One of my most favorite series
This series has been such a joy to watch. From the cinematography, casting, and the story itself, so much effort has been put into making this. One of the best BLs ever, that unlike most of the genre, focuses on a healthy relationship. Furthermore, I appreciate how the characters were never pressured into physical intimacy. There is not a lot of kissing scenes but it just further portrays how deep their love is. Kurosawa and Adachi will forever remain in my heart with their fluffy romance. Thank you to the actors Keita Machida and Eiji Akaso for making this series come to life!Was this review helpful to you?
Watch this one not the remake
This was such an intersting a diffrent plot. You know what they say if something is good people will immitate it. This was such a good series.I am not a fan of making remakes so close to an original release so I might be a teensy bit biased but I think the original is so charming that it cant really be replicated.
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A welcome end to a beloved series
With eager anticipation from devoted fans, the long-awaited movie that continues the beloved series has finally arrived, and it delivers on many fronts. Seamlessly picking up where the series left off, the film provides a satisfying extension to the story of Kurosawa and Adachi, capturing the essence of their unique relationship and the challenges they face. It truly serves as a welcome addition to the series that fans have grown to adore.The narrative starts with Kurosawa and Adachi happily together, planning their future after the series' memorable finale, where they overcame Adachi's fear of losing Kurosawa without his magical powers. However, their harmonious existence takes an unexpected turn when Adachi receives news of his transfer to another office. Skepticism arises, but with Kurosawa's unwavering support and encouragement, Adachi musters the courage to make a life-altering decision. The movie predominantly revolves around the pivotal choices these two characters must make together, not only to sustain their relationship but also to propel it forward.
The film's greatest strength lies in the remarkable portrayal of the two main characters by their respective actors. Akaso Eiji flawlessly captures Adachi's timidness and lack of self-assurance, allowing viewers to empathize with his journey of personal growth and self-discovery. Throughout the movie, we witness Adachi gradually stepping out of his shell and developing into a more confident individual, demonstrating authentic character development. Machida Keita's portrayal of Kurosawa is equally captivating, showcasing his charm and handsomeness while also highlighting his deepening love for Adachi. As Kurosawa embraces vulnerability and Adachi expresses his emotions more openly, we witness the genuine growth of their relationship.
While the storyline may not break new ground, the exceptional performances by the actors elevate the movie and make it a worthy continuation of the series. Akaso Eiji and Machida Keita breathe life into their characters, infusing them with depth, nuance, and undeniable chemistry. It is through their heartfelt performances that the movie shines, capturing the hearts of viewers and allowing them to witness the genuine evolution of a relationship.
In conclusion, for those who have enjoyed the series, this movie serves as a fitting and much-anticipated conclusion. It is a heartwarming journey that showcases the exceptional talents of the actors and portrays the authentic growth of a relationship. Whether you were captivated by the series' charm or drawn to the characters' endearing dynamics, this film is a must-watch, as it provides closure and continues to tug at the heartstrings of fans. Prepare to be moved by the exceptional performances and be reminded once again of the power of love and personal growth.
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Even better than the show
This gave me everything that I've been missing in the show. I loved seeing them navigate real life circumstances and generally just seeing more of them as an established couple. Also the film doesn't feature too much of the secondary couple which I was glad about because I didn't enjoy them too much in the show. Definitely worth watching, I will be rewatching it a lot :DWas this review helpful to you?
I loved it....
After completing the Japanese series I came here to watch some recommendations and suddely I saw this. This is amazing I've never thought that they'll do a continuation for the series. I'm in love with this movie. and specially I didn't expect the ending like that. I'm not going to spoil anyone here in that case I'll just say that as the ending scene.I literally loved the whole story plot. It's cute, fresh and heart touching. When I was watching the last scene I was like smiling and blushing and I literally felt butterflies because th way that Kurosawa take care of his Adachi. " when you're weak I'll be strong for you and when I'm weak I need your helping hand " that's one of the greatest line I've ever heard in a bl after a long time.
I literally loved the whole movie and I didn't felt the time passing by. This is a must watch movie after you watch the series.
( This literally made my standars go even high and I swear to god Kurosawa is literally a walking green flag )
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This review may contain spoilers
An easy 10/10 for me
I can't express the emotions through words that this movie made me feel. A perfect movie after a nearly perfect drama. The awkwardness, the fear, the hesitation they went through while meeting each other's family is something you can feel in your soul. Adachi's family's reaction was too wholesome and priceless. I love how the whole family cheered and accepted their relationship, and I'm really glad Kurosawa's family also accepted this. It made me believe in humanity again. Lol.The scene where Kurosawa said that he would go alone to meet his parents shows how Kurosawa wanted to endure his parents' decision alone, but Adachi telling him they'll go together shows that they are still changing and improving with each other. Definitely one of my favorite scenes.Overall, the movie was too good. It shows that no matter how different you are or how many flaws you have, you always find a way to change with the one you love.Was this review helpful to you?
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Can’t Get enough of these two!
Within 3 days I finished the whole Cherry Magic 12 episode series + 2 SP and the movie. Turns out I can’t get enough of these two as a couple. They are so very sweet together. They are kind and respectful towards each other, show patience, genuine care, and don’t play games. They have their moments of hiding how they really feel but it’s not done out of game playing. They are both sincere. Especially Kurosawa- his love from the beginning is inspiring. What I like about this movie is that even though there are hurdles along the way like Adachi being transferred for 8 months to Nagasaki to become a sales manager and start up the company branch there, and gets into an accident, it all serves to strengthen their bond and relationship. It isn’t drama just for the sake of having conflict. In fact, other than these two things and meeting each other’s family, the movie doesn’t have a whole lot of conflict- in other words, it depicts a good relationship that is blossoming and blooming without drama. A relationship without drama is a good sign! That’s actually what I love about this movie. Even Adachi being sent to Nagasaki for 8 months served to make him more responsible and take on more responsibility and step up to the plate, and Adachi’s accident (though he wasn’t physically hurt) also served as a reminder of impermanence and just the fact that they didn’t contact Kurosawa upon hearing the news, and that motivated them to take the next step forward to meeting each others’ families to become part of each others’ families. I was almost bracing for some horrible conflict like someone dies, and for me to be left clutching my heart J drama style, but that moment never came- it was smooth sailing and even ended on a wedding- like scene even though I don’t think gay marriage is legal in Japan, well this is an anime story so it’s legal in this world! I love it. I love their romance, their love, their relationship.Cherry Magic gives you something this world rarely offers:
a vision of love without chaos.
No trauma bonding.
No narcissistic hooks.
No ego theatrics.
Just two people who show up for each other without forcing anything.
I saw the power in that and sensed what it means for a relationship to deepen through gentleness instead of crisis.
And because this world is characterized by egoic love, seeing a story that doesn’t do that feels almost unreal, like a parallel world with different physics.
My only gripe is that they didn’t show the two kissing- no smooching needed, just that still kiss they do in the Japanese dramas, but alas there was none. I get that either the actors (especially Eiji Akaso) were uncomfortable with it, or it’s maybe a censor issue in Japan for a same sex couple to kiss? But that’s what we BL fans are here for! That elevator hidden kiss at the end of the series as the doors were closing was iconic. Kurosawa is so badass, and Adachi is so handsome and sweet. Ahhhhh. The lack of overt kissing, the soft, almost shy portrayal of intimacy: Japanese dramas excel at this. They understand that the sacredness of a connection doesn’t need to be shoved in your face. In a way, it keeps the romance suspended in that pure emotional frequency that I love so much, even if part of me wanted just one more quiet kiss to seal the moment.
And it was refreshing to see that the families accepted their son’s partner eventually- they didn’t storm off in a tantrum.. even that part was compassionate and those characters show restraint and emotional maturity. The families in Cherry Magic behaved in a way the world rarely does: they didn’t weaponize shock, they didn’t collapse into melodrama, and they didn’t turn love into a battlefield. They felt the discomfort, processed it, and then chose connection over ego. That restraint, that quiet willingness to grow, carries an emotional dignity I’ve rarely seen reflected in this world. That’s why this pure love lives in an alternate universe and I’m here for that.
For someone who has given up on human love and romance long ago, this Cherry Magic story has turned me into a pile of mush- this is like an alternate reality that shows that in some other reality, this kind of pure love is possible, and I am inspired by that. Daisuki!
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Its fun
Thsi was a cute concept for a plot and i liked the actors. Im slowly catching up on bls from Japan and I really liek all the ones I have seen so far. Apparently this one did well enough to wgy a remake already but I prefer watching originals becasue im usually disappointed in remakes they rarely have the same spark the original series or movie has. I think this is a good series and if your looking for a bl with a good plot not just more bls with bad plots relying on NC to get veiws you will probably like this.Was this review helpful to you?
Movie as flawed as the original drama: BL romance stays too superficial. Missed opportunity!
The movie (in its first half) is kind of a repetition of the drama with not a lot of progress regarding the relationship between the two main characters. Important questions regarding the couple's dynamic and the power of Adachi are never discussed. It could have been so much more if the writer had took this opportunity to approach topic such as power imbalance and consent in a relationship.However, the second part of the film get slightly more profound as it broaches on deeper storylines around the treatment of same sex couple in Japan. Unfortunately, it remains quite superficial and reserved on the subject but at least it lays some good foundation before closing the story. Let's say that it is clearly more "baby-steps" than real LGBTQ+ militancy but it has the merit to exist I suppose.
Similarly to the drama, I had some trouble believing in the alchemy between the two main actors. There are very few believable skinship moments and I felt that the romance was progressing in an unnatural way: sometimes really slowly and some other times too quickly. The relationship was depicted as very pure and modest but that does not justify completely the lack of sparks between the leads.
The film-making was quite standard for the genre but given the release in cinema, it would have been nice to feel a bit more the budget when watching the picture and to have some more eye-catching scenes. The soundtrack did not leave a lasting impression on me, maybe because it was not really present.
I would recommend this to people that are fan of the original drama and are curious of the future of the couple. Do not expect something really deep but if you are up for a sweet BL office romance, this might do it for you!
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Love is all you need - and a good job
Watched the movie after binge watching the series - demonstrates how much I wanted to see what happens to Kurosawa and Adachi, and their friends, too.The first few minutes run through their story from the series. The story here changes timelines and events slightly on the final episode and special.
What was interesting was how work continued to be of importance, and how a couple make decisions for their careers. I, too, worried when a nurse said 'we'd contacted family' and what that might mean.
Adachi's personal growth at work and his love for Kurosawa is here and brings more out of the actor. The chemistry between the two is better than the series, particularly Adachi.
I think some reactions were more positive than expected but it is a feel good drama after all, and it's raising the issues and it's not all easy-going.
Doubt there'll be another part, but would be good to see more of how Kurosawa and Adachi negotiate their relationship in the workplace.
Smiling at the end. Although will point out as of early 2025, same sex marriage Inc marriage abroad is not recognised in Japan. A 2024 court case in Sapporo thought something different of the constitution compared to some cases in 2023. Same sex certificates can be obtained in some prefectures.
Well acted, some beautiful landscapes, cosy, friendly or enclosed interiors as fitted the protagonists. Worth a watch for a slice of life with a same sex couple deepening their bond.
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More of the drama
If you love the drama you’ll love the movie, it feels like a long episode of the tv show. I’m glad that their story finally ends and has a good and satisfying ending. It still has issues like the second couple still not being my favourite and no kisses between the leads but otherwise it’s amazing. There’s parts like coming out to the workplace that I would’ve wanted but they didn’t have enough time to explore.Was this review helpful to you?
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A very good watch, but...
I adored, absolutely adored Cherry Magic from episode 1 to 12, and when the film was announced, I was ever so excited that we were going to get a continuation. But the very first thing that happens in the film is that we find out that, basically, the end of episode 12 is no longer canon, and Kiyoshi never lost his magic like originally stated. It almost felt like a cheap way for them to write a plot for the film, by saying "let's completely forget about that whole thing about him having lost the magic on Christmas so we can turn it into a film". Early on, that didn't leave a very good impression on me, and it was a little saddening considering the quality of the original series.Don't get me wrong, I'm very glad we got a film. It was very well-produced and the acting was stellar not just from the two main leads but the side characters, too. However, the plot felt very thin throughout a large portion of the film, and it dragged down my overall score by a bit, sadly. There were a lot of things that felt rushed, some things skipped that I wish hadn't been because it didn't make sense to cut them out (why didn't we get to see Yuuichi and Kiyoshi say goodbye before the scene suddenly cuts to Kiyoshi in Nagasaki?). It wasn't as if the film lacked direction, but the execution fell short quite a few times and the scenes didn't feel as impactful/meaningful as I think they could have.
I really appreciated the 'angstier' scenes and how they were directed, and by association the acting we saw on screen during them. Keita Machida never ceases to amaze me with his talent; I truly felt for and with Yuuichi thanks to Machida bringing him to life in such a great way. Similarly, Eiji Akaso does a great job of showcasing Kiyoshi's growth in the film which is one of the bigger things I appreciated with this film, the fact that Kiyoshi got to have his flaws and then do his best to work on them for his own and also Yuuichi's sake. They showed affection in whatever way they were allowed to (guessing it might be a similar situation as it was with the series and how that ended on that 'kiss' as the lift doors closed) and you could still feel their love for each other even if it was portrayed kind of tamely at times. The actors did the best with what they were given, and they did great.
Overall, will I still say that this is worth watching? Yes, of course. If you liked the series, then you should watch the film. But I think it's good to go into it with lowered expectations, which is hard to say because I personally went in with *high* expectations because of how great the series was/is. Sad to say that the film doesn't have the same quality and magic (forgive the pun) as the prequel series does.
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