Review: Ouran High School Host Club Live-Action Drama (2011)

Characters
Haruhi: Frugal, hardworking scholarship student. Independent, but somewhat fragile.
Tamaki: Ostentatious president of the club.
Kyoya: Treasurer of the host club. Only does things that will maximize profits for the club.
Hikaru & Kaoru: Straightforward but humorous twins. Uses their twin status to toy with people.
Hunny & Mori: Members of the host club: one who loves sweets and cute things, and one who is masculine and quiet.
Nekozawa: President of the Black Magic Club. Loves dark things/the occult.

Character chart - Click to enlarge

Plot
Haruhi enters the prestigious Ouran Academy, where, while she searched for a quiet place to study, she comes across the school's host club. After breaking their antique vase, Haruhi cross-dresses as a boy to join the host club and settle her debt. However, after she joins, they seem to attract new problems every day. In this 11-episode manga adaptation, hidden pasts are revealed and love blossoms...

Review
First things first: original plot. Shoujo manga adaptations have been done and done again, so Ouran's plot wonderfully refreshing. The perfect balance of silly humor and strong direction. The outgoing cast, though with a slight miscast in one or two roles, brings the Ouran world to life. The outrageously exaggerated scenes are hilarious, and the serious scenes are taken, well, seriously. Special mention goes to Yamamoto Yusuke (Tamaki), who had the original character's bright personality and odd tendencies down to a tee. Overall, this drama remains true to the original plot and style of the manga, and is thoroughly entertaining (read: has rewatchability). I'd recommend watching this with some friends, or some snacks--whenever you're looking to kick back, relax, and have a good laugh, but still want a strong story behind it.

Overall: 4.5/5
Acting: 4.5/5
Plot: 4/5
Production (Direction & Screenplay): 5/5 (kudos for staying true to the original!)