Shima no Sensei (2013)

This is no Gokusen, not at all. “Island's Teacher” is a plain slice-of-life drama, short—consisting of only six episodes, no comedy.

A place of exile or a paradise? Difficult and troubled kids from big cities are sent to this remote island in Kagoshima because of various reasons but one purpose: to heal their emotional wounds. With the help of teachers, foster parents and the kindness of local people, the overseas students gradually change, they rebuild their self-worth and reconcile. And there’s this previous student who returns to the island as a teacher; along with her is a scar throbbing.

The setting is beautiful: the island, beach and sea breeze, dawns and sunrises. It’s a spectacle of purity and new beginnings. I can almost smell the fresh scent of zephyr.

It’s pleasing to see the actors just enjoying and living in their roles; the acting is just effortless. You feel their pain, you smile and laugh with them. While the performance is well delivered, Natsumura Chihiro’s character is inconsistent. (SPOILER: She’s supposed to be good at keeping her secrets and problems veiled but she willingly divulges it to a kid. There are couple more instances that I prefer not to disclose.) Other than that, Nakama Yukie faultlessly plays the lead character.

Overall, the story is fine and calm. (I watched it at dawn; it was the perfect time so, I really felt the emotion.) There’s nothing to look forward to in each episode; it might bore those who are not into serene type of dramas.

Overall Rating: 6.5/10

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