This review may contain spoilers
Short, Light, and Sweet
Subjective Gut Rating: 8.25*don't think there are major spoilers, but just in case*
What a sweet and somewhat innocent teen drama! Why somewhat, because the first scenes showed us a different side of Amane that you don’t see for the rest of the drama. “Kimi to Nara Koi wo Shite Mito mo” aka “If It’s With You” tells the story of Amane’s growing affection for his classmate, Ryuji, after moving to Enoshima. Amane was careful in protecting his heart because of a traumatic event when he told someone of his feelings. But he can’t help but fall in love with the caring and kind Ryuji.
The seaside setting brings a different charm to this short drama, which is shorter than a movie, at about 1.5 hours long. I’m glad to see it speaks to the challenges of a teenager in coming out of the closet to his friends, and how making a joke about it has become his default defense mechanism.
On another note, this drama also reminded me a little of the popular “Kieta Hatsukoi”. We also have another lead who is unsure of his feelings after being confessed to, and needed time to process before responding. We often don't see this side of a love confession and it’s lovely to see male leads from both dramas really take the confession seriously, and give a lot of careful consideration. On the flip side, is it also selfish of Ryuji to want to keep this an one-sided love until he figures things out? How long does Amane need to wait?
Both male leads are lovely characters and that makes this drama very easy to watch. I can relate to bubbly Amane in the way he handles his feelings and the hesitation he has. He almost always wants to pull back, so he doesn’t hear the possible rejection.
If you are looking for something short, light and sweet, this is a good watch. Not a lot happens, so it could be a positive or a negative thing, depending on what you are looking for.
Completed: 11/5/2023 - Review #374
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It's like a total breath of fresh air after all those toxic BLs
If you’ve been stuck watching all those toxic BLs, this one’s a total breath of fresh air.Ryuji isn’t just a green flag—he’s a WHOLE DAMN FOREST. His thoughtful way of handling Amane’s insecurities, especially with how Amane deals with self-deprecating humor, is next level.
The only downside? The series is way too short.
But definitely check it out for the stunning cinematography that beautifully captures Enoshima.
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I MISS THEM SM
I've rewatched this series countless of times and each time its just as feel-good and fluffy as the first time I watched it. It's so good it became one of my comfort BLs the moment I finished watching it for the first time.Cinematography is top-notch, the acting is really good, and the chemistry between the two leads is so gooodddd ughhh I can't even think of enough words to describe this drama its genuinely so goodd.
Immediately a top 2 BL for me.
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When You Need Some Love In Your Life...
Overall Rating:9/10This series isn't groundbreaking, or complex, or even exciting. It's soothing. And it is honestly amazing how it turned out considering it has the most basic plot. This is where you come to when you've had too much toxicity and you need to unwind a little bit and remind yourself of the potential you have for love. It's short. And that completely works for it - seeing how it blows all the other series with similar concepts out of the water. It doesn't need much more that two boys coming together and healing each other - that makes it a worthy watch in my book. Will definitely be rewatching - you should definitely watch this!
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must watch
This honestly made me so happy—it's an absolute must-watch! I plan to rewatch it over and over, especially after watching other BL series with sad or heavy themes. If you're on the fence about giving this one a shot, I highly recommend you dive in! It's a very short and refreshing series that gets straight to the point without dragging out the storyline. The characters are heartwarming, and the plot is simple yet impactful, leaving you with a smile. Trust me, it's worth your time, and you won't regret it!Was this review helpful to you?
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The greenest of the all
Jan. 26, 2024If It's With You, Japanese BL was a show that I have been seeing and hearing for the past few weeks. When I first started it, I wasn't really feeling the plot. But it got so good so quick. Every episode I was wanting more and more. The story is very simple but the execution is so well written. To think that both leads are rare breeds who are very green flag, positive people, who wants to communicate. Actually, they communicate their feelings pretty well. Any issues that might arise they will fix it asap. I love how they are able to express their feelings without hiding it to each other. They are the ideal couple that we all should be looking for. I want what they have so bad. For such highschool type of drama, I was getting so much butterfly like I am jealous that I was not able to experience such type of love.
I also find it so ironic that the drama that I didn't expect too much from becomes one of my favourites. I think the WHOLESOME factor of the show really did it for me. It stole my heart, the lovable leads too. It's only 5 episodes but there is so much depth and substance in each episodes. I might be reading it too much but the subtle actions, the symbolisms, the way they handle what other queer people feel especially when it comes to those public affection that is normal in a heterosexual couple like holding hands between queer couples and getting judgement from it. Battling the fear of the past and the lack of acceptance of our own self identity. It just hit all the bullet points.
This drama is chef's kiss and I am so happy I started my year with this show. If It's With You is now, one of my new comfort drama that I will surely be rewatching over and over again.
I think after a while, this is the first time I feel good and passionate about writing a review. I doubt many will be able to see this. But please give this show the love that it deserves.
May we all find the green flags we are destined to be and be a green flags ourselves as well.
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Wholesome
I think this is probably one of the most beautiful BLs that Japan gave us and it should be added next to Our youth, When it rains it pours, Cherry Magic or Old fashion cupcake. I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a 100% wholesome young love before in a series, with so many green flags(from the main leads to family and school colleagues ) and so many emotions and touching moments. Too bad that just as every little Japanese gem, this is also very short . I could have watched another 10 episodes with these wonderful boys and the gorgeous landscape. Well, we least we all know the saying: Strong essences are kept in small bottles. I would recommend this BL shouting from every corner of the world. Please do yourself a favor and watch it, it’ll make your life a smidge more beautiful.Was this review helpful to you?
Best drama but underrated
This drama is really fantastic people who was Thai bl this seems bit different to them may be because of not much comedy scenes or kiss scenes but quite romantic and based on past bl this drama contains child hood crush, past memory and straight guy and gay relationship wow drama no much complicated twist simple and clear unfortunately we have very less episodes and if they make more episodes with 1 hr time it would have been good but still they covered all the plots without truncating I loved this drama and Japanese bl always have different vibe the voice of actors and the music story is a kind of silent I enjoyed it and recommend to all bl fansWas this review helpful to you?
Young innocent love
There is nothing I love more than a drama free, innocent love. This drama was a 10/10 and the only thing wrong with it was that it was TOO short. The main leads were absolutely perfect. Natural chemistry and really great acting.Everyone take a second to give the director a round of applause *insert clapping*. This drama had me smiling and giggling nonstop. I felt immersed in this drama. I love the color palette that was used. The blue hues and cooler tones. Definitely your sweet seaside romance that is wholesome and will leave you wishing you had more.
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Perfectly short and sweet
I had a stupid smile glued across my face watching this show.The beautiful visual presentation and the character's interactions and dialogue really draw you into the story. Their connection feels so genuine and sweet, it's lovely to watch. Although it's quite short, I think it's the perfect length for the story they're trying to tell and it makes it a nice little binge.
It's incredibly refreshing to watch a BL that doesn't use misunderstandings and lack of communication to try to keep the story going. It's an added bonus that they were able to create a story with little to no conflict yet still make it thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable to watch.
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This review may contain spoilers
We need more BL like this!
I'm starting to like Jap BL more, esp the short one seems to be really good. I notice they tend to have more nature setting like seaside, mountain, etc, that makes it very healing to watch.This couple is so wholesome, healthy and really cute. I mean, they actually start out as friends before turning into lovers. If you've watched too much BL like me, finally...we get reminded that lovers actually can start out as friends, not enemy or FB.
Ryuji Kun is SOOO cute! and Kudos to Amane for saying "NO" to his fb. Wow, so direct and mature at his age. See, all it takes is a simple text to prevent all the unnecessary drama or toxicity that BL tends to have. It really isn't that difficult, guys!
Despite it being somewhat "plain" (non-toxic or overly dramatic), it is actually very sweet, cute and healing.
If there's one thing I wish for, is an actual kiss scene instead of camera angle, coz hey, that would be sweet.
Oh and producer, I understand it might be a budget thing, but that public bathouse is reallllly dirty that its a bit icky when i was watching it, like I really want them to get out and wash clean haha
Other than my minor rant, it's one of my favorite BL really!
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Seaside, friendship, and that inimitable summer feeling
This show is something truly special and by the time I heard the opening theme for the first time I was already head over heels in love with it. It takes a simple premise - two kids meeting and forming a friendship which then develops into romance - and elevates it to a new level.Not only are the characters incredibly endearing, they are also given a level of complexity and depth which is rare for a romance centered around high school age characters.
For instance, Amane, who has put the idea of romance behind him after a brutal rejection, is not jaded, closed-off, and celibate. Instead he is portrayed as being happily sexually active and secure in his sexuality even if he does eschew romantic relationships.
Furthermore, the progression of Amane and Ryuji's relationship is phenomenal. We get to see Amane slowly opening up and become less defensive especially where his sexuality is concerned. He slowly stops hiding behind barbed quips and preemptive self-deprecation and starts to regain some of his faith in the people around him.
Meanwhile we get to watch Ryuji deliberately opening himself up to the possibility of romance with Amane while still staying true to himself and his own feelings, which he does by being unfailingly honest both with Amane and with himself.
Add to that a beautifully scenic seaside town and an incredible soundtrack and you get one of the most charming and genuine shows I've ever seen. It is truly a rare gem that deserves to be seen and appreciated by straight and queer folk alike.
I simply cannot recommend this story highly enough, I implore any- and everyone to watch it, watch it right now.
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