Gokusen

Imagine you were the homeroom teacher of a bunch of the wildest, most rebellious delinquents in an ill-reputed school. What would you do?

Yamaguchi Kumiko (Nakama Yukie), better known as Yankumi to her students, decides to love and trust them. That is basically what she does in the 12-episode drama (including the special), though of course a lot of punches and lectures are involved. Yankumi, herself a 3rd generation heir of the Oedo family, the Yakuza, isn't in the least fazed by her multi-coloured punkish students. She takes them on to the end, protecting and believing them, and proving that a teacher's first concern should always be the safety and growth of her students.

'Gokusen', though formulaic and predictable, shines through because of its characters. Yankumi is a funny, interesting person who has unorthodox ideas. The students do her justice. Sawada Shin (Jun Matsumoto), the ringleader and quiet rebel, is the key - the one who makes the difference. Because of his anger, resentment, and fiercely loyal and quietly humorous personality, Shin really brings a different angle to the students. Though of course it's not to say that the other boys aren't lovable, because they are. The Head Teacher is a joy to have...a real comedic character.

The acting is more than adequate. Yukie, Matsujun, and the other students and staff play their roles very well. Although the music is limited, the humour is sometimes campy/lame, and the episodes are very formulaic, Gokusen nonetheless manages to carry its storyline off. The teacher-student relationships are endearing, the characters are above likable, and the overall presentation of this show is good.

I was pleased to come to IMDB and see this series with a reasonably high rating. While this series is often intentionally corny and over-the-top, the characters are enjoyable and well-acted. The teacher is both wise and naive. Her superior is excessively annoying to the point he's actually funny. Some of the characters are cliche, while others have a real foundation to them.

The only downside is the repeated theme of "Kid wrongly accused and thrown in jail or beat up by gang and teacher has to resort to violence to rescue." Rinse. Repeat. One has to wonder if there are any other plot lines in all of literature.

However, throughout all the nonsense one may be surprised to find actual lessons being taught regarding standing up for what one believes, kindness, knowing when to fight and when to not fight. We learn about loyalty regardless of flaws, and that it's possible to change one's ways regardless of past reputation.

Overall this is a fun and excellent series. One thing that amazed me was the transition of the main actress from corny goofball cute to a surprising beauty when she took off her glasses and let down her hair. It's somewhat like seeing Clark Kent transforming to Superman... only she does it better!

I really enjoyed her grandfather. The role was well-played and properly underplayed. His kindness and wisdom despite being the head of the Yakuza family added an excellent touch of maturity to this series. On the other hand it makes the Yakusa look like good guys, which is questionable morality and ethics in a show all about morals and ethics. Somewhat of a paradox.

Overall, very well done. All of the actors work well together to pull this off... even the cornball parts. ;D.

This drama is funny and interesting. Yukie acted so no-shame and impolite in here but she's very funny. Jun acted like a cool kid but he always there for his friends. This drama is heart warming and touched, one episode made me cried. The soundtrack also nice. But too bad there was no love story in this drama, even though it's happy ending. Yukie's character did like someone and the man that she liked also liked her but there was no love story between them.

I prefer drama which has love story, I know that this drama main issue is about teacher-student relationship but I hope to see the love story. I know that the anime also didn't have the love story too but this is a human story so at least they (the producer and the director) can make something different.

Watch series 1 thought it was hilarious and really enjoyed but it think it should have ended there series 2 and 3 just the same story over again .

When my sister brought this home, I was like "Another Anime?". But it was live action. One which I never looked or watched before. I really enjoyed this one though, mainly because it was different from other stories. I'm not a very big Anime fan, but this was an exception. I cried in some parts, the actors were a little goofy at times, and it really shows a different side in people.

I just ordered my copy and watched it. I don't like to watch movies again, but there are a few that I wouldn't mind re-watching. Gokusen is one of them. I also ordered the second set which I can't wait to watch, but I'm waiting to watch and finish the Special episode.

I would totally recommend this to anyone who's looking for a break from chick flicks and/or love stories!