Drama Review: Kyouen NG

Also Knowns As: No Co-starring, Never Co-starring Again, Kyoen NG
6

Rating

★★★

Duration

0 Hrs 54 Mins

Episodes

6

Drama Digest

Toyama Eiji rose in his mid-20s and slowly became extremely popular. His biggest claim to fame was the hit drama Deeper than Love where he has a passionate romance with his co-tar Ozono Hitomi. But suddenly, it was discovered that he was two-timing her, which resulted in a very public breakup. Hitomi holds a press conference that leads to him being barred from the industry for three years. Twenty-five years after the split, Toyama is an A-lister, and Hitomi continues to be celebrated as she climbs the ranking of female actresses. However, in due time the two find themselves co-stars in a powerful drama known as Love You to Death. The decision is made by their executives and bosses, and the two have to put their fortunes on the line as they star in a drama even after their turbulent past. Will the two set their differences aside to ensure the success of this drama? Will it bring up old memories and ruin everything, or will they be able to work things out? What lies ahead for our celebrity power couple? Watch the drama and find out.

The Feel-Good Part

For the most part, this drama is hilarious. Some moments are hilarious and just genius all around. There are some funny moments and great one-liners that keep you on the edge of your seat and will have you laughing out loud. It’s a great look at the enemies-to-lovers trope and does tell us a lot about fame and relationships. The acting is also really phenomenal, and even though our leads are playing two characters who hate each other deeply, they still manage to have some heartwarming moments balanced out by some emotionally charged scenes that are just spectacular. Some exciting visuals add to the greatness of drama and what it is trying to tell us. Overall, what makes this show so great is its ability to maintain balance and tell an exciting story.

The Disappointing Factor

The drama tends to poke fun at cheating and infidelity and sort of give us the impression that success triumphs over all that. While it is not necessarily a negative message, it is an odd one, especially considering they work towards forgiveness. There is also some moment that feels too forced and does not go with the natural progression of the storyline. Beyond these minor issues, there is not anything significant that takes away from the enjoyment of the drama and everything it has to offer. If you are not fond of egotistical and power-hungry individuals who could not care for human relationships then you may not enjoy this drama.

In-Depth Analysis

The acting world is filled with many emotional issues, and this drama asks a  fundamental question; how do you fall out with someone if you are in the same workspace? Does it affect your work? What does it mean for you? Several moments within the drama answer these questions while still maintaining a comedic element that is quite endearing and fun to watch.

Star Power

Three writers worked on this drama; Ohne Hitoshi, who also directed the drama, Higuchi Takuji, and Akimoto Yasushi. The three formulate a very engaging storyline filled with some humorous moments and moments with significant emotional backing. Ohne Hitoshi directed some great projects, such as Idaten, Bakuman, TRICK, and Psychometrer Eiji 2. He has also provided writing for projects such as Sunny: Our Hearts Beat Together, A Boy Who Wished to be Okuda Tamio and a Girl Who Drove All Men Crazy, and Hello Harinezumi. Higuchi Takuji was a screenwriter for Tomodachi Game R4, Nakuna Kenshui, Manatsu no Shonene: 194520202, and Rikon no Futari. Akimoto Yasushi was a screenwriter for DASADA, Anata no Ban Desu, Love, Fireworks and a Ferris Wheel, and Hyochakusha. Our leads, Toyama and Hitomi, are played by Nakai Kiichi and Suzuki Kyoka. They are genuinely some of the best actors out there today and provide some hilarious moments throughout the entire drama. What makes them great is that this drama allows them to show off various sides of their acting expertise. Nakai Kiichi stars in Kioki, Kinpika, Kumokiri Nizaemonm, Good Morning Show, Snow On The Blades, and Railways. Suzuki Kyoka stars in Welcome back, Second Virgin, Grand Maison Tokyo, Heisei Saru Kani Kassenzu, Mother’s Trees, and Until The Day Comes.

Overall Opinion

Hilarious and fascinating are just a few words you can use to describe this show. This is genuinely an exciting drama all around.