Fondueforkharpoon

Let me first clarify that my positive review of this show in no way means I condone the actions of Kamimura Kenshin. It is of course often very difficult to separate the art from the artist, but since he only represents one part of this whole production, and the rest of the cast and crew are not at fault, I think it is possible to judge the show on its own merits.

This show is a lovely look into the difficult lives of two very different teenagers and how they find solace and connection with one another. It's very well written, the performances are all spot-on, and I really enjoy the tight editing and well-thought out pacing. It's also an interesting (if sometimes unfortunately shallow) look into the cycle of abuse and those who perpetuate it.
The highlight for me personally though, is the relationship development between the two main characters. Their intense fascination with one another, the anxiety-inducing see-sawing between open affection and closed-off guardedness, their tentative yet earnest attempts to support one another - it all comes together perfectly into an achingly realistic depiction of the lives of two lonely queer teens which will certainly hit close too home for many queer viewers.

The one thing I wish they had done differently is the fact that none of the abusers in the show ever face real consequences for their actions, nor do we get to see the characters ever directly stand up to them. However I am also aware that that would have left less time for building the characters' relationship, so I can't begrudge the film-makers this choice.

All in all I highly recommend this show to anyone looking for a good romance drama which touches on some deeper, more difficult topics, or to those looking for a touching, yet largely realistic coming of age story.