Unfairly Rushed
This story had so much potential, and I feel like there was too much of a rush at some point. It almost feels like entire episodes or chunks of the story got cut. I'm not sure if there's source material for this series, but the time-skip threw me off.I would've liked to see more of a sense of personality to both of the leads, there wasn't much to their essence and with the themes in the overall plot made this feel emptier. While I was happy to get one of these leads to finally take on a leading role, his full potential didn't seem to get used here. I'm usually partial to Japanese BL when it comes to the emotional, effective storytelling, but this series failed in that part a bit. It's a shame, but even with it's flaws it was still enjoyable.
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Depth of Field: A Beautiful Start, but an Unfinished Ending
Depth of Field is a Japanese BL drama that starts with an exciting and mysterious tone, but it suffers from limited events and lack of depth in explaining the characters’ past or the evolution of their feelings.On the positive side, the cinematography is creative and comfortable to watch, the music is well-chosen, and the transition between scenes is smooth. The casting is strong, especially the performances of Usa Takuma (Hayakawa Shuichiro) and Hirano Koshu (Konno Ryohei).
Hayakawa’s character embodies the struggle of appearing social and confident while hiding inner confusion and fear, especially about his passion for music and how others judge him. Konno, on the other hand, lives freely through photography, becoming a safe zone for Hayakawa to be himself.
Their relationship feels “lost in the depth of emotions” rather than cold—unclear yet touching. The kiss scene and the voice recorder moment strongly represent the drama’s title, highlighting Hayakawa’s inner conflict and Konno’s role in helping him face it.
However, the drama falters in its ending, which doesn’t match the strength and promise of the beginning. While it leaves viewers with emotional moments, the lack of closure makes it feel incomplete.
Overall, Depth of Field is worth watching for its visuals, music, and acting, though its unresolved ending might leave you wishing for more.
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Strong essence in tiny bottle
Just like with When it rains it pours Japan gifts us again a strong, intense essence in a teeny tiny bottle. We’re already used to it, we’re used to their gorgeous cinematography (that terrace view is nothing short of breathtaking) , to excellent acting and music and to the complex feelings and emotions. They always manage to create meaningful stories with depth in just a handful of episodes and even if we always end up complaining about the number of episodes and the rushed and somehow abrupt endings we wouldn’t change a damn thing abt it. This one didn’t reach the When it rains it pours greatness but it’s just as heartwarming and intense and it shows again why I’m so in love with Japanese BLs and why they’re always my preferred choice .Was this review helpful to you?
Good drama
This was a good drama, the visuals were stunning! And the music was beautifull. I really liked the story, even though it were only 6 episodes of 26 minutes, it had a lot of depth in it.I think the story is relatable for many people. Affraid to trust people and feelings. Walking away is easyer that confronting and get hurt. But trust me people, that doesn't work. Better be honest and possibly get hurt (or not) then live with regret.
The actos did a good job and the chemistry was good.
I think i will watch it again sometimes in the future.
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This review may contain spoilers
Decent, but forgettable
This drama had an interesting start, with one of the characters deviating from the traditional male lead trope in most (if not almost all) BL dramas. This, unfortunately, seems to have been forgotten by the screenwriters. There was an interesting plot point that turned out to be a huge disappointment - the recording device was set up early on, but its return didn’t feel impactful.. This supposedly huge traumatic event was solved and forgotten with a snap of a finger... I feel like the writers wanted to do too much, but were extremely limited by the budget, thus leading to this cluster of disappointing plot points. Regardless, the actors did what they could with what they were given, and the cinematography was alright.Was this review helpful to you?
Slow at first but worth it
Great premise with very slow start, it picks up through the first couple of episodes, and the end is beautifully tied up.Probably I'm the only one who loved how short and kinda rushed the story is, because everything is very slow, and the more you watch, the more you want to see how will this end.
Story is great and I really loved Konno, he is straightforward, true to self and very very kind and lovely, probably one of my favourite characters ever in a BL, the perfect man. And as much as ( or as little as) we know about him, I couldn't find one thing to hate about him also his disappointed/ concerned side eye when hayakawa lies or show his fake smile is just amazing, I loved his minute facial expressions when hayakawa kissed him. Let's just say Hirano Koshu gained a new fan here ~~
Sadly I can't say the same thing for Hayakawa, he was mediocre, slightly irritating and self conscious but nonetheless, still likable.
It's a very soft, light love story with slightly vague end but a happy one ~
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Lovely, but not as deep as what is implied in the title
I love Japanese BLs and their addiction to soft, tender, and somehow heartbreaking love stories. At first, I understood that the title is connected to one of the camera’s elements for capturing a nice photo, which is the passion of one of the MCs. Yet, as the story progresses, it slowly loses impact as it inconsistently maintains a well-balanced pacing.I know that both characters are gentle in their own ways, but I also want them to be more aggressive or express more emotions, especially when they are reunited after the three years' time skipped. The lack of romantic scenes, with the ending of the story right after they finally became a couple, was a wasted opportunity.
I want them to kiss so passionately, and we almost got it from the finale, yet they decided to cut it to the exciting part. The chemistry was underutilized. Nevertheless, both actors performed well. They are both so handsome and pleasing. The rooftop scenes were always so beautiful with the touch of sea and clouds as the background view.
The rooftop was their sanctuary.
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This review may contain spoilers
One of the best BLs of 25
Depth of Field should occupy a chapter, if not a reference, in a young filmmaker's textbook on constructing a drama in a limited format. Six 20-odd minute episodes are all that Director Kawasaki Ryo needs to present and flesh out how its two high school student characters, Hayakawa and Konno, meet, react and intertwine their physical and emotional growth paths to a happy and satisfying conclusion as young adults. Much of this is due to the uncredited writer, but the casting of Usa Takuma as Hayakawa and Hirano Koshu as Konno is significant for creating and sustaining an almost hearbreaking tide throughout so much of the series about how young people desire and need love to support their growth toward adulthood, and how strongly the pull towards coupling is both nourishing and fulfilling, if not essential. DOF is perhaps one of the most sympathetic and emotionally satisfying BLs of the year.Was this review helpful to you?
Another Japanese BL giving all the feels!
The one thing I love about Japanese Bls is the ability to hit you right in the heart (in a good way).Depth of field is no different, in that it follows all the typical norms of a Japanese BL. Yes it's slow paced, and a little rushed at the end but every episode continues to hit you n the feels. I love watching this kind of BL after watching Thai Bls that are completely different. I'm glad I got to see Usa Takuma again and in a full length series this time. I loved him in Hitochigai kara Hajimaru Koi mo Aru and its so great to see him in another BL. I hope he continues to do them because he always portrays his characters so damn well.
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Because the depth of field is pretty shallow ...
"Because the depth of field is pretty shallow. So this kind of blur actually becomes a unique feature."Alright, who is the depth of field here—Konno or Hayakawa? My first impression is that it's Hayakawa, as he seems to have lost his focus, while Konno appears to know exactly what he wants next. This kind of dynamic is typical in Japanese BL: one character is well-rounded and grounded, while the other is more uncertain or emotionally shaken. It creates an organic chemistry that feels fresh to watch.
Konno is extremely good-looking—the kind of dreamy boyfriend everyone wants. Hayakawa, on the other hand, is a fresh take on the BL archetype. He has a lot going on internally and approaches his reality with awareness and agency. He’s not a boring character by any means. He definitely won’t just take a hit—he’ll strike back, as we see at the end of episode two when he tests Konno’s limits by confronting him directly. His intention is clear: if Konno can’t handle it, then so be it—Hayakawa is ready to move on and sail in whatever direction he needs to.
This twist is something I hope younger viewers take note of—having the clarity and courage to assert your position in a relationship, especially when it counts, is powerful and necessary. You reveal your emotions and get real, the only way to find out a real relationship sometimes.
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A fresh storyline, good acting, and cinematography, with a happy but slightly abrupt ending
Ok, first things first, I love Hayakawa's pout, he has such kissable lips....and Konno is a dreamboat...if that doesn't convince you to watch this show already, it gets all the other things just right- script, cinematography, music, and acting. The ednding, even though very satisfying, feels just a tiny-winy abrupt. But nevertheless, a good show and safe to watch.BL-needle score: 6 Moderate BL-ness so far
I am quite surprised by how much I am liking this show, since I had started on this majorly because there were not many JBLs in a long time. I love the nuanced portrayal by both the leads...Hayakawa with his troubled, repressed youth and Konno with his handsome, easy-going, I-can-take-anything in my stride attitude.....the awkwardness of youth, the peer pressure to be liked, using sex to feel validated...all of it has a strong stamp of reality of the growing up years...so the script is done quite well...and so is the cinematography and music...in other words, this is a great package.
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Great series
Another little brilliant japanese BL story was really good and the pace was well executed to keep me watching, binge watched in 1 night suppose it was only the length of a film, with 6 eps in totally , nice that they didn't drag it out and a lovely ending , well worth a 10 rating ............................Was this review helpful to you?
