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DVD Box
Soundtrack
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| Synopsis |
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Ruri, having been abandoned by her mother to a foster care facility, lives a life of reckless abandonment. When Nakama Yuzo, a kind man but for a trigger-happy temper, runs into Ruri he realizes that perhaps she's the child he's been looking for.
Yuzo lives in Hatomijima, a small insland in Okinawa where the population is 49 and the average age group is 61. There are no children. The island has only one school - a primary school. If a child is not enrolled in the school, it will be closed. As a result, society will abandon the island and in a few years, it will cease to have any inhabitants. To save their island, the locals decide to bring in a foster child. Ruri is their candidate, and with her she brings the hope of the island's survival. | | Wynter |
| Soundtrack and Theme Songs (1) |
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| 1. | Koko ni shika sakanai hana ここにしか咲かない花 [Kobukuro コブクロ] | |
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| Drama Reviews (10) |
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!!WARNING!!
The review section may contain spoilers! Please understand
that you may find out about this drama's endings and plots!
| | 1. | Hooray for older people ! [Rating: 8/10]
Warm drama, excellent performances from Takenouchi Yutaka , Ogata Ken & Kohinata Fumiyo - Is there any role Kohinata Fumiyo is incapable of filling ? Narumi Riko gives an endearing performance, she's definitely got talent although I'm not sure whether she's as good as Tomoka Kurokawa or Shida Mirai as a child actress.As a lot of the inhabitants of the island are older ,It's great to see older actors get a bigger role.The only negative points were that I would have liked to have seen some romance between Konishi Manami's character Sanae and Takenouchi Yutaka's character - missed opportunity. And alot of the cast looked a bit fair skinned to pass off as Okinawans. | | Reviewed by Sun_Shang_Xiang on 27 September 2011 | | 2. | Very Warm Drama [Rating: 9/10]
Like Ruri's Island, this drama had a very warm feel to. Who would have thought that such a simple concept (troubled girl adopted and raised with morals and love) could turn into such a beautiful show.
Narumi Riko is such a talented young star. She has a unique beauty and a unique look in her eyes. They couldn't have chosen a more perfect girl to play this role. Takenouchi Yutaka was absolutely wonderful. I think this is his favourite role for me. He was really able to test his skills in this drama and of course he delivered one hundred percent.
I highly recommend this drama to anyone looking for some wholesome, good story-watching. | | Reviewed by Wynter on 26 July 2010 | | 3. | Heartwarming drama [Rating: 8/10]
Pretty hardwarming drama, and it's amazing how a tiny island in Japan with less than 60 inhabitants tries to survive in a modernised world.
Some pretty good lessons to learn from this drama as well, especially from an 11 year old gal (ie Ruri, the protaganist in this dorama). Normally, I would have fast forwarded the dorama to get it over with but for this drama, I patiently sat thru all episodes without forwarding it.
It also helps that the characters in this dorama are all pleasant looking, especially Takenouchi Yutaka ;) | | Reviewed by momoechan on 25 August 2005 | | 4. | An unforgettable cast [Rating: 9/10]
I loved this drama from start to finish. At first, you're not sure what to make of it, but as you keep watching it, you grow more and more attached to the relationships and storylines developed on the show. The characters are the biggest part of this drama. You might think the characters are weird at the beginning but at the end of the drama, you really can't let them go. This is a great show with beautiful scenery and a heart warming, down to earth cast. Riko Narumi does her best performance here~ | | Reviewed by ThyGriever on 13 April 2007 | | 5. | Watch it! [Rating: 9/10]
Ruri no Shima is an excellent series. The casts are great and are perfectly suited to play their respective character, especially Manami. Sanae-sensei added a much needed depth to the whole series. Narumi Riko, as young as she was, did an awesome job as the main protagonist. What most people fail to understand is that, for me, the main character or the main story is not Ruri herself, but the island and all things that's in it.
I recommend everyone to watch it. | | Reviewed by ffdarknight on 14 July 2008 | | 6. | Unloved Child Finds A Home and Family [Rating: 9/10]
A touching story about the people of an island who must try to get school age children to come live on their island in order to save it from going extinct. So, Ken Ogata, goes to Tokyo and finds a girl who needs a foster home. He brings her back to the island and the story begins. This drama is about the love of a family as well as life on the island. The acting is fantastic, the setting is gorgeous, the story well written. Highly recommended. | | Reviewed by bettebogart on 7 November 2008 | | 7. | "Narumi Riko is great!!!" [Rating: 10/10]
at first ive been curious about this drama since this is the only drama (i think) which takes place in an island... and i have read the summary and makes me feel great... so i decided to download it... oh yes i was right it is great... Ruri is the main character which i fell in love with even though her character sometimes irritating.. but overall a good drama again that ive watched... Samuel Samaniego of Quezon City, Philippines | | Reviewed by slashersam016 on 27 November 2006 | | 8. | A warm drama [Rating: 9/10]
A fuzzy drama. The island setting makes it a good watch. Characters are lovable and believable. Characters may seem annoying at first, but you get attached to them. The whole "life is worth living" and "living with the ones you love" theme is worked well. I gave it a 9 because the beginning was annoying. | | Reviewed by eyasblue on 11 February 2007 | | 9. | Nice, relaxing drama [Rating: 8/10]
I quite enjoyed the series. While the plot is slightly thin, good overall performances by all the actors (even the minor characters) result in a very pleasing, relaxing drama. Takenouchi's understated performance is also a nice touch. | | Reviewed by en6117 on 5 September 2005 | | 10. | very good, heartwarming [Rating: 9/10]
This is one of the really touching dramas i have seen, although i have only seen 5 eps (fansubs are pretty slow) i still love it. It has a really relax feeling when you watch it. | | Reviewed by hitokiri333 on 27 December 2005 |
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| Comments From Users (71) |
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!!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 donna8157 [Rating: 7/10]
A touching story focusing on a young girl who is adopted by an older man and brings her to live on a small island (population 15 or so and most of the people on the island are over 60). Narumi Riko plays Ruri, a girl from Tokyo who is not all too innocent. She is brought to the island so she can attend the elementary school there so that way the school won't be forced to close.
On the island she meets new people and ends up having a family (not only the couple that adopted her, but also the rest of the people on the island). The story really shines as we see the quiet transformation of Ruri or rather her return to the innocence of a child. I highly recommend this drama, it was a pleasant surprise. Although Takenouchi Yutaka is shown as the main character - he's really just a side character - but an important one and he does a great job of it. I just wish that there were more scenes of Takenouchi with Konishi Manami (Sanae sensei). | | 2. | Comments by nadrika [Rating: 8/10]
Watched this on VCD post-RONDO. I think i was warned from reading drama forums that Yutaka has little screen time. Was disappointed when i found out about this. But being a devoted Yutaka fan that i am, i still watched this keeping an open mind.
Very impressed by Riko Narumi. A young and talented girl. EXCELLENT portrayal of Ruri... Great cast, story, location (really LOVE that island - peaceful), OST, theme song. The plot was really good that i would say that i actually watched this non-stop one episode after another that i can't differentiate between episodes. Which i think is not good. I think Jdramas are meant to be watched one episode per week. I've learnt my lesson.
I unexpectedly shed tears a couple of times watching this series. Didn't see that coming AT ALL. Who needs Kdramas? Jdramas tug at your heart subtly and naturally without all those melodrama. Thank you very much. :) | | 3. | Comments by Jeanxi [Rating: 5/10]
Have only watched three episodes so far, but every episode has been a tear-jerker. Although Ruri was a brat in the beginning, gradually she became more and more likeable as she's accepted by the people of Hatomijima and finds people who truly care about her. Sometimes, the whole "love will conquer all" theme is a bit cliche, but for the most part, they did a great job ^.^ I'm also liking Takenouchi Yukata's little side story, which I'm actually more interested in than the main plot =P Especially after that scene where he runs into Sanae Sensei (Konishi Manami) and he looks up, and the audience and Sanae Sensei can see that he's been crying >.< Oh my god, Takenouchi Yukata is CRYING!!! Ahhh~ I can't stand it (in a good way) when hot guys cry ~~>.<~~ EDIT: The story gets much worse after the third episode...becomes way too majorly sappy it makes me want to vomit =P | | 4. | Comments by cass_dust [Rating: 8/10]
Bought this drama because of Manami-chan (of course!).. but didn't really expect that the dorama to turn out to be such a pleasant surprise.. :)
Defintitely manami-san really did a great job in this show.. she really acted well as a col-hearted teacher.. just love it..!
Well anyway, besides the really beautiful scenes taken at this island in hokkaido (i think).. the acting of this talented child (definitely 1 to look out for in years to come..) and chemistry between everyone on the island is great.. Heart-warming scenes.. great acting... is all that makes up of this show, i would say that plot is quite normal.
One point to mention that yutaka seems to me like a supporting role.. | | 5. | Comments by zileas [Rating: 8/10]
Really beautiful photography. The island seems like to be taken from a dream. Superb performances by the foster father and the female teacher. Ruri is pretty good too, considering as young as she is. Overall it was solid performances from most people. Maybe it has something to do with the lack of idols. Ruri no Shima is supposed to be a touching and heart-warming j-drama, and it does good in this department. This time I think the script is a little lacking. Some things are very cliche and it is not really original in any way. Yet it is still a very good j-drama because of the cast and beautiful scenes. | | 6. | Comments by nishishi [Rating: 9/10]
Really heart warming...!!! Good actors... beatiful locations... (makes u wish that u could live somewhere like that island... well.. at least i did...). Nice characters.... and a great character development was done in Ruri no Shima. Truly this show is almost perfect... almost! The ending is kind of crap if compared to the quality of this show. U got that feeling that the dorama is yet to be finished (and the SP doesnt help at all). Well... but if they messed up with the ending.. they got it right at the last scene... really beatiful! (and i was waiting for the main char use that word!) | | 7. | Comments by aiscess [Rating: 8/10]
I did not expect too much from it but honestly I was interested. It was getting used to at first with some heartwarming and emotional scenes in the first 3-4 episodes. But then, after finishing the series, you start to miss everyone. That�fs why, I was lucky enough to have watched it up to the Special.
On the side note about the 2007 Special, it was nice to see again the pairing of Narumi Riko and Kamiki Ryunosuke after their short love story in Wedding Planner (2002). Look how both they�fve grown! | | 8. | Comments by onigiriman [Rating: 10/10]
Oh my god, this was much better than I had anticipated. The cast of Ogata Ken and Baisho Mitsuko was brilliant. Their attention to detail in their characters really filled out this story of a young girl longing for familial love and finding it as a foster child on a small remote island near Okinawa. It was hard to believe that Narumi Riko was eleven; she looked much older, I thought at least a junior high student, but she was still very cute. she will be a stunner in a few more years. | | 9. | Comments by Susan [Rating: 9/10]
This was a wonderful drama! Although Narumi Riko is young and her acting was definitely rough around the edges, she has a lot of talent and did a wonderful job. Takenouchi Yutaka was also superb. I really enjoyed the story of Ruri and her island. The people she met, the family and friends she made and the lives she touched. It was lovely. The ending was especially satisfying. This series has really enriched my life. I hope to be able to watch the drama special in the near future! | | 10. | Comments by aik0 [Rating: 7/10]
Dont let the poster fool you, �|����L only takes a small role in the serie. But the girl lead and grandpa/ma (who did movies way back) have awesome acting! The story is bare at best but what do you expect for an island with <100 ppl? Yep, the scene is way cool but the there is not much going on on the island and there aint no climax whatseover, and the thing that annoys me most is that the ending is INCOMPLETE. | | 11. | Comments by Angry Machines [Rating: 7/10]
A good show with a new idea about a rural island trying to keep its school open, where residents are trying to adopt children for the surivival of life on this island. Again, Yutaka steals the spotlight. The show kinda of drags at first, and you need patience because this IS a drama. for those who are intrested in a new take on drama, plus beautiful marine scenes. | | 12. | Comments by gopro [Rating: 8/10]
About 8.5ish. The more I watch dramas the harder it is to compare. Anyways, this drama is on the better side. It shows some aspects of how the Japanese treat Okinawans and also some culture appears. I wonder if any of the actors knew Okinawan; that would be awesome.
Narumi is so cute and sophisticated also. Takenouchi is great also.
(Summer 07) | | 13. | Comments by IniQx [Rating: 8/10]
Simple story about a small & simple-minded island & its people, yet full of complicated struggles in life. Never knew such problems exist in a wealthy country like Japan (well, maybe it's fictional to a certain extent). A nice look into island life & not forgetting the beautiful sea & back to basics lifestyle. | | 14. | Comments by rikastar [Rating: 7/10]
I was attracted to this drama because of Yutaka, but it's the young lead actress Narumi Riko who really shines in this. The island which formed the background of the story is a really refreshing place, and it gives the whole drama a calm and relaxed feel. I love the theme song too, it's really nice and fits the show well. | | 15. | Comments by Aunty Coco [Rating: 9/10]
I bought this becos of my fav Yutaka... Watch the first episode and find it pretty serious, no humour at all... As the story unfolds, every episode made my heart melt... Enjoyable & touching drama... I was also captivated by the scenic beaches, the nature & wild life on the island... Feels like paradise... | | 16. | Comments by sadacori [Rating: 9/10]
This is a great story of how a street-wise girl with an attitude turned into a loving and caring girl due to a change of scenery and the love of the people around her.
Kohinata Fumiyo was adorable as Shoumei, the island drunk, who changed into the most beloved character in this drama. | | 17. | Comments by atheon [Rating: 7/10]
July 2005: This drama had a great start, but up till the end, the plot became less and less interesting, maybe bcos almost all of the villagers side story have been told =/ Nevertheless, its a feel good drama, with great scenery and teaches us to appreciate the nature. | | 18. | Comments by MokaGirl [Rating: 8/10]
I'm not done watching it. So far up to 5 episodes. beautiful scenery and loved Narumi Riko character. I was pleased to see her again. I thought her really charming in this drama. I don't think her annoying at all.
Done. Good dorama. lovely OP song. | | 19. | Comments by snow_san [Rating: 7/10]
Narumi Riko (1 Litre Of Tears). Relaxed, touching ~tears of sadness&joy.
Note: The SP was a bit of a let down although it was nice to see the cast again. Give it a wait if you do feel inclined to watch it. | | 20. | Comments by gto_girlz83 [Rating: 9/10]
I like to watch the scenary of the island.But i wonder if they'is any island that do exist school with 1 student? But i really can't wait to watch the ruri no shima drama special.can any body sub it?? | | 21. | Comments by oldasianguy [Rating: 10/10]
I liked this show because I like shows depicting Okinawa...and Narumi Riko is such an attractive young girl...and she did a great acting job....she looks much older then her real age... | | 22. | Comments by natni [Rating: 9/10]
Touching.....i cried for certain scenes.....!!! Yutaka kakkoi.....luv to see him!!!!! The song is so nice.....love it......The environment and the island are so wonderful......... | | 23. | Comments by David Heinemann [Rating: 10/10]
One of the dramas hat give you hope again and let you live on. I am still thinking about this island and every time i want to go there an live there for the time beeing. | | 24. | Comments by Anime Dad [Rating: 9/10]
The storyline is familiar... but it's acted so well that it doesn't matter. The episodes flew by so quickly that I was surprised (and disappointed) that it was over. | | 25. | Comments by ilovedrama [Rating: 10/10]
Currently to Eps. 6. Didn't think I will like it since the casts are largely composed of the elderly and but boy was I wrong. Original storyline, very touching. | | 26. | Comments by compaqmac321 [Rating: 8/10]
it was good, i didnt get tired of all the crying untill the last episode, and the special to me was terrible, but the show as a whole was pretty good. | | 27. | Comments by hitomi #1 [Rating: 8/10]
Started up a bit slow but by episode 3 hit it's stride and turned out to be quite enjoyable, though one of the biggest tear jerkers I've seen to date. | | 28. | Comments by Wynter [Rating: 9/10]
One of the warmest dramas I've seen in a long time. Takenouchi Yutaka really stole the show for me. This is perhaps my favourite character of his. | | 29. | Comments by g_hunter1 [Rating: 8/10]
This is one of those family dramas. It starts out pretty sad. A girl that is not wanted by her mother but people from a dying island accepts her. | | 30. | Comments by gaijinmark [Rating: 8/10]
Another very underrated drama. They say it didn't get very good ratings, if that's the case, a lot of people missed the boat on this one. |
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Read all 71 comments from users
| Users who voted for this drama (18) |
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| 1. | tinyamaki
One of the excellent drama that I'd ever watch.... so pure and very inspiring.. The scenery is refreshing too... I love the island..it made me wanna visit it ^^.....and I have to say the great performances of the actors too.. Riko Narumi in such a young age did a great job in portraying her character.... Takenouchi Yutaka and Ken Ogata and the rest of the cast did a great job too.... an excellent drama indeed | | 2. | darknitelight
There's just something about it that i really liked. If only tatsuya stayed on the island the show would have been better, but then the whole point about the show is about change epitomized by the hair cuts. Loved the island backdrop, absolutely beautiful. | | 3. | hananako
Looks like Yutaka had made a come back with his new handsome/nice/kakkoiii looks... ;) tonigaku... yutaka wa..aishiteruuuuuuuuuu... the story is nice..and some parts had touched my heart... ;) | | 4. | David Heinemann
This is an amazing dorama about friendship and love. The cast makes you laugh and cry at the same times. I hope there will be a second season with the same cast. | | 5. | jasp10n
My first dorama. The cast is wonderful, the locations probably, are the most beautiful of the doramas, the photography is amazing. | | 6. | jpride
The girl's acting was simply amazing. Takenouchi Yutaka was amazingly cool in this one. Just watch it...one of my best dramas. | | 7. | bettebogart
Beautifully done, well acted family drama. Gorgeous setting. Heartwarming and touching, as only the Japanese can do. | | 8. | oldasianguy
Another great cast!!!!Okinowa...my favorite place in Japan...Love the music and dancing. | | 9. | slashersam016
First of all.. Narumi Riko.. then the beautiful island.. equals.. one great drama.. | | 10. | cheesey
Touching story and great acting. Definitely a must watch jdrama. | | 11. | Strega
Good acting! I like Narumi Riko very much!! | | 12. | Makochan
Very heart warming! Gotta watch it. | | 13. | xirho67
a very charming little drama | | 14. | teks | | 15. | ilovedrama | | 16. | xploring | | 17. | kazu17 | | 18. | Almir Borges |
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