Host Sozokushi Chaimashita (2023)

The characters are amazing, the story is mid. Worth watching tho

Great overall! Kind of harem-like romance but make it not annoying & realistic and you'll get this show exactly. The plot is there too, obviously, although sometimes a bit too predictable.
Big green flags I'd like to specifically point out:
- a bunch of different host characters for all those tropes you know but real-life versions;
- supporting characters have decent backstories and are actually interesting;
- LGBT representation done properly (pleasant surprise!);
- female MC is actually well-written and likable;
- Yagi Yusei as one of the MCs (I may be biased but guys, he's SO good, bless the casting managers)

However, sometimes I couldn't shrug off the weird feeling I'm watching a manga adaptation (despite it not being one). The camera angles, the storytelling patterns, some of the acting, even the plot itself was a bit too 2D for me. My guess is that at the end of the day, a harem-like host-club series would be inspired by mostly 2D tropes. It's not a big problem but something to keep in mind - if you're into more serious stuff you might get uncomfortable.

And just like many 2D works, the romance is thrilling, some moments are EXTREMELY cute, some are kinda hot, you get those butterflies for sure, but in the end plot-wise it's as predictable as always. I'm not leaving any spoilers here, but I'm pretty sure AT LEAST HALF of people will NOT like the ending.

Still, I do recommend it, it's fun in its simplicity and easy to watch. The tension is just right but I also didn't feel too anxious about stopping in the middle, aching to watch the next episode, so in case you don't have enough time to watch it one go, have no worries!

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The struggle of watching a drama when you can't stand the male lead actor.

I do not like Shohei , the male lead as an actor. I hated the fact that he had so much screentime. I wished I could have just fast forwarded all his scenes; unfortunately , I would be missing the plot. However, I like the lead actress ( loved her acting in other works), loved the storyline, the ensemble cast so that's why I decided to continue watching even though I cant stand the ML..
Not too familiar with the " host world" so this drama was also educational in some kinds of way .
I loved the camaraderie, how we got to hear more about the life of all the hosts and how they ended there. Great acting for the whole cast, great fun drama . I also loved how the FL finally found something to do in her life that she really loved. It's never too late. I didn't care for all the past stories about the FL and ML bc once again I cannot stand the ML and that whole kids-adults storyline first love is so played out.

Very happy for the female lead as she doesn't have a lot of leading roles; she's always a support role in a few J dramas I've watched so this was great 👏👏👏.
Watch it if you want to see a female lead growth, camaraderie, friendship, learn more about something different ( host).

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