Beautiful Life (2000)

To be loved like this! I'm trying to imagine it! This was truly a heart-warming story as it explores the relationship between a man and a woman handicapped by her illness. The romance between Kyoko and Shuji will remain deep in my heart for awhile. Kimura Takuya has now been added to my list of favorite Japanese actors. He so wonderfully portrays Shuji who unselfishly loves and cares for Kyoko regardless of the objections of her brother who only wants her to be happy. Takako Tokiwa as Kyoko, this was my first time seeing her but guess what, she is making her way on my list too! This is not a story for everyone but anyone who appreciates a good drama will recognize the beauty in this. Excellent!!

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One of my first J dramas and I watched it many years after it first came out. Hadn't watched anything by Takuya Kimura before so this was a nice surprise.... he was, I think, at his prime then, so anything that he did was right - he could do no wrong!

Therefore, he gave the role a certain spunk and coolness that not many male actors could possibly do, even today. He gave hairdressing glamour and style! Of course, the ending was a teeny weeny bit far-fetched...but it was probably something that finished off the story and gave it the fantasy ending that made the drama the success it was at the time. Watch it!

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Loved it.
An amazing story about life and love.
Kimura Takuya was great as Shuji, and all the characters were adorable.
First couple of episodes were a bit ridiculous and I was constantly annoyed by Kyoko pushing Shuji away and ignoring him. However, the last 5 or so episodes were lovely. I loved the relationship between Kyoko and Shuji and how he cared for her so much.
The scene in which Shuji does her makeup in the last episode was a bit over the top, I must say, but him finally breaking down and crying was definitely needed.
I loved the ending, it was absolutely perfect!

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How can a series be so Painfully Beautiful? That's how I describe this series.
Takuya Kimura really did a good job in portraying a hairdresser.
(Trivia: He actually studied Hairdressing for this drama and is a licensed hairdresser)

Yes, I have a love-hate relationship with the Female protagonist for the fact that she's so pessimist, it's to a fault. Yes, I understand she's a person with disability, due to her illness, but she seemed to think that everyone is doing something good for her because of that. Isn't that a bit too much? Can't anybody be just nice, sweet or even fall in love with you, because you are you and not because you have a life threatening illness?

Be ready to weep in the last two episodes. I actually did not expect that cause it was feel good the first few episodes. It was really painfully beautiful. It broke my heart, really.

Original review can be found here: https://elijahmaliksmom.wordpress.com/2016/11/30/beautiful-life-jdorama/

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