Nankyoku Tairiku [ep 10 Final]

I breezed through the final 5 episodes, basically there weren't much that we'll miss by doing so. Basically, the guys were forced to leave the dogs behind upon having insufficient fuel and the safety of the people on board. So a total of 15 dogs were left behind and it didn't help when Kuramochi himself tightened their collars before departing, thinking they'd be able to come back soon to get them. But the plan didn't happen and a year later, the third expedition begun, raising hope that they might find some survivors.

Note: Prepare a box of tissue beside you. You shall need them.

I did skip some of the political draggy scenes, but I cried like a baby the moment I saw Riki's corpse, lying, facing the station. It showed tremendous loyalty just by its action. It was like he was waiting for the guys to come back to get them. In the 5 episodes, we see the dogs die one by one. Heartbreaking. I'd recommend lots of tissue for dog lovers. You're sure to cry like hell.

Riki shall be remembered dearly.

I really thought that Riki would survive till the end! I looked forward to their reunion again, and it turned out like this. T__T

This scene...shattered my heart.

An Antartica expedition turned out to be a dog rescue mission in the final episode. Lots of flashbacks of the good times, needless to say, I forwarded them as well. Of course till the expected reunion. One would think that this might be some kind of hallucination on Kuramochi's part, but really, I do believe that, that one moment of when you're lost and in despair, a glimmer of hope like this will be forever etched in your heart.

The dogs are ALIVE!


Love these two, they stick together always! Never apart.



They even have a monument erected for Taro and Jiro!

The only thing missing now is the HUG between Kuramochi and Miyuki! Kuramochi hugged the dogs tonnes, but really, you should save one at least for Miyuki! I had my hopes really high the scene where he asked her to wait for her return, even going all the way to ask her not to go for marriage meetings LOL. Blunt, yet not quite there? And the final scene when he returned, just a "Tadaima" and "Okaeri nasai" ? C'mon, after all of what they'd been through, the least they can give us viewers is a HUG right? Is that too much to ask?

Overall thoughts:
 It's a perfect drama for animal lovers, they can really move you to tears. My eyes are still bit red from the aftermath. I admit that it was a touching journey and a look into the post-war Japan era when they were trying to crawl up from the fall. However, I'm not so sure whether the theme is something that will attract the general public. It takes special interest (for example, dog lovers) to have one stay for the whole 10 episodes, which at times were a bit draggy. Not to mention I skipped some parts. Maybe that was why it didn't do well as expected from the ratings. Looks like having both Takuya Kimura and Ayase Haruka weren't enough to move the drama to the top, with an average of only 17.3%. Still, it was a pretty good historical drama.They're not to blame for the lower than expected ratings, rather, since it's a historical drama, like I said, one has to have that kind of interest first before watching. If this is a romantic drama, with both Kimutaku and Ayase in it, I dare say it'd have challenged Kaseifu no Mita, though the 40% mark would be tough to win over lol.

Overall Rating: 6.5 /10 - Unless you're a huge fan of both actors or love animals, preferably dogs, you can do without this.

Nankyoku Tairiku [ep 5]

The episode focused on the mission for Botnutten, said to be the highest peak in Antartica. Kuramochi was determined to relive his father's dream but facing huge disagreement from Himuro. I like the love-hate relationship both of these men had. Himuro clearly still cared a lot for Kuramochi despite the fact that he blamed him for making rash decision years ago causing them to lose a friend. 

But the moment Himuro agreed to join them (still not backing down by saying he was going as an inspector), I was like "C'mon...just say it. You still love mountain climbing, don't ya?".

A journey of 200km away from their station was more than enough to test their endurance and spirit. On the way, they lost a dog, which miraculously came back again after days (I find that a bit hard to swallow but who knows). The whale carcass which they later used as shelter was a unique addition in the episode making me think, Antartica is a place full of surprises.

Upon succeeding in reaching the mountain despite losing a bit of the way, both Himuro and Kuramochi began their journey up to the peak. It was great to see them finally realizing their dream, something deemed impossible by many. But later, an accident on their way back caused one of Himuro's leg broken, just like what happened years ago. Are we having some kind of deja vu now?



With nothing left to lose, Kuramochi placed his last hope on the dogs. He let three of them lose and hoped at least one of them will somehow reach the guys at the station. The letter to Miyuki by Kuromochi was rather touching too. To think that he asked her to find someone good and be happy if asap if anything were to happen to him. I'm not sure about Kuromochi but Miyuki definitely has something for him, more than just a mere brother-in-law if you ask me. I'm interested to see whether they'll end up or not later, but Himuro seemed to like her too xDD



Thoughts:
Not gonna lie but I did hit the forward button couple of times watching this show. Maybe I'm impatient? I had great expectations from this show, love the dogs and it did give you a rather epic feeling, but that's not enough to make me stay attracted. I have put this on hold for weeks. Now that's ended, I should finish it because I hate leaving shows unfinished. As much as I hate to admit, I still shed tears watching this lol. It can really move people. There's just something missing for me to fully appreciate the show.

Rating: 7/10

Nankyoku Tairiku [ep 3]

I know I'm a bit slow in updating the dramas this season but I have valid reasons for that, being my lab work on daily basis. And I still need to spend some time watching the shows, though I haven't encountered any that I think of dropping so far. They're all still hanging on. 

Now, the first episode of Nankyoku if not amazing, was epic. And I expected it to be since it seems to have great sum of expenses poured in it and it has Kimutaku. Not that all of his dramas will be a success, but until now, I do enjoy most of his work, as they do not fail me just yet. This is no exception but I fear it's showing signs of that while I was watching this episode. I don't know if it's lack of concentration due to the fact that I was watching in the middle of my work (during my free time in lab) or because it's losing its charm. I find myself pushing the fast forward button towards the end, which surprises me too.

Of course, it's not to say that this show is no good, because it is GOOD. It's got this good premise and plot that should touch the people of Japan, at least, their pride and all. But sometimes, I can't help but think they're trying too hard at the dramatic department. Some scenes are overly done, too dramatic, and the effect - forward button. Trying too hard? Maybe or it's just me.

I think it's a bit too long - 55 mins for the episode. A bit draggy too. However, it's got some surreal scenes which I'd applaud the director/crew for that. For example, the scene where the ice land breaks into two and their 3 months worth of supply drift away. I don't know how much CG is involved but they do look real enough. Not to mention, all the scenery are breathtaking.

The dogs...another plus factor for those who loves animals or doggies. I for one, do so I don't mind watching scenes involving them. Despite all these, I find something lacking in the show. I'm not entirely sure how it'll carry on with 11 men living on this piece of vast icy land and continue to appeal to audiences like me. What stories can they produce in order to keep it interesting? And again, I see no purpose in Ayase Haruka's role as of yet. I'll see how the next episode fare.

Rating: 7/10

Nankyoku Tairiku [ep 2]

Nankyoku continues this week as we follow the men onboard Soya (the ship), as they embark on the historical journey to Antartica. When we have a bunch of men cooped up in a ship, we’re bound to see some fights and things get even more interesting when dogs are involved.

Samejima appears to be a hard person to get along with in this episode. For example, when they reach the Straits of Malacca, the temperature increases tremendously. (gosh…kinda proud it’s mentioned coz that’s my country, Msia xD) Well, yes…we have tropical weather as opposed to the four seasoned Japan, so it’s just natural that they aren’t used to the weather. And surprise surprise, only the dog kennel has air-conditioner?! They really think well ahead for the dogs! So when Samejima learns about it, he decides to get the key without permission to enter the kennel. This causes some friction among Kuramoshi and him as they get involved with the first fight man to man on the ship xD Then, they find out that the government gives the verdict that it isn’t necessary for them to stay all year long there till the 2^nd expedition team comes. Which means, they’re not allowed to winter over even though a bunch of them have volunteered.

When they finally enter the Antartica Circle, the men get a taste of rough weather as the ship rolls uncontrollably due to the storm. The situation gets more serious when there’s fire at some parts of the ship and water is coming in. The guys get thrown from the strong force to the walls, some fell unconscious, injured in the process and of course, Inuzuka is the HERO in this episode. Guy saves one of the dogs from getting drowned. I wonder if the dog knows how to swim though, then he wouldn’t have to kind of risk his life? Okay, so maybe the dog is helpless. Anyways, that is pretty intense though and coupled with Yokomine’s wife delivering back in the country.

Samejima also turns to be better in the end when he risks himself to save Taro (dog). It’s pretty heart-warming when we find out that the scroll-like item he always has beside him, turns out to be a drawing from his beloved son. Aww…despite the fact that he’s being difficult in the beginning, he apologizes to Kuramochi. Kuramochi and the guys still hasn’t given up on the wintering over issue and after a second negotiation, they finally get what they want.

Another exciting episode with some intense moments. The dogs are again, adorable. The final scene when they reach Antartica and the sight of floating icebergs are spectacular. Beautiful.By the way, Yokomine gets a pair of twins! Lolz

Rating: 9/10

Great sight...notice how the ship's surrounded by ice all over?

Nankyoku Tairiku [ep 1]

Wow…that was a long pilot. 1 hr 45 mins of kimutaku…well, it was a great opening though. I have a weak spot for dogs or animals and stuffs like that so I find myself on the verge of tearing up in the lab today and I had to stop so as to not embarrass myself further in front of my other lab mates. Kudos to the doggies though, they totally stole the show.

When the drama was confirmed earlier and that Kimutaku’s going to be in it alongside many other veteran actors, as well people like Ayase Haruka and the younger generation, Ashida Mana, I knew this is going to be epic. In the first place, it’s backed by the fact that it’s based on true story, so it’s a sure winner in that department. And Kimutaku’s dramas have never really disappointed me so far. I like most of what he did before, so I was looking forward to this.

He plays Kuramochi, an Assistant Prof, whose father had ventured to Antartica 45 years ago but due to the harsh weather, that didn’t work out. As his son, he has this dream of fulfilling his father’s wish. Besides that, being in a post-war era in Japan, he wants to use the Antartica expedition to show the world that Japan hasn’t lost everything. He has a sister-in-law played by Ayase Haruka, Miyuki who serves as a teacher in the local school. His own wife, Yukari has died during the war. Most of the episode shows how he and another Professor struggle to let the candidates of the expedition to agree with Japan’s participation. Though they are mostly spat with harsh words regarding the war, they finally manage to be accepted but nobody said it is ever going to be easy. They are given an area, deemed inaccessible on the world map by the organization. However, this does not crush their hope to land on the foreign terrain and begin efforts immediately to get enough money through donation and rebuilding an old ship for their use.

People from different backgrounds are assembled for the expedition. This includes one of their old hiking buddies who’s now working as reporter, Utsumi. Other than that, they have Prof. Hoshino who’s done research on Antartica. And he’s the one who suggests the use of dog sled to overcome tricky areas there which can’t be accessed by snowmobiles. Then there’s this university kid who lied during the interview that he has experience in training dogs just to get accepted.

When everything’s on the move, Kuramochi receives news that he isn’t selected to be in the team because of his past experience, being a leader during a mountaineering trip which cost one of his members’ life. But Hoshino suggests that he can still help in the dog training. Way to go! I mean, what’s the point of having Kimutaku in the drama if he’s not even going to be in the team, right?

So Kuramochi and the kid, Inuzuka , wait a minute…Inu? Lolz…It’s ironic that he’s going to be working with dogs and having Inu in his name. So they go to Hokkaido to meet another Prof who has like 10 Shakhalin Huskies for research purposes. But they need to find another 10 to make a team of sled dog. There, they spend some time gathering all the dogs and then training them proves to be tougher than they thought. Ashida Mana appears as one of the Prof’s grandchildren whose pet dog is Riki, a former team leader. Initially, the kids refuse to let Kuramochi take Riki but upon watching how Riki leads the pack one day, they wonder if Riki wants to go to Antartica too.

Thoughts:

I think this is going to be the winner of the season. Yeah, bit too early to judge but there’s huge potential for this to shine throughout with its epic-ness story. I’m moved so much during the entire episode and nearly cried in the lab so I’m not going to lie that this might be my favourite. The dogs are definitely a plus because like I mentioned, I have a weak spot for them. I think the only thing lacking is how limited Ayase Haruka’s scenes are. I know this is to be expected since the focus of the show is the Antartica expedition afterall, but at times, I feel like her talents are being wasted? Well, if she’s just going to appear every now and then though. Even so, it’s still great to see many familiar faces in this drama. When all of these great actors/actresses gather, it’s not going to disappoint. Think everyone executes their respective roles pretty well so far.

More screencaps xD

Rating: 9.5/10