This review may contain spoilers
YAMATO REACHED MY HEART
I am into a Genre of BL's Like this ! I have not watched every Japaneses BL out there but I must say Japanese BL has this different vibe also that no other BL's can give, well as far as I know BL originally started at Japan so everything made sense that they can easily get me with when it comes to BL's and of this kind of genre.The story is common, like childhood friends to lovers, but you know what I like here is, they went straight to the point, beginning it with Yamato secretly admiring Kakeru and so on, no idle moment, I liked how Yamato pronounces Kakerus name ! like OMG I am so Jealous !, right from there I was caught , like no way ! They got me ! I gave up! this is my weak point in BL.
So the cute reactions are remarkable, at the mall scene where the Yamato taken a stuffed toy for Kakeru , it was so cute, kakeru did not know why he did not give the stuffed toy to the girl, but he just kept it because he knew Yamato is special to him as well ! and it was so adorable ! Kakerus reactions are so cute and I just really had fun watching this guy, I liked their interactions to each other ! specially when Kakeru first realized that maybe the one Yamato likes is him when Yamato was being asked at the moment when they were still at the mall ! and he was right !
The interruptions of Yamato's confession is annoying but I find it funny more than annoyed ! I thought it really made sense because as the title of this show says, the story goes through it, so I just watched how this show will elaborate the title , and it was great ! I am not disappointed ! everything made sense, what I thought was right ! When Kakeru was with his mother and younger brother at the mall again, I enjoyed the scene there when Yamato hugged Kakeru , everything was so cute because I don't know why , when Yamato says something to kakeru, Kakeru says Yamato's name ! the way Kakeu say's it like OMG ! I was shouting all the time ! , it was funny that this drama has so many realization part and the suddenly running back to their lover, but it was cute as I say it just all made sense. I just loved these guys interactions to one another , like the sudden close faces , the indirect saying that they like each other, the jealousy parts waaa this is so much good vibes every minute I watched it so so fun, Just to add Yamato's sister was so cute also, she give a very anime vibe , her character is someone who always appear out of nowhere and it was so cute and fun to watch, so glad that she was that supportive to her brother.
The blonde hair Hosaka is my favorite wing man here , like he was a master, I thought I was going to be annoyed of him, but if it wasn't for him, Yamato wouldn't realize to confess to Kakeru , also he helped Kakeru to understand Yamato's POV, he is such an important player here ! Expert wing man ! kudos to you !
I was so happy that they have enough kissing scene here , my favorite part is when Yamato first confesses to Kakeru on their trip, I was annoyed at first because Yamato is so weak at expressing his feeling but thankfully he realized he had to confess, and when he did ! OMG he kissed Kakeru waaaaa , and then he fainted HAHAHA that moment was so funny and cute, that shows how afraid he is to confess OMG he is such a baby ! and the Kissing scene at the nurses room at the school I don't know what you call that room, it was so cute and I was so jealous I want to experience this romance also waaa .. The kissing is just right, just enough for a high school romance drama requires , so love it !
Yamato is so charming ! he was also the reason why I really had to watch the show even if I had to sleep 3am ! HAHAHAh , even when he went to so many things just to reach Kakeru's heart, he has reached mine !
So glad I watched this show, it was on point, everything made sense, I had so so much fun and enjoyed every episode, I just hoped it was longer, I hope I'd see these boys on another BL show again and most specially Yamato! and It is really nice how they ended this show where, when you fall inlove, you always want to be better for the person you love, it is true and it is so nice and sweet and romantic, Kakeru improved a lot in his grades when he got together with Yamato.. true love is when you grow together as a person. so Yeah that's all I probably have to re watch this many times ♥♥♥
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Simple cute summer love story
Standard childhood friends to lovers story with great chemistry between the leads, catchy ost, and pastel sweet cinematography.It's not a story that hasn't been done a thousand times before but what I guess sets them apart that it's treated like a love story and not a bl. It explores mature topics like how much communication is important and supposed societal norms. My only qualm is that it's too short which is a good thing in a way that it doesn't create a lot of drama but it also deprives from all the possibilities and potential it could have. For example, I felt like kakeru kinda accepted the whole relationship thing a bit too quickly in my opinion.
But still it's a really sweet, beautiful story. I wish there would be a season 2.
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Don't waste your time
Getting through the last 4 episodes of this was legitimately painful. Every episode is the same thing, they begin to talk and then something interrupts them. This will happen 5 times in a 20 minute span. The skinship is forced. The romance is low stakes. Nothing felt like it actually mattered. I don't recommend this at all!Was this review helpful to you?
Good Starter Japanese BL ??
I just discovered this show a few days ago on Netflix and I got hooked as soon as I watched the first episode ! The story is nothing special it’s two best friends in high school who eventually fall in love. Things get complicated through miscommunication so nothing new is really brought to it, but everything else is cute. It’s cute seeing the ups and down of trying to go through close platonic relationship to romantic. The leads especially the guys who play Yamato and Kekeru have such ease with their relationship on screen. The only Japanese BL I’ve watched was Cherry Magic and this made me wanna check out more Japanese BL. This is a good starter BL to get that is light fluff and the story is on the lighter sideWas this review helpful to you?
IT’S LITERALLY BEAUTIFUL Y’ALL
[DISCLAIMER]My ratings are not overrated, I mean them. Based on what have been released so far and compare to all previous Japanese BLs I’ve seen.
My ratings could still change since it’s ongoing… but so far, this is my cup of tea! I’d definitely recommend it!
[ACTUAL REVIEW]
Ep. 1-3
This is by far, the most satisfying Japanese BL series I’ve seen. Like considering the “entirety” of the drama (Acting, Actors, Script, Music, Setting, Videography, Location, Plot, etc.)
And I think it just makes sense, cause it’s a new one. I mean, they probably have learned a lot from the previous Japanese BL releases or BL in general. Here you could see them do things better when it comes to acting, script, and so on.
I’m not gonna talk about the “what could’ve gone better” (just yet) cause honestly I couldn’t think of any on top of my head right now. And I want my reviews to only focus on what’s good as much as possible, cause sometimes the imperfections could make something perfect the way it is.
But if it’s really lacking that it’s need to be voiced out so they could improve in the future (constructive feedback) then that’s the only time I tend to say something. So far, this one is really good that I’d recommend it and would rewatch it. (I actually have seen all three episodes twice while waiting lol)
They picked the right actors for the right story in the perfect timing!
I like it so much that I don’t get frustrated for having to wait every week and only get 1 episode released. In fact, I don’t want it to end yet. It only has 8 eps which is sad. And it’s not even completely out yet but I’m already hoping for a Season 2!
[UPDATED REVIEW AFTER EP. 4]
I’m afraid this would top all the Japanese BLs I’ve seen… or BLs in general (?) I mean, hear me out. We’re only at Ep. 4 but the amount of BUTTERFLIES and SATISFACTION I receive was ALREADY MORE than from watching an entire series 🤧 I think the best term to decribe it is it’s “BEAUTIFUL”. It may sound cliche or like an understatement, but it’s literally the epitome of a beautiful feel-good drama.
Beautiful story. Beautiful portrayals. Beautiful acting. Beautiful faces. Beautiful cinematography. Beautiful script. Beautiful directing. It checks ALL THE BOXES.
If only I could pay to watch all the episodes ahead of time, I swear, I’d gladly do that.
The rewatch value of this is still HIGH for me. I could already see myself watching it again in one go once it’s completed.
**Please come back here every week for updated feedback**
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Very fluffy, comforting BL, would recommend if you're done watching Eternal Yesterday
•StoryVery simple but adorable BL about a popular but anti-social person inlove with his bestie, an unpopular but outgoing sunshine. This story focuses on the confusion and flutters they feel inlove with someone for the first time.
•Acting
I've seen many people that I know that says that the acting in this drama is shit, awkwardness is off the charts and they dont have chemistry. Y'all have never watched J-dramas or something? They focus on realism and they're meant to be that awkward. It's how we act in real life. It's an incredibly rare occurrence in this daily life to see some kind of boss and secretary have THE sexual tension that K-dramas be showing. The male leads in this drama are still highschoolers, they're still young and innocent. So don't expect them to be the most seductive couple ever.
•Cast
Kentaro as Yamato and Haru as Kakeru is perfect! It's accurate(especially the height difference lelelel) Also love how they made Leo as Yui, the role suits him well.
•Music
The OST is so 😩🔥 I hear it like all the time now. The meaning is also really sweeeet(like 'I want to draw a colourful world and an expanding future together' AHHHHH) also is it just me or are their voices are like the PERFECT Japanese band voice?
•Rewatch value
I would totally rewatch this anytime I want. It's good to watch when I'm feeling sad or something.
•Overall
Would totally recommend if you're into these type of dramas!
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YOU SHOULD WATCH THIS
Despite being a generic story, it was very interesting to watch. I loved the music and the actors in the scenes. The slow-motion parts made me laugh and added a lighthearted comedic effect. I really appreciated how it delved into overthinking and nervousness, which are highlights that happen in the real world. I found it relatable and entertaining, so I would definitely watch it again.Was this review helpful to you?
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Full of Happiness
One of the best BL I've ever seen!!The story-line, handsome and cute actors, emotions, humors, beautiful scenes, sweetness, you have them all.
Sometimes less is more, the pure affection between them is fascinating! The struggles they faced in the story are also relatable.
No unnecessary villains, good chemistry and happy ending are great for a good BL for me.
I've enjoyed every episode of this series, simple and direct, feeling full of happiness while watching it!
It is sure one of the best BL from Japan!
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And It Did Not Quite Reach Me
It is so well written and so well produced and has such adorable moments, I just wondered why I was not more moved by it. And ironically, who captured my heart were two individuals that were supporting characters, both showing more personality and more gravitas than the two main actors. In addition, with the theme of this story having been done so frequently, it has lost its mojo, so to speak because it just did not stand out enough. The friends-to-lovers-in-high-school is so overdone, that there is nothing creative about the premise anymore. I was only entertained at the beginning and at the end of this saga. I loved the two supporting characters the most as they gave this story a sense of purpose and direction and they filled the middle of this story. However, the theme of this story has become too trite to be interesting anymore. I really wanted to like this series more. Sigh.You can read my full review of this series at BLBliss.com
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The Must Watch Young Love Story
I normally steer away from school romances, but this one took me by surprise with its chemistry and I have since rewatched it 3X. Outstanding production, pacing, direction and acting. The two male leads, while fairly new in their acting careers, display maturity and natural talent well beyond many peers. Haru in particular is extraordinary for his first acting role at age 18, and promises to be both a well regarded comic and serious actor in the decade to come. Maeda showcases a full range of intensity from anguish to complete joy, constantly a sheer delight to watch, and this reviewer believes he is destined to become one of Japan's Thinking Actors, akin to Satoh Takeru or Watanabe Ken.Special mention for Leo Matsumoto, who elevates key scenes and adds depth to his support role and Itakura Toshiyuki who brightens the show with humour, as the teacher who relishes handing out detention to bright but lazy students.
Music: Fast paced, lively soundtrack and a gentle acoustic score that lifts the beautiful moments, based on J-pop and performed at times in carefully curated half and quarter tempo. Keep the Shazam nearby and you'll have some wonderful additions for your Spotty!
Translating manga faithfully to live drama is always tricky and there are a couple of overused tropes but the entire series, just 2.5 hours, makes for magical viewing. Enjoy.
Well done Netflix Asia, for promoting this series and please keep syndicating the fantastic Japanese content.
Thank you for reading! Follow to be notified of future reviews! ~ Fumiyawagi
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This review may contain spoilers
The plot was a very standard best friends to lovers kind of story. We follow two high school boys, Ashiya Kakeru and Ohara Yamato, that have been friends since they were little, we see how their relationship changes, as they starts to struggle with his feelings for each other. They have this black cat and golden retriever dynamics. Yamato is the calmer one, the more reserved and not so friendly one. Kakeru is the more outgoing one, the more approachable and more hyperactive one.
Yamato falls first, he had been in love with Kakeru for years but never dared to confess his feelings as he didn’t want to risk losing what the two had, as such, he believes that as long as Kakeru is happy then he, as his friend, would be too. But as Kakeru starts to show interest in dating, Yamato starts to struggle with feelings of jealousy. Kakeru remains oblivious to those feelings until it basically hit him in the face. He was always convinced the two could only be friends, however now he was forced to face the possibility.
They embodied the feelings, uncertainty, clumsiness and beauty of young love. They casted these two perfectly and it’s almost like they jumped out from the pages of the manga. Both main leads fit and played the role perfectly! I was even a little surprised that Maeda Kentaro took on this role, as he has already starred in a few dramas and doesn’t actually need the BL hype. There is something about Japanese drama's 'awkward' acting that makes the scenes authentic. This is how we are in real life, and the way they talked to each other makes you really feel like you are watching something more real.
I also loved Hisaka Yui’s character, he was such a supportive friend to Yamato, he was the best wingman for sure and it was overall just a very good portrayal of a healthy friendship, at times he seemed to know everything, he was like the master you go to for answers in the martial art stories.
Yamato’s sister as well, her character was also another very supportive character that helped both main characters come to terms with what they were feeling at times, her character was truly very well written. The rest of the friend group was also very good overall.
When it comes to the visuals of the series, many scenes were too bright to the point of slightly blurring out the details and the faces. Some cuts between the scenes were also a bit confusing. There was also an overwhelming amount of slow-motion scenes. It just felt a bit excessive. The soundtrack was good with a very catchy ending song (which was maybe used a bit too much but that I enjoyed nevertheless each time it was played). The production value of the show was pretty good as well with some nice school moments very well captured. The actor who played the teacher was very good, I could not hold my laugh back whenever he showed up to scold Kakeru for his bad grades.
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Romance entre amigos de infância gays
Amei como eh mostrado que o Yamato sempre soube o que sentia, mas quando sente ciumes ou é correspondido ele não sabe lidar, como o Kakeru entendeu que o Yamato gostava dele e percebeu que tava tudo bem gostar de volta, tudo tão leve e bonito, um dorama fofinho. Além de mostrar que a Mikoto aceitou o irmão de primeira, porque amor de verdade eh issoAlém de ser extremamente rapidinho de ver, fácil de entender e bem distribuído! Eles fizeram história com apenas 2h e pouco e um sonho! Se o dorama foi bom assim, nem imagino o mangá!! No aguardo da segunda temporada!!!
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