ookami: JDrama - Last Cinderella

Sunday, July 20, 2014

JDrama - Last Cinderella

Don't know quite how to describe this one. It certainly different from anything that I've seen before. It has all the typical elements of a Japanese drama, but with one interesting exception. With all the ups and downs the only thing that kept surprising me throughout the series is that unique love triangle.

The characters were interesting, sometimes funny and sometimes serious. Everything was well balanced. The emotions conveyed to the viewers were very real, genuine and made you feel exactly what the characters were feeling.

Since the love triangle dominated the entire series things were always on some kind of a scale that could tip over on either side. It definitely keeps you guessing until the very end. Also, what would a good drama be like without a love rival or two..

Somewhere around the middle of the season you'll probably pick your favorite guy and start rooting for him. In this case your can cheer for Team Tachibana or Team Saeki, whichever you prefer. I know I did, even though it was hard to choose. Both guys were great in their own way, but in the end it was Sakura's choice.

The only annoying thing about it was that one side fell in love during a deception game and that kinda complicated later events. The selfishness of one of the characters was just too much to handle. It was a bit over the top and near the end even kinda pathetic.

Final episode was an unexpected bitter-sweet twist of fate. Guess all is well that ends well.

All in all I recommend this drama because it's interesting, motivational and really good. Give it a try if you get the chance.

Plot

Women today can sometimes forget about their gender, as they devote themselves deeper and deeper into their career. Among such women, some suffer overwork, unbalance of hormones, hair loss and the likes. In fact, few women even experience the growth of a thick mustache! According to a survey, there have been results indicating that about 60% of women feeling that they were “turning male” in the past. At 29, these women only had to be concerned with marriage or work, but at 39, the time limit draws nearer, with increased concerns of pregnancy, divorce, aging parents, and change of job.

"Last Cinderella" will depict the reality of these women, who try their best to live each day to their fullest. Playing the main character, a 39 year old female hair stylist Toyama Sakura is Shinohara Ryoko. Sakura meets a handsome younger man, Saeki Hiroto at a party and is drawn to him. A BMX rider since age 20, Hiroto’s income is dependent on his performance, which means that his pay is unstable. As he gets to know Sakura, he is slowly drawn to her as well. Then there is Tachibana Rintaro, Sakura’s boss and good friend, Takenouchi Miki, Sakura’s best friend who suffers from a sexless marriage, and Hasegawa Shima, the other best friend who is addicted to sex, and finally a regular customer to the hair salon, Ooami Chiyoko who is in love with Rintaro. It’s a modern heart-thumping love comedy that’s sure to make you smile!