Singing Nodame Style

Tonight, M came over just as I was watching the Proposal Daisakusen SP. Given she sings, I thought I'd show her bits of my favorite JDorama, Nodame Cantabile, just to get an idea of what she genuinely thinks of classical music. Imagine the giddiness I felt when she got hooked to the show almost immediately, and when what I originally planned would be a ten-minute preview turned into a three-hour marathon. Nodame is addictive. Seriously. I mean, the only JDorama M ever enjoyed before it was Absolute Boyfriend, and I've a feeling she only liked that because of Night's abs. Because, well, if I had gotten hooked to that thing, those monay would have been my reason.

Nodame Cantabile is narrated by Chiaki Shinichi, a gifted senior at Momogaoka Music College with a widely-fawned over prince complex. Due to childhood trauma, he is unable to travel to Europe, and improve his skills in the heartland of classical music. Moreover, he is at a rocky point in his studies, as he is putting up with the piano when he really wants to be a conductor. Given he knows he is underperforming in terms of his full potential, Chiaki becomes bitter and miserable whenever he is reminded that he's not moving forward.

After one particularly depressing-wasted evening, he becomes friends with his next-door-neighbor and kouhai in the piano department, Nodame Megumi - or Nodame, as even she calls herself. He takes an interest in Nodame, who has excellent playing technique but little drive to become a professional musician. As he takes it upon himself to tutor her - cooking dinners and cleaning her perpetually trash-packed apartment on the side - he finds more doors opening for him, more opportunities coming his way, orchestrated by no less than Nodame herself.

Originally a bestselling manga by Ninomiya Tomoko, Nodame Cantabile now has an 11-episode live action series (2006) starring Ueno Juri and Tamaki Hiroshi, complete with a 2-part SP filmed in Europe, as well as a 2-part blockbuster movie franchise. It also has an anime spanning 3 seasons, done by one of my favorite anime production houses, JC Staff (Ghost Hunt). Aside from Oricon-topping albums and a special Nodame orchestra, I've heard it's also inspired an actual cafe in Japan. And because of the manga's popularity, Ninomiya-sensei has expanded theNodame universe to include an Opera Hen single volume manga. Last I checked, it wasn't fully uploaded on mangatraders yet, but it should be soon.

If I knew anyone reading this could share my appreciation for Nodame, I'd write down everything I love - and hate - about it. But since I'm not even sure anyone reads this blog regularly - more so reads it for the reviews, which are almost always raves - I'll have to resort to the gasgas advice, "Watch it and judge it for yourself." I can't recommend any good subbing groups for this because my personal copies are only soft subs, and I don't even know who worked on them. But, should you come to love the show - and I highly doubt you won't - you might consider reading Garnet's per-episode recaps and reviews of Nodame Cantabile (Google: Memento, Garnet, Nodame Cantabile). She's also got excellent screenshots, which are now part of my random pictures collection.

Do yourself a favor and watch Nodame Cantabile, live action. Japanese slapstick romcom minus the gag-worthy cheesiness so common in love stories (ehem, Koreanovelas) these days.

NB: Photos not mine. Don't know who owns them.

Procrastination: Two Themes

As I write this, I have two days left till my final exams for this semester, but I’m watching movies instead of studying. I’m not going to say I can’t help it, because that sounds so irresponsible, but honestly, I was not in the mood to hit the books. Besides I’m waiting for my midnight snack to arrive from Bermontz.

Regarding the first movie, Ninja Assassin, as I told Ate Dee, it had all the elements of a great film, although even all those couldn’t turn it into one. In fact, it’s one of those movies you can play while playing minesweeper. Yep, it’s that forgettable.

Synopsis: Mika Coretti (Naomi Campbell) is a Europol forensic researcher obsessed with figuring out the truth behind years’ worth of Ninja legends. While she investigates recent newsworthy assassinations, a rogue Ninja named Raizo (Rain) is roaming Berlin free, trying to find people who will help him take down his old clan, the Ozunu. As Mika’s leads get hotter and more dangerous, she attracts the attention of Raizo – not to mention, the eye of the Ninja clan he has betrayed.

Cinematography-wise, it looked too fake, from its too-red blood down to its very fake looking landscapes and gadgets. Acting was good, for a film that requires very little from its actors, and music was all right – not too much, in fact, which was good. The story wasn’t shallow either; perhaps a bit underdeveloped, but passable, if not predictable. The highs include Rain’s voice and English (which is very smooth) and Naomi Campbell’s facial expressions - especially during the scene where she’s driving a car to get away from some Ninjas on her trail. Oh, and yes, the climactic sword-slash scene was wonderful – I swear I will someday marry a man who will have Sho Kosugi’s physique even at the age of 60. The only low I can think of is its very poor plot development; everything seemed to happen in a blur. Or maybe that’s because I was playing Minesweeper while watching it?

For me though, Ninja Assassin redeemed itself towards the end. I love the embedded significance of the scene where Raizo climbs the wall of his old home. Poignant ending for a forgettable film.

Regarding the second movie (because yes, the irresponsible girl watched two), Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children Complete, I found it even worse than Ninja Assassin because it was thirty minutes longer and admittedly less engaging – although maybe the lack of subtitles made being attentive extra difficult.

Synopsis: (From DBD case) Continuing the story line based on the hit Playstation game Final Fantasy VII, two years have passed and the ruins of Midgar stands as a testament to the sacrifices made in order to bring peace. However, the world will soon face a new menace. A mysterious illness is spreading fast. Old enemies are astir. And Cloud, who walked away from the life of a hero to live in solitude, must step forward yet again.

As expected of a first timer to a Final Fantasy movie, the art blew me away. The landscapes, in contrast to those of Ninja Assassin, were breathtaking, and the story was good, too. Acting wise… er, I can’t really say anything because you can make CG characters play their parts perfectly, with your only obstacle to proper expression being technical limitations. But yes, the characters played their roles well – although it slightly bothered me the way the kids nodded so much; even Tifa’s movements were distracting.

Music was not bad, not good, nothing spectacular; dubbing was good, as expected. The lows include a REALLY dragging, complicated storyline. You don’t have to be an FF VII fan to understand the plot, but seriously, it’s not your usual “the world is facing a major crisis and So-and-So is the only one who can prevent mankind’s demise” story. In fact, for three fourths of the film, I was confused regarding “Mother’s” identity. And the fact that almost half the whole film was composed mainly of fight scenes featuring dragon-like creatures that fell from the high heavens did not make me happy at all. Some of the highs were Rufus (the President of Shinra, if I’m not mistaken?) and that pretty little girl who later on becomes Denzel’s friend. Oh, and yes, the ART. The ART saves the whole film. Square Enix rocks!

Do Re Mi Fa So La Ti Do

Summary: While working part time at an amusement park as a dinosaur mascot girl, Yoon Jung Won gets pranked on by a group of teenage guys, the leader of which she pours cola on as a form of revenge. Shortly after that, a new family moves into the house next door, and to Jung Won's surprise, the young son of their neighbor is the same mischievous guy she met at the amusement park, Shin Eun Gyu. Through conversations exchanged over the rooftops of their houses, Jung Won and Eun Gyu become friends, and eventually, he invites her to watch his band, Do Re Mi Fa So La Ti Do, practice. At the practice venue, Jung Won meets Kang Hee Woo, an old friend who has drifted away from her because of a "mistake" the latter supposedly commited against the former's family. Burdened by her guilt, Jung Won is forced by Hee Woo to stay by his side always, the way she used to when they were still the best of friends. The complication is that, at this point in time, Jung Won and Eun Gyu are already dating, and caught between the two guys, Jung Won finds it very difficult to juggle her roles to the two of them - will she have to choose?

I have to admit, I was very excited to watch this movie; it's one of the few 5 star-rated KMovies at mysoju.com. (Last time I checked though, it's been demoted.) Also, a few minutes into the movie, I was very intrigued by the guy playing Shin Eun Gyu - he is the most kilig-inducing male lead I've ever seen anywhere. But anyway, he's not the only good thing about this movie.

What I like best about DRMFSLTD is that it's a music-oriented movie aimed at teens, and yet id didn't come out corny like HS Musical and Camp Rock. (Although a die-hard fan of the two bashed films would probably argue that the former's target is a higher teenage bracket while the latter two's targets are preteens.) I also particularly liked the story; except for the deus ex machina, the whole concept's relatively fresh for young adult romance. The editing was cool, and the photography was excellent - the ending credits were worth the wait. But there are two aspects of DRMFSLTD that merit further discussion: OST and cast.

Because this is, after all, a movie about music, the soundtrack is expected to be smashing - and it is. I don't mean to bash KPop or anything (in fact, I'm starting to get hooked on SNSD) but the lyrics of the more popular Korean songs that reach Philippine shores aren't exactly inspiring (e.g. SNSD's Gee's you're-so-handsome "concept" is rather eye-roll worthy). The songs featured in DRMFSLTD, however, have well-written lyrics; for pop-rock songs, anyway. My favorite ones are the song Eun Gyu sings to open the Goodbye Concert, the song he sings the first Jung Won visits the basement to hear his band practice, and the song about the kitten that ran away.

For the cast, I loved each of the actors who portrayed their respective roles; I also noticed, rather belatedly, that the guy playing Hee Woo is the same guy playing that model-antagonist in Boys Over Flowers. My issue, however, is that although all of them played their parts well, somehow, they don't look good together. I mean, Hee Woo and Jung Won do, but Eun Gyu and Jung Won don't - and I'm not saying this because I think I should end up with Eun Gyu, nuh-uh. It's just that Eun Gyu looks very young compared to Jung Won, and they just don't match - physically, at least. Admittedly, however, they have a "best pals" rapport type - just not on an eye candy level.

Overall, I give Do Re Mi Fa So La Ti Do 4 stars even though I have two issues with it; it's just a really well-made movie, and I belive it's far too good to be rated with just 3 stars. The deducted star I'll divide between: 1) casting mish-mash; and, 2) frenzied plot development (the story might have unfolded better if it was filmed as a TV series). The four stars I give to it because of: 1) amazing acting by everyone, esp. Jang Geun Suk whose mentally-ill characterization was very impressive; 2) OST; 3) editing; and, 4) I just like it. Not the most feel-good movie ever made, but worth watching all the same.

A Millionaire's First Love

Summary: Han Jae Kyung is the heir to a large estate that he's set to inherit upon turning 18. There is, however, a condition: that he transfer to a high school in a rural town and stay there until he graduates. In that tiny, close-knit town, he meets Eun Wan, who later on becomes his first love. The conflict is that she's got a serious heart condition, and she might not live long.

Okay. I'm sorry for that frenzied summary. I'm watching Do Re Mi Fa So La Ti Do as I type this, and be cause I'm very distracted by the rather attractive (and that's a euphemism) Eun Gyu - who just might be that trumpeter guy from Beethoven Virus - I can't concentrate very well on reviewing a movie that left me disappointed.

A Millionaire's First Love starts off promising - the editing for the beginning is very crisply Jdorama-like, and then there's Eun Wan's enigmatic entrance, which makes the viewer want to watch on just to know exactly who she is. All the way until Jae Kyun transfers to Rural High (which should have been renamed Ghost High due to the pathetic number of students in it) the movie seems interesting, but after the scene where he's forced to eat dinner with a classmate's family, it loses its appeal.

I kept watching a little after that though, because I was wondering if it would redeem itself by adding more punch to the storyline. But noooo. Until the very end (and I skipped, which I rarely, almost never, do) it stays predictable and unbelievable and ineffective in movie the audience. Unless, maybe, you're a hopeless romantic.

Overall, I'd give this movie 1 star. The lost four stars evaporated because of: lack of originality (I mean, an old template can be told some other way, right?), an unconvincing Eun Wan, very slow plot "development", and ordinary score. The lone star does to an effective Jae Kyung - lead guy from My Name is Kim Sam Soon - and for sheer effort.

Exactly where does the virus come in?

Summary: In the year 2000, an employee at a US Military Base in South Korea dumps several bottles' worth of formaldehyde down a laboratory drain and into the Han River. Six years later, a strange fish-slash-frog-like creature appears under a bridge, attacking innocent bystanders and creating a worldwide panic cum virus scare. Thirteen year old Park Hyun Seo, whose family runs a small food shop by the crime scene, ends up being dragged down into the monster's lair, a sewer full of limp, lifeless bodies. To make matters worse, the authorities refuse to believe her father, Gang Du, who insists that his daughter is still alive. Now, it is up to the Park family, composed of archery ace Nam Joo, unemployed university grad Nam Il, slightly dimwitted Gang Du, and their tolerant, spoonfeeding father, to rescue their precious Hyun Seo - right under the noses of the SKorean government, from whom they have escaped.

The first time I saw the trailer for The Host at our University Film Center, Cine Adarna, I thought it would be good - as in ass-kicking, scream-inducing good. Now that I've seen it though, I think it's one of those movies where the trailers are better than the real thing. Acting-wise, The Host is very good - the casting is amazing, and I'm very happy with the actors who portrayed their characters very well. In terms of music, too, I think the movie is effective; although that opinion is apparently not one I share with Ate Dee, who commented on the poor match-up between the orchestral score and the gory monster scenes.

The plain, same-old story is what brings The Host down. Although some twists are really cool [like miscounting bullets and breaking homemade soju bombs] the plot isn't anything great. Certainly, it's nothing new; we've all heard of the biological whatnot mutating into a mass-murdering creature, and we've seen films about virus epidemics, too. In the end, though, I don't hate the writers, because, as I'm now writing fanfiction, I realize how difficult it is to come up with anything original AND sane AND effective. [And may I please just rant about how disappointed I am that the New Moon script hasn't been adapted properly from the book? Cheesy lines every nine nanoseconds may have worked in print, but I'm telling you, they sound WRONG onscreen.]

Overall, The Host is nothing great, so I"ll give it two stars. I deducted the other three stars for: 1) unoriginal plot; 2) yawn-worthy moments; and, 3) sheer lack of the "glued to the edge of my seat" factor. The two stars I gave it are for: 1) plenty of laugh-out-loud moments; and, 2) Nam Il, Nam Joo and the rest of the crazy Park family. Watch only if very bored and low on movie options.

PS. I may be a bit biased because I don't like monster movies much.