Itazura na Kiss
Late for a meeting, Kotoko was running along the corridor in school and bumped into Naoki, their lips meeting. Naoki showed his disgust, but Kotoko started to idolise him, who was good at everything from studies to sports. When Kotoko's house burned down, her father's good friend Machiko invited them to move in with her family. It was then that Kotoko realised Naoki was the elder son of Machiko, who took up the role of a fairy-godmother to bring the two together...despite the fact that Naoki was disgusted. Not discouraged, the clumsy and not-so-bright Kotoko started to do everything that would change her impression on him. Gradually, the icy-cold Naoki who disliked girls started to feel for Kotoko...
Insights
Plot Summary
The story follows Kotoko Aihara, a clumsy but determined high school student who confesses her love to the school's most popular and intelligent student, Naoki Irie. He cruelly rejects her, but a twist of fate leads them to live under the same roof. Despite Naoki's cold demeanor, Kotoko's unwavering affection begins to chip away at his heart.
Critical Reception
As a long-running drama series, 'Itazura na Kiss' has garnered a significant following over the years, particularly in East Asia. It is often praised for its quintessential shojo manga adaptation elements, combining heartwarming romance with comedic misunderstandings. While critical reviews are less formal for such long-running dramas, its enduring popularity speaks to its success in fulfilling the genre's expectations for fans.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its classic 'opposites attract' romantic comedy trope.
- Often cited as a quintessential example of a high school romance drama.
- Fans appreciate the slow-burn development of the central relationship.
Google audience: Audience reviews generally highlight the show's charm and the satisfying progression of the romance between the lead characters. Many viewers find Kotoko's persistent optimism endearing and Naoki's eventual softening compelling. The drama's ability to evoke nostalgic feelings for high school romance is a common theme in positive feedback.
Fun Fact
The 1996 drama is one of many adaptations of Kaoru Tada's manga 'Itazura na Kiss,' which has also been adapted into popular live-action series in Taiwan, Japan (multiple times), and South Korea.
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