Gou~Himetachi no Sengoku [ep 41]

Wow this taiga has been a long one to complete. I'll say this is the longest drama I've ever watched. It had ended I think two or 3 weeks ago, but since I have to wait for English subs to fully understand their traditional Japanese, I'm just up to ep 41. Where the ultimate war is about to happen.

The issue here is really not about war. I think it's mainly because of thirst for power, stubborness and control from the older generation against the younger. It came as no surprise that Old Lord Tokugawa Ieyasu has always been trying to push Toyotomi clan to a corner. And he even made a trivial matter from the bell writings (I do think it's TRIVIAL, but I don't really get it anyway), and causing unrest among the Toyotomi when he gave them two choices - surrender Osaka castle OR bring Lady Yodo/Hideyori to Edo. These actions were obviously meaning to say no matter what, they have to step down from the Regent power.

You can say that Ieyasu is thinking far, for the future of his generation, but I really can't help but wonder, isn't peace still the best way out? Instead of killing each other, why not work together? In fact, I fully support Hidetada's wish to stand side by side with the Regent (Hideyori). That brings me to one of the points I mentioned earlier - control of the older generation.

This was clearly seen from how Ieyasu (though supposedly to have retired) and no longer Shogun, he still overpowered Hidetada. Poor guy just could never escape his father's shadow and leash. Hidetada had been Shogun for TEN WHOLE YEARS and yet, he still LISTENED to his father. I get that you respect the old ones, but seriously, when one goes senile and thinks war brings peace and all, you gotta get a grip of yourself and stand your ground and beliefs! The same happened with the Toyotomi side. Lady Yodo or Chacha still pretty much had the final say in everything, leaving Hideyori almost no chance at all. He did speak his mind, agreeing with Hidetada's plan to work together, but too bad his  mother is too stubborn to even listen.

Gou is another part of the story which I'm not quite satisfied with. History mentioned how she worked with Hidetada to bring peace to Japan, but I don't see it yet. She couldn't even manage her own son, what more to say the whole of Japan. Women was definitely at the lower level and men controlled everything back then, I get it. Still it's really kinda frustrating to see Yodo and Hideyori having to go down like that.

We all know how this is going to end. I used to like Ieyasu a lot, especially the times when Gou was younger and Ieyasu seemed to fond of her and he definitely was much more wise back then. Now, it's all about power, power, power. I hope Hidetada have a say in this, though it looked pretty bleak. The war continues in the next episode. 4 more episodes to go before I end this Taiga.

Rating: 7/10

Gou~ Himetachi no Sengoku [ep 28]

After having gotten over Hidekatsu's death, Gou had return to normal but a storm is brewing right around the corner. But before we get to that part, some updates- Chacha's son is going to turn 2 years old and they are moving to Fushimi Castle, but because Chacha's first son, Tsurumatsu died of illness when he was 2, she decides to stay behind until Hiroi (2nd son) grows older.

That aside, the storm Gou was sensing back in the previous episode shall come true here. She is worried that Hideyoshi, in order to let Hiroi become Regent, will do anything to overthrow his nephew, Hidetsugu off his position at any cost. Hidetsugu in the meantime is abandoning his duties and even drinks during daylight. He has lost hope and knows that Hideyoshi will somehow do something to get rid of him.

Gou's daughter with Hidekatsu - if I'm not mistaken, she was in Don Quixote too! KAWAIII!!!~ They really look like mother-daughter!

Hideyoshi's love for Hiroi is really huge as he treats him as a blessing from God. (Well, who wouldn't when a 57 year old guy can still have a son?) 

After Hiroi turns 2, Chacha brings him to Fushimi Castle and unites with Hideyoshi. Hiroi receives a short sword, a horse and a rank of fifth prince in the lower rank, (whatever that is). But that gives Hidetsugu a little warning sign. Hideyoshi tells Mitsunari of his wish to see Hiroi become Regent with his very own eyes. He the proceeds by telling him to protect Chacha and Hiroi. 

When Tokugawa comes for a visit to the Regent, Hidetsugu calls him an old fox because he sees through his intention of going to Fushimi Castle using the celebration for Hiroi as an excuse. He goes on saying that Tokugawa is there to actually inspect the state of Hideyoshi. Tokugawa then soothes his feelings by saying that the people know Hidetsugu the Regent is leading the nation. Tokugawa also stops by Gou's place to pay respect to the late Hidekatsu. Gou asks his opinions about Hideyoshi's plan. But he is a bit reluctant to reveal the situation. However, that doesn't stop Hidetada from telling Gou the obvious - Hideyoshi is planning to oust Hidetsugu from his post.Tokugawa leaves the castle for Edo and orders Hidetada to stay behind and reports to him the situation. He also tells him to side by The Highness if anything is to happen between the two.

Hidetsugu is still nonchalant about the situation, finds himself engrossed with his novels when Gou visits him. Hidetada appears shortly after and Hidetsugu invites him to stay for the night but Hidetada politely declines. He then reveals to Gou afterwards that Hidetsugu is trying to get him and his father, Tokugawa on his side.

Suddenly, Gou's daughter, Sada rushes to her and Gou introduces her to Hidetada. Then, Sada asks whether he is her father. Hidetada is overwhelmed by the question that makes him speechless for a while. I'm sure that touches his SOFT SPOT right there! I really find that brief scene very touching indeed. But Hidetada hides his emotion by making a remark that someone like Gou could be a mother after all, causing Gou to reply that is rude of him.

Mitsunari wastes no time to make his move, as according to Hideyoshi's orders. He frames Hidetsugu of betraying Hideyoshi and lies to him that writing an oath to express his loyalty towards Hideyoshi will save him. He does exactly that but instead of being saved, he is confined to an isolated mountain while waiting for punishment. Gou learns about it and sees Mitsunari for explanation.

Gou requests to meet Hideyoshi but denied by him with the excuse His Highness is resting in bed. She then wants to see Hidetsugu. Mistunari breaks the news that Hidetsugu has agreed to commit seppuku. When Mitsunari doesn't allow her to go, Gou threatens to kill herself.

Gou's persuasion and advice are in vain when Hidetsugu tells her that he has made up his mind. He wishes to let go off it and joins his brother, Hidekatsu. He includes that he will tell him about Sada for Gou. A week later, he committed seppuku but Hideyoshi goes all the way to execute his entire family.

Because of that, Hideyoshi is constantly haunted and can't sleep. He then tears down Jurakutei, Hidetsugu's castle and also where Gou lived with Hidekatsu. This causes her to have no home to return to and for what happened, she decides to cut her ties with Hideyoshi, saying that she has no words to talk to him after that day, and hopes she will not meet him ever again. 

But Hideyoshi proposes another marriage plan for her. He wants her to marry Hidetada since Tokugawa is the strongest amongst the daimyos. With the marriage, Toyotomi clan and the Tokugawas will have a deeper bond, helping them in the future.

Thoughts:

This episode should be dedicated to Hidetsugu. I really feel sorry for him and his whole family for being framed by Hideyoshi. Another shortlived character like Hidekatsu. What exactly is Hideyoshi thinking about seriously...he's gone mad ,that old man. And another marriage for Gou! Though I pity her for being pushed around by Hideyoshi and forced twice into political marriages, I really look forward to Gou-Hidetada life together. xD

Rating: 8.5/10

Gou~ Himetachi no Sengoku [ep 27]

After the devastating news on Hidekatsu's death, Gou still couldn't get over it despite giving birth to a cute little baby girl. The news also reached Hidetada's side and his  usual nonchalant character showed some sympathy.

Lady Kita-no-Mandokoro (One) named Gou's daughter, Sada, which carried the meaning "have everything". The Regent, Hidekatsu's brother told Gou that Hideyoshi should apologize for sending Hidekatsu to Korea.

In grief, Gou felt that she should've prevented Hidekatsu from going to war and she couldn't hold her daughter because she wanted to hold together with Hidekatsu. Hatsu then came to visit her and also her niece.

Can I spare few lines for Yoshi? Lol...Yoshi is such a lovely person. Having watched and cared for Gou since she was born, I think Yoshi played the role of a mother more so than Gou's real mother. Her antics and comic relief always lighten up everyone's heart. Gou's really lucky to have her as her wet nurse.

Hatsu tried to cheer Gou up but in vail. It seemed that Hatsu's husband was also at war, but in Kyushu. Gou then told her there's nothing to worry about if it was in Kyushu. It just occured to me that Hatsu still didn't have any child.

The baby's really cute!

 Notice how many maids sitting behind them in the fourth picture above? That's a LOT!

Gou mentioned she wanted to die and join Hidekatsu. Hatsu then asked Lady Takutsu for help. Why do I feel that was a mistake? lol...

Lady Tatsuko's advice:
1. Gou should meet Hideyoshi because from her own experience, after she became his concubine, he lifted her spirits
2.Wear nice kimono and eat tasty food
3.Just forget his very own existence

Funny!

Next up - Lady Gracia came to visit Gou. She then told Gou of her own experiences when she had attempted suicide several times. However she was saved by Christianity which doesn't allow suicides. After recovering from that, she returned home to a husband who was enjoying his time with other women. So having a husband or not didn't matter for her anymore. She told Gou that compared to her, Gou was more fortunate. She asked Gou to have faith in her own strength. 

Chacha came back and consoled Gou. She also returned with a good news. She was pregnant with Hideyoshi's second child. Chacha told Gou that Sada is Gou's hope. A box then arrived from Korea for Gou, Hidekatsu's belongings, which included strands of his hair, his short sword (I don't know what you call that) and a letter. He mentioned that during his illness, he had a great time with the children there and thought that it was wrong to take over their land. Despite the fun times, he still thought of her a lot and knew he couldn't live longer. He wondered what has he left her with.

Thank you for the flashbacks, dear writers...at least we still get to see more Hidekatsu.

Gou finally realized that Sada was the proof of their love and something Hidekatsu left her with. She then found the courage to hold Sada and live on.

"Your sister is a goddess" - Hideyoshi to Gou

Chacha gave birth to a baby boy. It's amazing how Hideyoshi, as old as he was, still able to have a child. But watching his childlike happiness, I couldn't help but be happy for him despite how much sins he had committed. Gou asked him to stop the war, but he still wouldn't listen. Instead, some evil plan was forming at the back of his mind regarding Hiroi's future as Toyotomi's heir and as the Regent.

Hiroi is betrothed to Hidetsugu's daughter. Wow...Hiroi was still a baby and he already was engaged? Things do work pretty fast back in the old days. I really feel sorry for Hidetsugu being controlled and played like a puppet by Hideyoshi. Even though he was now the Regent, he still had to obey Hideyoshi.

Thoughts:

It's a rather slow episode because it deals with Gou's mourning period for her husband and how she faced it bravely after being consoled by a number of people. It is also the beginning of another plot of Hideyoshi's and in the next episode, we shall see what he forced Hidetsugu to do. Gou's baby is really cute though xD

Rating: 8/10

This scene is amazingly beautiful!

Gou~ Himetachi no Sengoku [ep 26]

Gou was married for the second time and it was a mutual love between her and Sir Hidekatsu, naturally she was very content and happy. She was pretty excited to be a wife and began doing household chores, for example, folding her husband's clothes, despite her maids' opposition. That night, she reflected on how she didn't like the purpose of their marriage - to watch over Hidekatsu's brother, who was newly appointed as the Regent.

"Sir Hidetsugu doesn't have what it takes to be Regent. If you are Saru (monkey), then he is Baby Monkey." - Gou to Hideyoshi

They visited the new Regent and found him bored with the job.

However, Gou got to see the brotherhood bond between the two and found that Hidetsugu had a liking for poems and stories, something she never thought of before, until he got excited when talking about it with Hidekatsu. Later that night, Hidekatsu requested Gou to get to know his brother more and understand him. He then moved on to a serious topic.

He broke the news about him leading 8000 troops to Korea, as ordered by Hideyoshi who wanted to expand his control. Gou was, no doubt, devastated and wanted to tell Hideyoshi against the plan, but was stopped by Hidekatsu.

I'm sorry, Gou - Hidekatsu

It was an inevitable event that Hidekatsu had no choice but to go since Hideyoshi's adamant about the plan. Most of the Lords couldn't even advise him. Meanwhile, Hideyoshi's mother fell ill. She asked Gou to forgive Hideyoshi for all the things he had done to him.

I can't help but feel sorry for Hideyoshi's mother. She was already on her deathbed and still begging somebody else to forgive her son? But this was a really sad scene, and it really moved me.

 At the battlefield, Hidekatsu faced challenges after they found that the Korean battleships were much more powerful and something they'd never seen before.

so handsome!!!

After she passed, there was a brief scene of Hideyoshi telling Gou how he lost a lot of his beloved ones. Gou just looked at him sympathetically. I find this really ironic. IS this called KARMA? He should've realized the signs all along! Too late, Hideyoshi. You're slowly moving towards your own end...I like Hideyoshi a lot coz he's a prominent figure in the show.

Due to some conflict between Hidekatsu's soldiers with the local Koreans, Hidekatsu was accidentally slashed by his own people. The injury became more serious that they first thought. I could only think of him being infected. How could he die so easily?! Arghh...such a short-lived character. I want to see more of him! T__T

The news hit Gou really hard but at the same time, she went into labor pain. She gave birth to a healthy baby girl! Sad though, her baby was exactly like her. Born without a father and during the war.

Thoughts: 

Such a sad episode again. I really like Hidekatsu and it's such a shame that he and Gou was only together for such a short period of time. But Gou did give him a child, at least. And such a sad dismiss also for Hideyoshi's mother. She was such a lovely character. Rating: 9/10

Gou~ Himetachi no Sengoku [ep 25]

Wow...this episode was like a roller-coaster ride! So much things crammed into one episode. Not complaining though! Keep it coming! 

So, finally...Rikyu's end is here. Upon hearing the news that Hideyoshi threatened Rikyu to commit seppuku, Gou couldn't refrain herself from arguing with Hideyoshi, but to no avail. He was adamant in his decision. In the end, Gou and Hidekatsu went secretly to see Rikyu for the final time. Gou was hoping to persuade him to apologize to Hideyoshi.

But Rikyu remained calm, composed and told her silently that he was ready to die and couldn't wait to meet Gou's uncle, Lord Nobunaga, who he once served. He then made the final cup of tea for Gou.

The scene was extremely touching. Rikyu is definitely a man to be remembered and honored. He knew very well what he was doing, what he wanted in life and to readily accept death are something...to be learned. At least Gou got to drink his final tea, and made a proper farewell to the man who meant a lot to her.

the final cup of tea

Rikyu's death hit Hideyoshi quite hard...but that is nothing compared to the next event that occured. His only son, Tsurumatsu fell sick soon after Rikyu's death, and couldn't be saved. He was only 3 years old. Having these chain of sorrowful events come one after another caused him to go mad. Yes, almost crazy.

Of course, Chacha was in dismal and rejection too...that Hatsu traveled all the way to visit her. Chacha found comfort in One's consoling words. One asked her to have another child, to save everyone, including Hideyoshi, her and Chacha herself from this pain. 

Hideyoshi gone mad after Tsurumatsu's sudden death

Hideyoshi then was coaxed by his right hand man to focus on Korea. The idea planted in Hideyoshi's mind caused the next big war to happen. He planned to send troops across the sea to Korea, probably to teach them a lesson for not listening to him in the last visit. Meanwhile, Hidekatsu asked to marry Gou, in return, he'd watch over his brother, who was appointed as the Regent by Hideyoshi. Both him and his brother were adopted as his sons. Hideyoshi then became Taiko, the Regent's father. I wonder what was his plan though. The aging that caused him to pass down the title? He sure looked older right after he's gone mad. But ah...finally Gou got to marry someone she loved. But how long will it last? Hidekatsu is seen going to war in the next episode. Will their marriage be shortlived just like Gou's first one?

Rating: 9/10

Gou~ Himetachi no Sengoku [ep 24]

This episode is dedicated to Rikyu. The best tea master in Japan demanded to quit making tea for Hideyoshi and returned to his homeland. However, Hideyoshi  just wouldn't grant his wish and lose his most important comrade.

Rikyu is someone I really like. He's portrayed as a genius tea master, but not only that, through his tea sessions with the others, like Hideyoshi and especially with Gou and her sisters, he gave them a lot of subtle advices when they were in a loss of direction.


Will Gou meet him again soon?

"You shall make tea for me till the day you died." - Hideyoshi
"Then, shall I have you kill me?" - Rikyu

"Trust those who give sharp words to you, not the honeyed ones." - Hidenaga

Hidenaga passed away in this episode! Though he didn't have much screentime, only appeared in the beginning of the show and during battle scenes, he played a crucial role, supporting his brother, Hideyoshi to achieve what he had now. Hideyoshi cried like a baby when he died. Back to his rift with Rikyu, after begging him to stay failed, he ordered Rikyu to commit hara-kiri or seppuku. That was a powerful cliffhanger!~

Rating: 8.5/10

Gou~ Himetachi no Sengoku [ep 23]

After the joyful event in last episode, this one began with sorrow. Hideyoshi's sister whom he sent off to Lord Tokugawa as wife (hostage), passed away due to sickness, I presume as it wasn't explained.

Hidetada was also there, sent as hostage by his own father, Lord Tokugawa. *the whole hostage thing kinda got me confused sometimes lol* But that was how they show their loyalty to their leaders back then I suppose. This is also the first time Gou meets Hidetada.

The day after, Hideyoshi forced his mother to cut Hidetada's hair for his coming of age ceremony. This was to make Lord Tokugawa owe his gratitude to Hideyoshi. Hidetada knew what was going on around him and from his initial impression, we can see that he disliked his father, spoke very few words to him, avoided him whenever he could, and couldn't help but being sarcastic in his words to him.

Lol I don't blame him for being distant with his father considering all of what he had done before, killing his first wife and eldest son just to prove loyalty...and then sending off Hidetada's brother as hostage.

before coming of age

after coming of age

Meanwhile, we also see friction beginning to rise between Hideyoshi and Rikyu, the monk or tea master who initially served Gou's uncle, Lord Nobunaga. Rikyu seemed to show his disagreement in Hideyoshi's conduct.

During a visit to the Jurakutei, Gou met Hidekatsu, Hideyoshi's nephew. He shall be Gou's second husband, if I'm not wrong xDD Then, a third person joined in, Hidetada. Gou's bickering with Hidetada really is very entertaining! They're so funny together! Up until now, only Gou has been this outspoken person and isn't scared or very bold in speaking her mind out. She has finally met her competition - Hidetada!

the future awaits them both

Thoughts:

The episode lacks action and there wasn't anything much EXCEPT for Gou and Hidetada's scenes! Those were the only highlights of the episode. I've come to accept the fact that since this taiga is narrated through the eyes of women during the sengoku era, we won't be seeing much of actual war/battle scenes. Sometimes that's the only thing I regretted. However, we get to see how was life for the women born during that era, which is more than enough for me. xD Here's to more Gou-Hidetada scenes!

Rating: 8.0/10 (Gou-Hidetada scenes a must watch!)

Gou~ Himetachi no Sengoku [ep 22]

Time to rejoice! Chacha's finally pregnant. This will be Hideyoshi's first birth-child. Before this, all of his children were adopted, so basically, he was totally elated to hear the news. He had high hopes for it to be a boy, even went to the extent of preparing all boy toys. However, Chacha told him that if the baby is a boy, she has a wish to be granted. In order to celebrate his joy and prove his love for Chacha, he ordered a castle to be built where she will be giving birth. The castle, named Yodo shall be owned by Chacha, making her status as his wife, and also a Lord (for owning a castle). Which I think, was a pretty huge thing back then.

Finally, the day had come for the baby to arrive and I've always been amused by the comic relief this taiga offers every once in a while. Hideyoshi can be really hilarious in some scenes. And I like his little bickering with Gou most of the time.

However, he can also be really vicious in order to protect what's important to him. For example, there was a rumor floating around that the child wasn't his. They sort of made fun of him being a childless father for so long. When the culprit couldn't be caught, he simply executed and burnt towns to get his message through.

So, he got a son...xD

The middle sister, Hatsu came along to visit their newborn nephew, with her husband.

As to what Chacha wished for, Hideyoshi needed to hold a memorial service for both her parents. He agreed to give her anything she wishes. I think it's really nice of him and also Chacha to remember her parents.

Thoughts:

I enjoyed this episode a lot basically because a new baby is born! It's always a happy thing to have a newborn xD I can't wait however to see Gou's first meeting with Lord Tokugawa's son, Hidetada (pic below). He finally appears!

Rating: 8/10

Gou~ Himetachi no Sengoku [ep 20]

I know this is an abrupt post, I did a preview before this on Gou and then I never continued. As mentioned in the previous Gou post, this is my first Taiga drama. To sum it all up on why I actually tried watching, is because of Ueno Juri. But anyways, the drama itself is very engaging and I don't mind a few Japanese history lessons.

I'm not gonna write about the last 20 episodes though, that'd be..taihen da! This might not even continue but since I'm bit free tonight and catch up with this episode, I just thought of posting this up a bit. So, in episode 20, it's all about Hideyoshi and Chacha's relationship. I'm not gonna even call it *love* because...well, I just thought it seemed really wrong whenever I see them both together. The obvious age gap is there, I mean, Hideyoshi might as well be her father! And it made him sound like a pedophile. But, I do understand that this is during the age whereby age gap didn't exist. If a mere 5 year old kid could get married to another 5 year old kid, then this, THIS is nothing compared to that. I just have to force myself to remember that this is the time where concubines are common.

Gou (Chacha's little sister) had minimal screentime and popped out from time to time just to show her disapproval about any love budding between her sister and Hideyoshi or nicknamed Saru= monkey by her. This was because Hideyoshi was the one who killed both their parents during the war (in previous episodes). He did however take really good care of them after that, except for few misconduct, like forcing Gou for political marriages and then made her divorce as he liked. That was kinda evil of him though.

In this episode, Hideyoshi finally realized that his move towards Chacha would head nowhere as she was adamant in rejecting him. The excuse was that he was their enemy. Though Chacha rejected him, she looked as if she was sad about it. Hideyoshi then came back with a marriage proposal, not from him. I wanted to shout *THANK GOD* for that because I wasn't really into their partnering. I knew they were gonna end up together anyway, but it was due to reflex xD

Hideyoshi decided to marry her off to another renowned high class family. Gou was of course rejoiced that the monkey had finally given up on pursuing her sister but somehow it did not bode well with her. She was right and that night, Hideyoshi and Chacha met again under the moon, yes, the moon had become some sort of a symbol. Chacha voiced out her disappointment, well she didn't exactly said out loud, "why didn't you marry me?" but it was some sort of a roundabout way and Hideyoshi finally expressed his strong feelings and...you know what came out of this.

Next episode looked more promising, I am all for Gou's anger over their relationship. I want to see Gou in action. That said, I'm giving this episode a 6.5/10. Well, I have come to realize that there'd be some episodes which will be draggy and long-winding, and nothing much happens, but this is one drama I'm determined to finish. It's my first taiga anyway.xD