Japan's answer to Satoshi Kon's Perfect Blue
Most people know Japanese dramas for being formulaic, repetitive, full of tropes etc. and that is because of the vast amount of high school and job oriented shows they release each season. Little did they know there is one aspect Japan excels a lot, and that is when their creativity takes over and start to think outside the box. They are by far the most innovative when it comes to script and ideas. This risk would sometimes result in some pretentious crap, but when struck gold, it would be a masterpiece that would stand the test of time. Masterpieces that makeup Japan's rich film history, but it's not only in movies as it happens in their dramas as well."Dakara Watashi wa Oshimashita" is the modern example of that. A story with a moving theme portrayed in an unusual setting. An underground idol who is desperate to improve and an office lady who seeks likes from her social media friends. Both are looking for that elusive attention, or should I say connection. The human connection theme is well portrayed and explored. It's not just a simple handshake, but a sincere thought of support to someone. Different people have different reasons for being a fan. To some, it's physical attraction, but for Endo Ai meeting Hana is the most significant turning point in her life.
The plot is timely and original. In today's world where the number of idol fans is on its peak, I think it's safe to say that this story will hit home on so many levels. The drama is well layered and also very raw. They show you all the good and the bad things about idol culture, from fun chants, idol festivals to unfair wage practices in idol industry. I also love how they didn't stereotype idol otakus. They portray them as ordinary people with regular jobs. It's too detailed and well researched with so many references about idol culture. It's been years since that anime movie "Perfect Blue" which many considered as a masterpiece for its time but mostly known for giving negative connotation towards idol otakus or idol culture in general. Now that 22 years later, Yoshiko Morisita counters that with her own masterpiece of a drama. For me "Dakara Watashi wa Oshimashita" is Japan's answer to Satoshi Kon's "Perfect Blue".
Before I thought all idol groups are the same, but watching this drama, I realized underground idol groups are a bit different. The drama did a great job in showing the appeal of these type of idol groups. You are not just an average fan who fangirl/fanboy in front of tv. You also go to their events and interact with them. It feels you are helping them to get better like you are also part of the process. Unlike other idol groups who have years of training to master their craft, their fans only appreciate the final product.
Though the writing in this drama is its strongest asset, it's those damn visual what takes it on another level. The cinematography is perfect. It's very poetic. I love the use of colors, especially whenever neon lights are present. I dare to say this is what they called cinematic storytelling, which you can't separate visual style to visual language. Sound design is also excellent, and with the help of brilliant editing makes such scenes very compelling. Not just powerful scenes, but it also has a fair share of scenes that will deliver goosebumps. Music used during those scenes fits perfectly. It underlines the mood and evokes characters emotion.
Speaking of characters, even if the drama achieved excellence in writing, cinematography, and music, the drama would have failed without good actors aboard. The good thing is this drama has good and capable actors. Sakurai Yuki and Shiraishi Sei's acting is on point, and should I say they have cute chemistry as well? That chemistry is a huge reason why these characters are well portrayed.
A fresh concept, brilliant writing, strong theme with excellent execution, this drama have it all. Its a toss-up between "Saka no Tochu no Ie" and this drama for my best Japanese drama this year.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-8Pt2B66RE
It's recommended to watch this MV after you see the drama. It has additional scenes that makes the ending more beautiful.
Check my Blog for other reviews & other JDramas stuffs. (｡◕‿‿◕｡)
https://thatjapanesedramaguy.blogspot.com/
Was this review helpful to you?
One thing that I really loved was the camera work. They made it look like it was filmed with a phone or an old camera, like a documentary which resulted to a more realistic twist to the whole drama. Also, the way that they presented the story was pretty good and clever. However, the editing was kind of off and sometimes the story got confusing.
The story, moreover, was unique and entertaining. They kept it real and didn't add any romance or unnecessary twist to it. It was humane and deep, as it showed how the characters influenced one another.
So, overall, eight out of ten.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
What a great show. Sunny Side Up Forever!
Wow, what can I say about this amazing dorama?It truly touched me in a way I can't fully express in words. Seeing something capture my love for my idols is always nice, but this time it showed all the ups and downs.
I'm so happy everyone was able to keep going.
Ai-san working with Shiiba-san and in the Basement bar, helping the new generation of idols is just so good. Looks like she, Shiiba-san and Azuki-san didn't migrate towards the new group (Frosty) but each other way is fine. It is what happens when the group disbands. Some goes to "oshing" another and some don't.
Hana-chan seems to have not only made up with the girl she made the fake photo but they are actually friends. She seems to be doing ok. Hana-chan as well. Being able to work and pay back every penny Ai-san lend to her was a nice touch.
I understand her wanting to distance herself from the group ad the fans to not make them be associate with the whole Urita debacle, but in my head canon, she is now in a place were she can meet them again. She move forward a future were she can say I'm home (Tadaima Mirai).
What a great show. Sunny Side Up Forever!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Great drama
I really enjoyed watching this drama i liked how the main character developed that way at first she thought that she was like hana that no matter how hard she tried it was not good then as the story progresses she started supporting hana-chan and doing whatever she could even becoming a camgirl to fully support her and at some point she realized that hana was lying to her so she doubted herself for being a supporter in the end they made up and they managed to save han chan from the stalker that lost his mind and kidnapped her and also tried to put all the blame on herself because she wanted to save hana and so after realizing how far she went for her hana decided to stop keeping contact with them and then a year later she found her again and was happy that she saw her again.Was this review helpful to you?
