K-Drama
After Moving Seats, the Boy Behind Me Has a Crush on Me
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by ThatWheatFlour
This review may contain spoilers
A simple, feel-good drama that I wouldn't mind rewatching.
Aside from the provocative concept of a seat change-induced confession, there is nothing particularly remarkable about After Moving Seats (AMS) at the beginning - however, the steady, increasing growth of character personalities and dynamics allows the audience to build a connection with and form opinions on each aspect of the drama.
Mayama is presented as an overly accommodating, incredibly reserved individual (which we later find is due to his past entanglements with undesirable folks) - easily prioritising others over himself and refusing to take a stance that is overtly selfish. Asamiya, on the other hand, is the typical, stoic tsundere type - untouchable in a way that is reminiscent of many other drama semes (e.g. Watarai from School Trip and Kurosawa from Cherry Magic) mainly due to the duality between his appearance and the subsequent expectations others have of him.
Acting-wise, Konishi Eito has definitely improved from his previous role as Taishin in Takara's Treasure - with varied facial expressions and an evident comfort with enacting comedic scenes (at least, to me). (His scrunchy smiling expression is cute :)) Gennosuke initially appeared flat and expressionless, however, I am inclined to believe it was an overly stylistic choice considering his facial expressions became more varied and vibrant later on. I think he definitely could have conveyed Asamiya's frustration with being seen as a mere pretty face much better, though I definitely don't hate what he managed to portray as is. Both actors' chemistry is very good, too - not as awkward as I'd noticed in Konishi Eito's former role in Takara's Treasure - and believable enough to last in the watcher's mind as a good ship.
I really, really liked the side characters in this drama - I think both actors did a really good job of supporting the main actors in their characters' distinctive ways. On the surface, Sakaki appears to be the more lively, unrestrained one - though he has his thoughtful, considerate moments (both when internalising his own feelings and when providing advice to Mayama during a chance encounter midway through the summer holidays). Tsunekawata is the quieter, more level-headed friend who contrasts Sakaki's personality well, and the two work well as a dynamic duo (that final pan-shot to Tsunekawata from Sakaki's viewpoint after that second seating plan change left no doubt in my mind that Sakaki has feelings for Tsunekawata). I would love to see a second season (that doesn't fall flat from the first, of course) solely dedicated to the development of their relationship.
Side note: Iijima Hayate looks good with black lipstick
Mayama is presented as an overly accommodating, incredibly reserved individual (which we later find is due to his past entanglements with undesirable folks) - easily prioritising others over himself and refusing to take a stance that is overtly selfish. Asamiya, on the other hand, is the typical, stoic tsundere type - untouchable in a way that is reminiscent of many other drama semes (e.g. Watarai from School Trip and Kurosawa from Cherry Magic) mainly due to the duality between his appearance and the subsequent expectations others have of him.
Acting-wise, Konishi Eito has definitely improved from his previous role as Taishin in Takara's Treasure - with varied facial expressions and an evident comfort with enacting comedic scenes (at least, to me). (His scrunchy smiling expression is cute :)) Gennosuke initially appeared flat and expressionless, however, I am inclined to believe it was an overly stylistic choice considering his facial expressions became more varied and vibrant later on. I think he definitely could have conveyed Asamiya's frustration with being seen as a mere pretty face much better, though I definitely don't hate what he managed to portray as is. Both actors' chemistry is very good, too - not as awkward as I'd noticed in Konishi Eito's former role in Takara's Treasure - and believable enough to last in the watcher's mind as a good ship.
I really, really liked the side characters in this drama - I think both actors did a really good job of supporting the main actors in their characters' distinctive ways. On the surface, Sakaki appears to be the more lively, unrestrained one - though he has his thoughtful, considerate moments (both when internalising his own feelings and when providing advice to Mayama during a chance encounter midway through the summer holidays). Tsunekawata is the quieter, more level-headed friend who contrasts Sakaki's personality well, and the two work well as a dynamic duo (that final pan-shot to Tsunekawata from Sakaki's viewpoint after that second seating plan change left no doubt in my mind that Sakaki has feelings for Tsunekawata). I would love to see a second season (that doesn't fall flat from the first, of course) solely dedicated to the development of their relationship.
Side note: Iijima Hayate looks good with black lipstick
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