I just finished episode one so I hope I'll get around to episode two today! I wasn't a fan of the Michikane subplot, but I suppose there is something in the record somewhere about his aggression? Maybe? And I assume that this sets up a conflict for Murasaki, as the writer seems to be aiming for a romance between Murasaki and Michinaga. I've read about the possible real-life romance between those two somewhere as well, so I don't mind it, but the random murder did seem a little soapy.
I read that the viewership stats for this new drama are quite poor. Even supposing that NHK's audience skews older and that younger people have lots of other forms of entertainment, I was surprised and disappointed. It's so rare to see a Heian-era drama, you'd think that alone would be a draw.
I didn't like the murder since it was kind of over-the top.... I really enjoyed this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJXI5o4qGcY (even though he can be a bit weird. ) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJXI5o4qGcY at one point he says that it is interesting to look at the gap between what is historically known and the screenplay for the show and to consider what the writers were trying to emphasize in terms of what turned "Mahiro" into Murasaki Shikibu.... also online a writer said that her deep understanding of character definitely came from an understanding of hardship or personal misfortune. Also the last comment in the above video says: 源氏物語には度々「人の親の心は闇にあらねど 子を思ふ道にまどひぬるかな」という歌が引歌として用いられています
I have no idea why people might be unenthused about a Genji-related drama, and I suppose people might stream it later, but older people probably still watch things in real time just because the technology can be challenging for them. All I know is that my mom shrugged and said, "Murasaki? Well, I sure won't be watching THAT." LOL!
Thanks for the youtube links, I am really excited to watch that guy's channel! I'm already looking at the one where he talks about his favorite dramas of 2023, and he gave an honorable mention to "Fermat's Cuisine" on Netflix, which I have been binge-watching, it's fun!
I have no idea why my mom is down on Murasaki. It could be that she thinks it will be full of fluffy romance and gossipy ladies behind screens. That would bore her for sure. I just watched the 2023 top 10 (actually top 11!) video and I was surprised at how many I’ve seen, and REALLY surprised at his number 1 choice, which I saw on Netflix and would never have imagined anyone ranking that highly on a list! I won’t spoil it for anyone here, but I secretly enjoyed it myself but would not have admitted it readily! Aratamete thank you again for the links, I’m going to follow his channel, I am eager to see his detailed comments on HIKARU KIMI E, it will be amusing even if it’s annoying!
where are you watching Fermat's Cuisine? When you watch his comments, if you happen to notice what he says about the use of birdsong in the series so far I couldn't quite grasp what he was saying except the birds convey really well the emotion of the scene where you hear them? I noticed it in episode one that it was quite pronounced....
oops, I didn't notice birdsong beyond the scenes with the caged bird. There might have been some birdsong when she chases the bird? I think I normally just hear birdsong in Japanese dramas as a way to remind us about the season, so I don't listen for it too carefully. I need to finish watching that particular video, I'll let you know if I learn anything else from what he says. And Fermat's Cuisine is on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/title/81721422
I have not heard of that one before! I’m going to look at it right away! He did a lot on Vivant. I loved that show. I think it was on my favorite shows I’ve seen in a long time I haven’t watched his kaisetsu on the show. But he produced quite a lot of videos!
I saw that too and was also disappointed!! I wondered about it--since I love what I am seeing and think the production values are off-scale! Maybe people will stream later? I mean I cannot remember the last time I watched a TV show in real time. It has been at least ten years but maybe even longer...? So then how would they know?
Wow, you've said so much in this post, Leanne. Whenever I start to clarify my thoughts about one thing, I find myself bumping into another aspect of this whole business of being spoken for by writing. Whether the author or the novel or the TV show: I think there is always an expectation in which causality may seem to be clear enough to evince clarity, but the mix of circumstance and the moment may evoke a complete turn of turn. Yikes, not sure I said anything. On the tip of my tongue. I'll chew on this pre- thought awhile! lol!
TV does seem to go to the extreme. How much more interesting (not to mention relatable) it is to think about a girl listening to her brother's lessons and longing to be able to learn, too, than to think about her watching her mother's murder. It depends upon what a story is ABOUT, of course. But it's the seemingly smaller things that carry the biggest impact for me.
I just finished episode one so I hope I'll get around to episode two today! I wasn't a fan of the Michikane subplot, but I suppose there is something in the record somewhere about his aggression? Maybe? And I assume that this sets up a conflict for Murasaki, as the writer seems to be aiming for a romance between Murasaki and Michinaga. I've read about the possible real-life romance between those two somewhere as well, so I don't mind it, but the random murder did seem a little soapy.
I read that the viewership stats for this new drama are quite poor. Even supposing that NHK's audience skews older and that younger people have lots of other forms of entertainment, I was surprised and disappointed. It's so rare to see a Heian-era drama, you'd think that alone would be a draw.
I didn't like the murder since it was kind of over-the top.... I really enjoyed this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJXI5o4qGcY (even though he can be a bit weird. ) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJXI5o4qGcY at one point he says that it is interesting to look at the gap between what is historically known and the screenplay for the show and to consider what the writers were trying to emphasize in terms of what turned "Mahiro" into Murasaki Shikibu.... also online a writer said that her deep understanding of character definitely came from an understanding of hardship or personal misfortune. Also the last comment in the above video says: 源氏物語には度々「人の親の心は闇にあらねど 子を思ふ道にまどひぬるかな」という歌が引歌として用いられています
I have no idea why people might be unenthused about a Genji-related drama, and I suppose people might stream it later, but older people probably still watch things in real time just because the technology can be challenging for them. All I know is that my mom shrugged and said, "Murasaki? Well, I sure won't be watching THAT." LOL!
Thanks for the youtube links, I am really excited to watch that guy's channel! I'm already looking at the one where he talks about his favorite dramas of 2023, and he gave an honorable mention to "Fermat's Cuisine" on Netflix, which I have been binge-watching, it's fun!
Did you ask your mom why she didn’t want to see anything on Murasaki? I would love to know why as well!
I have no idea why my mom is down on Murasaki. It could be that she thinks it will be full of fluffy romance and gossipy ladies behind screens. That would bore her for sure. I just watched the 2023 top 10 (actually top 11!) video and I was surprised at how many I’ve seen, and REALLY surprised at his number 1 choice, which I saw on Netflix and would never have imagined anyone ranking that highly on a list! I won’t spoil it for anyone here, but I secretly enjoyed it myself but would not have admitted it readily! Aratamete thank you again for the links, I’m going to follow his channel, I am eager to see his detailed comments on HIKARU KIMI E, it will be amusing even if it’s annoying!
where are you watching Fermat's Cuisine? When you watch his comments, if you happen to notice what he says about the use of birdsong in the series so far I couldn't quite grasp what he was saying except the birds convey really well the emotion of the scene where you hear them? I noticed it in episode one that it was quite pronounced....
oops, I didn't notice birdsong beyond the scenes with the caged bird. There might have been some birdsong when she chases the bird? I think I normally just hear birdsong in Japanese dramas as a way to remind us about the season, so I don't listen for it too carefully. I need to finish watching that particular video, I'll let you know if I learn anything else from what he says. And Fermat's Cuisine is on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/title/81721422
I have not heard of that one before! I’m going to look at it right away! He did a lot on Vivant. I loved that show. I think it was on my favorite shows I’ve seen in a long time I haven’t watched his kaisetsu on the show. But he produced quite a lot of videos!
I saw that too and was also disappointed!! I wondered about it--since I love what I am seeing and think the production values are off-scale! Maybe people will stream later? I mean I cannot remember the last time I watched a TV show in real time. It has been at least ten years but maybe even longer...? So then how would they know?
Always enlightening to read your take, explanations, and translations. Thank you!
Thank you!! ❤️
Wow, you've said so much in this post, Leanne. Whenever I start to clarify my thoughts about one thing, I find myself bumping into another aspect of this whole business of being spoken for by writing. Whether the author or the novel or the TV show: I think there is always an expectation in which causality may seem to be clear enough to evince clarity, but the mix of circumstance and the moment may evoke a complete turn of turn. Yikes, not sure I said anything. On the tip of my tongue. I'll chew on this pre- thought awhile! lol!
❤️
TV does seem to go to the extreme. How much more interesting (not to mention relatable) it is to think about a girl listening to her brother's lessons and longing to be able to learn, too, than to think about her watching her mother's murder. It depends upon what a story is ABOUT, of course. But it's the seemingly smaller things that carry the biggest impact for me.
I couldn't agree more!!