Due to their short length, the Japanese probably produce close to 40 series per year?
With that kind of production rate, there's bound to be some series that are sub-standard. At the same time, there will be some that will shine and stand out from the rest. Its not fair to judge their standard by just a couple of show. To add, I agree with Bleed Kaga that most anime/manga-to-live-action drama are not up to standards, GTO is an exception. I am hoping for a Kimi ga Nozomu Eien LA, since its style is most akin to those soap dorama classics.
Bleed Kaga has a good list there. Other classics like Ice World and the Heaven's Coin series are good too.
