Rondo (2006– ) User Reviews

INTRIGUING

[martin-fennell · 8/10 · 8 April 2019]

I suppose you could this has two distinct parts. For me the first part. Which would be episodes 1-6 is the best. What I particularly liked was the struggle for the Japanese and Korean to understand each other.

The second part starts off very well and is always gripping. But for me, it got a bit too melodramatic at times.

Then the female lead is about to do something soon into the second part. But she is prevented. Her character changes here. But she doesn't stay with that characterization for long. What she was going to do. Or it looked she was going to do, although convincing at the time, later on, doesn't really hang together. But still second part is gripping too. So THAT PART, gets an 8. As does the whole series.

awesome show; deep plot & gr8 acting with a tasteful mix of comical dialog!

[picki1 · 10/10 · 4 September 2006]

Possibly the best TV drama addiction I've experienced, "Rondo" (2006) is very well-written, portrayed, and captured. The complex storyline unfolds brilliantly, keeping you in gut wrenching suspense of what's to come, and truly distinguishes this drama from other LIGHT love stories or TV dramas in Japan.

This seems like a huge production for a TV series, truly on an international scale (more than just cast/staff, plot, locale), and embodies a wonderful collaboration (which I'm sure wasn't easy, but deserves admiration).

Underlying issues of trust/betrayal, communication across cultures, parental love, shortcomings of (or the frustration with) the justice system, international relations, among others resurface throughout the 11 episodes and make this an interesting AND realistic drama. The comical moments and inevitable love story also add warmth to this production. It's quite addicting, and once you start picking up on the details, multiple viewing becomes a must.

The three main stars (Yutaka Takenouchi, Ji Woo Choi, Hyeon-Jun Shin) give such wonderful performances that I wish this show were internationally available (to be elaborated below). I've glanced at articles of Japanese fans not liking Choi for being different from her character in "Winter Sonata" (a Korean drama that was HUGE in Japan, apparently), but such a statement dismisses the fact that Choi attempts a multi-faceted role and does a great job communicating her emotions to viewers in a foreign language (with subtitles, of course, but you still understand her!). Takenouchi and Shin both have such memorable roles and performances; when they're on screen, you just get sucked in. Takenouchi emotes so well, I can't even describe it; you see and feel everything he goes through. And Shin has some of the best lines and deliveries that you end up falling for him, too. They complemented each other very well for being such superb actors – they couldn't have been better cast.

The supporting roles (rather a star cast, I must say) are all vital in what they contribute to the screen. The younger sister, the neighbors, the mother, the bosses and head honchos, friends and co-workers (good or evil) are all so human that you can't help growing attached to them.

I saw the original Japanese broadcast version (w/ Japanese subtitles for parts spoken in Korean), and later bought a DVD with Chinese (S&T), English and Malay subtitles. I don't know about the Chinese and Malay, but the English translation does not do justice to the writers or the actors. Some translations are too literal, if not blatantly wrong, and the nuances are completely LOST! The comical aspects of conversations in mixed Japanese & Korean are not captured either. I hope better versions are out there b/c more people should see it.

Very different from other Japanese Drama

[yossi-16 · 9/10 · 4 November 2006]

Most Japanese dramas are based on relationships. Usually, un-likely ones and this one is no different. However, the story and the settings of this relation are totally different from the usual boy meets girl stories.

Takumi (Takenouchi Yutaka) is an undercover cop infiltrating "Kazama Holdings", a Japanese conglomerate which is actually only a mask for a crime syndicate called "Shenku". "Shenku"'s boss hired a Korean girl called Yuna (Che Ju) to develop a software so powerful it can topple Japan's economy if ever completed and ran.

So begins a very good story with many twists and turns in which nothing is as it seems to be and important characters end up dead in the chase to prevent the completion of the software.

The acting in this drama is superb. The actors maintain the high quality of their act throughout the 11 episodes of this drama to a triumphant achievement.

The quality of production is very high and the musical score, especially the theme song, "I Believe", sang by the singer Ayaka, is very memorable.

Most Japanese TV dramas run for a 3 month season for 11, 12 episodes with a beginning and an end. You hardly ever get sequels or a multiple season running story. This kind of TV is very rewarding since it doesn't stress the viewer's patience with a long running and ambiguous story (LOST anyone?).

If look for a different TV experience, try to get your hands on this one. I am in Israel and I managed to do it. I'm sure you can too.

An excellent drama series!

[ianlim · 10/10 · 1 January 2007]

This a MUST-WATCH Japanese drama series whether you are a fan of Takenouchi or not!! The storyline was brilliant. It succeeded includes so much of elements in a show that has not more than 20 episodes, loves, family relationship, undercover story, gangster group and so on.

The pace of the show was very fast and it was very intense while watching it.

Not to mention the lead actor himself, Takenouchi Yutaka really acted superbly! Takenouchi's steady and calm emotions truly fits the character very well.

But there is a minus point on this series though, some of the scenes was kind of dark and it will be little burden for those whose with not really good eyesight., other than that, it's still a good flick to watch.

Overall, this show was brilliantly shot and the story was brilliantly written!!