son_of_minya
Joined May 2002
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Reviews7
son_of_minya's rating
Before watching this, I had seen every Ring film except Rasen. Rasen was released with English subtitles in 2003, and I plan to see it soon. I am a diehard fan. So, maybe I am a little biased.
The series has a completely different take on the characters of Ringu, and a lot of major events are changed. Some of these changes were clearly made to stretch the story out over 12 episodes. Other changes are just inexplicable; like the video being "hidden" inside a J-pop music video. However unnecessary the changes may seem, they did keep the story fresh and interesting.
The closest American comparison I could make is to the TV soap opera Passions. The format is different, but this is still at heart a TV drama series involving the supernatural. It also has elements of The X-Files and E.R. If that sounds bizarre, just bear in mind that this is a Japanese program.
For the first six episodes, I was hooked. Edge of the chair suspense, real caring for the characters. However, it did start to get hokey as time wore on. By the end, I began to see Ringu as an allegory against multi-level marketing schemes. In fact, the final episode was hokier than the final episode of Hack Dusk and John Galt's final speech in Atlas Shrugged put together.
All that said, the good outweighed the bad. There's no other series quite like it, and it's a must-see for Ringu fans.
The series has a completely different take on the characters of Ringu, and a lot of major events are changed. Some of these changes were clearly made to stretch the story out over 12 episodes. Other changes are just inexplicable; like the video being "hidden" inside a J-pop music video. However unnecessary the changes may seem, they did keep the story fresh and interesting.
The closest American comparison I could make is to the TV soap opera Passions. The format is different, but this is still at heart a TV drama series involving the supernatural. It also has elements of The X-Files and E.R. If that sounds bizarre, just bear in mind that this is a Japanese program.
For the first six episodes, I was hooked. Edge of the chair suspense, real caring for the characters. However, it did start to get hokey as time wore on. By the end, I began to see Ringu as an allegory against multi-level marketing schemes. In fact, the final episode was hokier than the final episode of Hack Dusk and John Galt's final speech in Atlas Shrugged put together.
All that said, the good outweighed the bad. There's no other series quite like it, and it's a must-see for Ringu fans.
You've seen Rocky. You've seen Rudy. Now see Shouta!
This is a very touching series, in which every episode ends with a down-to-the-wire sushi battle. It's almost like Iron Chef: The Series, and should be enjoyed by anyone who loves Japanese pop culture.
Nearly every episode, someone breaks into tears, someone goes down on their knees, and someone gets attacked by thugs. The odd thing is, this seems completely natural. My suspension of disbelief was never shaken by this. It might be too melodramatic for American TV, but who are you to judge the Japanese???
That this series was based on a comic book just amazed me. I can guarantee you that you'll be cheering for Shouta before the series is over.
This is a very touching series, in which every episode ends with a down-to-the-wire sushi battle. It's almost like Iron Chef: The Series, and should be enjoyed by anyone who loves Japanese pop culture.
Nearly every episode, someone breaks into tears, someone goes down on their knees, and someone gets attacked by thugs. The odd thing is, this seems completely natural. My suspension of disbelief was never shaken by this. It might be too melodramatic for American TV, but who are you to judge the Japanese???
That this series was based on a comic book just amazed me. I can guarantee you that you'll be cheering for Shouta before the series is over.
I have always enjoyed Japanese television, but this series really hit me more than any other. Can honestly say that watching it has changed my life.
Imagine a bizarre hybrid of Touched By an Angel and a ten-part Tony Robbins seminar, in which Tony Robbins comes down from Heaven to guide a loser towards awakening the giant within. Now imagine the Tony Robbins character behaving like some kind of yakuza from a Japanese cartoon, and looking like a guest on Iron Chef. Throw in over-the-top screwball comedy, ala Third Rock from the Sun. Blend well, and top off with romance and heartfelt melodrama.
The only show I've seen that comes close to it is Shota no Sushi. Whereas Shota's Sushi was all about taking pride in your sushi, and being the best sushi chef you can be; Heaven Cannot Wait is about taking pride in yourself, and living life to the best of your ability.
Have already given my first mission. "If, by 4:00 PM, Friday, June 20th, you do not give up smoking, you will die."
Imagine a bizarre hybrid of Touched By an Angel and a ten-part Tony Robbins seminar, in which Tony Robbins comes down from Heaven to guide a loser towards awakening the giant within. Now imagine the Tony Robbins character behaving like some kind of yakuza from a Japanese cartoon, and looking like a guest on Iron Chef. Throw in over-the-top screwball comedy, ala Third Rock from the Sun. Blend well, and top off with romance and heartfelt melodrama.
The only show I've seen that comes close to it is Shota no Sushi. Whereas Shota's Sushi was all about taking pride in your sushi, and being the best sushi chef you can be; Heaven Cannot Wait is about taking pride in yourself, and living life to the best of your ability.
Have already given my first mission. "If, by 4:00 PM, Friday, June 20th, you do not give up smoking, you will die."