The series was adapted as a live-action feature film produced by Asmik Ace Entertainment. It was directed by Masahiro Takada from a screenplay by Masahiko Kawahara and Masahiro Takada, and starred Shō Sakurai as Takemoto, Yū Aoi as Hagu, Yūsuke Iseya as Morita, Ryō Kase as Mayama, and Megumi Seki as Ayumi.[22] It was released in Japanese theaters on July 22, 2006. The DVD for the film was released on January 12, 2007.
Hotaru no Haka
This made-for-TV movie is a sobering tale of how war can bring out the worst in people. The writers added depth to the original Isao Takahata anime which mainly focused on the relationship between a teenage boy and his young sister left orphan during wartorn Japan and forced to find sustenance on their own.
The 2005 version focuses on the growing divide between the teenage boy and the family friend (played by Matsushima Nanako) who initially takes them in after their mother is killed during an air raid. As rice rations grow scarce, the kindly housewife soon turns cold as she has to choose between feeding her sick son or the two orphans.
The movie is in commemoration of the 60 year anniversary of the end of WWII, and at times, is remniscent of a CBS afterschool special. As if the antiwar message isn't already clear, at the end of this recent version, two of the main characters reiterate the tragedies of war. "Yes my daughter, war is bad. Look at what it has done to these poor kids."
Well casting, particularly of the little girl, makes the story enjoyable, but viewers might still prefer the original. Still, recent version was one of the highest rated programs of the year.
/DramaWiki/
Format -> avi
Higurashi no Naku Koroni, the psychological suspense franchise that started with a self-published dōjin game, will be adapted as a live-action movie for 2008. The franchise has already spawned drama CDs, manga, anime, and novels. Ataru Oikawa (Tomie movies) will direct this film which will initially screen at two theaters in Tokyo.
H2
Kunimi Hiro was an ace pitcher in junior high school,until he was diagnosed by a doctor as having a "glass elbow". He gave up baseball and joined Senkawa Senior High School's soccer team. But then something happens that reignites his passion for baseball and he joins a baseball team managed by Koga Haruka. And he finds himself in a match against his old friend/rival Tachibana Hideo who has advanced to Meiwa No.1 High School. The meeting of the two is observed by Hideo's girlfriend Amamiya Hikari, who is also Hiro's childhood friend. Meanwhile, Haruka finds herself increasingly drawn towards Hiro, despite his being interested only in baseball. It's a story about high school students who dream of appearing at Koushien baseball tournament and young love.
Total episodes: 11
Genres: drama, romance, sport
Year Published: 2005
This second season of Hana Yori Dango picks up right after Domyoji leaves for New York. After confessing to Domyoji, Makino has not spoken to him for a year. Rui and the other members of F4 try and help Makino meet Domyoji again by going to New York for the christmas holidays. Though F4 and Makino meet Domyoji again, he has become a completely different person, and so they leave for Japan.
Some time later, Domyoji's mother annouces that they will be returning to Japan. There, they hold a giant super-rich and classy birthday party for Domyoji and announce something very important. Domyoji, like in the first season, is engaged to a rich girl and heir. The only difference is that they are to be wed soon. What will Makino do?
On the side, Rui begins to fall in love with Makino... will this become a love... square?
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