Japanese Dramas

Yeahhhh  . . . Other than an easy cash-grab, unfortunately, I didn't find much of a reason for this drama to exist. Other than some interspersed cuts to the other world in the beginning, creating an eerie-whimsical feeling, they stuck to the script and basically copied the original Thai adaptation shot for shot. 

I just really wish they had brought some originality to it, or at least attempted to improve on it in the areas its Thai Drama counterpart lacked.

Oh well *shrugs*

Can be found on GagaOOLala

I have no explanation. I've watched this five or more times at his point. 

Why? I have no idea!

It's trash. 

Can be found on Netflix

Looking back, I don't really like this drama as much as I used to. And I definitely don't like this relationship anymore. I honestly can't believe I ever did.  I couldn't understand the more negative reviews I read about this show. But, I decided to rewatch it, and I can definitely see how messed up Uehara and Nao's relationship is.

Uehara almost never expresses his feelings, never really apologizes, doesn't put Nao first, doesn't consider Nao's feelings, waits too long to clear things up or never does, and doesn't pay enough attention to Nao.

Everything that is wrong with this couple, from the beginning and in the future episodes, can be found in season 1, episode 10.

Daichi summed it up best a third of the way into the episode: "What's wrong with you? Are you even thinking about Nao's feelings? If you make a promise, then keep it! You got her hopes up and played with her feelings. She just giggles and brushes off whatever you say. Have you ever thought about her feelings?"

Can be found on Netflix

Who/what was this for?

Why?

Again, why?

Just . . . *sigh*

Don't watch it. There's no need and nothing you'll gain from it. Trust me. And the cherry on top is that the finale left a vile taste in my mouth (non-con-related). I don't even want to go into detail.

In the year of our Lord, 2025, the Takumi-kun franchise needs to be left behind by now. It had its place as a stepping stone for J-BLs, I'll grant it that. But that time is long gone, and most viewers no longer have such heavy, rose-colored glasses to tolerate it. It's a relic of its time and . . .

I say . . .

Let it die!

Can  be found on GagaOOLala

*Ahem* YOU. NEED TO. ASK. FOR. CONSENT.

Well, I knew what I was getting into when I started this for the "rep."

I'm actually going to seemingly do things backward and answer the question usually reserved for the end of my review: Do I recommend it? Absolutely not!

There is touching without consent, unprovoked inappropriate and suggestive jokes and comments that either border on or are definitively sexual harassment, completely inaccurate statements, definitions, and comments about any sexuality other than heterosexuality, and constant excusing of stereotyping, bullying, stalking, harassment, and emotional/physical abuse.

All in all, this was like toxic soup for my brain.

You know what? I don't want to elaborate any further! I'm tired and this was awful.

Peace! Noir out!

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

It's a special so I guess I'll put it here.

Sweet, funny, and gives more insight into Adachi and Kurosawa.

It's a special so I guess I'll put it here.

It's a special, so I guess I'll put it here.

I enjoyed this much more than I thought I would!

They did a lot with so little time. I enjoyed seeing the side couple get a chance to shine, and in particular thought the metaness of it all was not just fun but clever.

Can be found on GagaOOLala

My feelings about this are kind of mixed. It was very well-acted and shot.  But, personally, I was a bit uncomfortable with the constant dirty words. I knew what I was getting into when I watched this, though. I just didn't expect it to be SO upfront about the premise. I almost skipped this entirely, but I'm sort of glad I didn't. But, I DID have to skip a couple scenes that were too much for me.

It did hold my attention though. And I found the characters compelling and different than what I've seen before. But, I'm still not sure how I feel about the climax, or the ending.

I think it's possible to find something here and may be worth watching once. 

Non-Con/Dub-Con Warning!

Can be found on Rakuten Viki or GagaOOLala

In preparation for watching this, I rewatched most of The Pornographer. This does have some more artistic shots and colors, but I think that just comes down to this having a bit of a different style.  

It wasn't as engaging as The Pornographer. And the motivations of the characters didn't make sense sometimes. Plus, there was a disgusting incident that wasn't fully addressed.

If you liked The Pornographer, maybe give this a shot if you want some background story for Kijima. But, if you came for Kido, you'll just be annoyed. And if you came for the same amount of chemistry, you won't find it here.

It's objectively a 7/10 from me. Beyond that, I'm not sure what would be a proper rating to give.

Non-Con/Dub-Con Warning!

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

Honestly, this low rating hurts my soul because Japan and food usually result in something special and wonderful.

I hate to say what I'm about to say:

My disappointment has ended with this drama's conclusion as I will finally be free of watching it next week.

This one is a skip, my dear MDLers. The beginning episodes will fool you into thinking it will be good, but it will become frustrating to an inconceivable degree until you can only sigh as you watch it (if you have NDD and can't drop for shit, that is).

Can be found on GagaOOLala

Felt like I finally had to watch this. It was definitely nowhere near as good as the original drama or the following spinoffs/sequels.

Can be found on GagaOOLala

This is the first drama I'm rating 1/10. I just cannot think of anything redeeming about it whatsoever, any reason to recommend it to anyone, anything positive or so-bad-it's-good at all: Not even the Queer rep (one of my reasons for completing this).

The FL is a shivering bunny rabbit, a blob, a glob of jello with nary a spine to speak of who is there to be molded, shaped, and manipulated as anyone would like, without protest.

Every side character either wants to steal the ML from her or assault/force their feelings onto her. And after she inevitably gets saved by her "Knight in Shining Armor," she then forgives/apologizes to her assaulter and/or apologizes for being assaulted. Yay! Victim-blaming! ?*feel the intensity of my sarcasm*

And the ML? He is the "perfect" man. Except--wait--he's not. He's the walking, talking, living embodiment of a red flag. He lies, pressures, manipulates, and is toxic and overly possessive of the FL.

In other words, this is flaming hot garbage I wouldn't touch with a ten-foot pole again, not even if you paid me.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

Have to rewatch this before rating it.

Have to rewatch this before rating it.

For Japanese LGBT+ List

On-Hold (waiting for subs/for it to come to a platform available to me)

Platform/Subber not known yet

For Japanese LGBT+ List

On-Hold (will have to wait for it to be subbed)

Platform/Subber not known yet

For Japanese LGBT+ List

On-Hold (will have to wait for it to be subbed)

Platform/Subber not known yet

For Japanese LGBT+ List

On-Hold (will have to wait for it to be subbed)

Platform/Subber not known yet

On-Hold

Ep 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INP86oVaICs

Ep 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19OIRDJCKWo

Ep 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K79DTP89hIo

Can't find Ep 4 anywhere with Eng Subs!

Priority for Rep Reasons

Priority for Rep Reasons

Priority for Rep Reasons

In-between romance and bromance apparently. 

Notes: Set to come out January 24th. Likely will need to be picked up by a fansubber.

Interested

Interested

Interested

Interested

Interested

Interested

Interested

Interested