K-Drama 
This review may contain spoilers
(Relatively) Obscure Gem
From its inception, Tokyo in April Is appears to be a relatively unremarkable J-BL - commencing in traditional Japanese style with a soliloquy from our protagonist before progressing in an anticlimactic reunion between two middle-school friends. But then, slowly, the story picks up - and we find ourselves launched headfirst into a painful flashback of heartbreak, misunderstandings and unresolved childhood trauma.
Learning the context behind the two friends' separation makes Ren's nonchalant response to the reunion more understandable, as we learn of the harrowing events that transpire between them 11 years prior. As a recent watcher, Ren reminds me of Akira from Contrast - although Akira can be likened more to Ren's inner self than the 'dazzling' front of amiable ease the latter assumes around seemingly everyone around him.
Kazuma is, by heart, an incredibly empathetic and kind-natured person - we see it in his actions, in his words and in his attentiveness towards Ren. That is not to say, however, that he inadvertently didn't overlook Ren's struggles as a result of wanting to respect the latter's space. Where he deems it best to remain silent and give Ren time to open up on his own, Ren himself is independently experiencing this seemingly never-ending cycle of emotional turmoil and lingering guilt. He is the only one who remembers exactly what happened following Kazuma's hospitalisation 11 years ago (even Hide found out about everything second-hand rather than actually experiencing the events) - and it is this truth which gnaws at him until the audience themselves are given closure through Yagami's and Kazuma's meeting at the very end of the drama.
Yagami, too, is an intriguing character - (it was very rewarding to see Motojima Junsei onscreen again, also). He is the one who truly beholds Ren's spiralling after being cruelly disowned and flown into a foreign country as though he were damaged goods - not the son who had nobly yet so foolishly taken the fall for a consensual event. Naturally, this initial concern and horror gradually transforms into an undeniable affection - yet Yagami is seen to be irrevocably patient and grounding as he stays by Ren's side and teaches him French from scratch (as per the latter's request). 11 years later, he harbours that same fondness for Ren - though remains unwaveringly attentive and supportive towards the man who has so bravely chosen to wait for his beloved to return to Japan.
Of course, every drama has its flaws - and in TIAI, it is occasionally the acting. Both actors are relatively new to the acting scene, and it shows in the lack of overt variance in facial expressions - specifically during crying scenes (although Takamatsu Aloha's depiction of Ren's panic attack and Yuki Sakurai's enraged outburst in front of Yagami were near-perfect).
However, what makes this drama different is the undeniable chemistry between the two actors - and Yuki Sakurai's efforts towards 'selling' the couple's relationship are especially admirable. He portrays the role of a mindful, ever-affectionate lover incredibly well - and this is similarly mirrored in his younger self of Takeno Sena. Naturally, it is staggering knowing that both actors who portrayed the couple's younger selves were actually 14 at the time of filming (which raises the question of their welfare during the shirtless kiss scene), but I sincerely praise their diligence towards portraying their characters at such a young age (Takeno Sena in particular). Takeno Sena perfectly conveys the progression from a grateful friend to someone who cannot find any other place for Ren than in his heart - and that, I believe, is a truly spectacular feat.
Learning the context behind the two friends' separation makes Ren's nonchalant response to the reunion more understandable, as we learn of the harrowing events that transpire between them 11 years prior. As a recent watcher, Ren reminds me of Akira from Contrast - although Akira can be likened more to Ren's inner self than the 'dazzling' front of amiable ease the latter assumes around seemingly everyone around him.
Kazuma is, by heart, an incredibly empathetic and kind-natured person - we see it in his actions, in his words and in his attentiveness towards Ren. That is not to say, however, that he inadvertently didn't overlook Ren's struggles as a result of wanting to respect the latter's space. Where he deems it best to remain silent and give Ren time to open up on his own, Ren himself is independently experiencing this seemingly never-ending cycle of emotional turmoil and lingering guilt. He is the only one who remembers exactly what happened following Kazuma's hospitalisation 11 years ago (even Hide found out about everything second-hand rather than actually experiencing the events) - and it is this truth which gnaws at him until the audience themselves are given closure through Yagami's and Kazuma's meeting at the very end of the drama.
Yagami, too, is an intriguing character - (it was very rewarding to see Motojima Junsei onscreen again, also). He is the one who truly beholds Ren's spiralling after being cruelly disowned and flown into a foreign country as though he were damaged goods - not the son who had nobly yet so foolishly taken the fall for a consensual event. Naturally, this initial concern and horror gradually transforms into an undeniable affection - yet Yagami is seen to be irrevocably patient and grounding as he stays by Ren's side and teaches him French from scratch (as per the latter's request). 11 years later, he harbours that same fondness for Ren - though remains unwaveringly attentive and supportive towards the man who has so bravely chosen to wait for his beloved to return to Japan.
Of course, every drama has its flaws - and in TIAI, it is occasionally the acting. Both actors are relatively new to the acting scene, and it shows in the lack of overt variance in facial expressions - specifically during crying scenes (although Takamatsu Aloha's depiction of Ren's panic attack and Yuki Sakurai's enraged outburst in front of Yagami were near-perfect).
However, what makes this drama different is the undeniable chemistry between the two actors - and Yuki Sakurai's efforts towards 'selling' the couple's relationship are especially admirable. He portrays the role of a mindful, ever-affectionate lover incredibly well - and this is similarly mirrored in his younger self of Takeno Sena. Naturally, it is staggering knowing that both actors who portrayed the couple's younger selves were actually 14 at the time of filming (which raises the question of their welfare during the shirtless kiss scene), but I sincerely praise their diligence towards portraying their characters at such a young age (Takeno Sena in particular). Takeno Sena perfectly conveys the progression from a grateful friend to someone who cannot find any other place for Ren than in his heart - and that, I believe, is a truly spectacular feat.
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