BUZZER BEAT

SUMMER 2009

I like the fact that sports can create dramatic events that are inspiring and moving. Incorporating a fun loving cast headed by Yamashita Tomohisa (Kamiya Naoki) and Kitagawa Keiko (Shirakawa Riko), Buzzer Beat takes you on a journey of love and reminds us to never give up on our dreams.

Chemistry was the first word that came to my mind when I was watching this drama. The cast worked really well together. Whether there were scenes with Naoki and Riko, Riko and Mai (Riko's roommate), or Mai and Shuji, there was hardly a dull moment. The opening theme song by B'z (Ichibu to Zenbu) sets the mood for this drama. I was constantly excited to listen to the theme song whenever it was played. Emotional scenes were abundant and a good drama will make you feel all kinds of emotions. The episodes kept getting better and better especially from Episode 4. There were heart cringing moments as well as moments of relief. The acting was done well and I didn't think the cast overdid their parts. There were plenty of scenes with male upper body nakedness that would probably drive women crazy, but being a guy I was more jealous than anything else! I thought the setting at the basketball court with the large ad displaying a child with balloons was a nice touch. It seems that good dramas tend to have this one setting that reminds you about the drama when you look back on it.

Recommendation: Buzzer Beat was one of my favorite dramas. I just thought the music, acting, writing, and directing fit well together. The story took me back to a time when dreams were strong, and hope offered a once in a lifetime opportunity, just like a buzzer beater.

STORY: 1
ACTING: 1
DIRECTING 1
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: 1
EMOTIONAL FACTOR: 1

5 OUT OF 5 CROWNS