Bambino!

Based on a manga of the same name, the story revolves around the challenges faced by a young Japanese man aspiring to be a chef at an Italian restaurant.  Ban Shogo is played by Matsumoto Jun in this series, which completed in 2007.  I didn’t have any particular reason for starting with this drama, but being the quasi-obsessive-compulsive that I am, I couldn’t stand not finishing what I started.  In this case, being OC did not help, as I didn’t like the series much.  There were too many unnecessarily over-done melodramatic moments for my taste.  There are more out there that are much deeper theme/story-wise and better executed in my humble opinion.  Nevertheless, this one did have some redeeming characteristics.

It focuses on the importance of work.  It goes to show that no matter how lowly or menial one’s job is, each and every one has as much value as all the rest.  No matter how small one’s part, the whole will not be able to function without it.  This show demonstrates the Japanese way of looking at work – how highly they value it and how they take pride and show their dignity through the part they play.  They place importance on each individual’s contribution to society as a whole.  Their selflessness is clearly manifested here and I can’t help but compare it to the self-centeredness of Western thinking.  In the west, it’s more of work for personal gain and financial superiority – it’s all so materialistic.  In this story, Ban learns to rein his personal ambition and channels his energy and zeal into learning from others and becoming a valued contributor and member of a community.  He becomes less self-centered, learns to make sacrifices, and develops a lot of patience.  He arrives at his desired achievements with the help of his friends, and comes out of the whole thing with a lot more humility, respect, and understanding of what it means to be a professional.

Matsumoto was so young here, but he pulled off the role quite well.  You really do get annoyed with his boastful arrogance at the beginning of the series, but he eventually earns your empathy.  Favourite characters:  Yonamine – for being cute and winky, and Katori – for being consistently bad-ass from start to finish.  Oda was good, too.  Oh, and yeah, all that Italian food did indeed make my mouth water.  They DO make good Italian in Japan – I can vouch for that.  For the series, 6/10.