Ouran High School Host Club - Host Club is a Family - Drama Review

During the summer, I may have caught the Ouran fever. I can't believe that they actually made a drama series of my favorite manga and anime series. However, I absolutely loved the drama series and it was just perfect. I was afraid that this drama might turn out to be too cheesy and over rated. But it turned out to be better than what I expected and it kept the true essence of the original story.

Tamaki's inner mind theater is currently loading.

 "..but for us who were born pretty, life isn't easy." - Tamaki (ep.1)

At first, I wasn't really sure that Yamamoto Yusuke would fit the role of playing as Tamaki Sou. I mean, he really doesn't have the essence of Tamaki. But he does act and sound similar as the Tamaki in the anime/manga. So, I gradually started to like him as that character. Although, every time he shows up onscreen, I still don't feel anything like having an arrow-shot-straight-through-my-heart type of feeling. But the comedic moments of Tamaki were fun to watch. The actor did really well with portraying the many different mood swings of Tamaki and he got it just right. The special effects that were used on him makes his character even more hilarious such as being physically bombarded with words and crumbling into a million pieces. Also, his inner mind theater, where he creates delusional dreams about Haruhi in his head were just as hilarious as the manga. Now, I have my full respect for this actor.  

"Let's play the which one is Hikaru game!" -Hikaru & Kaoru (ep.6)

Takagi and Manpei Shinpei as the Hitachiin twins were perfect. I loved them as the trickster twins. Every time they show up to do their "brotherly love" act, it's one of those things where I feel really embarrassed and awkward watching it, but at the same, I can't take my eyes off of them. My favorite moment from them was from episode 6 where they had an epic twin fight using guns. That did not that happened in the original story, but it was fun watching that scene. They provide plenty of fan service for those who are interested in twincest.

"We really like Tama-chan, so anyone who messes with him,  won't be let off that easily."-Honey (ep.10)

Chiba Yudai as Haninozuka Mistukuni or Honey-sempai, I think this is one of the most difficult roles to cast as because Honey looks young and childish, but he is a third year student in Ouran which makes him the oldest among the host members, including Morinozuka Takashi or Mori-sempai. The actor really pulls it off with the child-like appearance and personality of Honey. And, has an amazing ability to shrink himself into a small child (thanks to CGI). Later, they stopped using the shrinking effect which is good because I was freaked out by it and it looked very unnatural. As for Mori played by Nakamura Masaya, he doesn't say much in the drama, but he does well with being the silent type and he's awesome just being there. Although Honey can be cute, but he and Mori participate in the martial arts, and if you get on the bad side of Honey, you'll be facing the wrath of the "Black Honey."

 

"My Principle is not to do anything that serves me no advantage." -Kyoya (ep.5)

Daito Shunsuke as Ootori Kyoya. I think he did awesome job as the Shadow Prince, but behind those glasses, he definitely has that money scheming attitude. He's just pimping in every scene he's in.

 "Things like being a boy or a girl or looks... Do those things really matter?" - Haruh (ep.1)

Kawaguchi Haruna, I thought that she did well as Fujioka Haruhi. She's cute in her own way and portrays Haruhi's indifferent attitude perfectly.

"Yes shadow!" - Nekozawa (ep.8)

I almost forgot about Umehito Nekozawa played by Ruusei Ryo. In the original story, he was not part of the main character, but a side character who comes in and out throughout the story. Mostly foretelling curses that are about to strike on certain individuals and trying to convince others to join his Black Magic Club. Even though he's just a side character, he also has a story to tell which showed that not only that he as a dark appearance, but on the inside he has a light side as well. 

I was really happy that each episode tried to follow very closely to original story. It's exciting to see some of my favorite moments in the story to be seen in live-action. I immensely enjoyed this drama adaptation and I seriously could not wait until the next episode. I find myself to be enjoying this drama much more than what I expected. Now that this drama series is over, I can finally calm myself down. But wait there's more. They've made a special announcement that they will make a movie adaptation which releases in March 2012. I was hoping for a second season for this show because it'll last much longer with each episode releasing once week than just seeing a two hour movie. Nevertheless, I am looking forward to watching the movie adaption.

Please excuse me for a moment while I go lie down because this summer fever may take some time for me to recuperate from.

Ouran cosplay: