Orenji deizu

I'm glad others were moved by this series as much as I was. I've been watching a lot of Jdramas for the past few years and they always have an emotionality and heartwarming humanity that's unique.

I watched this gem 20 years after its' release, but honestly it didn't feel like it's 20 years old. I mean, obviously the haircuts, clothes etc look like they're from 20 years ago, but for me they looked perfectly fine and hip for college graduates because that's what I was back then! And I looked a lot like that and still do lol. Personally I still prefer that style so not only did I not mind it, but it made the series more fun and pleasing to watch too.

I'm pretty sure this show was huge back when it was broadcast in Japan, and rightly so. All the actors are great, the classical music and the sign language elements are very interesting, and the ways disability, friendship, family, and the transition to adult life are portrayed are so well made. And of course the main love story. Nothing cringe or cheesy, just a pure bond that you can't help but root for. The writers and the director did an amazing job in every single element they included, offering us an amazing viewing and emotional experience. Arigato gozaimasu!!

Edit: It's been a couple of weeks since I finished watching this and I miss it!! I can't find anything to replace it, I keep starting different Kdramas and Jdramas and dropping them.

Also, I find my fellow Greek's comment below hilarious and awesome at the same time, because it sounds exactly like me when I first started watching Jdramas!

I am a Greek Australian dude, living in Greece. I came across this series by accident. Im not asian, nor even japanese.... but omffffggg..... i binged all 11 episodes in 3 days! I am shocked. This is a series from 2004, twenty years ago!!! And from Japan!! ANother continent from me!!! But i just have to say, this series is probably the best tv series i have come across in the last ten years!!! Thank youuuuuu Netflix for broadcasting an asian tv series to europe.... this show was BRILLIANT! Being from Greece, it is rare for us to be exposed or given the opportunity to watch dramas from Japan, or Asia for that matter. But this series had me obsessed from episode one!!! Eveery character in this series was loveable and altruistic in their own way.... and unlike american tv series, this show did not need to include sex scenes, nudity etc..... it was PURE perfection!

My college days are far behind me. Yet, Orange Days took me back like no other show had done before. The storyline is centered around Sae, a deaf college student remarkably interpreted by Ko Shibasaki. Sae's vivacious, feisty, and very endearing personality earns her the love interest of Kai, a gentler, more reserved student. Along with three friends with bubbling personalities, the fledging couple forms the Orange Days group. Its members will share their college challenges and romantic entanglements until graduation. It is worth noting that in order to include Sae, her friends all learn sign language. The five actors did a great job learning and expressing sign language in a very natural way. The story moves along very smoothly and keeps its youthful atmosphere from end to end. A very endearing trip back to your twenties. The only aspect that might prevent you from enjoying thoroughly it is the need to read subtitles during sign language exchanges, which won't be a problem for anyone used to watching foreign language movies.

I enjoy a good romantic drama, so I am easily disposed to favour shows like this.

My wife, however, gave up on it after a few episodes, complaining that it was too adolescent. But for me, that missed the point. These characters are learning how to live and love and make mistakes along the way. As did I when I was their age.

In any case, this drama found additional resonance in the character of Sae, who is powerfully portrayed by Kou Shibasaki. Her deafness, plus her musical genius, create a very sympathetic, yet highly challenging character. Watching Kai (Satoshi Tsumabuki) confront and overcome her demons is a joy.

If romantic dramas are your thing, give this a go.

Having enjoyed a good many Korean dramas, my wife and I started exploring other films and series from that part of the world and discovered this series. It is set in Japan and is about a group of young people who meet at University and proceed to grow up together as they turn into adults. Kai. A young man from the group, meets Sae, who was an award winning violinist, but lost her hearing and had to give up. Kai and the rest of the group help her to come to terms with her hearing loss and Kai starts to fall in love despite being in a relationship already.. Ko Shibasaki gives an outstanding performance as the deaf Sae and acts with just sign language, her body and her eyes and she is truly outstanding. Satoshi Tsumabuki as Kai is also excellent and the chemistry between them is very real. I mustn't forget the rest of the group who all play their parts beautifully. The plot twists and turns and you never quite know whether it will work out of not. You will have to watch it to find out.

12/10 from me. I totally enjoyed it and it is one of the best romantic dramas I've seen in a ,ong time. A Must See!