News of Gokusen the Movie coming out this July sends my heart and my mind into overdrive. I love this series, though I’ve only watched the first season (because of Sawada Shin, and of course Matsujun, obviously). I haven’t yet watched the other two seasons (obviously because Matsujun / Shin wasn’t there), but I’m planning to eventually watch them. But a Gokusen film without Sawada Shin? I mean, come on, he is one of the main actors of that series/manga/anime. He is Kumiko’s love interest, and they do end up together in the manga. I want them to end up together. I’m sure most, if not all, of Gokusen’s fans share my sentiment. This is just so disheartening. Of course I’m still going to watch this film, if I can get ahold of a copy (which I really am planning to), but it won’t be the same without Shin. This is supposed to be the final film, and the story of the main characters should have been resolved here. But why? Where’s Matsujun? Where’s Shin? Uchi, Kuma, Noda, and Minami are back. Where’s their leader? Don’t tell me they’re just gonna mention his name in one or two of their conversations, and justify his absence by saying he hasn’t returned yet from Africa. Please!
I really really (really) pray that the directors, or whoever they are that are in charge of this film, are making Shin’s appearance a surprise. Won’t that be nice? A novel promotional strategy – unconventional maybe, but still nice. Though I can’t see any reason for them to do it (if it is what they really are doing, which seems highly unlikely) when they will gain more if they do the opposite (that is, if Shin is really part of the movie and they’re just making his part a surprise), but I’m still hoping this is what is happening. I know I’m not the first to say this, but I still want to shout “BRING SHIN BACK!” After all, he is going to be the fourth generation boss of the Oedo Clan, ne?
fleeting passions 