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hyena
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Re: J-Drama: 篤姫 (Atsu-hime)
I have been impressed by the way she moves. It's such a different motion from the way that women walk today. I am guessing here, but I should think that walking in a long kimono costume almost requires that sliding-like motion, with the shoulders not really moving at all. Perhaps any Japanese woman can do that without too much practice--I don't know. But it's impressive, and I love watching it--that and the little kick the woman gives when she makes a turn.
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9/5/2008, 5:46 pm
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brad6
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Re: J-Drama: 篤姫 (Atsu-hime)
That is also a very impressive photo of the real Atsu/Tenshoin..she looks ready to take on any court official. I can see where she would rule the Ooku very firmly.
Peg
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9/5/2008, 6:02 pm
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Hiroshi66
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Re: J-Drama: 篤姫 (Atsu-hime)
Atsu-hime #30 - The Shogun's Mother
 
I really liked last night’s episode, even though there were quite a lot of different events going on throughout the episode. The writers are doing a superb job with this taiga, and I really like how we see the characters develop, especially Tenshoin and Naogoro.
Yo****omi was finally installed as the fourteenth shogun of the Tokugawa family, and was re-named Tokugawa Iemochi. I was very relieved to see that Shogun Iemochi and Tenshoin were getting along well. It seemed that Shogun Iemochi was very open to the idea of Tenshoin becoming his guardian and assisting him with the politics of the front. I think that when Iemochi found out this was also the will of the late Iesada, he might have felt even more welcome to the idea of allowing Tenshoin to become involved in the front politics.
The scene where the new Shogun Iemochi referred to Tenshoin as “Mother” sure took me by surprise! It seemed to surprise Tenshoin too. From the looks of it, Iemochi is starting to really look up to her and feel comfortable with asking her for advice and guidance. That’s exactly the role that the late Iesada wanted Tenshoin to play as Iemochi’s guardian. And it looks like his final wish was fulfilled.
Ii Naosuke… what a tyrant! The narrator mentioned that after Iemochi became Shogun, Naosuke launched the “Mass Execution of the Ansei Era”, which singled out and tracked down the former supporters of Yoshinobu for persecution and arrest. What brutal tactics! Naosuke even tried to drive a wedge between Iemochi and Tenshoin. I couldn’t believe Naosuke made that comment to Iemochi about “putting Tenshoin in her place”. Naosuke probably wanted to influence Iemochi himself. But I’m glad that in the end, Iemochi personally told Naosuke that he wished to honor the late Iesada’s will and allow Tenshoin to act as his guardian. That put Naosuke in his place!
Back in Satsuma…
The scenes with Saigo and Gessho were very sad. Saigo must be feeling even more crushed now (mentally and physically), since his suicide attempt failed. On top of that, Gessho ended up losing his life. At least, Saigo is now in Satsuma alongside Naogoro and Okubo. If he had been in Edo or Kyoto, Saigo might have felt even worse since he would have been alone. At least now, he’s in his hometown alongside his friends. I wonder what’s going to happen?
To make matters worse, we see that the Old Lord of Satsuma (Shimazu Narioki) and Oyura are back in Satsuma to “aid” with administration. I couldn’t believe that Narioki insulted his late son Nariakira (in front of all the retainers) by referring to him as “foolish”. Now, he ordered Tadayuki to do away with the Western-style military that the late Nariakira and Naogoro had put so much time and effort into organizing. Poor Naogoro… he looked to be very shaken up.
It seems that Tadayuki isn’t able to stand up to his father’s tirades and orders the way that Nariakira used to. Even when Naogoro begged Tadayuki to spare Gessho’s life, Tadayuki acted as if he were powerless to save Gessho’s life and even apologized to Naogoro for his inability to do anything. I guess he lacks that element of Nariakira’s independence and compassion. The young samurai of Satsuma also seemed furious at Narioki after Gessho’s suicide.
Then, we saw Hatsuse, one of Tenshoin’s attendants, leave the Ooku. I found it even more sad that Tenshoin made a comment along the lines of “Everyone around me is leaving, one by one.” What a lonely lifestyle. In a matter of months, she lost Nariakira, Iesada, and now Hatsuse. We were introduced to Tenshoin’s new attendant, Shigeno. Ikushima mentioned that Shigeno had experience working in the front, and that she would be able to give Tenshoin information about what Naosuke is up to. That’s convenient!
Ikushima… how puzzling. She had been acting a little odd during the entire episode, so it made sense when she informed Tenshoin of her intention to resign and leave the Ooku. She mentioned that she still cannot forgive herself for not following Nariakira’s orders in making Yoshinobu the next Shogun. Poor Tenshoin… she looked extremely shaken up and in tears after Ikushima left the room. They’ve been together so long… I wonder how this will turn out.
By the end of the episode, we’re in December, 1858 – and Shogun Iemochi has become the fourteenth shogun (with Tenshoin as his guardian). What a relief! Too bad that Naosuke’s purge of Yoshinobu’s supporters is still underway. As for Tenshoin, I hope that everything turns out okay for her… especially since Ikushima mentioned that she wishes to resign and leave the Ooku. So much is going on!
Episode 31 airs next Saturday!
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9/7/2008, 10:53 am
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Hiroshi66
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Re: J-Drama: 篤姫 (Atsu-hime)
Nchristi, if I remember correctly, I think the Shinsengumi came about in around 1863.
Matsuda Shota does a really great job portraying Yo****omi! It must be challenging to be 22 years old (and pretty tall, too!) and to have to portray a character who is ten years younger. But so far, he's done a good job -- especially in the scenes with Atsu. Judging from that clip, he speaks pretty good English, too!
Speaking of Flower Shop Without a Rose -- I know, I really want to see that one too! It'll be really interesting to see Matsuda Shota in another type of role. Luckily, its going to be one of our upcoming selections on the video club. I'm looking forward to it! 
I agree, Shigeno was indeed a great choice to be Atsu's attendant. I'm glad Ikushima handpicked her for the position. From the looks of it, she appears to be kind and respectful.
Last edited by Hiroshi66, 9/7/2008, 4:12 pm
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9/7/2008, 4:09 pm
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diane18
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Re: J-Drama: 篤姫 (Atsu-hime)
class blockquote Hiroshi66 wrote:
Nchristi, if I remember correctly, I think the Shinsengumi came about in around 1863.
Matsuda Shota does a really great job portraying Yo****omi! It must be challenging to be 22 years old (and pretty tall, too!) and to have to portray a character who is ten years younger. But so far, he's done a good job -- especially in the scenes with Atsu. Judging from that clip, he speaks pretty good English, too!
Speaking of Flower Shop Without a Rose -- I know, I really want to see that one too! It'll be really interesting to see Matsuda Shota in another type of role. Luckily, its going to be one of our upcoming selections on the video club. I'm looking forward to it!
I agree, Shigeno was indeed a great choice to be Atsu's attendant. I'm glad Ikushima handpicked her for the position. From the looks of it, she appears to be kind and respectful. matsuda speaks really good english and i already have "bara no nai hanaya". I have an aquaintance in thailand who burn a few dvd of the drama and send them to me. it is a really good drama starring my favorite smap member: shingo katori!!!!!!!!
I suggest you bring your klynext...its a tear jerker!(I've been shedding a lot!!!).
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9/8/2008, 8:19 am
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sylia74
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J-Drama: 篤姫 (Atsu-hime)
Nchristi, I thought it was interesting that you mentioned the Shinsengumi as I just happened to watch some of the episodes from the taiga drama last night. They came into prominence around 1864. It's interesting how watching Atsu-Hime has helped me to enjoy Shinsengumi! more since I had no idea about the Mito clan before or the fight over who would succeed Iesada.
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9/8/2008, 6:18 pm
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nchristi
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Re: J-Drama: 篤姫 (Atsu-hime)
class blockquote sylia74 wrote:
It's interesting how watching Atsu-Hime has helped me to appreciate Shinsengumi! more since I had no idea about the Mito clan before Atsuhime, or the fight over who would succeed Iesada.I feel the same. If I had known then what I have seen in Atsuhime, it not only would have been easier to comprehend Shinsengumi but also I would probably have felt differently about them. (The last third or so, I strongly disliked the whole bunch—especially after Yamanami's seppuku.)
But then I would have had the conflict of Sakai Masato performing both as Iesada and Yamanami. (I can deal with that 'conflict' just fine, thank you very much!  ) When Atsuhime had her flashbacks to Iesada in the last episode, it really hit me how superb his acting ability is compared to so many other actors. His eyes and movements are so expressive and he brings such intelligence to his acting. I will miss his presence in the remainder of Atsuhime, that's for sure. It only makes it worse for me when they show the flashbacks. 
I have often wished that the Taigas could be shown in chronological order instead of jumping backwards, forwards, and every which way. So many of the stories overlap and it has taken me years to connect many of the dots. I would like to have seen all contemporary characters one after the other. But I suppose that would have bored to death the Japanese audience (the intended audience). Personally, I like to see in-depth characterizations of interconnected historical figures and the different personal/social/political treatment. It gives more food for thought and ends up with a more balanced view of the characters and times, I think.
Last edited by nchristi, 9/9/2008, 12:10 pm
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9/9/2008, 12:09 pm
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