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Hiroshi66
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Location: Northridge, California
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Re: J-Drama: 篤姫 (Atsu-hime)
#14 - The Father's Wish
 
Ah, another sad but excellently done episode. Historically, we've gotten into 1854 and Perry has returned - resulting in the opening of two ports to foreign trade. And the divisions within the shogunate are increasing, while a strong unified government is quickly falling apart.
Poor Tadatake.. I think he died more so of a broken heart than of a sickness. Losing his beloved daughter and not being able to even find out how she is doing was probably more than he could bear. The ending scene where Tadatake said that no matter where Atsu went or no matter what she changed her name to, she would always be his daughter was so true. The love that their family felt for each other was so beautiful - the same goes for the mother and the brother too.
Nariakira broke his promise to Tadatake but I am glad he told Atsu. Knowing that her father wishes her to do her best at the task she has at hand probably will make her even more determined to see that the marriage negotiations will continue. The only person who seems to disagree with it is the Lord of Mito, that man who always wants to go to war and fight. Everybody in the shogunate seems to be against him, but he seems to be the de facto regent for the unstable shogun.
On a side note, I love the new relationship Ikushima has with Atsu. They really seem to have struck a very close friendship, and I hope Ikushima is there to support Atsu if she enters the Ooku of Edo Castle. I hope now that Nariakira is in Edo, he will try to push harder for the marriage negotiations to go forward.
Episode 15 airs next week! I'll try to post up some scans from the photo-book next week. 
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5/17/2008, 9:05 pm
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Hiroshi66
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Re: J-Drama: 篤姫 (Atsu-hime)
#15 - The Princess Goes to Battle
 
Enjoyable episode to watch, mainly because a lot of loose ends that had been addressed in previous episodes were finally wrapped up. Okubo's father has finally returned from exile (as Nariakira promised) and the "exorcisms" that Oyura had been committing also come to a close (as well as the animosity between Nariakira and his father, the Old Lord Narioki). By the end of the episode, we've finally reached early 1855.
One thing I noticed was how much Atsu has changed since her arrival to Edo. At first she had been unsure of her role, feeling intimidated since she was a member of the branch family. Now, as she proved in her visit to the Old Lord Narioki and Lady Oyura, which she masterminded on her own. She handled it so skilfully and politically. By telling Narioki and Oyuri that she was "relieved that the rumors were false", and finally at the end revealed to them that she was undergoing marriage negotiations with the 13th shogun Iesada. That made both of them shake in their seats! Narioki's such a grumpy old man... what was up with those facial expressions he made towards the beginning of the episode while he was drinking the tea!? LOL.
It was very unfortunate that Nariakira's last son Torajumaru passed away. Now Nariakira has no more male heirs. However, I suppose he is still adamant about getting the marriage negotiations between Atsu and the shogun underway, since he will have an easier time controlling the Tokugawa shogunate if his daughter is the wife of the shogun. There are now two clear sides - people like Nariakira and Abe who believe that opening up the country is the key to a future for Japan, and then the conservative hardliners like the Lord of Mito, that grumpy man who always wants to go to war with the Western Powers and also the Emperor Komei, who we were introduced to today, who dislike foreigners and want to keep the country isolated. The Tokugawa regime itself is split, lacking a strong shogun to make deductions and take a clear side.
Glad to see Naogoro be chosen to go to Edo as Nariakira's assistant. Looks like he will be with Saigo and might have a chance to see Atsu. Okubo will be alone now in Satsuma, but at least his father has returned.
The show gets better and better. Episode 16 airs next week!
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5/24/2008, 9:05 pm
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brad6
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Registered: 07-2004
Posts: 2266
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Re: J-Drama: 篤姫 (Atsu-hime)
This taiga is a sheer joy. It is holding me close as did 'Hojo Tokimune' a few years ago. I would love to see that one again. Atsu is such an intiguing real woman in history and I think the actress is doing well in playing this role. Obviously she is prettier than the real princess but at least she is not just a pretty face. Indeed she is a very disciplined actress.
I think the writers must have had a field day with this drama because the actual history must have been filled with splendid actions.
I could watch this for a long time but at the same time I hate to think it will ever end.
Peg
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5/24/2008, 11:18 pm
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