Notes
So this drama was the last of the Koizora franchise, marketed as "the story that made 25 million people cry." Well, make that 25 million and one, 'cause I was
bawling like a baby! And yet again, the writing is nothing you haven't already seen in Sekachu, Litre, and every other first love/illness drama, but I'm such a sucker for it.
Being only six episodes, this did have the advantage of progressing quickly. I mean, the first ten minutes of episode 1 and we already had a kiss. It was a bit too quick in the beginning, but once the love story was established, it had a very nice flow. The time jumps were structured nicely, so much that I was even looking forward to every December 24 caption, just because I knew a really sentimental scene was coming.
Hot damn, talk about an alpha hero. Hiro gives Jiang Meng from
Devil Beside You a run for his money. Not since that drama have I seen a true bad boy hero, one who isn't afraid to use the caveman approach. I love those heroes, all right? They're my guilty pleasure. So anti-feminist, I know, sue me. Mika was the typical innocent and demure heroine, but it was bearable because she evolved just enough to have some spine. As for the supporting cast, they were fabulous as well. I'm just so pissed that Mika had to break the hearts of, not one, but TWO great guys for Hiro. Was the lying mofo really worth it in the end?
This score is fairly high because they really milked the peace and happiness of the aftermath. As always, the loving and learning, the letting go, and the moving on is a winner with me.
Nope.
The right way to end sadly. Total tissue count: 5.
I'm really learning my Who's Who in the J-drama production world, and Imai Natsuki is fast becoming one of my favorite directors--
Orange Days, H2, Taiyou no Uta, and now
Koizora. Plenty of warmth, spilling sunlight, and even a few Jun Ki Sang-style moving shots! Fabulous.
"Ai no Uta" is very reminiscent of "Only Human"--slow, melodic, sad, and now forever associated with the series it's attached to. BGM was wonderful, with the strings really carrying some pretty melodies. The composer, Kono Shin (Sekachu,
Byakuyako, Hana Kimi, Hachimitsu to Clover), is another industry person I'm starting to know and like.
Most of the chemistry was Seto Koji at first, since he had to be such an aggressive character, but Mizusawa Elena did her part later on as the doe-eyed, loving girlfriend. I gotta be honest, I couldn't help thinking JAILBAIT! as the love scene was going on.
Apple's Tier Ranking: 2nd
