absolute boyfriend: robot vs. human

Needing to take a break from writing some very dark stuff in a current story, I looked once again to my Asian drama sites to relax a bit. Then I saw it. I could not believe it. A manga that I had thoroughly enjoyed... had read eons ago had become a live action series from Japan. Taking a deep breath, I cleaned my bifocals quickly and sat down to watch... and, of course, read the subtitles. Sigh....

The manga written by Yuu Watase started in March 2005 was called "Absolute Boyfriend or Zettai Kareshi". It was a manga series in Shoujo Comics and later came out in a six volume book series. A kind hearted serious Japanese student by the name of Riiko Izawa has bad luck with boys. Every one of them that she confesses to dumps her, or rejects her right off the bat. She thru a series of accidents meets a salesman from Kronos Heaven and accidentally orders her ideal boyfriend. Serious, devoted, only a little jealous, kind, and is to only love Riiko... needless to say, what Riiko thought was only a computer game, becomes a huge package delivered the next day.

As she opens it, a life sized, doll like man appears with instructions. Riiko activates him with a kiss. And suddenly, her ideal boyfriend appears in front of her. There is an old American saying that comes to mind here... something like... be careful for what you ask for...

Soon the fun, the angst, the trauma, the reality weaves its way through the art and the words of Yuu Watase bringing the reader along into a world that almost becomes believable. This is not just a romantic tale by no means.

As I started to watch the live action Japanese drama series, the same fun, angst, troubles and woes were brought to life, again, drawn in by the story line and the great acting, it was a great escape from my current reality, and gave my mind something else to think about and contemplate... I would recommend this breather to anyone who wished to partake.

The Absolute Boyfriend aired in Japan in April 2008. It is an eleven episode series with an extra episode as a special. Riiko Izawa is played by actress Aibu Saki. The Robot is played by actor Hayami Mokomichi. Soshi is played by Mizushima Hiro. The story line is altered as Riiko is grown up and works as a part timer in company that specializes in deserts. It is well thought out and clear drama. The never ending questions it brings to life makes the viewer ask those questions of themselves.

"What is love?"

"Can an appliance develop true feelings?"

"Men... are they worth it?"

"Can a robot become self actualized? Have an ego? And if it does, is it just a machine with a soul?"

"Is it fair to be in a relationship where one will grow old and die, while the other cannot do either and is left behind with the sole purpose of loving that one person who is gone?"

Oh, questions, questions, questions... the viewer goes along on this ride as the three main characters find their answers. Believe me, it is worth the trip. In preparing this, i also found in my research that Taiwan will also be producing live action series of this. Ah, the possibilities....