Jókame no semi

I was almost disappointed there wasn't more of a Hollywood ending here. I watched the first episode, then the second, and suddenly found myself watching the last. I enjoyed it, although there were times when I was saying “Just catch her already, I want to see what happens in the present", but then again there were times when, like the main character, I was saying “Just one more minute, give them one more minute". I'll admit I wasn't very sympathetic to Kiwako in the beginning, but as time went on I suddenly wanted so badly for the two of them to stay together – it was so nice! I wish all three of them could stay on the island and have a good time. I think it would have been better for everyone – especially me. The series has a tragic feel to it, and it's such a strange contrast (in the second half of the series) with the pleasant setting and the people in it. I haven't seen such an enjoyable series in a long time, where they don't push the emotions, but it just kind of flows, it's natural. So if it makes you cry, it's not because the creators want to wring it out of you emotionally, but rather because the creators have succeeded in making you sympathize with the characters; you’re not indifferent to what happens to them. The ending may be disappointing for some – it partly was for me – but I guess it's that much more a slice of life. Decent drama, story, soundtrack, and cast (without Dan Rei I don't know how it would have turned out; it was also sweetened beautifully by Kishitani Gorô, with his speech and island dialect, and indeed his whole character). (12.06.2012)