a unique living room drama with a lot of heart
I went into this show confused, as in I had gotten the false impression that this was a show about a man struggling with depression. And while it's not Not that... it turns out this is not the show that the tumblr gifsets showed me. I was really happy with what this show was though! Circular, slow, and domestic, what I truly loved about this show was how unique and unchanging the characters were. Very little changes about their situation throughout the show, but their understanding and point of view is completely different. Each episode is compelling and complete, despite it's bite-sized run time. It's simple, but it works really well.-The Full Review-
STORY:
I love this story. The characters are so unique and their problems are unique to them. Several times throughout the course of the series there's the set up for an event that 99% of the world would fine completely mundane (like working with a friend a coffee shop), that the audience knows is going to be a disaster because of these two people's personalities. It's not just very fun, it's great character work. Everything feels hand-tailored to this story and this story alone.
I also truly love how understated the story, and particularly the ending of the story, is. The story fits the characters created by it and the amount of growth they've gone through in the series. It never takes the Romantic, quick fix when it's clear the characters are not ready to admit their true feelings. It's frustrating, but in a satisfying way that gives the conflict depth and truth. And it allows the ending scene to shine so brightly despite it's simplicity.
ACTING:
For the most part, I was really impressed by the acting in this series! It's pretty hard to successfully pull off characters who are so closed off and keep things so close to their chest. Both actors did a wonderful job of letting that armor crack occasionally, and showing what was brewing underneath. They built a very natural, despite the unusual circumstances, chemistry with each other that drove the entire story.
I also really appreciated the humor and energy that Manju added to the story. No part of the story really drags, but her energy and light really carries the show through the sadder and more emotional moments without becoming mired in the sadness. She played well with both leads, revealing sides of their personality that the other had never seen before.
PRODUCTION:
This was a really simple show, but all the elements of production worked together quite nicely. I think the real star of the show here is the lighting, which effortless transforms a basic apartment from something simple, to some stifling and cold, to some warm and homey over and over again as the leads clash and come to understandings. The costume design was also excellent, playing a huge role in softening Segasaki, especially in his younger years.
INTIMACY:
While the NC scenes were well done and used purposefully, I loved how what really shined in this show was the casual intimacy they clearly lacked in the beginning of the show. The most vulnerable and intimate scenes--the bath scene, Yoh getting drunk and clingy, early morning cuddling before they were both really awake--were both rare and startling in their softness.
I also really loved how many different types of intimacy were portrayed in such a short run time, with very little judgement on any of them. Particularly, the note about sex and misery (despair? can't remember the exact wording?) going hand-in-hand was a breath of fresh air. Each scene of intimacy felt specific, purposeful, and tailored to these specific characters. Very well done.
In all, I had a great time with this series and highly recommend it! They did so much justice to this premise and this script, and clearly put a huge amount of care into the series.
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This review may contain spoilers
Classic Toxic Yaoi
It’s definitely very reminiscent of like early 2000s toxic yaoi lol.Pros
-The leads have insanely good chemistry
-Solid acting
-Utilizes one of my favorite filming techniques of just letting more intimate or emotional scenes breathe. No music, no sound effects, just a quiet and raw moment. *chefs kiss*
Cons
-The ML is domineering, manipulative and controlling.
-Textbook example of an abusive relationship. The ML is extremely controlling over the MCs life. He doesn’t want him having friends and consistently tries to isolate him from the outside world. When he’s not being controlling, he’s being physically aggressive by constantly being rough with MC (grabbing his face, manhandling him, literally pushing him around). Like yikes
-Seriously, he is like every red flag
-And then they pull the “oh well MC secretly kinda likes it”. Bro, I will throw up right here and right now.
-My least favorite trope is also used constantly: Complete lack of communication. Just SPEAK to each other, it would literally solve like 50% of your problems (the other 50% is MLs terrible personality…)
Do I regret watching it? No lol it was fairly entertaining. If you have a partner like ML should you run for the hills? Yes. Luckily this is fiction
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One of the best BL's I've seen
The chemistry of the two ML's grabbed me by the throat right from episode one, and it didn't let go right up to the end.The acting was fantastic!!
The NC scenes were on fire!!
The music was the perfect complement to the show.
Story:
An unsuccessful manga artist accepts a deal from his old college senior who is now a successful TV meteorologist: he'll move in with the meteorologist and be supported by him while trying to build up a manga writing career, and in exchange, he'll do whatever the meteorologist wants. His "duties" include housework, laundry, and cooking. They also "sleep" together.
The meteorologist is very brusque and somewhat autocratic, sending the manga artist text messages instructing him which meals to cook for dinner, and talking very little.
The manga artist goes along with it all. In the beginning, the sexual component of their relationship shocked him. With time, he grew to not only like it but to anticipate it. Eventually, he realizes two things: 1- the meteorologist is finicky and annoying. And 2- he's fallen for him-bad. All of which means that the poor manga artist is royally screwed.
And that's how the show opens.
Make no mistake, this is not dubious consent nor r*pe. I strongly disagree with commenters who've called it so. Or those who've called the meteorologist toxic. The manga artist is able to say "no" and any time and doesn't. Although surprised and taken aback at first, he does choose to go along with what's happening and comes to the realization that he likes it, and has from the start. He liked the meteorologist in college but didn't understand his feelings. The meteorologist liked the manga artist in college but never shared his feelings.
The crux of this show is the manga artist suffering through "unrequited love" and being very closed-off emotionally towards the meteorologist, despite always following his wishes and orders.
And the meteorologist being completely gaga over the manga artist but never clearly saying it; only showing it in ways that completely go above the poor manga artist's head. AKA two clueless idiots in love LOL.
They have a ton (and I mean A TON) of misunderstandings.
But they are both so cute and loveable. And the comedy is top tier. So you're left laughing, crying, and rooting for them all at the same time, without the frustrated feeling usually invoked when heavier dramas follow similar plotlines.
This show is very lighthearted. The comedic moments are plentiful and pulled off very, very well.
My one complaint is the ending. The actual final moments of the show. We get to see the happily ever after. But (spoiler!!!) they don't actually say it clearly. The words they say heavily imply how they feel and they say it to each other. And their actions show that they are both finally open and honest with each other. But still! I like my endings wrapped up and tied neatly with a bow. This show didn't give me that. But this show was one giant tease right from episode one, so who am I to complain that they stayed true to character right up to the end? LOL
Anyway, I loved loved loved this show. And highly recommend it. <3
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Toxic Yet Enjoyable Cautionary Tale...
This is pretty much what you get when you take one mr timid, and one mr popular and put them in the same spot make them fall in love or lust or what not... In a drama where the assumptions do all the talking. Basically having these two live toghter as a spouses/Slave-Master/Kiddnapper-Kidnapee without actually communicating with each other at all, ever...Letting nes imagination run wild and so on...All surrounded by rain, sunshine, and beautiful umbrellas... Umbrellas that should be red to represent the flags our male lead has but are kind of transparent holographic instead.
That said this was a very entertaining watch, with some fun lines more a record in misunderstanding steamy (pretty much everything) and while I do believe this should be seen as a cautionary tale rather then a romance I did manage to find some good in every single character and even kind of fall in love with mr. timids best friend.
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This review may contain spoilers
WEIRD & TWISTED BUT A SWEET LOVE ! :)
What I have observed is, MBS Network brings New but Weird concepts for dramas especially BLs, either there will be a character with twisted personality or an odd storyline.(Are such Mangas, different but with refreshing themes, chosen for drama adaptations deliberately to seek the attention of the audience or just a coincidence? Haha)
Anyways, even such twisted stories or odd characters too, find beautiful True Love finally, such stories are executed very well as a drama n that makes me to love their BL dramas :)
(U can check their list of BL dramas. Almost every drama has one odd point in it but is a hit with 8+ rating :) )
Such stories are Extremes, either U LOVE them even being peculiar or HATE for all the nonsense n toxicity, haha
That said, even this drama depicts a Story of Two problematic characters.
***** STORY:
The Story revolves around only two characters -- Two extreme introverts, who act immature or obsessive, can not communicate their feelings clearly and with dangerous levels of own assumptions n prejudices.
A Story of Love and Emotional bond between two such persons.
This drama proves that even such extreme reserved people can fall in love deeply with each other and have a Happy Ending (though troubled n bumpy throughout the journey).
This couple proved that deep love can exist between twisted personalities too, who usually take a negative meaning of anything and everything, even when love is expressed in a positive way.
This negativity is all bcz that the love expressed in actions, is indirect. Though in deep love, they really can't express it directly in words n that is the greatest drawback in their relationship.
It looks like a Master - Slave relationship but No. It's an Unrequited Love from both their points of view.
(God, these babies! Eye rolls, Haha)
Each of them, thinks the other doesn't reciprocate their love and this confusion happens only bcz of Zero or No Open Communication in their relationship, Wrong Own Assumptions & Lack of Transparency in their thoughts with each other.
This confusion continues throughout the drama to the extent that irritates the viewer, haha.
Also, this Master - Slave relationship looks toxic but in the end, it is shown as it's their weird way of loving each other, (What !? :O Poor me, for tolerating their twisted love tale till the end n yet enjoying it, haha)
As a viewer, U'll have an extreme Love - Hate relationship with this story.
(Some might find this boring, toxic n may drop this drama while others, like me, though it is toxic, find it cute n love it :) )
*** Just a Fun Thought:
Some PROBABLE EXAGGERATED REACTIONS of the viewers (like me, haha) while watching this drama:
1) Seeing their misunderstandings n lack of communication even over silly topics and getting irritated n tired of watching those misunderstandings repeatedly, U get angry n wanted to scream to their faces saying "Silly Bakas, Just Talk!", haha
2) But then in the next frame, when they are Sweet n Caring, U will be in happy tears seeing them all fluffy :)
(Me, Too much Drama! Hehe)
3) Also as though, One introvert character being silent n unreasonable with overthinking n own assumptions, is not sufficient, the director and the writer gave us two such MLs, OMG! :o
(Haha, this story really creates anxiety issues to the viewers 🤭)
***
Overall, though a Weird n lil Toxic Love bcz of all the Unnecessary Misunderstandings, Assumptions n Zero Open Communication, still I love Segasaki n Yoh ! :)
(Maybe, my PMS moods made me to love this toxic tale!? :O, God! Haha)
Re-watched it many times.
Poor Boys! They are such babies in love complicating everything unnecessarily :)
Silly Bakas! ;)
*****
Direction, Story Writing, Story Narration, Story Progression n Pacing, EVERYTHING NEEDS IMPROVEMENT.
THIS IS LOVELY ONLY BECAUSE OF THE CAST & THEIR PERFORMANCES, else this love story of Zero Communication is impossible to watch.
Cinematography n Production are Cool.
***** ACTORS & CHARACTERS:
Anyways, Segasaki is better and mature than Yoh, though gloomy & introvert like Yoh or faking being social with everyone else at job.
Sega, may not be direct but atleast he tries to express his love indirectly through his actions n unfortunately Yoh takes all such actions of Sega as controlling or obsessive and never tries to show his own love towards Sega :(
Both are Weird enough n Sega is better than Yoh in that weirdness too! :)
Usually, it's boring and frustrating to watch such a relationship which is full of misunderstandings but these TWO ACTORS (Higuchi Kouhei and Mashiko Atsuki) really brought out the quirky eccentric nature of both the characters and their weird love for each other, they brought life to the characters and hence made this drama watchable, tolerable and a lovable one! :)
If the casting to these two roles is different or if the characterization is different, I wouldn't think that I could watch it.
And so the Actors' Performances are AMAZING and done right to their roles!👌🏻
I really want more of their love, only these two actors in these roles.
Though it's a love with misunderstandings and painful but at the times when they are sweet and caring, it's too Fluffy n Hot to watch :)
Their Sweet Moments are Full of Passion and Strong Love :)
(I want more than 8 eps, haha)
Sega n Yoh are so SAME being introverts n yet DIFFERENT - Yoh is too silent n immature while Sega is reasonable n mature at times.
Manju (Yoh's female friend) n her husband are Sweet.
While our boys couple is Hot.
Actor Kouhei (Sega) is cool.
Actress Sayuri (Manju) is pretty.
Actor Atsuki (Yoh) :
Our Hagi (my fav char) from JDrama "How I Attended an All-Guy's Mixer".
His role here is a complete contrast to that role, Hagi.
And Atsuki performed very well in showing the variations in both the roles -- comedic (there) vs introvert (here).
There, he is loud, goofy n a confused funny soul🤭 n here, too silent :/
The actors' chemistry is Natural and Realistic!
Now, Sega n Yoh are one of my fav BL couples just bcz of the actors Kouhei n Atsuki! :)
SEGA -YOH, weirdly, THEY ARE MADE FOR EACH OTHER! 💕
***** SOME MORE RANTING:
This series is saved only by these two Actors and their Amazing & Lovely Chemistry.
Even such Imperfect Story Would Be Perfect, if some of these are made clear in the drama:
1) Why Sega proposed a live-in, instead of a direct love proposal first, that too to our dumb Yoh (who takes his own meanings n misunderstands even when a matter is said directly)?
Maybe a back story from their college days, just one more scene of Sega's thought process when he fell in love with Yoh in college n the reason to make an indirect proposal.
2) During College days, how long they were friends and Now from how long they were dating or living together?
All such time periods, if shown exclusively, it will be clear to the smooth flow of the story and easy to understand their story.
Also if the Ending is made little better, this toxic story would be perfect bcz of good character arc.
But now the Ending gave a vibe that there is absolutely no character development for both the characters :(
****** SPOILER *******
ENDING is lil disappointing bcz they are back to square one :(
They got a Happy Ending and Communication between them is improved a bit in finale (ep 8) but again dropped to level zero, fell back to the starting point n making both of them to do the same mistake - "Lack of communication, only inner voices with own imaginations".
Few important matters n misunderstandings are still left unclear between them n so back to almost zero communication like in the beginning, God! :(
For eg, Yoh n Sega should have cleared that misunderstanding about Manju's Husband :o
If everything is cleared, it would have helped to build Trust with better understanding n avoid any sort of assumptions or misunderstandings further in their relationship.
The FINALE ep gave an INCOMPLETE FEELING as though it is RUSHED to give a RANDOM CLOSURE :(
Their misunderstandings are not clarified, still they have trust issues & obsessive childish behaviour even at the end.
There is No Maturity in their Relationship and absolutely, No Character Growth towards the end that U expect after 8 eps.
Sega is not a person who says "I Love You" in Words but expresses his Love only in his Actions.
Yoh is a person who cannot understand Love expressed in Actions.
Right from the time Sega proposed live-in (in the beginning of the series) and the actions done by Sega out of Pure Love, Yoh took everything as a Master - Slave relationship was proposed by Sega :o :|
N so Now in the end, when Sega with great difficulty, pushed himself to express in words, asked Yoh to stay forever with him, he meant "Love/ Lover" but our dumb Yoh may take it as "Slave" forever..
( God, these two! :|
It's my bad to expect character growth, haha)
This Ending is not like a Happily ever after with all misunderstandings cleared but it's more like a Cliff hanger Ending with temporary happiness with only few issues cleared + still, a lot of misunderstandings + still, lack of communication, jst like how they were in ep 1.
I'M DISAPPOINTED WITH THE ENDING! :|
Whether they did get or no but I didn't get a Full Closure to their story, haha
POORLY WRITTEN CLIMAX!
So Need S2 or a Special Episode to conclude this story but with more clear and transparent communication between these two extreme Introverts.
***
Kouhei n Atsuki in Behind The Scenes, all smiling, are so lively n lovely, unlike the gloomy vibe in the drama.
And so, this shows that they acted their roles very well (that variation of lively, offscreen irl vs gloomy, onscreen)
***** OST:
Opening n Ending themes are Very Good and suit well to the theme of the drama.
MV of the Opening theme is very lively & playful as they are all smiling n playing in rain like a cute couple, in contrast to the gloomy vibe in the drama :)
Piano BGMs are Good, Soft and Soulful.
***** RATING:
My RATING for my silly boys is 9.5 / 10.
(Though my Review looks like a lengthy Ranting, I love this drama a lot to the extent that I can't give anything other than a positive 9.5 , hehe)
One of my fav dramas n fav couples !! ✨
I MISS THEM! :|
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This review may contain spoilers
I Can’t Believe This Has Such a High Rating on Here
Sooo...the acting was fine, and the girl friend character was funny and somewhat relatable at times, but that is where my praises end.This show is built around an abusive power dynamic between Segasaki, a conventionally attractive and well-liked weatherman, and Yoh, an unsuccessful, down on his luck ero-manga artist.
We learn early on that they met in college and that Segasaki told Yoh he could live with him on the condition that he would have to "do everything he says," and in return, he could live there for free and work on his manga. It is made clear from the very first episode that they have a dynamic reminiscent of an abusive breadwinner husband and an old-timey trad wife, with Yoh being essentially a personal slave to Segasaki—cooking and cleaning for him everyday and following his every command no matter what.
The inciting conflict of the story is based around this dynamic, and especially the sexual aspect of their relationship. Over the course of the show, we see Segasaki getting more and more posessive and paranoid about where Yoh is when he goes out and what he's doing, etc. It gets to a point where he is constantly forcing him to cancel plans that relate to his personal friendships and career, even going so far as putting a tracking device in his bag and following him in a later episode.
There are little moments throughout the middle of the show that make you think Segasaki might be starting to change his ways, but that is all completely thrown out at the end of ep 7 / beginning of ep 8 when he suddenly ties Yoh's hands together and tells him to never go out or talk to anyone else ever again. When I say this part really shocked me, I mean it. It was disturbing to watch and Yoh's character looked extremely uncomfortable (despite this shows efforts to make you believe that he secretly likes being obsessed over).
There are moments where this show attempts to be sweet (like in the backstory of how they met for example), but it just feels sour when you remember the situation they are in. Towards the end, I really felt like Yoh was developing stockholm syndrome, which might sound extreme, but I really do think is an accurate description for him.
I saw a lot of the negative reviews on this show saying that they could "look past the toxic relationship", and that they cared more about the fact that the story didn't really go anywhere and that essentially this shows' worst crime was being boring. Now, while it's true this show kind of ends the same way it begins and no one really develops as a character, I certainly think that this shows' romanticized portrayal of abuse is its biggest, most glaring issue. Shows like this perpetuate the normalization of abusive dynamics in gay media (especially in Japanese gay media where this is a perpetual problem), and also the fetishization of gay relationships as a tool for straight women to project their fantasies onto.
I think this show is an important example of what NOT to do when it comes to writing gay media. It was just a gross and uncomfortable watch overall, which sucks because I do believe that abusive relationships can be written well and this kind of subject matter can be interesting when it is treated properly. But I don't think this was aiming to be anything more than a typical abuse fantasy yaoi for a non-gay, woman audience.
Definitely one of the worst "BLs" I've watched (if you can even call it a BL). There are little moments with the girl friend and her husband that make the show a little more bearable at times, but other than that, ehhhhh, it's not good.
I'll give it a 1.5, on par with "Utsukushii Kare" (my previously most-hated BL ever).
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What a toxic relationship
Weatherman? Good idea.Weatherman x mangaka? Damn interesting.
Surprisingly toxic 5 stars weatherman love life? Sht up I will definitely watch it.
BUT LITTLE DID I KNOW
Strange...weird...the fk is this?
Story is weird but I strangely wanna know what's next, what kind of crazy action they'd do in the next episode. The misunderstanding is the most annoying thing in this drama, it is happening in every damn episode, and there's always new misunderstanding everyday like is this a story about how love could happen even without a proper communication? Like hell that'd happened __-
Next, the toxicity is mind blowing oh my goodness gracious. The relationship is too toxic, leads are walking redflags. Obsession, overly controlling behaviour, to sexual harrassment, all that you can find in this so called masterpiece✨️ What a great idea, yeah?🥹 If you can't stand overly toxic romance then STAY AWAY FROM THIS DRAMA! I'm warning ya.
Acting...not that good but I can feel what they want to deliver. The acting might looks boring and makes you sleepy but that's how it supposed to be so prepare your coffee☕️
Music not my taste and forgettable. What I remember is the cricket sound effect and the typical piano instrumental for morning days in dorama.
Do I want to rewatch this? Yes but not all episodes, just the hot steamy- KIDDING!! Maybe only the "nagi" ep or any ep with their university days bcs the leads younger self were too shining shimmering splendid.
Do I recommend this? Well this is an enjoyable one time watch so what do you waiting for? Just watch it.
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High Reviews and Low Reviews
I fell somewhere in between - although I guess a six is on the low side.Read many of the reviews - a lot of comments about the toxicity of this series. First of all, like everything I watch, I don't try to dig too deep - most shows have things you don't like, and things you do. BL's are no different, but I feel like the viewers are more critical. If the show was a Male Female relationship would it be labelled toxic?
There was no plot? This isn't a mystery or an action series, it's a love story... that's the plot. Was it over dramatized, maybe, but if it hadn't been, it would be labelled as boring!
I mainly rated it low because I didn't like the ending, it felt very open ended - and I can't see a second season being necessary.
I also didn't feel this should be rated R. There is no violence, the love scenes were shirts off and kissing, and then cut off. I don't mind that, I just think the rating hints at something more.
I try to watch every bl that comes out. I have a whole list just from 2023 that I would give an -0 rating, at least this one was watchable.
P.S. The good looking male was Yoh, just my opinion of course. Enjoy!
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So unique and fresh!
I love love loveee the vibe of this series! It's so unique!And the chemistry between the actors? Honestly so smooth and real you can't get enough of it.
It's like from the very first moment you know they both care for each other but simply don't know how to show it and are not so good in communicating their own emotions.
Everything's wrapped in that very specific vibe to it and while some may hate it and feel like there's so many things in plot that are missing, I'm a big fan of it.
So many things left unspoken but shown by their actions.
Sometimes you don't need to say something out loud - you can show it in many other ways and I feel like this series is all about it. All about two people so misunderstood by words that they no longer trust them. They have trust only in actions and that's what they're doing. Showing love in this specific way that only they themselves can understand.
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Such a good show
This is one of those shows in which you really have to know the culture to appreciate properly. A lot of people watching it are watching it with a western mindset, which very much impacts the enjoyment of it. The importance that amae, as well as cultural interdependence, plays on this show is huge, and it needs to be in your frame of reference to understand some of the characters' more... questionable actions.Now, I'm not saying that their miscommunication nor their more toxic traits were okay, but it is important to have the Japanese culture in mind as a reference while watching. If you want to go into more of a deep dive into this, I can suggest a post by notfreetoday on Tumblr (feel free to ask me for it).
Now, into my own reaction of the show: I loved it. This show reminded me of my early manga-reading days, when the only translations available were fan translations of really blurry scans. Both actors were amazing at portraying their emotions, and the chemistry between the two was off the charts.
Segasaki's insecurity whenever Yoh wouldn't treat their relationship as seriously as he did was portrayed wonderfully and expertly, and whenever Yoh couldn't pick up on the amae that Segasaki was putting out, you could tell how hurt Segasaki was. Conversely, Yoh's confusion about what their relationship is and his desire for Segasaki to be more straightforward with him was also beautifully portrayed.
I enjoyed watching their relationship develop and both of them growing and clueing in to what the other's communication style was (a bit, haha. They definitely still have work to do there). The last episode was very satisfying for their relationship, and made me wish for more episodes with them. However, I do think it ended very well and that the episodes they had were perfect for the story they were trying to convey.
I recommend this to those who watch a lot of Japanese shows and/or are familiar with the culture. Yes, there are some questionable aspects, but watch it more with an open mind! (Also, let's remember: this is fantasy! It's not a real relationship, so we're allowed to enjoy it for what it is.)
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This review may contain spoilers
This has rewatch value because of the subtle clues.
We meet Yoh a stay at home, self confessed slave to the handsome Mizuki. Yoh is trying to become accepted as a manga writer so has very little of his own income and is dependent on Mizuki's wage. This was the deal offered to Yoh in exchange for all the domestic duties, sexual benefits and submission to Mizuki's requests.The dominant Mizuki does not impose too many rules and as the drama unfolds depicting their daily interactions it becomes apparent that Yoh is very enamored with Mizuki and quite thrilled to be with him, although he hides this by acting gentle and submissive.
Mizuki also enjoys the power play and shows very little daily affection remaining aloof and somewhat inaccessible to Yoh.
Cracks appear in their love game when Yoh is fired from his current publisher and his feelings of unworthiness send him onto depression. Mizuki breaks his usual role and becomes the carer causing confusion for Yoh and misunderstanding. Yoh's reaction in wanting to prove himself and his worth creates confusion for Mizuki and brings out his insecurities and fear of losing Yoh.
Both have the type of personality where very little is spoken and they rely on actions, They seem incapable of opening up a dialogue to discuss or analyse their feelings. This is the drama aspect of this story and it has some sadly comedic elements; Yoh hiding behind a sheer curtain, buying additional sets of sheets to encourage more sexual activity and getting drunk and clingy. Mizuki panicking and then confessing in the rain, reacting dramatically when he thinks Yoh is being hugged by another man, binding Yoh's wrists in an attempt to discipline him.
Kudos to the director for this interpretation of a manga. Both actors do a terrific job and are convincing in their depiction of intense sexual chemistry.
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It didn't stick the landing
Boy oh boy but do I have some conflicting feelings about this show!I went into it with some pretty strong reservations given how viscerally uncomfortable power imbalance and consent issues in relationships (no matter how fictional) make me, but I decided to give it a go anyway because of the screenwriter and directors' involvement in shows like Jack o' Frost and Old Fashion Cupcake, both series that I absolutely adore.
Given that initial hesitancy I have to say I was both positively and negatively surprised by Taikan Yoho.
On the one hand it is technically excellent - the cinematography is brilliant, the editing and pacing are well though-out and cohesive, and the performances are stellar.
There is also the fact that the main characters' relationship, unhealthy and co-dependent as it may start out, seems to improve significantly as the show goes on, so much so that I became genuinely invested and was even sold on the idea that yeah, these two do love each other in their own, confused way don't they.
The intimacy the two share feels natural and believable even when set against the backdrop of so much emotional turmoil and denial.
On the other hand, all that promising build-up pretty much goes out the window with the final episode.
To explain:
I was surprised by how many similarities Taikan Yoho has to Utsukushii Kare, at least where the main characters' dynamic is concerned.
It's clear from the start how terrible both Mizuki and Yoh are at communicating (Yoh being especially guilty of this) and how much of their issues stem from the deep insecurities both of them seem to harbour about their relationship. But instead of making use of this premise and actually developing the characters (rather than just explaining their motivations), the show completely shoots itself in the foot by veering in distinctly the wrong direction, in my opinion.
Because rather than showing the characters taking steps towards a more even footing with one another, which is exactly what makes Utsukushii Kare work so well, they settle even more into their respective roles with Mizuki becoming uncomfortably domineering and essentially none of their misunderstandings cleared up, which makes any progress the two previously made feel completely inconsequential.
And kind of heartbreaking, too, given how Mizuki previously indicates he loves it when Yoh doesn't simply obey blindly but also shows his wants and needs.
Putting that aside, I don't even think the show works properly as a depiction of a healthy D/S dynamic.
Granted, I am not particularly well-versed in the subject so take what I say with a grain of salt (a much more reliable and in-depth analysis on the topic can be found here, should you be interested: https://www.tumblr.com/lutawolf/725726059919736832/my-person-weatherman-or-taikan-yoho?source=share), but I do know that what's most important in such relationships is communication and clearly drawn boundaries. And while Yoh's and Mizuki's relationship does bear many strong resemblances to certain types of D/S relationships, those vital features are clearly missing from their dynamic.
I don't regret having watched the show, nor would I discourage anyone else from watching it, but I do think it's important to be aware of the series' short-comings, especially where delicate but highly important topics like consent and power are concerned.
I also can't help feeling disappointed that the story didn't live up to its potential but rather falls prey to some of the most egregious cliches of the genre, especially with such a talented production team and cast .
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