Kamisama mou sukoshi dake [神様、もう少しだけ] Moments [Rating: 8/10] In spite of the spotting writing, innane plot with hundreds of holes, weak characters (Masaki, yes Kyoko is cute, but she can't act!), and overt dramatics (cue, lots of crying, or characters running desperately in the rain accompanied by a piano soundtrack; or plently of sepia toned flashbacks), there was enough in this series to make it very good.
Takeshi's acting of the character (as long as one ignores the character's occupation and celebrity status), especially the changes in his personality, held most of the series together. There were some truly great moments that made one forget about all the problems in the series, such as the end of the first episode. Similarly the very end of the series was probably the best ending of all, with a sharpness that was further emphasized by its adruptness and quick cut to the theme song. Truly an expectional (and heart rendering) ending. Probably made the entire series.
The theme song by Luna Sea is one of the strong points, and good use of it (most of the time; the exceptions include some strange echo-cuts), along with the opening title sequence emphasizes alot of the plot. For instance, as stated above, during the first and last episodes.
Overall, there is too much exception stuff in this series in spite of its lumpiness. The themes of alienation, prosecution, loneliness, family and social pressures, tend to wallow about obtusely until a moment of brilliance (parent-child relations; scene where Masaki's mother runs after her in the street, telling Masaki she would do anything to make her well). The series has too many of these moments of great clarity, in effect, negating some of the tediousness (and incredulous) plot, poor characterization, and weak acting. | | |