Learning to Love

I do not say this lightly - TOTAL MASTERPIECE.

I have seen over 400 dramas. I have given a 10 to a drama only ONE time. But I will say unequivocally right now, that this is one of the best asian dramas of all time, and not only will I award it my second 10 ever, but if I could I would give it an 11.

Learning To Love stands toe to toe with the heaviest hitters of drama like What Happened in Bali, A Million Stars Falling From the Sky, Meteor Garden, Goodbye My Princess, The Rose, Secret, Que Sera Sera, That Winter The Wind Blows, Scarlet Heart Ryeo, Yanxi Palace, Kleun Cheewit, Chugakusei Nikki, or Rise of the Phoenixes. This is so good it's hard to put into words, but for the sake of leaving a review, I will try not to go on too much and keep this brief... while still conveying the insane degree to which this show is both A) a really effing good watch and B) an incredible work of art.

Where to even start....

The main theme of the story is refracted in a hundred tiny ways all throughout -- each character and each action kind of mirrors possible past or future or parallel lives of the other characters in this incredible kalidescope where you can see how any character could 'there but for the grace of god' be another character, and they all reflect aspects of eachother while retaining a deep and unique individuality at the same time. It's so gorgeous how it's all laid out, and how everything subtly connects to everything else. It's just poetry. Every aspect of this drama transcends the sum of its parts in a myriad of fractals that would be impossible for me to describe in less than 10k words, so I'll spare you. Suffice it to say, it is just so damn good.

This leads into mentioning the cinematography which was classic, beautiful, balanced, powerful. Cinematography that actually added it's own voice to the story, like a narrator's voice in a really good book. Plus, it has that throwback feel we all crave and miss so much from classic asian dramas. We all complain that "they don't make em like they used to". Well, this IS like they used to make 'em. So much so, that when they mentioned "covid" at one point, it kind of threw me off for a minute, because this drama feels so much like one of the really good older dramas.

(And can I just mention here that the ost/bgm is a SLAVE to the story. It serves ONLY to accent the emotions carried in the scene, and it is just as perfectly executed as every other part of this production.)

The characters - all of them - are compelling and SO well-acted. A flawless ensemble, led by two fantastic actors that deftly carry the story and convey so many emotions... this was impeccable casting, and impeccable acting. I haven't been this impressed in a long time. This is where imo it stands above even major classics like Rise of the Phoenixes... Kimura Fumino and Murakami Raul Maito are doing double the lifting compared to Chen Kun and Ni Ni in RotP. I almost can't find an equivalent to compare them to, and they deserve to be considered among some of the best performances of all time.

The vibe of this drama has a very classic flavor, the emotional angst and tension is so palpable, so much happens in each episode, not a minute of screentime is wasted. Gives off an aura of 'A Million Stars Falling From The Sky'. And something really incredible happens as the episodes progress.... the story could end in so many different ways, or it could end on any scene itself and still be really really good. You know what's going to happen like a trainwreck in slow motion, and yet you don't actually know what's going to happen at ALL because there are so many possibilities for where the story could go, and as it hurtles toward it's inevitable ending, you still get the feeling like each new scene will hold some fresh magic in it. You get this incredible blend of dread and hope mixed together indistinguishably from one another, and it just relentlessly ratchets up and up through each episode as the possibilities for how it will end keep multiplying. Every character's psyche is peeled layer by painstaking layer and we are afraid and excited by what we will find at the core of each person. Each character is slowly and inexorably pushed towards their breaking point... the true selves they hide to the world have less and less room to hide... and it all feels so volatile and mysterious as you watch it unfold.

I am 1000% invested in this drama, I cannot say enough good things about it, and I cannot possibly recc it more to anyone prepared for a serious watch. This is gripping and angsty and a little bit of a hard watch, but so so so freaking good. Actors are just so incredible here. So much heart and soul are in this.... it feels like a masterclass in what an asian drama is supposed to be.

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Masterpiece of a drama

This is one of those rare dramas that unexpectedly draws you in and then make you obsess over the characters' happiness. There is a purity to the story that the main leads bring to the characters. Episode 1 immediately hooks you in with the cold open of Manami's diving scene. Then you're not sure if you like Kaoru, even though you're pretty sure he's the male lead. But by the end of the episode, you're firmly starting to root for the connection between Manami and Taiga. The obsession with the drama just takes off from there.

The OST is gorgeous, and the cinematography is unique. The drama is marketed as a story of "pure love," so you won't find a lot of steamy scenes despite the red light district setting. If you like tug-at-your-heartstrings feels and watching 2 characters from opposite sides of town fall in love in spite of the odds, do yourself a favor and start this series. Enjoy the ride and don't even try to guess how the story will go-- most likely it won't be what you expect, in a good way. I've also never seen so much growth and strength in characters before, even supporting ones.

As we are waiting for the last episode or 2, I know many of us are rewatching the released episodes over and over, because it's just that good. 15-year age be damned, it sounds alarming, but the characters of Kaoru/Taiga and Manami simply fit and match each other. So much so that they have most everyone from viewers to supporting characters rooting for them.

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A wild ride which ends surprisingly timidly

Behind the glitz and glam of the Japanese entertainment industry there lies a dark underbelly. Host clubs have been known to use predatory practices on their female clients. Those clients can rack up huge debts in the name of supporting their favourite host. New Japanese law aims to counter this has been enacted recently.

Maybe it is this high-profile change that sow the seed of this drama. Our ML works as a host in a popular club. The amount of money being spent by "princesses" are staggering. We bear witness to some disturbing fallouts. Into this nefarious world bravely walked our FL.

Our FL is 35 years old and the pressure on her to get married is immense. She is inexperienced in love, but I won't say she is totally naïve. To be fair, she has a strict upbringing and leads a sheltered life as a teacher in a catholic girl school. Her value system is quite binary. There are not many grey areas in her life. You can imagine her discomfort when she was forced to visit a host club when one of her students became obsessed with the ML. She is totally out of her comfort zone.

What sordid tales are contained within those walls? There is an opportunity to make some hard-hitting dramas. Yet, by the halfway mark, we know there won’t be any serious exposé on the Host Club industry.

While I'm a little disappointed by the missed opportunity, I can't complain too much as the focus on our leads highlights some serious talents. Not only is our ML's appearance striking, he is also a singer and model in RL. He is perfect for the role.

Similarly, our female lead IS the meek and strait-laced teacher. She is not a particularly good teacher, yet she never gives up trying. She found a new purpose while teaching the dyslexic ML. Their growing attraction is relatable.

This drama doesn't hide the fact that the A-plot is tropey. Their meet-cute is essentially Opposite Attracts writ large. With a bonus serving of Good Girl/Bad Boy to seal the deal. Our leads projected enough sincerity to make it work.

In essence, this show looks at relationships from two opposing ends. On the one hand, we have the loveless social contract, akin to a lifetime of role playing. While on the other hand, we have pretended ones where a female engage a handsome host to live out a fantasy, billable by the minute. Neither one is ideal, but they are symptomatic of our time.

We find our FL faced with just such a stark choice. Will she accept a loveless but stable life like her mum or will she rebel? As expected, this leads to much soul searching and eventual growth for all. It is their journey we are buying into.

Is the drama perfect? Not quite. There are some minor pacing and narrative issues. However, my one real gripe is how the show bends over backwards to land the happy ending for everyone.

To wit, the show makes sure we understand the hosts are honest people just doing a job. The two timing SML plays cupid for our leads. Owner of the club is a kind, fatherly figure under his gangster facade. The FL’s old fashion, control freak of a father only wants to sing, I mean retire and be a house husband. Oprah Winfrey will be proud as the show dishes out redemptions like free trips to Australia.

The last couple of eps is a surprising wild ride. They packed some big highs and deep lows. Our leads really bring out their A-game. Their romance blossomed and then wilted. It is hardly an easy cruise to the finish.

Thankfully, the writer-san delivers the ending we craved. The last scene with the FL calling out the ML for writing the word LOVE incorrectly is delicious. They then practise writing it over and over in the sand until the whole area is covered by LOVE. How poetic and a heartfelt conclusion. Bravo!

In the end, I can't recommend this show unreservedly because there are caveats. If you have read this far then I implore you to sample a few eps and judge for yourself. You can do worse, chingu. Peace.

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Everyone has the right to a second chance!

I started this drama randomly and I have to admit that I am glad I did. I went into this without any expectations which probably helped me embrace the work as it came.

One of the strenght of Leanring to love is definitely its 4D and interesting characters! They all seem to be provided with a backstory which makes them instantly more approachable and tangible. Besides, they also have indivual storylines that cleverly interlink with one another to make the main plot move forward. The acting is great and each actors portray their characters pretty well imho. I'm not particularly fond of aged gap relationship but I truly did not care at all and I absolutely love the idea that Mamami helps Taiga learn how to read and write, which brings me to my favourite point of this drama, meaning the depiction of someone who never had the chance to properly learn how to read and write and how, through love, they are able to envolve, learn and grow.

Illitrate people unfortunately come in all genders and ages but they usually appear in TV as mostly older women or children so it's very refreshing and important to show someone as active and young as Taiga depicted as such in a drama and even more when said drama focuses on the concept that it is never too late to learn, to change trajectory and become someone different. I like how both the ML learn from each other and pushes each other to be more truthful about their dreams and their visions of life. I feel like they make each other seek for the best versions of themselves and I appreciate that.

Now, some parts of the drama are a bit questionnable or lightly mid but the overall work is great and I like the message of it a lot! Moreover, it depicts and highlights very different people and ideas (a host and night life in general, being friend with the woman your husband cheated on you, religious school, stalking etc and most importantly EDUCATION) which is noteworthy!

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A Lesson Well Taught

There are countless series that showcase age-gap relationships or that of host culture, however none quite feel as captivating and nuanced as this one. On the surface, Ai no, Gakkou may be your standard Japanese drama, but after unraveling all the layers through each episode, it shows a higher level of depth and complexity that makes the audience feel for the characters, as flawed as they are. Although the main focus of the series revolves around the blossoming relationship/romance between Manami and Kaoru, there are many characters at play with their own agendas to get themselves ahead to achieve their goals.

(WILL CONTINUE AFTER SERIES CONCLUDES)

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Beautifully well crafted

It was so nice to see that writers can still put effort into crafting a josei drama, after seeing a series of very underwhelming ones. The female lead acts her age and even if she's less in experienced in romance, she's not just constantly flustered and like a child around the male lead and the age gap is evident in reactions and other instances. They have a wonderful dynamic, great supporting characters, especially their friends and while it does feel like their love progressed quickly, it doesn't take away from the fact that this is a genuinely enjoyable slice of life romance and I look forward to watching the last three episodes.

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L'école des sentiments tarifés

Les romances réprimandées par la société, malgré leur exploitation dans la littérature depuis Genji Monogatari, font encore le bonheur des producteurs et auteurs, tout média confondu, en cette bientôt fin de monde annoncée. De surcroît au Japon, terre de la bienséance et de la discrétion. Imaginer une amourette entre une professeure et un élève analphabète peut encore, malgré le cliché de la situation, faire vibrer les foules en 2025. Et pourtant, on a du mal à imaginer faire mieux que Garden of Words de Shinkai Makoto, surtout qu’en 2013, avec son trait de crayon et seulement 46 min, il avait tout dit et tiré les larmes nécessaires à la situation.

Ici, pour faire vibrer la corde sensible, le cordonnier est remplacé par un host de Kabukicho, ce qui ne nous rassure pas au premier abord. Du rentre-dedans et des beaux mecs androgynes vont parsemer 10 épisodes de hime-sama en direction des trentenaires à la recherche de l’aventurette télévisuelle. Vous entendrez donc soit votre voix intérieure, soit celle à côté de vous dans le canapé vous dire : C’est honteux cette exploitation de la misère amoureuse, tout en sachant que le voyeurisme est la raison principale de notre fascination.

Mais en réalité, tout est fait pour dénoncer le mizushōbai, à commencer par le ridicule dont les jeunes hosts s’affublent. Car si l’ensemble des intervenants semble donner les bons arguments pour critiquer l’exploitation de la solitude des femmes, ce sont les situations vécues par les hosts qui en font la meilleure critique. Mis plus bas que terre, traités comme des moins que rien, pas seulement par leur patron. Les clients, la société, les regardent comme des caniches à maman. Et c’est d’ailleurs très touchant de voir à quel point le héros de l’histoire cherche à travers son métier la reconnaissance maternelle qu’il n’a pas eue dans sa jeunesse.

Le trait sera donc forcé pour l’héroïne incarnée par l’excellente Kimura Fumino, en mère courage prête à tout pour sauver de l’illettrisme Murakami Maito Raul. Sa photo illustre d’ailleurs sur Wikipédia la définition de vieille fille. Dans son tailleur grisâtre, affublée d’un chignon et de lunettes, esquissant très peu de sourires face à sa classe de jeunes filles d'une école privée catholique. Oui, tout est dit. Les clichés sont ultra-forcés, comédie romantique oblige. Le paradis blanc, la journée. L’enfer rouge, la nuit. Raul-kun est présenté comme un Satan prêt à dévergonder la plus toute jeune vierge. Il faut choquer le bourgeois, que diable.

En vraie, la production cherche à choquer un public habitué et donc anesthésié par les mœurs de Kabukicho, mais n’y arrive pas vraiment. Encore moins si on vit au Japon, où les lieux de culte catholique n’ont pas réellement de sens au-delà du mariage. Mais toutes ces montagnes de clichés gâchent-elles l’expérience ? En réalité, très peu, car on assiste ici à de très belles performances d’acteurs. Kimura Fumino est évidemment habitée par sa mission de super neketsu sensei (celle-là je vais la ressortir à chaque fois, maintenant) mais sans en faire trop. Elle met énormément de temps à succomber au soi-disant charme de Raul-kun. D’ailleurs, est-ce qu’elle y succombe seulement ? Ces situations donnent une part de réalisme bienvenue. Ce drama est ancré dans la vraie vie et fait finalement très peu de place à la romance. Exit les longs plans "je te regarde dans les yeux pendant une minute". Kimura Fumino refuse et exècre les tapes sur l’épaule et autres avances ou mots doux appris à l’école des hosts. Les histoires de couple sont bien ancrées dans le Japon d'aujourd'hui: mariages arrangés, rencontres sur appli, misère affective, monétisation des sentiments. Les questions sociétales sont nombreuses, bien amenées et rendent le suivi de l’histoire passionnant.

En effet, Raul-kun ne cherche pas à faire plaisir à sa professeure, en apprenant à la vitesse grand V à écrire. Au contraire, le jeu du chat et de la souris dure et montre à quel point enseigner n’est pas donné à tout le monde. Une IA est encore loin de remplacer le contact humain, tant vouloir faire apprendre quelque chose à quelqu’un contre son gré est délicat. Délicat sera donc le mot d’ordre du drama.

Loin donc d’un énième reportage voyeuriste pour occidentaux prêts à se complaire dans des remarques du genre "tous des pervers ces Japonais", tout en se rinçant l’œil. Ce drama renforce la certitude de chacun sur la nécessité de mettre fin à ces pratiques d’escortes. Pas seulement pour les arnaques à l’argent, mais surtout pour les arnaques aux sentiments. Et pour cela, une seule solution : l’éducation.

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