This is genuinely feel-good series. There is conflict and people fight, there are jealousies and malice at times, but issues are usually resolved very easily and quite quickly. For me, they young ML, supposed to be something of a romantic lead did not work as such: he was very moody and crap at communicating - with anyone - but was supposed to be a great songwriter. Well, that happens sometimes. The House mother was efficient and cheerful - in fact she was determined to be cheerful and supportive at all times. People would downright insult her, or try to, and she accepted their words and promised to do better. A little hard to stomach, but it was well handled.
I enjoyed this series. Most of the characters were well written and pretty well-rounded, even f a lot of the writing seemed saccharine sometimes. The storyline did a good job of approximating a believable idol experience, though it was a little too smooth sailing in my view. But it made an enjoyable easy watch.
One disappointment was the music and performance levels of the band. They didn't work for me - the music production values were much too soft and lacked any impact and as a result, the choreo and dance skills (which were a bit stronger) didn't match the songs.
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This review may contain spoilers
If you like dramas about idols it is a good one just do not expect much from the romance
8/10 is my rating. This is a 2022 Japanese romance drama with 10, 57 minute episodes.First I provide a unique synopsis then review
Synopsis
Asuka Nakamachi (Tsubasa Honda) takes a job as a dorm mother for struggling boy band 8loom. It is a departure from her original dream which was a teacher that was a sunny spot for her students but, when that dream fell through, she was desperate to move out of her sister’s honeymoon house. Her background may be the perfect fit to help the seven-member boy group find their path to success. As the unwavering cheer base, she may even help the leader of the group, her former student, Dan Sagami (Fumiya Takahashi) hit his stride.
Members of 8LOOM
See also: § 8LOOM
Dan Sagami (Fumiya Takahashi). He is the center of the band. The main songwriter. The only group member that knew Asuka before.
Daijirō Naruse (Ryūbi Miyase). Knickname Naru. He is the youngest member. Still goes to high school.
3. Yukiya Furumachi (Keito Tsuna) He is the oldest member of the group.
4. Ēji Ichinose (Rintarō Hachimura) A college student.
5. Ryūsei Hiyama (Shūto Mori)
6. Takumi Kurushima (Noa)
7. Takara Onodera ( Kōki Yamashita)
Review
I like idol dramas especially dramas that are about idol groups. This does a good job of conveying the many ups and downs on the very bumpy road to success. It is more about the group and the process than it is about the romance. It ends happy but not completely clear in terms of their relationship.
Spoilers
I was disappointed that Asuka’s teaching career ended as it did. I think they left a lot if details out but it seemed like she took on too much then let criticism tear her down. It seemed like a weak way out.
Naru looked the part the most. He just had that overall pop look and demeanor. He was one of my favorites through the majority of the show so I was very disappointed when it turned out he turned in Dan and Asuka like he did. He even went so far as to encourage the band to go on without Dan. I was really disappointed in his behavior and it seemed out of character.
There was not a lot to the romance and it ended on a nebulous note. I thought Dan took a step back from 8loom to pursue her but he left her as she was supposedly happy in her new teaching role. I realize that is probably closer to reality for pop stars but it would have been an improvement on reality for him to fully get with Asuka. All of the build up led to a very soft pairing at the end.
I am always drawn to shows about idols and idol groups because it is such a difficult path. For all their emotional and physical sacrifice, few even make it to true fame. I feel so sorry that they become prisoners of their fans and cannot pursue romance and other dreams.
#FumiyaTakahashi
#8loom
#IWillBeYourBloom
#TsubasaHonda
#RyūbiMiyase
#KeitoTsuna
#RintarōHachimura
#ShūtoMori
#Noa
#KōkiYamashita
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It's ok
There were times I felt it was a bit weird for FL and ML to like each other despite having a teacher and student relationship before the group debuted. I do like that the group was supportive of them when they found out ML and FL were giving each other encouragement. I think this is a good drama about becoming young adults, I mean one of them was literally a high school student and they are all young guys trying to figure out the dreams and path they want to follow.Was this review helpful to you?
Well, that was a rollercoaster
I was really excited to with this show for multiple reasons. First of all, I've been a k-pop stan for years now and I've gotten into a few j-pop groups as well (INI being one of them, so the more reasons for me to watch this series), that's why I was really interested in the premise. Second of all, I saw there's a canon aroace-spec character here. It's not common to encounter aroace representation, so when I heard one of the characters is aroace I knew I had to watch it. It was the final push for me.The thing that kept me from watching this show for so long was the romance, though. When I heard it's about an ex teacher and her ex student, it really bothered me. It just felt wrong in so many ways. That's why I checked multiple times if the romance was a major plot. Most people told me it's not really a major plot and I have nothing to worry about... Well, I feel like I've been kind of lied to. It made me quite uncomfortable a few times, but thankfully it wasn't too over the line so I was able to endure it, I guess. However, the romantic plot was one of the things I disliked in the series. To be honest, I shipped Asuka with two characters and none of which were the male lead she was supposed to end up with. I was not a big fan of Dan throughout the series anyways.
There were many moments when I got tired of the series and wanted to give it up, but I watched it mostly because I loved Takara (he's definitely my favourite character) and I didn't have anything better to do anyways. That's another problem I had with the series - the characters just... didn't get their chance to shine, I guess. Sometimes I felt that something was extremely out of character for someone, but then I realised I didn't even know what kind of character they are. I know we only have ten episodes and at least eight characters who deserve a proper story or at least some... colour? It was hard for me to even remember the names of most of them - which I'm usually good at, by the way. I don't know, I just think the characters deserved to be more distinct? They needed more colour to them? I just couldn't really get attached to most of them. Even if I really loved Takara, I still ended up feeling that the series just did not do him justice.
An aspect of the series I definitely liked was the LGBTQ+ representation, though. Three of the more important characters are LGBTQ+, and I loved how that was introduced to the audience. They just didn't make a big deal out of it, and I think that was really heartwarming. The LGBTQ+ characters were not portrayed differently from the rest, other characters didn't see them any differently than if they were not LGBTQ+. Even if one of the 'comedic relief' characters turned out to be LGBTQ+, they didn't play it off as a joke or make fun of him for not being heterosexual. It was really comforting - and surprising, because it's probably the first time I'm met with an approach like this. I think it should happen more often in new series.
I enjoyed the acting, but it was nothing spectacular. As for the music, I liked all 8LOOM songs. However, sometimes the members sound awkward during the 'live performances' which is definitely a disadvantage. Many of the times 8LOOM just did not feel like a real group to me, but it might be just my personal problem. I still cried at the last episode though, but it's probably because I'm a k-pop and j-pop stan and these kinds of things just make me emotional.
Well, that's it for my review. It's probably my first review ever, so forgive me if it's awkward. I just wanted to express how I felt about the series.
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It is heavy when you carry everything at once
It is japan off course it is going to be a cute drama.It shows how we all give up on our jobs beacuse we all fails sometime. But the important thing is we should always try one more time.
Its not very high budget drama, the visuals are just ok not bad but not the best. The story is also kind of weird like student hitting on teacher. But i mainly watched it for my boy dan cause i just love his visuals. And for sure he served. His cold attitude was so good and his acting was also good.
Overall the struggles of boy band in the drama was highlighted but they did it well alot of times.
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this drama is a gem ✨
This review might sound biased or something just because i'm a boyband/boygroup stan in real life lol. I don't know about anyone else out there but tsubasa honda and fumiya takahashi's chemistry had me screaming, crying, throwing up from the very first episode. I was literally punching the wall, trying not to wake my neighbors with my scream because its 2 freaking am and i'm binge watching the whole drama. I finished the entire drama in a day. I was hooked from the very first ep, I couldn't stop watching it. I also loved how the other 8loom members portrayed their roles. I saw and felt how different their characters are compared to each other. I must admit that the acting was a bit off sometimes but I can't help but like all of them and be amazed by them especially because some of the 8loom members have to start from scratch, including Fumiya who played the main character in the drama because he's not an idol by profession in real life and to think that they even made actual music videos (you can find it on youtube), recorded the songs themselves which are available on spotify and other music streaming platforms and even performed in KCON Japan 2022 (currently watching their performances on repeat hehe) and they did so well, that's some serious hard work and dedication right there. I was really impressed by Fumiya and Tsubasa's acting, I saw Dan and Asuka in their eyes and I felt it in their actions. I also liked the songs by 8loom. The way the characters talked about dreams and goals in life felt way too relable. All in all, this is a good drama and i recommend it! especially if you're a fangirl like me hehe Its now one of my fave jdramas for sure <3Was this review helpful to you?
Realistic in a way, heartbreaking and amazing
Okay hear me out I have to admit I am quite biased because of Fumiya. He is just everything and I will watch all of his other work! He is a great actor! I loved his facial expression, his body language. I loved the subtle development of the love line in this drama. I am usually a full on romance person but it made sense here considering all the circumstances. I liked how this wasn't overpowering - japanese dramas tend to be super bubbly and bold (a lot of those ive seen at least) but this was super emotional and heartbreaking and ngl I was rooting for 8loom, in parts of the drama I felt like proud Mom. It had me crying from Ep 2, I watched all 10 episodes in one go because I loved it so much. I don't like those basic storylines where from Ep 8 always everything collapses - ig Kdrama fans know what I mean. I like watching soft dramas instead with not a lot of ups and downs. This drama was perfect for me because struggles could be overcome without having me worry for too long.The only thing that didn't make sense to me was the ending. I liked it, though it really didn't make any sense.
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I watched this while writing my thesis
This show had an easy-to-follow plot so if you have free time and do not want to watch something heavy give it a try!For me, this show was 10/10. However, I know that I'm a bit generous when it comes to scoring. So, I guess it would be an 8/10 for most of the people.
I saw lots of conflicting comments about this show especially for the ending and I am not gonna lie I really don't understand why some people hated the ending and gave such a low rating. But I guess it may not be to everyone's taste. I agree that the romance parts were close to none which may have disappointed some viewers but it was not a problem for me.
What I really liked about this series is, it reflected the entertainment business really well. It was such a realistic portrayal of idols. As we know especially in South Korea and Japan there are some "fans" that can't live with the idea that their idols are also human and would like to try new and ordinary things such as getting a degree, having solo projects or dating.
And of course entertainment agencies are aware of these hostile fans and restrict the idols' lives a lot which can end up in either disbandment/hiatus or just accepting the fact that they can't live the life they want fully and just roll with the idol life for a while. I really liked the way this topic was handled in the series, could feel the struggle of the members.
However, I can't say that I really LOVED the OST but it wasn't bad, it was neutral for me. I didn't skip the songs but I wasn't too invested either. The acting and the chemistry of the cast were really good in my opinion. I started this series because of Takahashi Fumiya however I really liked all the 8LOOM members. I knew Honda Tsubasa from Radiation House and of course my dear Todoroki Yosuke (Maeda Goki) from the High & Low franchise. These 2 were older than the 8LOOM members (both in real and reel life) but I didn't feel any awkwardness at all.
I think I wouldn't rewatch it not because the show wasn't good but because of the completed storyline. I don't know how to explain it but it felt like this show was about representation (idol life, adolescence, LGBTQ etc.) and I am satisfied by watching it just once. I gave 8.5/10 for rewatch value because it is totally rewatchable but I would not prefer it.
By the way, I want to say that I really liked how they portrayed the LGBTQ community without excessive focus. The conversations occurred very smoothly throughout the series and it showed that these things are part of our world and totally normal. Because sometimes when you put too much focus on these topics you are unintentionally making it look like it is an anomaly (hope I explained it well :) I struggled while writing this sentence).
As a side note, sometimes I compare some European / American groups to K-pop/J-pop groups and can't help but feel sad for them. Most of the time members are very talented and working hard and still, they can't feel "free" and still trying to prove themselves by doing everything their agencies or fans ask for. It is going to be a drastic topic but the hater culture in these countries is so hardcore that I would be severely depressed in 2-3 months if I was an idol.
I rented too much, I guess this show hit a good spot and I was in the mood for it. In summary, I really wish every person in the entertainment business can live their lives fully without a need to "apologize" for ordinary things that their peers do.
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Cute butttt...........
So I watched this drama when it first came out and it's really cute and honestly, there's nothing bad about it actually I do remember there being a moment that was really cringy so I had to take a week break but it's still a really cute drama. But the one thing I am confused about is how was she his teacher and then dated I know she was this teacher anymore but like how old was she and is that illegal to date a past student of yours anyway I ignored that anyway but just a question... But I would recommend this drama as it's really sweet and innocent and just adorable. OH, another problem I had with this drama is that I waited until the last ep hoping there would be at least 1 KISS SENCE but no I was disappointed.. however, this is just a personal thing I just like Skinship (in dramas) .Watch it. it's adorable I mean you won't lose anything by watching it SO DO IT :)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
(also if I made any typos or grammar mistakes ignore them d: )
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YOUR BOYGROUP SELF-INSERT FANFICTION TURNED INTO DRAMA
I was ready to dismiss this drama because let's be real, the premise of this drama sounds like a thousand of self-insert wattpad stories, so i was not impressed. But apparently, Fumiya Takahashi went viral in my FYP and i decided to check his work a little, and found out tsubasa honda also played in this drama, so i gave it a try.one thing i want to emphasize : DON'T HAVE HIGH HOPES. KEEP IT LOW. AS LOW AS YOU CAN. just. yeah, just make it seem like you only want to appreciate fumiya's beauty throughout the episodes.
Because the first half of the drama are weird as fuck... is it because i haven't watched jdrama with comedy as the genre? but i find a lot of details off-putting. but i ignored it solely due to the fact that i havent been around jdrama and weird things happened, so.
but after we got thru the character introductions and every "that shouldn't have happen, right?" or "what the actual fuck?" moment, i felt slightly impressed by the diversity and depth of the characters in the dorama were presentes. I originally thought it would be a one-man-band where fumiya is the only one who would get the spotlight, but it turned out everyone gets their own cake, and hey, i was pleasantly surprised! their backstory are relatable and heart-warming, it's making me want to know them better.
anyway, this self-insert is not that bad. fumiya's face was what sold this, but i stayed for the characters.
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Amazing POV of being in a male group in the entertainment industry.
Most people (who I know) that are into Korean POP bands don't dabble in Japanese POP bands or artists. They mostly listen to anime OSTs' and call it a day. More power to you; however, this series does explore what it is like to be in a male group, riding to the top in the entertainment industry. While the show seems romantic, and it can be. That isn't it's main focus. I appreciate the message the director, writers, and producers set out to make with this series.Being in that industry is tough on anyone and I'm sure in Korea, BTS; Stray Kids; BIG BANG; and GOT7, things aren't too far off from being the same. The physical, mental, and emotional tolls these idols have to go through... While also showing sportsmanship in a way when supporting each other, hyping each other up. It's just, chef's kiss.
This series is actually REALLY good and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND watching it. I watched this on Netflix, but you could probably find it online on Dramacool or KissAsian.
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This review may contain spoilers
OST are amazing!
No i am not obsessed with this drama. I only watch it 10x in just 2 weeks.Totally.not.obsessed. ?
I was quite skeptical at first to watch this drama because i read that it was highly criticize especially in japan. But thank God its on Netflix so it gives me a 'push' to watch this and im glad i did!
1. Before i started, i went through the comment section + twitter and saw a lot of critics on Tsubasa Honda acting so it affected me and i became a bit judgy and annoyed at her at the beginning. But surprisingly, after a few episode i don't think she is THAT bad. In fact, i like a lot of her scenes. Yes some of her smiles and laughs seems too forced and made her look silly, but i don't think its a bad acting, but that is just Asuka's character. Someone who laugh when they are nervous or when they are hurt. It may look silly to some people but that's just the way she cope and handle her emotions. So to me, she carried her character very well.
2. I dislike the last 2 episodes especially episode 9. I hate everyone's reaction to the 'scandal'. Its not like they were caught doing something improper. I love when Dan said "what do you mean apologize? She and I did nothing wrong" i hate when idols apologize for being on love
And i dont understand why they suddenly make naruse the 'bad guy'. If it shows from the beginning that naruse does like dan and doesnt like seeing dan with asuka, then i can understand why he acted that way. But he's been supporting dan/asuka 'relationship' even from the start. So i dont get his character change.
3. Another thing that i find annoying. How they keep saying 'you didn't give 8LOOM 100%' whenever one of them do something individually but never affect the group activities in any way. If the member starts slacking off or paying less attention to 8LOOM because of their other ‘dream’, or if Dan liking Asuka made him lost his focus to 8LOOM, then it understandable if they get upset. But like i said, Eiji who wanted to pursue his study, Dan's feeling for Asuka...it didn't affect the group at all.
Naruse: "Dan didn't give his 100% to bloom because he's in love with Asuka"
Also Naruse: want study film making ?
4. The ending wasn't bad, but it wasn't good either. So the group went hiatus for 3 years because everyone is pursuing their 'other dream' except for Dan and Yuki? And Dan didn't contact Asuka in 3 years while being hiatus but went to find Asuka again when 8LOOM is finally active again?
I don't know.. I feel like they could've done a better plot for the ending..
*But despite all that i still love this drama. I can't believe they are just a fictional, temporary boyband because they are as good as a real one. Every one is really skilled in singing and dancing despite some of them actually have no background in sing/dance including the ML Takahashi Fumiya (i learned this from translating comments on yt and tt so my information might be wrong lol. Too bad no one is translating 8LOOM content on yt because I really want to know the story behind their auditioning/casting story etc. Yt auto translate doesn't help at all pfft)
And he also slayed this tsundere role ughh I NEED MORE TSUNDERE TAKAHASHI FUMIYA PLEASE. I actually dislike him at first because he talk harshly. But he quickly became my favorite. I love his acting and all his micro expressions and especially his CROOKED SMILE. I don't know if anybody notice this but he always does this thing when his smile crooked from left to right (eg Ep7, min 34:45) Cutest thing ever!!
I also saw a comment said that he resembles late Haruma Miura and I AGREE?! (I miss you Haruma❤️) I also think Fumi kinda reminds me Takeru Satoh too especially when he pouts when he talk or when he frowns.
AND CAN WE TALK ABOUT THE OST!!! All 5 OST are AMAZING I can't stop listening to them. Can't believe they made 5 original bops for this drama including choreography for each song?! And i love whenever they are performing in the drama, we can hear their live vocals instead lipsyncing to the ost. love love love it!!!
Yes this drama isn't perfect but overall its an enjoyment experience for me and i don't regret watching this at all ❤️❤️❤️
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