This review may contain spoilers
just give this a skip if you want an enjoyable romance drama
Pros:- high production quality; seriously, this is some of the best cinematography and video quality I've seen in a jdrama. the budget must have been really high
- *extremely* attractive cast; every single actor and actress are absolutely beautiful. special shoutout to whoever played Morisaki and the king Teratani.
- story that you cannot stop watching, bc you need to know what happens next
- really good OST
Cons:
- the worst, most slow and frustrating romance in television history. so many needless misunderstandings, angst and fakeouts, it made me scream in anger.
- the most annoying main characters in drama history. the ml is a spineless, inconsiderate coward who can't even speak to girls but somehow still manages to treat them like garbage. the fl is a passive character who never fights for what she wants and does her best to misunderstand ml or give mixed signals and then get angry at him.
- this drama must be written and produced entirely by men because the amount of male gaze and fanservice is off the charts - I've never seen this much in a jdrama before and I don't want to. the characters are in school or college and they're played by really young actresses; the sheer amount that their bodies are sexualized and fetishized for the pleasure of the audience made even me, a man, feel uncomfortable.
- this ml is straight up garbage but even he doesn't deserve the fl. you can see that in the absolute dumpster fire of a finale. this man literally fought a psycho with a knife and ended up in a coma.... and she didn't even bother showing up to the hospital... and never once said thank you or I love you...
- so much unnecessary angst.
- literally every other love interest would have been better for the ML rather than the FL
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The unfortunate idiot at the center of this bog-standard boy meets girl and pines for her for two years before they decide that they are couple despite having all the sexual chemistry of shower mold - no, I should not select something living since that would be an insult to shower mold, and so let's say all the sexual chemistry of argon - is Itchitaka who likes Iori. He was embarrassingly rejected three years prior to the start of this story by a girl in middle school and as a result cannot ever decide what he wants or say what he means. That's all we know about him. He is unbelievably underwritten. He is not shown having any other interests. We see his father twice, and his mother only serves to tell him various I's are calling or visiting him.
The scenarios, such as they are, are essentially situation comedy set-ups and coincidental climaxes all played for pathos and to insure that the couple never express what they really feel, and, ultimately, to maximize the embarrassment of Ichitaka. It's a world full of sexual harassment, kidnapping, attempted rape, stalking, creeping, up-skirt photography and physical assault all of which apparently might have legal, scholastic and emotional consequences but any of that takes place off screen to make room for more moping.
The acting is, nevertheless, pretty good, and, honestly, Shibata Kyoka does exceedingly well as Itsuki, the witness, childhood friend and supporter of Ichitaka. She has one memorable scene towards the end of her main run on the show which is beautifully moving. Seraishi Sei as Iori has little to do except be passive and gorgeous. I really cannot say anything bad about Okayama Amane's performance as Ichitaka: the character is awful, stupid and occasionally mean and he portrays that as intended, I think.
The original manga ran weekly for nearly three years starting in 1997, and this drama may well be a faithful rendering of the material. It is reputedly a bit on ecchi side of manga, and that fact probably accounts for the many lingering thigh-to-waist shots of the women in this drama. The serialization of the original material undoubtedly also accounts for the lack of any kind of emotional progress in the central relationship until (maybe) the last ten minutes of the final episode.
I will not judge what you like. If you go to the comment thread for this show, you will find several people who were thoroughly invested in this series, and the tone of this series may resonate with you as it did for them. For me, however, I found the series both dull and unrelentingly anticlimactic.
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My main problem with it was the story. The main love story was tiring to watch, especially as they started going in circles. These two were always interapted and the love story seemed to have no progress and no actual pace. The other love interests that poped up here and there were just there for a couple of scenes and just to make the main character to realize his feeling for the main love interest yet again. At least the performances were good and some scenes were entertaining.
So, overall, four out of ten.
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Nostalgic Feelings.. I F*cking Love it!
Very captivating Japanese drama that skillfully delves into the inner world of young adults. It effortlessly portrays the multifaceted nature of their personalities, capturing the moments of youthful folly, cringeworthy situations, and the occasional cowardice we can all relate to. As a viewer in my late twenties, it struck a chord, evoking a sense of nostalgia for my own college days. The show's ability to authentically depict the rollercoaster of emotions and experiences during this transformative phase of life is commendable. Its genuine portrayal of characters and relatable storytelling make it a heartfelt and compelling watch. Whether you're reminiscing about your own past or gaining insight into the struggles and growth of young adults, A roller-coaster journey worth embarking on.Was this review helpful to you?
One of the best high school love story, I love it.
I don't like main actor, that first I want to said. I mean if main is someone who look a little a little better, It'll be more convincing for the story which 4 girls fall for him.Shiraishi Sei, main actress, first time I saw her and just fell in love. I think this drama is her first hit.
About the story, I got really drew into this and got one sleepless night.
Just one thing that annoy me is that guy, so hesitating and I just got annoyed from time to time. May be that is also the factor this story is good, I don't know.
I'm really in to J-Drama these days and especially finding High School drama because in my country, education system is worst and I like to experience Japanese High School life as much as I can, and stumble upon this one and I'm really glad I found I''s, really really glad.
Anyway, I won't forget this drama in my life. I really love the feeling watching this drama and also Shiraishi Sei, but not main actor (LOL).
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