Notes
Silence really is golden. A mute heroine isn't so bad, certainly saves all the whining and pouting they're usually reduced to. In great KE tradition, there's plenty of introspective narration and resolute conversation, but it also seemed like she fleshed out the sap a little more. There was extra emphasis on, 'more than anyone in the whole world, only once in a lifetime, I believe in you, I'll never forget you,' etc. The light metaphors were also nice.
I feel like it's been ages since I watched a drama where every episode kept me interested! It was the tail end of episode 8 before the main couple was fully established, so I wasn't twiddling my thumbs during episodes 4-8 like I usually am. It had a really natural, comfortable pace that was perfect. For whatever reason, I welcomed the BOA Cycle with open arms for this one. If only the last episode had kept up the good wind.
Hm, this looks familiar. Three guys, two girls, everyone is paired off nicely except for the last guy, a nice guy who isn't exciting or dangerous in the least, therefore he gets no action. Hero is strong willed and says all the right things at exactly the right time, Heroine has a naive selfishness and stubbornness about her, but it makes her all the more appealing to Hero. Yeah, so KE doesn't fix what ain't broke. I still loved all the supporting characters immensely for all their comedy and comradeship. I guess that never gets old with me.
All right, it's nothing we haven't heard before with the handicapped heroine plot, but what I love was that the hero knew how to tell her to GET OVER IT! Which she did, and that was liberating to watch. It really takes the story to a more mature level when the characters get to something greater than their self wallowing.
No, and I'll tell you why this was one of the rare times I was okay with the time jump. We got plenty of lead up and closure to it, even if we didn't like all the decisions/events that led there. At least it was
developed, and that's all I really ask for with any story element, no matter how outrageous. Just
develop it logically, in a believable moment, and we're all good! Capiche?
Back-and-forth stained the last episode, something I've also come to expect from KE, but I'm grateful it wasn't dragged out to two or three episodes. And I really did love the reunion of The Five, along with updates on everyone's life as the credits rolled. As always, resolved and feel good never goes wrong with me.
Started out pretty standard, interiors a bit gray and exteriors quite blown out, but some warmth crept in around episode 4. From then on, all the sunlight and warm overtones were done really nicely. Surprised me, for sure. I also spied some great moving shots, especially that last 360 of The Five before they did a celebratory graduation throw. Beautiful.
As far as BGM, the pianos are lovely, even though the strings are very subtle. The theme song is fitting and uppity, and, as always, adapted classical pieces are a welcome sound.
Tsumabuki Satoshi was wonderful, and Shibasaki Kou balanced him with the kind of confidence and presence that I only ever see with those older woman/younger man plots I love so dearly. Their friendship and camaraderie was really the winner, and the romance that came along later complimented it beautifully.
Apple's Tier Ranking: 1st
