Summer Nude (2013)

Country: Japan
Format: drama in 11 episodes
Genre: romance, youth
Cast: Yamashita Tomohisa, Karina, Toda Erika, Nagasawa Masami, Katsuji Ryo, Kubota Masataka, Sato Shori, Yamamoto Mizuki, Chiba Yudai, Nakajo Ayami, Hashimoto Nanami, Takahashi Katsunori, Itaya Yuka, Saiki Shigeru, Okamoto Sho (OKAMOTO'S)
Synopsis: It is the start of summer and the manager of well-known Italian restaurant Chiyohara Natsuki is getting married to her long time boyfriend. Mikuriya Asahi is the photographer at the local town and also happens to be a photographer for Natsuki's weddings. Unfortunately, the groom has second thoughts and ditches Natsuki right before registration, which all is gotten on the photos by Asahi. From one event to another, Natsuki soon finds herself working in the same town as a chef at Aoyama cafe and befriends with the locals: outgoing Hanae, who has been in love with Asahi for 10 years; "the leader" Asahi, who sees Hanae as a friend, because he has not been able to overcome his love for his ex-girlfriend who suddenly disappeared 3 years ago; intelligent and silent Hikaru, who hates sea, but is unable to leave; positive mood-maker Takashi, who falls for every beautiful women and more.
Rating: 3/5
When the production of "Summer Nude" was announced, it became my most waited drama of the summer season - Kaneko Shigeki as the scriptwriter, amazing cast, summer and sea, what could have gone wrong? I did have some doubts about the first storyline, but I had a hope that they will be cleared. Unfortunately, in the end I understood that I had my hopes too high.

Gokusen (2003)

SEASON 1

 Country: Japan
Format: 12 episodes + SP
Genre: school, youth
Cast: Nakama Yukie, Matsumoto Jun, Oguri Shun, Narimiya Hiroki, Waki Tomohiro, Ichigaki Yuma, Namase Katsuhisa, Utsui Ken, Kaneko Ken, Uchiyama Shinji, Ito Misaki, Nakasawa Yuko, Sawamura Ikki, Sakata Tadashi, Matsuyama Kenichi, guests: Ichikawa Yui, Wentz Eiji, Tanaka Kei, Hiraoka Yuta
Synopsis: Yankumi`s life long dream has been to become a high-school teacher. After passing her exam she becomes teacher to 3-D class at Shirokin Gakuen high-school. She does not know yet that her class is put together of delinquents and troublemakers, but neither know students that actually she is the grand-daughter of 3rd generation yakuza boss.
Rating: 4/5
At last I decided to watch "Gokusen" also known as one of the most famous school dramas in the history of school dramas and I cannot argue with that. There is something great about it that just hooks you on to the screen.

Adolescence Medley (2013)

Also known as: Puberty Medley
Country: South-Korea
Format: drama in 4 episodes
Genre: school, youth, romance
Cast: Kwak Dong Yun, Lee Se Young, Choi Tae Joon, Park Jung Min, Kwak Jung Wook, Yoon Park, Baek Sung Hyun, Bae Noo Ri, Jung In Ki, Go See Hee, Yoon Joo Sang, Lee Jong Hyun (CN Blue), Lee Sung Yeol (Infinite), Kim Hwan Hee,  
Synopsis: The story starts when Jung Wo Choi gets a mail of notification that his former high school's social-network is going to be closed down and to keep the files they should be saved. As he sees the pictures of school time Jung Wo is reminded of the crazy school time and his first love.  
Rating: 4/5
As I understood some time ago, then there are some short Korean dramas too, but sadly they are not as popular as full-length dramas. That means, it is perfect opportunity to introduce them at least a little bit and here are the reasons why I liked "Adolescence Medley".

Shi to kanojo to boku (2012)

Country: Japan
Format: Special
Genre: horror, drama
Cast: Mine Azusa, Ichikawa Tomohiro, Sakurai Atsuko, Yamashita Yorie, Hakamada Yoshihiko, Asumi Keitaro, Nakawaki Mikito, Onda Noa, Otsuka Hirota, Sano Keisuke, Tane Rakuko, Toshima Koichi, 
Synopsis: After having a close to death experience Tokino Yukari can see decreased people. Her only friend is Yusaku who can also see the dead ones. Together they help souls to pass on to the other side. When they witness the death of Takeuchi Natsume they do everything to help her, but there is more than one thing that holds Natsume in human world.
Rating: 1/5
At first sight it seemed very interesting, because I find after-life theme really interesting - mostly because I believe in it. It is based on same-named manga by Kawaguchi Madoka. I which I could read it, because mangas are always much better than live-actions (why I do not read then so much??) After watching the 1 hour special, I was disappointed - it was made in year 2012, but as a live-action movie it was bad.