7
77
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The Heart wants what the Heart wants - and my heart wants Ryusei
I am reviewing “The Shapes of Love” as its standalone drama. I have not watched the original webtoon or watched the Korean “Nevertheless” (just clips of the drama here and there).
I had a very enjoyable time watching this. It has a very Japanese feel to it with the cinematography, melancholy tone and appropriate use of silence to let viewers feel the emotions. It also doesn’t hurt that Yokohama Ryusei is extremely hot and sexy, so much more so than pretty boy Song Kang. But then, Ryusei played a guest teacher and Song Kang was a student.
I also like the actress, Minami Sara’s portrayal of the female lead Miu. Miu feels very Japanese, the type of character who is reserved and observant, but yet would speak up and push back when needed. The leads have excellent chemistry together. Their scenes in the first half of the drama are sizzling even without touching. Ren/Ryusei’s intense and sexy gazes are mesmerizing and he’s not afraid to go in and kiss. But Sara reciprocated with just enough emotions in her eyes to attract our male lead.
The Korean version has the adorable Chae Jong Hyeop fighting for the female lead’s affection. That would be a tough choice, you know Sang Kang vs Chae Jong Hyeop (LOL). But in the Japanese version, Ruki (played by Sano Reo) has no fighting chance. It’s quite obvious that Miu has no interest in him, and sorry to say that, Sano Reo just can’t beat Ryusei or Chae Jong Hyeop in the looks department. So, definitely no second-lead syndrome on my end.
Although the drama is less than 4 hours long, I do feel that it’s enough to tell the whole story of the main romance. I didn’t feel like I needed more, but that doesn’t mean I can’t use a few more great kisses or cute scenes. But it's just enough without feeling draggy. However, since there are storylines/relationships with the supporting cast, those romances do feel a little short and not very interesting.
The second half has a much more melodramatic tone, compared to the sexy energy in the first half. I’m not an artist and can’t resonate with their struggles but I can be understanding. There’s also a lot of voiceover for each character sharing their inner thoughts and emptiness. I heard/read the word “Nevertheless” quite often. In the end, the heart wants what the heart wants. Either you go all in, or not, and hope for the best. Miu pours her heart and emotions into her art to document ‘the moment’, so I really like the title of her Art Festival piece. I hope the message goes straight to Ren’s heart.
From my point of view, I would recommend you to check out “The Shapes of Love” if you are like me and have not watched the webtoon or the Korean version. Going into this with no expectation might surprise you. If you are familiar with Japanese dramas’ short and concise format and with a more melancholic tone, you might like this as well. And of course, why wouldn’t you watch it for the sexy Yokohama Ryusei??
Completed: 2/8/2025 - Review #541
I had a very enjoyable time watching this. It has a very Japanese feel to it with the cinematography, melancholy tone and appropriate use of silence to let viewers feel the emotions. It also doesn’t hurt that Yokohama Ryusei is extremely hot and sexy, so much more so than pretty boy Song Kang. But then, Ryusei played a guest teacher and Song Kang was a student.
I also like the actress, Minami Sara’s portrayal of the female lead Miu. Miu feels very Japanese, the type of character who is reserved and observant, but yet would speak up and push back when needed. The leads have excellent chemistry together. Their scenes in the first half of the drama are sizzling even without touching. Ren/Ryusei’s intense and sexy gazes are mesmerizing and he’s not afraid to go in and kiss. But Sara reciprocated with just enough emotions in her eyes to attract our male lead.
The Korean version has the adorable Chae Jong Hyeop fighting for the female lead’s affection. That would be a tough choice, you know Sang Kang vs Chae Jong Hyeop (LOL). But in the Japanese version, Ruki (played by Sano Reo) has no fighting chance. It’s quite obvious that Miu has no interest in him, and sorry to say that, Sano Reo just can’t beat Ryusei or Chae Jong Hyeop in the looks department. So, definitely no second-lead syndrome on my end.
Although the drama is less than 4 hours long, I do feel that it’s enough to tell the whole story of the main romance. I didn’t feel like I needed more, but that doesn’t mean I can’t use a few more great kisses or cute scenes. But it's just enough without feeling draggy. However, since there are storylines/relationships with the supporting cast, those romances do feel a little short and not very interesting.
The second half has a much more melodramatic tone, compared to the sexy energy in the first half. I’m not an artist and can’t resonate with their struggles but I can be understanding. There’s also a lot of voiceover for each character sharing their inner thoughts and emptiness. I heard/read the word “Nevertheless” quite often. In the end, the heart wants what the heart wants. Either you go all in, or not, and hope for the best. Miu pours her heart and emotions into her art to document ‘the moment’, so I really like the title of her Art Festival piece. I hope the message goes straight to Ren’s heart.
From my point of view, I would recommend you to check out “The Shapes of Love” if you are like me and have not watched the webtoon or the Korean version. Going into this with no expectation might surprise you. If you are familiar with Japanese dramas’ short and concise format and with a more melancholic tone, you might like this as well. And of course, why wouldn’t you watch it for the sexy Yokohama Ryusei??
Completed: 2/8/2025 - Review #541
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