A Heartfelt Journey Through Love and Self-Discovery
A light-hearted look at love and relationships interspersed with humor and dark elements like parental neglect, childhood trauma, pessimism and mockery are what makes this 3-episode special so compelling and captivating.The story revolves around Aoyanagi Hajime, a childhood star who suffers from self-confidence issues who gets an opportunity to work alongside an upcoming actor Akafuji Yuichiro on a live adaptation of a famous BL manga. In order to improve the chemistry between the actors, they decide to live under the same roof. Akafuji being in love with Hajime, falls short of making his true feelings known all the while hiding behind his persona from the BL manga. The characters try to navigate through these misunderstandings and hidden feelings to make the series a success.
The story is a series of misunderstandings between the two leads while they hide the respect that they have for each other as actors. This makes for some interesting and humours conversations between the 2 leads. However, as the story progresses you realise this isn’t just a series of comedic misunderstandings but shines light on some real-life issues through the point of view of actors. Through Hajime’s characters we are introduced to the expectation of manga fans from actors playing their beloved characters. This can easily build or break the series and he is acutely aware of this fact. Second, is the issue of self-confidence triggered through the comments from fans and general public about the actors. The cause of this issue is the childhood trauma caused by parental mistreatment. Through Yuichiro, we learn how people are quick to judge on the basis of you likes and hobbies. In all this, we also find that everyone needs a support system in life to help you push through your inhibitions and build yourself up.
Although the series does dwell in to some really dark elements, not much time is spent on explaining or expanding this due to limited episodes. Also, there is limited character development in the series and the secondary characters are relegated in to the background just to push the main plot points forward. The series also adheres to a common trend in Japanese BL by skirting explicit kissing scenes, a choice that, while not detracting from the narrative, may leave some longing for more authenticity in portraying romantic relationships. There are examples of some great BL series like “Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?!” and “Kieta Hatsukoi” succeeding with no kissing scenes.
In conclusion, this series stands out as a compelling addition to the BL genre, skilfully blending romance with authentic portrayals of the challenges faced by its characters. While some aspects tread familiar ground and secondary character depth is desired, the series succeeds in delivering a charming and emotionally resonant viewing experience.
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Fresh air in Jbl fr!
this is typical soft and comedy drama, i personaly recomend it to watch when you want to laugh, the comedy is so enjoying to watch LOL the scene when akafuji is found out as a fan of hajime with those atribute when hajime went to akafuji house makes me laugh over the eps hahahaha overall this drama is bringing fresh air in jbl! and i am so glad the script that give the idea to put them live together as far i watched a lot of drama this is like first time brillian idea came with superb idea and the kiss reheseal ? got me blusing? this is super cute drama yall watch it and thank me later.Was this review helpful to you?
Machi Suzuri must be proud!
For a Manga released on Twitter in 2020 and becoming a beautifully executed short series (3 episodes), Machi Suzuri must be beaming as its writer and illustrator.There is only 3 episodes of 45 minutes each that made it extra difficult for the director to provide such a concise but well told story.
it is a small production but it showed a well executed short series. The story from beginning to end smoothly flowed, the artists acted well within their characters (so close to the Manga character I am seeing what I read being played in front of me). The wardrobe was just right, supporting cast made the main characters able to tell their story with clarity, and the set was simply done to meet the scene setting.
It is so far the best Japanese short BL series I have watched for a long time.
This is a highly recommended watch for anyone who enjoys BL genre, and even for those who don't but open to the idea.
Screenplay was well written, directed well, and roles were portrayed marvelously.
Thanking the production staff and producer for investing in this series.
#MangaSeries #BL #JapaneseBL #GreatBLSeries #2024BL
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Too short imho, but still cute.
That was refreshing and funny without being forced to be funny.I think a fourth episode would have helped, because it felt sometimes a bit rushed or at least 5 minutes more would have been a godsend. Also when they always talk about the "kissing scene", they should have played out exactly this scene as finale and not only hint it at the end of the credits.
Otherwise the two managers were hilarious and I felt in the first episode they have a more intimate connection, so really well done. Also the supporting cast did a very good job.
The story is more original compared to most, executed so brilliantly. I had laughs and some tears, so I can only recommand to binch watch this short series.
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Perfect!
This drama has everything, it is funny, romantic, the actors are handsome, the supporting cast is great, the length is just right and it is simply so entertaining! I thoroughly enjoyed this drama and hope to see more from the two leads. While there are only 3 episodes, the total runtime is around 2-3 hours which is similar to the usual 6 episodes of 20 minutes. I don't think they could have added more to increase the length of the drama, but I wouldn't complain if it was longer.This drama does feel quite anime/manga-like, which makes sense since many dramas are based on mangas. There have been other BLs that were very manga-like in their vibe in a more superficial meaning, but this one is simply enjoyable. I recommend you to watch this right now! Japan's streak on making great BLs is continuing :)
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BEST BL COMEDY
I didn't read the manga so I thought this would be a love-hate relationship. Because I thought Akafuji really hated Hajime at first, but it turns out he's a fan of Hajime. I think this is the best BL comedy I've ever watched, I always laugh when watching every episode. Their chemistry is very cute!!! Akafuji is very good and Hajime is very cute, I really like them.Too bad there are only 3 episodes. I hope this can be made into a season 2, I really miss them. I highly recommend this!!!! I think you can recommend this to people who don't watch BL, because I'm sure they will like the comedy!!
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But like why didn't they kiss for real?
Absolutely loved this show! The was so cute and goofy but did really well at incorporating serious sub plots. The acting was fantastic, really wished there was more episodes not because they needed more I just wanted to see more of the actors. Honestly, the only reason it wasn't a 10 star show was because the main leads don't really kiss as themselves and I feel like they really needed to in order to solidify some of the major plot points.Was this review helpful to you?
It was intensely quick, but I loved it
The series touches on subjects delicately, has understanding, passion, learning from others and insights into oneself.And everyone needs to work on themselves so that can share themselves with others. Everyone has their own strength.
So there was no room for drama, there was a little chaos that was a misunderstanding, but everything worked out.
I smiled and loved every detail of the series, it's truly wonderful. The only flaw was that it was so short, I could easily watch 10 more eps with these two.
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I loved this series!!!!
I watch a lot of BL and have never actually written a published review but I had to for this one! I just finished it like 10 minutes ago and it was amazing! So sweet and the chemistry is insane! It’s nothing too intense, but it also has such great backstory and emotion! It is so funny and the two leads are amazing! I need these two in more dramas! The entire cast did amazing and it was so well put together for such a short show I was really pleasantly surprised. I could write an essay about this little series honestly, but I’ll just say you should definitely check it out!Was this review helpful to you?
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WAY TOO SHORT
This story was so cute and funny! I need 10 more seasons!Hajime is a former child actor, who struggles to get people take him seriously in the industry. So he's really happy to hear when he gets cast as a lead actor for an upcoming BL drama. His co-star and love interest is the popular actor, Akafuji.
Hajime is generally a very sweet, kind person and he is happy to meet Akafuji on set, but no matter what he does the other seems to ignore him. This is a serious blow to Hajime's already fragile self-esteem, and accepts the fact that Akafuji is just too popular to ever think of him as his equal. However, as they both seem a bit stiff and have trouble with portraying the chemistry between their characters on set, the director jokingly suggests that they should move in together. Maybe even sleep in the same bed, just like the characters they play. Hajime who has been trying to befriend Akafuji is very much open to the idea but to everyone's surprise Akafuji is even more into it. So they end up moving in together for a little while, and get to know each other better. The real shocker comes, when the story introduces us Akafuji's POV as well and we learn, that he hasn't been avoiding Hajime because he looks down on him.. quite the opposite.. he has been a fan of Hajime's acting for a while now. "Fan" as in: he has a shrine dedicated to Hajime with all his merch...
As they start to get used to living together Akafuji realizes that Hajime is a real person, not just some unreachable idol, and that he also maybe started to have real feelings for him.
There were many really sweet and funny scenes, and some 4th wall breaking scenes that involved the drama shoot where these two work. Like, coming with excuses about how they can practice lines their characters would say only so they can flirt with each other, and Akafuji asking Hajime to "practice" for their kissing scene and Hajime being really disappointed when the kissing scene gets cut..
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Hilarious and Sweet, what’s not to love?
Story:The story was very interesting, focusing almost behind the scenes of the process for a BL series to be created. This starts with the casting of both leads, two actors who have never met until now yet still know each other through their fame, reputations and past projects. The creation of a BL story, getting into the role and mindset of the characters, and trying to create chemistry with someone who is basically a stranger to you. The comedic side of this series comes from the reveal that Akafuji is a huge fan of and loves Aoyagi so much that he comes off rather awkward and standoffish towards him but is a total fanboy when he is alone. This immediately gave me A Man Who Defies The World Of BL vibes which is also one of my favourite Japanese BL’s so I was very impressed and excited about that. The first episode was hilarious, both of the characters are really sweet and exuberant I couldn’t help but smile and laugh along with them. The second episode was focused on them building up their chemistry and realising they have developed romantic feelings for each other. The third episode revolves around their developing feelings and the effects of this. I won’t lie, I was a little nervous about the number of episodes, as often shorter series tend to be fast paced and miss out a lot but the pacing of each episode was great, well planned with a perfect mix of comedy and heartfelt romance. I’m really hoping they’ll give us a season 2.
Acting/Cast:
Aran as Akafuji- Bright, loud and passionate which he hides behind a cool exterior. I immediately loved Akafuji as a character, I love how he seems so calm and collected on the outside while inside he’s a total dork lmao. He was very caring towards Aoyagi but doesn’t know how to balance his love and concern with professionalism and ends up fanboying and getting jealous over the smallest things. He’s such a cool character and I’m hoping to see more from this actor in the future.
Nichika as Aoyagi- Super sweet but very awkward. Aoyagi was a very lonely character with very few friends and a broken family, it seems he’s used to being teased or shot down by people so he keeps to himself. I like that even when Akafuji seemed like he was being very rude and stuck up, Aoyagi didn’t let that get to him and tried many times to reach out and bond with him. Aoyagi also seems very passionate but in a reserved way, he clearly wanted this project to go well and I admire his determination and perseverance. He’s definitely my favourite character in this series.
Music:
I absolutely loved the theme song, it was super cute. The sound effects were also great and well timed.
Rewatch Value:
Will definitely be rewatching this many times due to its adorable plot and relatively short run time.
Overall:
I’ll definitely be adding the manga this is adapted from to my plan to read list. This has been absolutely hilarious, I love a good comedic romance so this was perfect for me. I hope to see more BL’s with similar themes and genres to this in the future.
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Un drama gentillet tout en douceur.
I Became the Main Role of a BL Drama m'a rappelé les premiers JBL. Des romances légères et gentilles qui mettent en avant certains sujets, mais sans jamais devenir des incontournables. Ce sont des dramas mignons, des histoires qui font du bien sur le moment et dont on se rappellera vaguement dans quelques mois. Cela n'en fait pas de moins bons drames qu'un autre, pas du tout. Son empreinte est juste différente. Et à mes yeux, c'est exactement la façon dont je vois I Became the Main Role of a BL Drama.Les thématiques abordées sont intéressantes. Tout d'abord, celles autour du personnage de Aoyagi Hajime. Le manque d'estime et de confiance en soi - dont une cause parentale. En effet, Aoyagi Hajime est au collège lorsque ses parents divorcent et ils se disputent sa garde. Non pas pour lui, leur enfant, mais pour ce qu'il pouvait apporter dans le portefeuille. On parle également du fait de toujours être considéré (même des années plus tard) comme le personnage d'un seul projet. À titre comparatif, on peut penser à Daniel Radcliffe qui aurait pu ne jamais réussir à s'enlever l'étiquette du sorcier. Akutsu Nichika était magnifique dans son rôle mettant en avant une délicate sensibilité sans en faire trop.
On parle aussi de fanatisme avec le personnage de Akafuji Yuichiro. C'est un acteur populaire et apprécié, mais il cache aussi quelques secrets. Il stan Aoyagi Hajime au point que son manager n'ait qu'une crainte, qu'il craque. Plutôt qu'être un stan, être un fan aurait suffit. Aujourd'hui, le fait de stan quelqu'un est moins extrême alors qu'à la source, on parle d'un fan extrême. Ce n'est pas le premier stan représentait dans un BL, mais ce niveau de fanatisme n'est pas quelque chose que je trouve amusant, au contraire. Ce trait de caractère de côté, Akafuji Yuichiro est un acteur passionné et une personne aimable et agréable. Abe Alan offre un chouette personnage.
Le reste du casting était également très bon. Ah... Et bien sûr, j'adorerais une série (ou un (long) épisode spécial) sur les managers. Saluons ensemble le syndrome du couple secondaire, ahah.
C'est un drama gentil et léger qui traite de plusieurs sujets, mais sans entrer dans les grands drames. Trois épisodes mignons et appréciables jusqu'à sa conclusion malgré une romance discrète.
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