However, I'm not going to write about the anime, yet. I want to review some of the dramas, which contain a butler character.
The Detective Type of a Butler or "Nazotoki wa Dinner no Ato de"
It's a Japanese drama and the story is based on a novel by Higashigawa Tokuya. It's about a young and rich heiress - Reiko, who hides her true identity and works as a detective. Her new butler - Kageyama, is very mysterious and helps her a lot. Although he is quite rude to Reiko, when he explains his reasoning on an investigation and points out her mistakes. Basically, every case is solved after dinner. And also, there is Reiko's boss - Inspector Kazamatsuri, who falls in love with her, thinking she is a Chinese heiress, called Hou Shou Rei. He doesn't even recognize, that the rookie detective, he works with, is his beloved. Kazamatsuri is also an heir to a major company but he is showing off with that and is very stupid and incompetent.
Keiko Kitagawa is one of my favourite Japanese actresses. Actually, the cast is great and does a very good job.
I like the mysteries and the complicated investigations, and also the surprising outcomes in the drama. And I really enjoyed the funny moments as well.
The relationship between Reiko and Kageyama is very complicated, not just a master-servant kind of relationship. Kageyama criticizes her a bit harsh, but he seems to care much about her. Also, there are some signs of love.
The Knight Type of a Butler or "Mei-chan no Shitsuji"
Another Japanese drama and one of my favourite. I watched it a couple of years ago. It is based on a manga by Riko Miyagi.
The story is about a girl, called Mei. After her parents' death she finds out that her father has a secret and Mei appears to be a rich heiress. She is forced to study at St. Lucia Girls' Academy. At this luxurious school every girl has her own butler and Mei has the best one - Rihito. Mei's best friend - Kento (he is obviously in love with her), who is Rihito's brother, also transfers to St.Lucia to become a butler and to be by Mei's side.
However, Mei has to become a lady and to deal with a lot. The other girls don't like her at all and they are very mean to her. Her biggest enemy is evil and there are also four phychos, who want to kick her out of the school by any means.
The cast is great. There are a lot of great actors. I love Osamu Mukai and Hiro Mizushima!!! I also like Aya Oomasa - she is a wonderful actress.
I like the whole idea of a school, where every lady has a butler, though it's way too impossible. But I have great imagination.
The plot is very funny and exciting. And by the way, I want to read the manga, when I have time.
The Kidnapper Type of a Butler or "Hayate the Combat Butler"
This is a Taiwanese drama, that I'm currently watching. It's based on a manga by Kenjiro Hata and there is an anime as well.
The plot revolves around the young and hardworking Ling Qi Sa, who has irresponsible parents. They leave him and he has to repay their debts. There is no way for him to pay back and he decides to become a "bad guy". He thinks about kidnapping a rich person and accidentally he sees a girl, who looks very wealthy. But he ends up saving her from real kidnappers. That girl is Xiao Zhi, who is also a rich heiress. She wants him to be her butler and misunderstands his words, thinking he has made her a love confession. Ling Oi Sa is very greatful for her kindness and her trust in him. He decides to give his best for her.
I don't know much about the other actors because I haven't watched many Taiwanese dramas, but I like Park Shin Hye. But it's obvious that she is dubbed and I don't really like it. I guess she doesn't speak Chinese, but still. They should have made it seem more natural.
