Hello!
It's me again and now I'm gonna review Hana Yori Dango ep.4. in this episode we start to see the budding romance of Domyoji-Makino heheh.
Okay to start where we left off, the rain scene at Ebisu Garden Place Clock Tower. At first Domyoji growls in anger, but then he hugged Makino, he did it mostly cuz he is cold and glad she is there. The violent man Domyoji is, doing such a tender thing is so surprising for both us, the audience and Makino. We definitely can see that Domyoji is sooo naive. I like how emotional this scene is, especially with “Tsukushi” music score. Domyoji, more worried about Makino being caught in an accident, also makes this scene more heartfelt. He slowly, but surely showed more and more of this other side of him, the true nature of him. He also really believed Makino would come, he just believes. That absurd confidence of Domyoji is really interesting and pivotal for HanaDan story. Even though they bicker you could see something change in Domyoji-Makino relationship. What I also want to point out, how GOOD of an actor Jun is. When he asked Makino “Actually, you’re in love with me, aren't you?”, his smug face turned into a really longing stare. Actually he is the one who starts to fall in love with Makino and he really wishes she could love him back. Jun really did well in HanaDan, he put so much emotional layering on Domyoji.
Makino in this episode hasn’t put her guard down with Domyoji. You could tell she is still afraid of Domyoji’s temper, but at the same time she is so surprised by this turn around. She didn't immediately offer her umbrella to him, which was very understandable. But when she expected an angry outlash from Domyoji, Domyoji instead showed some tenderness in him. How much he is longing for her. This turn around of course confusing her (we see that in this whole episode on how she didn't believe Domyoji has fallen for her), how could someone she hates so much (and she thinks he hate her back too), someone who tortured her, start to falling in love with her? She finally warms up and offers him hot tea, partly because she felt bad and pitying Domyoji getting soaked, cold, and sneezing but also because something starts to change in how Makino thinks about Domyoji due to Domyoji waiting her for hours, him not outlash in anger and worried about her, and all the different side of him that shown in ep 3.
Also an interesting point, when Domyoji punches the questionnaire person, he doesn’t realize it’s wrong. He is very surprised that Makino stops him. That's interesting. It could imply that he never understands that punching other people just because he is mad or irritated is acceptable. It could also mean, he doesn't understand the implication the Red Card causes?
So the elevator scene. As you can see, Makino is indeed still very cautious of Domyoji. I mean it's very understandable that she is still afraid of him. Them trying to escape was very funny too. It’s ridiculous but so fun. Makino didn’t want to grab dirty Domyoji hands. It was so funny XD It was also very chaotic LMAO.
So chaotic and funny LMAO
And it cuts to Makino’s family daily idiom game. I really like how HanaDan tells their story. It’s very creative. Next it cuts to the elevator scene again, Domyoji got a fever due to getting soaked. Makino, being a kind person that she is decided to take care of Domyoji. I mean it's not sudden kindness, she probably afraid this boy would die XD So she sternly makes Domyoji take the meds. I think what really hooked Domyoji to Makino forever is how kind she is, how capable she is of compassion, even though he remotely deserves it, yet she is also tough the same way he is. She has all that quality of her that's the same like Domyoji, but she is kind and capable of compassion, something that Domyoji is lacking. Makino doing this without any intention to take Domyoji's heart, making Domyoji nicer or anything. She just did it, just because. And she saw that Domyoji is no different than her, he is just a human being with flaws and weakness, she also jokes and teases him about it LOL. I like that Domyoji came to the conclusion about taking back the Red Card by himself. Like he knows, he owes Makino. The interesting thing is also, Makino didn't give him the satisfaction of his power. And what's more, Domyoji smiles and looks relieved. Like he knows, Makino is different from the others. She doesn't look at him just for his wealth and charm, no power and all the money in the world could buy her. And then it's cut to a really cute scene on their night together with Otsuka Ai's Planetarium as background music. This is it, this is the turning point.
Makino seeing different of Domyoji
So it may not make sense at all as to why Domyoji is so head over heels to Makino (yes, Domyoji is crazy). Beside all the reasons above, from my take, Domyoji is a simple man. Due to his upbringing (or the lack of), he moves by instinct. It explained more in season 2, on how he is like an animal in that sense. Domyoji is drawn to Makino and his instinct told him to never let her go, he doesn't know why or in what sense at first. But he is so clear in his convictions, his instinct told him that Makino is the one, the best girl in the world. And he believes. It's just as simple as that.
Next is the almost kiss of Domyoji-Makino, but of course it didn't happen cuz Makino ran away haha. Sakurako has become more suspicious now. Also I'm kinda a bit weirded out by the reaction of Makino's family haha… But oh well…
Also that part where Domyoji said "Yo" to Makino LOL. So funny like he tried to be casual, but it's clear he has fallen head over heels about Makino XD again Jun, being a good actor, showed how Domyoji looks at Makino lovingly.
Next scene is when Soujiro and Akira talk to Domyoji about his relationship with Makino Tsukushi. I really like this scene. Akira and Soujiro, while doing their usual hanging out together, ask Tsukasa if he is really serious with Makino. Tsukasa doesn't pay too much attention because he is assembling a puzzle. Akira is kinda unsure about Tsukasa and Makino cuz he knows the implication they get, if it's just playing around he is fine with it, but Tsukasa must know that all of them one day must marry someone that their parents chose. If Tsukasa is serious about Makino, in the end it will be Makino who's gonna hurt badly. But Tsukasa nonchalantly said "I'll never do anything that's gonna hurt Makino" and the "Tsukushi" music score started to play. That scene really hits you. It really shows and gives us emotion. Tsukasa is seriously in love with Makino. Tsukasa is naive, but his convictions are clear. He is in love with Makino and he will never let anything or anyone hurt her. It's not just talk, but something that he has decided and taken to heart. And the cut from the puzzle with the constellation picture to the actual sky is very well done too.
But I gotta say… Yuuki is so supportive of Makino's relationship with Domyoji is kinda… Weird. Like gurl, too soon? XD Makino is still neutral about Domyoji and considering how awful Domyoji was before, these remarks are so weird……
Also Ookami-san stories are always so funny and entertaining haha XD I love her!
As The Beatles fan, I'm happy they mention John Lenon XD
And then we see Tsubaki's advice flashback while seeing Domyoji on the way to Makino's home. I like how that advice is really accentuated. We know Domyoji really took that advice to heart, applying it in his pursuit to Makino's heart.
Next it's so funny, it's Domyoji and family interaction LOL. Domyoji so stupid XD
He is grinning with the entire family
Also the puzzle discussion between Nishida and Domyoji's mother. I think it's kinda implied that puzzle is something that Domyoji does when he is happy about something? He started that puzzle when he met Makino.
So this dinner scene, this is one of my favorite scenes. I remember watching this the first time and I melted. But first let's talk about the apple incident XD Oh I also like how when Makino said "it has nothing to do with you", Domyoji said "it has" but it was more for Rui not for Makino. I really love F4's friendship. And then he tells the stupid story of apple incident LOL. I also like on how stupid the story is yet the music is mellow (it's Tsukushi music score), it's making it more hillarious XD like this story is stupid, but something that's really serious for Domyoji (prove that he is really an idiot LMAO). But it also tells how Rui is someone that's really important to Domyoji, he felt really bad for taking away Rui's favorite food. This story also explains well about the light hearted tone of friendship of F4. I think this kind of "otoko" friendship appears a lot in Japanese anime/manga/drama and I really like this kind of friendship. Like they bunch of idiots, with idiots reasoning why they're friends, yet they will stick with you through thick and thin. It also more realistic with how male friendship is? It's not melodramatic or anything deep to why they are friends. It also something girls don't get haha, so yes Makino is us all XD
Oguri Shun really nails that comedy and drama at the same time
The focus from Domyoji, to Makino confused face LOL peak comedy
At this scene it's also implied that if Makino likes Rui, Domyoji would (painfully) give up, cuz he treasured Rui so much and he respects Makino's decision. Next is what blew my mind. I think it's because of how naive Domyoji is, he really believes that if you love someone wholeheartedly, that person will also love you back. And what's more is how he really believes in Makino, it's kinda absurd, but also really really sweet. He really makes sure that Makino understands that he, the almighty Domyoji, thinks that she is the best, the most amazing girl in the world therefore if she wants to, if she really likes Rui, Rui will also love her back because she is so amazing.
Everyone knows Domyoji has indeed fallen in love with Makino. Makino just keeps denying it.
So the clubbing scene… I'm happy Makino has friends now but I don't like the outcome of this clubbing thing… And then we got Yuuki in the dango shop! Ookami-san so funny on how fast she change when Akira bought all the wagashi LMAO.
Then we got to the talk between Soujiro, Akira, and Yuuki. Soujiro is basically fine with them going out if they are just playing and Akira is kinda worried cuz if they're serious, it will become messy. Yuuki didn’t get what they wanted to say cuz for her, serious or not, it was something that Makino and Domyoji had to decide themselves. Meaning, their feelings are not for them to judge and control.
Next scene is Makino being drugged. I’m kinda pissed off… Makino, honey, I know you’re so naive, but don’t take random drinks from strangers huhu TT_TT I also weirded out to why Makino is more concerned about her virginity than being drugged then be taken to a hotel non-consented… But considering this is from shoujo romance manga… Well, yeah… These things happen.
Next is cutey Domyoji acting like a dork LOL Also it’s so sweet how Domyoji defended her, he lost in his own words haha. Soujiro and Akira already used to Tsukasa shenanigans XD
And now the scene where Makino and Yuuki are talking. Yuuki is being fair here, indeed if Makino didn’t like him, she should have just really turned him down (even though I kinda know Domyoji won’t give up that easily LOL). And what I really love is, when Yuuki said “He really likes you”, a melancholic music score starts to play. Unfortunately, I can’t pinpoint which music score is this, I have played the soundtrack album but I seem to have no idea which song is being used in this scene, gomen. So continue, the music starts to play and as Yuuki tells Makino what he heard from Soujiro and Akira, we see Domyoji playing with a puzzle in his lonely room. It really hits and drives home on how lonely and longing for love Domyoji is. No need for more explanation, we already feel it. And I also get it that Makino feels burdened by this…
So the next scene is the one that makes me kinda torn… It’s the reveal of Makino “scandalous" photo. The slut shaming weirded me out. Also not gonna lie, I hate Domyoji for not trusting Makino :") I hate him so much. But the way Matsumoto Jun portrayed Domyoji, he looks so sad… makes me kinda want to forgive him. In my defense, Makino is the first person besides F4 and his sister that he trust so yeah… and the music really helps to sold me to how Domyoji is hurting and Makino's desperation. Yeah, so I'm partially solds. I also likes the way they close this episode with Makino breathing as she needs to face off the bullies.
So it's the end of ep. 4 review. This episode really makes me think, what hooked me so much to Hana Yori Dango despite its very flawed, cliche, typical shoujo romance story? While ep. 3 convinces me partly due to the stellar performance of Inoue Mao, Matsumoto Jun, and Oguri Shun, ep. 4 tells me it's beyond that. Hana Yori Dango has that emotional intensity that sort of magical in that sense? It's the combination of stellar and convincing acting from the cast, perfect music score and the way they place it, cinematography that enhances it, the way they weave the scene, and the beyond grasp amazing chemistry from the cast that makes Hana Yori Dango have that emotional intensity. It gives us strong feelings that we can't comprehend why this typical and out of fetch story could make us feel this way. The outcome of these intense feelings are hard to achieve, yet Hana Yori Dango could excel in it. It is magical, the star has alligned at that time. Like it's fated that this director, this composer, this cameran, this scriptwriter, this cast, this whole team met in Hana Yori Dango, creating one of the most powerful and beautiful love story ever told. This combination is something that doesn't come often. Also considering how the decision to make this drama was a sudden extremely last minute decision, hence the production are a bit rushed and the effect of Hana Yori Dango popularity that caused Arashi (Matsumoto Jun's group) launched to be the national idol group even until now (I'll explain it in another post), if this wasn't fated, I don't know what is.
I'm sorry it has become such a long review, thank you for visiting
Aya
Thank you ! I am looking forwards next episode's review !
ReplyDeleteAaah thank you!! And thank you too for reading my really long review XD
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