@hjk:
Yes, I watched the BBC version. It was very good so probably why I am staying away from this new version. Natasha was brilliant in her role and I don’t think either Natalie or Scarlet (don’t know who is playing who) will match her. Also, I find smaller productions focus more on the characters than the look of the production, if you know what I mean. Take Pride & Prejudice, the film just didn’t work at all for me because although it looked lovely, I just didn’t care about the main leads at all (Kiera Knightley playing yet another feisty English rose ref. King Arthur & Pirates) whereas in the BBC version, I really liked Lizzie and felt like I understood where she was coming from. But hey, Hollywood has it’s own agenda right?

belleza – There was a 2003 TV version in the UK starring Natasha McElhone, Jodhi May, and Jared Harris. I don’t think it ever aired here in the U.S. (on BBC America or Masterpiece Theatre). I was wondering if it was any good.

Speaking of the Tudors, is that any good?

tealeaf – I was also excited to hear about The Other Boleyn Girl…..until I read the reviews, too…
Has anyone watched the BBC/UK version? Just curious.

Don’t worry, Sarah. I’m sure the rain’ll be back eventually. As much as I dislike constant rain (multiple storms back-to-back), this sunshine and heat of late has had me going “Huh?” Feels like late summer instead of winter. And we definitely need more rain this year. (Watch, I probably jinxed it, and we’ll get the wettest spring ever. Haha.)

Oh, Nodame is one of my favourite jdramas too. Also liked Anego, Hotaru no Hikari, Hakken no Hinku, and Galileo to mention a few. Oh, I just realized I might be becoming a jdrama addict, but my first love is kdramas. keke.

Very much. For example, a staple of Asahi shows are mystery dramas. These dramas don’t require character development or serious acting (though they help), but they put a premium on intricate plotting and plot devices, as well as sharp direction. Galileo was a luxury edition of a well-established J-drama genre.

I think most non-Japanese drama fans connect with the coming-of-age aspect of Japanese romances. If there’s a melodramatic twist (Sekai, 1 Litre, H2, Orange Range, even HanaDan), it’s usually accompanied by a lesson or set of hard truths that changes the lead character. And it also extends into Japanese workplace dramas, where as you said, you have a rookie with fighting spirit who prevails after a set of trials, having been “educated by pain” and accepted by his or her mentor. When Dae Jang Geum became popular in Japan, there were rumors that its novel story structure (i.e. coming-of-age, tournament layout, cooking geekery) borrowed from various Japanese manga sources. For example, I like New Heart drama because it’s kinda written like a medical J-drama . There’s such a pure geek love of work in the show, almost a weird glee at the blood and guts flying about, and the two lead characters learn truths while working through a progressive set of challenges/trials.

I think Nodame was a very well done teen drama which managed to hit all the comedic notes in perfect timing. Not to mention the directing, cinematography and use of music was top notch.

I noticed there is a tendency for jdramas to be more episodic like Jikou Keisatsu, Galileo and Liar Game. The story is more focused on problem solving, which neatly begins and wraps up within one or two episodes. There are also a lot of what I call the “stereotypical KimuTaku drama” which the lead actor plays a rookie (insert some occupation here) that manages to find their inner balance with their skill and become competent/number one. I find it interesting when they tried to incorporate some of these styles into kdramas like the episodic character of Air City which I thought was a nice change but had some flow issues.

I have to say that I like how the story is more focused and many times inspiring especially those that consist of a physical handicap. The shorter length also moves the pace along much faster. And I’m glad not to see a love square repeated. I agree that jdramas are more stylized and dramas from different areas of the world have different pros/cons and styles that are fun to compare.

And in that nothing — that void of public tedium and private feeling — that’s where we the audience connects with the the actual living of normal people in abnormal situations.

I also think J-dramas are still in a decline. They’ve kinda lost the 21-40 audience due to programming WAY too many idol dramas.