Page: 1 2 3 ... 5 6 7 8 9
nchristi
Moderator
Registered: 03-2004
Location: Hotel California
Posts: 13017
|
|
Quote
|
|
Re: J-Drama: 相棒12 (Partners 12)
class blockquote hanzotoponta wrote:
We were struck by the shift in lighting in this episode from the cool palate of most previous episodes (blues, whites, etc) to a much warmer set of colors (browns, tans, autumnal reds, etc). What do you think this shift signifies - it does seem to be a deliberate choice, but why?Periodically the tone has been different, as you observed about this one. I haven't checked the directors, but could it be one of the directors prefers the warmer set of colors than what we see most frequently? class blockquote Another interesting facet of the episode is the Japanese word translated as "loneliness." The word Ukyo chooses is kodoku, rather than samishii, sabishii, hitoribochi, or wabishii. Hitoribochi usually translates as "alone," so that seems inappropriate in this context, but the other words all are commonly translated as "loneliness." However, samishii, sabishii and wabishii all have a strong (rather painful) emotional tone attached to them, while kodoku is the more objective and neutral "solitude." That seems so much more apt for Ukyo - just one more way that this episode appears to be so carefully constructed.Ah, good point. I have never seen Ukyo as a "lonely" man—in the most common english definition. "Solitude" is a much more suitable term, in my opinion, because solitude means that a person is alone by choice, while loneliness generally is a sadness, a longing for other people that is cannot be satisfied for whatever reason. class blockquote
1) What kind of car does Sugishita drive?That had bugged me for a couple seasons and took a long time to finally track it down. See the discussion here, which is actually towards the bottom of Page 1 of this thread. class blockquote 2) What is the source of Sugishita's apparent wealth (he's not showy about it, but he does wear bespoke suits, and his car seems rather special too).This is an interesting question. Personally, I have always thought that Ukyo is not a wealthy man financially. He may have come from a wealthy family, but I can't see him living that lifestyle now. He is an inspector, probably making decent middle-class money; no wife and family to spend it. He seems rather frugal and one who does not spend money on mediocrity. He saves up for the few really fine things he treasures and doesn't squander his money on lesser items.
I see him as a person who has deep love and appreciation for some of the finer things of life, which he incorporates into his life as he can afford. Thus, he has a few expensive china cups for his tea, an impeccable suit (or two). (Does he ever wear a suit of a different color? I don't recall.)
What makes me see Ukyo this way is how he reacts when he comes in contact with highest quality items. Whether it's the finest tailored suits, or the "brown shoes" in one episode, he is beside himself with joy and admiration for the beauty and workmanship of certain items. I feel that he is so exuberant because these items are not commonplace in his life. If he were quite affluent, I would think he would have nearly all that he wanted. But since he doesn't, it is a rather rare occurrence that he comes in contact with objects that he so fully appreciates and loves.
As for Ukyo's Nissan Figaro, 8,000 were originally produced in 1991. It was such a popular car that another 12,000 were made and sold by lottery. It would be interesting to know when Ukyo got his. Did he buy it early on, keeping it immaculately maintained? Or did he buy it restored, a collector's item?
Probably the reality of the matter is that one of the producers got his hands on one and stuck it in Partners last season!
Last edited by nchristi, 7/20/2014, 1:30 am
|
|
7/20/2014, 1:29 am
|
Link to this post
Send Email to nchristi
Send PM to nchristi
AIM
|
Hiroshi66
Admin
Registered: 02-2004
Location: Porter Ranch, California
Posts: 13779
|
|
Quote
|
|
Re: J-Drama: 相棒12 (Partners 12)
Very interesting points on loneliness v. solitude. Ukyo used the Japanese word kodoku, which, like the English "solitude", doesn't evoke any subjective feelings on the part of the subject. Ukyo can put himself in solitude voluntarily, and he isn't necessarily upset or sad about it. However, using words like sabishii (which is often translated to "lonely") indicates some kind of negative emotion on the part of the speaker. So, I guess A Study in Solitude (or A Study of Solitude) would be a more suitable translation to Ukyo's book.
I, too, have never seen Ukyo as being particularly wealthy. In the Season 2 premiere, we saw a glimpse of his flat in London. (If I remember correctly, I think somebody had been calling his phone nonstop, and the landlady had been complaining about it.) The London flat hasn't been seen or brought up since then, so the writers could have forgotten about it, but it brings up another point—does Ukyo own a flat in the UK, which he uses when he goes abroad? Or was it just a room he was renting? I can't remember the details of that Season 2 premiere, but I seem to recall that the flat wasn't all that fancy.
I think Ukyo is frugal in the sense that he saves most of his money. We rarely see him eating out, unless it is at Ms. Hana no Sato's place. He seems to wear the same (or same type of) suit and clothes, so I guess apart from the amount of money he spends on the rare and high quality items he purchases, Ukyo might have quite a lot of money saved up. I guess Ukyo might be saving up for his retirement. I can see him possibly wanting to retire to England.
From what we saw of Kanbe, I think he was a lot more well-off than Ukyo, possibly due to his previous life as an elite in the force. He had a sports car, lived in a flashy condo, and I remember one case where he talked about having a membership at a high-end gym. His salary in Special Missions couldn't have been more than Ukyo's, so I guess Kanbe either had a lot more saved up or just wasn't good at saving his money! 
Maybe Ukyo bought that Nissan Figaro as a collector's item! He probably saved enough to get his hands on one. It's interesting that Ukyo does most of the driving now, whereas before, Kanbe would always be the one driving from destination to destination.
We could talk about Ukyo all day, couldn't we? I find it so interesting that despite 12 long seasons, we know close to nothing about him. It certainly makes things more interesting, though! Ukyo said himself that a little mystery keeps things stimulating.
|
|
7/20/2014, 7:56 am
|
Link to this post
Send Email to Hiroshi66
Send PM to Hiroshi66
AIM
|
hanzotoponta
Member
Registered: 06-2004
Posts: 69
|
|
Quote
|
|
Re:
Thank you NChristi for the research and video on Ukyo's Nissan Figaro. It is indeed the perfect car for him, and it fits in so well with your spot-on analysis of his appreciation of the finer things in life. His joyous response to the superbly crafted, sensuously beautiful should be a lesson for us all.
One last point about the loneliness vs. solitude motif in this episode: at the very end of the episode, Busujima makes one final distinction. He tells Ukyo that he was wrong in applying "kodoku" to the detective; he says that "kokou" would be the more accurate description of Sugishita. For while "kodoku" means solitude, "kokou" is translated as "splendid isolation," "proud solitude," or even "nobility of character." More precisely, the first kanji in both kodoku and kokou is the same - solitude or aloneness; but he second kanji in kodoku repeats (an thus emphasizes) the idea of being alone, while the second kanji in kokou means high or elevated - thus an elevated isolation. It's just one more way this episode works so precisely in defining Ukyo.
|
|
7/20/2014, 12:17 pm
|
Link to this post
Send Email to hanzotoponta
Send PM to hanzotoponta
|
Hiroshi66
Admin
Registered: 02-2004
Location: Porter Ranch, California
Posts: 13779
|
|
Quote
|
|
Re: J-Drama: 相棒12 (Partners 12)
A quick note on the solitude v. "splendid isolation" motif. Both of these words are not used in daily conversation, unlike the word "lonely" (sabishii). They are, however, used frequently in written language and literary works, which is why they would be perfect when used as a book title for Ukyo's work. Japanese has a very clear distinction between written and spoken language, and this is reflected in word choice, as well.
Very interesting episode - one I would definitely like to view again in the future! A great crash course for attempting to understand the enigma that is Ukyo Sugishita.
|
|
7/20/2014, 5:30 pm
|
Link to this post
Send Email to Hiroshi66
Send PM to Hiroshi66
AIM
|
Hiroshi66
Admin
Registered: 02-2004
Location: Porter Ranch, California
Posts: 13779
|
|
Quote
|
|
Re: J-Drama: 相棒12 (Partners 12)
<EPISODE 14>
I had to view this episode online without e-subs, so if anything was lost in translation, please let me know! 
I thought the whole plot with plastic surgery was an interesting one, since it hasn't been something dealt with in Partners. I hadn't even thought of the possibility of a plastic surgery changing one's face to be identical to that of another human being. I wonder, aren't there any laws in place to prevent this? It could potentially be disastrous (as in the case of this episode). Wouldn't there be some kind of rule? Then again, most plastic surgeons might just refuse to do this, regardless of there being a rule or not.
Which brings me to my next question: is the plastic surgeon going to be charged with anything? Yes, she was following the patient's request, but unbeknownst to him, the face she did choose was identical to someone else: a man who happened to be dead. Furthermore, there were other things and factors at play here which the innocent patient didn't even know about. So, I guess she's partly to blame because of taking advantage of a vulnerable patient and by putting their life in danger: even if she wasn't the main perpetrator or if it wasn't her idea. That being said, I don't know if there is anything concrete she can be dinged on.
As for the cold-blooded murderer (who brutally killed the guy after he ceased to be of any use to him) I hope he spends long, hard years in a jail cell. What a horrible person. I've noticed that the more upset Ukyo gets (when he suddenly loses it and starts yelling) the more "bad" a villain is. This guy had no problem committing murder and ruining many lives for his own personal gain.
All things into consideration, that plastic surgeon was really good if she was able to recreate that face so perfectly!
Lots of Mr. Forensics Guy and Itami in this one, which is always good. It never gets old how Itami and Serizawa cringe when Ukyo and Kaito enter the room, but then end up getting help from them on the case within 5 minutes. LOL!
I tried to notice if Kaito called Ukyo by his first name "Ukyo" but I didn't notice him referring to him by name, at all. Maybe in the next episode?
I wondered if Ukyo should have told the mother that the son did the plastic surgery in order to change his face so as to not resemble his abusive father and remind her of him. Now, the mother might blame herself - since the son went through with the plastic surgery on her behalf. However, I guess telling her the reason was better than making the poor mother spend the rest of her life wondering what happened to her son and why he did what he did?
Episode 15 airs next week!
|
|
7/25/2014, 2:08 pm
|
Link to this post
Send Email to Hiroshi66
Send PM to Hiroshi66
AIM
|
Ostadan
Member
Registered: 05-2011
Posts: 24
|
|
Quote
|
|
Re: J-Drama: 相棒12 (Partners 12)
引用 (quote):
Hiroshi66 wrote:
Which brings me to my next question: is the plastic surgeon going to be charged with anything? Yes, she was following the patient's request, but unbeknownst to him, the face she did choose was identical to someone else: a man who happened to be dead. Furthermore, there were other things and factors at play here which the innocent patient didn't even know about. So, I guess she's partly to blame because of taking advantage of a vulnerable patient and by putting their life in danger: even if she wasn't the main perpetrator or if it wasn't her idea. That being said, I don't know if there is anything concrete she can be dinged on.
She witnessed a murder (and was aware of a second one) and withheld that evidence. I'm sure there's a pretty major criminal charge there.
She probably violated a gazillion professional ethics standards as well, and would doubtless be de-licensed (or however it works) by whatever body governs such things.
|
|
7/25/2014, 9:04 pm
|
Link to this post
Send Email to Ostadan
Send PM to Ostadan
Blog
|
Hiroshi66
Admin
Registered: 02-2004
Location: Porter Ranch, California
Posts: 13779
|
|
Quote
|
|
Re: J-Drama: 相棒12 (Partners 12)
Yes, I was thinking she would definitely lose her license to practice or do surgery. I'm curious if she would face jail time for witnessing the murder, though. She could claim to have been threatened by the murderer, hence why she kept quiet. Who knows. Sometimes I get so caught up in these cases that I start to analyze the charges of each person involved. LOL! We know Ukyo is 'aggressive' about ensuring everyone gets the toughest sentence possible, so...
|
|
7/26/2014, 12:17 am
|
Link to this post
Send Email to Hiroshi66
Send PM to Hiroshi66
AIM
|
Hiroshi66
Admin
Registered: 02-2004
Location: Porter Ranch, California
Posts: 13779
|
|
Quote
|
|
Re: J-Drama: 相棒12 (Partners 12)
<EPISODE 15>
This episode kept my interesting, although we've seen a similar formula (someone taking the blame for the actual murderer's deed) quite a few times before. The backdrop always seems to be different, though, so I guess it keeps things fresh and interesting.
When I saw the first scene, I thought it was the actual murder of the episode! If it was, and if the artist was the murder victim, we would have our first non-Japanese murder victim in Partners history!
I've noticed that Ukyo's movements have become more and more exaggerated this season. It's almost as if he is becoming a caricature and breaking the fourth wall a bit. I guess the audience has come to expect Ukyo to act a certain way, and so his various "Ukyo-isms" have become more and more pronounced, for lack of a better word.
My favorite Ukyo-ism is when he is grilling someone he suspects. The suspect (more often than not) curtly answers and so Ukyo is ready to go on his merry way. However, just before exiting, he makes this Ah-hah! sound and raises his pointer finger (as if a lightbulb went off in his head) and asks the suspect just "one more question"—a question that is usually implicating them in some way to the crime at hand. This is a tactic Ukyo employs to catch the suspects off guard. When their guard is down and they think they've gotten off the hook, they are faced with a very tough question from Ukyo.
The way Ukyo did his Ah-hah moment in this episode was hilarious! I had to watch it several times and couldn't stop chuckling.
Another favorite of mine is Itami's facial expression when Uko walks in, just as he is interrogating a suspect. I could watch those scenes all day and never get bored.
This was one of the cases where I felt more sorry for the murderer than for the murder 'victim.' What a crabby, nasty person he was. You could really tell that he felt no remorse for writing those nasty articles and provoking such bullying. He would pour gasoline on the fire and then step back, claiming that he didn't write or do anything to provoke cyber bullying. What's worse, he would blame the victims for being too "weak." Ugh. That being said, murder is a crime and the murderer will have to face time for what he did—no matter how justified he was.
The father of the actress who committed suicide had a point, though, when he asked Ukyo what he should have done. Murder is illegal and was not the right thing to do, true. However, I could understand the father's feelings when he desperately asked, What could I have done? Sad, but true. I suppose the man could have gone to civil court to sue for libel or harassment, but since the critic seemed quite wealthy and well-conencted, it would have been an uphill battle.
This season has been very good so far. On to Episode 16 next week! We have just a few more left for this season. It has flew by!
|
|
8/4/2014, 1:52 am
|
Link to this post
Send Email to Hiroshi66
Send PM to Hiroshi66
AIM
|
nchristi
Moderator
Registered: 03-2004
Location: Hotel California
Posts: 13017
|
|
Quote
|
|
Re: J-Drama: 相棒12 (Partners 12)
I enjoyed how this one ended. The father's real motive is shared only with the audience via flashbacks to his daughter at age 16 and beyond, how she loved acting and the particular actor, how she was at that time motivated to make acting her life dream. Because her life ended so painfully, her dreams dashed in the most shattering way by the critic and the "internet crazies," the father wants to honor his daughter by absorbing the penalty himself in a self-sacrificing protection of what she so cherished—the actor who inspired her dreams.
This was also a perfect example of how evil people can be, yet remain outside the punishable law. Well, there's law, then there's morality. The law may not get people like the critic, but somehow life will in its own due time. I guess it all just emphasizes how necessary it is for each person to develop and strengthen their own moral base by which to withstand the destructive and cruel attacks that can come ones way.
I agree about Ukyo's character being changed somewhat. I don't enjoy it when I see him get one of those goofy expressions on his face. Reminds me of a clown in a circus. Especially since my long standing impression of Ukyo is as a man of substantial metal, brain power and inner strength. I do not enjoy seeing him become a cartoon. (That's reserved for Itami! )
|
|
8/4/2014, 5:21 pm
|
Link to this post
Send Email to nchristi
Send PM to nchristi
AIM
|
Hiroshi66
Admin
Registered: 02-2004
Location: Porter Ranch, California
Posts: 13779
|
|
Quote
|
|
Re: J-Drama: 相棒12 (Partners 12)
Nchristi, I agree with you about how it's somewhat awkward to watch Ukyo become so over the top and exaggerated with his movements and expressions. It's something rather recent—I think it started at the end of Kanbe's last season or the beginning of Kaito's debut. I wonder if this change in character is something the Ukyo actor was asked to do by the producers, or if it is something that the actor decided on his own accord—in order to break the fourth wall a bit and make things more "funny" for the audience? Hmm.
This is very true about how evil people like the critic get theirs eventually. Even though what he did wasn't illegal, technically (despite it being downright dirty) I guess he got what was coming to him. It's sad how people can be so nasty and horrid, isn't it? The critic was a particularly dangerous breed—especially since he knows very well that what he did was wrong, but feels no remorse for it. Sadly, several other lives were ruined because of the critic. I guess that's how things work...
The cases this season have all been very good. I always enjoy how the writers make the "characters of the day" very interesting and dynamic. Though we only see them for 40-45 minutes, by the end of the episode, we've come to learn so much about them!
|
|
8/4/2014, 9:09 pm
|
Link to this post
Send Email to Hiroshi66
Send PM to Hiroshi66
AIM
|
Reply with smilies
Page: 1 2 3 ... 5 6 7 8 9
You are not logged in (login)
|
