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The bad reviews are from people who just can't handle dark dramas
It's actually quite funny how many dark shows/shorts receive poor ratings just because they contain unsettling themes, and when the synopsis is as blunt as this one, the blame falls wholly on the viewer. If you are uncomfortable with themes such as kidnapping and rape then don't watch it, simple as that. This isn't for you.I liked this short kbl because of the acting from the main lead. His portrayal of the trauma bleeding into numbness and eventually breaking down to tears really manages to evoke emotion from us as the audience, and it's exceptionally well done. The twist of the second lead being in on the kidnapping wasn't really a shock as it was easy to guess, but I enjoyed the psychological aspect and the unsettling environment over the 3 episodes.
I really wish people who can't handle dark shit to just stay away and let those of us who understand what these shows are trying to portray to enjoy it without criticism.
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The slow, unique kind of introspection that will intrigue some and bore others.
This drama encompasses exactly what I wrote in the title. It develops slowly, but the type of stillness that makes you feel as though you yourself are present in the scene, watching it unfold and sharing the main character's experiences and emotions with her. Involved in her quiet turmoil, her numbness, confusion, and twisting love and silent regret as it shows her past failed relationships. The naturalistic acting and quiet music do an exceptional job at creating the immersion.A noteworthy point is the exemplary cinematography. Especially the long shots done in just one take, at one camera angle. One angle could be nearly three minutes. The lack of music overlaying created a silent ambience that made you have to sit in the emotions, no matter how uncomfortable, instead of forcing you to feel them. Almost as if you are taking a pause, like a breath of fresh air. The scenes feel so real and give the actors space to flourish, making the characters feel like real human beings.
The story is one that slowly follows the life of Ayana, a novelist, who falls in love too easily, and so she tries to be with people who she will not fall too hard for. She meets her current boyfriend Yukio in a laundromat and they bond over an awkward yet sweet exchange. As the story develops, the drama delves into Ayana's past and her failed relationships, and her development and progression to becoming a better person.
Some may write this drama off simply because it contains unconventional themes, such as cheating. Please, don't be that person and reduce this show to a single moral transgression. The drama does not glorify the infidelity. It explores the reasoning behind Ayana's actions, her emotional complexity, the unmet needs of the characters, and the fragile dynamics of the relationships they are in.
A unique, introspective, and slow Japanese drama. It's becoming one of my favourites.
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This drama was really enjoyable and doesn't deserve the hate
I have watched most of Flyingpenguin's works, and this short drama is the one which intrigued me the most. I am so glad I watched it before reading the reviews on here because this show absolutely does NOT deserve the high level of hate it seems to be getting!! Usually in Flyingpenguins shows are 1-3 episodes with the main part being an NC without actually any detailed plot (which i like too LOL) but this drama stood out to me because there is a story behind it. People love to complain about the length being too short, and i agree, however being able to convey this plot within a 30 timeframe and make me feel attached to the characters is truly skillful. There is good chemistry between the two actors and the story of the ghost and his shitty ex really got me emotional. The NC scenes were good too, except I do agree that the acting may be a little robotic at times but what can you expect for a low budget short film. Overall, I really liked it!!! One of my favourite Flyingpenguin shows.Was this review helpful to you?
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never wanted to slap the male lead so much in my life
I feel bad for everyone in this show EXCEPT Jimmy, this guy needs to get a bloody grip. Every time I see him he manages to evoke an unspeakable rage within me. The whole plot is him basically throwing a tantrum because he's a player and the guy he wants to mess around with wants his friend instead and doesn't give a crap about his advances (love Fah for putting Jimmy in his place). I feel sympathy for Toh and how he's staying with Jimmy in the hopes to make him love him, it's equally cute and depressing. The best character in this show hands-down is Teh, freaking love that guy - but he needs to dump Jimmy ASAP. I hate how Jimmy convinces Teh that HE is the one being a bad friend because he got with Fah (Teh and Fah like each other, Jimmy needs to stop inserting himself between them!!) even though Jimmy's whole freaking plan was to manipulate Teh's brother so that he can get closer to Fah as they are friends. Just as Fah was beginning to work through his issues, Jimmy strikes again and it all goes to waste!! I wish that Teh would communicate with Fah with what is happening, this would solve literally all of their problems.Overall, this show is a good watch to kill time when you've got nothing else to do and a whole lot of rage to direct at fictional men doing stupid shit.
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