Our Youth

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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Lost in the Tides: A Heartbreaking Journey of Love, Pain, and Healing

Introduction
"By the time I realized it, I had already entered the sea where you were waiting."

This drama is a poignant exploration of love, trauma, and vulnerability, set against the backdrop of societal expectations and personal struggles. It takes viewers on an emotional journey, delving into the lives of two vastly different characters, Minase Jin and Hirukawa Haruki, as they navigate the complexities of their circumstances and forge an unbreakable bond. The narrative thrives on its character-driven storytelling, where the unspoken and understated carry more weight than grand gestures or dramatic twists.

Plot Overview
The story revolves around Minase Jin, a high-achieving student from a privileged background, and Hirukawa Haruki, a troubled delinquent grappling with abuse and neglect. Their worlds collide unexpectedly, sparking a connection that challenges their preconceived notions and reshapes their lives. Jin, who has always played it safe and avoided emotional entanglements, finds himself drawn to Haruki’s raw vulnerability. Haruki, in turn, discovers a sanctuary in Jin’s quiet empathy, igniting a journey of mutual healing and growth.

Minase Jin: The Passive Observer

Minase Jin initially appears as the epitome of perfection—academically accomplished, well-mannered, and destined for success. Beneath this polished exterior, however, lies a young man burdened by societal expectations and the stifling influence of his mother. Jin’s life is meticulously planned, leaving no room for deviation or personal choice. He lives as a bystander, observing life from the sidelines without daring to participate.

Meeting Haruki is a turning point for Jin. For the first time, he confronts his own passivity and begins to engage with the world around him. His growing affection for Haruki awakens a depth of emotion he has long suppressed. The transformation is gradual yet profound, as Jin learns to defy societal norms and embrace his true self.

Hirukawa Haruki: A Lost Soul Seeking Redemption

Hirukawa Haruki’s tough exterior masks a lifetime of pain and rejection. Abused by his father and neglected by his mother, Haruki has internalized feelings of unworthiness and shame. He adopts the role of a troublemaker, using rebellion as both a shield and a cry for help. Beneath this façade, however, lies a deeply sensitive soul yearning for love and acceptance.

Haruki’s encounter with Jin brings an unexpected ray of hope into his life. Jin’s nonjudgmental demeanor and quiet support become a lifeline, allowing Haruki to confront his demons and begin the slow process of healing. Through Jin, Haruki discovers that he is deserving of love and kindness, even if his past continues to cast a shadow over his present.

Themes and Highlights

"It would be great if the boundary between you and me could melt away and become one."

This line encapsulates the essence of the drama—the desire for connection and the courage to bridge the gap between two seemingly disparate worlds. Jin and Haruki's relationship is a delicate balance of strength and vulnerability, and each character finds solace and strength in the other. Their journey is a testament to the transformative power of love and the resilience of the human spirit.
The drama’s cinematography is another standout element, with water serving as a recurring motif. The sea symbolizes the emotional depth and fluidity of the characters’ relationship, capturing their moments of harmony and turbulence with breathtaking precision. The use of silence and subtle gestures further enhances the narrative, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in the characters’ inner worlds.

Performances
The actors deliver outstanding performances, bringing authenticity and nuance to their roles. Their chemistry is palpable, with stolen glances and fleeting touches conveying emotions that words cannot. The portrayal of Jin’s quiet strength and Haruki’s raw vulnerability is both heartrending and uplifting, leaving a lasting impact on the audience.

Final Thoughts
"Your sea and my sea must be connected somewhere. Even now, I still believe that."

This series really resonated with me. It’s about love that’s raw, transformative, and full of vulnerability. The characters’ journeys—especially with the sea as a recurring symbol—felt so real to me. It’s not just about love, but about finding yourself and healing. The connection between Jin and Haruki is their sanctuary, where they can be vulnerable and grow despite the world around them. It’s a story of emotional awakening and strength, showing that even when life doesn’t offer a fairytale, love can still be a place of solace. I won’t forget it anytime soon. Highly recommend it for anyone who relates to stories about growth, love, and embracing pain to heal.
Inspired from @Jojo

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Amazing from start to finished

I have watched over 100 BL series, primarily from Thailand, Korea, and Taiwan. This is my second Japanese BL, and I would highly recommend it.

While the production quality—such as the graphics, color, and cinematography—may not be as high as that of Korean dramas, I thoroughly enjoyed this series. I binge-watched all 11 episodes in one sitting. The chemistry between the two male leads was captivating, evolving from friendship to a deeper connection, progressing to their first kiss, and ultimately culminating in them falling in love with each other. I felt a sense of relief when Haruki's father passed away, as he was portrayed as an abusive alcoholic. It was difficult to believe that Japanese law does not provide more protection for children in such situations. Had this been in Australia, Haruki would have received extensive support, including free accommodation, food, and a safe home. I am, however, grateful that Jin was there to support him.

My only criticism is that it seems unrealistic that, after loving each other and being separated for over five years, they could not contact each other through platforms like Instagram or Facebook. While Jin lost his phone in America, in reality, they could easily have reached out to one another if they truly wanted to.

Overall, I would rate this drama 9 out of 10. I appreciated how each episode beautifully developed their relationship, from high school to adulthood, allowing us to see their love grow with each passing moment. My favorite part was the ending, where Haruki mentions that, although Japan does not have legal gay marriage, he will always be there for Jin. This was a deeply realistic and emotional sentiment, and I could see myself in Haruki's position one day.

I look forward to watching more Japanese BL series in the future.

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Coming of age, becoming your own person.

What I looked for was a shallow feel good fluff slice of life, what I’ve got was so much better. Be it in terms of romance, character development, the depth of storytelling or the quality of presentation - it went beyond what I expected. As much as I enjoyed the romance, the portrayal of the hardships these characters had to go through and how they supported each other was what truly won me over.

The complexity of abuse and neglect - difference between physical and emotional abuse, direct and indirect, intentional and unintentional behavior. Truth to be told, both Jin and Haruki were abused by their parents. One could argue Jin was “only” neglected, but is that true?

In the case of Hirukawa Haruki it’s really clear - he was psychically and emotionally abused by his father, who used him as a relief for his own issues. Fueled by his grievance about divorce, sense of abandonment and alcoholism, he channeled all his anger, hatred and sense of incompetence into abusing Haruki. It was awful to witness, but the scene that actually broke me was when Haruki blamed himself for his father’s death. This is the true horror of abuse. It’s not the bruises, it's not the physical pain, but the way your personality, identity, confidence, self-value shatters. When you start blaming yourself for others’ choices and the consequences that follow.

I also do not want to give any slack to his mother. There is no way on the planet she did not put two and two together that his father was abusing him. She just did not want to acknowledge it, even to herself. The lack of interest in her own child’s well being was just sad to witness. She cared enough to make herself feel good and blameless in this situation. She failed as a parent as much as the father did. And it’s not just her neglect about Haruki’s current situation, but what led to it in the first place. The fact it was Haruki who thought he needed to protect his mother and her new family, instead of him feeling like she should go to her for help tells you all you need to know about their relationship and her role in his life.

Minase Jin’s family situation does mirror Haruki’s. Even if initially it feels less severe, long term it has similar consequences. Here we have an abusive mother and neglectful father. From one perspective his family situation was worse, because it did not seem like neglect and abuse. When your father beats you up, people know it’s wrong. When your mother tries to control every aspect of your life and emotionally guilts you into obedience, how do you even explain it to people? When you say you are scared to leave, because your abusive father might actually kill you, people understand your fear. But if you say you are scared of making your own decisions and being disobedient to a parent, because you fear disappointing them - that’s so much harder to grasp for someone who looks at your situation from the outside. People won’t say that you should be grateful to your father for beating you up, because he did it for you and he had good intentions. But people will try to convince you that your mother is dictating your whole future and telling you to not have friends and only study for your benefit. Abuse that does not seem like abuse is scary, because in most cases you won’t get external validation for wanting to get out of it, you won't get support or understanding.

And I think we see it in the drama - after Hirukawa Haruki’s father dies, he is able to chase his own dreams, build a stable life, reach his goals and set new ones - find his identity and thrive. On the other hand Minase Jin still somehow lives his mother’s dreams. We know he got to the university of his first choice - was it his first choice, or was it his mother? How much of the path he is taking is what he wants to do, and how much is it him appeasing his mom and just going with her plan for his life? This is one aspect of the show I wish they explored more - Minase Jin family relations in adulthood.

For romance, I’d say this is the perfect example of meeting the right person at the right times - the plural here is important. Usually I am completely against the couple breaking up when tough times come, to lessen the burden on their partner, but here it just made sense and was the correct choice. They were extremely young, inexperienced in any and all areas of life, confused about who they were and what they wanted. What they both needed is alone time to explore and to grow and I think staying in a romantic relationship at that time would only become another cage that stops their progress. The deep feelings they had for each other would lead to them always prioritizing the other person and that’s unhealthy.

They were the source of each other's strength in the dark times, but without some growth and exploration as individuals, the support they gave each other would turn into co-dependency. That’s why I was fine with them saying their goodbyes as teens, and meeting again as adults. I wished the transition between these time periods was a bit smoother and better presented, but I am for sure not against the idea of separation itself.

For the production I especially want to talk about the make up for the injuries and bruises. Whoever was the make-up artist, they need a raise - these were truly well done. It’s one thing to half ass the job when the story does not center around abuse - throw that red paint and call it a day, sure. But for a plot where the injuries are in fact important, they are used as a tool to progress the development of the relationship between the characters, a way to portray the harsh reality Haruki was facing, you need to put more effort, and effort they put! Truly amazing work.

What’s more, the drama had its poetic flavor mostly delivered by Jin and that tone quite well contrasted the expectations put on him and the strong opposition to arts his mother had. I feel like this was another way of showing the internal conflict and confusion our main character had to deal with. Getting a glimpse of his writing style in his novel we can see that he does enjoy arts, that he has an artistic soul in him that was squashed by his mother's expectations. That directing choice just made me appreciate the drama more, even if I am not exactly a poetic person myself.

Acting wise I highly doubt anyone can have any real criticisms. Be it the chemistry between the leads, the fluffy moments that brought a smile on my face, the abuse and hardships they faced that made me want to punch a wall, the development and growth they achieved that made me feel like a proud mom - they cooked, I ate, no crumbs were left.

Overall, I went into it expecting fluff and a cute slice of life. What I’ve got had far more depth and realism. It presents a surprising quality of storytelling for a short drama dealing with such complex subjects. You understand the full picture of what the characters were going through, and how they overcame all the obstacles without each and every moment of their existence being spelled out.

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Naturally coming back to you, our youth brought us together

I was really surprised with this drama in every aspect. It's hard to figure out what you want to expect from a j-drama, as they are pretty much giving for everything. They are good at being camp, melancholic, just haven't seen it being done at one time. The way this drama is going is to be more mellow, and I find that completely correct based on the story that is being told.

So what is the story? Honestly I had no idea. I came into this hearing it was pretty good and expected to at least not get bored, I came out of it getting a lot more. The story is a lot more depressing and realistic than I expected, it was a punch to the gut when I first understood what this drama is really about.

You go into the drama the same way as the lead Jin, thinking Hirukawa is a delinquent and no good. Multiple people in his life warn him about 'ruining' himself by surrounding himself by the wrong people. It is sort of rich coming from the people that don't care to know him well enough, and as a result you can see just how lonely Jin is. From the outside you see a rich privileged kid that wants to succeed and is obsessed with getting good grades and appealing to the right people, on the other hand you have Hirukawa. Hirukawa is the textbook definition (from the outside) of the type of person that Jin should not be around. The drama gets this across several ways, so seeing the two of them get close admits all the internal dialogue just has the payoff of their scenes together leaving me on the edge of my seat. I understand that is why it feel so intimate, because you can see just how much is at stake for the both of them.

Jin has his whole life ahead of him, but he isn't selfish because he knows that. He recognizes the disingeuine acts of others.. especially when it comes to his parents. Each episode develops his character starting from that, as well as his relationship with Hirukawa. This drama is MUCH more than a romance, it's about a whole lot more than that. It isn't too on the nose with its themes, and the acting coming from the leads pulls the story along really well. Without the chemistry between the leads this drama would suck so bad, but luckily they are offering a lot more than just their visuals.

Hirukawa is abused by his father. He is clearly able to fight back for himself, but clears up why he hasn't and won't do that. Hirukawa isn't a delinquent or a scary person, he is misunderstood by everyone. The real story of this drama starts when Jin witnesses the abuse. Even when Jin knows this, he doesn't treat Hirukawa in any different way. Hirukawa is finding himself drawn to Jin because he doesn't have to put a wall up, he knows Jin has accepted him completely. Jin accepts the abuse is happening and doesn't push any boundaries, in fact the one who is holding himself back is Jin. It is sort of brilliant that Jin is the one still closeting himself so badly, where as he has nothing 'pathetic' happening to him in that way. Jin is just extremely tentative because of his privilege circumstances, where Hirukawa finds solace in his company because of his honesty.

The romance between them adds a whole other dynamic to this drama. It isn't cliche with how it does things, instead it is much more realistic. The attraction between the two is clearly there, and you can tell Hirukawa's lax attitude of it all is because he is trying to feign ignorance of his true feelings. He has been a 'nuisance' his whole life, so he doesn't want to get in Jin's way, but he also doesn't want to leave him alone? Why? Because he knows that Jin is a person in his life that makes him genuinely happy. It is when a story is able to be as simple as that, that the attraction doesn't have to spell it out for you, that it is just two people that make each other happy. The drama comes with the circumstances that are telling them to contradict their feelings. That they won't work for just as simple reasons. That they are both boys, that they have different lives, etc.

The tone of this drama handles the serious topics so well. I was also surprised to see that the abuse in Hirukawa's life is a strong part to the story, it wasn't there for shock value. It is shown how deeply that affects Hirukawa's attitude, but it hasn't made him a bitter person, in fact he wants to protect people.

Finishing up the drama I am happy to say it has stayed consistent with the tone. I was happy to see that nothing was rushed, and the story wrapped itself naturally. I was also more than happy at having an extra episode. The main romance continued to keep on theme with feelings of repression and doubt. I found every answer to these 'problems' as bitterly realistic. This drama as a whole depicts a very natural relationship, where in the end the communication between the two was pretty fulfilling.

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" In the vast sea, how likely is it that a lost fish gets to reunite with it's shoal!"

At its heart, this drama is all about the characters - their struggles, growth and the quiet, powerful moments that shape them. It relies heavily on what is unspoken and unsaid rather than grand gestures.

Since this is a character-driven narrative, I will not delve into the story by its events but by what both the main characters brought to the table and how they allow themselves to be seen. (Spoiler free)

Hirukawa Haruki: Hirukawa's character is deeply shaped by the trauma and abuse he endured from his parents, especially from his dad. At the first glance, he is what you call a high school delinquent - rebellious, tough and indifferent to all those around him, making him unapproachable and even slightly intimidating.
Despite his tough demeanour, he unintentionally internalises the abuse and starts to believe that he is no better than his father! While his father had a major role but I feel his mother is equally responsible too for abandoning him and never actually checking up on him. Her lack of empathy towards him only reinforced his feeling of being unworthy and making his sense of self-worth fragile.

But after meeting with Minase, something shifts. Minase sees him for who he is with all his flaws and still doesn’t judge him. That acceptance brings out the side of Hirukawa he has kept hidden and guarded . That tenderness, hope, and a desire for a future that doesn’t feel so impossible when he is around Minase.
His journey is all about healing, slowly learning that he deserves love even though his past still haunts him. Minase slowly became his anchor, helping him realize that love and acceptance aren’t just for other people but for him too and he is most deserving of them!

Minase Jin: Minase is initially a passive observer, standing and watching from the sidelines as a spectator of his high school drama. At first, he seemed like a perfect student with great grades, well-mannered and seemingly unaffected by the complexities of life. But beneath the surface of this ideal life lies a man under high societal expectations from his mother and where his future is laid out to him with certainty without considering his choice.
He keeps his distance from Hirukawa because he is aware of the difference between his privileged life and that of trouble markers. Though the distance is not out of judgment but is more like a quiet fear of disrupting the delicate and carefully constructed life.

But as Minase slowly begins to understand Hirukawa the walls start to crumble. His growing affection for Hirukawa is not only deeply romantic but very empathetic and accepting. His love for Hirukawa becomes the catalyst for his own self-discovery to confront his fears and insecurities.
Minase started as a spectator in his own life but with Hirukawa he learns to actively engage with the world around him.

Together they created a safe place for each other where they can grow and heal, both together and individually. They transcend all societal expectations with a delicate balance of vulnerability and strength.
Slowly the distance between them is replaced by a quiet understanding that what once appeared to be a different universe is actually not so far apart.

Against all odds, they found each other- two souls as different as night and day with a quiet longing that defied logic and reason.

In the end, it was their differences that made them whole, even as the world around them seemed to push them apart. Their bond was fragile yet undeniable, a quiet rebellion against fate, a love that defied the tides of time and change.

Both the actors delivered nothing short of amazing performance considering this was my first time seeing them. They managed to capture the raw, unspoken pain of their characters with such grace and authenticity. Every subtle gesture, those gazes and the deep internal monologue felt real.

The cinematography is stunning, especially the water scenes capturing the stillness and movement of the water in contrast to the feelings in perfect harmony.
Also, the title track OST was very catchy and beautifully complemented the scene wherever it was used.

Overall, this was a heartfelt exploration of growth, vulnerability and healing which was both raw and hopeful. I am definitely recommending this. This as a binge watch would give a better watching experience than on air.

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the mutual magnetic pull was mesmerizing

Overall: this is one of the rare series that I didn't watch at a faster speed because all of the pauses and silences carried weight. I was going to give it a 10/10 but I think the finale could have been better along with a few other things. The series was based on a Korean webtoon "Our Youth" which I read, but tried to review the series on its own merits. 10 episodes plus a special about 23 minutes each. Aired on GagaOOLala https://www.gagaoolala.com/en/videos/4914/our-youth-2024

Content Warnings: child abuse, beaten up, alcoholism, non/dub con kisses, death, theft

What I Liked
- tension and chemistry
- caring moments
- centered on the leads
- the intimacy in episode 7
- metaphor of water (waves bring things to you and take them away, water is ever-changing and difficult to hold onto, water is refreshing etc)
- production value (cinematography)

Room For Improvement
- ominous intro scenes/voice overs and then flashbacks to tell the story
- an open window led to something cliche in ep 4
- a character ignored when another character looked uncomfortable
- that the re-telling took half of episode 5
- some lackluster kissing (I forgave the earlier ones but episode 10 was a let-down, felt there should have been more passion)
- episode 10 tried to cover too much ground/time, it felt rushed and anticlimactic

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Your sea and my sea, must be connected somewhere. Even now, I still believe that.

The drama adaptation of the webtoon "Our Youth" by Hi Noon, is a deeply emotional and captivating series that beautifully captures the essence of coming of age love story and self-discovery amidst of chaos.

The story revolves around Jin, a model student with a bright future ahead, and Haruki, a troubled child. As their paths intertwine, they navigate the complex situations, ups and downs of life and their swiftly changing feelings for each other while facing societal pressures and personal insecurities along the way.

The drama excels in portraying the raw emotions and struggles of the characters as adolescents. Jin's journey from a focused, ambitious model student to someone who begins to understand the importance of love and personal happiness is both heart-wrenching and uplifting. On the other hand Haruki, with his own set of vulnerabilities, adds depth to the emotional narrative which makes their relationship feel real and relatable in same way but in different levels.

The emotional elements of the drama are handled with utmost care, ensuring that audiences are deeply invested in the characters' journey from beginning to till the end. Haruki's moments of happiness, heartbreak, and everything in between are rendered with such sensitivity that it's impossible not to get emotionally involved with the him. Jin's warm embrace and belonging made him want to live better. The audience can't help but sympathize for him.

Must admit, the production quality is top-notch, from mesmerizing cinematography to beautiful OST that enhances the narrative by creating a dream like aura. Especially the soundtracks perfectly complemented the mood, adding an extra layer of emotion.

In conclusion, it is a heart wrenching and poignant adaptation of "Our Youth" whuch stayed true to its original webtoon. It's a must-watch for anyone who appreciates heartfelt stories about love, growth, and the beauty of imperfect chaotic youth. I truly believe that the struggles and triumphs of the characters will surely leave a long lasting impression on the heart of the audience. Highly recommend.

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sad & beautiful with amazing chemistry and top-notch cinematography

For an idol Kamimura Kenshin had an amazing debut in his main role. Both leads had an amazing chemistry, subtle facial expressions or not so subtle facial expressions which cought me in episode 1. The sensiblity with all their inime scenes filmed was stunning. The story was captivating and it was excruciating to wait for the next episode. Oh my god did I wish this series had been released with all episodes at once.

The characters were detailed and their personalities completly different. Motojima Junsei as Jin also showed great skill, the introvert with only two friends, overthinking anything and struggeling to come out of his shell. Haruki has "friends" but is not close to anyone, hides his struggles and is abused at home. He fears to become like his father and so he always decides not to fight back, takes blame for things he never did and is generally an outcast by most people. Jin does not understand Haruki, he knows of the abuse, but subconsciously he knows Haruki is not a bad guy. And then Haruki is bold kissing Jin a lot, never by force, but denies Jin the word for his feelings which does confuse Jin a lot. You feel the tension and their struggles with each other. And when you think all is well, it is not. Of course this a BL so we get a happy end.

There are some things I did not like. Jin was not open with his friends It was never shown that he told them about his love but it was implied, otherwise why did he invite his friends for the movie made by Haruki? His film is about two boys who seperate to meet again when adults btw. The second one is that the finale felt underwhelming. While the beginning was good the middle and end was lukewarm including the kissing scenes. I had tears in my eyes through all episodes from 1-9 but only in the beginning of episode 10. That's the only reasons why it was not perfect for me. Update: The "special" epsiode (sometimes labeled episode 11) does not solve the issue that Jin keeps in the closet with his friends even when Haruki said he had a crush on Jin but circumvent the reason. So either his friends are stupid and don't get the drift or it's a huge plothole.

The cinematography and direction was on point. This is a series you should binch-watch, the 10 episodes at around 22 minutes playtime will be gone faster than you can imagine and are a delight to watch. While it seems to be going slow everything was made with a tought behind it. Again a great japanese BL which makes thai shows looking very lame and underwhelming (with few exceptions). Overall this is a must see and was one of the best in 2024.

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