- from 'The Phantom Tollbooth' [Norton Juster]
Last Friends
Friday, November 6, 2009
Image from here
If I were asked last year of the reason why I’d like to watch this series, my answer would be “Nishikido Ryo.” One Liter of Tears definitely made its mark on me, but my intent to watch Last Friends grew stronger (even the Ryo-factor was eliminated) because of Ueno Juri. And Eita. And Mizukawa Asami.
It’s the Nodame Cantabile spill-over, so to speak.
I have always known that Juri’s role here has been a hallmark in her acting career. And being smitten by her talent from the very start, I knew I had to watch this. What’s more, even Nodame’s friends Mine-kun and Kiyora were with her.
Juri as the confused Gender Indentity Disorder patient was well-crafted—complex, humane, emotionally evolving, and strong yet makes the viewer care for her. I have learned that she is the kind of actor who becomes the character even off-cam. [Kyoko from Skip Beat!, anyone?] Her haircut [dude, the haircut! XD], the aura, her movements, her speech—the whole package convinces the viewers, and makes them empathize with Ruka.
Eita was also remarkable as Takeru. The character’s natural charm, the subtlety of his emotions, his touching actions, his homey, reliable, caring, and kind, yet tormented and confused personality was justified by Eita.
Mizukawa Asami as the vibrant, independent, empowered Eri was one of the (good) reasons why I was able to withstand this otherwise highly-strung and tensed series. Even though her story stayed in the sidelines, the longing for companionship of the “modern” woman Eri represents touched me. I guess it’s a basic human instinct after all, no matter how she puts up a show of indifference. I watched the series ’til its end because I want to see Eri happy. :3
