Orange Days(オレンジデイズ)

Movie: Orange Days(オレンジデイズ)
Type: Japanese Drama (Eng Sub)
Length: 11 Episodes (avg 59 Min/episode)

I had just finished watching the Japanese Drama 'Orange Days' (thanks bro, I downloaded from your comp). Well, To give you a brief idea of what this movie is, below are a brief sypnosis from jdorama.com

'Kai Yuuki (Satoshi Tsumabuki) is in his senior year at university studying social welfare psychology. At present, he is in the middle of job-hunting season. He is finding it difficult with no job offers so far.
One day, he meets a girl who is playing violin in the campus. She is Sae Hagio (Kou Shibasaki). In marked contrast to her beautiful tone and attractive looks, her personality is somewhat impertinent. And to top it off, she communicates through very vulgar sign language.
Four years ago, she lost the most important thing for a violinist - her hearing. As a result Sae closed off her inner self from the outside world.
Kai finds himself on a date with Sae, in place of his best friend. Unexpectedly, he comes into contact with Sae's private side.
Love, job-hunting, friendship... Setting a campus in spring as a dorama`s backdrop, it's the start of a glittering youth drama.'

Kou Shibasaki actually played the character very well for a deaf girl and her expressions through her sign language is superb. The same goes to Satoshi Tsumabuki. Their frustrations and happiness can be clearly seen from the way they communicate with their hands. The last episode is one of the best endings I had seen where it clearly shows that Love triumphs everything. The way 'Kai Yuuki' expressed during the last few minutes of the movie was really heart warming and moving. He said:

'In that year, I had found the light of my life. She is the light'

Here are some of the comments from other viewers (adapted from jdorama.com)


Speechless.... [Rating: 9/10]
from the very 1st episode,i was hooked on to this jdorama..i liked kou shibasaki since GOOD LUCK and in the jdorama i was not disappointed with her acting...and her chemistry with the lead actor is so good that i wish it happen in their real life...and the finale to this drama is also very touching...i can almost sensed Kai's feelings at that time when he hear Sae say out his name...it was so touching that Sae got the courage to speak out and Kai is so happy that he is there to support and love her...as what he say,"i have found the light of my life,she is the light"...i am so happy that i did not give this jdorama a miss...great show...
Reviewed by funny face on 16 October 2004


Pretty good [Rating: 8/10]
Pretty good drama. During the course of the drama, I even pick up some easy sign language. Highly recommended. Trust me on this!
Reviewed by Titicamara82 on 14 January 2005

i love this!!! [Rating: 10/10]
the best j-dorama for me so far...i love the whole concept of the series, the characters are very well-portrayed...plus the whole sign language thing...even if they don't say anything most of the times, sae and kai are still able to affect you. makes you treasure your friends more. the best!!!
Reviewed by jekert on 30 April 2005


Orange Daze [Rating: 9/10]
This is a really good series, that definately grew on me. Although I didn't find the main characters incredibly likeable at first (Sae especially), after a few episodes they really started to open up, and you see their subtleties.

The characters are pretty emotional for much of the show, but they have balanced out that bitter-sweetness with Keita and his 'Orange Society' plans (hehe). The story overall is very personal, and stays focused on the small group of friends, without straying too much. It captures that intensity of college life/love well.

It's also quite interesting how 'flawed' many of the characters are, in a human way. They can be quite hurtful to one another. They get angry, jealous, and selfish. You get to see both sides, not just the 'perfect' view of their personalities.

A fun and satisfying show, that will make you think. Watch it! :)
Reviewed by shelf on 13 August 2005


There i've said it. Now go and get the DVD with english subs. For ladies, get your tissues ready. ;p