Drama: I"s
Romaji: Aizu
Japanese: アイズ
Director: Keisuke Toyoshima, Mari Asato
Writer: Masakazu Katsura (manga)
Network: BS SPTV
Actors: Amane Okayama, Sei Shiraishi, Kyoka Shibata, Minori Hagiwara, Konatsu Kato
Based on a manga of the same name, I"s tells a story of a boy (Seto Ichitaka) who held his feeling for a girl (Iori Yoshizuki) for a long time. Again and again, he plans to tell her his true feelings, but each time something gets in the way. His mix feelings towards other girls didn't help. The recurring thing in I"s is the main character always finds himself lost in daydreaming or imagining, and that feeling is very relatable to any young males who fantasize about women they like.
The drama depicts Ichitaka's romantic struggles over the span of years which is if you think of it is an excellent formula for a good coming of age themed story, but sadly its potential was not realized because of poor pacing and poor characterization for some of its characters.
Characters
Seto Ichitaka is a prototype character in any harem type of anime. He had terrible luck with girls that he developed a defensive posture when dealing with them. Accidental pervert as you may say, he always falls into that situation where all guys in this world would envy. He's loyal to his one pure love though, so I give that to him.
Yoshizuki Iori is the number one love interest for Ichitaka. She exudes pure, elegance and sweet aura. Iori is a friendly type of girl who's easy to like and to get along with. I love her character development throughout the series. Iori is not your typical girl next door; there is a depth given to her character.
In every harem type of story, there is this childhood friend, and in this story, it is Itsuki Akiba. She is a total opposite of Iori, loud, reckless and shameless, and Itsuki has one-sided love for Ichitaka since they were young. Itsuki is one of the essential characters in this series as she also acts as the emotional coach for Ichitaka. She is a significant influence for Ichitaka's growth in this series.
Izumi Isozaki is the youngest among the four. She is two years younger than Ichitaka. Her character was introduced halfway through the series. She fell in love with Ichitaka after he defends her from her overly aggressive ex-boyfriend. She is as bubbly as Itsuki but more straightforward when it comes to her feelings and affections towards Ichitaka
Aiko Asō is quite ditzy and empty-headed. She always misplaces the key to her apartment. Aso resembles Iori a lot that it messed up Ichitaka's head whether he likes her or lot. Her character was introduced near the end of the series, and sadly among the four, she got less time to develop.
I"s is an okay drama if you are not too critical. It is entertaining if you look at it as a harem anime. I"s has the elements of what makes harem plot very engaging. It has a wide variety of characters that causes drama and comedy.
I especially like the comedy part, like the main character, will always fall into that awkward situation that creates sexual tension between him and the female characters. And of course, harem genre wouldn't be famous without fanservice, and this drama has fanservice as well like close up thigh shots etc. there are no panty shots thought because otherwise, the producers would put this drama on night time slot.
The acting is quite good. Okayama Amane is suitable for
playing loser types of characters and Shiraishi Sei's casting for Iori is also perfect.
Her aura matches the role very well. Shibata Kyoka is the standout though, and she
is brilliant in Itsuki's part. I felt her envy and longing through her eyes.
She is that good that I felt that Itsuki is the best girl in this series.
The problem with I"s is the pacing, the first half is okay, but It felt rushed from the middle to end that it makes the main character look like a total playboy for falling in love that easy. There is not enough built up for the last two girls, IMO. It would be much better if they made it 16 episodes/2 seasons instead.
Based on the reviews I've read about the manga, I"s should be more than a fanservice. The portrayal of love doesn't appear that deep. They had the concept, first love, childhood love, long-distance relationship etc. It's just a shame that with unbalanced pacing, I"s only appears to be the
Coffee and Vanilla for men.
Comments
Post a Comment