jpn bl i've watched: the good and the bad.

Celebrating six episodes with an upcoming movie, 'My Beautiful Man (美しい彼)' intricately explores power dynamics between a king and servant in a high school setting. Its powerful storyline culminates in a memorable climax, making it a must-watch. Subtitled via Viki, I've revisited this gem six times and confidently rate it 4.5 out of 5, recommending it for its compelling narrative and character depth.

Consisting of 4 completed episodes, this series explores a slice-of-life narrative centered around childhood friends in a high school setting. It maintains a light, soft, and fluffy atmosphere with touches of humor. Offering both a fuzzy feeling and moments of suspense, it strikes a balance that keeps viewers engaged. With a rating of 4 out of 5, I'd gladly recommend it for its enjoyable and heartwarming storyline.

Comprising a two-part movie set in a high school, 'Seven Days' delves into a compelling slice-of-life drama. Its standout qualities include a top-tier slow burn, remarkable angst, and intense pining. While the plot initially intrigued me, it was the outstanding acting, compelling actors, and emotional depth that kept me engaged till the end. A definite must-watch, earning a solid 5 out of 5 for its exceptional storytelling.

Comprising a movie and a 4-episode drama, 'Life: Love on the Line' navigates slice-of-life drama from high school through adulthood. Initially sweet and light-hearted, it gradually delves into intensity and angst. Notably, it presents a pretty realistic portrayal of LGBT relationships, offering depth and authenticity. With a rating of 4 out of 5, I wholeheartedly recommend it for its emotional realism and engaging storyline.

In 'My Beautiful Man 〜Eternal〜,' the slice-of-life drama further clarifies and enhances the personas of Kiyoi and Hira, building upon the exploration from Season 2. The development of side characters adds depth to the narrative, with moments like 'you're Kiyoi, right?' leaving a lasting impact. Noguchi's character is particularly noteworthy. With a rating of 4.5 out of 5, I highly recommend it for its character development and engaging storyline.

This movie falls within the slice-of-life drama genre, portraying a city boy's journey of adapting to rural life. It emphasizes discovering purpose when feeling stuck and unfolds at a deliberately slow pace, offering a deeply wholesome experience. The chemistry between characters is remarkable, adding depth to the narrative. With a rating of 4.5 out of 5, I highly recommend it for its heartwarming and engaging storytelling.

Spanning 12 episodes with an additional movie and two special episodes, 'Cherry Magic' merges fantasy, slice of life, and romantic comedy seamlessly. Set in an office environment, it features impressive acting alongside delightful side couples. Its charm has led me to enjoy it at least four times, earning a solid recommendation with a rating of 4 out of 5 for its engaging storytelling and endearing characters.

As a sequel movie, 'Cherry Magic: The Movie' delves into mind reading, blending drama with romantic comedy elements. The first half stands out as a favorite, offering a deeper look into Kurosawa's character, showcasing a darker side not seen in the drama. While a solid sequel, its brevity might leave viewers longing for more. With a rating of 4.5 out of 5, I wholeheartedly recommend it for its compelling storyline and character development.

Consisting of 5 completed episodes, 'If It's With You' offers a blend of slice-of-life and drama. The series features an endearing plot that balances adorable moments with impactful, angsty scenes. Notably, it avoids unnecessary conflicts, maintaining a linear and engaging narrative. With a rating of 4.5 out of 5, I wholeheartedly recommend it for its cute storyline and well-executed emotional depth.

Comprising 8 completed episodes, 'I Cannot Reach You' navigates a slice-of-life story involving mutual pining between childhood friends. Its straightforward plot without last-minute unnecessary twists is a notable aspect. The series incites frustration at times, yet the adorable characters make it endearing. With a rating of 4 out of 5, I'd recommend it for its relatable storyline and charming characters.

Consisting of 8 completed episodes, 'Kabe Koji' explores the dynamics of childhood friends with mutual pining, mixed signals, and a blend of comedy and drama. The series oscillates between moments of extreme fluffiness and sudden, poignant sadness, creating an emotional rollercoaster. Its unpredictability adds to the fun, deviating from typical expectations. With a rating of 4 out of 5, I'd recommend it for its engaging storyline and unexpected twists.

Having completed 6 episodes, 'Jack O' Frost' delves into drama, amnesia, and the rekindling of relationships with ex-boyfriends. Despite taking some time to start, the series proved to be an enthralling watch. Its intricate plot kept me engaged and intrigued throughout, maintaining a gripping narrative. The actors delivered exceptional performances, and the chemistry between them was palpable. With a rating of 4.5 out of 5, I highly recommend it for its compelling storyline and strong character dynamics.

Consisting of 5 completed episodes, 'His 〜恋するつもりなんてなかった〜' delves into messy love connections and spring flings within a slice-of-life context. The series maintains a straightforward plot, albeit with an unsatisfactory ending. Notably, the actors showcase great chemistry, making the show a pleasant watch overall. With a rating of 4 out of 5, I'd recommend it for its engaging performances despite some narrative shortcomings.

Comprising 6 episodes, 'Perfect Propose' explores childhood friends becoming temporary roommates. The series excels with top-notch chemistry and acting from the leads. Individual plots intertwine seamlessly, creating a satisfying narrative that unfolds across both characters. Overall, a highly recommended watch with a rating of 4.5 out of 5 for its engaging storyline and compelling character dynamics.

With 4 episodes serving as a bridge between Season 1 and the movie, 'My Beautiful Man' continues its slice-of-life narrative, exploring the dynamic between a king/star and a fan. Notably, it provides explanations for the Season 1 ending and bridges it effectively to the upcoming movie. Additionally, this season offers a fresh perspective on both Hira and Kiyoi, revealing new facets of their characters. With a rating of 4 out of 5, I'd recommend it for its seamless continuation and character development.

With 6 completed episodes, 'One Room Angel' navigates drama, amnesia, and the complexities of cohabitation. The series impresses with its immaculate plot, outstanding acting, and captivating vibes. Personally, it left me in emotional disarray, taking weeks to gather myself before watching the finale. The ending's ambiguity adds a layer of intrigue, leaving room for interpretation. With a rating of 4.3 out of 5, I wholeheartedly recommend it for its compelling narrative and emotional impact.

Consisting of only 3 completed episodes, this series, though short, falls within the slice-of-life drama genre, revolving around pining emotions. The chemistry and visuals between the characters are remarkable, leaving a strong impact despite the limited runtime. The plot's quality is exceptional but suffers from brevity, leaving viewers yearning for more. Notably, the actors deliver excellent performances. With a rating of 4 out of 5, I'd highly recommend it for its impactful storyline and strong character chemistry.

Consisting of 10 completed episodes, 'My Love Mix-Up' offers a slice-of-life romantic comedy filled with heartwarming fluff. Set in a high school, it navigates an accidental love triangle with engaging storytelling. Though I've watched it once, I'd recommend it with a rating of 3.9 out of 5 for its charming storyline and enjoyable romantic elements.

With 8 episodes, 'Sahara Sensei to Toki-kun' explores the teacher-student dynamic, delving into themes of delinquency and an age gap. Despite reservations about age gaps in Japanese BL, the series presents a cute and enjoyable dynamic between the characters. Toki's character, while occasionally over the top, adds to the overall charm. It's a good watch, earning a rating of 4 out of 5, and I would recommend it for its engaging storyline and character dynamics.

Comprising 8 completed episodes, this series blends slice-of-life, romantic comedy, and fantasy. It revolves around an unlucky individual who encounters a lucky counterpart within a college setting. Occasionally whimsical, yet endearing in its randomness, I've revisited it about twice. Rating it 4 out of 5, I would gladly recommend it for its cute and engaging storyline.

Consisting of 5 completed episodes, 'Old Fashion Cupcake' offers a slice-of-life drama set in an office environment, focusing on actual adults. Despite its brevity being a downside, the series delivers a cute plot with a blend of angst, maintaining a direct and engaging narrative. Rating it 4.5 out of 5, I wholeheartedly recommend it for its endearing storyline.

Comprising 8 completed episodes, this series intertwines slice-of-life, drama, and romantic comedy genres, depicting a junior employee harboring hidden feelings for a senior colleague. Notably, the acting performances stand out as a strong point. While the series begins strongly, the ending might feel somewhat rushed. Overall, it earns a 4 out of 5, and I'd recommend it for its engaging storyline and impressive acting.

Running for 50 minutes, this movie blends romcom with drama, featuring a storyline that starts off a bit messy but concludes on a wholesome note. The film boasts good acting and remarkable chemistry between the characters. Its only flaw might be its brevity, leaving you wanting more. With a rating of 4 out of 5, I'd definitely recommend it for its engaging plot and strong character dynamics.

Spanning 8 completed episodes, 'The End of the World, With You' explores drama, exes, and an apocalyptic backdrop. The synergy among the four main cast members shines, and their individual stories weave together seamlessly. However, Ritsu's character remained somewhat insufferable for me until the end. Overall, it's a nice watch with a rating of 4 out of 5, and I would recommend it for its engaging narrative and ensemble cast dynamics.

Consisting of 12 completed episodes, 'Minato's Laundromat' explores a slice-of-life story centered on an age-gap relationship. The series focuses on a straightforward youngster and an easily intimidated 30-year-old. While there are some confusing time skips, the plot manages to maintain coherence. It strikes a balance between a story that moves quickly yet unfolds at a somewhat slow pace. With a rating of 3.9 out of 5, I'd recommend it for its unique dynamics and character-driven narrative.

Consisting of 8 completed episodes, 'Eternal Yesterday' delves into the supernatural within a high school setting, prompting constant questioning with each episode. Despite its slow pacing, the series feels shorter than expected. The dynamic between the central characters stands out as exceptionally well-crafted. Overall, it earns a rating of 3.9 out of 5, and I would recommend it for its intriguing storyline and compelling character dynamics.

This completed 5-episode mini-series falls within the slice-of-life genre, focusing on dessert and fluff in a high school setting. The main character attempts to discover love through desserts, eye contact, and seeking comfort. Each episode presents a different love interest until the finale. With a rating of 3.7 out of 5, I'd recommend it for its unique concept and varied romantic narratives.

The movie spans 1 hour and 29 minutes, exploring slice-of-life themes with a musical backdrop and elements of angst. The soundtrack stands out as a highlight. However, it includes nonconsensual sex and nudity, portraying an obsessive main character. Subtitles can be confusing. With a rating of 2 out of 5, caution is advised due to triggering content. Look out for trigger warnings.

The movie adaptation of 'Love Stage!!' falls into the slice-of-life romantic comedy genre, featuring a storyline involving childhood crushes and a significant time skip. Despite its rushed and slow pacing, there's an acknowledgment that Ryoma's character can come off as somewhat unsettling. The over-the-top acting style contributes to its mixed reception. With a rating of 2.9 out of 5, I suggest watching it with awareness of its flaws.

Consisting of 7 completed episodes and spin-offs, 'Ossan's Love' revolves around a romantic comedy with slice-of-life elements and a love triangle, set in an office environment with an age gap. While it had its entertaining moments, the presence of the older character might evoke discomfort ('the ick'). Having watched it once, I'd rate it 2 out of 5, suggesting it as an optional watch.