Concerto (1996)

If I watch this somewhere on late 1990s or early 2000s, I might give it a better score.

But no. I watch this on this era and apparently this drama is not really for our era. I watch it for the sake of Kimura Takuya, but his good acting skills is wasted here. First, just skip the opening theme. The music is poor, yes, nothing can conceal that. And there are so many time gaps on this drama. Two weeks later, one year late, one month later. Then at certain points you are just getting tired of that.

The good things about this drama? The actors. A very good acting, in fact, this is the only drama where I like the other lead actor instead of Kimura Takuya. Tamura Masazaku played the role of the husband perfectly, I am touched. The actress however annoyed the best of me. The storyline is kinda slow, but it gets better through time.

Watch it only for Kimura Takuya. Or if you need a drama on the background of your desktop while you are working. It will pass easily.

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AN AVANT-GARDISTE DRAMA SERIES.

A "Should-See" drama whether you are a fan of ménage-à-trois or not.

If one comes to Concerto with the notion that the one and only valid type of consummate (passion + intimacy + commitment) love relationship is heterosexual and between 1 man and 1 woman, then you'll judge the storyline quite harshly. Please approach this series with a certain open-mindedness about alternative relationships in order to understand the intricacies of the story, and the dynamics within the love triangle.

The Bad: The emphasis should have been on all three leads being passionately in love from the get-go: both men with Hana, and Hana (equally) with both men. Because this emphasis was missed (in the writing/directing/acting):
- Hana Sakaki's character, up until the last couple of episodes, came across as indecisive and selfish; a gold-digging floozy who wanted to be availed with two men she could be intimate with when she chooses.
- Kosuke Ebisawa seemed like a jealous self-centered has-been celebrity architect who used, abused, and deprived a younger, more capable Kakeru Takakura of his love and talent.
- And Kakeru Takakura, my favourite character, appeared as though he lacked the confidence to stand on his own as a genius architect, and was in an emotionally unhealthy love triangle he could not move away from.

But things are not as simple as they appear...

The Good:
1) Chapeau! Though polygyny (relationships involving 1 male & 2 or more females) is common fare, polyandry (1 female & 2 or more males) is not, and is rather frowned upon or even taboo in many places of the world (at the exception of the Himalayan cultures (fraternal polyandry)). I thought it extremely commendable and avant-gardiste that the writer, the director and a cast of talented actors took a chance on such an off-limits and borderline risqué script 23 years ago. And the delivery? Well done, in my humble opinion!
2) The maturing of the characters: The understanding and acceptance by the 2 concerned men of their situation is remarkable. The character growth of both main and secondary leads is progressive and consistent. The viewer ultimately comes to the understanding and conclusion that there is no other way for the three involved individuals to be happy than by being together.

This is a blood-pressure-raising and thought-provoking drama. The reasons why most commentators below hated it are the reasons why I liked it.

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To understand or digest this story you have to open your mind, watch the drama for what it is "a simple story" and make your own judgment while you watch the characters grow and their story unfold.

It is slow paced and it is an old drama filmed in 1996 but even after knowing that I believe this story was ahead of its time. I recommend you to ignore the tags of betrayal and infidelity as well as the comment section. Yes I gave it a 10. I've my reasons.
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Story: The words LOVE and RELATIONSHIP has many meanings... many layers and this drama is a vivid testament to that. When they all meet it is like it is heaven sent and they each are part of a puzzle that is now complete. But... could it be that easy? The answer is NO. It's not easy. It takes a lot of work and commitment to pursuit your own happiness.

The characters seem simple, somewhat innocent and naive. They're all so lost and empty at the start of the drama. You discover they are complicated as you learn about their past.. where they came from. As the story moves on (which is a timeline of around 10yrs since they met) they all learn to love themselves, respect and value each other for who they are and what they bring to this "relationship" to make it work.

Acting/Cast: Acting and cast was very good. Each actor embodied their characters emotions well. You could feel and identify with their situations and stories. Great character development.

Kimura Takuya's (Kakeru) Full of dreams and insecurity. So much love to give but so doubtful about himself.
Miyazawa Rie (Hana) at first she can be annoying but she grows on you.. at least she did for me. She seems weak but she is strong.
Tamura Masakazu (Ebisawa) sometimes it was like watching an older version of Kakeru full of experience.

/Sidenote: Kimura Takuya's hair deserved and award or something. He was so young here. Ahhh... so gorgeous.

Music: The theme song is Alfie sang by Vanessa Williams and I was kind of wondering WHY? but after looking at the complete lyrics it's a woman asking Alfie "What's it all about, Alfie? and then goes to explain her take on life and love. It makes sense... so much sense.
"What's it all about, Alfie? I know there's something much more. Something even non-believers can believe in. I believe in love. Alfie... Without true love you just exist. Alfie... Until you find the love you've missed. You're nothing, Alfie..."

Rewatch Value: I wouldn't watch it again but I believe that you should totally watch and then recommend to others cause it really is a well done story.

Hope this helps!

Leia Mais

Fill review on elijahmaliksmom.wordpress.com

...SPOILERS may be ahead...

This is really one fucked up story. How can anyone just turn a blind eye when you see your partner with your own eyes making out or kissing another guy, not just once but twice? Then you even blame yourself as to why you were cheated on because you were a nobody?

I just can't understand the concept of this story. If not for Takuya and me wanting to watch all his works, I won't even start the 3rd episode. I never liked story lines like this. God! The year this was created was 1996 and yet the characters here are already so liberated, or is this really how it is in Japan during those years?

Would I recommend this series to anybody? Yes and no. Yes, if you're bored to your wits and you've got nothing better to watch or if you want to get irritated and angry. No, since I really did not like it. I really only finished it because I do not drop things and it's Takuya Kimura's work.

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