Our Youth

Spell and rainbow

Spell and rainbow
I remember that in Journalism Techniques, one of the Journalism subjects, the teacher told us to write imaginary interviews with personalities from the field of science, culture, art, sports, politics... who, due to various circumstances, could not be interviewed, since whether due to death, distance, etc.
I will try to return to my old classes for this subject.
In the Japanese BL series 'Miseinen Mijukuna Oretachi wa Bukiyo ni Shinkochu', Jin has emerged as a memorable leading character admired by the audience. His identity as a model high school student who has the purpose of living life as a spectator, his melancholic and lonely character, his desire to break molds and get ahead on a journey of self-discovery and acceptance, have captured the attention of viewers, who value their authenticity, talent and bravery.
Motojima Junsei, the actor who plays Minase Jin, has demonstrated a remarkable ability to portray this complex character. At only 19 years old, he has forged a solid career in the television and film fields.
In film he has stood out for playing Ichinose Hotaro / Kamen Rider Gotchard in the 'Kamen Rider Gotchard' universe, while on television he appeared in productions such as 'Hayabusa Shobodan', 'Kamen Rider Geats' and 'Shigatsu no Tokyo wa...'. In the latter, a 2023 BL series, he played the young Yagami Ryunosuke. The actor confesses that all his works have forged his ability to tackle challenging roles with depth and authenticity.
We talked about Jin and the Japanese BL series with Motojima Junsei in an exclusive interview for CinemaBL.
AA— How would you define Jin?
MJ— Jin is originality, love, honesty, magic, light... As an actor, I consider him to be the most beautiful character I have had to play on television so far. He is a model student. Studious. Work hard. His priority is to have his own house and his own car in the future. He knows that the only way to achieve his dreams is to go to a top university. He is fine with his repetitive daily routine of school and studying. He is an honor student who is indifferent to others, and has been living his school life avoiding any interaction with class troublemakers, especially Hirukawa Haruki. Jin is a fascinating young man who takes the viewer from hatred to love and becomes one of the pillars of the plot. Although he projects an image of absolute control over his life and his environment, he hides deep emotions and vulnerabilities.
AA—And Haruki is…?
MJ—Haruki, a character played with high marks by Kamimura Kenshin, a talented actor with solid experience in film and television, is my companion on a journey in which we will both discover and accept our true identity. Jin has been raised to hate people like Haruki. But Haruki, unintentionally, enters her life, which in a way, is perfect. This is the trigger for the series. One day, while Jin is taking a shortcut through a troubled neighborhood to return home, he sees Haruki, his classmate. Since he is not the type of person Jin would mix with, considering him, due to the upbringing received by his absent mother, the type of individual who grows up to become a criminal, Jin tries to continue on his way, until he discovers that Haruki is receiving a beating from his father.
"Something in Jin tells him that this is not his problem, that he should have nothing to do with Haruki. But at the same time a voice inside him screams that it is inevitable that their paths will cross... I would say that feeling of boredom that Jin has, it is Haruki who needs to get rid of him. Finally, they begin to relate.
AA— Why do you think the public begins to empathize with Haruki and stop seeing him as the villain of the story?
MJ— Haruki's character grows from the connection with Jin. In truth, they both grow as people. Both Haruki and Jin, who has the best values in the series, let go of the anti-values they carry and incorporate new, very positive values. When Haruki is around Jin he becomes a different person. He is talkative, attentive, talks about his taste in movies, shares secrets never revealed to others about what he likes or doesn't like about movies, about his life... Jin's father is a film director. This connects you even more by having another topic of conversation.
"Haruki is always prepared to give Jin his world. He cannot contain what boils in him, what overflows him, but everything will be step by step until he gets rid of the mists of doubt about the unknown, from fear of family, to school, to society in general that tells you that loving a person of the same gender is not correct, it is prohibited, it is illegal. Step by step, it will be like that, until the paths converge. Deep down, they are very similar. After discovering the secret of Haruki, the two quickly become intimate. This relationship, sad but beautiful, is what the series narrates."
AA— What strikes Jin about Haruki?
MJ— His vulnerability, his true “self,” so different from how he had represented it in his head. After witnessing the domestic violence carried out by his father, Jin manages to understand that the bruises on his face are not from the fights that he considered would cause them. As he tries to walk away, from his mind he cannot get the image of the Haruki he saw, so different from the one at school... Haruki is truly, like him, a tender, lonely and lost boy. They both come from different origins. Both had different types of education or upbringing. On the other hand, Haruki suffers from the marginalization to which he is subjected by his fellow students due to his reputation as a violent boy, his attitude of rebellion and disobedience towards teachers...
AA— In your opinion, what is the message that is transmitted to the viewer through this character?
MJ— Before answering that question, let me tell you that the events narrated in the webtoon "Our Youth", by Hi Nun, the original manhwa and which the series adapts for television, take place in South Korea between 2009 and 2014. In 'Miseinen Mijukuna Oretachi wa Bukiyo ni Shinkochu' is set, of course, in Japan and in 2018. Multiple details were changed slightly to match with Japanese reality, but ultimately the series captures the spirit of the original work, which is the romance of two teenagers set in a country where youth is marked by violence and loneliness, while, figuratively speaking, everyone They float in a rough sea where no one expects them to engage with each other.
"Now, my message with Jin is that a better world is possible, where people are respected and each person's sexual preference is not an important factor. Sexual preference is a personal issue that only concerns the person and not He should belittle or devalue anyone, much less humiliate. His sexual identity does not define his personality; what really define Jin is his values and feelings.
"I would like the public to reflect that sexual preference should not be a reason for humiliation, mistreatment or exclusion. People should be valued for their human quality, which is the most important thing. I think these stories should be represented more on television, although it will not be an easy battle, since Japanese youth have lived for decades in a society guided by homophobia, patriarchy and heteronormativity. However, as these stories are incorporated into the media and our culture, the japanese will leave becoming familiar with them, as long as they are given the right treatment. A change is needed because the world needs to be better and people need to love and respect each other.
The series seeks to demonstrate that while some people can overcome their suffering and move forward in life, others allow themselves to be consumed by it."
AA— How much did the character of Haruki contribute to the realization of your role?
MJ— Working with Kenshin was wonderful. He is an actor who offers all his knowledge. He is attentive and takes care of all the details of his performance and that of others. He is very protective of everyone around him. Sharing a scene with him was very comfortable. There were never any problems or disagreements between us.
"Whenever we could contribute something to the characters we did it, we sat down and tried to explain the reasons for Jin's rejection of Haruki when he tried to kiss him, his love for Jin, his father's abuse... which undoubtedly made our performances much more convincing. We did the casting together, but we already knew each other through mutual friends who introduced us at one of their performances with the vocal dance group "One N' Only", to which Kenshin belongs. And then we met in the premiere of the BL series 'Ossan's Love Returns', in January of this year, in which he plays Hao, one of the secondary characters. We have been friends since then, since before filming began. This has also served to enhance the chemistry, the close bond established between the two."
We left the conversation for a few moments. You cannot not answer the incoming call. I turn off my phone, while I hear, nearby, the voice of Motojima Junsei who, from his phone, agrees with a producer to finalize details to star in another BL series.
This is the moment when I let my thoughts escape: Where, if not from love, do those kisses come from that one tries to steal from the other? At what moments do their words and laughter grant us their elf? Where, if not from love, do doubts emerge, the confusion of one feeling rejected, but not despised, by the other? Where, if not from love, is the hurried heartbeat, as if it wanted to escape from the chest of the one who rejected the kisses? Where do they come from, if not from love, those ideas that vividly express that one cannot live away from the other, no matter how much one tries to keep the walls around him high?
Laughing, he returns to his solid armchair in front of me. We continue:
AA— How has the public reception been? Have you received any feedback that surprised you?
MJ— I remember that, while I was recording the series, I was talking with my friends, and one of them told me: "You know that there will be many people who will love you and many people who will hate you, who will make war on you." I answered yes, that I was prepared for that and that I wanted to play the character. I was aware that this could happen.
"Really, the response from the public has been, for me, surprising, with a capital letter. I never imagined that Jin would receive so many acceptances, and I am very happy about it. The message I wanted to convey has arrived. People have stopped seeing a boy in love with another boy to begin to see a man with an immense inner world and enviable human qualities. This has surprised me and made me very happy and I hope that, throughout the series, this perception will change keep.
"On the other hand, making harassment visible is important. It is necessary to promote a culture of peaceful coexistence and respect for diversity in all its expressions: sexual identity, origin, skin color, social status, physical and intellectual abilities, ideology... "
AA—In terms of the evolution of the character, what can we expect from Jin in the next episodes?
MJ— As for the next chapters and Jin's evolution, I can't tell you much, because otherwise Shibata Keisuke and Makino Masaru, the directors, will gut me. Ha ha ha. I can tell you about both of them that they fight against harassment and bullying, a complex phenomenon that affects emotional and academic well-being at all levels of education and throughout society. About the character, I can only say that he is not going to disappoint the audience. Jin will remain true to himself. That's all I can say.
AA—Finally, how would you describe the current and future state of Japanese BL series?
MJ— “Boys’ Love” is in good health. The genre has captured the hearts of millions of fans around the world. It quickly jumped from the initial Japanese manga and anime to dozens of annual series and films. Not only in Japan. Other Asian countries, such as Thailand, China, Taiwan, Vietnam, South Korea, the Philippines, among others, film productions of this content. The proliferation of the genre has given rise to a rich and diverse range of productions that celebrate love. It is a phenomenon that combines romance, drama and culture in a unique and charming way.
"But what is fundamental is their cultural and social impact. BL series not only offer entertainment; they also play a crucial role in the visibility and acceptance of LGBT+ relationships in Japan and throughout Asia. By portraying stories of love and struggle that resonate with For many people, these series foster greater understanding and empathy towards sexual and gender diversity. In addition, BL has created a global community of fans who manage to connect and share their love for these stories, breaking cultural and geographical barriers.
"Or at least that's how I understand it. One more step towards diversity and hopefully, these stories will be standardized in the rest of the markets."
While, already at home, days later, I watch the next episode of the series, I think about the last words of Motojima Junsei: "BL series provoke a kind of enchantment in millions of human beings in the world. It is as if the director, screenwriters, actors and others involved, like magicians, will pronounce a magical spell that encourages the majority to entertain, to fight for the rights of LGBT+ people.

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Lorsqu'un amour est entier...

Avec une narration lente et profonde, les sentiments prennent vie au travers de ce drame qui se délivre sous la forme de la réticence, de la curiosité, de l'affection et de l'amour. Our Youth, c'est l'histoire de deux lycéens qui, malgré leurs différences, vont évoluer ensemble devenant le radeau de l'autre dans un l'océan tumultueux d'une vie.

Certains JBL sont sympathiques, d'autres sont adorables ou encore des plaisirs coupables. Et puis, il y a ceux comme Our Youth, les inclassables. Ceux qui viennent raconter une histoire, en apparence banale, mais qui renferme tellement plus. Et c'est toujours une expérience à part entière. Ce qui est magnifique, avec des histoires comme celle-ci, c'est qu'elles mettent en scène deux personnes ordinaires, où chacun va apprendre de l'autre. Ensemble, ils partagent plus qu'une simple relation, ils peuvent braver plus qu'ils n'oseraient penser alors qu'ils s'enferment dans cette bulle qui n'appartient qu'à eux.

C'est la première fois que je vois Motojima Junsei et Kamimura Kenshin, et quel jeu ! Tous les deux dépeignent de beaux personnages avec des émotions criantes et subtiles au travers de regards et sourires. Leur alchimie est ravissante, accentuée par des gestes qui se veulent innocents aux yeux du monde, mais pas aux leurs. J'ai notamment apprécié l'absence du stéréotype gars sûr de lui et charmeur, contre celui effrayé comme une biche à l'idée de simplement tenir la main de la personne qu'il aime.

J'ai aimé suivre l'évolution du couple, mais aussi chacun d'eux, individuellement. D'une certaine façon, Our Youth rappelle qu'on ne connaît jamais vraiment quelqu'un, à moins de réellement leur porter de l'intérêt. Hirukawa (Kamimura Kenshin) ressemble à l'adolescent rebelle qui ne porte aucun intérêt dans ses études. En réalité, c'est un garçon passionné de cinéma dont la plus grande peur est de ressembler à son père. De l'autre côté, Minase (Motojima Junsei) est un élève studieux et fils de parents aisés, mais c'est aussi un jeune homme délaissé par ces derniers aux profits de leurs carrières respectives. Entre eux, il en ressort un amour maladroit et sincère au travers de difficultés qu'un adolescent n'est pas supposé affronter. Un parent alcoolique, violent ou absent. Les attentes de la société, qui ne sont qu'une pression supplémentaire dans un monde qui en demande toujours plus. Ou encore, le fait de devoir se conformer au moule prédéfini, au risque de paraître trop différent et rejeté.

Les voir garder leur relation pour eux et continuer à vivre dans le secret n'est pas si surprenant. Cela me semble plus réaliste que de voir les amis de Minase, ou les parents de ce dernier, être heureux de la nouvelle. Le Japon est une société qui s'ouvre de plus en plus, mais qui reste encore très conservatrice. L'homosexualité n'est pas encore acceptée, bien qu'elle soit tolérée. Au-delà du désir de mariage ou de la liberté d'être ensemble, leur amour est au-dessus de tout. Ce n'est pas un sacrifice de s'aimer en secret, c'est peut-être même le vrai sens de la liberté : « pour vivre heureux, vivons cachés ! » dit-on.

Enfin, les mots de Minase pour parler de sa relation avec Hirukawa sont magnifiques. Ils se dégagent d'eux, cette poésie si caractéristique des œuvres japonais qu'on en trouve nulle part ailleurs. La mise en scène est aussi charmante, avec une palette de couleurs propre au Japon, le tout accompagné d'une discrète bande-son.

En bref, Our Youth dépeint l'histoire d'un amour authentique entre deux personnes ordinaires. Avec leurs imperfections et leurs différences, leur amour n'en devient que plus fort, à l'abri des regards indiscrets.

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El mejor BL japonés en lo que va del año

Sin duda quede enamorada de estos dos personajes, me encanta cómo se desarrolla la relación entre Haruki y Jin. La forma en que se protegen y cuidan mutuamente, a pesar de las dificultades y desafíos que enfrentan, es realmente conmovedora.

La autenticidad y transparencia de sus sentimientos es algo que realmente destaca en esta historia. La forma en que se comunican y se expresan es tan natural y sincera que es fácil sentirse conectado con ellos.

Me parece interesante cómo la historia aborda temas como la soledad, la vulnerabilidad y la protección. Haruki y Jin ambos tienen experiencias de soledad y vulnerabilidad en sus vidas, pero juntos encuentran una sensación de seguridad y protección.

La forma en que la historia se desarrolla a lo largo de los años, desde su juventud hasta la adultez, es también muy interesante. Ver cómo sus sentimientos y su relación evolucionan con el tiempo es realmente hermoso.

En general, me parece que esta historia es una hermosa exploración del amor, la vulnerabilidad y la protección. Es una historia que realmente te hace sentir y reflexionar sobre la importancia de las relaciones humanas en nuestras vidas.
Definitivamente Japón jamás me decepciona, super recomendad esta serie por si no se la han visto, es realmente preciosa.

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Eu AMO drama que faz analogias com o mar, sua densidade, potência, imensidão e mistério, então este drama japonês me acertou em cheio. A história foi muito bem desenvolvida, acho que até os pontos mais tristes foram cruciais para que pudéssemos mensurar melhorar a evolução que o personagem do Haruki tanto ansiava depois do seu encontro de vida com o Minase.
Achei que o final foi um pouco frio, por parte do Minase principalmente, e sobre o especial falarei na resenha de lá, mas também me pesou muito algumas situações.
Acredito que a única coisa que poderia ser melhor foi a química no sentido beijo mesmo, porque havia tensão latente entre os personagens desde o ensino médio, e tudo bem que naquele momento os beijos fossem com menos intensidade já que era tudo uma descoberta para eles, mas acredito que no reencontro poderiam ter potencializado um pouco a saudade que sentiram um do outro neste momento.

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Resenha

Our Youth (2024) é um drama BL que realmente me cativou com seus personagens bem construídos e a forma delicada como o romance foi desenvolvido. Minase Jin e Hirukawa Haruki têm uma dinâmica que começa de forma tensa, mas, aos poucos, evolui para algo muito mais profundo e significativo. O contraste entre as personalidades deles – Jin, o estudante exemplar, e Haruki, o delinquente rebelde – foi trabalhado de maneira envolvente, criando momentos emocionantes e genuínos ao longo da história.

O que mais gostei foi o romance. Ele não foi apressado nem forçado; pelo contrário, se desenvolveu de maneira gradual e natural. Cada interação entre Jin e Haruki parecia autêntica, e era fácil se apegar aos dois e torcer por eles. A química entre os atores também foi um ponto alto, ajudando a transmitir as emoções de seus personagens de forma convincente.

Porém, para mim, o final deixou a desejar. Depois de tanto investimento emocional ao longo da trama, eu esperava algo mais marcante ou bem resolvido. Pareceu que algumas questões ficaram em aberto, o que foi um pouco frustrante. Apesar disso, não foi o suficiente para diminuir o quanto gostei do drama como um todo.

No geral, Our Youth é uma obra que recomendo, especialmente para quem gosta de histórias com foco em crescimento pessoal e relações que se constroem aos poucos. Mesmo com um final que não me agradou completamente, ainda considero uma experiência muito positiva e que vale a pena assistir.

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Definitivamente um dos melhores

Que bl lindo! Definitivamente um dos melhores q já assisti.
Uma história bonita, com acolhimento, superação, romance, amizade. Simplesmente tudo perfeito.
Ver o romance dos personagens foi tão aconchegante e tão lindo, a forma q a história foi retratada também foi perfeita!
Não tenho muito a dizer, só que foi tudo perfeito do começo ao fim.
Recomendo muito, é uma história linda e os atores tem uma química absurda.

SPOILER AQUI:
O último ep foi um q tocou nomeu coração. A abordagem do casamento homossexual, os sentimentos do Minase comparando um casamento hetero de liberdade e felicidade, com o homossexual de receio e de problema por conta da sociedade, isso me tocou de vdd. Mas no fim, sendo na lei ou não o relacionamento lindo que eles têm não vai mudar.

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