The bar is raised
This BL is really amazing. I'm not good at writing reviews so I'm just going to share my thoughts and feelings. All I want is for people to give this show a chance because it's just that good. I really hope directors and studios can learn from this show. It's such a simple and yet very unique and different show.+ Great cast of interesting characters with colorful personalities
+ 10/10 chemistry between main leads/actors, you really feel Kurosowa's love for Adachi through his actions, his eyes, his facial expressions and ofcourse his thoughts
+ I just loved the acting in this. Kurosawa (Machida Keita) has great facial expressions, if he's hurt you want to cry for and with him, if he's happy you're happy
+ Akaso Eiji as Adachi is a great actor and really brings the akward Adachi's character to life. Sometimes, he's just thinking to himself and we can hear his thoughts in those moments, I kust love the way he acts with his facial expressions, just like Machida Keita he has great expressions while acting
+ Wholesome story, characters and relations (friendships and romantic)
+ High quality production (camera-work, directing, writing)
+ Funny, cute and romantic
+ You WILL get emotionally attached to the main characters and want to watch more of them
+ Great OST, very fitting and really adds something to the scenes
+ Not dramatic or overdramatic because it's a light and cute story
+ Entertainment value 10000/10 you will want to rewatch each episode 3-8 times (I'm not kidding, I read so many comments here saying it's their 5th or 6th rewatch per episode)
+ Healthy relationship
+ I know I said it's a simple story, but the show and characters do have a lot of depth. There are struggles they deal with and must overcome. It's really handled well!
Since I want to give an honest review I wil also add what I didn't like (despite the following points please keep in mind im still rating this a 10/10 so please don't be discouraged because the strong points of this show is all written above and it's really a must watch!)
- Kiss or any sexy time between the main couple is left to our imagination (while the side couple kisses a few times)
- Side couple, altough very funny and a nice contrast to the main couple, didn't really leave an impression on me like the main couple.
- I personally liked the side characters (they didn't have a romantic interests) more than the side couple
- Last episode, despite the rememberable moments, was a little weak because it felt rushed and the conflict was settled so quickly (on the other hand I'm happy the conflict was solved fast but still)
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The best BL J-drama to date
Do not let this gem pass you by. Cherry Magic is great. It's stupid and silly in all of the best ways, and it has respect for its characters. Naturally, it still has that charming but hard to watch cringe that J-dramas are known for, but it's heartwarming. And to top it off, it feels like it's the perfect length to tell its story. It's not too long, not too short - just the right length for everything to tie up nicely.This story is primarily character-driven, so take caution if you're the type to prefer plot over character studies. On that front, not a lot happens. The drama follows the lives of the 2 main couples and a handful of side characters and has little going on outside of that. Most of the conflicts are internal - no love triangles to muddy the waters or external forces tearing therm apart. They're just people living their lives.
The drama does a great job showing some platonic romances as well. Friends that the characters make genuinely feel like friends and the healthy relationships explored aren't all romances. For that alone, this show deserves your time.
Overall, it's the kind of story you want to binge in bed on the weekend when you're having a rough time. Guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
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THE MOST WHOLESOME BL IN HISTORYYYYYY
okay so the setting is minimal but it totally works for this bl and makes it even more of a gem. the colour scheme is mwauh! I can't get enough. Moving on to the actual plot its sweet, light and fluffy and super hilarious at times. The guys have a great chemistry and the supporting characters are a wonderful addition to the movie I cannot recommend this enough to people to watch it because its a shame how its not given the recognition it is due. I swear if you don't come back after watching it and telling me how beautiful this bl was then I'll change my name. (I do believe we won't be getting anything heavier than a light kiss but when i tell you the chemistry between the two is so strong you'd feel like you just watched their entire lives spanned out where they live together in a cute little house etc etc I AM JUST IN LOVEEEE) sorry if this review is all over the place currently watched until ep 7 devastated we will never get a million episodes :(Was this review helpful to you?
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It's refreshing
This is the first time I'm watching a BL this wholesome. I used to only watch animes and honestly, this j-drama feels like a fresh air after all that toxicity in the BL genre in general.The romantic interest (Kurosawa) might be the nicest person alive and the main characters (Adachi) awkwardsness and his insecurities were portrayed well, the build pace of their relationship was just right. Nothing felt too rushed, and it's one of the main reasons why I really liked it. Also, they didn't leave any guns hanging (see:Chekhov) and went through every plot point. They didn't just say 'screw the plot, just watch the gays' and instead carefully wrote everything.
The only thing I'm gonna complain about is probably their acting, the chemistry between the actors is great but some scenes feel awkward, like you broke the fourth wall to watch them go on a date and they're aware of your existence. Or maybe they just portrayed that 'this is our first date' awkwardness too well that I think this way. Also, Tsuge and Minato's relationship wasn't that interesting and honestly kind of unnecessary, it felt rushed and maybe a little forced. My distaste in age gaps in relationships might be the main reason why I disliked their relationship though. Everyones tastes are different.
Overall, it's a cute little love story between a shy man and his cool co-worker. I really liked it so far and can't wait to watch the last episode.
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WORTH THE WATCH
the story and the couple are so cute its so worth it to watch! like seriously the couples are too adorable and their interactions with each other are always so wholesome and makes you feel all soft inside. i cant wait to watch more to see how this couple progress. While waiting for the episodes, i tried reading the manga but i dont wanna spoil myself so im gonna wait for the episodes to come. If you want to watch something that is so cute and makes you smile just how adorable the main couple are, i HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS DRAMA. this saved my 2020 no exaggerations on that. Seriously go watch it, its so worth and you'll keep wanting more just because of how the flow of the story is going on.Was this review helpful to you?
hmmm
----------------I liked how the story progressed at first but the ending was very rushed. I felt like they were not even in 1st base during the end. It seemed more like casual middle school dating I did in class. Unless, they are trying for a season 2. Then, I may increase the ratings thinking this was just the first part of the series. As a first part of a series, this would be pretty good but as a whole package, i can't rate it high.
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Music wise, was there any? I liked the opening theme I guess.
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I don't think I can rewatch this from the very first episode again. Overall, I will give it a 7 because I did like how understandable and patient Kurosawa was. Adachi was also simply adorable.
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I can't complain, but I'm going to.
It isn't often that BL dramas are released in the asian tv world, so I was excited and happy to get another. It's especially not often to get a *good* one with two attractive leads and decent cinematography and competent voice dubbing over.Sadly, the actual plot is a mess, especially when it stops following the manga. There's enough plot points to raise your eyes at, and for the most part, the "magic" is just a dime a dozen story beginnings that offer nothing new or interesting than "look, it's interesting enough because it's two men" which is *not enough* for the record. There needs to be a plot without having to depend on a shoe-horned second story to carry the first when the eye candy isn't entertaining enough, and there is no plot here, in my opinion.
And that was the main problem I had with this drama - it was cute, but it didn't really feel like a bl drama. I know most fans don't care about it, but there's no kiss in this show (probably because older asian cultures still aren't that comfortable with it all). BL fans don't want porn, we just like real romances expressed properly with their emotions properly explores, regardless of their gender, and I felt like it just took the hit as a show that it baited a kiss and then didn't show it.
Maybe I'm interpreting it the wrong way, but it just left a bad taste in my mouth after being advertised as a bold "30 year old virgin and a gay relationship" drama, and then we didn't even see a kiss. It was very reserved and I'm not sure that's a good thing.
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THE BEST JAPANESE BL?
As someone who read the original manga 30歳まで童貞だと魔法使いになれるらしい (Sanjūsai made Dōtei Da to Mahōtsukai ni Nareru rashii) by the talented Yuu Toyota, the changes that were made in the series was perfectly done.Now, the manga is already good on its own (it is spicier, but the series version is wholesome), but the series bought the story into a whole new level! It is not only cute and adorable, but heartwarming as well. Even if it is set in the city of Tokyo, the cinematography and camera shots are spectacular! It is indeed a movie-making masterclass!
I love the character development of Adachi! From the meek and low-esteemed 30-year old man to someone who breaks out of his shell who became confident with his own abilities. Kurosawa who appears to be perfect to everyone’s eyes showed his inner imperfection as well, and his human-flaws was well-executed throughout the show.
One of the best takeaways I get from the show is the importance of communication in a relationship. Adachi and Kurosawa showed that communicating well with your partner and letting them know your insecurities and weakness is a sign of a healthy relationship. Keita Machida and Eiji Akaso gave a flawless acting in their respective roles. The non-verbal expressions and their eyes alone showed the emotions that the characters are feeling. It’s a perfect example of show-not-tell.
The show overall is a mix of realism and fantasy. A lot of real-life situations and internal issues are showed. The “magic” side of the story is also overly used as it is part of the theme, which for me makes the show unique and entertaining. It is one of the shows that I don't expect the leads to kiss or being too sexual, because the series is already great as it is!
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The main leads are so cute together. I love how Kurosawa is so patient and understanding of Adachi - seriously we need more BL leads like him! The actor who played Adachi really stood out for me. He portrayed the 30 y/o awkward virgin in the most adorkable way.I have watched a couple of series with mind reading as a plot device but this one is something new for a BL series so I'm eating this up.
I was not very fond of the second couple. I just didn't like the way Tsuge's actor portrays his 30 y/o virgin character (I guess he was meant to act as the funny side character). I would've never thought that the turning point of the entire series will be Tsuge's "Your heart has nothing to do with magic. In the end, it is up to you to decide what to do" line. YES I REALLY AGREE TO THIS.
It was really cute and fluffy short series. No other conflict on the storyline. I liked it. It's worth the watch!
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Y'all should realise it isn't really the best series
alright, this review shouldn't be read unless you have watch the whole series.I don't really know if this is me but have y'all ever wonder why, how and when Adachi fell in with Kurosawa?? All the time he felt insecure or gain some confidence or tried hard pleasing Kurosawa because Kurosawa helping him is always slick? Like that love confession from Adachi to Kurosawa was nothing but pity. As I said, he started to think that he likes Kurosawa because he was just trying to please him, favour him back. There wasn't a single scene of him actually thinking that he is falling for Kurosawa. Now, Kurosawa. Man y'all sugarcoat him too much.
ok in episode 3 at the end of the episode, are y'all not gonna question why he attempted kissing Adachi?? Adachi literally thanked him for not doing it plus comforted him that he didn't hate it and he thought that he got the consent of doing the dare he was told to do so by those collegues ??
Importantly, why he never even thought of asking Adachi about that love confession? Like was he that crazy for him that he got a confession from his 7 years old crush and he'll take it??? Without even thinking once about it?
ISTG THE BREAK UP WAS STUPID. LIKE ADACHI GETS TO KNOW KUROSAWA'S SURPRISES FOR HIM SO HE DONT WANT TO GO OUT WITH ANYMORE (BASICALLY HE CANT USE HIS POWERS PROPERLY Y'ALL)
just saying I used to love the series but I dont even know why
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Adachi Kiyoshi (Akaso Eiji) is an introverted and awkward 29-year-old virgin, whose life ticks over to 30 with little fanfare and even less action on the romance front. Adachi’s singledom comes mostly from his outsider status: he can’t imagine that someone would be interested in him and wouldn’t know what to do about it if they were.
As Adachi enters the first day of his 30s, he discovers an old-wive’s tale about 30-year-old virgins is true – they gain magical powers! In his case it’s telepathy and he soon discovers that the attractive, confident and successful Kurosawa Yuichi (Machida Keita) is not only attracted to him but almost obsessively so.
Can Adachi find the courage to pursue love now that he knows he can? Or will his lack of confidence get in the way?
I think what I like the most about Cherry Magic is that it’s a simple little show with a nice message (be brave in love!) but also that it celebrates empathy, understanding and the need to be open and honest about our feelings in a world where we can't read somebody's mind. And while the show is quite simple and straightforward, it's a very enjoyable and extremely bingeable watch.
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Problematic
This was a pleasantly good show.. but the lack of kissing at all threw me off.... If there was no kissing scene in the show I would understand it more... but the side couple kissed which leads me to believe the actors of the main couple did not want to do the same. I respect people's right to not do this but it made me story feel empty.. How can you propose to someone in the final scene and not have even shared a kiss with them ? If the actors did not feel comfortable to do so they should have found those who could. No one is asking for sex scenes but I think if we are being realistic the idea of them never having one kiss and ''spending the rest of their lives together'' is a bit farfetched.Was this review helpful to you?
