2
Same Story, Different Title: A BL Drama Without Surprises
10 Things I Want to Do Before 40 had potential with its slightly more mature setup, but in the end, it felt like something I’ve already seen too many times before. I’m honestly not sure why I finished the series—maybe out of habit more than genuine interest. The story moves slowly, and while it tries to explore personal growth and relationships, it never really dives deep enough to make an impact.
Like many recent japanese BL dramas, it suffers from the same issues: self-denying characters who avoid conflict, act overly passive, and often seem stuck in a cycle of guilt and hesitation. I understand that some of this is tied to cultural context, but it’s becoming a too repetitive formula. The characters in this series feel more like stereotypes than real people, and it’s hard to connect with them emotionally.
The pacing is also a problem—very little actually happens across the episodes, and what does happen is predictable. The chemistry between the leads is subtle to the point of being almost invisible at times. Visually, the series is fine, and the acting isn’t bad, but nothing really stands out.
If you’ve seen other similar japanese BL dramas in recent years, you’ll likely feel like you’ve already watched 10 Things I Want to Do Before 40 — just under a different name.
Like many recent japanese BL dramas, it suffers from the same issues: self-denying characters who avoid conflict, act overly passive, and often seem stuck in a cycle of guilt and hesitation. I understand that some of this is tied to cultural context, but it’s becoming a too repetitive formula. The characters in this series feel more like stereotypes than real people, and it’s hard to connect with them emotionally.
The pacing is also a problem—very little actually happens across the episodes, and what does happen is predictable. The chemistry between the leads is subtle to the point of being almost invisible at times. Visually, the series is fine, and the acting isn’t bad, but nothing really stands out.
If you’ve seen other similar japanese BL dramas in recent years, you’ll likely feel like you’ve already watched 10 Things I Want to Do Before 40 — just under a different name.
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