Professora Gangster

This is a teacher-student relationship between Kumiko "Yankumi" Yamaguchi (Yukie Nakama) and Shin Sawada (Jun Matsumoto). Yankumi was the homeroom teacher of a class of delinquents in the Shirokin Gakuin, a school exclusively for boys. Yankumi has a secret. She was hiding her true identity from her students and co-teachers. She is the heiress to the Oedo Yakuza clan. But Shin Sawada, a very handsome and intelligent guy, suspected that she was no ordinary teacher. So since the first day of the school, he became interested to her. Find out if there could be a love affair between them. Because Yankumi had a crush on someone else. Then find if Shin Sawada will fight for their feelings at the end. Hope you like the story, because it's excellent for me!!!

This is a delightful series, made even better for this American viewer by the quality subtitling and background explanations provided by the dedicated SARS fan-sub team.

The writing is clever & heart-warming, without plunging into the maudlin. The cast developed their characterizations over the course of the series in ways that are understandable, if sometimes unpredictable (as one would expect from both teenagers and adults on the learning curve.)

The whole package will be especially rewarding if the viewer is familiar with "ninkyo Yakuza" movies, such as the vintage ones starring Koji Tsuruta and Ken Takakura, because, at the core, "Gokusen" is about finding your own family and becoming a faithful and supportive friend to all the members.

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.

Wow, I am very impressed with this show. I laughed non-stop during the first episode and nothing was lost in translation, thanks fansubbers!!!

Anyways, the actress that plays the teacher is so funny, pretty and nerdy at the same time. She is awesome in her role.

The premise: A 23 year old pretty girl/lady becomes a new teacher at a highschool in Japan. Her class is the most rebellious in the school and notorious for picking on their teachers. She is full of hope and determination to teach them well much to their annoyance and hostility.

Unbeknownst to them, she is actually the grand daughter of the head of a powerful Yakuza clan and could easily threaten them.

Very funny stuff especially every time they play the Yakuza samurai theme lol If you can find it, definitely check it out for some serious laughs.

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!