8thSin
From DramaWiki
I decided to use this page for Japanese movie and dorama review / rating to keep track of series I've seen and maybe be a guide to newcomers to dorama!
Only those series I've seen to the end will be rated. I am more into romance / drama genre (In other words, serious stuff, NOT Anime based stuff) in Japanese media, so it might be a bit biased, but I tried my best to be fair. Personally, I think doramas with meaning are worth more than just comedy anyway. Of course, everyone has different tastes, but I think this page will help you decide which show is worth seeing! Anything with ratings of 9 or 10 are bolded.
You should definitely check them out first!!
My Fansubs
As Translator:
- Tada, Kimi ni Aitakute AKA Heavenly Forest (Movie) Also available via FSC - FantasticSuperClub
- Wonderful Life Ep6~Ep? in progress
- Haken no Hinkaku Ep1, Ep5, Ep?~Ep? in progress
- Ima, Ai ni Yukimasu (Movie): Hardsub, projected release date: Summer, '07 TRAILER (Hardsub) translation 100%, being edited
As Editor:
My Fanvids
- ShonanNoKaze - Junrenka (Music Station Super Live 2006)[ENG SUB] Download Link
- Amuro Namie - Baby Don't Cry (Karaoke PV) Backup link
- Ima, Ai ni Yukimasu TRAILER (Hardsub)
- Koda Kumi - Koi no Tsubomi (Karaoke PV) Backup link
- Saiyuuki DMV- Quest for a True Heart Backup link
- Ichi Rittoru no Namida DMV- Dedicated to Aya Backup link
Future Projects
- Ai to Shi wo Mitsumete (SP): Planned (as editor)
- Koda Kumi - Wish Your Happiness & Love Karaoke: Planned, consists of You, Feel, Lies, Someday PVs
- Koda Kumi - 4 hot wave Karaoke: Planned, consists of Juicy, With your smile, I'll be there, Ningyohime PVs
- UTADA UNITED 2006 (Concert): Hardsub planned, projected release date: Dec. 9, 2008
Dorama Reviews
Formats: Please refer to DramaWiki Glossary of Terms for details.
- CpE: Conclusion-per-episode format, "Ichi wa kanketsu keishiki", 一話完結形式
- R: Continuation dorama format, "Renzoku", 連続 「連ドラ」
- R-CpE: Continuous conclusion-per-episode... Proceeds like Renzoku, but every episode is concluded in some way, and
latter episodes are greatly influenced by previous episodes.
- Mix: Only first couple of episodes are CpE then rest are Renzoku.
" * " Currently watching, ratings may change.
| Title | Year | Genre | Format | Rating/10 | Theme Song | Song rating/10 Compatibility/10
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ヒミツの花園 Himitsu no Hanazono |
2007 | Comedy | CpE | 5 | Amuro Namie - Baby Don't Cry | 9 9 |
| ハケンの品格 Haken no Hinkaku |
2007 | Comedy/Drama | R-CpE | 10 | Nakashima Mika - Mienai Hoshi | 9 9 |
| 花より男子２ Hana Yori Dango 2 |
2007 | Manga/Romance | R | 8 | ARASHI - Love so Sweet Utada Hikaru - Flavor of Love |
10 - 10 8 - 6 |
| 華麗なる一族 Karei naru Ichizoku |
2007 | Drama | R | 8* | - | - - |
| のだめカンタービレ Nodame Cantabile |
2006 | Manga/Comedy | R | 9 | Gershwin - Rhapsody in Blue | - 9 |
| だめんず・うぉ～か～ Damens Walker |
2006 | Manga/Comedy | CpE | 7 | Koda Kumi - Yume no Uta | 9 6 |
| １４才の母 14 Sai no Haha |
2006 | Drama | R | 3 | Mr.Children - Shirushi | 8 2 |
| セーラー服と機関銃 Sailor Fuku to Kikanju |
2006 | Suspense/Comedy | R-CpE | 3 | Hoshi Izumi - Sailor Fuku to Kikanjuu | 2 6 |
| たったひとつの恋 Tatta Hitotsu no Koi |
2006 | Romance | R | 5 | KAT-TUN - Bokura no Machi de | 4 5 |
| 結婚できない男 Kekkon Dekinai Otoko |
2006 | Comedy/Romance | CpE | 9 | Every Little Thing - Swimmy | 8 9 |
| ブスの瞳に恋してる Busu no Hitomi ni Koishiteru |
2006 | Comedy/Romance | R | 7 | Koda Kumi - Koi no Tsubomi | 10 9 |
| 西遊記 Saiyuuki |
2006 | Comedy/Adventure | CpE | 7 | MONKEY MAJIK - Around the World | 8 9 |
| 夜王 Yaoh |
2006 | Drama | CpE | 6 | TOKIO - Mr.Traveling Man | 5 7 |
| １リットルの涙 Ichi Ritoru no Namida |
2005 | Tragedy | R | 10 | K - Only Human | 10 10 |
| 花より男子 Hana Yori Dango |
2005 | Manga/Romance | R | 6 | ARASHI - WISH | 8 7 |
| 野ブタ。をプロデュース Nobuta wo Produce |
2005 | Drama/Suspense | Mix | 9 | Shuuji to Akira - Seishun Amigo | 9 8 |
| 電車男 Densha Otoko |
2005 | Comedy/Romance | R-CpE | 6 | Sambo Master - Sekai wa sore wo ai to yobundaze | 2 5 |
| スローダンス Slow Dance |
2005 | Romance | R | 4 | Fukuyama Masaharu - TOKYO | 4 6 |
| ドラゴン桜 Dragon Zakura |
2005 | School | R-CpE | 8 | melody. - Realize | 8 9 |
| いま、会いにゆきます Ima Ai ni Yukimasu |
2005 | Romance | R | 6 | Orange Range - Kizuna | 7 7 |
| がんばっていきまっしょい！ Ganbatte Ikimasshoi |
2005 | Drama | R | 6 | Aiko - Kira Kira | 2 9 |
| 恋におちたら～僕の成功の秘密～ Koi ni Ochitara |
2005 | Drama | Mix | 9 | Crystal Kay - Koi ni Ochitara | 8 10 |
| エンジン Engine |
2005 | Drama | R-CpE | 5 | Aerosmith - Angel | 8 3 |
| 幸せになりたい！ Shiawase ni Naritai! |
2005 | Drama | R | 6 | SUGAR - Shiawase ni Naritai | 9 10 |
| アタック No.1 Attack No.1 |
2005 | Sports | R | 6 | Fukuda Saki - Attack No.1 2005 | 3 9 |
| 曲がり角の彼女 Magari Kado no Kanojyo |
2005 | Romance | R | 7 | Shela - Dear My Friends | 8 9 |
| ごくせん２ Gokusen 2 |
2005 | Manga/School/Comedy | CpE | 7 | D-51 - No More Cry | 9 10 |
| Ｈ２～君といた日々 H2 |
2005 | Manga/Sports | R | 7 | K - Over... | 8 10 |
| ラストクリスマス Last Christmas |
2004 | Romance | R | 7 | Oda Yuji with Butch Walker - Last Christmas | 5 8 |
| 君が想い出になる前に Kimi ga Omoide ni Naru Mae ni |
2004 | Drama | R | 5 | Amuro Namie - All for You | 8 8 |
| 世界の中心で、愛をさけぶ Sekai no Chuushin de, Ai wo Sakebu |
2004 | Junai | R | 10 | Shibasaki Kou - Katachi Aru Mono | 10 10+ |
| オレンジデイズ Orange Days |
2004 | Drama/School | R | 10 | Mr.Children - Sign | 10 10 |
| プライド Pride |
2004 | Sports/Romance | R-CpE | 8 | Queen - Born to Love You | 5 2 |
| ビギナー Beginner |
2003 | Lawyer | CpE | 4 | The Carpenters - Top of the World | 9 4 |
| 元カレ Moto Kare |
2003 | Romance | R | 6 | Kinki Kids - Hakka Candy | 6 4 |
| グッドラック！！ Good Luck!! |
2003 | Drama/Romance | R | 10+ | Yamashita Tatsuro - Ride on Time | 7 9 |
| My Little Chef | 2002 | Drama | CpE | 6 | Hamasaki Ayumi - Voyage | 10 8 |
| 太陽の季節 Taiyou no Kisetsu |
2002 | Tragedy/Romance | R | 5 | Takizawa Hideaki - Ki.Se.Ki | 7 9 |
| ごくせん Gokusen |
2002 | Manga/School/Comedy | CpE | 8 | V6 - Feel Your Breeze | 6 8 |
| 空から降る一億の星 Sora Kara Furu Ichioku no Hoshi |
2002 | Drama/Suspense | R | 7 | Elvis Costello - Smile | 6 8 |
| スタアの恋 Star no Koi |
2001 | Romance/Comedy | R-CpE | 9 | Globe - Stop! In the Name of Love | 9 7 |
| HERO | 2001 | Lawyer | CpE | 10 | Utada Hikaru - Can You Keep a Secret? | 10 10 |
| やまとなでしこ Yamato Nadeshiko |
2000 | Romance/Comedy | R | 9 | MISIA - Everything | 5 2 |
| Summer Snow | 2000 | Romance | R | 6 | Kinki Kids - Natsu no Oosama | 8 10 |
| Food Fight | 2000 | Drama | CpE | 8 | SMAP - Lion Heart | 9 7 |
| 池袋ウエストゲートパーク IWGP |
2000 | Suspense/Comedy | R | 9 | SADS - Boukyaku no Sora | 7 9 |
| Beautiful Life | 2000 | Romance | R | 10+ | B'z - Konya Tsuki no Mieru Oka ni | 10 10 |
| 魔女の条件 Majo no Jouken |
1999 | Romance | R | 5 | Utada Hikaru - First Love | 10 8 |
| 神様、もう少しだけ Kamisama Mou Sukoshi Dake |
1998 | Romance/Tragedy | R | 6 | Luna Sea - I For You | 6 8 |
| GTO | 1998 | Manga/School/Comedy | CpE | 5 | Sorimachi Takashi - Poison | 4 5 |
| 青い鳥 Aoi Tori L'oiseau bleu |
1997 | Suspense/Romance | R | 10 | Globe - Wonderin' Destiny | 9 10+ |
| ラブジェネレーション Love Generation |
1997 | Romance | R | 10 | Outaki Eiichi - Shiawase na Ketsumatsu | 5 2 |
| バージンロード Virgin Road |
1997 | Romance | R | 8 | Amuro Namie - Can You Celebrate? | 10+ 9 |
| コーチ Coach |
1996 | Sports/Romance | R | 9 | Tamaki Kouji - Denen | 8 9 |
| ロングバケーション Long Vacation |
1996 | Romance | R | 10 | Kubota Toshinobu - La La La Love Song | 10 10 |
| 愛していると言ってくれ Aishiteiru to Ittekure |
1995 | Romance | R | 6 | Dream Come True - LOVE LOVE LOVE | 10 8 |
| 101回目のプロポーズ 101st Marriage Proposal |
1991 | Romance | R | 7 | Chage & Aska - Say Yes | 9 8 |
Japanese Movie Reviews
FSC - FantasticSuperClub.org is THE place to get Japanese and other Asian movies. Register now!
| Title | Year | Genre | Rating/10 | Comment | Theme Song | Song rating/10 Compatibility/10
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ただ、君を愛してる Tada, Kimi wo Aishiteru AKA Heavenly Forest |
2006 | Romance | 10+ | Based on a novel written by the same author as Ima, Ai ni Yukimasu, inspired by the film Renai Shashin. Miyazaki Aoi plays an 'underdeveloped' and strange girl falling in love with Tamaki Hiroshi's character in a university. This movie features very beautiful nature of Japan, excellent cinematography, and very touching story. Overall a BEAUTIFUL picture. Acting was SUPERB! Miyazaki Aoi's character is very memorable, and one of the scenes with Tamaki made me cry. Great twist in the ending as well. It's one of those movies that really connects with you, especially if you ever experienced a lost love.
SEE THIS MOVIE!! *Must register with YSI |
Ootsuka Ai - Renai Shashin | 9 10 |
| 後編『デスノート the Last name』 Death Note: The Last Name AKA Death Note vol.2 |
2006 | Suspense/Fantasy | 9 | The cat and mouse game escalates in the second half of Death Note. There is far more action, more complicated plots, and more deceptions and twists. Toda Erika is VERY hot in this movie, and puts up a great performance. This is the best manga based movie or dorama I have seen to date.
|
Red Hot Chili Peppers - Snow | 8 3 |
| アキハバラ@DEEP Akihabara@Deep |
2006 | Action | 7 | This is certainly a unique movie. The acting by Narimiya and Oshinari was very good, and some cool action scenes by Yamada Yuu as well. The story is a bit predictable, but overall, a fun movie.
|
AAA - Let it beat! | 7 8 |
| UDON Udon |
2006 | Comedy | 9 | Wow... They actually made a movie about Udon. I'm still having a hard time believing it... The movie was hilarous, Yuusuke Santa Maria impressed me once again. No one can mix comedy and drama as well as him! GODLY script. The only bad thing about this movie: It mades me hungry, and I can't find any Udon restaurant near me.
|
- | - - |
| 青春☆金属バット Green Mind, Metal Bats |
2006 | Action/Drama | 8 | Pretty messed up movie. But the story is very unique, and violent. It's refreshing to watch different kind of movie every once a while.
|
Yakozen - Naraba, Tomoyo! | 5 9 |
| ゆれる Yureru |
2006 | Drama | 9 | A very slow paced movie. I was a bit disappointed at beginning, but it drew me deeper and deeper into the story, and Odagiri Joe's acting was amazing. This movie is quite touching, and it's highly recommended if you like drama type movies.
|
Cauliflowers - Uchi ni Kaerou | 4 8 |
| 日本沈没 Nihon Chinbotsu AKA Japan Sinks |
2006 | Action | 7 | Star-studded movie, however, acting was so-so at best, and a little cheesey. It has the best CG I've ever seen in a Japanese movie though. This movie is no match for similar Hollywood disaster movies like Armageddon, Day After Tomorrow, or Independence Day.
|
SunMin thanX Kubota - Keep Holding U | 9 10 |
| 前編『デスノート』 Death Note AKA Death Note vol.1 |
2006 | Suspense/Fantasy | 8 | *Note: I have never read the manga series*
I loved Battle Royale, so I was excited to see another horror manga movie starring Fujiwara Tatsuya. This movie did not disappoint. The concept of the Death Note was very cool, and the cat and mouse game between the main character and L/Authorities was very exciting. Looking forward to the second half. The only thing I didn't like was the theme song. English songs never match Japanese movies or dramas. |
Red Hot Chili Peppers - Dani California | 6 1 |
| Death Trance DEATH TRANCE |
2006 | Action/Fantasy | 4 | This movie is like a really crappy remake of SHINOBI and VERSUS. The director is the same person, but this one is nowhere as good as the previous two. The story is very poorly written, and too many things didn't make sense even when the movie ended. It is also far too artistic for an action movie. Not recommended.
|
Dir en grey - CLEVER SLEAZOID | 5 8 |
| 笑う大天使（マイケル） Warau Michael |
2006 | Comedy | 3 | The acting, story, and computer graphics are so bad, it actually makes it good...
... |
Tsuji Ayano - Soba ni Irukara | 7 6 |
| 愛と死をみつめて(Dorama SP) Ai to Shi wo Mitsumete |
2006 | Junai | 8 | The original novel, a collection of letters sent by the main character, is considered the predecessor to the "TBS Junai (Pure Love) Trilogy" novels. This dorama SP does not disappoint. This SP is mainly about long distance relationship between two high school students who meets in a hospital in the '60s. Kusanagi's acting skills sure have improved, and it shows in this series. It's my first time seeing Hirosue Ryouko in a weak(illness) character role, but she did it very convincingly. Should check it out, if you like romantic series.
|
Dream Come True - Memai | 8 9 |
| タイヨウのうた Taiyou no Uta |
2006 | Junai | 7 | The last and possibly weakest of TBS Pure Love Trilogy (TBS Summer Junai Trilogy) films, but thanks to this movie, I can tolerate YUI's music now. The actors did a very good job, and the movie is beautifully directed. Somewhat weak ending, and movie is probably too short for this story to be told properly. |
YUI - Good-bye Days | 8 8 |
| 間宮兄弟 Mamiya Kyoudai |
2006 | Comedy/Drama | 5 | I know they are trying to show the love between the two brothers, but beyond that, the movie makes no sense. Girls are cute though! 意味不明の映画です。 |
RIP SLYME - Hey, Brother | 5 3 |
| 好きだ、 Su-ki-da |
2006 | Drama | 4 | This movie is VERY slow paced with minimum dialogues. I know that's typical characteristics of traditional Japanese movie, but there's a limit... Also, it's very dark, and there were many scenes where I could barely see. I'm sure this is one of those films that gets really praised in film festivals and film schools, but I just don't get what they are trying to say with this story, and the style of this movie just doesn't appeal to me.
|
- | - |
| THE 有頂天ホテル THE Uchouten Hotel |
2006 | Drama | 2 | Worst/most overrated movie ever. Boring to death.
|
- | - |
| ALWAYS 三丁目の夕日 ALWAYS Sanchoume no Yuuhi AKA Always - Sunset on Third Street |
2005 | Drama | 9 | This movie is loaded with big name stars. Very touching movie. Maybe made for a bit older audience than me though. Depicts life in the post-war era, and how it felt fun (and the sunset was more beautiful) even though they had no money or technology. If you used to be poor (and now doing better) this movie will definitely induce nostalgia. |
D-51 - ALWAYS | 9 9 |
| SHINOBI -Heart Under Blade- SHINOBI |
2005 | Action/Romance | 9 | This movie reminded me a little bit of X-men. Short battle scenes, but that's what makes the movie more realistic. Pretty good story and unpredictable ending.
|
Hamasaki Ayumi - HEAVEN | 10+ 10 |
| NANA -ナナ- NANA |
2005 | Comedy/Romance | 9 | I wasn't expecting this movie to be this good since it's based on anime, but pretty touching. The characters have definite anime characteristics, but cute. Itou Yuna's song was amazing for that scene. |
Nakashima Mika - GLAMOROUS SKY | 6 8 |
| 電車男 Densha Otoko |
2005 | Romance | 8 | The movie was so much better than the dorama. It summarizes the story very well, and casting/acting makes it more believable story.
|
ORANGE RANGE - Love Parade | 7 4 |
| 1リットルの涙 Ichi Rittoru no Namida |
2005 | Tragedy | 7 | The leading actress did a very good job of portraying the illness. She's not as pretty as Sawajiri, but I believe she's a better actress. I've heard this movie was actually filmed where the real Aya used to live, so I guess it's more realstic than the dorama. The movie had a nice flow, but the ending was VERY abrupt, and not very satisfying.
|
Katou Ikuko - Sora e | 5 8 |
| 冬の運動会(Dorama SP) Fuyu no Undoukai |
2005 | Drama | 8 | Very touching dorama SP, about a man who just finished school, and trying to find his path.
|
Makihara Noriyuki - ANSWER | 6 8 |
| いま、会いにゆきます Ima, Ai ni Yukimasu |
2004 | Romance/Fantasy | 10 | This is the best movie I have ever seen, and the best movie in TBS Pure Love Trilogy IMO. The acting was great and music is unforgettable! Tiny pieces of mysteries were place throughout the movie, but everything comes together perfectly in the end. SEE THIS MOVIE! |
ORANGE RANGE - Hana | 9 10+ |
| 世界の中心で、愛をさけぶ Sekai no Chuushin de, Ai wo Sakebu |
2004 | Junai | 8 | The first of TBS Pure Love Trilogy, this movie stars far superior actors and actress than the dorama, but the time constraints hurt this movie. The music was also extremely weak, but the story is better than dorama, and the ending was better. Watching the 'present day' Saku was really touching, but unlike the dorama, it's not that sad when they were young, and not even close to making me cry. |
Hirai Ken - Hitomi wo Tojite | 8 9 |
| 座頭市 -Zatoichi- Zatouichi |
2003 | Jidaigeki | 8 | Beat Takeshi was great as Ichi. His was totally convincible as the blind samurai in the film. The story has a nice flow, and is action packed. You should check this out if you are into Jidaigeki or gory sword battles.
|
- | - |
| バトル・ロワイアルII 【鎮魂歌】 Battle Royale II: Requiem |
2003 | Horror/Action | 5 | This movie is terrible. Too much typical adult hatred by youth, and it just didn't have as much impact or as good actors compared to the original movie. However, there's more action in this movie.
|
STANCE PUNKS - Mayonaka Shounen Totsugekitai | 5 7 |
| VERSUS -ヴァーサス- VERSUS |
2002 | Action/Horror | 10 | It started just like every other action movie, but WOW! Great fights, good story with twists, and this movie has absolutely EVERYTHING you want from a horror action flick. Zombies, gun fights, sword fights, fist fights, super powers... The cinematography is great, and the background music was absolutely wonderful. This must be the greatest independent film I've ever seen. If you like zombie movies, I guarantee you will like this movie.
|
- | - |
| ココニイルコト Kokoniirukoto |
2001 | Romance/Drama | 7 | A bit slow pace, but enjoyable... Depicts a career woman's search for her purpose in life after her affair with the CEO has ended. The lead actress Manaka Hitomi is cute.
|
Sugashikao - Kokoniirukoto | 6 3 |
| バトル・ロワイアル Battle Royale |
2000 | Horror/Action | 9 | This movie is truly a horror. I have never seen anything like it at the time I saw this movie, and it's one of most memorable movie I've seen. This is also where Shibasaki Kou appeared on screen for the very first time, and I've been her fan ever since I saw her in this film. |
Dragon Ash - Shizukana Hibi no Kaidan wo | 4 2 |
| GTO | 1999 | School/Comedy | 6 | This movie is better than the dorama series, but still overrated.
|
Sorimachi Takashi - Poison | 4 5 |