Our Youth

"Our Youth" - Minase Jin

I honestly have no words. I wish I could do a cool one-liner that puts all my feelings into one, but honestly, I don't know. All I can say is "wow." This is like trying a food and knowing it'll be your favorite from the first bite. That's how I felt when I watched the first 2 episodes. I remember telling my friend, who is now watching, that I had just started this but I knew it'd be in my top 5 jbls. This is just THAT show. I lowkey haven't written a review since "The Trainee" ended (September) but I just have to for these cuties!!

In a tiny sum up, the story: Minase Jin is what a parent would call "perfect," with good grades, stays out of trouble, and overall just well-behaved, that is until Hirukawa Haruki steps into his life. This entry led him to find out a pretty personal secret about Hirukawa, which brings them closer, maybe a bit too close.

What did I like? Wow, there's a lot. Shall we make a list?

1. Characters: Honestly just both of their stories alone are great, especially Hirukawas, and them coming together makes a pretty good mix.
2. Chemistry? Well it's definitely there!! I don't care about what others say, there was TENSION.
3. I read other reviews, and with the cinematography portrayed, I felt extremely immersed.
4. As well from a review, the mention of waves and boats. A quote I have from the 10th episode is said from Minase Jin. "And I let the boat carrying the letter go into the sea out of my hands as the wind takes it. That letter sails into the deep sea. " Honestly, I just love the comparison.
5. The loyalty of the two..oh my gosh?? "Even if we can't get married, I will always be by your side." Haruki Hirukawa, can you be MY husband??
Honestly, to name everything I love, I'd have to go back and watch every episode and write down each and every one of my thoughts. But Our Youth has brought out a feeling in me that I didn't think many could reach.

In the later episodes I also realised they called each other by Jin and Haruki, when in the earlier episodes they called each other Minase and Hirukawa, which I found cute. The fact they do that from when their teenagers to adults? I love them. As well as how the "novel" of the letter was Our Youth. That means what we just watched was the letter, right?

Anyways!!!

The only con for me is the special episode. The fact they didn't ACTUALLY tell them they were dating made me sad, but that's okay!! Same with the marriage. Maybe someday we'll get another special episode of their marriage when it becomes legal in Japan. But for now, we can only hope!

To wrap this up, I honestly really wish I didn't have to. I'm gonna miss dreading every time I had to wait for the next episode. When I first started watching, it had 5 episodes out, and I caught up all in one. I started at 10pm (mind you, I have school) and watched every episode to catch up. Then when I found out the 5th had came out that day, I was quite sad to have to wait. But, now I can just rewatch when I'm feeling down. Anyways, I'm really going to miss these two. I know some may disagree, but I loved these two a lot. Would definitely recommend!!

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A love so pure, it burns throughout adulthood lasting a lifetime

Definitely not your average fluffy high school drama. It has mature themes and deep story-telling which got me hooked right from EP 1! I went in with zero expectations only to be left wanting more after completing the drama..it was that good and I barely even write reviews..I just couldn't pass on without writing one for this. It deserves a review for me.

I watched the drama and just finished reading the manhwa. I liked both versions but I definitely have a soft spot for the drama one. The live adaptation was very well done and the story was executed nicely. I especially liked the fact that in the drama they touched on the letter that seme had left in the DVD and expanded on how uke wrote an entire novel as a response to seme's letter. And how uke's novel was then turned into a movie that seme wanted to make as his final project before graduation..it was heartwarming that they didn't forget to add it in the drama. In the manhwa..the letter was never mentioned again after uke had read it..and it was forgotten just like that..I thought it was quite a pity..
For reference, I am using the term "Uke (Minase/Jinhyuk) & Seme (Hirukawa/Heechan)" here as I'm talking about both versions of the webtoon and drama..so this helps avoid any confusion with the characters' names.

Another change was that the bullying wasn't included in the drama..which I felt was the right choice..instead they shifted the focus on seme's domestic violence issue that happened. The drama depicted real life struggles of DV..that was quite triggering but this also raised awareness about how common this problem is and how there's more to what meets the eyes; you never know when someone is being abused and they never ask for help..its a vicious cycle and hard to get out of unless you have someone you can rely on. The drama showed exactly that..the uke was a light to the seme during his most challenging time. I'm not saying the manhwa didn't show this either but just pointing out that the drama chose to focus on DV instead of the bullying.

We're introduced to the roles of aggressors, victims & bystanders and some might say that the bullying was important to depict this theme. However, omitting the bullying to represent these 3 roles with DV was enough in the drama. I felt that the director knew it didn't really need to have the bullying to portray these and that the domestic abuse was more than enough to show us the 3 roles. Aggressor being seme's father, Victim being the seme and Bystander being Minase; there were 2 scenes were uke was a bystander while witnessing the abuse. One was when he first found out about heechan getting beaten and 2nd was when they were watching the movie at seme's house and the father burst into the house and uke had to run away..he wanted to do something about it but didn't due to fear of all the complications that will arise once he called the police..him being interrogated..his parents having to be called in because what happened etc...So I feel that the director choosing to just have the domestic violence centered in the drama was enough to not only highlight the 3 roles we know of but to also raise awareness of an issue we've don't always see as "common" because bullying is something we always know that happens in school and the audience are more than familiar with it..However, DV is not always touched on.. because it's such a sensitive topic and triggering for others too. And like I mentioned there's more to what meets the eyes..because we don't always know when someone is being abused..it just goes unnoticed until someone discovers it..so I respect the director's decision and understand why he chose to focus on DV for the drama. It was quite a solid choice in my opinion.

Overall..because of how they managed to tie all this up all nicely in the drama..I fell for the live adaptation and it'll have a special place in my heart. They really did an amazing job following the manhwa closely for the drama..I have no complaints whatsoever because the special episode that we got was basically the side stories after the manhwa had ended. They gave us the whole complete package. The casting was perfect. The acting was great, especially Minase's crying scenes and the chemistry between the two of them was just overflowing from my screen..the tension was unreal..everything again just felt natural..not cheesy nor cringe. Also the longing and yearning..it was so much more in depth..its no wonder people said they bawled their eyes out watching the drama..including myself of course. Definitely a great Japanese bl story, and I'm usually very picky with bl but this one definitely deserves all the attention it was getting. I can see why it was worth the hype.

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Growth in youth is often painful, and while love makes it bearable, sometimes it isn't enough

I took one look at the cover photo and synopsis for this show and knew I would love it. I went in pretty much blind and rewatched it twice as it was airing, solely because I couldn't get enough of what I would describe as an immaculately done piece of art. This show carried so much potential and executed it at every point possible.

First, I want to emphasize how much of my heart and soul this drama took. From beginning to end, I could not truly predict anything regarding Minase and Hirukawa's relationship, even down to if they were going to be together at the end of the show. On so many different levels this show represented pure craftsmanship to me. From the cinematography to the storyline, everything I would personally say was done with so much intention, detail, and care that I truly hope it is appreciated by others for the beautiful tale it walks its audience through.

Secondly, the only honest criticism I have is that there were a couple of scenes (literally only twice) where I struggled to believe the "sad" vibe due to the acting appearing a little too strong or inauthentic. Please note that it was very minimal and did not change my view of the show at all because, in the grand scheme of the plotline, I still think it was written with great skill and purpose.

Similar to the series "My Beautiful Man", we get to view both the pureness of a first love and the uncertainty that is often felt by those trying to identify if who they love is "right" because it's "different." Yet, in an important difference to the aforementioned show, this series takes the depth of this love and shoves it into a container carrying much more serious trauma, and then proceeds to shake it up with a whole lot of "I have no way to know how to express love because I've never seen a proper example." There are scenes in here that may be triggering for some. It's not dark like "Happy of the End" dark, but any audience member should be aware this series is not here to waltz you through a peaceful and easy-on-the-stomach love story. It's real, imperfect, and at times, depressing to witness.

On a lighter note, if you're into the trope of "He fell first, but he fell harder," you'll get just as much of a sucker punch to the gut as I did, because my God, the yearning will just yank on your heartstrings. Bonus points too if you get to see episode 11 that I had no clue was coming. The tension in that was WILD and some scenes threw me for a serious loop because of how unprepared I was to see grown Haruki and Jin who were fully aware of their feelings now acting on them impulsively and without reservation. It was more spicy than I was expecting lol.

Overall, a show I'd highly recommend, and a series that I think even the more experienced watcher will appreciate.

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A fine drama but not hitting me with all the feels

A Japanese drama rated 8.9 on MDL is rare, so I have got to check it out. Unfortunately, I might not share the same enthusiasm as many. I don’t dislike “Our Youth” nor do I love it either. I think it’s fine.

There are many individual elements that I like. I like the two lost, lonely souls finding each other and healing each other. They are the best kind of soulmates. I have always been a fan of Japanese dramas which are not afraid to use silence to convey emotions. Two good-looking young men play the main roles. All these are great. But for some reason, when these elements are added together, it’s not working for me. Silence only works when there are deep and profound dialogs for the audience to take a breather to think and feel the unspoken emotions. But the conversations in this BL aren't that deep and they actually don’t talk much. Then, silence slows down the pace of the drama and eventually I find the story somewhat….boring?

I do feel the chemistry and I think the acting is quite good. The drama just doesn’t hit me with all the feels as much as I would like. It’s probably a “me” problem.


Completed: 1/22/2025 - Review #537

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Our Youth: A Symphony of Love and Transformation

Every now and then, a series comes along that doesn’t just entertain but leaves an indelible mark on your heart. This series is one of those rare gems. From its heartfelt storytelling to its impeccable adaptation, it’s a triumph in every sense—a radiant 10/10.

The narrative is beautifully crafted, weaving themes of love, growth, and self-discovery into a tapestry that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable. The characters are wonderfully complex, and their relationships—messy, tender, and profound—are brought to life with such authenticity that they leap off the screen and settle into your soul.

What sets this series apart is its warmth. There’s an emotional honesty here that’s hard to come by, a kind of raw yet tender intimacy that wraps around you like a soft blanket on a cold day. It’s not just the romance that shines, but the entire emotional spectrum—from joy to heartbreak, from longing to fulfillment. The series understands that life and love are never simple, and it embraces the imperfections with open arms.

The acting is simply outstanding. Each performance feels effortless, yet brimming with nuance. The chemistry between the leads is electric, their stolen glances and fleeting touches saying more than words ever could. This is acting at its finest, where even silence speaks volumes.

While other countries often hold back due to cultural conservatism, this adaptation feels fearless. Japan's ability to stay true to the source material without diluting its depth is a testament to their storytelling prowess. It’s a rare gift to see a series so unapologetically embrace the beauty of love in all its forms, breaking barriers while staying rooted in authenticity.

For those who have experienced Love in the Big City, this series will strike a similar chord. It has that same magical essence, that same ability to leave you breathless despite its occasional imperfections. But where Love in the Big City warmed hearts, this one ignites them, sending butterflies racing through your stomach as it takes you on a journey you won’t soon forget.

This isn’t just another BL drama; it’s a celebration of love, life, and the courage it takes to be vulnerable. It has firmly placed itself in my top 5 of all time, and honestly? It deserves to be in yours, too. An unforgettable masterpiece that will linger long after the credits roll.

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Like Waves, I Keep Returning to this Masterpiece Again and Again

It’s hard to know where to begin in reviewing this show.

Should I mention the bombastic acting performances, which highlight the characters’ youth and inexperience with feeling quite so much, especially standing in sharp contrast to so many other Japanese shows? Which isn’t to say that they don’t do subtle as well; both mains have a mastery over micro-expressions that feel all the louder in their quiet, precise application.

Sound and silence are both balanced so well that the quiet spaces between words and glances may as well be a supporting character unto itself. The same could be said of water, particularly of the sea, as it is evoked in both words (voice-overs, dialogue, writing, and the main characters’ very names) and images (films, pictures, flashbacks, and day trips both apart and together) again and again, layered into each episode’s framing narration and the very color palette of the show itself.

It’s a visually breathtaking show as a whole. The camerawork is masterful—even when the uncertainty of a situation or scene could benefit from shaky cam, the cinematography team instead allows the camera to smoothly bob and flow as if launched into the sea like some message for help nestled in a bottle. The characters are thus depicted as left adrift in an ocean (a world) far bigger than themselves as they try treading water until their feet find the bottom once more.

Equally impactful are the moments of stillness, just as the moments of silence. Japanese media often utilizes empty space and this show is no different, yet the effect is especially pronounced here as it further leaves the main characters isolated and alone, without the care of anyone tasked to love them, small and vulnerable and lonely whenever they’re apart. They’re made small and thus so, so young in the face of this silence-emptiness combination. Their vulnerability is so pure that you cannot help but empathize and root for them to reach a place of connection—a place back within the embrace of each other.

I should also mention the device of story and storytelling as a meta nod to this story itself. Haruki mythologizes his own situation to give himself strength and hope enough to endure. Jin’s father is a director who is too caught up in his own legend to see the truth—the emptiness—of his son’s life. Again and again we are shown the power of a story to save lives just as this too is itself a story about two young men who ultimately save themselves and each other. It saved me too.

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Absolutely amazing

This made it to my top list of favorite BL’s I watched in 2024 even though technically the last few episodes aired 2025. The finale was everything and the special episode was so sweet. I’ve grown so attached to this series, not waiting for it weekly anymore feels heartbreaking.

Jbl’s captivate emotion so well and gives this indescribable yearning. The visuals, the acting, the story telling. Everything was so perfect. I truly admire the capability to express so much and make me as the viewer feel so many emotions in such short episodes. The way they capture the passage of time without directly showing on the screen “x years later” but are able to pick up time has passed. The way that it stops feeling like you’re an outsider watching a show but feeling like you’re Minase or Hirukawa themselves.

This was so beautifully shot. So many scenes that will live in my head forever as just gorgeous still frames.

There are moments for series where I’m exhausted with how long it’s being dragged out and could have dealt with it being shorter instead of extra fluff. But then there’s series like Our Youth that I wouldn’t mind a few more episodes and that’s how I know it’s good. The story was wrapped up nicely and I know extending it anymore, again, would just be more fluff to it just to appeal to everyone who fell in love with their love story. So not speaking from a place of selfishly wanting this series to never end, I will say it was best ending it where it did.

This is definitely a rewatchable series for me and I will be crying over it for awhile. Happy tears though!

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I think you should give this one a chance

Im going to try my best to describe how beautiful the cinematography is without saying too much (to avoid spoilers). And Ill do this with one scene. This will tell you what kind of drama to expect.

Imagine a light peeking through a vent with a fan slowly rotating and casting it's rays into a dark room. The light has movement with each rotation. It's as if the light has come to life with it flickering and hitting so perfectly on their faces at the moment they needed it the most. All you see is Minase and Hirukawa because everything else is faded into shadow. It is sooo quiet and so incredibly vulnerable and beautiful.

The way the drama captures the light in these scenes is the way in which Hirukawa describes the impact Minase has on his life at sunrise. At first, everything is pitch black with no moon and stars and gradually the light peeks through to sends sparkles to the sea and then overwhelming warmth.

It's one of those rare instances where they don't need to sensationalize moments. Silence speak volumes and it is often as important as dialogue. The desire is so apparent between Minase and Hirukawa. You can feel the pull of every gaze, every unspoken word, every action or every action not taken. I think you should give this one a chance.

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