Review of Bambino

Title: Bambino
Broadcast by: NTV
Shown during: Spring 07
Timeslot: Wednesdays, 10pm
Theme song: We can make it! by ARASHI
Original manga by: Sekiya Tetsuji



Cast:

Ban Shougo (Matsumoto Jun)
Shishido Tekkan (Ichimura Masachika)
Hibino Asuka (Karina)
Katori Nozomi (Sato Ryuuta)
Kuwahara Atsushi (Sasaki Kuranosuke)
Yonamine Tsukasa (Kitamura Kazuki)
Shishido Miyuki (Uchida Yuki)
Senoo Masashi (Mukai Osamu)
Minagawa Kozue (Komatsu Ayaka)
Oda Toshio (Hosshan)
Takahashi Eri (Fukiishi Kazue)
Endo Susumu (Yamamoto Kei)


I've never been a fan of Italian cuisine and would have to say that even after watching this, I've not become a fan either. Well, it's not that the cooking scenes were not done nicely. It's just that I don't have too much interest in pasta dishes and most of the food presented are pasta-related. Episode 8 was more interesting since it featured desserts.

Basically, this story is about a young guy, Ban who goes to Tokyo for a spring holiday apprenticeship at his boss's friend's restaurant. Although he thinks that he is a great cook despite still being in university, he is given a humbling experience in Baccanale and later returns to work full-time after quitting from school. There isn't anything special about this journey so you will get the usual developments of how this young lad fumbles and stands up again and again.

I have to be frank about this. I think Matsumoto Jun can get really overboard with his acting at times. He was very good as Doumyouji in Hana Yori Dango primarily because that character is on the flashy side. However, when Matsujun takes on roles which are inclined towards the commoner side, his usual style of acting makes it really hard for me to accept. It's too fake and forced at times. I apologize to Matsujun fans who are offended by this but seriously, Matsujun needs roles with a very strong screen presence to bring out the best in him. He can definitely handle meaty roles like what he did in Tokyo Tower but I don't think he suits the role of Ban. Frankly speaking, the role itself can get on people's nerves since he is not exactly that likeable (arrogant in the beginning) and coupled with Matsujun's exaggerated acting, it does make me feel more irritated. Put him in another setting like Hanadan, that makes him a pleasure to watch.
If not the trio of Miyuki, Kuwahara and Yonamine who were very enjoyable to watch, I would have given up this drama long ago. The chemistry between these three is definitely good and hearing their conversations help me to lighten up the atmosphere. I have to say that they are my favourite characters in this drama.

I didn't really like the ending of this story. I'm OK with the development of Tekkan seeking new challenges with Endo BUT I don't like the fact that Ban just simply decides to go to Italy when he's really not that accomplished yet. He can jolly well leave Baccanale to learn at another places but Italy?! What makes him think that he's good enough to go there at this point in time? As such, this over-idealistic ending to the story makes me feel rather unhappy.

And my ratings for this drama...
Story: 6 out of 10 (Predicatable)
Acting: 7 out of 10 (Matsujun barely made the passing mark...I give higher points to the middle management trio.)
Theme song: 6.5 out of 10 (Sounds more like a theme song for Ban but it matches the atmosphere of the drama)
Visual effects / Scenery: 7.5 out of 10 (The kitchen was a bit too small so I wonder if it's really like that in reality. I like the presentation of some dishes though.)
Teamwork / Chemistry: 7 out of 10 (Again, this is for the trio of Miyuki, Kuwahara and Yonamine)

Total: 34 out of 50