Thoughts on Japanese Film and Media

Japanese dramas (TV).  The addiction of housewives, young girls, learners of Japanese, and fans of beautiful people.  Often knocked for their low-level of cinematography, acting, and general filming woes, J-Dramas nonetheless attract countless numbers of native Japanese as well as people around the world who thrive off of custom subtitling groups and free distribution sites via Livejournal, other blogs, or the popular Daddicts.  What’s the draw?  Well, it depends on who you ask.  Most watch J-Dramas for their favorite actors/actresses, some watch them for their dramatic, effective, slowly-unfolding stories, others watch them to improve their Japanese or just to kill time.  There’s a certain emotional weight to some J-Dramas that draws you in and doesn’t let you go until the series finishes. Continue reading →