GOKUSEN 1

Cast:

Nakama Yukie as Yamaguchi Kumiko
Matsumoto Jun as Sawada Shin
Itoh Misaki as Fujiyama Shizuka
Narimiya Hiroki as Noda Takeshi
Oguri Shunas Uchiyama Haruhiko
Kaneko Ken as Asakura Tetsu

for complete list of cast click here


I’ve done a review for GTO recently, so I thought it would be unfair not to make one for one of the most successful live-action releases in Japan TV’s history.

I’m sure Jdorama fanatics already have the whole series in a nutshell and at the same time, know all the nitty-gritty when it comes to trivia and tidbits of details which are all available in the internet.

If I’m not mistaken, I made it clear that I still choose GTO over Gokusen despite the hype when it comes to Matsumoto Jun and Oguri Shun. Well, I have a compare/contrast sheet in this entry so as to justify what I liked about this drama and why I still prefer GTO after all.

I better compare the two teachers first: Yamaguchi Kumiko/Yankumi and Onizuka Eikichi (Onichi)

Yankumi

• Has never clearly mentioned how’s her academic standing
• Acceptance in the school was formal though only the Principal knew that she was from a Yakuza clan
• Was accused of violence because she’s the 3rd generation granddaughter of a yakuza clan
• Teaching methods are marginalized
• Uses Yakuza language but uses them in place unless provoked; most of the time she tries to show her students courtesy
• Asks help from her family (her grandfather, Minoru and Tetsu) whenever she’s confused about her students
• Principle: “Teachers should not be called teachers if they are afraid of losing their job”
• No closure when it comes to her love relationship
• Regarded as boring, dull and old-fashioned
• Funny but scary
• Shows weakness and compassion in front of her students

Onizuka

• Came from a third rate university
• Acceptance was because of sheer luck and was based on a condition
• Accused of violence and eccentric way of dealing with his students
• Has his own way of teaching without taking note of rules
• Vulgar and nonchalant about rules of the school and society
• Seems to know everything but is gradually guided by his admired teacher, Fuyutsuki-sensei
• Principle: “Teacher is still a teacher even outside the school premises”
• Successful love relationship with Fuyutsuki in the end
• Very attractive and appealing to women
• Cool and unpredictable
• Shows grace under pressure

To graduate!

Students of Shirokin (Gokusen)

• All boys
• Rebel group with different histories (within the school and outside)
• Taken as delinquents because of their looks, manner and academic performance
• Focused on friends and fighting

Students of Seirin Gakuen (GTO)

• Mixed groups (boys/girls)
• Rebel group because of what happened in their class
• Academic performance is never questioned
• Focused on gaining trust and knowing oneself

Co-teachers of Yankumi

• Showed gradual support
• Yankumi gained friendship and trust from them through dealing with them one by one

Co-teachers of Onizuka

• Collective support except for 2 teachers
• Showed full support towards Onizuka only at the end


Yankumi and Shin

Favorite Scenes:

• When Yankumi together with Sawada, Minami, Kumai and Noda were trying to catch a mobster so as to save Uchiyama. Yankumi dressed as a blonde girl who probably lived 20 years ago.
• When Kumai Tedou’s father’s died, he started to waste his life. His friends, in the end, helped him in their small restaurant
• The cute boy Yuta and Sawada Shin staying over at the Oedo’s place
• Still the cute boy, Yuta who went to the playground to practice twirling to meet his mother again
• When the 5 guys: Shin, Noda, Minami, Uchiyama and Kuma were hanging around Shin’s place. The 4 told Shin that he’s lucky to have such a place. They asked him if there had been a girl who came over to his place already. Shin suddenly thought of Yankumi and described her to them as “a quasi-woman”.
• When Shin went to Yankumi’s room to ask her if she’s going to resign
• Shin finally admitted (though probably jokingly) that he likes Yankumi. This happened while Shinohara-san, the other police cop and Tetsu-san were talking about the three of them being rivals. Shin suddenly appeared and said, “Actually, that makes us four.”

Off-putting

• Teachers should have a background check before being admitted to a school (Yankumi being a Yakuza and Fushikama-sensei working at a night-club)
• Are high school students warmongers?
• Scene wherein Yankumi looked for the missing yellow bag in the river
• Is there a valedictorian who was arrested and involved in too many troubles?


Fight-oh, oh!

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I don’t know for other people. But I still find GTO more polished when it comes to the sequence of events. And you probably wonder how come I only compared GTO with Gokusen 1. What’s the point of comparing, when I did not like the 2nd part at all? :)


Rebels with a cause

Tokyo Tower

Cast:

Okada Junichi as Tooru Kojima
Hitomi Kuroki as Shifumi
Matsumoto Jun as Koji
Shinobu Terajima as Kimiko

I was actually at a loss because of the poor line exchange between the characters, especially for the main characters Tooru Kojima (played by Junichi Okada) and Asano Shifumi (Hitomi Kuroki). Their love story wasn’t a sympathy-inducing one. On the other, although the plotline rests on older woman-younger man illicit affair, there was moral reprisal in the end.


Tooru and Shifumi

I like the contrast of Tooru and Koji. They are both young men who prefer mature women. But Tooru is the instigator of these wild acts. As follows, Koji, despite having good looks and queuing girls around him, has decided to date older women because of what he sees in Tooru. Although they are both having so-called forbidden relationships, they are very much different from each other. Koji is rougher and more physical. He is someone who acts at the spur of the moment. Koji also is a weak character because unlike his friend, he does not have the guts to settle what he has gotten into. The scene wherein his girlfriend Yumi, Yoshida (his former classmate whose mom he slept with) and Kimiko (lonely married woman he is currently involved with) gathered to meet him, he felt trapped and embarrassed. Tooru is very different. After dueling with Shifumi’s husband, he still brushed up the courage to meet Shifumi in the midst of an up-market party. He is also a gentler counterpart of Koji. He is romantic, bookish and outwardly placid. He is submissive to his beloved unlike Koji who acts when he feels it.

Koji was not consistent in his feeling towards Kimiko. Probably it is rooted from his unforgettable past when he slept with Yoshida’s mom and got caught. But the probable reason why he still aims for older women is his youthful impulse to be rebellious and risky. Nonetheless, he showed caution once in awhile when he told Kimiko about his rules when it comes to relationships such as he does not like accepting money from the woman, and no women with children.

The movie, released last 2005 was directed by Takashi Minamoto and was based on the novel of Kaori Eguni. It’s quite a controversial movie because of the moral stance it tried to depict. Women in Japan are very much repressed if dated back into the olden times. But still, at present, with a male-dominated society, this film timely showcased women’s sentiments and agonized existence. Shifumi is the wife of a wealthy businessman. Although enjoying all the luxuries in life, she desires passionate love and affection. She finds these in the 21-year old Tooru. On the other, Kimiko is a plain housewife who is used to her routine to take care of the house and settle all the “garbage”. She encounters the appealing Koji in a parking lot. Although both women are involved with younger men, they also have conspicuous differences. Shifumi is very unyielding to transcend the rules of love and kept her relationship with Tooru as silent as possible. Kimiko is the braver one. She had the nerve to confront Koji and show how futile the relationship was.

But I still could not empathize with the women in the film. If it is a means of women empowerment, I do not think the movie succeeded in doing so. Women are still portrayed as the weaker sex. They were the ones who suffer the most because of the affairs. Unlike Tooru and Koji, they have their established reputations, husbands, friends and acquaintances to care about. Yoshida’s role in the movie is perhaps, what I could think of as a considerable attempt at women empowerment. When she appeared again in Koji’s life, she showed gained power and understanding. The tomato that she threw when she and Koji were still in 12th grade (when Koji and her mom were caught red handed) now morphed into something stronger and harder. When she picked up the billiard ball and pitched it towards Koji, she felt relieved and powerful. And that also brought awakening in Koji’s part.


A mature role for MatsuJun

I guess the love story is not much given focus as to the social realism manifested in the film. The movie’s title, Tokyo Tower, was lame. If it’s going to be about love story, then it’s apt. The only thing evident about using it as a title is because it served as the focal point wherein the two lovers remember each other. No matter what distance and differences as long as the tower is lit and it is seen, they know their love exists.


Tokyo Tower

For more information about the Tokyo Tower itself check this link

Kimi wa petto (You're My Pet)

Kimi Wa Petto　きみ　は　ペット

Cast:

Matsumoto Jun as Momo/Goda Takeshi
Koyuki as Iwaya Sumire

On Theme

I like the manga-turned-live action’s attempt to dabble into the human-animal, specifically, human-pet relationship. This drama probably aims to uplift animal rights considering the general concept of valuing pets is very much appropriated within the story line.

As in the case of Goda Takeshi who took the place of the deceased pet of Sumire named Momo, it is quite funny that he, too, is considered “useless” by his master Sumire-chan herself because he could not do any chore properly, he always messes up things, and brings not even a cinch of financial aid to her. But the fact that Momo is the reason why she looks forward going back home makes pets not useless at all.


Matsumoto Jun and Koyuki: awesome or queer-some pair?

On the Cast

Iwaya Sumire (Koyuki)

She is the character that I couldn’t bear with in the drama. Despite her supposed “pitiful” situation given away, I still take her as an antagonist. The fact that she’s beautiful, smart and capable of anything does not make her a pitiful being at all. Sure, she must have a bad deal of superiority complex imposed to other people but she’s not totally hopeless. She just has to find a good match for her height and career wagon.

I detest her selfish personality. One of my favorite lines though from the drama is when her bestfriend, Shirotae Yuri (played by Sarina Suzuki), finally told her off what she truly thinks of the situation. Sumire always consults her and even a psychologist, Satoshi Asano, whose office happens to be on the same building as hers, regarding her “pet” activities and at times, abnormal behavior, when in fact, she’s the one who should be diagnosed. She has a very ideal boyfriend and then she still wants to keep the adorable and young Takeshi just in case she needs to be herself.

She is also an inconsistent character. People regard her as an upright person who can get hold of any situation, but finding and helping Takeshi is too much for her. Right from the start, viewers will get confused on what is she trying to pull.

Goda Takeshi/Momo (Matsumoto Jun)

At first, I find his acting very, very queer for I got used to see him acting COOL bullying and cursing people around. The moment I saw him in the drama when he recovered from his illness and desperately clung to Sumire, things got worse. He literally acted as a pet. He started to do dog tricks and all. But as every “Okaerima”(said by someone who greets a person coming home) and “Tadaima” (said by the person coming back home) scene comes up, I gradually got used to it.

MatsuJun as Goda Takeshi/Momo: One of his dog moves

I like how his character is built. Unlike Sumire, he is a quite consistent character. He took up ballet lessons and does not have a care in the world if people would think it’s only for girls. So when Sumire asked him to be literally, her pet, he quickly agreed knowing he would lose his precious pride and dignity.

His happy-go-lucky outlook in life is what the pompous Sumire needs. Honestly, MatsuJun’s built and “cuteness” are definitely his assets why the role is tailor fit for him.

I just find it very strange every time he and Koyuki would be hugging each other. It just doesn’t look good, at least, from my point of view.

Oh, and I might add. Jun showed his aggressiveness in kissing here. Whew!



Asano Satoshi (Nagatsuka Kyozo)

He is one of the key characters that rouse the story. As a psychologist, he is the symbolism of “misery loves company”. I just laugh every time he would tell Sumire that they are indeed, very much alike: people who are destined to be alone. He even called her his comrade and watched every event that happens to her.


My Favorite Episodes

The drama is limited to only 10 episodes. Well, I don’t want it to be longer than that. I could not take how degrading the role of Matsu-kun was in this drama. Since Jun-kun is meant to be the simile for a pet, then I do fancy the episode titles and contents of the drama. I do like the episodes “The Day My Dog Bit Me” and “Journey from Paradise”. The latter even took biblical allegory of Adam and Eve when Jun-kun told his friend about him and Sumire doing “it”. He knew for a fact that it was forbidden but he could not resist to “eat the apple”. As a consequence, he expected that things will not be the same anymore.


Downbeat Parts

I guess the impossibility of having someone as carefree and pride-less as Takeshi (even in drama reel setting).

I couldn’t think (from my experience) of anyone (not even my parents) whom I can truly, genuinely, and absolutely be transparent with aside from my diary and the four walls of my room. Sumire-chan definitely, as a smart person, should know the wide demarcation of human beings from animals. How come she suddenly poured her heart out to a stranger?


Pet and Master's walk in the park

I hate the repetitive narrative of either MatsuJun or Koyuki at the beginning of each episode knowing that hooked and faithful viewers should have known the details of the story by heart.

The ending is kind of frustrating because it still seems that Sumire just considers Takeshi as an indispensable pet.

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In summary, they have a good concept. It’s just that they came short to make it consistent and credible. I like the representation of women though. Women are portrayed as clever, if not superior, gender. Yuri’s very contemplative and observant even though she’s a housewife. Fukushima Yiori (Sakai Wakana) is very goal-driven. Even the secretary of Satoshi Asano is very cunning for she has deceived him so she can secure a job when in fact she is a 4th year Literature major in Tokyo University. And of course, Sumire who always gets hated for her frankness when in comes to getting into the heat of arguments based on knowledge. If I may add, she is the only character who “smoked” in the drama.

As for me, I’m not fond of pets and this drama did not change it. I’d still rather visit a zoo, study animal parts but no pets especially if it’s only purpose is to show off one’s social status or befriend the trend.


Being themselves at home

GTO: Great Teacher Onizuka

Cast:
Sorimachi Takashi
Matsushima Nanako
Nakao Akira


GTO (Great Teacher Onizuka) is another school-based and teacher-student depiction that I should probably be fed up of. I mean, it's a very conventional attempt to try to explore the confused state of a young mind. Even in the Philippines, we have had our share of sentimental bulk of the widening gap of the young and old. But this manga-anime turned live action series will make you think about the CON in convention.

Eikichi Onizuka is an aspiring teacher despite graduating from a third grade university and being a member of a biker gang. He seems to be a very calm and nonchalant person who spends most of his days eyeing for attractive legs of women in skirts and watching porn videos that his friend sends to his home. His happy-go-lucky days ends when he luckily knew that there is an opening for a homeroom teacher of a class in Seirin Gakuen (school). He probably knew that the condescending phase was coming when he was interviewed by traditional and stringent educators. But something happened that served as his chance to prove that he has more than the knowledge to become a teacher. The only person who appreciated Onizuka at first glance is the directress Akira Sakurai, who hastily gave the job to him. Now, bearing the multitude of unlikable background and the contagious rumor-spread around the school grounds, class 2-C, thinks that he would not last a week in their torture chamber. But instead, Onizuka faces his students' challenge and showed compassion to each as he/she faces his/her own problems beyond the school grounds.

Takashi Sorimachi plays Onizuka sensei. His disposition and demeanor in the series is very creditable. Although at first, I was hesitant to anticipate him standing in front of the class, I was gradually assured that Tohru Fujisawa's great masterpiece will not be taken as nothing. The character of Eikichi is very different compared to the queued great teachers TV and the big screen offered in the past. I am sure that it is inevitable that this live action sequel will be compared to another manga, Gokusen. In my own comparison and contrast of the two, I would most definitely still choose GTO. Eikichi is also a fighter but he has this suave take on every problem of his student. His co-teachers despise his violent ways when in reality, he does not go for violence in the first place. As a matter of fact, he always shows composure in dealing with his students. One of my favorite parts was when Onizuka rushed into Nanako Mizuki's house and started creating a hole on the wall that separates Nanako and her parents. He is the kind of teacher that you don't have to remind when you need something from him. I guess what the drama also wants to subconsciously instill is the problems of traditional teachers: being forgetful, always in need of scapegoat, authoritative, overlooking, and short-tempered.


Reel and Real tandem Sorimachi and Matsushima

Another important character in the drama is the role of Azusa Fuyutsuki played by the very enchanting actress, Nanako Matsushima (who also is the real-life wife of Sorimachi). Towards the end of the series, Fuyutsuki always shows frustration on how she can be regarded as GTF (Great Teacher Fuyutsuki). Sure, she is a very idealistic teacher who shows passion in teaching and compassion towards the students. But the students still have doubts on her principle of teaching as it is built within the traditional ground. Fuyutsuki and Onizuka complement each other: where tradition and non-convention meet. Through Onizuka, Fuyutsuki was understood by the rebellious students. Through Fuyutsuki, Onizuka was understood by the conservative teachers.

With his students

I know it is kind of tiring as you anticipate that all the students in class 2-C will be accommodated by Eikichi. But each problem that Onizuka tackles contain a long forgotten lesson that teachers, students and parents should always remember. I was very impressed with the series of events that Onizuka had gone through. Most of the so-called violence Onizuka is accused of symbolizes many things. Another favorite scene of mine was on Noboru Yoshikawa played by Shun Oguri (Hanazawa Rui in Hana Yori Dango). His stripping off in front of the assembly shows his emancipation and building courage.

GTO: Movie poster

One great message that I did learn from the drama is how serious Onizuka was in being a teacher that he no longer cares about the delineation of his personal life and his job. His symbolic, impulsive and unconventional takes on the problems of his students only shows his audacity as a teacher. He is a teacher who is not afraid to lose his job to be able to protect and help his students. A teacher is not only confined within the school grounds, particularly within the classroom. A teacher will always be a teacher even without the aid of a blackboard and a class record.