Not too much of a Hype
There was a lot of Hype for the drama, and I thought lets see what its about. Although my score is low, its not too say that it was bad or anything, its just for me it was not what I would normal get into, because it was good, except, not very memorable for me. Old Fashion Cupcake is a mini little office series about two workers falling in love and finding it at their, "old ages".I only put "Old Ages" in quotation marks cause I don't consider either of them too old for love, especially Togawa. But one thing I appreciate about this series is that we do get to see an older love story, which is very rare to receive in a BL, I also liked the fact the you walked away feeling that love is out is there for everyone despite the stigma of you are too old to love and why should find it, and why a younger person etc .... so for me that was done really well.
I didn’t find it enough entertaining to give it more than a 4.5. The story was kind of boring and very predictable, but I think that was due to the short number of episodes. but this one wasn’t that bad, even though I felt little to no chemistry between the two main actors. Overall it’s a good show, I would recommend it just because you can easily finish it in one sitting.
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One word.... Bittersweet
I think this is becoming a Japanese series thing... the series are never bad but they aren't amazing too, they're always in the middle,The main characters were sort of annoying, especially Nozue, he was too obsessed with work and with the fact he was almost 40, that really annoys me.
Togawa, is just like the series I loved it and hated it, he was so hot an so cute, he was totally in love with Nozue, but he was also too much in love, he kinda creep me out when he gave that neck kiss to Nozue while he was sleeping, that was really strange...
The kissing scene was good, I liked the way Nozue's actor didn't closed his eyes during the kiss, it showed the mixed feelings of the character at that moment.
Overall the series wasn't bad as I said before, but that are a lot of things that could have been so much better if they had change some little things in it.
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Beautiful.
This show is so beautiful. Beautiful visually and artistically, beautiful story and emotion, beautiful romance and connection.Nozue yearns to feel the joy and emotions that he (at first) believes only young girls get to feel. Togawa shows him how he can feel the great and vast emotions of life. Togawa's yearning for Nozue was shown so well through the acting, story, and visual presentation that I could feel it in my heart. The way Nozue longs to be with Togawa is a bit more understated in contrast, but equally as beautiful. The way they convey the complicated feelings that arise with frustration with gender norms, and queer romance is so well done.
The story and writing are lovely. Although some common BL/romance tropes are used, it is done in a way that feels refreshing and avoids the staleness and predictability that the tropes can easily fall into. The dialogue and chemistry between the two leads had me completely hooked. Even with the short length of the series, it did not feel rushed or shallow. Watching their connection grow through each episode was such a treat ;).
The camerawork, coloring, lighting, and music are wonderful. Very well done and do a great job of portraying the feeling of each scene. Just beautiful filmmaking, man.
If you are a BL enjoyer or even just a romance enjoyer, I'd say this is a must-watch.
BTW there's also a short epilogue (Old Fashion Cupcake Epilogue: Apple Pie) that is a lovely treat to watch after, but I must warn you it is a bit bittersweet as you will be dying for more content afterward.
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Most of us who have already passed the age of fourty will probably concur that this age does feel like a threshold. Whether your kids are starting to leave home (or will do so soon) or your parents start to need your help (or pass away even) -- suddenly, you notice that you are no longer young and chances are that the years ahead will be fewer than the years already behind.Add to that the comfortable days you are living -- you finally settled into your job and know your role, days have a predictable routine. You think you know yourself, what you want and what you fear.
Youth seems like a dim memory, something you are no longer allowed to have.
But Kozue is lucky. He gets a Togawa, and is able to rediscover his own self, and find new passion for life (and for love). This story is told concisely, never rushed. No scene, no line of dialogue, no gesture is unecessary. Both leads and the supporting actors act with precision.
Browns and greys, shades and dim lighting are contrasted with bright spring greens and the lovely crisp spring sun -- Colours, light and shadows play an important role in this drama, if you care to look for it.
Follow the colour, the sets, the acting, which gets increasingly tight, tense and even oppressive -- the tension rises, until Togawa reaches his breaking point -- and it seems as if things are broken. Everything is grey and brownish again, but changed. Spots of light and colour show how Nozue's life has already changed -- but wouldn't it be brighter and livelier with Togawa in it?
Even after watching this lovely series more than a few times, I haven't found anything that I don't like -- it's that excellent!
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Should be called Old Fashion Pancakes
This should have been called Old Fashion Pancakes, Lol. The best thing about this drama is definitely the dialogue, it was different than what you normally get in other BLs, I really enjoyed their flirty convos, it felt fresh and refreshing.This drama was way too short and had some scenes that could have been cut out to show us more of the main characters, this series started with so much angst and tension but it was just killed off midway instead of transitioning into proper romance after self discovery and self acceptance. I have had this on my list for awhile, I’m glad I finally watched it but it’s not something I would rewatch as I feel I didn’t get any pay off from all those angst.
Rewatch value 3/10
Overall 7.5/10
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Drama that i wish have more episode.
Even though it's just 5 episodes with 20+ mins each, the plot paced quite nicely and was enjoyable. The story is fast-paced but there is no jump in the scene that makes you confused about the story, and the acting between the two ML is so nice and didn't have awkwardness, their chemistry is activated.The character development was done nicely and still has a little bit of drama that makes your heart wrenched.
After all, it's a cute and fun story that I wish to have a much longer episode.
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Nozue acting like he’s 39 going on 80
Nozue acting like he’s 39 going on 80The whole plot was based on Nozues old age. Bro is 39. He just doesn’t use an iPhone or an updated phone. Even when he gets one, old man don’t know how to use it.
Both actors look good together.
It was a good show. Short and sweet. I think it there was more romance my rating would be higher. Other than that it was pretty cute.
Overall rating, 8.5/10. Pretty good and short.
I am sorry if there are any grammatical errors. English is my first language, I’m just bad at it.
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Adorable Little BL
**Brief Synopsis**B (Manager): Nozue
T (Employee): Togowa
B is T's manager and spends most of his time doing the same thing over and over again. His life changes however when B invites him out to diner. T somehow agrees and they start spending more and more time together. They grew closer as a result, with B even inviting T to his apartment. After a while, T finally confesses and B refuses initially. But realizing he doesn't want to go back to normal boss employee relationship with T, be runs after him and confesses. The series ends with them together.
**My Opinion**
WHAT I LIKED ABOUT IT
- Fluffy feel good BL with lovable characters. I loved the main couple, they look so cute together.
- The pacing is good. Not too slow and not too fast.
- Acting is good as well, very convincing acting and successfully conveyed the affection between the two characters.
WHAT I DIDNT LIKE ABOUT IT
- Way too short. Would have loved to see more of their daily life.
- Full of cliche but because the story is cute, this can be forgiven.
**Conclusion**
Short, feel good show.
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Unsatisfactory Aspects: Lack of Fluency, Character Connection, and Passion"
It's hard to say what didn't satisfy me. In general, there seemed to be a problem with fluency. I couldn't connect with the characters. The dialogues were really good, but it seemed as if the dialogues should have felt more passionate, but they couldn't.Nozue's acting was not as good as Togawa. In fact, I could only feel Togawa's emotions, but even that was not enough.
In the last two episodes, the story accelerated and Nozue made a decision too quickly. Knowing that he was someone who had such a hard time getting out of his comfort zone, what he did didn't seem convincing to me. (Especially going from not even being able to pat someone on the head to suddenly chasing after them and dropping big words – that was seriously inconsistent.)
And it's like they don't really drink the drinks. Are they just pretending to drink or is it just me?
As a result, it could have been much more impressive, but it was not. I know that the reasons for the high score are that it is a Japanese series, it has an emotional atmosphere, the shots are good (I didn't like the exploding window lights) and it gives off that high-quality production vibe, but still, I gotta admit, it didn't do it for me.
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Beautiful. Subtle. Great Acting and Overall Vibe
Honestly, why did I not watch this before? Japanese series always have an X factor that touches the heartstrings.They are sweet yet sublime.
This story too have no heavy plot but the soft slice-of-life moves you. The little unusual thing maybe is that the subordinate actively yet respectfully pursuing their boss who is the love interest. There is a power imbalance here.
Nozue is the easygoing boss and Togawa his subordinate has an age difference of 10 years. Togawa is both extremely respectful and also infatuated about his boss. Nozue may have left all of his hopes and wishes as he is getting older (he will be in his forties) because he is alone, he has a comfortable position in his job and is also scared to venture out into more challenging places. He feels empty. Togawa comes in and tries to help him in many funny yet relatable ways.
The actors are amazing at their roles. The cinematography is commendable. The script is very well written. The director has done a great job (and this is directed by a woman) . The music is great.
And the food. Japanese love their food and never shy away from proudly showcasing them in their media.
There are only 5 episodes but it has given me peace. I loved this.
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The plot is simple but beautiful. I love when BL series have protagonists older, since the majority of them are with people in their twenties, queer people exist in all ages and we don't have so much representation of older queer people.
Since it's a Japanese work, they tend to follow 2 paths: Very camp or more melancholy. This is a little melancholy, but just a little, and in some points about age, life, and work. In general, it's refreshing.
Both actors are extremely good, their performance was amazing and intense. It looks so real.
The photography it's beautiful, it's probably one of the most beautiful confession scenes that I have ever seen, both aesthetically and in the dialogue.
That's such an work of art.
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Not really memorable
I like it. nice and wholesome, and some of the stuff was relatable. I like the dynamic between the two and the confession scenes (both of them), and I added half a star because I like it a lot and it made me gush. I don't remember this one too well, so it wasn't that good, but it also wasn't that bad. The kiss was really cute, though, and I remember it vividly. The story was good, and so was the acting. The music wasn't memorable, and I probably won't rewatch it. It wasn't bad though. The credits are rolling, and I liked it. Peace!Was this review helpful to you?
