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Adorable Coming Of Age BL
Although a relatively short series, this really innocent BL drama was extremely enjoyable. I think melodrama would be a better category, because it was an innocent coming of age that was sweet to see it transpire across the five episodes. The way this series begins, you kind of get a quick look at Amane being rather experienced physically & emotionally with men, but meeting Ryuji, that soon changes. Both lead roles, Hyuga Wataru & Okura Takato give us a sweet, sometimes bashful performance toward each other, making for a genuine first love encounter.I think the writers do a great job in the final episode in showing us how Amane is dealing with waiting out the summer not seeing or hearing from Ryuji ... but then toward the end of that episode they reverse the story and show us what Ryuji was going through not seeing or speaking to Amane during the same time, showing us how much they do in fact care for each other.
It made for a great ending and a really nice feel good story.
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A simple romance... i kinda expected a bit of drama tho
It was as simple as a straight line. The story had no ups or downs just a simple straight line.. when i saw ep 1 especially Amane's FWB i thought it'd be something like "Therapy Love" but nope. All the foreshadowing lead nowhere.But the lead were really cute and adorable to look at. The drama was an eye candy. Just a little too undramatic for me... i personally prefer dramas which show the whole process of them falling in love with each other and getting a happy ending. Probably cz this one was a short drama? That didn't happen here. All of this was just 1 episode in the end. The remaining 4 it was more of friendship i guess...
Yeah it was good. Should you watch it? Yes. Would i re-watch it? No.
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A story that explores the beauty of healthy conversations
The story of this bl is not new. As fans of bls, we have probably seen this storyline in many many other shows. What sets this show apart though is the way the characters react and the way it explores the beauty and importance of healthy conversations. Let me elaborate...Amane goes to live with his grandmother in Enoshima where he meets Ryuji. Amane is a free spirited person, who is always joking, and expressing himself unapologetically. On the other hand, Ryuji is shy and reserved but a kind soul who listens and pays attention.
They become friends in no time. Ryuji's calm and attentive presence makes Amane feel safe and he opens up more about his struggles. Ryuji listens to him patiently, assuring him that he doesn't need to hide behind his laughter and jokes when he is with him.
Amane secretly develops a crush on Ryuji. At first, he tries to ignore it as he has been rejected in the past when he fell in love with his friend. But it becomes impossible as he gets to know Ryuji more closely and realizes what a thoughtful and kind person he is. In the end, when it becomes impossible for him to hold it in any longer, the truth comes out.
Until this point, it probably feels like a story we have all heard or seen before. But what happens from this point on, is what really sets this show apart from all the other shows.
The way Ryuji reacts to Amane's confession, the way he doesn't confuse Amane or ghosts him in the name of 'figuring his feelings out' is where this show hits right.
Ryuji is thoughtful. Even when he feels confused about the confessions, he sets out to have an honest conversation with Amane, letting him know how glad he is that Amane confessed.
He doesn't accept the proposal instantly, nor does he pretend that nothing has happened. Things have changed and they are not just friends anymore. Because there is this 'knowing you like me' and he acknowledges it like an absolute gentleman.
I felt it when Amane looked at Ryuji, dazzled at how beautiful it is to love someone like him. Someone who doesn't invalidate or ignore your feelings rather acknowledges and gives the respect it deserves.
The end was also very satisfying. Ryuji's pov was completely understandable and it was valid why his confession was not very confident and yet somehow sweet. As someone who has never even liked a person (whether man or woman), it is sometimes difficult to distinguish between whether you like someone just as friends or are attracted to them. Maybe he doesn't still get it the way Amane feels. Amane has been in love before. He understands and is more aware of his sexuality. Ryuji is more inexperienced in this aspect. So, he speaks from his heart. He confesses what he truly feels. It's this very honesty that makes him brave. Like when he doesn't shy away from the fact that he wants to see the fire works alone with only Amane, when their friends try to take them along.
In the end, it was a beautiful story that fills one's heart with joy without completely taking off from the reality. The only complaint one can have from this show is probably the fact it doesn't have another season. The story has a lot more potential. The chemistry is real - awkward when needed and heart warming when required. It would be really interesting to see how their relationship develops and how they learn more about each other.
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Cute and enjoyable
Ryuji carried this series from average to very good for me. Don’t get me wrong I did like Amane and I found his tendency to mask vulnerability over being gay with humour very realistic for a young kid who’s been hurt by someone he trusts, but I just couldn’t quite love his personality fully. I think at times he was a bit too over the top with the energy and it’s more of a personal preference than an actual criticism of him as a character.I did really love their relationship though and Ryuji is joining my list of BL Green Flags, he was so honest about his feelings and he was an ambassador for healthy communication which made for a refreshing divergence from the usual BL misunderstanding plot lines.
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An innocently soft and fluffy story from start to finish.
"How nice it is to fall in love with you."I appreciated how healthy this was. I wouldn't expect high schoolers to have distinguished words to describe feelings and the clunky authentic way these two did it felt very fitting for the setting the show put together. They communicated so well that there was no space for embarrassment and it's just a wholesome time watching two people fall in love by the sea.
I also really liked how chill Ryuuji was in contrast to Amane. I think the actor did a really good job of portraying the laid back nature of his character which fit very well with his profile.
No unnecessary drama or third act conflict that makes me wanna roll my eyes. It has the vibe of snuggling into a soft blanket with a warm drink.
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Fluff with no end in sight.
I can agree to all the positive reviews and don't want to write the same things like others did, so I keep it short. I absolutely adore both of them. Amane is such a lovely character. u.uTheir communication is great. No miscommunication, no drama, nothing annoying in this show. There's a scene in the last episode where Amane asks for consens and OH BOY I love it!!! It's a topic that gets so little attention in BL and when he asked my heart just melted, because I love love love it. It's an important topic for me so I was even happier to see it here.
Even though the show is short, I don't feel like something was missing. Of course I would love to see even more! Because they are adorable af! But the show of it's own is also great.
Ryujis acting could have been a liiiittle bit better. It's not bad at all! But his looks are sometimes a bit off.
Overall a big recommendation if you like fluffy shows without unnecessary drama. Both of them are fluff overload. Like I said, it just melts my heart.
This show is definitely comfy, cozy, cute and just so so so sweet. I enjoyed every second. It's just so much fun to watch them being together and it's so authentic and realistic, how they handled the topics "being gay" and their feelings for each other.
Oh, and: the soundtrack is absolutely great!
Go watch it! Now!!!
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Perfect little gem of 2023
Perfect from start to finish.A very sweet story, which despite its short duration, only five episodes, evolves perfectly.
In this drama you can breathe summer, the sea, a beautiful sense of freedom.
Seeing Amane and Ryuji fall in love was precious and the music that accompanied every moment will stay in my head for a long time.
It's a precious little gem, which has quietly earned a place of honor among my favorite dramas not only of the year but of all time.
It has only one flaw: being short. I wish I could immerse myself in the comforting warmth of these characters and their story for much longer.
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Pls bring them back
Pls bring them back. 🙏 These actors do such a great job. There's many more seasons available to them. Please bring them back and make sure the they can grow the story. And we know that there might be some drama involved. But they love each other so much. It's great to see this kind of movie where it's less trauma. In the beginning than end, it was just a little bit of youngster angst, but in the end. We want to see more. Reminds me of my youth i missed out on due to societal impact. There is obviously more story to tell.Was this review helpful to you?
THIS IS PERFECTION
Started perfectly and ended perfectly. I really really love this series,which makes me sad that it has only 5 episodes. I want more more and more. The story is so simple yet so impactful. The plot is what almost every boy who is closeted faces. We hide ourselves behind our smiles and quirkiness. And all we want is someone we can hold. And this gave us that delusion. Ryuji is literally what every girl and boy wants. He is literally perfection. He is the greenest flags that have ever lived. This man literally has no flaws. He is an angel who is sent from heaven to help and be there for Amane. Amane who is broken and always hides behind his smile got to be his true self around Ryuji and Ryuji was always there for him. Never ran away,never made an excuse,listened to him and took him seriously. This is what you call a healing series. It literally heals your body soul and mind. But at the same time it makes you feel lonely cause you don't have your own Ryuji🤧🤧 The actors did an amazing job. As expected of Japan. Known for their quality bls and good actors. The ost was so good too. I never skipped the opening song and the ending. This was really a magnificent series. I loved everything about it. Japan Keep It Up and pls keep serving us masterpieces.Was this review helpful to you?
Venturing into Love with You
The live-action series ‘If It’s with You’ (君となら恋をしてみても) opens with the allure of Enoshima—a meeting place for local hearts and global souls, now the setting of a high school duo’s fated encounter.Enoshima isn’t just scenery; it’s where cultures blend and youthful hearts collide. As tides whisper, Enoshima cradles the budding emotions of our young heroes in its gentle embrace.
A whimsical cat plays cupid, weaving fate with a light paw, although the live-action dances a slightly different tune than the manga.
Japan’s age of consent casts Amane in a mature light, a fresh breeze in the usual high school BL narrative, hinting at unchartered waters ahead.
‘If It’s with You’ (君となら恋をしてみても) is more than a narrative; it’s a poetic journey. With Enoshima as its silent muse, the tender yet earnest unfolding of affection between Amane and Ryuji paints a heart-tugging tale right from episode one.
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RYUJI IS THE GREENEST NEONEST FLAG BOY YOU EVER SEEN IN BL SERIES!!!
look here, i actually put off this series because the episode 1 when he's already in bed with older man. like i thought everyone said this gonna be fluffy and soft drama (later on i kinda sad for kaido, and HATING FOR THAT BOY WHO LAUGHED AT HIS COMING OUT, like there's no joke aroung here you mf-) anw throu the episode im complainting that someday this ryuji boy gonna hurt my baby, which turns out as the headline. like bae, can you spill the thrick to get someone like ryuji? i kinda lonely. and this is so cute, their communication is top tier than any bl couple out there, the cinematic is also oldishh which i love and compliment the trope of city boy x village boy(?) somehow. and yeah i want for the season 2 already, for how much i want to kbow how they manage their relationship...Was this review helpful to you?
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