Generally good with one major flaw
If you are a fan of Japanese fiction authors such as Junichiro Tanizaki, you appreciate the complexities and nuances of the struggles in the mind that are explored in a slow and introspective way.
This series shares the introspective writing tradition as the characters consider their personal needs and feelings versus the needs of others and of society as a whole. All the while, responding to a changing environment and unwinding whatever misunderstandings that exist in themselves and others.
Some viewers will be bored by this. However, as other Asian reviewers have pointed out, these struggles are fundamental to many Asian identities. "Crying in H-Mart" anyone?
Technically, there is a lot that is good here. I love seeing some of the older seasoned actors who can bring some power to the screen. The cinematography, set design, and sound track are good too. The series would generally be good (for those who like this sort of drama), but for one major flaw: The kissing scenes. OMG... maybe some of the worst I've ever seen. Hori Natsuki (Mashiro) tries, but Ikeda Masashi (Kanade Shinichiro) ... just terrible. These kissing scenes often represent the culmination of some plot point and these BIZARRE kiss scenes just ruin the moment. If this a directorial choice, shame on the director. (-1.5 points)
A more minor flaw is the resolution of the typical parental conflicts. Shinichiro's conflict with this father is resolved adequately, if a little tersely. Mashiro's conflict with his mother is not handled at all. An inexplicable change of heart? Makes me wonder if they ran out of air time and scenes ended up on the cutting room floor (metaphorically speaking). (-0.5 points)
I'm giving this a 7.5 because I'm a fan of this introspective tradition. But a rating of 6 or 7 wouldn't be unfair either given the dreadful kissing scenes.
This series shares the introspective writing tradition as the characters consider their personal needs and feelings versus the needs of others and of society as a whole. All the while, responding to a changing environment and unwinding whatever misunderstandings that exist in themselves and others.
Some viewers will be bored by this. However, as other Asian reviewers have pointed out, these struggles are fundamental to many Asian identities. "Crying in H-Mart" anyone?
Technically, there is a lot that is good here. I love seeing some of the older seasoned actors who can bring some power to the screen. The cinematography, set design, and sound track are good too. The series would generally be good (for those who like this sort of drama), but for one major flaw: The kissing scenes. OMG... maybe some of the worst I've ever seen. Hori Natsuki (Mashiro) tries, but Ikeda Masashi (Kanade Shinichiro) ... just terrible. These kissing scenes often represent the culmination of some plot point and these BIZARRE kiss scenes just ruin the moment. If this a directorial choice, shame on the director. (-1.5 points)
A more minor flaw is the resolution of the typical parental conflicts. Shinichiro's conflict with this father is resolved adequately, if a little tersely. Mashiro's conflict with his mother is not handled at all. An inexplicable change of heart? Makes me wonder if they ran out of air time and scenes ended up on the cutting room floor (metaphorically speaking). (-0.5 points)
I'm giving this a 7.5 because I'm a fan of this introspective tradition. But a rating of 6 or 7 wouldn't be unfair either given the dreadful kissing scenes.
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