Ruri no Shima (2005)

This is Ruri's island

Ruri's island Hatomi is based off a real island called Hatoma located in Okinawa in Japan. The drama uses realistic facts like that on the island, they have a low population. I'm not sure about the school issue being a real problem but if not they did a great job of adding in a realistic problem that connects with their low population issue. The drama focuses on the growth of a kid, learning to realize who you are again, and the relationships of family and friends. There is something about these Japanese dramas that are based around islands or in the country that I enjoy a lot.

Story: The plot seemed interesting of the island needing at least one kid to live on the island and attend their school. The problems I thought were what kind of kid would do this or how could they get one kid? The idea of adopting a foster kid was a good choice to choose where it wouldn't look bad then forcing a non foster kid to go. There is also a mystery aspect to the drama based around the character of Kawashima Tatsuya. The drama focuses on mainly Ruri in the beginning where she is adopting to living on the island and becoming a better person followed by side plots of other minor characters on the island, then to Kawashima's mystery. The drama moves in a slow realistic pace but captures the moments beautifully. The drama deals with a lot of aspects in a human life. The people on the island made it comfortable that you would feel loved being there.

Acting/Cast: The drama is filled with more veteran actors but has 2 fine leads in Narumi Riko and Takenouchi Yutaka. I knew a lot of these veteran actors and they are some of my favorite veteran actors. Narumi Riko played her role exceptional as the only kid on the island from the beginning to the end as she grew.

Music: The ending song is called Koko ni Shika Sakanai Hana by Kobukuro. The song fit the mood of the drama. It doesn't sound too happy or too sad

Re watch value: I loved the moments of Ruri bonding with her foster parents and Ruri bonding with Kawashima. The setting being based off an island helps make me want to re watch the drama again along with the cast.

Overall: Ruri's island is one of my favorite dramas now. The island and the characters are my favorite parts of the drama. You might not watch it because it's "older", weak cast, or it's slow, but give it a try when you want to watch something different.

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Ruri no Shima can best be described as a slow, family oriented drama. There is not enough excitement here to stimulate the average drama fan, especially those who are interested in romance, suspense, or action. The main theme revolves around an isolated island community where members develop close relationships with one another. The main thing they miss are children and Ruri, a foster child, captures their hearts.
This drama should feel more heartwarming, but it feels more like a serial with a resolution to each episode. Even the mystery of why handsome Takenouchi suddenly appears on the island does not stimulate enough suspense to warrant watching this one.

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