Native Title: 東京ラブストーリー
Also Known As: Tokyo Rabusutori
Directors: Nagata Koto, Miki Koichiro, Yamamoto Toru
Screenwriters: Kitagawa Ayako
Original Network: Fuji TV, Amazon Prime
Actors: Ito Kentaro, Ishibashi Shizuka, Kiyohara Sho, Ishii Anna
Tokyo Love story is a remake of the classic Japanese drama in the 90's, I haven't watched the original but all I know is it is a classic and the ending is divisive. This remake made me want to check the original since the story and the characters are just excellent, and I only watched one episode. It also made me crave for grounded to reality romance stories with realistic characters because in these past years most romance Japanese dramas are just filled with over the top characters, like how many grounded romance dramas we get these past years, Koinaka? Love Story? Love that makes you cry? Chugakusei Nikki? Hirugao? What else I can't think of any. It's also interesting to see how this story is different from the original and seems it would be a fascinating experience to see the same story told in different times, no social media, no smart phones and to compare how Tokyo in 1991 different from 2020.
I love the whole vibe in this drama, the cinematography and music compliments each other, with captivating dialogue and scenes that just flows naturally. The acting is also very good, Anna Ishii seems to have no problem conveying the necessary emotions but it is Ishibashi Shizuka who currently owning the show. I've only seen her in low budget non mainstream movies but I can already tell she is an excellent actress, not your typical cutesy Japanese actresses which seems to be the trend for god knows how long. Her portrayal of Rika is so captivating, she is fierce and energetic and that gorgeous smile omg. The male leads are also good, Sho Kiyohara is charismatic and Ito Kentaro suprisingly fits the role. Kentaro and Shizuka already got that insane chemistry, the kouhai senpai office romance was handled perfectly. Both characters have depth and well written, they look so good together.
It seems they altered Rika's character in this version which made me think, this drama is part commentary where Rika symbolizes Tokyo in the story. It is her who is a Tokyo native where other 3 characters are from the countryside. It's like they are presenting her like how Tokyo became stronger after the bubble burst. The original Rika seems to be representing the uncertainties during those times where her version symbolizes the resolve after that crash. The question now is will they dare to change the ending this time around.
But anyway whether I get the commentary part or not, it's still a great captivating romance that seems lost in the modern age of Japanese dramas. The potential is through the roof and it could become one of the best Japanese drama this year or even set the bar for the best romance dramas for the coming years.
Comments
Post a Comment