Well…at least I’m not cursing and screaming my lungs out like I did when I’ve seen the ending for Paradise Kiss.
In short, IT’S NOT THAT bad. People are pissed off because they didn’t get their hollywood ending:
Rei runs after the taxi, screams KENZOOOOO. While all of us are expecting for Kenzo to catch a glimpse of Rei in the sideview mirror, for the taxi to stop, for them to run to each other (in slow motion), and then insert tearful love realizations…they hug…they kiss…and they hug again…the credit rolls. Everybody is happy, ya?
But everybody is angry and disappointed because we get this:
Some yamap and prodai fanatics are assuring themselves that it was a smart and meaningful ending. I have a heavy heart but I actually belong to the latter group. I’m not assuring myself. I thought it was a well done conclusion. It would have been an excellent episode if YamaP gave more than his mediocre performance. But as my sis told me, “This is the best drama YamaP has been in.” Wouldn’t you agree?
How many times have we yelled at our screen: just tell her you love her, you idiot! Probably almost each episode, eh? And when the time finally arrived, instead of words of encouragement, words of oh-my-gawd-don’t-tell-me-you’re-gonna-do-it came out from my mouth. Yup, those words. I could see how the most awaited confession from Kenzo could be considered cruel towards Tada-san, but the hell with being considerate…I’ve been waiting for this scene since episode 1, so let me emote in peace. Well, I was horrified but awfully touched at the same time. I couldn’t look at Tada-san’s face. Then, top it off with that probability bet scene between him and Rei…oh my, oh my, what a saint! You people who cussed at Tada and named him the “King of the Nerds” Be ashamed of yourself. Here stands a good man…totally not your typical Korean supporting actor. tsk tsk tsk.
The final memorable scene was Rei’s epiphany. It also made me wonder if the writer had this ending on mind when s/he wrote the very first episode. The tables were turned; Rei is now wearing Ken’s burden of regret. The one who is in fault is not Ken, but Rei. Like Ken, we thought that the little things he did everytime he went back were not enough. But through Rei’s eyes, they were more than enough. They piled up into this gigantic glaring question mark: Don’t you see how much you mean to Kenzo, Rei?
I thought the fairy was going to have Rei go back in the past too. Instead he told her,
“…but the most important thing is the purpose of changing something now for the future. Even from now on, don’t you think you’ll reach him in time?”
Why go back in the past when you can change the future right now in the present?
That line has left the strongest impression on me.
Before I end this post, I want to give kudos, again, to Nagasawa Masami.
Starting from the scene during Kenzo’s speech, to her confrontation with Tada-san, to that scene in the church…wow, girl, you have my R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Subtle but effective acting. She didn’t overdo it. Just one look in her face, and you can see the jumble of emotions she is feeling inside.
Most romantic scene goes to the kiss between Tsuru and Eri. It made my heart skipped a bit.
Weird but memorable character is their high school teacher turned pottery artist.
Random but funny moment
Coolest Character: Fairy-san, of course. He’s tearing up in here…T_T
Signature line in par with Nobuta Powaa is Hallelujah Chance.
My favorite episode is still the second one. I don’t think there’s one single boring episode. They were all great. I thought YamaP’s Hallelujah Chance will get old, but I kinda got used to it.
Best shot scene is during the second episode when they played Chiisana Koi no Uta.
Most touching scene is from the finale (you know which). And this one too.
But you know what….I think I want my hollywood ending after all, and so I give it an A. This is the kind of drama where you need the hug and the kiss. 5 seconds is all we need! Damn it. 5 freakin seconds!!! Even a glimpse of Rei running towards him will make me extremely happy.
PS: If you haven’t dropped by the discussion thread at d-a…go check it out. There are some deep analysis going on in there. Look for belleza’s – he/she is one of my favorite jdrama poster.
Excelent post! I agree that a little something more might have felt good, but really this was a great ending and I am glad they ended it the way they did. I would have liked a glimpse at Rei, but I think the hugs and kisses would have been going overboard and felt cheep.
After the final episode I just sitted still and didn’t believe it ended. I thought something like this: “Okay… right… it… ended? THAT WAS THE END!?!?!?!? MY GOD WHAT’S WRONG WITH DA DIRECTOR!!! DOESN’T HE FEEL ANY MERCY FOR US POOR WATCHERS WHO HAVE CRIED ENDLESSLY BECAUSE OF THOSE TWO AND IN THE END THEY DON’T EVEN GET TO HUG!!!!” But now I have calmed down and think… well… “if not hug then just speak, like: god why did I run for you you idiot…or why not just film their faces when they watch each other!!! But noooo…” Quess now there are really good prospects for season two… I don’t think japanese Pink-fans have seen enough. At least I haven’t.
Yea I felt the same too. The show was going emotional, meaningful and all….. then the ending was PIANNGG! Totally shattered. They could’ve at least show Rei running towards Ken and Ken knowing it. I mean, that was what we’ve always wanted right? For both of them to know that the other party had always loved him/herself. *Sighs*, nevermind. At least the show had taught me something. I still missed the show though…. POST-DRAMA SYNDROME [that's what my friend always say, lol]
This was a perfect post! I totally agree with everything here. Except I personally did not like fairy dude that much only because he seemed like the Japanese version of Robin Williams LOL (well, he was good in Jumanji…) but his last lines of wisdom really hit me, too. You can change the present. I really wanted them to hug and kiss at the end too!!!! I can’t stop listening to mongol 800 – chiisai koi no uta its soooo good. the scene in epi2 and epi8 are both really heart breaking. its so nostalgic *heart bleeds* T_T
I thought this ending was GREAT.
After reading some of the posts, I’m thinking that some (@Mimmu, @moumouren) did not get the satisfaction b/c they did not see the real ending (where YamaP pushes the taxi) after Kuwata Keisuke’s end-song in the last episode.
What’s so bad about the ending? At the very end after the credits, rei catches up and Kenzo sees her! It’s obvious that they’ll be together.
What I would say is. Excellent!:)
Even tough i would love to see at least a glimpse of Rei and Ken facing each other only with a smile. No need to hug and kiss.
I have been extremely cried throughout this drama. Until when i heard as song called ” There is no word” when I haven’t finished this series yet. I just want to blurted out to Rei ” Can’t you see how much he loved you”. But at the end the director and the writer ended it beautifully. Excellent. Which showed each other internal feelings and emotion.
There are so many things that this series want us to learn. It is not a simple I love you. I mean of course the director and the writer no how much we want the viewer to see it. But I think the MOST PRECIOUS and VITAL message is the growth of maturity in Ken character after have been facing so much regretted and suffers no matter how much he went back to the past is what we must appreciated. Furthermore, the most important think is learn from your past and do whatever you can in the timebeing being proud and brave for something better in future.
Lol.
I love Japanese drama
But I can’t agreed with you more. If only they can hug for 5 freaking second only it will release of suffering tough!
sorry ” our” not “of”
I’m sorry again to repost. But what did you mean by mediocre performance?tq
The ending was so smart (but my brother was so upset bout it, Hehe) but still.. i need to see Ken and Rei in one frame, smiling each other, no need to kiss, hug will be fine..
Well, the ending was not exactly what I expected. Like u, I do love to see a hollywood ending.
At least it was comforting to know that both Kenzo and Rei FINALLY realised what’s more important : the present.
i think its not a really bad end, haha its true no hug nor kiss there. this is typical of japanese drama, they makes us imagine the end ourself ^^ u can imagine She run into Kenzo and hug him and merry go round there, then the next day they married and live happily ever after ^^
i rate this drama : Super
dunno why each episode can touch my heart so deep inside, keep crying until last episode
the producer very good i think, even they much silent scene and only talk in heart, dunno why so deep touching… also the music move me into tears ^^
i come to get permision can i take the screenshot ^^
thx
whoa.
I just finished it about a week ago, and seems we don’t really have similar taste! hahaha ( not that’s a problem though..)
I don’t like this one. Not memorable, not a fun experience for me of watching doramas. I know that doramas have different character and approach compared to other Asian dramas. This one? I was so bored. Sorry, no offense, but yes, this is not my cup of tea..
( but I like Yamashita on Kurosagi..)
I was actually pretty apprehensive about watching this one, because I knew it was going to put me through the emotional wringer, and it did, right on par with HYD2 (that one was CRAZY. Even though you knew they were going to be together…). Most dramas do that for me, but I knew it was going to be a lot of “Come ooonnn! Tell her! TELL HER. What are you… no don’t run away… what the…? ARGH *cries, throws things at screen*”
I’m really glad I watched it though, because I loved it. As far as Good Acting goes it seems like Yamashita relies too much on his prettiness, but he really makes you feel for him. Anyway, both the leads did a spectacular job. When they were alone together in a room, the chemistry from them could hit you from a mile away. Although initially slightly disappointed with the ending, I remembered those adorably awkward times, and knew that their love was much, much deeper than hugs and kisses. Because she could have been happy with Tada, refusing to realize that Ken (zo!) matched her at a more soulful level. And it was great how he confessed at the wedding- a little in poor taste, but it was honest, and he just did it so his feelings would be known. And the lack of Hollywood ending makes it, if possible, more memorable than the bajillions of romance dramas out there.
i totally agree with your thoughts!!! i really need the hug & kiss at the end!!! even for 5seconds!!! waaahhhh! well, it’s still a very good dorama so far!!! it’s my first drama of yamapi!!! he’s good!!!
You know, I know of a few people who didn’t even care to roll past the credits to see the very last scene with Ken and Rei(well, she was off screen).
I think that one took the cake,
after the song, in the end, hes pushing the taxi because the taxi man ran out of gas and someone screams ken zou~~ and then he turns around n smile,s they never show who it was tho cuz they think everyone will know its her
But everyone who saw knows it is her, of course.
I’d just like to say that i really loved your review. I’ve seen prodai before and i’m actually just rereading stuff while waiting for the subbed SP to come out. but damn, your recap, screenshots, everything, they just brought me back. emotions just overflowed as the first time i’ve seen it. i really love this drama, esp episodes 2 and 5. and yeah, i was also really touched when chibi kenzo said that she’ll take care of rei. i was really happy with how it ended, contrary to how other people felt coz finally, kenzo did it, and finally, rei was honest with her feelings.
Thanks, now i’m even more excited for the SP!
Maybe we’ll get our Hollywood ending after all. I can’t wait to see he SP!
I watched the SP without subs… I had subs but I dl the version with adverts so the subs didn’t sync after the 1st ad… Anyway all I can say is, I wish they had cut it from the point at the start where they hugged at the beach and attached it to the ending of the series… I thought Eri’s story was really boring and Yamapi looked a lil unwell. Masami was really perky here but I thought she was really mature during the wedding… I think they reprised the song Chiisana Koi no Uta in the SP…
when i watched the end i was like omg that can’t be the end!!! then i skipped pased the end song and found a bit more at the end(at least i think there was or was it just the dvds i bought?)…if u haven’t watched it there is more but it still doesn’t have a hug or a kiss….awwwww
first off, i really loved this review, jaycee. it was really good and i love how you didn’t just post a “wtf, i hate the ending!!” kinda thing.
well, at first i was honestly really really hesitant about watching this series just because of all the hate reviews everyone gave about the ending.
luckily i’m not the type to rate a drama based just on the ending, but the whole thing (plus, i REALLY loved Yamapi from Nobuta wo Produce AND i thought that since i’d been giving Kame-kun a chance in other roles, i decided that Yamapi deserved that right too). soooo, regardless of all the hate reviews, i gave it a chance.
like you, jaycee, i thought i’d be annoyed with the hallelujah chances, but as each episode went by, i found myself waiting anxiously for him to say it and finally get with Rei. the episodes follow a smidgen of a formula–watch a slide, forget what happened during the picture, and try to make Rei happier. again, i thought i’d get bored with the repeat, but the episodes just had so many unexpected feel-good moments that they either made me grin til my face hurt or just plain broke my heart.
personally, i liked Naohito’s character too, but of course, after watching all that he went through, i was a Ken supporter.
as far as the ending–please just watch the ENTIRE thing people PAST the credits. i realize that even then, they don’t have the complete “hollywood ending” but i think that they honestly did that on purpose to give leeway for the special–i mean, what better way to make money than to end a series but make the audience so unsatisfied with the ending that they just HAVE to watch the special??
the special was absolutely fantastic!! i loved it uber amounts–maybe even more so than the series.
so give it a chance, guys–it’s completely worth it!
^_____________^
I don’t know if you’ve seen it but there is a special episode.
Its not as good as the series (as all SP’s are except Nodame cantabile), but im pretty sure that youll find your Hollywoodish ending there.
I’m a glad this dorama had an SP. The Hallejulah Chance of Yamapi is really hilarious.
Ohio
I’m not a Saudi American, but I love Asian Ktheira ^ ^
But many liked Dina Drama
But the end is required when the girl was running and his Tsark Kenzo When I turn and ended Abestm drama
But the need to end before the stock position!!
But I like really really Yamashita b Kurosagi drama and the drama as well, and all nobota Dramath I liked a lot
Bay ^ ^
I just finished watching this – and the only reason I actually finished it was because of Yamapi. I liked the idea of the plot and Yamapi’s acting was great as always, but Masami Nagasawa’s acting (or what she haphazardly tried to pass off as acting) just really annoyed me. I usually find that I benefit greatly from your recommendations, but I guess this a difference in opinion we have. Maybe some aspect of this drama just completely went over my head, but this was really disappointing for me.
Great reviews, by the way! I come here whenever I need a drama to watch
i sympathize yamapi in this drama..though i coudnt feel his acting.
Love Masami here..hate her in Last friends