Based on Kaoru Tada’s
manga of the same name, Itazura Na Kiss has been adapted a few times for screenplays
in Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea. This review, however, is about the 1996
Japanese version, the first ever adaptation of this manga. Starring Takashi Kashiwabara and Aiko Sato.
Alternative Titles: Naughty Kiss, Teasing Kiss
Itazura Na Kiss (1996)
Japanese Title: イタズラなKiss
Chinese Title: 一吻定情
Language: Japanese
Genre: Romantic-comedy
Duration: 9
Telecast: 1996
Synopsis:
After Kotoko Aihara’s accidental kiss with Naoki Irie,
Kotoko has fallen deeply in love with Naoki. Naoki is the most popular guy in
school. He is very bright and handsome but is very cold to people. Kotoko,
however, is an average girl who doesn’t seem to be good at anything. She is
everything Naoki doesn’t like in a girl.
When a fire incident destroys all her family’s property,
Kotoko’s dad Shigeo accepts help from his childhood friend Machiko. The father
and daughter move to Machiko’s place, only to find out, to Kotoko’s surprise,
that Machiko is actually Naoki’s mother. Now she has to live with her crush
after the humiliating “kiss”.
Wishing that Naoki will reciprocate her feelings, she
promises herself to make Naoki fall in love with her, even if he seems to be
out of her league. During Kotoko’s stay, Naoki, unknowingly, seems to fall for
her.
Cheerfulnuts’ Review:
Itazura Na Kiss is pure
silliness. Silly in such a way that it would hurt your tummy for laughing so
hard. Japanese comedies have always been hilarious to me, but Itazura na Kiss
is one of the funniest I’ve seen so far. I’ve read a lot of viewers comment
about how much they hate Kotoko. She is annoying, but I guess Aiko Sato’s
acting worked for her role. She is supposed to be as irritating as possible so
that Irie-kun would dislike her as much as he could; thus, making the story
very comical and amusing.
Takashi Kashiwabara, on the other hand, is perfect for this
role. He is extremely handsome! It’s not hard to understand why his Irie-kun is
so popular in his school. Kashiwabara’s looks alone could sweep any girl off
her feet. Despite the lead girl’s silliness, I’m still tickled pink in every
bit of kindness Irie-kun shows to her (no matter how trivial it is).
The plot is very simple and light. It’s perfect to watch
after a hard day’s work. Both young and old would find this entertaining. However,
just for you to know, I haven’t read the manga and I haven’t watched other versions
so I don’t have anything to compare it to. Also, I have no idea how viewers who
have watched the other versions would feel after watching this. I have also
learned that the author had died prematurely before she could finish the manga
series. Since I haven’t read the manga, I’m not sure if the series have ended
it “right”. I love the ending though. But I have one gripe with the ending –
it’s not convincing at all.
Overall, this drama offers you what it promises: romance and
comedy. However, it is more comical to me than romantic. If you want those two
in a drama, then you may safely add Itazura na Kiss to your “to-watch” list.
Cheerfulnuts’ Verdict:
 |
| 9 out of 10 stars |
Related Products:
This is one of my favorite Japanese series. I instantly fell in love with Takashi Kashiwabara (Naoki) in this drama. I think the actress Aiko Sato (Kotoko)is too silly though. Despite that, I still think that the series is great.
ReplyDeleteSeriousnuts, I agree! I'm a bit annoyed with Kotoko, too. But if she wasn't that silly, Itazura na Kiss wouldn't be so funny.
ReplyDelete