I learn so many things about the in and outs of cult stuff in this drama (they even had cult consultant lmao) that of course if all of that are not total BS. Fun drama that can get serious at times. Btw Minami is such underrated actress.
I just wanna put this out there for whoever might want to read it.As for the synopsis and the tags this doesn't…
You only need to look at the last work by this director "more than words". That's why many angry comments about that drama since it is not your usual BL but LGBT themed. LGBT themed movies exist way before BL term was invented.
Just watched 3 episodes. They are short compared to a normal drama length like 20-30 minutes each. I don't know anything about the Korean drama but I don't see any super toxic relationship here just like what the comments are saying. It is like a more mature, less toxic Coffee and Vanilla minus the cheesiness. There are many indie people behind the production like Nakagawa Ryutaro is the director so there is that vibe and I love it even supporting casts are composed of indie actors Aki Asakura, Fukuchi Momoko, Natsuko etc. I am liking the side couples more than the main couple btw.
Fantastic writing, strong acting, thought provoking thematically and one of the most symbolically rich Japanese dramas I've ever seen. I even think its writing could compete or better than Haruki Murakami's best works. One of the most wtf plot twists ever and I definitely didn't see that coming. There are hints but I wouldn't think they would dare to go that far but they did. That final part enriches this drama's theme by miles as it ties all the loose threads together in an impossibly twisted tale of love and happiness. It is uncomfortable as heck but writing wise it makes sense. What a masterpiece.
Now I dare you Netflix put this drama on your catalogue and make internet explode.
I haven't seen the anime or read the manga, so far though this drama caught me off guard and made me binge watch…
This is one of the best social commentary manga ever made. Well researched too especially in Japanese entertainment industry. We love Japanese dramas this will be an interesting watch. I haven't watched it though. The manga is long I don't know if 1 season plus 1 movie is enough.
Probably my least favorite 90s jdrama I've ever watched. I like the realism and how grey the characters are but it is too much melodramatic for me. The main lead in particular is very relatable the theme of growing up was captured so well. I also like how she is not a goody two shoes character she has this unlikable trait and she is aware of that. The best friend ended up very confusing one probably just a product of its time. Overall a very relatable theme just the execution is not that great.
No one takes risks more than Japanese writers thematically and execution wise this is perfect from beginning to end. Love the use of those pictures and Tokyo tower as symbolism and did I say those insert songs are perfect as well? That telephone gazing at Tokyo tower scene while the Spitz song is playing is peak jdrama moment. I was afraid at first when I saw the large cast of 8 because I know it was a formula for disaster but I am glad they just focused on 4. I love the ending I do think Natsuki do love Soichiro but as cliché as it sounds love is complicated. I believe it was a product of time in a different world they will end up together.
9.5/10
Now let us talk about actors most of them are still acting until now. Sorimachi Takashi has great chemistry with both Esumi Makiko and Kimura Yoshino. I guess that is another reason why I didn't hate the ending because Yoshino cuteness is peak. Years later Boku no Yabai Tsuma happen and there are moments here of both Yoshino and Ito hideaki I cannot stop thinking about that drama as I watch them together lol. Then there is Shiina Kippei the joe murata in forrest of love is young here. Both Ishida Yuriko and Nishida Naomi are still acting as important supporting characters. Only Esumi Makiko is retired now.
I am trying to figure out what is with 90s jdrama's charm that we can't find in modern dramas. I think it has something to do with the casting I don't mean acting because it is obvious these people are not the best actors in the world at that time, but chemistry wise they triumph over modern dramas. The insert songs are also much better I don't mean modern jpop songs sucks but compared to songs in this drama or songs in other 90s dramas I watched it is unmatched. I don't have nostalgia for old songs I heard it first here.
At times it felt like a giant coffee ad sprinkled with Wabi Sabi philosophy on top. Your opinion on this will depend whether you believe the organ transplant explanation because I don't buy it at all so even thematically they achieved what they want in the end overall they still fail for me. I would like it more if it is straightforward soul transfer trope. The good thing is cinematography. They really did a great job showcasing both Hokkaido and Hawaii landscape. Lastly I think this is already 4th time where Arimura Kasumi and Kentaro didn't end up with each other lol.
8/10
Seems like the same people who work on Soshite, Ikiru also work on this but I definitely like Soshite, Ikiru more.
Come to think of it this is probably the most underrated Koreeda work to date. My review there above was during the time I was more harsh in my reviews lol now I would probably give it a 9.
I had this former co worker that is like Takano lol not that exaggerated and obviously not as hot as Nanao. She watches YouTube at work full screen doesn't give a damn if bosses saw her. I like this drama since I don't take it seriously I just view it as satirical representation of office work. I can't decide who is more exaggerated Takano or those programmers lol. Another incentive for me watching this is Sato Honami and I am liking her role here.
1 
Now I dare you Netflix put this drama on your catalogue and make internet explode.
10/10
8/10
9.5/10
Now let us talk about actors most of them are still acting until now. Sorimachi Takashi has great chemistry with both Esumi Makiko and Kimura Yoshino. I guess that is another reason why I didn't hate the ending because Yoshino cuteness is peak. Years later Boku no Yabai Tsuma happen and there are moments here of both Yoshino and Ito hideaki I cannot stop thinking about that drama as I watch them together lol. Then there is Shiina Kippei the joe murata in forrest of love is young here. Both Ishida Yuriko and Nishida Naomi are still acting as important supporting characters. Only Esumi Makiko is retired now.
I am trying to figure out what is with 90s jdrama's charm that we can't find in modern dramas. I think it has something to do with the casting I don't mean acting because it is obvious these people are not the best actors in the world at that time, but chemistry wise they triumph over modern dramas. The insert songs are also much better I don't mean modern jpop songs sucks but compared to songs in this drama or songs in other 90s dramas I watched it is unmatched. I don't have nostalgia for old songs I heard it first here.
8/10
Seems like the same people who work on Soshite, Ikiru also work on this but I definitely like Soshite, Ikiru more.