Rich Man, Poor Woman

A relaxing romance set in what is basically a work environment. The characters are interesting, they're different, they're special, they each have direction, and you can tell at the end that they've moved on somewhere. It's a Japanese romantic comedy, so if you come to it blind to the violins, nursed on American productions, you probably won't be too thrilled. But if I had to compare the two, I'd say that for the most part American productions are "rough" in this regard and Japanese ones are "soft". It doesn't push anything, it doesn't embarrass you, it just flows and you can enjoy seeing where it goes. Sure it has its flaws, but as something where you don't have to think too much and it doesn't make an idiot out of you with its simplicity and idiocy, it's excellent. Plus, for fans of Ogurin, it's almost a must-see – it is, after all, his latest TV venture. ;-) A better 3 stars. (21/09/2012)