More Authentic Than Rumored
Notice the wide range of reviews for this follow-up series- ignore the vague reviews and zero in on specific criticisms.
I watched season one (Kiseki Chapter 2) owing to its infamy- and in many ways, that infamy is earned.
Both season one and two do something most casual BL watchers don’t see too often- slice of life very much from the male perspective. Most BL is written by women for women and (especially season two) I feel Kiseki Chapter 2 and Shimane are written from the male perspective, which is what makes it a unique BL entry.
The interplay amongst the male characters runs the spectrum from awkward to vulnerable not the way women imagine men to be, but more how men are. Male bonding and friendship is written realistically here and it happens over fart jokes, homoerotic drinking games, and a slow slip of their masks to reveal more authentic feelings.
Shimane definitely has the more traditional story map of conflicts and resolutions, but for me, that isn’t the strength of this series. The strength of the series is in the quiet moments between characters who are unsure if feelings are enough to overcome problems. The quiet and tender moments in bed, the more realistic visual of men enjoying each other’s bodies without all the female-written romanticizing.
I watched season one (Kiseki Chapter 2) owing to its infamy- and in many ways, that infamy is earned.
Both season one and two do something most casual BL watchers don’t see too often- slice of life very much from the male perspective. Most BL is written by women for women and (especially season two) I feel Kiseki Chapter 2 and Shimane are written from the male perspective, which is what makes it a unique BL entry.
The interplay amongst the male characters runs the spectrum from awkward to vulnerable not the way women imagine men to be, but more how men are. Male bonding and friendship is written realistically here and it happens over fart jokes, homoerotic drinking games, and a slow slip of their masks to reveal more authentic feelings.
Shimane definitely has the more traditional story map of conflicts and resolutions, but for me, that isn’t the strength of this series. The strength of the series is in the quiet moments between characters who are unsure if feelings are enough to overcome problems. The quiet and tender moments in bed, the more realistic visual of men enjoying each other’s bodies without all the female-written romanticizing.
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