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Medaka [めだか]

DVD Box




Drama Details
Title:Medaka
めだか
Night School
Telecast:2004-10-05 to 2004-12-14
Season:Fall 2004



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TV Station:Fuji TV
Duration:11 Episodes
Viewership:9.6%



Synopsis
Takako Meguro has never had a dream, nor has she ever stuck to one goal for long. One day, she finds herself working as a teacher at a night school. At first, she is unmotivated and doesn't take her work seriously. But she soon finds out that work at night school is tougher than she thought. There's a high-school dropout, a businessman, a cabaret girl, and many others; every student is either strange or extraordinary in one way or another. Half of the students are older than Meguro, and she discovers that one of the students was her classmate in elementary school.

One night an incident ignites Takako's passion for her job, which explodes into an angry scolding of her students and a gaining of a newfound dream for herself.
Fuji TV

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Soundtrack and Theme Songs (1)
1. Masayume 正夢 [SPITZ スピッツ]

Actor/Actress Cast (26)
Mimura
ミムラ
Meguro Takako
目黒たか子 (23)
Harada Taizo
原田泰造
Shiina Ryousuke
椎名亮介 (37)
Eita
瑛太
Sakuragi Taku
桜木 拓 (23)
Sudo Risa
須藤理彩
Kawahara Yukiko
川原由布子 (27)
Yamazaki Shigenori
山崎樹範
Oyamada Osamu
小山田修 (25)
Izumiya Shigeru
泉谷しげる
Kariya Rokuro
刈谷六郎 (52)
Kohinata Fumiyo
小日向文世
Taneda Naofumi
種田直文 (48)
Kuroki Meisa
黒木メイサ
Yoshizumi Asuka
吉住明日香 (19)
Hiraoka Yuta
平岡祐太
Takasugi Junpei
高杉順平 (18)
Asano Yuko
浅野ゆう子
Kunimi Shouko
国見祥子 (41)
Yamamoto Taro
山本太郎
Yabe Hiroki
矢部弘紀 (28)
Kinouchi Akiko
木内晶子
Kawashima Taei
川嶋多英 (23)
Ichige Yoshie
市毛良枝
Meguro Mizue
目黒みず江 (51)
Kato Koki
加藤康起
Takei Kou
武井 康 (19)
Asahina Eri
朝比奈えり
Yamamoto Eri
山本えり (19)
Endo Yuya
遠藤雄弥
Nemoto Yuuya
根本ゆうや (18)
Hayashi Ryuzo
林隆三
Morimura Seiji
森本正治 (61)
Sato Kazuya
佐藤和也
 
Sakai Wakana
酒井若菜
Kariya Keiko (epi 7)
Sato Megumi
佐藤めぐみ
 
Izawa Ken
井澤健
(epi 1)
Kaku Tomohiro
郭智博
(epi 3)
Koide Keisuke
小出恵介
(epi 3, 5)
Katayama Reo
片山怜雄
 
Yanagisawa Takahiko
柳澤貴彦
 
Masana Bokuzo
正名僕蔵
 
 

Related Links (1)
1. Official Website

Drama Reviews (7)
!!WARNING!!
The review section may contain spoilers! Please understand
that you may find out about this drama's endings and plots!


1. One of my Fav school dramas! [Rating: 9/10]
What a surprisingly grand drama! I think I�fve seen many of the top hitter school dramas, and after watching even two of them, one quickly gets tired of the theme. The story is always the same. Teacher enters classroom. Classroom contains difficult students. Teacher goes above and beyond his/her job to �gcare�h for the students. Students heal and become wonderful human beings. Teacher and students cry at departure in the last scene of the last episode.

Of course, this drama follows that exact same story structure�c but it�fs still grand! Older students enrolled in night school replace the �gregular�h band of high school students. I truly believe this made all the difference for me. The issues and situations the students face are on a level I can understand. They deal with the basic needs of survival in a realistic world.

Mimura surprised me in this drama. Before I had only seen her in Ima ai ni Yukimasu and I thought she was brilliant. In Medaka she plays a completely different role, but I thought she did a great job. She was convincing and although I thought her smile was annoying at times, this same smile made ME smile numerous times throughout the show. Harada Taizo, whom I�fve had a crush on since Bewitched, was good, but my attention flew constantly towards Eita. All the supporting cast (especially Shigeru-san and perhaps not Meisa-chan so much) were great and appropriately cast.

This is a feel-good drama and I�fm glad I watched it. It inspired me to be a little more helpful in my own classroom.
Reviewed by Wynter on 17 May 2008
2. Underrated School Drama [Rating: 9/10]
I never thought I would be calling a high school drama "underrated" but Medaka is without a doubt the best school related drama I've seen(yes that includes GTO, Gokusen, Queen Of The Classroom etc.).

The reason this one is so good is because of the students, the problems they face are easy to relate to and don't come off as petty and selfish like all those other school dramas that seem to be so popular. The story is made better by a really great cast of "nobodies" with Mimura at the center. I haven't been impressed with Mimura untill this drama. She IS Medaka, I can't think of any actress who could fit the character better

Yes it's a little cheesy at times but for the most part the drama just oozes genuineness and it's nice to see a drama where it feels like everyone involved is really proud of what they are doing. I could go on and on about how special this drama is(the romance, the comedy, the music, everything) but I'll just end this by saying that you are truly missing out if you don't watch Medaka, a hidden gem in what really was a great year for dramas.
Reviewed by sucigam on 25 June 2007
3. Ok only [Rating: 5/10]
Actually, bought this dorama by accident cos they put "Gokusen" as the english title of this dorama on the cover of the VCD box and I thought this is the first part of the Nakama Yukie Gokusen series.

I thought the producers had cast the wrong person for the lead role as Mimura didn't look like she fitted in this role, her acting was very fake and I thought she was trying to act cute throughout the show.

I felt that the supporting characters put up a better performance and I wouldn't have continued watching this dorama if not for them.
Reviewed by momoechan on 25 August 2005
4. brilliant [Rating: 9/10]
it has everything you want from a school dorama, except fruity-boys. But i don't care, it's such a great show. It's definitely different from GTO or anyother you're trying to compare it with, definitely! every actor and actress in it acted well.
Reviewed by monta on 17 December 2006
5. heartwarming and entertaining [Rating: 8/10]
This drama was unique in its storyline and it was entertaining. Mimura is a pretty good actress considering she's new. There are many touching moments and funny moments throughout each episode.
Reviewed by sweetcrescent on 18 December 2004
6. Enjoyable [Rating: 9/10]
Charming series about a "try your best" young teacher and her group of night school non-conformists.
Reviewed by Eve on 28 April 2008
7. The female version of GTO. [Rating: 7/10]
Typical and expected story plot, but Mimura's acting will keeps you entertained. Nice theme song.
Reviewed by popdod on 21 July 2008

Comments From Users (47)
!!WARNING!!
This section may contain spoilers! Do not proceed if you
do not want to read about this drama's endings and plots!


1. Comments by nishishi [Rating: 10/10]
It somehow follows GTO/Gachibaka/Gokusen/Taiyou to umi/and other school doramas in the storyline; but it adds something new by putting older students in the class. And also the class doesnt have a gruge against teachers/adults neither the students were all violent kids (that was a relief... i was kind of tired of all those school doramas following that concept). Personally... i love school doramas (they r my fav.) but i was getting really tired of them cuz they all looked the same.. Just with a slight difference Medaka really stands out... Really worth watching (btw.. if u dont like school doramas... dont even bother with this one.. afterall in the end it still follow the same concept of all those school doramas).
2. Comments by xploring [Rating: 9/10]
This feel-good drama has become one of my favourite (better than GTO and Gokusen), which I did not expect any drama to do so after trying out over a hundred jdoramas. Mimura and the character of Medaka has totally won me over, I never really had a favourite character before in jdoramas but Medaka could possibly take that place. Some of the episodes left me smiling/elated for the whole day afterwards. Basically, I agree pretty much with everyone who liked this series. Good supporting cast, genuine situations and sincerity helped make this one of the most enjoyable series. I highly recommend it!
3. Comments by dokaben [Rating: 8/10]
Many have compared this to high school dramas like Gokusen and GTO. I found this one to be quite different. Medaka is more down-to-earth, about real people with real problems and goals. The students aren't delinquents. They're there by choice to better themselves. In this case the teacher is too. Mimura carries the show well. Her wide-eyed optimism is over the top but never gets old. The show introduces a side of Japan's education system that doesn't get much attention. Worth watching just for that!
4. Comments by pash [Rating: 8/10]
Very nice feel-good dorama with an interesting premise (a sorta "female GTO" having to deal with a night-school class made of adults, each with his/her own problems) which, albeit being mostly ok, still had some weak points and a few scenes which felt a bit forced (hence "only" 8/10 as I'm not fully convinced by the script). Anyway, the cast did a great job, particularly Mimura, who was absolutely perfect in this role!!! :)
5. Comments by poopiefish [Rating: 7/10]
Compared to other school dramas, the hardships that the students go through are much more realistic and relatable. I don't know if it's because I've never studied in a Japanese high school, but my high school life resembled Medaka much more closely than GTO/Gokusen. And because of that, Medaka is very watchable, even though it may seem like a typical school drama at first.
6. Comments by oldasianguy [Rating: 10/10]
Mimura is one of my favorite actress, she has this awesome smile which she shows throughout this show..Can't help but like this show......The plot is not just your ordinary school plot but delves into her relationship with her night students...some older then her..
a 10 it is!!!
7. Comments by strawberryfzz [Rating: 8/10]
Could have been so much better, but I found Medaka so charming and irresistible despite its flaws. :3 I wish they would have written a nicer ending for Mimura & Eita's characters. I liked them together a whole lot better than Mimura and Harada Taizo.
8. Comments by Jackykero [Rating: 7/10]
A very enjoyable dorama, not complicated but not boring, with a nice storyline and great cast, and very good performace from Mimura that carries the series, just like Yukie Nakame does it for Gokusen.
Recommended easy watch
9. Comments by Deceased [Rating: 8/10]
Another teacher-student dorama. Nice theme song. Though typical and expected story plot, but Mimura's acting will keeps you entertained.

Not too bad to spend your weekends watching it. Entertaining.
10. Comments by aramia [Rating: ?/10]
I feel that Mimura is one of those actress who really deserves her big break soon. Pretty, funny and can act. This show was not bad only, but mimura was fun to watch
11. Comments by IniQx [Rating: 6/10]
typical teacher & student drama. somehow the teacher just manages to solve every problem she meets & at the end of the day, gains trust from the students.
12. Comments by miriya52 [Rating: 8/10]
This drama is not particularly unique nor a standout, but I like its simple heart-warming charm. It is a good drama to watch when I just want to relax and enjoy.
13. Comments by Q-chan [Rating: 7/10]
Another school dorama. No big differences with the other, except it takes place in night school. Eita plays different character. Love Hiraoka Yuuta...
14. Comments by gto_girlz83 [Rating: 2/10]
I started watching the 1st episode but seem i cant finish it the whole episode..The story plot is so simple and we simply predict the ending.
15. Comments by carina4 [Rating: 7/10]
This girl plays a good teacher, it's fun, cause it's night school for adults, very touching scens and had to see it cause Eita is here <3
16. Comments by JackClark [Rating: 10/10]
Ranks up there with GTO and Gokusen. I think I like this school drama better then those two. Mimura is such a great actress.
17. Comments by Wynter [Rating: 9/10]
After Gukusen, I have to say this drama is my favourite school drama. Mimura is great and I LOVE the supporting cast!
18. Comments by mornin_view [Rating: 8/10]
the story is a little like GTO so those who like school drama shld watch it and the openin theme song is nice
19. Comments by rele [Rating: 8/10]
The thoughts in the series really fitted well to my current life situation and it was encouraging in a way.
20. Comments by ct_subang [Rating: 5/10]
kinda like a typical high-skool drama..but in this case its a nite-skool...nothing special abt it...
21. Comments by popdod [Rating: 7/10]
Typical and expected story plot, but Mimura's acting will keeps you entertained. Nice theme song.
22. Comments by Mali [Rating: 8/10]
Funny, very entertaining. Although maybe not as good as GTO or Gokusen, still highly enjoyable.
23. Comments by sonychak [Rating: 8/10]
I am a sucker for school doramas. The characters were all likable and the story was good.
24. Comments by acg181 [Rating: 8/10]
story of an teacher, wherein, all students have story to tell. i like drama.
25. Comments by michimaru [Rating: 9/10]
i LOVED this drama. when graduation time came around, it was bittersweet.
26. Comments by gaijinmark [Rating: 9/10]
Mimura dazzles!!! If GTO is the #1 high school drama, Medaka is #1-A.
27. Comments by pacchan [Rating: 9/10]
made me cry so many times. i'm such a sucker for feel good dramas...
28. Comments by kevino2770 [Rating: 8/10]
one of the best school dramas and an excellent array of actors
29. Comments by sahabat9 [Rating: ?/10]
halfway through only, not finished yet... why? i'm bored..:P
30. Comments by 5_lvis_20 [Rating: 10/10]
i like mimura...is a funny funny drama....
very nice..

Read all 47 comments from users


Users who voted for this drama (9)
1. monta
It's not another cliche school doramas filled with pretty faces. Everything was excellent! superb soundtrack. very worth watching
2. Deceased
Female version of GTO. Though typical teacher & students drama...but still quite enjoyable. Worth Watching.
3. oldasianguy
Mimura has the most outstanding smile!!Her face justs lights up and makes my heart melt!!!
4. xploring
Probably the best feel-good drama I've seen. Mimura as Medaka totally won me over. ^___^
5. gaijinmark
My favorite of the high school drama genre. Mimura is amazing!
6. conino
i dont know.... i just like the plot
7. fone
8. Shachus
9. 20 century boy