RONDO 輪舞曲 (drama)

[Guest Maia-chan]

oh, thanks Maia for the information, I believe you are from Japan right? About the five listed above, Jikou Keisatsu was the one I am not familiar with but I read somewhere else, this drama also win best actor or best actress award.

yeah, I like the ending of RONDO even though I am craving for the second RONDO or movie, hihi

Jikou Keisatsu starred one of the hottest stars in town, Joe Odagiri. He's at no.3.

Best Actor: Takayuki Yamada (Byakuyakou)

2. Shingo Katori (Saiyuki)

3. Joe Odagiri (Jikou Keisatsu)

Best Actress: Ryoko Shinohara (Unfair)

2. Ryoko Yonekura (Kemonomichi)

3. Satomi Kobayashi (Kami wa Saikoro wo Furanai)

Yes I'm from Japan, but I'm not a Nihon-jin. I'm just studying here.

Hi back!

[jas]

Jikou Keisatsu starred one of the hottest stars in town, Joe Odagiri. He's at no.3.

Best Actor: Takayuki Yamada (Byakuyakou)

2. Shingo Katori (Saiyuki)

3. Joe Odagiri (Jikou Keisatsu)

Best Actress: Ryoko Shinohara (Unfair)

2. Ryoko Yonekura (Kemonomichi)

3. Satomi Kobayashi (Kami wa Saikoro wo Furanai)

Yes I'm from Japan, but I'm not a Nihon-jin. I'm just studying here.

Hi back!

oh, so you're studying there? Hope you will have a memorable time there

as I grow older, the best time in my life is the years spent at the uni

back to RONDO, wonder if they have any NG sold? I just want to see behind the scenes scene

[Guest Aoijen]

Yeah I know this drama RONDO from my friend She has buy it for me I wanna thanks for her... :blush: I hope you like this drama RONDO

[Guest dadedum]

Rondo is at no. 5. Best Drama goes to Byakuyakou, which is absolutely fantastic in everything.

Best Drama: Byakuyakou

2. Unfair

3. Jikou Keisatsu

4. Saiyuki

5. Rondo

Just dropping by to say hi, have been watching Rondo up to 5 episodes now. It's really really good, but just to spread the J-Dorama love, Unfair and Byakuyakou are even better. Both also border on mystery, suspense & thriller like Rondo, but with better plot and love stories which are even more heartbreaking. At least Rondo ends, well, good.

This thread is still alive and kicking ! o/t - Besides Rondo, #2 and #3 are really good, probably the best script I've seen in a while. Haven't watched the other two though. People who like suspenseful dramas should really check out #2, it's anything but generic. And I love #3 because of Joe Odagiri, the bizarre plot's also very refreshing. People are asking for an Unfair SP and and Jikou Keisatsu season 2, I hope that happens.

[jas]

Yeah I know this drama RONDO from my friend She has buy it for me I wanna thanks for her... :blush: I hope you like this drama RONDO

hi Aoijen, welcome to RONDO thread,

you should watch this drama, very beautifully done, and even though they don't speak the same language but we can feel their love in this drama,

[Guest apple red]

Rondo is at no. 5. Best Drama goes to Byakuyakou, which is absolutely fantastic in everything.

Best Drama: Byakuyakou

2. Unfair

3. Jikou Keisatsu

4. Saiyuki

5. Rondo

Just dropping by to say hi, have been watching Rondo up to 5 episodes now. It's really really good, but just to spread the J-Dorama love, Unfair and Byakuyakou are even better. Both also border on mystery, suspense & thriller like Rondo, but with better plot and love stories which are even more heartbreaking. At least Rondo ends, well, good.

Byakuyakou starred by Sekai's actor / actress righ (Yamada and Haruki...)

Heard that was resemblances to Sekai..but now i know it's thriller instead.

Iam glad that RONDO still managed to be on the top 5...

among all the dramas after BD, i think personally in RONDO she has less crying scenes, and i think it is not her fault to cry, the script and the PD required it

but if you were to choose, I prefer RONDO to Winter Sonata anytime, anywhere

high five Jas..

anytime, anywhere...

[Guest nadrika]

hi nadrika, let me answer your question, since I just came back from KL (S&M Plaza, near kotaraya),

the language is spoken in Japanese and Korean, the vcd subtitle is in Malay & Chinese,

the DVD is with English, Malay and Chinese subtitle

the price of VCD = RM 19.50

price of DVD = RM 29.90

by original meant, it is yesasia produced (in line with TBS),

the quality is okay, but I think the DVD produced in June is much better, but perhaps in the meantime, have to satisfied with what we have now

Hi jas. Thanks so much for responding to my questions. I was impatient so went to jb on sunday to try my luck.

Bought the vcd with chinese and malay sub. Can i check whether you can watch the vcd on vcd player? I know its a weird question but i can only watch it on my comp. (Wouldn't it be great to be able to watch it with others ?) The comp screen is too small compared to tv. When i play it on my vcd player it doesnt play smoothly. I dont know how to put it into words. Its like the screen will stay still for a while and then play. then get stuck again.

Nevertheless I just finished watching on wednesday and was reading the spoilers posted here. Great drama!!! But need to watch again to fully understand.

[Guest guest021006]

Hi, hi, everyone:

Read a message at Rondo's official bbs, a fan said Rondo got 主演女優賞４位 in the TV Academy award for the winter dramas of 2006? Does that mean Choi Ji-Woo got the top 4th place for the best actress among the season's dramas? If that's it, I feel very happy for CJW. I am a fan of her. I also like Takenouchi Yutaka.

Have a nice weekend.

[jas]

Hi jas. Thanks so much for responding to my questions. I was impatient so went to jb on sunday to try my luck.

Bought the vcd with chinese and malay sub. Can i check whether you can watch the vcd on vcd player? I know its a weird question but i can only watch it on my comp. (Wouldn't it be great to be able to watch it with others ?) The comp screen is too small compared to tv. When i play it on my vcd player it doesnt play smoothly. I dont know how to put it into words. Its like the screen will stay still for a while and then play. then get stuck again.

Nevertheless I just finished watching on wednesday and was reading the spoilers posted here. Great drama!!! But need to watch again to fully understand.

I can play it in VCD player, if you cannot play it, maybe you could ask the boss to change it to another VCD, just my suggestion

yeah, I had watching for a like, 5 times, the first time without subtitle, so not easily understand, the second one, focus on the chemistry between Takumi/sakura and the third one watching it without fast forward, such a nice drama.

Hi, hi, everyone:

Read a message at Rondo's official bbs, a fan said Rondo got 主演女優賞４位 in the TV Academy award for the winter dramas of 2006? Does that mean Choi Ji-Woo got the top 4th place for the best actress among the season's dramas? If that's it, I feel very happy for CJW. I am a fan of her. I also like Takenouchi Yutaka.

Have a nice weekend.

Don't know, what I know RONDO got the 5th place best drama in Winter, I think best actress went to unfair actress and best actor to Yamada. (it is a tough fight where everybody just shown their great acting abilities

[Guest mildlyrefreshing]

i really loved watching rondo. i'm really interested in watching some other jdramas, like the ones listed by Maia-chan. does anyone know where i can find subtitles for unfair or Byakuyakou? or english hardsubbed versions?

[Guest cutiepie]

i really loved watching rondo. i'm really interested in watching some other jdramas, like the ones listed by Maia-chan. does anyone know where i can find subtitles for unfair or Byakuyakou? or english hardsubbed versions?

check d-addicts for soft subs, there's also byakuyakou hard subbed by SARS-Fansubs up to ep3

[Guest Maia-chan]

I can play it in VCD player, if you cannot play it, maybe you could ask the boss to change it to another VCD, just my suggestion

yeah, I had watching for a like, 5 times, the first time without subtitle, so not easily understand, the second one, focus on the chemistry between Takumi/sakura and the third one watching it without fast forward, such a nice drama.

Don't know, what I know RONDO got the 5th place best drama in Winter, I think best actress went to unfair actress and best actor to Yamada. (it is a tough fight where everybody just shown their great acting abilities

When I check the popular votes, Choi Ji Woo is at no. 4. So technically if you run out the marks, she should be at no. 4 in overall voting. But then, the Best Actor/Actress awards always only have Top 3, so that's why she's not on the list.

check d-addicts for soft subs, there's also byakuyakou hard subbed by SARS-Fansubs up to ep3

I think that Unfair and Saiyuki are also available at d-addicts with soft subs. Jpopsuki released Jikou Keisatsu with subs a while ago. I'm sure the links are still available.

[jas]

When I check the popular votes, Choi Ji Woo is at no. 4. So technically if you run out the marks, she should be at no. 4 in overall voting. But then, the Best Actor/Actress awards always only have Top 3, so that's why she's not on the list.

oh, okay, thanks for the news.

btw, the television dorama award is it done by a private body or joint venture between the tv stations?

how about Yutaka? Is he at no 4 also?

thanks in advance

[Guest jho]

I just finished this drama today. I'm really picky with the subs (for eps 8-11), so I edited them quite a bit.. I'll be posting them on d-addicts soon, so yeah.. ^___^;; Feel free to download & watch with those.

Ah, this was such a great show. Rondo is now one of my favourite jdoramas. I don't find CJW pretty, but it doesn't matter 'cause she is a really awesome actress. Very convincing. Ichikawa Yui (so cute!) also did a good job too, imo, although she played a really minor role.

Overall.. An unforgettable experience ^^ It was so suspenseful.. I was never bored. Best drama (along w/ Unfair) of the 2005 winter season~

[Felicia Soh]

Rinbukyoku~Rondo~ [輪舞曲~Rondo~]

As I watched RONDO, I had this sense of longing to know more on the dark side of the mafia activities better known as Yakuza in Japan. Perhaps, a past incident of an acquaintance near-missed confrontation with them did somehow compel me to watch this drama. Strangely, as I indulged into it, my initial drive on the perception of the Mafia no longer really interest me while Takumi and Yuna triumphed over as my passion for this drama grows in a different direction.

Again, my apology to some who may find my long-winded posting a bit of boredom…… but all the same I hope you’ll enjoy watching the drama more than reading my reviews and commentaries.

The following reviews are written based on my own opinion and the comments made are not in any way judgmental….and a reminder to all that it contains, SPOILERS!!!

In a serious note, I would strongly advise those who have yet to watch this drama against reading the following reviews as it WILL SPOIL your chance of enjoying the thrills and suspense of the drama. Since RONDO is relatively new …. broadcasted by TBS in Japan on 15th January 2006, I am most concerned of SPOILING the viewers.

Hence, I’ve categorized the spoilers into two parts : the "minor spoilers" serves as an introduction but revealing more than the usual but the “major spoilers” will touch on in-depth storyline. So, you decide to what extent of the reviews that you intend to read……

WARNING : MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD!!

Brief Synopsis

This story is about cops, mafia, under-cover agents aka mole involving one of the most powerful terrorist organization in Japan, SHIN-KU who is actually operating as Kazama Holdings (in a pretense of conducting legal business). Kazama Holdings is a huge corporate and their businesses or rather power had expanded to Asia. Their main business is printing of counterfeit notes and laundering of money which was used to acquire other business by force in order to conquer their rivals and to hold stake of their businesses. They are mean and ruthless and their powerful influences had become a major concern for the police department. The Japanese Metropolitan Police Department is designated to STOP Shin-ku from committing any major crime …….but their extensive investigation process has to involve under-cover cop aka the mole….

Brief Introduction of Main Characters

Kazama Holdings is wholly owned by Kazama Ryuichiro (Sugiura Naoki, most feared kingpin in Shin-ku ) and with his son, Ryugo (Hayami Mokomichi) they ventured into drugs, casino and any other illegal businesses other than their main dealings in printing of counterfeit notes and money laundering. They are highly influential in financial and politics in Japan. The most fearsome opponent of Shin-ku was not the police but to nail down the “mole”. Ryugo has many other business interests without his father’s knowledge. He has his own group of men working under him and he is just as deadly as his father. The only other family member who is not directly linked to the business is Ryuichiro’s daughter, Tokomi Tokomi (Ichikawa Yui). Her only interest is her driver, Nishijima Shou (Takenouchi Yutaka ).

The 2nd key person in Shin-ku, a henchman to Ryuichiro is Song Gyu Hwan (Hashizume Isao Hashizume Isao) a Korean national, whom he got acquainted with Ryuichiro during the war-time. They became trusted friends and Song acted as his confidante as well.

Nishijima Shou is an undercover cop and he worked closely with his best buddie, Hide (Sato Ryuta), they are involved in illegal activities organized by their employers, Shin-ku. Shou’s ability to sustain himself as an undercover cop for three years is stemmed from the fact that he is out for REVENGE. 24 years ago, Shin-ku was responsible for the killing of his father. He left his mother, Kanayama Yoshiko (Fubuki Jun) on her own for 9 years and he had gone “refuge” without any kind of explanation. Other than sending money to his mother (through telegraphic transfer), there’s no trace of him. His mother can only confide her fear and worries through Takumi’s close childhood friend, Ichinose Akira (Kimura Yoshino). She is often seen cheering and giving Takumi’s mother lots of confidence that one day, Takumi will return home. Akira gives us the impression that her interest in him went beyond the normal friendship….. perhaps, silently harboring the hope of extending their relationship to a step further....

Yoshihiko Isaki (Ishibashi Ryo ), a dedicated Chief Police Officer, who had since after the death of Shou’s father committed himself to fulfill his duties to track and hunt down all the illegal activities of SHIN-KU. He is the main force behind the police department and in his entire career, his mission is to find hard evidence and destroy the Kazama’s empire aka Shin-ku. He is the only person in the police force who is connected to Shou and who knew of his real identity (Kanayama Takumi ).

Chie Yuna (Choi Ji Woo), a talented musician turned restaurateur and her feebly sick sister, Yuni (Lee Jung Hyun) had arrived in Japan in search for their long lost father, Chie Hyun Ho (Hashizume Isao). Both of them hated Shin-ku as they were responsible in breaking-up their family. They came to Japan for a purpose…..to re-unite with their father whom had been missing after he had arrived in Japan (so it seems). When Yuna had lost hope to survive in a foreign land as a violinist, she decided to convert the small shop into a Korean Restaurant.

Watch out for Choi Ji Woo’s role as she later reveals a darker side of her identity as the story unfolds….

Kim Young Jae (Shin Hyun Joon) representing the Korean mafia who had been sent to team-up with Shin-Ku. There’s a mystery behind this man as he kept appearing at Yuna’s restaurant with a purpose of restraining her from carrying out her restaurant business. He had shown a keen interest in her but one will wonder what was his core interest in Yuna. It will appear in the beginning of the story that he and Shou were both fighting for Yuna but what lies behind their motives will be uncovered later. Another character who will surprise us….or some may have expected it!

Ryugo Kazama (Hayami Mokomichi) is the only son to Ryuichiro, a rich pompous heir to the Kazama Holdings but an extremely unhappy young man. His father planned to get him involved in politics. He actually yearned for his father’s love …yet he can’t help but hated him for the lack of love which he owed him. He has thousands of reasons to hate him. Ryugo was totally unmoved by his sister’s obsession with Shou. He was more concerned and protective over his own interests. He is extremely self-centred and behaved arrogantly most of the time, probably because of his upbringing. He repeatedly failed to gain his father’s trust and faith in his own business dealings. Always a loser with a childish business acumen …that’s what his father impression on him. He despised his father for not trusting his judgment and hated him even more when his father humiliated him openly. As he fought in desperation to gain control of his power, he was forced by his father to relinquish his “territory” to someone unknown and unrelated, a Korean by the name Kim Young Jae Sshi!.

Another couple who injected some light humor in this drama is Yuna’s neighbor, Matsudaira Fujiko (Okamoto Rei ) who operates a shop opposite the Chie sisters’ shop selling vegetables together with her jovial husband, Matsudaira Teppei (Shiomi Sansei). Fuji-chan also acts as Yuna & Takumi’s translator. To me, this couple plays an important role in Rondo not one to be typecast as “unimportant roles”. Without them, many of the links between Yuna/Yuni/Takumi could not have been related or translated to the viewers……

On Casting and Comment on Production

Introduction

RONDO is a suspense thriller with a romantic theme to tone down the upbeat twists and turns its way through an underworld of crime and revenge where nothing is as it seems. Indeed, a profoundly complex storyline, intriguing plots, redemption and revenge seeking, cops nailing baddies, mafia gang aka Shin-Ku as the most wanted “king lords” in the police force. Sure, you will get to watch gun-battle, violent bashing of victims, breath-taking scenes at the sub-way train/car chasing, heart pounding scenes. I must admit that this is one drama that sets apart from my previous experience of watching Japanese and Korean dramas.

The opening montage gave a powerful introduction of two main stars standing at different position…like an awakening mystery storming at their path…… and only the fallen snow flakes dancing away gives one a different feel…….RONDO………..

It gives one a great pleasure of watching a movie-like drama in the comfort of your home….definitely a valued production. TBS and Yedang Entertainment had invested heavily on this production in conjunction with the 50th anniversary celebration of TBS. Needless to say, it promises an ensemble of an all-star cast! …one great-looking hunk aka every one’s J-heartthrob, one perfecto agassi aka “hime” Princess in Japan, one half of young talented looking hunks and the other half of experienced ahem older hunks. Viola! You have an absolute dream cast.

All the characters connect to the story and with only 11 episodes, I’m truly…. truly spellbound by how they managed to develop all the key characters so in-depth which literally speaking, left no room for me to whine and was hunger for more …the suspense is killing my inquisitive mind and was pinning for more love scenes of the main couple.

Impression on Technical Production

I just marvel at the details of the entire production created for this drama and you must watch out for the music effect which actually was composed to project a certain “feel” for each approaching suspense scene. I love how they create the moods for the viewers to blend in their story telling and you’d witness subtle camera trick every now and then. The atmosphere of the back alley where Hide often frequented the place is one of my favourite scenes….like how they zoom in/out the scenes….focusing on the character and then throwing in some mysterious feel with a touch of flickering black and white screen. The smoke effect makes it more enticing…..like an ensuing dark tale of paranoia and intrigue. The sound was brilliantly designed to capture some of the suspense scene ~~ like one outstanding piece which I must mention ~~ a chanting-of-some-kind-of-religious-phrases…..

The music and effect team did a splendid combo ~~ and it left me in awe…totally unexpected. It is undeniably TRUE that it did satisfy our appetite for creating a movie-like atmospheric feel! Based on this experience, I am certain that my future indulgence of watching any K or J-dramas will inevitably put be in a position for comparison.

It did little to distract me and felt unperturbed when I read that RONDO resembles the HK movie, Internal Affairs. Not having watched Internal Affairs, I can’t really say of Rondo’s version maligned the trilogy. I would prefer to remember RONDO, the original script……..

Expectation on the theme.............

- Waves of insecurity lay hidden in my chest

- Before my eyes lay directions in which I must go, which way

- This is how life flows, that way you will say goodbye to me

- I believe in myself, things that I believe in

- This is where everything starts

- I believe in myself, the warm light

- Down this road in between I will walk…..

- I believe….

This drama is like a jigsaw puzzle, that is to say it is somehow fragmented to begin with and will leave you confuse (often leave a suspense ending at each episode) until you put all the pieces together. That is one reason that you will be glued to this suspense thriller and I was reveling my good fortune of watching such a top-notch-deep-end stuff!!! There were glimmers of a high-tech action cum computer flick gadgets (I shall delve on this when I write on Most Brilliant Scenes) that sent me back to primitive years…..and perhaps as I often complained of my failure to grasp all the latest high-tech computer world has to offer me, I am truly amazed….maybe not for some but it is to me…**big sigh**.

The flow of the drama leaves you no room to rest your thoughts as each scene you watched you need to recap the facts quicker than the lightning flash as the storyline really goes at a fast-paced. Watch-out for all the “important camera shots” which actually “tell the story” without being said….some scenes were without dialogues but the facial gestures and eye contact of the actors relate the story. Where possible, please do not blink (just exaggerating) as the directional focus of the camera shots does all the talking. I strongly advised viewers to watch the drama at least twice to understand the in-depth of the storyline. It’ll satisfy your quest to fill your doubts and you’ll understand more on why certain actions causes the actors to behave a way you may have not found any link in your first attempt of watching.

Well, if you are in the mood for a jigsaw puzzle, this is the drama for you…and if you are able to piece the puzzle together in your first viewing …..I’ll salute you for possessing a powerful memory but it is a POSSIBLE MISSION…for some!

PLEASE STOP TO PONDER : MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD!!

Touches on Sensitivity Scenes

It was a pleasant surprise to me, as this Korean-Japanese joint production drama did not touch on two very common issues in line with a topic involving the MAFIAS …firstly, they had avoided scenes involving “geisha aka hostess” and lastly no vulgar languages were used but common swearing words were heard. I noticed a discrepancy on the sub-titles (source from Asabou) which should have been translated as “Get out” instead of f*&# at the scene where Yuna was holding a knife aiming at Kim Young Jae. It proves that without these two ingredients ….with great storyline and good acting, it can turn out as a successful production!

Thoughts on the Role of Main Actors

Aha! Many may have thought I had deliberately forgotten the main STAR, the role of Yuna and Shou/Takumi. Of course not! How could I have not touched on the best and romantic part of this drama (a much-awaited savior for most drama addict lovers).

The script writer threw in a dog as a go-between for two strangers who hardly understood each other due to language barrier. I like the story with a tag line that reads “the bonding of a relationship with a dog in tow” is so romantically scripted”….Thanks to JUSTICE (Shou’s dog), Shou and Yuna got a reason to meet often…. (on an alternative day as a joint-effort to “baby-sit” JUS) and it paves way for both of them to develop their relationship a step further….indeed a doggie-love story. I like watching how these two strangers meet, argue and dispute over the dog’s custody and later developed into a much meaningful relationship ….with the help of Justice and of course, not forgetting the translator, Fujiko-san, the nosy neighbour with a kind-heart. Every episode, we notice a deepening of the relationship and a further understanding ….and we could feel them growing closer together and more sparks fly between them. Despite the language barrier, their eye contact and body language did the “talking” and they are obviously attracted to each other.

I believe many viewers especially those who fell in love with the couple, would have appreciated, if the writer had elaborated more on their on-screen lovey-dovey scenes. I guess with the limited episodes and with other characters to develop, this is unfortunately not possible unless they extended the episodes….but then that will go beyond the norm of a Japanese production.

A heartfelt drama that is emotional without being a tear-jerker. A well-scripted story which should keep any and every Korean-Japanese drama buff hooked for its superb production ~~ indeed lifted up it’s expectation of “a movie-like-drama production”.

I couldn’t agree with some of the not-so-well-received reviews that I read in other forums with regards to Choi Ji Woo's acting skill – so I might as well take another shot at the subject. First of all, I’d dispute the notion that she hasn’t played other roles “two romantic comedies with different storyline….”The Romantic President” and “Everyone Has A Secret”. Strangely, why does everyone remember her maudlin roles in Beautiful Days, Winter Sonata and Stairway to Heaven and had no impression on her other roles? But if one may recall, most of the viewers love her in these tear-jerkers drama (which was the reason she earned a nickname “hime aka princess” for herself in the Land of the Rising Sun after her role as Yoo Jin in Winter Sonata). Perhaps, her new challenging role as Yuna aka Ai, will leave a different impression on those who has never claimed to enjoy watching her acting. To those who had not given CJW a chance to prove otherwise, please tune in to watch her portrayal in RONDO…..hopefully, you’ll discover how versatile an actress she can be. But whatever verdict you may have concluded……and by the end of the drama, if you couldn’t come to terms with my opinion………..just treat it as one of your journey of discoveries!

Judging by response from J-addicts, Takenouchi Yutaka's had maintained his popularity and he is indeed a crowd-puller but most importantly he is a superb and experienced actor. I still find him as charismatic and attractive as he used to be during his hey days. He did not lose the charm he exudes from his previous roles except he had looked matured…...probably with his grown moustache. In a quick glance if you view him at a certain angle, I noticed he had shed some of his boyish look but looking at myself now, what else can I expect! Sometimes, I imagine him minus the moustache for his role as Takumi and somehow couldn’t make out whether it’ll suit his image as make-believe of a “gangster”!!

Everyone is fond of his role character Shou/Takumi and I find him very focused in his role and felt like he is synchronizing his life as Shou and Takumi and he did it expertly. Yutaka was totally immersed in his role as someone so painstakingly going through 3 years of hardship as an undercover cop in search of his father’s killer. His unhappiness is written in his face....and I noticed his tension building up as he develops his role character.

He was the main reasons many tuned in to watch Rondo….(a general revelation I read from other forums). What could be the response I expect of from a forum whose fans are in favour of anything related to Japanese? Similarly, anyone would have read the same expectations of pinning for Choi Ji Woo in a Korean forum.

The Story Unfolds....

Tragedy Causes Hatred

Korea …..It was 1982, and everything looked normal except that a planned bomb is targeted to trigger at 9.00 pm sharp at the home of the Sakuras’. Shortly before the incident, the Sakura and Kanayama’s family was exchanging some light conversation while their children happily enjoyed playing together. A thunderous blasting erupt an inferno and screams of anguish were heard and fearing for their lives, those people on the ground site run amok fleeing to safety. Debris fell down from the high rise apartment and hit the ground which landed on some unlucky bystanders. Far off, a siren began to sound as the fire brigade and police car were dispatched to the site. Kanayama who witnessed the incident from the ground view, realized the unit belonged to Sakura’s family. Instinctively, he knew it was planted by the highly dangerous mobster, Shin-ku. As one of the most respectable Police Officers, Kanayama was determined to carry out justice and without hesitation he knew he has a job to execute …. investigate the cause of the incident. Unfortunately, before he could help to put justice to the case, he was killed along with Mr & Mrs Sakura…. fortunately, they left behind their two young girls who survived ….and they lived to tell the story …..

Hatred Causes Tragedy

Tragedy and Hatred ……closely intervined

In a shock to find his father dead, young Kanayama, an 8 year old boy vowed to become the best Police Officer, like his father when he grows up. He wanted to find justice just as how his father would have been if he lived. While Isaki was on his way to enlighten the accounts of the case to his late friend’s wife, Yoshiko, he stumbled upon a small metal gadget which he picked it up. Isaki returned the watch belonging to Takumi’s father and placed the scratched watch on the young boy’s wrist. While his father is gone, he left behind his most treasured gift, a watch. As the watch’s second-hand ticked away the minutes, hours, days, months, years…..it actually ticked away all the years of happiness he would have enjoyed with his beloved father….but that was not to be and for 24 years, Takumi grew up full of hatred towards the people who had killed his father while his mother had only happy memories of her late husband to fill the emptiness. Their happiness was robbed by all these ruthless men. Until today, he still wears the worn-out watch …..it serves as a wake-up call for Takumi…a timely call indeed………… for redemption and revenge.

The World dances as if a sad Rondo........

Like today ........

Back to present….year 2006, the watch is still working…the glass surface still remain scratched ….it was purposely left unattended …a sign that Takumi wanted to remind himself of the past. He entered the Police Force with a vow to become the best cop. He was under the tutelage of Isaki which later became his mentor. He had endured all the painful sufferings silently and he was tormented by the memory of his father’s death at the hands of the ruthless Shin-ku. His mission is to find his father’s killer. NOW, it is payback time….and in order to destroy the powerful Shin-ku, he needs to become one of them….and hence, an undercover cop is being created to enter the world of SHIN-KU and he is now known as Shou Nishijima (a fake persona).

The only person who can keep him sane and let him the freedom to release his anger, fear, guilt, hatred, disappointment and relives his tiredness and swinging moods is Isaki-san. Isaki is like a “vengeful bean bag”……letting Takumi all the chances to punch and with every punch he hits ~~ he achieved a sense of a psychological reliever-effect. It definitely helps him to regain some conscience that he is still very SANE and he who lives in a devious life is only Shou and not Takumi. The only person who knew his true identity as Kanayama Takumi is Isaki. He is the only person who has access to his REAL profile and capable to regain Takumi’s identity as a cop ~~~ in one word his life lies in the hands of Isaki. Other times, he is known as Shou-san by his superior in Shin-ku and his best buddy in the mafia-world is Hide-san.

Torn between his desire for justice and his own growing doubts, the mission begins to tear his soul and it becomes increasingly clear that the longer he remains on the hunt, the more he is in danger of becoming the hunted!...by Shin-ku……

Shou lived in a very simple apartment not luxurious let alone impressive since the place was meant more as “a shelter” or a “hide-out” for him. His only companionship is his dog, a Boston Terrier (hope I got this cutie canine name correctly). One of the reasons, I believe he named his dog “JUSTICE” is to pay homage to his late father as you may recall, his father’s last word to him is “justice”…and the other reasons could possibly be to remind himself to seek and uphold JUSTICE for his late father who was innocently killed.

Something about Isaki..........

Next to Takumi, Isaki’s role had grown on me and the more I observed him, the more I am attracted to his character. They way he executed his duties, his sharp acumen, his commanding power, his judgment …interest me and even his unkempt office caught my attention. His habit of sticking newspaper cutting on the board and the way he posted 3M notes on the pagoda seemed to appeal me….maybe we shared a common habit except I don’t stick on pagodas but on my computer desk. Strange, how Isaki grew on me …well, can’t say he’s good looking but his character attracts me!

Isaki is so obsessed with his work and in every case which involves Shin-ku, you’d bet he is the man behind the investigation. Whenever Takumi and Isaki meet, they’d bound to be differences between them….Isaki was not satisfied with some of the basic feed-back information from Takumi which is not good enough for the police to take action. Meanwhile, Takumi is tired of feeding information because he suspected there is a mole in the police department. There are too many coincidences that broke the investigation and he is beginning to give up…except he can’t as he had spent 3 years as one of the members in Shin-ku. The last straw was the case that brought devastation to him…the death of Kobayashi whom he thought, he could have lived if not because of his discovery. The mole acted faster than Isaki’s men.

When I first saw Isaki meeting with Shou at the roof top…..I thought …hey! Not another roof top scene “tete-a-tete meeting” ….(typically a Korean drama scene where they love to discuss private matters ala gossip at the roof top). They finally satisfied my displeasure and held most of their secret meetings at the bowling alley instead…….a secluded area. At times, you can see them at an open park but at different spots communicating via SMS and occasionally conversing through the net……

These two guys are very open with their feelings and as I said earlier, Takumi find solace in him....and similarly, I think Isaki needs a trusted partner, like him. Unfortunately, Takumi’s suspicion grew stronger when he witnessed the scene of Isaki meeting with Song. I think at that moment, it crashed Takumi’s heart ---believing Isaki could be the mole. He decided not to trust anyone and finally tapped Isaki’s phone. He was tired of being set-up and in the end he planned to act alone despite Isaki’s restraining. He was not prepared to sacrifice other people’s life ~~the fact that the mole is still at large. His decision infuriates Isaki. No matter how mad Isaki is, he knew he has to save Takumi from exposing his role. They closed a gap on their relationship when Isaki turned up to warn Takumi of the disguised Sai (whom Takumi thought was Yuna’s father), who is actually Asano Taro, a Shin-ku member. Kim Young Jae wanted to trap him or rather to discover who could be the mole in their organization. While in the midst of freeing themselves, Isaki was shot on the arm. However, they escaped but I suspected Kim Young Jae saw glimpses of them….(not sure whether he could identify who the mole is).

The police mole, Ishiyama, was eventually shot and detained by Isaki. Great job done by Isaki! If you’d observe carefully, the camera actually did dimly focus on the suspect on few occasions and it is just a matter of time, I suspected the writer would reveal his identity.

The scene at the ship dockyard where Takumi happily saluting to Isaki : At a far distance, a gunman lodged a metal gadget (of which I can’t make out what it is?) into Isaki’s stomach, he fell down struggling against the pain. He was still very much alert ….honestly that was really really a shocking scene for me. I screamed out...OMG! and I mourned his death! It was one of the most terrifying scene and on close observation, I noticed the weapon that killed him is the same one he stumbled upon at the time of Takumi father’s dad 24 years ago. Poor Isaki… he died as a bachelor without a family as his entire life revolves around the police force and Shin-ku! I pitied him …..and his last words to Takumi showed that he takes great consideration and concerned in people around him….(maybe he regretted spending most of his time solving cases which took away his chances of finding a compatible partner). He wished Takumi would find happiness with the person he loves and he knew Takumi is in love with Yuna …..don’t waste time and of course don’t walk the same path as he did. That was exactly what Takumi’s new boss had told him ….

Hide, the trusted friend….

Hide is the only person, Shou trusted and in return Hide treated Shou as his own brother. He is often heard calling Shou…OPPA!…probably teasing him of his relationship with Yuna! To Hide, Shou is his partner in crime and probably inspired by Shou’s character, a most respectable and experienced gangster, he was contented living in his shadow. He has high regards of this man due to his own shortcomings (he wasn’t daring and smart enough to execute some of the stunts…like how they both miraculously escaped from the sub-way train unhurt) ……but I often wonder how in the world as an international student, he ended up in Shin-ku. However, he is an awesome linguistic and he is capable to converse in few languages. Guess, he is another creation where the writer needs him to deliver the translated messages for Takumi and Yuna.

His lively character and as a cheerful-smart-street-gangster he frequented the back-alley stalls comprising of “foreign traders” and everyone seem to acknowledge his presence. He did inject some laughter to the patrons and owner of the stalls as he filled the atmosphere with zest. He is so adorably funny and he possess one of the canniest under-cover skills that without him, the drama would appear non-comedic as his screen presence made us giggle and laugh ~~ he sure does have a way of wooing girls….his very own style! I can’t help but laugh at his way of throwing a line or two in the hope of getting the girls attention. Whenever he approaches the area, it tells us that he has a private meeting with Shou ~~ and time to feed info to him indeed he would do anything for his OPPA~

Personally, I like his disheveled afro-look-alike hairstyle which suits his role character. For some reason, his role character in Rondo touches lightly on his previous character he acted in Pride . This guy is full of enthusiasm and energy and….despite being hospitalized and walking in a limp, he still got the strength and humour to try his luck to date the nurse …..that’s HIDE…all right! He never failed to tickle me……great job, Ryuta-san!!

Takumi and Yuna’s Relationship!!

One of the most touching scenes I witnessed in Rondo, is the part where Takumi could no longer contain the truth of his real identity. What stir him to reveal his true identity to Yuna is his mother’s encouragement words to him. I think after so many years of storing his urge for revenge, he had overlooked on his mother’s feelings. He did not expect his mother to be so forgiving……Yoshiko actually pleaded him to forget about his revenge as she had no longer bear any grudges or hatred on the people who killed her husband. She wanted him to get on with his life and look for happiness.

He was actually very frustrated when he decided to go “solo” but had failed to execute his plan to kill Ryuichiro (thanks to Isaki). He needs to release his pain and finally he took this opportunity to reveal to Yuna his real identity. In a serious tone, he said : My name is Kanayama Takumi and I am not Shin-ku but a police. I am a Korean grown up in Japan and he revealed that his father was killed by Shin-ku. He was so detailed when he edited his name to Kanayama Takumi in Yuna’s cell-phone. In case, we don’t meet again and even if meet again, please address me as “Takumi”, Takumi requested proudly.

While he had relieved himself of his confession, it had led Yuna to fear more and I believe, on the reverse, she was worried about his new identity due to her involvement in Shin-ku.

Yuna had secretly kept her real identity away from Takumi and fearing for the worse, she later found out that he is a member of Shin-ku and was it a relieve when he later confessed that he is actually a cop. After Akira revealed that for the sake of finding Yuna’s father, Takumi is planning to head back to Shin-ku. Akira pleaded Yuna and warned her not to betray Takumi or else she won’t forgive her. I can sense that her feelings and concerned for Takumi’s safety is real. Somehow the scene of Yuna speaking her lines (her confession of how much he meant to her) without pausing did not really justify her facial expression…or is it me that sense it? I felt she could have said her lines with more expressive emotions and concern (since she is supposed to plead) and the speech a little bit slower. Luckily, the immediate scene she was very natural as seen with her tears streaming down which blend well with her facial expression deciphering a tinge of sadness and an uneasy feelings and in my opinion, it safe her from the awkward position she had earlier portrayed………just my thoughts.

Just to highlight a discrepancy…….there’s one scene where Yuna revealed to Takumi that she liked him coz in Korean “cuai” means like……but was misinterpreted in the subs as “I love you”….the translation in Japanese if I read it correctly, actually wrote “love” instead of “like”. This confusion happens all the time even in other sub-titles of other dramas I’ve previously watched. Speaking on this, I noticed that in this drama, Yuna appeared to be more out-spoken and she initiated in revealing her feelings for Takumi. As for Takumi, I think he was not prepared to “fall in love” as his main mission is to help Isaki to destroy Shin-ku. He wasn’t concentrating much on the relationship as his priority sets him apart from how Yuna would have expected from him.

I am Song’s daughter, Yuna admitted. He was caught off-guard even though he suspected the expected truth could be real. His facial expression was well perceived as someone who had been shot right at his heart and he couldn’t believe his ears when she claimed that she has never loved him and her deceitful look did make us ponder at that moment….Did Yuna reveal her true feelings?? Actually, with so much to digest in an instant moment and while grasping to clear his mind, he had to face a group of gunmen brought by Yuna. It was a touching moment when Takumi called out YOOONAH……his magnetic pleading eyes and his voice sent out a message like …. ”please, fill me in I can’t bear the deceiving identity and is breaking my heart”. Takumi said: “If I were to die….I would rather die in your hands!” Yuna aimed the gun at his direction but she was or rather he was saved by some intruders. Phew! That was close!

After Yuna left, Takumi was left stranded with all sorts of unanswered questions….Kim Young Jae filled up the answers for Takumi. I think Takumi could no longer trust anyone and since Kim saved him (afterall he disclosed himself as a cop…like him!) ….it leaves him no choice but to hear him out….especially the discovery background of Yuna. Young Jae revealed that Yuna is an expert hacker and most of the hacking works in Shin-ku is executed by her. Remember the scene where someone hacked the police computer system and exchanged the data ~~removing Ryugo’s activities and framed Ryuichiro instead …indirectly placing poor dad as the culprit behind the activities of Shin-ku. That is how we discovered the extent of how much Ryugo hated his father!

With the influence of Yuna’s dad, Song, she was forced to delete Takumi’s personal data profile….While she is in the midst of deleting his profile, Akira was trying her best to copy all the files that Takumi had passed to Isaki before he died. Yuna apologized to her father that she couldn’t bring herself to do it and in the pretense of accepting her rejection, her father, a sly old-fox (oops! forgive my manners) pressed the “enter” key and OMO! TAKUMI doesn’t exist anymore …..and it sent Akira in a panic mood as she fumbled with the lap-top.

Takumi’s life is as good as “wiped-out” …gone for REAL… and while this is not enough for him to digest…he ended-up having to clear two hurdles ….first, he needs to find ways to clear his name as he was framed for the murder of his new Superior and second, he desperately need to find his REAL identity and with the erasure of TAKUMI’s profile, he needs to double up his effort to find his identity…otherwise he’ll be Shou, a member of Shin-ku till death.

Takumi was in a death-defying situation ~~ lost his direction ~~ was seen prowling around leading an aimless life as the police hunt him down. His alleged murder case was in the nation news!! That was the saddest part of the story and on the run with no way to hide….and no one to trust except Akira and no one can prove that he is Kanayama Takumi and not Nishijima Shou. Of course, as promised by Isaki (since young that he’ll protect Takumi), he left some important documents in tact (as was later discovered) ….to prove his real identity, Kanayama Takumi, the Police Officer! He finally did get the recognition he deserves as a Police Officer.

Yuna thought she was an expert in keeping his attraction in check, but she completely gets out of control when she found out that she was responsible of deleting his data profile. Both of them can’t deny their feelings for each other despite going through an extreme turmoil. They were cruising through life thinking they had it all worked out until one day they collide and expose each other’s blind spot. Their dating scenes were romantically scripted and the success of this drama stems from the chemistry between the two leading actors. However, the ending scene of both of them kissing was not passionate enough to satisfy our long-awaited smooching scenes …...

Most Thrilling Script….an adventurous discovery

In anticipation of the discovery of the location of the printing factory, I think I was just as curious as Takumi and Isaki and in fact I did my own calculation but was in for a shock when Takumi proved my own judgment wrong and the conclusive finding of the printing factory was inside a huge SHIP. Whewww! That was a pretty smart hideout… a mobile factory….and indeed a huge investment too for the production team to film that part of the scene….involving some extras and the helicopters etc etc….

Since this is a thriller and suspense drama, I shall leave some room for those who has yet to watch the drama some mysterious findings (now, if you had gone as far as reading the entire SPOILERS up till this stage, you might as well put yourself as a detective in crime solving…) ….and I am sure for those who had watched it …. need I reveal more!!!

Now, who would have guessed the following :

Who killed Takumi’s father?

Who instructed the killing of Isaki?

Who killed Kim Young Jae?

Who killed Ryuichiro?

The real identity of the two sisters, Yuna and Yuni ….who are they and their nationality??

Most Brilliant Scenes/Characters

I was totally spellbound by the great storyline and what really makes me scratched my head is how they managed to train a SUPER COP…like Takumi. He was blessed with abundance of smart genes…. an IT genius (how cleverly he gained access to the computer system… breaking password!!), a professional engineer (who reads plan and know exactly which wire to disconnect) and where did he inherit such super intelligent +++ amazing genes ~~ how he expertly manoeuvre with his cell-phone. I was really speechless when I saw how skillfully he keyed in all the characters….backwards...and in codes? This were all done without viewing the screen at all…..and if you’d notice, his hand is often tucked inside his overcoat…(that’s when his official work commences as he starts to “communicate” with Isaki through SMS). The best scene is the one where he was caught red-handed by Kim Young Jae. Little did he knows that by talking too long with Takumi (gee…while in his excitement of catching the mole, Kim Young Jae had forgotten to issue a spontaneous instruction “freeze”), the delay had allowed sufficient time for Takumi to send out the ASAP message to warn Isaki of the impending arrival schedule of the ship. Simply a heart-thudding scene which is more interesting than the aftermath fighting and kicking scene of Takumi and Kim.

It was amazing watching how Takumi discreetly and skillfully pressed his cell-phone’s key-pad ~~ simply astounding. After the drama, I can’t shake off the idea of mastering the art of doing it. Seriously, I thought it’ll benefit me since I have this bad habit of driving with one hand maneuvering my steering wheel while the other is busy either sending/reading SMS. Of course, this is not my routine way of driving. Gosh! I probably can get away from being caught by the traffic police.

Do these intelligent cops like Takumi, REALLY exist in the real world? If there is any at all, perhaps I should consider joining the police force…..and my partner could be someone like Takumi and I wouldn’t mind Isaki as well…!!

I would like to add that the writer created few experts character in RONDO…

There is Takumi, the SUPER-undercover COP, Yuna, the computer programmer wizlady…. specializing in hacking the cyberworld…in cognito as a musician and cook and Yuni who is into composing songs, Kobayashi-san, the expert printer and Song Gyu Hwan….a computer programmer had longed to “destroy” the cyberworld of financial instituition of Japan …. Geez! at his age he managed to conquer the computer world…. despite having less than confidence to do it himself. Alas, he accomplished his mission without Yuna’s assistance.

Conclusive summaries on (Casting, Ending & Credits) :

On Takenouchi Yutaka as Nishijima Shou/Kanayama Takumi :

I had previously watched quite a few of Yutaka’s Japanese drama and each of his work opens up a different dimensional view of his varied talents and I admired this gentleman for his versatilities. Yutaka’s intense performance on the drama is second to none.

I found some humour in Takumi’s character as he grumbled to himself adding some frustration with a hint of doubt in his facial expression….whenever he failed to communicate with Yuna…..he usually talked to himself and his expression is like ~~huh!what?!?wakarimasen??!~~

There are few emotional scenes which I had observed in his role as Takumi…one most prominent is his regretful expression he projected when he blamed himself for the death of Kobayashi, the printer. His teary eyes were very well expressed.

I must also highlight one of his outstanding performances which had been the way he displayed his heart-broken feelings when he found out the truth of Yuna’s identity (as described in my earlier comment). Adding salt to injury…she admitted that she had cheated on her feelings for him too. He was devastated and felt betrayed by her …. His world had just collapsed!

His feelings for Yuna was mostly kept inside his heart…he is a man of few words or perhaps the language barrier had added another hindrance. I like his dedicated, faithful and strong character and his portrayal as Shou/Takumi is relatively different from the usual Korean character I would have witnessed. He did not openly cry …Yes, he was seen in misty eyes and when she bade goodbye to him in Japanese “sayonara”… he did not on facing opposite direction with Yuna pulled her hands and said the usual lines “gajima”…please don’t go…the typical Korean scenario! That was the scene I make out to be where Yuna felt disappointed with him not because he came late for the appointment but her discovery of his real identity (thanks to Tokomi) as a member of Shin-ku. You see, he had lied about his identity and insisted that he was jobless. After hearing her outpour of frustration, he was silent …..his facial expression written over his face were feelings of remorse ….. and he just let her walked away.

I enjoyed watching his character as I am a bit drenched out of watching guys shedding tears and the endless fighting scenes between the leads which will eventually turn out to be lovers and the third party ala villain kind of storyline and the screaming of YAH!! In short, it was refreshing to watch this K-J production with a very mild touch of “koreanness” in it. After a long-hauled journey exploring the Palace and the “pee-GOONG’s string of mamas”, an adventurous trip to Japan surrounded with mafias and cops would be most refreshing and challenging. No offense to my fellow chingus ……and forgive my “grumbling and rambling” …..Mian hamnida….Gomen nasai!. …

The easy chemistry – warmth between Takumi and Yuna created a believable and loving/likeable couple. You’ll be rooting for them all throughout……and thank goodness there were no 3rd villain party involved…Well, maybe Tokomi did try to intervene but she did it subtly not like the usual harassing scenes. Needless to say, Tokomi failed to win Takumi’s heart and that is as far as she went ….distorting Yuna’s reputation.

I was totally drawn and mesmerized with Yutaka’s solid acting and his credible performance is really satisfying but I had one complain ….. missing some of the not-so-lovey-dovey+less-passionate scenes of both of them. Perhaps, the writer/PD has more to offer in their future collaboration….hope so…...but as of now, I have to settle for this ….**bigh sigh**

On Choi Ji Woo as Chie Yuna/Sakura Ai:

I won’t deny that I watched Rondo not solely because of Choi Ji Wo’s involvement but more on the reasons of my obsession on Japanese productions. But the urge of seeing CJW in an entirely different environment with my hunky Yutaka added my desires to the peak. Honestly, I don’t want to watch CJW in another similar character of Jeong Suh, Eun Soo or Yoo Jin~~~ enough of teary storylines. I want CJW to explore a fresh character…....and I really mean ANY characters other than above as long as she delivers her role convincingly, I shall be thrilled.

I stumbled upon two lucky stars ~~ as my wish to watch CJW in RONDO gave me not only one role but TWO roles…and another bonus not forgetting Sakura Ai…. one as Yuna, the sweet-natured and protective sister to Yuni, whereas the opposite Yuna’s personality took a horrific turn as a fiercely intelligent hacker who had agreed to help her father, Song to deliver their last professional services to Shin-ku not realizing his deceiving actions. Yuna was desperate to unify the family and innocently thought that Shin-ku will release her father after their mission is accomplished. One of her reasons that she needs to find her father is to fulfill Yuni’s wish.

I prefer her role as the restaurateur more than as a computer programmer. When she first appeared on the screen, there’s nothing outstanding to reveal but as she slowly opens up her role character, we are able to get-to-know her strong character and cheerful disposition (on her dating scenes with Takumi). She first ventured into Japan in a frustration mood as she tried to settle down in a foreign land facing different culture and language barrier. I like the fact the writer make her look uneasy as she struggled to learn Japanese language ….a very true scenario and if she reads the line without injecting any flaws that would look unreal. In fact it was her interest in Shou that stirred her to learn the language and I like the part where Shou (in a humorous mood he grumbled to himself again) corrected her mispronunciation.

I think she is more open in her feelings towards Takumi as she had initiated the first move in the development of their relationship. Takumi was rather shy and I believe he hesitated in pursuing her due to his commitment in Shin-ku and his mission too. The dating scenes at a shopping mall for “kimchi-fridge” and cell-phones, the tea session, fun-park thrill at the dancing-machine (don’t know the exact name), a visit at the dog bakery shop was all fun-filling scenes. In fact, I find her very beautiful and refreshing as she showed full contentment in life whenever she gets to meet Takumi. I like the way how she clipped her hair which gives me an impression that she look so sweet and charming and very youngish look coupled with her wardrobe, she looks some how younger than Takumi (dressing sense). It would be matching if only Takumi could trade in his smart-outfit with jeans and shirt (casual wear). I think the reason why Takumi is often seen in suits is because of his role as a member of Shin-ku (on call anytime).

The “yaksok” / promise locking of fingers initiated by Yuna shed some light hearted feelings and the facial expression of Takumi indicates shyness. He usually likes to reply with a simple “OK”!

If I am not mistaken, this is the first time, CJW portrayed a more-toned down character where crying scene is no longer a priority! The only glimpses I find which reflected her previous acting is on the part where she screamed at Kim Young Jae while holding a knife aiming at him as he terrorizes her family. Otherwise even her crying scene did not seem repetitive to me. Her transformation of role character in this drama had shown her versatility and she should be applauded for the convincing role as sweet and loving Yuna and the contrasting character of a fearsome hacker. It never dawn on me that I would get to watch Choi Ji Woo’s stunning scene of her aiming a gun at Yutaka (her black outfit perfected the shots). It was an awesome experience to watch her take on a much “heavier role” and I find it pretty interesting watching her holding a gun. Way to go, Ji Woo!

As much as I think she deserves recognition for her stellar performance, I don’t dare to claim Choi Ji Woo had earned the “ratings” based on her “solo performance” as it would only be justifiable to give due credit to all the rest of the cast who performed brilliantly in their respective roles ……(notably Yutaka who literally “stole” the show with his charismatic and excellent performance). Nonetheless, it is undeniably that Choi Ji Woo’s casting in Rondo did attract viewer ships….

By the end of the drama, I hope she had proved some critics or viewers wrong when she performed to a challenging role as Yuna aka Ai, a character which had finally given her an opportunity to declare……

”Choi Ji Woo has stepped out of her shell”…….

Credits should also go to the remaining cast :

Hashizume Isao as Song Gyu Hwan – He is a distinguished actor and I simply love his acting as Song and compared him to Ryuichiro, he has more screen time as being a 2nd key man in such a big corporation, he dictates most of the time and of course under the instruction of the king-pin, Ryuichiro. As the story goes, we discovered their relationship to a step higher ….. and as always, the 2nd man would have somehow some untowards feeling for his superior. We later learned that one who is a GOD, the dictator and if you spell god, the other way round, it turned out to be Song, the DOG….

He may have stubbornly refused to acknowledge his love for his adopted daughters but in my opinion, he did love them. The most touching moments of his life is on the scene where Yuni after learning her real identity thanked him for bringing her up and shall always remember him. That words touched him....and that’s how any human being would have felt the same…. even though he repeatedly denied he had ever loved them. His action speaks louder than words and as he did not execute the disastrous act of destroying the Japanese financial instituition…(hope the translation I read in the later part of the subs from other source make sense….). The PD cast the right man for the role of Song Gyu Hwan as his looks can be deceiving…sometimes I see him as a Korean …..and sometimes a Japanese.

Shin Hyun Joon as Kim Young Jae/Lee – Kim Young Jae’s character suited Shin Hyun Joon perfectly. Who else can portray a dark-sided character with his physical look and body?? His acting never fail to amaze me and the way he carries himself as a Korean Mafia in some of the scenes just stood out ~~ he looked so impressive as a baddie Kim and looked darn charismatic when he turned goodie cop as Lee. I think he despises Ryugo the most……as can be seen on their wittily sarcastic exchanges between them.

Again, he perished in his role character while executing his duties. This time he didn’t die because of Choi Ji Woo (Yuna) but during his official duties as a cop~~ uplifting justice.

Despite the fact that he reprises a similar character who had shown some feelings for the lead actress, his character as Kim had not delve much on his feelings for Yuna as compared to Han Jeong Suh in Stairway to Heaven. Sorry, just can’t help but compared. I admired him for accepting to play another 2nd fiddle role …he is talented enough to grab pole position but sadly not many PDs are keen to employ him as the main lead in a drama (maybe with a right script, he’ll be given a chance). However, he had shown his movie power ....some creating box office hits….Aja!Aja! Fighting~ Shin Hyun Joon Sshi! Your acting skill is most admirable and that’s how you’ll always be remembered …..definitely eligible to earn a STAR status…to me, that is!

Hayami Mokomichi as Kazama Ryugo – Watching Mokomichi in a serious role as Ryugo, I must admit he had shown maturity in his acting skill compared to his school boy character in Gokusen. In his character as Ryugo, some may find him manipulative, despicable and inhumane when he framed his own father but if you were to study his background, his father was the cause of how he was mould into someone full of anger and hatred. I can feel his hatred boiling inside him and his vengeance towards his father was appalling. In the end, there’s nothing to salvage the father/son’s relationship as his hatred piled up every time he meets him ~~ there was nothing he did that deserves a good mention.

He complained that his father had never hugged him ~~some thing he missed in his entire life. Eventually, you’ll get to witness a finale grasping of a desperate hug from his father but something you’d not have expected from. You’ll be in for a shock to discover the consequences of the father/son’s relationship.

Lee Jung Hyun as Chie Yuni – Yuna’s weakly sister suffered from a history of heart complication and she portrayed someone who has a penchant and talent for music. Yuna loves her sister dearly and because of Yuni’s wish to keep Justice, she negotiated terms with Takumi and finally settled with him on taking care of JUS on a sharing-basis. I read in one forum which had mentioned that Yuni’s character was irrelevant to the storyline. I beg to differ….without Yuni, there’s a missing character to share with us on Yuna’s feelings and plans. It’s common for most drama to add either sibling or best friend as a third party to introduce their background to the viewers. In this drama, we have Yuni to relate some of the important facts ……why Yuna should learn to speak Japanese and her growing desire to learn was teased by her sister….(Yuna’s interest was because of Takumi and not so much for other purposes). Through Yuni, we discovered that behind Yuna’s music talent, she is actually a computer genius and she led out the truth of the symbolic necklace as worn by Yuna and herself to Takumi. See there’s indeed a significant role of Yuni and her character contributes to the storyline.

Honestly, Lee Jung Hyun’s role did not give her much room to explore on her character any further than being laid on bed most of the time, she’s too frail to expose her talent, so-to-speak, I mean given a character as Yuni. As Lee Jung Hyun is more involved in her music career, I have no idea whether she’ll appear again in the small or big screen in the near future. However, it was good to see her team-up again with Choi Ji Woo in Rondo after Beautiful Days.

Summarizing the Reviews and Ending Credits

Overall the storyline is a ground breaking material and it will tug at your heart string strongly not solely owing to the music/plots/camera effect/superb performance and the awesome chemistry between Takumi and Yuna should be applauded despite the language barrier and custom.

There’s been this growing desire on the part of the audience to see something that gets into the grey areas of police work. The success of RONDO it’s a combination of the ambiguous of nature of the drama, really compelling storyline and strong performances by a terrific ensemble cast. All these things come together to make the drama what it is!! Indeed the entire performing cast is arguably one of the most famous actors in both countries.

Even if you are into romantic and not so much into gravity-defying blokes beating the hell out of each other, this drama still deserves a chance to watch! Indeed an adventurous drama where you’d get a chance to become “Mr Alfred Hitchcock” as you embark in resolving identities of not one character but few…..……raking your brains out.

There were many beautiful breath-taking choreographed scenes, and I get the feeling the production crew concentrates on effects and had also wonderfully captured the characters and setting to the best. Truly an awesome cinematography! The opening song, I Believe sung by Ayaka makes a grand entrance and the composition is already a clear winner. Sayonara as sung by Rui is another great song….the lyrics are very meaningful and so is I Believe…..

RONDO made headline news on their debut with a whopping 20% viewer ship rating. Even though it did not go beyond that during the entire screening, it manages to maintain its pace steadily at an average of 15%. The last episode achieved a grand finale of 17.7% rating. Congratulations to all the casts, PD, crew members and technical production team!!!

This drama is for keeps and I am planning to own a copy of the DVD yet to be released by TBS….a set which comes with extras of deleted scenes, commentaries and several behind-the-scenes features etc etc. The OST is also a must-have as I believe it will bring fond memories of the drama as you listen to the songs, music and the so-intriguing instrument piece too.

It was a meaningful, gratifying, captivating and entertaining experience watching RONDO……….

----- THE END -----

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Extracted lyrics of the song, “I Believe” appeared under "Expectation of the theme….” and “Soyanara” as below is translated (credit to ASABOU team) ………for the interest of RONDO fans…..…..

Sayonara…..

- In a dream, finger tips frozen

- The two of us woke up to a different mornings

- Leave those things in the place of yesterday

- Now that you have searched under this heartless sky

- Sayonara, sayonara (goodbye so long)

- In sorrow, I say to you the words goodbye twice

- Because of shadow and things, I do not know of light

- For love, anything is possible

- If I could see the stars leaving

- As time passes, each road fades away

- Sayonara, sayonara (goodbye so long)

- These two words of goodbye only brings tears which I cannot show

- Hand in hand, we believe in the future

- For love, anything is possible

- Because no one can give up love….

[Guest dramalover]

Felicia my dear...you've done it again....

You earned the accolades of your peers......Thanks a lot for sharing a very detailed review ...

[jas]

I like also the one who portray as Song and also the elderly couple,

personally I think Song is not bad at all, he really care for Yuni and Yuna even though at some points, he is really stubborn (not wanting to sign for Yuni's surgery) but why he killed ---- father, it is still left without answer, but that's good becoz it makes audiences think.

[Guest cathycasi21]

Finally, finished this series. This was quite good. I did enjoy it. It brings that whole suspense/romance element to a show. I almost died when the credits started to show.hahaha but I definitely recommend it.

[Guest goodvibrations]

HOT. Culture clash dramas are always fun <3 I love Yutaka, can't wait to download and watch this.

[Guest qingqing78]

Hi ...

I have a question about English subtitle. Will the asabou team continue doing the hardsub? or they will not do it since we've already have the softsub?