May. 1st, 2011 04:59 pm
Subber's Diary Entry#2: Hagane 2 (Ep1)
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earth_colors1 May 2011
The first installment of Hagane no Onna 2 is a one and a half hour episode. From the looks of it, it appears as a story meant to be shown as an SP but producers probably opted to use it as an opening salvo for the 2nd season. I am very much interested in the story since it was based on the controversy that happened in 2009 - a Filipino couple, the Calderons were ordered to return home after they were found out to be illegally staying in Japan for 16 years. Their teen-aged daughter was born in Japan so she was allowed to stay (apparently she didn't want to leave Japan). The Calderons' court case as well as the eventual tearful separation from their daughter at the airport caught the world's attention primarily because of human rights concerns and of course whether the government did the right thing or not. It seemed to be a touchy issue that sparked debates and clashing opinions.
:::SPOILERS AHEAD:::
Of course in the story version from the drama, they came up with a fictional country called Ceravina, a nation that is so poor and underdeveloped, it is said to be the 'Trash Capital of the Indian Ocean.' Scenes of the said fictional nation were filmed in the shanty areas of the Philippines, though. Kichise Michiko, the lead star of the drama actually went to the Philippines (purportedly last March) to film the 'mountain of garbage' scene (it was actually just a small dumpsite). The story may raise some eyebrows with regards to the depiction of what a poor country should look like especially the part where Hagane appearing surprised to see that such a nation could actually have a 'school.' I mean, c'mon... *roll eyes* Seriously, dorama writers need to go out of Japan once in awhile.
The first installment of Hagane no Onna 2 is a one and a half hour episode. From the looks of it, it appears as a story meant to be shown as an SP but producers probably opted to use it as an opening salvo for the 2nd season. I am very much interested in the story since it was based on the controversy that happened in 2009 - a Filipino couple, the Calderons were ordered to return home after they were found out to be illegally staying in Japan for 16 years. Their teen-aged daughter was born in Japan so she was allowed to stay (apparently she didn't want to leave Japan). The Calderons' court case as well as the eventual tearful separation from their daughter at the airport caught the world's attention primarily because of human rights concerns and of course whether the government did the right thing or not. It seemed to be a touchy issue that sparked debates and clashing opinions.
:::SPOILERS AHEAD:::
Of course in the story version from the drama, they came up with a fictional country called Ceravina, a nation that is so poor and underdeveloped, it is said to be the 'Trash Capital of the Indian Ocean.' Scenes of the said fictional nation were filmed in the shanty areas of the Philippines, though. Kichise Michiko, the lead star of the drama actually went to the Philippines (purportedly last March) to film the 'mountain of garbage' scene (it was actually just a small dumpsite). The story may raise some eyebrows with regards to the depiction of what a poor country should look like especially the part where Hagane appearing surprised to see that such a nation could actually have a 'school.' I mean, c'mon... *roll eyes* Seriously, dorama writers need to go out of Japan once in awhile.
Despite that, I'm glad the drama is back with a second season... to tackle more issues of discrimination, monster parents and bullying perhaps but I'm more excited to see the awesome kids of 4-3 Class once again (esp. my personal favorite kid, Hiroshi). Guest child actress, Reina Kurosaki, who played Tao Binsen, the daughter of the illegal immigrants, was a revelation in her role. Although it doesn't seem likely that she'll show up for the rest of the season, I do hope she'll have more future acting roles ahead.
Reina Kurosaki as Tao
Hagane no Onna 2 is currently shown on TV Asahi every Thursday nights.
To check this drama's subbing status click here.
