Now what is this Specials (or more commonly known as SP) you ask? Well, it's more or less like a full length film, but usually shown on TV. Kinda like made-for-TV type of movies. The storyline usually are the continuation (or even fillers) to a popular dorama. And just to shown my personal appreciation towards such 'craft', here is...

MY TOP 5 LIVE ACTION SP


1. Hanazakari no Kimitachi E (2008)
Synopsis: The special took place half a year after the series' end. With Osaka Gakuen getting ready for an upcoming Valentine's Day event, Sano and Nakatsu reflect on the final week of their last summer vacation, which falls into the timeline of the original series between episodes 7 and 8. The special also includes a graduation scene and addresses the relationship between Mizuki and Sano.

Definitely the most adorable bunch of characters that I've ever seen on the silver screen. It took me sometime to actually recognize Minami in that blonde wig and as usual, Hiro Mizushima is just as funny as before. A really enjoyable SP overall.


2. Hana Yori Dango Final (2008)
Synopsis: The final part of the popular series Hana Yori Dango ends with an adventure around the world. Finally, the feuding couple, Tsukushi and Tsukasa are engaged and just when they think everything will be happily ever after, the precious heirloom - a tiara called the Smile of Venus, is stolen. The two go on a search to retrieve the tiara heading off to Las Vegas, Hong Kong and other places, however each time they think they have recovered the tiara, it slips away from them. Can their love hold up to the test?

Okay, so it's not exactly an SP per say (it was more of a big screen movie, with major theatre openings worldwide), the live action still live up to its predecessors. Although I also think that HYD is practically the most overused recycle material in entertainment history (with various adaptations) but you never really got bored with the story. Well, for me at least!

3. Detective Conan 2 (2007)
Synopsis: Conan attends a party for the "Miss Japanesque" awards, where he happens to eat a cake that temporarily transforms him back into Kudo Shinichi. While there, a murder takes place and he has to solve the case. The special will also feature the first live-action appearance of the Black Organization.

Well, there are actually 2 SPs for Detective Conan but I prefer the latest one over the first. I'm just amazed to see quite a few good looking ladies in this SP.


4. Great Teacher Onizuka (1998)
Synopsis: Out of work after the last time we've seen him, this time around Onizuka is assign to be the new teacher for an all girls school, where he'll meet and change the lives of 3 of its students.

Still the greatest classic live action until now, all those Gokusens and Rookieses are still no match for Onizuka-sensei in my book.

5. Galileo Zero (2008)
Synopsis: The special is set 3 years prior to the drama series, with the story being related to a murder case that was partly referenced in the original show. Detective Kusanagi is looking to solve a murder mystery, and he gets back in touch with his former badminton teammate, the brilliant professor Yukawa Manabu

Yup, I surprise myself for putting this one on the list as well. Maybe not the best mystery-thriller detective story to date, but there's still something about this SP that I can't seem to get out of my head.

NOTE: I just notice that the top 4 SPs all feature my favorite boy of the moment, Shun Oguri! I never thought about it until my sister pointed it out just now.

Labels: live action