Out of the so many Jdramas that tackled these themes I think this is the most well researched. It might be hard to watch to those who are in the similar situation but it will be very educational for most people. The last episode is unexpected but powerful with a bit of social commentary thrown in. This is a must watch.
Characterization for both shunta and tsumugi is really great, I love how those 2 characters developed throughout the story. Their relationship from friendship to being a couple doesn't felt forced at all.
I love the dialogue, the characters especially the relationships presented in this drama from friendship, siblings relationship, parents , teacher, manager, love interest, the drama explored it really well, the narration done from each characters is also a nice touch. I also like how they didn't force romance in the story it would only happen if it makes sense in relation to the core theme the drama wanted to convey.
Quintessential Japanese drama of 2021? maybe but I haven't seen that much doramas this year but so far this drama gets that title.
I always blame social media for making anything overrated, I'm not saying Squid Game is bad I haven't seen it heck I also haven't seen Alice in Borderland, just have less time for dramas nowadays. Clout chasing is very rampant trend on internet right now even though you don't really like it just say it's the best thing ever and you will get likes, followers, subscribers or for a very lame reason like ego boost, just look around fake influencers are everywhere, sheeps are also everwhere. Anyway that's the world we are living right now we just have to accept it.
If you are into that weird side of japanese movies then this is a must watch just think of the likes of funky forest, taste of tea etc. It has set of weird characters my favorite is that friendship between that bald tall guy who screams "I want to die all the time" and his friend whom in my books became the best wingman in japanese cinema history. Their story gave me my best laugh in recent memories but at the same time weird but it has heartwarming moments as well. They had great minds behind the production even Chara is the one who did the music but overall I don't think it's polished enough for me to give it a high score.
Promising trailer though it could be one of those movies that would get unnecessary hate from people expecting shoujo like love story. Love the cast 2 of the most underrated actors in Japan, Ito Sairi got casted as main lead cause it's on netflix if it's one from Japan they might cast a more marketable actress than her. Netflix is also the reason why Higashide is here, he is basically cancelled in Japan, he can only work whenever there is project on netflix or from those festival directors who doesn't give af about Japanese cancel culture. He might be a terrible person but he can act so yeah as long as the movie is good I don't care.
Really good first film from this director, I've seen this plot/idea used before but the director did inject something to it to make it fresh and more heartfelt in the end. The acting is superb, I like this combo of Kaho and Shim Eun Kyung, love their chemistry on screen. As for the ending I think it would be wrong if you think too much of it, don't think of it deeply just absorb the whole message, like in any Haruki Murakami novels......feels over facts.
I didn't realize she was the kid in kidnap tour with satoshi tsubamuki, good drama btw if you haven't watched it. I noticed young Japanese actors are getting better and better I just hope Japan learn how to cast the right actors in big projects.
When was the last time I said to myself "damn I didn't see that coming at all" probably 5 years ago when I watched pink and gray. This drama throws curveballs after curveballs but with core message that will hit straight into your kokoro. It rewards people who are keen into details, it won't spoonfed you about everything it's very subtle. If you are familiar with Yuji Sakamoto's work vibe is like Saikou no Rikon, Quartet but for me this is even better, better characterization for its characters, characters that contributes to the overall theme of the story, from the start to finish it's all connected, masterful writing from the master himself, best drama written by him since Soredemo, Ikite Yuku.
Great movie gone are those days where sakamoto yuji gives us godsmacking emotional dramas, its more simple this time, slice of life, master of words and full symbolism. That earphone scene sums up the whole movie and again reminds me how brilliant this man is flashback from that karage lemon scene in quartet. Love how he use events to give you sense of time and I can't believe he disses live action movies. Its a happy ending for me thats just how it should really be give it to other commercial writer and the end would be different. Lastly I have been saying this over and over with the right director arimura kasumi is effective.
I dont think taki will ever work in Japanese televsion again. He can only get projects on netflix or movies with producers and directors who doesnt give af, but good thing there are many like that in Japan.
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9.5/10
Quintessential Japanese drama of 2021? maybe but I haven't seen that much doramas this year but so far this drama gets that title.
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