. There was a lot of warmth and empathy for the people around him even though he himself was suffering and gone through a lot of pain in his life. Despite the fact that he was abandoned and unloved by his own mother, Ritsu was very protective about people and selfless to the point of sacrificing himself for the sake of others. He didn’t want to wallow in self-pity, he wanted to make himself useful to others. But at the same time, he always craved for his mother’s love. And Rinka managed to fill a bit of love into Ritsu’s short life. Apart from that, the way Tomoya portrayed Ritsu and emoted through his eyes and facial expressions without saying anything were incredible. His appearance in the drama was also different from that of Fragile. He was unkempt and rough in this drama which implied that he was not well taken care of with only a few clothes on his back when he arrived in Japan, looking for his mother. These subtle changes are what made Ritsu comes alive.
Another thing that I love about this drama was the characters development. It was subtle change in the characters’ behaviour that moved the plot seamlessly. The theme song “Forevermore” by Hikaru Utada could have been better and I wish it was more mellow. But good song nevertheless. The cinematography was top notch. It gave the drama a melancholic feel with its greyish and yellowish tones, and as the drama progressed, the colors became even more stark and gloomy as if they were depicting Ritsu’s pain and sadness.
The directors, Ishii Yasuharu, Mizuta Naruhide, Ueda Hisashi did fantastic jobs at making the story flowed so smoothly. And I love the background score of the drama.
Gomen Aishiteru has become one of my favourite Tomoya’s dramas of all time. I’d like to thank the people who casted Tomoya as Ritsu and tapping into his different range of emotions that are beyond his comedic ones. I can’t wait for Soratobu Tire to release this June 2018 and I’m sure he’s going to rock as Akamatsu Tokuro too.
It's a lazy day. But ugh, have to go to work tomorrow. Like there's literally no task I have to do anymore. But still gotta go to work. I better find another job.
In the meantime, let me just enjoy this Sunday.
In the meantime, let me just enjoy this Sunday.
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Ayyyyeeee... Long time no see. How is it going guys?
I just wanna wish you guys a very belated happy new year 2018. Hope you enjoy this little update from me. Haha!
I really need to write regularly. I've been neglecting this blog for months. There are so many things I'd like to talk about but I keep delaying.
I went to Korea for the second time last year, had a short vacation for new year. This year, I'm going to Japan. Yay! Already bought the flight tickets, just need to prepare the itinerary and stuff.
I also bought some TOKIO stuff last year which was fun. I pre-ordered Gomen, Aishiteru DVD too. Guess TOKIO stuff are going to pile up bit by bit at the rate I'm buying them. RIP my wallet. LOL.
I just wanna wish you guys a very belated happy new year 2018. Hope you enjoy this little update from me. Haha!
I really need to write regularly. I've been neglecting this blog for months. There are so many things I'd like to talk about but I keep delaying.
I went to Korea for the second time last year, had a short vacation for new year. This year, I'm going to Japan. Yay! Already bought the flight tickets, just need to prepare the itinerary and stuff.
I also bought some TOKIO stuff last year which was fun. I pre-ordered Gomen, Aishiteru DVD too. Guess TOKIO stuff are going to pile up bit by bit at the rate I'm buying them. RIP my wallet. LOL.
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Gomen, Aishiteru... Beware Of Onion Ninjas
Like how am I gonna survive this? It's been a long time since Tomoya had acted in a love drama. Like what the fuck. Plus he looks so handsome. I'm gonna die.
Like how am I gonna survive this? It's been a long time since Tomoya had acted in a love drama. Like what the fuck. Plus he looks so handsome. I'm gonna die.
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Yay! I haven't post anything for 1++ month. Hahaha!
Right now I'm trying to organize my TOKIO pictures and stuff in my laptop and preparing for my trip to Seoul next month.
Also, just got to know that DW is having problem with crossposting from LJ stuff because LJ is being a prick blocked one of the DW servers which made me think that I may as well just stick with DW permanently. I don't even post my entries there anymore except for the TOKIO community. Haha...
On another note, I've been planning to post a TOKIO picspam that I wrote last year but have not finished it yet because I'm being lazy as fuck. Maybe I will try to finish it this year for their anniversary which is going to be a looooonnnnggg ass post. D:
Right now I'm trying to organize my TOKIO pictures and stuff in my laptop and preparing for my trip to Seoul next month.
Also, just got to know that DW is having problem with crossposting from LJ stuff because LJ is being a prick blocked one of the DW servers which made me think that I may as well just stick with DW permanently. I don't even post my entries there anymore except for the TOKIO community. Haha...
On another note, I've been planning to post a TOKIO picspam that I wrote last year but have not finished it yet because I'm being lazy as fuck. Maybe I will try to finish it this year for their anniversary which is going to be a looooonnnnggg ass post. D:
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God, It's been a while since I updated my blog. Well, for this new year 2017, I would like to post more on LJ. Hopefully, I'll be able to post at least once a week.
There's so much happening in my life for the past 5 years. Jobs, illnesses, struggles, deaths of my parents within a year, sadness, financial struggles, moving out from my old house, finding a job again, travelling... Life has been colorful for me.
I hope I can get through this year too with an open heart and mind. I'm going to find another job too since my contract with the current company I work for has expired. Wish me luck guys!
There's so much happening in my life for the past 5 years. Jobs, illnesses, struggles, deaths of my parents within a year, sadness, financial struggles, moving out from my old house, finding a job again, travelling... Life has been colorful for me.
I hope I can get through this year too with an open heart and mind. I'm going to find another job too since my contract with the current company I work for has expired. Wish me luck guys!
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It's soooo pretttyyyy. I didn't noticed the layout before. I have to look through all the layout available on LJ. My LJ now looks so ladylike and pretty pretty flower as borders and all. (*3*) I'm in love with my layout. <3<3<3 Thanks to the designer! Here's some Internet cookies for you!
Also it's been two weeks since I worked at new place. I'd say it was okay. I have a lot of things to learn and get used to the systems and the environment. I have to write manuals for the system I've learned for future reference. (>.<) Yes, I can do it. Ganbare Me!
On 25th November 2011, I'll be going to Thailand with my BFF, but I haven't applied for my leave yet because the company hasn't added me in the online leave application system. (>.>) And I haven't collected my renewed passport. I was supposed to collect it on the 10th but due to work I have to postponed it to another date. Huh...
Also it's been two weeks since I worked at new place. I'd say it was okay. I have a lot of things to learn and get used to the systems and the environment. I have to write manuals for the system I've learned for future reference. (>.<) Yes, I can do it. Ganbare Me!
On 25th November 2011, I'll be going to Thailand with my BFF, but I haven't applied for my leave yet because the company hasn't added me in the online leave application system. (>.>) And I haven't collected my renewed passport. I was supposed to collect it on the 10th but due to work I have to postponed it to another date. Huh...
[Diuds and diudettes, spoilers are coming your way. You’ve been warned.]
I enjoyed it. I’ve had an entertaining evening with my BFF even though I got stuck in the train which was not driven by Kareena fortunately when I went back home.
The show started at 3.00 pm and ended around 5.30 pm. There were only two shows available before the official opening. The audience was responsive and nobody got up after the film ended because there was a little making of during the end credits.
( Right this way... )
P.S: LUCIFER, ME GUSTA!
P.P.S: SHEKHAR AND G.ONE, YOU PERVERTS!
P.P.P.S: DON 2 TRAILER ON BIG SCREEN WAS AN AWESOME, AWESOME EXPERIENCE.
This week will be a busy week. Need to go to the Times Square to buy some souvenirs for my friends for this upcoming convocation day, then there is a public holiday on Wednesday, on Friday there is rehearsal for convocation day and dinner for those who will be graduating the next day (still need to figure out how the hell can I get there without transportation, guess I have to travel by bus then). And then the Convocation day is on Saturday. Yay! So excited! I feel like I wanna post a song which Heikeha sang on SCP "Graduation".
The big event is actually on next week. I finally got a job and the company is just nearby my house and I can just walk from home! Whee! \(^_^)/ Alhamdulillah! So, the expense for public transportation has been eliminated. I am excited because it seems like something I want to do. And I hope that I can stick to the job for a few years.
The big event is actually on next week. I finally got a job and the company is just nearby my house and I can just walk from home! Whee! \(^_^)/ Alhamdulillah! So, the expense for public transportation has been eliminated. I am excited because it seems like something I want to do. And I hope that I can stick to the job for a few years.
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I saw a poll today on Arama about which group comes to mind when you think of 'Johnny'? and I saw that TOKIO ranked at number, what, 15. I am actually glad that they are ranked low in the list because the first time I got to know them was through Nagase when I watched My Boss My Hero (heh, popular choice to get to know TOKIO through the vocalist's drama). :P
At that time I've never heard of Johnny's Entertainment and its idols. To be really honest, I never really care about Johnny's idols and TOKIO for me is like a standalone band without Johnny's label attached to them and I still stand behind that sentiment. Of course, when they released their albums/singles/DVDs we saw Johnny's logo being plastered all over the place. But that's just a name and not more than that. TOKIO could bein any other entertainment agency and I am sure they will still remain the same.
They do their own stuff, sometimes break the rules, being badass, being the biggest perverts and remain relax and laidback about it. The fact that their 'don't give a damn' attitude about ranking and being in a rat race are what make them awesome. They may not appeal to these sections of idol-worship fans but for me who is living outside of Japan think that they are awesome enough as a band.
Of course I would like them to be more popular in the music charts but NOT in Johnny's idols polls because let's face it, when you have a band who states that being nude as their official uniform, do you really think that they will still act as idol? Watch The Tetsuwan DASH! if you want proof. XDD Or maybe a certain ad which featured the wild yet cute frontman wearing his innerwear and shoved his crotch on to the TV screen for the brand promotion in a morning breakfast show.
Among other things are their Leader standing in their dressing room wearing only his underwear while waiting for someone to come into the room or maybe the vocalist always flipping the bird to the audience in their concerts. Yeah, so much for being idol-like. Like the OP on the Arama said, "Contrary to the results, when I think of 'Johnny' the image that comes to mind is a shady old man sitting in his apartment looking through his list of 'boys' -- I mean, idols." and TOKIO is not one of them.
Ah, I've just started a new phase of my life. So, it's something I look forward to. Plus, I am going to go to Thailand! Woohoo! It'll be a trip for 3 days and 2 nights. This will be exciting. I am going to take lots of pictures when I get there. Whee!
Also, I've just got a new job. But at the same time, I'm waiting for another job offer. Hopefully, I can decide which job I will take. It's so damn hard to choose between the two jobs. But I'd prefer to work nearby my house. It's easier for me to go back home early.
And on the fandom front, well not much is happening right now. Waiting for TOKIO new single or *cough*album/concert DVD*cough* to come out. I guess right now I will just have to content myself with the weekly DASH and 5LDK. D: Or maybe some random videos posted on TOKIO comm by the lovely members. *GROUP HUGS*
My creativity has gone a bit rusty. I want to make something creative today, but I don't know what. :PP Need to practice my photo editing skills again. It's been a while since I have edited something useless. XD Maybe when I have time, I'll do it.
Also, I've just got a new job. But at the same time, I'm waiting for another job offer. Hopefully, I can decide which job I will take. It's so damn hard to choose between the two jobs. But I'd prefer to work nearby my house. It's easier for me to go back home early.
And on the fandom front, well not much is happening right now. Waiting for TOKIO new single or *cough*album/concert DVD*cough* to come out. I guess right now I will just have to content myself with the weekly DASH and 5LDK. D: Or maybe some random videos posted on TOKIO comm by the lovely members. *GROUP HUGS*
My creativity has gone a bit rusty. I want to make something creative today, but I don't know what. :PP Need to practice my photo editing skills again. It's been a while since I have edited something useless. XD Maybe when I have time, I'll do it.
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I've watched two movies recently. One Japanese/Korea movie and another one was an English movie. Okay, the movies are Seoul starring Nagase Tomoya and Choi Min Soo and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 starring the usual but grown up casts of Harry Potter.
I will just brief you guys and later I will write longer reviews for these movies. Both of them were awesome. A lot of suspense and actions which I can tolerate and not too gruesome. Emotionally satisfying and engaging and not to mention intense. Boy, I love it when movies I watched managed to evoked feelings that are certainly not mine.
I forgot to mention, I've also watched Buzzer Beat. I'll talk about it later. All I can say is...I'll say it later. :P Let's see what else I've watched during the last few months...oh, yeah! I've seen The A-Team-The Movie. It was speedy and action-oriented obviously. Damn, I've seen quite a lot of movies lately. Too much time on my hands. Not good.
The last time I watched a Japanese drama was in last year, Unubore Deka starred by Nagase Tomoya, Ikuta Toma and Nakashima Mika. It was about a detective who was so desperate for love that he falls in love with the criminals in the drama at first sight. Hehe...I just can't imagine Nagase being rejected outright by women because I mean looking at him, I don't think any woman would reject such a fine GQMF.
( Read more... )
( Read more... )
Hah! Finally, I've just finished my final year in KPMB, waiting for my result. Yay! I remember the first time I walk into the college, my first impression was....huh, it looked...small and ancient. :P When I stepped into the hostel, it looked even...ancient and I got a skyscraper room (third floor). Yes, awesome. >.< But later I got into the first floor room because of a delicate problem that I have. :P Woohooo! Such an amazing advantage.
My roommates at that time were, Zarid, Nazreen, Dilla, Ramlah and another one who I forgot her name, sorry. :P They were kind to me and maybe a little afraid of me because I'm a quiet person, which made my face a little arrogant. However, we got along well at the end. During that semester, I had my first raya puasa function at the college. It was quite bland to be honest.
My roommates at that time were, Zarid, Nazreen, Dilla, Ramlah and another one who I forgot her name, sorry. :P They were kind to me and maybe a little afraid of me because I'm a quiet person, which made my face a little arrogant. However, we got along well at the end. During that semester, I had my first raya puasa function at the college. It was quite bland to be honest.
Shit! I haven't finish my assignments yet. And I'm supposed to submit the damn assignments on Monday. MONDAY?! What am I gonna do?! I hope I can get it done ontime. :( I am so screwed.
And what SRK has got anything to do with it? Nothing. :p I just like to mention his name, that's all. Actually, I do want to post something about SRK. This: (a small picspam) XD
( Random picspam :P )
I felt better...XD how about you?
Films:
Watched: Avatar (not as good as I expected to be but entertaining).
Haven't seen but want to: Polar Express, Coraline (please tell me what you guys think about these movies).
And what SRK has got anything to do with it? Nothing. :p I just like to mention his name, that's all. Actually, I do want to post something about SRK. This: (a small picspam) XD
( Random picspam :P )
I felt better...XD how about you?
Films:
Watched: Avatar (not as good as I expected to be but entertaining).
Haven't seen but want to: Polar Express, Coraline (please tell me what you guys think about these movies).
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So, I think My Name Is Khan is due to release around midnight today worldwide. Or has it already been released? hmm.. I dunno. but one thing for sure is that....I WANT TO WATCH IT!!!!! AARRGHHH! it's been a long time since I've seen RNBDJ about one and half year ago, and damn it i missed SRK, and Kajol too onscreen. T___T
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Today, I woke up in the morning, thinking on how to make my life more exciting. I have some ways which I thought it would work if I try it upon myself. First, make jokes with friends. Laugh maniacally when they tell stories even if it's not funny. Second, running across the streets full of vehicles back and forth. Unless you want to commit suicide, you can stop in the middle of the road. Third, observe an army of ants in front of you and try talk to them about your days as a human being. Fourth, give your friends a pervert piece of advice. But try avoid getting a black eye or two in the process. Fifth, run into walls on purpose and then jump at one place in front of the walls. Sixth, buzz your friends at YM and log out immediately after that. Seventh, swim in your bed in various styles and act like you are drowning and shouts for help.
Yes, these should do it. My life is exciting.
Yes, these should do it. My life is exciting.
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