I'm very new to the world of Japanese TV dramas and I'm glad I started with Orange Days. I originally watched this as a fan of Kou Shibasaki, but was pleasantly surprised at the quality of this show. This was a well-done coming-of-age/love story of a group of friends (the "Orange Society") who are in their last year of college. The main love story takes place between the sweetheart Kai Yuuki (Satoshi Tsumabuki) and the musically talented, rendered deaf-mute Sae Hagio (the extremely talented Kou Shibasaki). There are several subplots that take place, including another budding relationship between Akane and Shouhei.
With the first episode, it seems as though they were planning to go in one direction, but later on decided to go in another. Aside from that, there are no other complaints. Each episode hooks you in and you really get into the story lines and feel for the characters. I especially love how all the other members of the Orange Society rally around Sae and go out of their way to learn sign language so she is able to understand and help her out (the Find Sae's Violin moment comes to mind).
There are great performances by all, but the real star is Shibasaki. Playing a deaf-mute is no easy task for the actor, but she rose to the occasion and really pulled in the viewer with her facial expressions and sign language. She has proved that she has immense talent and deserves all her recognition. Tsumabuki also gives a standout performance, and frankly, I have a bit of a crush on him now.
Don't be surprised if you pick up elements of Japanese Sign Language. I've become very intrigued to learn more of it. This is also a good show to watch if you're a student of the Japanese language, as I am. People speak slowly for Sae's benefit, giving one a chance to really hear the words and understand them.
All in all, 10/10. Four stars. Two thumbs up, and all the other proverbial "this was good" marks.
With the first episode, it seems as though they were planning to go in one direction, but later on decided to go in another. Aside from that, there are no other complaints. Each episode hooks you in and you really get into the story lines and feel for the characters. I especially love how all the other members of the Orange Society rally around Sae and go out of their way to learn sign language so she is able to understand and help her out (the Find Sae's Violin moment comes to mind).
There are great performances by all, but the real star is Shibasaki. Playing a deaf-mute is no easy task for the actor, but she rose to the occasion and really pulled in the viewer with her facial expressions and sign language. She has proved that she has immense talent and deserves all her recognition. Tsumabuki also gives a standout performance, and frankly, I have a bit of a crush on him now.
Don't be surprised if you pick up elements of Japanese Sign Language. I've become very intrigued to learn more of it. This is also a good show to watch if you're a student of the Japanese language, as I am. People speak slowly for Sae's benefit, giving one a chance to really hear the words and understand them.
All in all, 10/10. Four stars. Two thumbs up, and all the other proverbial "this was good" marks.
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