HOTARU NO HIKARI 2

Summer 2010

I watched part 1 a few years ago and back then I remember not being excited about this drama, but after watching a few episodes it stuck on me and I felt it was a "sleeper" hit. I really enjoyed it. Part 2 picks up the story between Amemiya Hotaru played by Ayase Haruka and Takano Seiichi (Fujiki Naohito) three years after Hotaru leaves for Hong Kong. When she returns to Japan in the summer she is shocked to see an upset Seiichi (or Buchou which means section or department head). During the three years that they were apart, she only sent him one letter while he was patiently waiting for her return. The story moves forward with both of them living under the same roof, drinking beer, and contemplating on the complexities of love and relationships.

Recommendation: This is a nice chick flick. It's light, funny and warm just like the summer. I got a few chuckles out of Buchou's imitation of Hotaru. In some ways though, the story line seemed a bit far fetched even for a drama. I mean how can you prepare to get married when you haven't had much of a physical relationship? And I really can't imagine someone waiting for a girl for three years when all he gets is one measly letter. Finally, how can Hotaru be so dense? Besides those difficult to imagine scenarios, this drama was good. It's upbeat and the story deepens when another young stud tries to woo Hotaru. The acting was good too and the characters were all unique and lively in their own ways.

STORY: 0.5
ACTING: 1.0
DIRECTING: 0.5
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: 1.0
EMOTIONAL FACTOR: 1.0

4.0 Out Of 5.0 Crowns