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strong start, rushed end...
As typical of a JBL we get an interesting premise, we get an serene atmosphere and quite a slow pacing. I just feel the end is rushed, another episode should have extended the end which was overly fast and breaks with the overall pace of the show. Especially they introduced the "Konno goes abroad" thing which is not in the original manga and which did not make much sense especially when they were limited on episodes anyways. To introduce drama is not always a good choice, this series could have done without it.The cinematography was top notch, the actors did a good job, except with kissing. What's the point of close ups "kissing" when the lips are only touching for a "endless" time. Besides that, I have nothing to complain about. So overall a good BL which started much stronger (the first two episodes were just perfect) and gave us a weaker ending. The series is extremly short, only about 24 minutes per episode (except the finale which is about 30 minutes), so you can easily binge-watch this and have a better flow and not a week long suspense.
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Ohh to be seen and loved for what you are!
Depth of Field is one of those stories that creeps in slowly but wraps you neck deep in emotions before you know it. It was aching at times, but beautiful.The drama centres around Hayakawa, who has shut himself off from music and honestly, from feeling anything at all after a past that clearly wrecked him. And then there is Konno, who is camera-obsessed, a stoic, quiet individual who doesn't try to fix anyone but somehow holds a space in a way that changes everything.
What I enjoyed the most was that they didn't chase melodrama and didn't overexplain anything. The metaphors were so on point - music was for self-expression and photography for different perspectives.
Hayakawa's journey is very layered. He questions, self-pities, lashes out but also listens and evolves. Konno, on the other hand, feels like someone who has finally started to understand himself more and helps Hayakawa get back the parts of the past that are lost and buried. Hayakawa felt messy, raw and human and Konno was the contrast who was perfect with a clear plan in his head.
The tension between them is everything. It's admiration and jealousy in Haywaka's head while Konno stands there silently offering a kind of safety he doesn't himself know how to accept. He was like an anchor, just simply being there when everything else felt adrift. Their interactions aren't flashy but very tender and real. They had the kind of chemistry that doesn't explode but softens. Sometimes it wasn't about romance, but more about finally being "seen" for who they are and those long glances and silence that screamed "I got you" without any words.
Usually, the lack of communication bothers me a bit, but here it made sense considering the character's background.
The cinematography is literally poetry here. I really loved the terrace shots and all the unspoken confessions. The lighting is sad (where it needs to be) and subtle. Also, loved the ending shot, it felt like a complete circle...ending where it all began!
Acting-wise, I found Usa Takuma (Hayakawa) to be a bit stiff at times, but it didn't take away from the overall viewing experience. Hirano Koshu (Konno) played a very stoic character, and I thought he did a decent job as well.
Overall, this hit the sweet spot between emotional chaos and calm reflection that follows after. It's about being seen, finding courage and beginning again. Though the pace seems a bit fast, but considering the run time, it is excusable.
I would 100% recommend it!
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This review may contain spoilers
interesting start with a disappointing ep 3
Overall: I was intrigued by the first two episodes, but things that happened in episode 3 made my rating go down. Based on a manga of the same title by ENJO, which I haven't read and I am reviewing the series based on its own merits. 6 episodes about 25 minutes each. Aired on GagaOOLala everywhere except Korea and Japan https://www.gagaoolala.com/en/videos/5465/depth-of-field-2025-e01Content Warning: past bullying, sexual assault/non con touching/non con kissing, punch, past manipulation
Watch Suggestions (to avoid repeated sexual assault)
- watch episodes 1 & 2
- episode 3 watch 4:45-12 for backstory and stop at 19
- skip episode 4
- watch episode 5
- episode 6 watch 8-8:20 and 21-end
What I Liked
- I think the actors did a good job with the script that they had
- enjoyed them in university more
- production value
Room For Improvement
- one of the main characters was unlikable in high school and I didn't root for him in a romantic relationship with anyone, I can really enjoy flawed characters but I didn't feel that the past made sense for his current actions in high school and after apologizing (so he knew his was wrong) for sexually assaulting the other main character he sexually assaulted him again!!!
- potential love rival
- common pitfall of dragging poor communication out and then a rushed ending
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1Finding the right Focus in life but clear enough to see what surrounds you.
“Depth of Field”, a term used in photography, is the distance between the nearest and the farthest objects that are in acceptably sharp focus in an image captured with a camera. (per Wikipedia). As we often focus on what’s right in front of us, we might not be able to see clearly what’s around us or behind us.In this drama, Konno (kind, honest and determined) helps Hayakawa to be able to see both objects in his life. Let’s not focus on wanting to be liked by putting on a fake smile and persona, forgetting about being honest with yourself, your feelings and what your passions are. At times, the focus of what’s in front and what’s around you are in reverse. Hayakawa was lucky to have Konno to help him navigate the fog in front of him and see a clearer view of what’s most important.
“Depth of Field” is more than just a regular teen romance BL. Yes, there is romance and it was slowly developed and won’t be a focus until towards the end of the drama. Instead, this drama focuses on accepting, liking and being honest with yourself, rediscovering one’s passion, overcoming an unpleasant past and working towards your true passion and dreams. This should be the nearest object of the camera and must be in clear focus. Surrounding all that and being in the farther away distance of the camera, is the romance, the friendship, and wanting to be liked. At the end of the drama, Hayakawa finds the perfect “Depth of Field”.
There are a few moments that really made an impression on me (both positive and negative). I was not a fan of how Hayakawa expressed his anger, frustration and attraction in Konno’s bedroom. I could see where he’s coming from, but still didn’t quite like it. The drama also didn’t explore the aftermath much, and with only a simple apology. On the other hand, when the leads are on the rooftop and the flashback of the “Gross” remark deeply affected me for some reason. My tears started streaming down my cheeks. Oh, I hurt for Hayakawa and his expression was so heartbreaking. No wonder it stayed with Konno all these years.
I strongly recommend “Depth of Field” if you like the slower-paced JBLs. I actually feel that 6 episodes is the perfect length for this drama. This is not typical for me as sometimes I feel that JBLs are too short and J-dramas in general can be rushed and need more episodes. As an adaptation from a manga, the acting is decent and not overdramatic.
Completed: 7/19/2025 Review #605
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A beautifully quiet BL with stunning visuals, but too short to fully bloom
Depth of Field feels like a soft breeze on a seaside rooftop—gentle, melancholic, and breathtaking in its simplicity. The story follows Hayakawa Shuichiro, a high schooler who has shut his heart to music after a painful past. To fill the void, he seeks fleeting connections until one day he wanders to the school rooftop, where the sky meets the sea. Here, he rediscovers his lost melody and meets Konno Ryohei, a classmate deeply absorbed in photography. What begins as an awkward encounter gradually develops into a relationship that teeters between friendship and something deeper.The series excels in creating a serene, almost poetic atmosphere. The rooftop scenes are cinematic gold—the blend of ocean and sky is one of the most beautiful backdrops I’ve seen in a BL. The use of music and photography as metaphors for healing and connection adds depth to their quiet interactions.
But as much as I adored its artistry, the pacing felt rushed. The series only gives us a fleeting 5-minute confession and kiss before the finale, leaving no room for the couple to exist as an actual couple. I even went back to rewatch episodes 1-5 thinking I missed something. Sadly, I hadn’t—it really ends just as things begin.
For what it is, Depth of Field is a lovely watch: raw emotions, stunning cinematography, and a bittersweet coming-of-age romance. But its biggest flaw is its brevity. With more time to explore Hayakawa and Konno’s journey, it could have been something truly special.
✨ Highlights: rooftop scenes, sea-sky cinematography, emotional subtlety.
⏳ Downside: too short, no time for post-confession relationship.
❤️ Would I recommend? Yes, if you enjoy slow, reflective BLs and don’t mind open-ended pacing.
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Perfect ending
Idk this leaves me longing for someone who understands me more. The actors who portrayed- Hirano-san and Usa-san- really gave justice to their roles especially for close up shots where their eyes have a life on its own.I was surprised it’s only 6 eps, but it perfectly makes sense because it does not drag the story for so much unnecessary noise.
I can definitely say that ending was perfect. It did not need to be so much grand. It was just so wholesome that I myself realized, it’d be great if people were this mature to be in relationships.
Thank you to the whole team!
Note: I love the fucking song he made 🩵
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Depth of Field - Hishakai Shindo
It felt like a coming of age story. I had no real knowledge of it before watching it, and I'm kind of glad I didn't. I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I might.The characters seemed fresh and new to me. I wish there was more backstory developed for Konno Ryohei. It was kind of hard to connect with him until later, but Hirano Koshu really surprised me in those last episodes. I felt like I could feel his longing and angst.
The plot didn't seem to know what it wanted to do sometimes. Felt a bit choppy while moving forward.
The one thing I always wish with these series is for a proper ending. They always feel super rushed. All and all I thought it was good.
Give it a try. It's a short watch.
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Hayakawa is drawn to Konno’s calm and sincerity, while Konno is moved by Hayakawa’s vulnerability and emotional intensity. What starts as simple curiosity slowly grows into a deep emotional bond, where they help each other see their feelings more clearly while the rest of the world remains blurry and out of focus. They are such a compelling pair, and watching them slowly open up to each other felt so real.
The final moments of the last episode were some of the sweetest and most romantic scenes I’ve ever watched. Highly recommend!
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Authentic Love
I was touched by the ML 's gentle heart and passion for music. The angst he felt over being gay and rejected was troubling. I'm glad his friend convinced him to lay aside his doubts and live for himself. As with many Asian dramas time creeps by with feelings developing and loyal ities being steadfast. When the photographer finally realized he cared deeply for his friend and wanted to remain by his side, my insides were doing a happy dance. This was a slow burn romance with a youthful authentic quality to their love.Was this review helpful to you?
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A Romance With Deeper Feelings & Understanding!
There are moments in life when everything around us blurs, when the noise of expectation, pain, and routine drowns out the quiet beauty of connection. But every so often, someone steps into view so clearly, so unexpectedly, that they sharpen our world with a kind of gentle urgency.The Japanese BL series Depth of Field captures that feeling with haunting grace. Based on the manga Hishakai Shindo by Enjo, it stars Usa Takuma as Hayakawa Shuichiro, a once-passionate music student burned out by the world, and Hirano Koshu as Konno Ryohei, a quiet classmate with a camera and a steady gaze.
Hayakawa lives in grayscale, emotionally shut down, his passion for music replaced with isolation and surface-level encounters. Konno, all softness and sincerity, enters Hayakawa’s life on the rooftop of their school, where sky and sea meet in a haze of blue and the world feels just distant enough to make breathing easier.
Read the complete article here-
https://the-bl-xpress.com/2025/07/22/depth-of-field-series-review-ep-3-to-6/
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Where's the Depth?
This is what happens when shows are so short. They really lack depth, and for a show called 'Depth of Field' that's something I was really looking for. I did enjoy it don't get me wrong, I think it was sweet! However, there could've been so much more here. It kinda felt like 'My Beautiful Man' light, and not just because its set in Japan with a photographer (though that is so many coincidences lol). If we would get a second season or special, maybe it would really help the story! But with what we got, I was left wanting more for our two mains especially Hayakawa.Was this review helpful to you?
Beautiful Coming of Age Romance
I like the overall production—beautiful color grading, cinematography and music/ost. The actors are also great and makes the roles much more appealing in my opinion since I know the original work and wasn't extremely fond of the story. I do prefer some of the changes made in the adaptation versus the manga because I feel some things work better in manga and doesn't translate quite well to a live action format. The actors' chemistry also help attribute to the story, but overall, I feel the original storyline doesn't work super well as a drama format (maybe it'll work better as a film) so the drama felt a little short and incomplete.I still really enjoy the drama, and adore the overall aesthetics of it. Very good rewatch value as I've seen it 3x so far and still think the couple's chemistry is adorable.
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