Notes
Another illness drama done right. Profound thoughts, quick flow to conversations, and lines that hit you in the gut, especially Erika’s. She's hardly crying "woe is me" this time around. Quite the contrary--"You're awful, using an excuse like this to break up with me." It’s so satisfying to watch a drama where everyone says what needs to be said, when it needs to be said. No prolonged lies, misunderstandings, or complacency. Fabulousness.
The only reason it’s not a 10 is because there is one episode of wallowed misery. Otherwise, the definitive romantic cinch happens in episode 3, the confessions in episode 5, and we stay interested until the very end.
Just about everyone is perfect. There are some cardboards threaded throughout the plot, but they matter little and are forgotten quickly. Kaoru is a good heroine because she’s strong, but not overwhelming. Kouji’s development is spot on and the supporting cast is delightful.
It’s a more sideways approach to the terminal illness plot, and that’s not a bad thing. The sickness is handled lightly (comparatively), and that allows the human drama to be more emotional.
One episode of past remorse and half an episode of crime-related tension, though neither completely disrupts the show. If you’re already sold on it by episode 3 like I was, you follow it pretty believably through all its twists.
Again, life goes on after her death and everyone cherishes the memories. Gives it an ensemble cast kind of feel.
Much of the series takes place at night, thanks to the whole point of the drama, so it does have a dimmer, almost glowing kind of visual. I loved it. There's always something a little ethereal and atmospheric about the beach at night.
Spectacular. It didn’t win Best Music at the 50th Television Drama Academy Awards for nothing! The BGM is to die for, with its effortless blend of strings and piano. Kaoru’s guitar-strumming songs are simple, but thoroughly enjoyable, and you find yourself humming along every time. Her voice isn’t particularly distinguished, but it works, being that she is an amateur singer playing an amateur singer. The drama is all it is because of the music. Well done, well done.
Yamada Takayuki (another Gazer) had to grow on me, but once he did, I was sold. He’s very subtle and unassuming (as Kaaj says, the "strong, silent type"), which makes him all the more attractive. Meanwhile, Erika, seasoned heroine by this point, was able to pull out all the right emotions. The result was a surprisingly mature chemistry.
Apple's Tier Ranking: 1st
