5
"The Air Around You."
I dropped this drama back in November 2024, but for some reason, decided to pick it back up as Nagase Ren's performance in another drama caught my attention. Writing a review for dramas such as this is difficult, not just because of the very controversial subject matter, but because getting to understand the characters play an integral role in how you view such a situation in general. I suggest taking a direct dive to see whether it suits your taste.
Kojima Toru, a medical student accidentally stumbles upon Asano Shifumi, a married and well established architect, whilst on his way to college. Her kind nature coupled with her pleasant aura soon attracts him and he finds excuses to see her again, unexpectedly learning that both of their interests and thoughts overlap. Toru is finally happy to have met someone who understands him on a deeper level, helping him escape from his feeling of constant loneliness. However, Asano Shifumi knows the reality of her life.
His illicit escapade serves as a game for his childhood friend and roommate, Ohara Koji, who takes it as a challenge to seduce the mother of the girl he tutors.
My Thoughts? I don't condone or encourage such things, but I could understand why both Toru and Shifumi fell for each other. Moreover, Shifumi was no idiot. She knew where her and Toru's future lay. Her excuses are useless in the eyes of the society. For both of them, meeting each other gave them the impetus to go forth with their lives. There is a scene where Shifumi ponders as to what attracts a person to another. She describes "the air" around them was what it was. Well, sad truth -- such a version of attraction is very, very rare to find. This is also one of my favorite lines in the entire drama. There was something about their relationship that went beyond the superficial aspect. It exists, but the sense of ease whenever they had a conversation felt natural. Toru might be a boring character when put up with someone like Koji, but he was an instant favorite of mine.
As for Koji? The end of the drama clearly explains why his relationship with Kimiko-san was not my cup of tea, in spite of several viewers preferring them over the leads. Well, both the guys deserved a whack on the head as they themselves eventually admit.
Tokyo Tower meddled with my thoughts well. So, it definitely is a solid 8 from me.
Kojima Toru, a medical student accidentally stumbles upon Asano Shifumi, a married and well established architect, whilst on his way to college. Her kind nature coupled with her pleasant aura soon attracts him and he finds excuses to see her again, unexpectedly learning that both of their interests and thoughts overlap. Toru is finally happy to have met someone who understands him on a deeper level, helping him escape from his feeling of constant loneliness. However, Asano Shifumi knows the reality of her life.
His illicit escapade serves as a game for his childhood friend and roommate, Ohara Koji, who takes it as a challenge to seduce the mother of the girl he tutors.
My Thoughts? I don't condone or encourage such things, but I could understand why both Toru and Shifumi fell for each other. Moreover, Shifumi was no idiot. She knew where her and Toru's future lay. Her excuses are useless in the eyes of the society. For both of them, meeting each other gave them the impetus to go forth with their lives. There is a scene where Shifumi ponders as to what attracts a person to another. She describes "the air" around them was what it was. Well, sad truth -- such a version of attraction is very, very rare to find. This is also one of my favorite lines in the entire drama. There was something about their relationship that went beyond the superficial aspect. It exists, but the sense of ease whenever they had a conversation felt natural. Toru might be a boring character when put up with someone like Koji, but he was an instant favorite of mine.
As for Koji? The end of the drama clearly explains why his relationship with Kimiko-san was not my cup of tea, in spite of several viewers preferring them over the leads. Well, both the guys deserved a whack on the head as they themselves eventually admit.
Tokyo Tower meddled with my thoughts well. So, it definitely is a solid 8 from me.
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