Notes
It must have been a dry season, 'cause how in the world does this mediocre series hold the record for most wins at the drama awards? I was quite disappointed in the writing. Oh, there are some gems, i.e., "Can I love you the way you deserve?" and "This I still remember... even though you aren't here anymore." A few of those lines really flew, hence the extra .5 points. Otherwise, the sap wasn't quite hitting me the way it should have. I don't know, the delivery might have been too casual, too cool. That was their personalities, but still, it didn't have enough impact.
Episodes 1-3 are great, then 4-8 are a snorefest of overly drawn out individual development, then 9-11 putter out to a... very good ending, actually. Odd, I know. Very odd structuring that didn't impress me too much.
A likeable enough main couple, though, like I said, they were too cool sometimes. Funny and (somewhat) helpful supporting family members, friends, and quirky co-workers. Good overall, not great.
This isn't for the obvious themes in this drama, such as the illness or the seemingly impossible love. Just like in Sekachu, the depth came from the hero's ability to move on, to experience life without the heroine and still be strong because of the love she gave him and the time they did have together. That kind of theme will always guarantee at least a 7 with me.
Heroine's death, while not fully developed, wasn't exactly left field either.
Pacing-wise, the last episode was very slow and draggy, but substance-wise, I loved the last 10 minutes. I almost want to caption it, "In loving memory," since it was everything they had dreamed of together. It was just really nice to see those things fulfilled. Resolved.
Standard. Full screen.
Nice pianos, but no lasting musical impression.
The word is underwhelmed. They're both great actors, but that coolness (yes, I'm still talking about it) was really leashing them. Kimutaku has been better at that stock character. Tokiwa Takako was good, but not great. I guess I was expecting too much, 11 awards and all. No, I can't get over that either.
Apple's Tier Ranking: 3rd
