J-drama of the week (5)

Brother beat

Genre: Family, Comedy, Drama
Episodes: 11
Network: TBS
Year: 2005
Plot: Brother beat is a family drama revolving around Haru, a single mother and her three sons Tatsuya, Riku and Junpei. Haru had to raise her children after their father pass away when they were young. What makes this family special is that Haru has let things slip from her grip throughout the years, she no longer has control over her boys. Their life is never dull and they always manage to get themselves into trouble, leaving Tatsuya with the duty to keep everything in order.

What I think: First of all I'd like to note that I decided to write about this drama today because we just finished it and maybe that would make it easier on my poor forgetful brain :D
We always fall in this habit whenever we start a new j-drama, we search between the faces to figure out who of the actors we've seen before and gladly we're getting better at it, proving once again that Japanese people are more than two similar faces, they're variable and recognizable if you train your eyes to know the difference. In this drama we've found several familiar faces which got me more excited ^_^

Starting off with Haru. I think this role proves how great Tanaka Misako is. The only other role I saw her in, was in 14 sai no haha and it was surprising to see her so far away from that character, almost the complete opposite :D Haru is an easy going person, who loves her family so much. As her children grew up, they started to help her and she decided to take advantage of that. What I love about her is that she's such a lazy person! She became too much dependent yes, but it's cool to see such a character. I haven't seen much lazy mothers on TV.

Another merit to Haru is that she always speaks her mind which gets her into trouble sometimes. She works in a supermarket and can switch from a helpful staff member (in the eyes of customers) to a devilish woman.

Next is Tatsuya, the oldest son. He took his father's last words as a motto in life and never let that out of his sight. He sees himself as the one responsible for the family in his father's place, which made his character a bit tough. I saw him as a workaholic who sets his happiness aside to support his family, he didn't even get a girlfriend since high school because he doesn't have the time to deal with breaking up with his old one.

Tatsuya also has the lecturing role instead of his mother, especially to Riku. Underneath all that seriousness Tatsuya has a kind heart and finally softens to Chisato.

Riku is the second son in the Sakurai family and he's my favorite of the three boys :D He works as a swimming coach for kids and spends his nights partying with friends. He's an outgoing character and takes after his mother in terms of carelessness.

He always brings a laugh out of me, very clumsy and gets into trouble a lot. He gets a punch from Tatsuya almost every episode. He's sweet and kind, but doesn't think things thoroughly so he can turn a simple act of good will into a disaster which doesn't only affect him but his family as well.
Riku had an on and off relationship with Ai, who's only waiting for him to grow up and become a worthy man. I salute her for her patience and faith, for Riku is a ladies man even once he worked in a host club. She has a great role in encouraging him to improve himself and find his place in this world.

Junpei is the youngest son, still attending high-school. Despite his young age, he might be the mature one among the family. He is very helpful and nice and would always jump to aid anyone in need. Apparently he is a great cook, because Haru leaves that task to him.

He always gets to play the mediator in Tatsuya and Riku's fights, leaving him with some bruises. He's so nice people may take advantage of him and he wouldn't notice it, but Yokatta he's brothers are there for guidance.

Some other characters that add more to the fun feeling of this drama are, Chisato who becomes Tatsuya's girlfriend and her stubborn head father, Miyuki Junpei's girlfriend whom he aids way too much if you ask me, Noguchi Haru's boss who has been in love with her since ever and finally Tatsuya's boss who's a weird man who gives me the impression that Tatsuya is the only one working in that company of theirs.

I find the customs here funny especially that white thingy on Chisato's head XD

Finally, what made this drama enjoyable is the heart warming characters that make you wish for a family like that. The story is fine, and the comedy is great. I've tried not to recite situations because I don't want to spoil it for you, but if you do watch it look for the comedy in the little details, a small moment, something in the background, that's what makes them hilarious is that they can go unnoticed ;)