Notes
Just okay throughout. Everything flows and makes sense, but little stands out. The letter from the mother and a few good lines from Minako are pretty much it. Lots of sweetness between the leads.
The love story takes off like a rocket, but it leaves episodes 7-12 with nothing except unnecessarily dragged out complication that isn't ever fully justified. Aiko and Seiji are on and off too frequently.
I so rarely see dramas where both the hero and heroine are shy and innocent, so this was a real treat. Seiji also has a power that usually only the supporting male has: appearing when the heroine needs a shoulder to lean on. Satomi is perfect as Aiko, not that I think she has to act that much, because the bubbliness just radiates from her. Papa is more likeable than you initially think, despite his character's necessary restrictions. Minako watches comfortingly over everything like only an old friend can.
It has all the coming of age/breaking away staples and doesn't set out to chart new territory with them, which is fine. There's thinly veiled anti-feminism in here too, which creeps up unexpectedly. Aiko wants to be independent and develop her career, but we get Makihara's character as the dim foreshadow of what she could become--30 years old, alone, and a workaholic. Ooh, that sent my index finger tapping.
No shark to jump.
We get to see the wedding! And the kiss is actually
decent!
Lots of spilling sunlight and nice interiors. Every shot of Junno and Satomi is well staged. It's subtle, but they always get the moving shots, the soft lighting, and the wind. Wind! I haven't even spieled about wind yet. Well, it's another no-fail tactic if you want a romantic mood. Is there some theory that people always look better when the wind’s blowing through their hair? Kind of like how portraits look better in black and white? Anyway. It's more like a light breeze in this drama, but a smart choice because Satomi's waves are pretty short.
Don't remember, but I'm sure there were some nice pianos.
I actually forgot just how heartwarming the back hug is when the hero does it. Seriously. It's a torch most dramas pass to the heroine nowadays, but you do find some holdouts. I believe it's episode 4 where Junno hugs her from behind and basically asks to be her protector. That was it for me. He and Satomi were the pinnacle of puppy love.
Apple's Tier Ranking: 3rd
