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Hiroshi66 Profile
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Re: J-Drama: 真田丸 (Sanadamaru)


I'm glad you were able to watch the episode somehow, Peg! That is great news! Please try to watch the one with the subtitles if you can. The one without the subtitles is a few episodes ahead of what we are now seeing on UTB. We just saw Episode 30 this past Sunday on UTB, which is the same episode you mentioned seeing with subtitles, so that is the one to watch for so we can all be on the same page. emoticon

<EPISODE 30>

The pacing this drama takes is rather different - sometimes they rush things (as they did here) and other times they take their sweet time with the story. I suppose it is to keep us, the audience, on our toes.

The Hideyoshi actor is doing a superb job in portraying Hideyoshi's demise. I actually feel extremely sorry for his character, and he is not usually one I sympathize with in these dramas. You can tell that Hideyoshi is terrified for what will happen to his son and legacy after his death, which is why he pathetically begs everyone who will listen to "take care of Hideyori" after he is gone. Hideyoshi was quite a sharp fellow, but you can tell he doesn't really know what is happening to him, and the thought of not being in control petrifies him. The actor does a great job of showing us this side of Hideyoshi. One of the best Hideyoshi performances I have seen!

Quick thinking on Genjiro's part when Hideyoshi had an accident in front of all those people - including Tokugawa Ieyasu. Genjiro made it seem like young Hideyori was the one who had the accident, and carried out Hideyori (and a shocked Hideyoshi) out of the room in seconds. I know the audience was left a little suspicious of what had just occurred, but I think Genjiro is quick on his feet and did what he could to save Hideyori from complete humiliation.

Interesting sibling rivalry between Genjiro and G-Brother, especially as the latter comes into his own. Having not one but two potential heirs now and thus becoming a father has really solidified G-Brother's position in the clan. Plus, the fact that he gets along with his wife now has done a lot to boost G-Bro's confidence. I hope he and Genjiro can maintain a friendship. However, I think G-Bro resents the fact that Genjiro is tied so closely to Hideyoshi, and doesn't share some of the secrets he knows - although, he finally broke down and told his brother about Hideyoshi's failing health.

An extra complication is the fact that G-Bro is connected to the Tokugawa through his wife. As Genjiro grows closer to the Toyotomi, G-Bro grows closer and closer to the Tokugawa.

What a scare G-Dad had with the courtesan who was really a spy for the Tokugawa! LOL. No wonder he was so eager to go back to his wife after that ordeal. There is no place like home!

Not too much discussion about Hideyoshi's disastrous invasion of Korea for the second time in 1596, although it is probably because our main character, Genjiro, was not involved in it.

That whole scene with Hideyoshi trying to make Hideyori happy and falling off the tree was bizarre. It was almost as if they were trying to make it seem like ChaCha was the one egging him on - even though she knew full well that he was ill and shouldn't be climbing trees in his condition. Everyone, including O-ne and Genjiro, were trying to dissuade Hideyoshi from doing that. ChaCha was the only one who pushed him to do it. Did they stress that to make it seem like ChaCha would do anything so long that Hideyori, her son, wished it to happen? The incident ultimately hastened Hideyoshi's demise.

Did Hideyoshi really not remember Genjiro at the end? Or, was he trying to relive the moment they first met. Perhaps Hideyoshi had truly forgotten and replaying out the scene where they first met was a temporary lapse into a delirious state.

We're already in 1598. Episode 31 airs next week.
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Re: J-Drama: 真田丸 (Sanadamaru)


<EPISODE 31>

Out of all the Hideyoshi-centered Taigas we've seen, this one was definitely the best portrayal of his final days. It wasn't enjoyable to watch, but it just made me realize how the mighty can fall so quickly. Were Hideyoshi's painful and horrific final days karma for all the evil deeds he did in his life time? I thought the actor did a superb job portraying Hideyoshi's last moments. I really think he needs some kind of an award for this role! One of my favorite Hideyoshi portrayals yet.

Tokugawa Ieyasu taking advantage of Hideyoshi and having him sign that "will" was rather pathetic to watch. Who in their right conscience can take advantage of this dying man to make him do something like that for political reasons? Mitsunari was no better, but at least he was trying to make Hideyoshi revise the will in order to protect Hideyori - while Ieyasu had nothing but ulterior motives.

I was surprised that Hideyoshi actually figured out what was going on. Behind all that "Take care of Hideyori" stuff he was actually pretty well-versed as to what was going on.

Hideyoshi's final wish to "kill Ieyasu" has officially drawn the lines in the sand between Mitsunari and Ieyasu. Genjiro will take Mitsunari's side, since Hideyoshi asked him to help protect Mitsunari. He needs all the help he can get. Mitsunari is a sad soul and having someone loyal like Genjiro will be good for him. These two have really come far in their friendship.

I'm glad Chacha and Hideyori came to see Hideyoshi before his death. What a difficult scene to watch. I had never realized that this was the first time Chacha had really lost someone to death of old age - every other loved one in her life had either been killed, committed suicide, or died in infancy.

I'm not looking forward to the rivalry between Genjiro and his brother. G-Brother talks a big game about Genjiro needing to put the Sanada before the Toyotomi, but he's doing a great job of cozying up to the Tokugawa himself. Ieyasu could care less about G-Brother. He just wants him in his pocket so that the Sanada won't go against the Tokugawa if war ever comes. He can throw that idea out the window. G-Brother may be the leader of the clan, but G-Dad and Genjiro are the ones really running the show.

G-Bro indirectly caused the death of Mr. Ninja. Well... it's not like he knew Mr. Ninja was trying to assassinate Ieyasu, but if it weren't for his warning, Mr. Ninja might have succeeded. I'm sorry to see him go...

We're in 1598. Episode 32 airs next week. BTW, have you noticed UTB got rid of the next-episode previews? I miss them! It's all of 30 seconds... you'd think they'd put them in.
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Re: J-Drama: 真田丸 (Sanadamaru)


This last episode was interesting; I enjoyed several aspects.

First, as you mentioned, Hiroshi, the portrayal of Hideyoshi's demise and death were outstandingly played and directed. I found myself caught up and lost in the "reality" of those scenes. I feel as though I'm seeing Hideyosohi himself. (Not so during G-Bro's scenes. All I can see is the guy in the van, acting goofy and laughing wildly as they "pig out" on their travels through Japan!) Kohinata Fumiyo (Hideyoshi) has certainly gained my respect for his refined and pure thespian abilities. All his past roles that I've seen have been spot on, too, but most of the characters I saw him portray were just sort of shapeless and peripheral, blend-into-the-crowd type roles. How wonderful to see him in roles that he can really sink his teeth into and show how unbounded his talents really are.

The writing is also outstanding. Not just the dialog but also the visual hooks they employ are very effective. We see a "dinner bell" Genjiro gives to Hideyoshi to use to call for help when needed—one that Hideyoshi seems to really enjoy. Then the bell woven through the scene of Hideyori playing with it because of its enticing sound, then the end when Hideyoshi desperately needs help, but the bell isn't in its place and he sees it on the floor beyond his reach.

When Hideyoshi is portrayed as struggling to reach for the bell, he drags himself near to it, but it is beyond his strength to go farther and his strength gives out when just inches from it. The camera then shows Hideyoshi's face. It seems as though it is a freeze frame of H. dying, but then a tear rolls down his cheek. Was that an actual portrayal by the actor? or was it some sort of CGI? In either case, it was outstandingly completed.

Then there was the candle flame beside Hideyoshi's bed. How outstanding were all those significantly symbolic scenes? Excellently produced.

Question - Why doesn't Genjiro have the same kind of shaved hair style as Mitsunari and some of the other male characters surrounding him? Is it a matter of his age or position? How old would Genjiro be during this time frame?

One last comment... I was surprised to see that "beefcake" shot of Mitsunari going through the scene of ritually dousing himself with cold water near the end of Hideyoshi's life. It has to be said, though, that Koji Yamamoto is in very good shape, and this is a very different Taiga! LOL




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Re: J-Drama: 真田丸 (Sanadamaru)


引用 (quote):

nchristi wrote:

Question - Why doesn't Genjiro have the same kind of shaved hair style as Mitsunari and some of the other male characters surrounding him? Is it a matter of his age or position? How old would Genjiro be during this time frame?




Nchristi, that's a good question about Genjiro not having the same shaved hair style as the other high-ranking samurai - such as Mitsunari, Ieyasu, or the others. Come to think of it, I don't think anyone from the Sanada clan has it, either. I believe it has to do something with the Sanada clan not being of a high enough rank to warrant that distinctive hair style - unlike Ieyasu, etc. I could be wrong, though. I don't think age has to do with it, since Genjiro is already 31 years old in 1598 and his father doesn't have it, either.

I totally agree with you about G-Bro. He really grates on my nerves and I wish they had picked someone else for that role. The way he yells out his lines is just so obnoxious and he doesn't really fit in with the rest of the superb actors and actresses. I have a feeling I'm going to care for his character even less going forward, especially as he inches even closer towards the Tokugawa.

This may just be Kohinata Fumiyo's big break. You're right, he has always been in supporting roles in the past - the "character of the day" type of role where he didn't make much of an impression. So, when I initially saw him cast as Hideyoshi here, I'll be honest and say that I had my doubts. Not for long! He did an excellent job and I hope that he will be cast in some dramas of his own soon. I think he can certainly carry a show as the main actor.

Takeuchi Yuko has been doing a good job as Chacha, too. Same with the actress playing Nene. Honestly, the only casting choice I'm disappointed with is G-Bro. I think he has potential as an actor but he needs to stop reciting his lines and talking the way he does in his variety shows.

We're 1/2 done with the drama now, and with Hideyoshi gone, I'm interested to see how the drama pans out... especially now that Sekigahara is around the corner.


Last edited by Hiroshi66, 10/7/2016, 7:17 am
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Re: J-Drama: 真田丸 (Sanadamaru)


<EPISODE 32>

I finally had a chance to watch last week's episode. With Hideyoshi gone, the war between Ieyasu and Mitsunari is starting. We've never seen it covered in such minute detail before, and I liked that the writers weren't scared to have their main character, Genjiro, take somewhat of a back seat to all the drama between Mitsunari and Ieyasu.

The main question of late 1598 was which personality - Ieyasu or Mitsunari - would be able to resonate with all of Hideyoshi's supporters, family, and even with his enemies. I think it's quite clear that Ishida Mitsunari simply doesn't have the charm, political power, or personality to be supported by the majority of Hideyoshi's subjects. Everybody knows it, and I imagine Mitsunari knows it better than anybody - especially since he allowed Genjiro to stay and help him. He can't do it on his own.

A perfect example of this was the banquets thrown by each side. Ieyasu's banquet was lively, full of laughter and fun - no shop talk. Mitsunari's banquet felt more like a formal meeting - Mitsunari left and didn't even attempt to socialize with anybody.

I'm not trying to knock Mitsunari. He is a good leader and very smart. That being said, I think he is better fit to be the power behind the throne - in terms of having the personality needed to lead the country, I think something is lacking. If Hideyori was older already, Mitsunari could have easily continued manipulating things behind the scenes. However, with Hideyori still a young child, somebody needs to be a visible leader, and Mitsunari doesn't have the 'it' factor.

Ieyasu must be getting some lessons, because he's suddenly found his voice and doesn't seem to be a nervous ball of energy like he was in the beginning. The line in the sand has been drawn and there is now war between Mitsunari and Ieyasu.

What a relief that Mr. Ninja survived and is still alive. I was afraid that he had died from his injuries.

Not much else to say about this episode. We are almost at Sekigahara and I am very interested to see how the Sanada will fare. Genjiro, his brother, and his dad all have very different thoughts on current events and I'm curious to see how they will all react to the big battle that is just a year away.

We're in early 1599. Episode 33 airs next week!
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Re: J-Drama: 真田丸 (Sanadamaru)


<EPISODE 33>

I watched this episode two weeks ago but didn't have a chance to post my comments about it. I didn't watch Episode 34 yet, either, but I may get to it this weekend. Is anybody else watching this?

Let me try to remember what even happened in this episode... ah yes, the Mitsunari pile-on!

i have never been a fan of Ishida Mitsunari but this drama makes me feel very sorry for him. He has zero social skills and zero political sense. In his mind, he actually thought he could muster enough former Hideyoshi supporters to actually defeat Ieyasu militarily. Poor Mitsunari doesn't realize that he just doesn't have the "it" factor necessary to rule the country. Ieyasu, like him or not, does. Mitsunari was Hideyoshi's right-hand man and advisor but he never had the 'people skills' necessary to rally up support - or even to scare others into supporting him (like Nobunaga).

Someone mentioned in the episode that Ieyasu is the only logical choice to lead Japan because his rival (Mitsunari) isn't. I doubt all of the people who came to Ieyasu's mansion that night to support him against Mitsunari really wanted to be there. They would just rather be fighting for him than for Mitsunari! I think that broke poor Mitsunari's heart.

The only confusing element of all this is that Mitsunari interprets people not coming to support him as them being disloyal to Hideyoshi's legacy. That is not true. It is hard to remember, but Ieyasu at this time was actually trying to legitimize himself as the heir to Hideyoshi's legacy - and that Mitsunari was trying to bring division and war to the country.

That being said, Mitsunari has come off as a loyal and passionate supporter of the man he had served for so much of his life. Genjiro is also coming off well, as a loyal and kind friend. He isn't stupid. He knows that Mitsunari has no chance of ruling the country, and that if things get heated, Ieyasu will probably win. However, he still remains loyal to his friend and isn't breaking his last promise to Hideyoshi - that he'll help Mitsunari.

As for G-Bro, he's getting awfully close to the Tokugawa faction. I'm liking him less and less...

We're still in 1599. Episode 34 already aired, but I'll try to watch it this week and post my comments this weekend.

(If anyone else is watching this, please do try and contribute to the discussion. Even a couple of sentences! It's more fun to discuss the drama with someone else than by myself. emoticon)
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Re: J-Drama: 真田丸 (Sanadamaru)


Sorry password delays. ok, I was conflicted over Gbro casting too, but now I am OK with it. I sympathize with the character, who (else) would want to play the stick in the mud next to the charismatic little bro? Gbro motive appears to be, more like falling in line behind his father in law, rather than Ieyasu... hope he gets more support from the second wife now.
Very impressive that Genjiro held fast against Tokugawa bullying. Yes, agree that G is very loyal, and sadly, to a losing cause. Scary sad to watch the noble sentiments play out.
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Hi Hiroshi,
It is not easy now for me to chase and catch this drama. It seems to appear in different channel and different times down here. So far I have managed to watch the Japanese version. this is not really satisfactory since I don't understand the long discussions they are holding. also for some reason the actual picture is very dark. I think candlelight is OK but not for TV dramas to be really seen. I have just seen an episode without subs ad I hope I will see it again tonight with subs. It is interesting how the daimyos are getting together and still cannot resolve this shaky situation. I really am interested to find out how Genjiro will deal with the end result and where will he finally end up himself. This drama has given a totally different light on this historical time. Iayasu has yet to become the calm strong and powerful man we have seen in other dramas. I still can't quite see it as a comedy. Not too many laughs !!!
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Re: J-Drama: 真田丸 (Sanadamaru)


Thanks for your comments, Mile Irene and Peg! Glad to hear you are still watching. Peg, I think you're watching the version on TV Japan which is a few weeks ahead of UTB. They have a subtitled version that airs on Sundays there, too, so hopefully you can catch the subtitled version sometime. emoticon

<EPISODE 34>

I'm back! Sorry for the absence. Had a busy couple of weeks.

Looks like the stage has been set for Sekigahara. Wow, Tokugawa Ieyasu had been portrayed as a bumbling fool for the entire Taiga, but now he has suddenly become a treacherous politician. He doesn't need the advice of his vassals to take over - he's doing everything on his own. I guess everything happens in its own time.

Genjiro is a good friend to Mitsunari, but I think he needs to start being a little more selfish and a little less selfless here. G-Bro has realized that Ieyasu being defeated will result in a huge power vacuum that will result in a second warring states era. I agree with him for once. Ieyasu, like him or not, was the only figure who could unite the country on a national level and take rule. Hideyori is still young and as for Mitsunari, he simply doesn't have the unifying charisma needed to keep the country at peace.

However, history didn't work that way. The majority of Toyotomi vassals have chosen to rally around Mitsunari and impeach Ieyasu while he is out punishing the Uesugi clan. Mitsunari will be giving orders from behind the scenes, but there is no charismatic leader that the majority of Toyotomi vassals can rally around and support. Well, I guess they're rallying around Hideyori, but he is still young and so it wouldn't have any impact.

Ieyasu borrowing money and weapons from Hideyori (via Cha Cha) was an easy way for him to claim that Hideyori is "supporting" his military efforts. After all, isn't it better to say that Hideyori allowed Ieyasu to "lead his troops" to punish the Uesugi than simply to use his name in battle? Cha Cha walked right into Ieyasu's trap. Like I said, when did Ieyasu become so smart in this drama!?

We have seen O-Ne withdraw from political life and tacitly support Ieyasu through her silence. This is a particularly interesting person because she very quickly shifted support from Mitsunari and other Hideyoshi loyalists and, through her neutrality, began supporting Ieyasu. At this stage, she is just being neutral and not supporting either side out right, but her refusal to even speak out a little bit on behalf of Mitsunari was very telling.

Now that the Sekigahara stage has been set, I'm very curious to see how Genjiro, his brother, and father react. G-Bro realizes he'll be going to war against his father-in-law, so let's see if he'll stick with his real family.

We're still in 1600. Episode 35 airs next week!
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Re: J-Drama: 真田丸 (Sanadamaru)


<EPISODE 35>

This has probably been the most detailed 'play-by-play' of the lead-up to Sekigahara that we've ever seen in a Taiga. Not that I mind. It's quite interesting and I thoroughly enjoyed viewing last weekend's episode. It was quite a cliffhanger but now I only have to wait two days before watching the next episode!

Mitsunari is back and now he's rallying everyone against Ieyasu. I guess the Uesugi inciting Ieyasu was part of a ploy to get Ieyasu out of Osaka, so that the Toyotomi loyalists could plot his downfall. Now that I saw this, I remember it being discussed at length in the 2009 Taiga Tenchijin, which covered the lives of Uesugi Kagekatsu and Naoe Kanetsugu, his right-hand man, in great detail.

What a surprise to see the introduction of Gou, Ieyasu's DIL and the younger sister of ChaCha. I noticed they tried to make her look (and act) like Ueno Juri, the actress who starred as the heroine in the 2011 (or was it 2010?) Taiga drama Gou. I wonder if she will play a greater role as the drama goes on? Her husband, Ieyasu's son Hidetada, undoubtedly will make more appearances as we enter the 1600s, so I presume we'll see Gou a lot, too.

The rivalry between Kiri and Genjiro's wife is a bit uncomfortable to watch. Kiri has been around for so long that she's a fixture in the Sanada home. Her father is one of G-Dad's vassals and I presume Genjiro's mother has known Kiri since she was born. I don't think Genjiro's wife has anything to be jealous of, but now that we know from Mitsunari's story that Genjiro's wife is the jealous type, I'm not so surprised.

Kudos to G-Bro's wife for not playing messenger/spy and telling her father that the Sanada intend to betray the Tokugawa. I see her in a more positive light now.

I am looking at G-Bro's proposition that the Sanada support different sides differently than how it was meant to be portrayed. Maybe I'm just paranoid... but still. Here's why. G-Bro has a point - if he and Genjiro are on different sides, they could each save the other depending on which side loses. Naturally, G-Bro will want to serve Ieyasu (due to his FIL being Ieyasu's vassal) and Genjiro will serve Mitsunari due to their friendship. But, why was G-Bro so hasty to suggest that G-Dad fight with Mitsunari alongside Genjiro? As the heir, wouldn't you want your father at your side?

Perhaps G-Bro sees siding with the Tokugawa side as a chance for him to "declare independence" from his father and brother. He's always been under their shadow - he's been seen as the "clumsy one" who lacked the charisma of his father and brother. Now, without his dad and brother around, G-Bro will be able to shine in his own right.

I don't think G-Bro would necessarily go back on his promise to save his brother and dad if Mitsunari loses. He most likely will do all he can to save them. That being said, it will put him in the dominant position - he will be the one negotiating on their behalf. G-Dad and Genjiro, for the first time, will be relying entirely on G-Bro for help. Even if Ieyasu is to spare their lives, G-Dad and Genjiro will always be indebted to G-Bro - who will have served Ieyasu from the get-go and will be in the inner circle.

We'll see. Any thoughts? I just hope Sekigahara is finally the subject of Sunday's episode.

We're in mid-1600, still. Episode 36 airs on Sunday! Please post your comments and thoughts. emoticon

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