Mood Indigo (2019)

Devastatingly realistic.

This is such a devastating drama, which is sadly so representative of many a people's life experience. It's all about timing.

Seeing Kijima and Kido's backstory was very enlightening. The development of their relationship from being old university classmates to friends to sort of lovers and back to acquaintances was interesting to watch. I found it interesting that each initial development in their relationship was never intentional, but as a result of the circumstances around them. They had undeniable chemistry and were so passionate as lovers, but the somber ost, depressing tone/theme and dimmed lighting would make you feel dissatisfied about their relationship because you could just feel like it wasn't going to end on a positive note, regardless of whether you'd previously watched the Novelist or not.

Overall, I wouldn't necessarily categorize this as a romance. It's more about showing the relationship between two people who all of a sudden developed a relationship as lovers but due to poor timing, fear of society, and lack of courage, ultimately weren't able to realize the full potential of their relationship. What it lacked in romance it had in passion and lust. You could probably watch the drama and blame Kido for things ending the way they did, but my personal takeaway was that there really wasn't one person to blame as I understood Kido's actions as well. Some relationships are just not meant to be, and this way Kijima has the opportunity to find someone else that will choose him and love him.

Big kudos to the actors. They were so committed to their roles and expressed themselves wonderfully and had amazing chemistry. Kijima had such a sensuality to him that kept pulling me to him and Idk how the actor was able to create that kind of atmosphere around his character, but he did and it was amazing to watch.

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two men who experiences new things

It was great! To be honest, I was scared to watch this cause I'm rooting for (KZ)Kuzumi and (KJ)Kijima and I thought this would lead me to change but it did not. But it made me know more about (KD)Kido and Kijima's past leaving all my question mark from first season answered.
I can see why people compared it with first season and I'm glad that a second installment is viewed more well than the first one by so many people. It had more in-depth on the story and the story did not only went revolving on two people but instead so many things actually happened here than the first one.

I was skeptical cause everything wouldn't have started without the grandpa (G)Gamoda wanting a show infront of him for his manuscripts, I was bitter and thankful for him for some reasons:
1. He was the reason KJ and KD formed a relationship that started with fire
(Which I should be happy and supportive but damn, outright on the spot in-front of him. Reminded me of school TT)
(+) it became a way out for KD to finally be true to himself and his desires. KJ is a breathe of freedom for him
(-) it was obviously purely lust that stick them together, I actually think they would've been great friends if that didn't happened.
2. With KD and G's help, KJ also found his way back to writing
(+) YESS HE'S ABLE TO EARN MONEYY and also write things that people would consume
(-) He lost his writing in literature books but is now onto erotic books. (It's like one of those dream jobs of yours in life but you have to find an alternate cause it's not working. It's realistic but so sad...)
(+) KJ realized his hidden desires from getting introduced by a bunch of erotic things KD and G gave him. (they kinda influenced him in a way, like this man had no signs of interest at all before)
3. Ah.. Yes, the sexy scenes.

KD was very open in the first episode that he would do everything to be able to please the people and society so I wasn't surprised that he ended up getting married with a child even though he's obviously closeted. I wish there was more explanation as to why he was so scared to the point of sacrificing literally everything even if it's not the life that he wants. This made me see Japan again as very strict when it comes to gay people, these bls are telling me a lot are closeted and fled to the "normal" way as if it's more beneficial. I'm happy that the first time they did were going to do it, he was respectful of KJ and did not do it cause he was a "beginner" lol

KJ was like that person who are just very empty but you know that they are born talented which he is when it comes to writing. But even talent doesn't get appreciated often that they have to do the alternative which KD introduced him to something else. It really sucks when you think about it, he regained his way to writing and found his hidden desires because of KD and he also got betrayed and hurt by the same person. He seriously deserves a happy ending.

I think they became each other's important person cause they helped each other and experienced a bunch of new things together. But relationship-wise, they wouldn't work cause it's a very toxic kind and from the start-end it was all lust there was no sign of innocent love for each other, they didn't even think like a bunch of couple would do like to go on a date, holding-hands and etc. all they did throughout the series was make love. Which I think made it weak and not something for KD to think of as something he would sacrifice being a people-pleaser for lol

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Thoughtful, complicated

I accept that people who carry themselves like Rio did throughout exist, and therefore accept the character's portrayal in this drama, but I don't like that type of person (jaded but not funny about it, just really cold and haughty - we get it you're wounded. You're missing out on all the funny pain can make you).
Kido was an entire character. He is painfully, thoroughly riddled with his defining flaw. It's a juicy role and the actor made sure we had a lot to bite into.
It tangentially makes you think about the way you navigate the world, but I wouldn't say it's life-changing or inevitably perspective-shifting, though I can see some people feeling very confronted by this piece and maybe growing from the exposure! Good for you if so!
The story doesn't really moralize at you; you might grow in one way or another and no direction is really depicted as correct - every virtue is excruciatingly entwined with its paired vice.

It was fun to watch, but it made me think a bit, and I only like thinking three (3) times in one day so I can't say I'll re-watch anytime soon. I wouldn't say it's cerebral, but it's thoughtful: you get no answers so you walk away still grappling with the questions posed.

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An endless cycle

*outline*
I only realized in the last episode of the drama's cycle of: mourning, sex, love, mourning, sex, love. These themes - mourning, sex and love - are the three most common that come out throughout the whole drama. This tells you just how unique the story line is. Although the love between Kido and Kijima is simple, their story is not. And that's probably one of the things I kept watching this for. I wanted to see them become something.


*analysis*
STORY : Well, for starters, I have to mention that the story was indeed a roller coaster. It felt like we were playing a game of 7 minutes in heaven. They be happy, open and feel free together behind closed doors, but not so much when they came out to the real world. It took me a while to form this analogy but it just fits. In simple words - yes, they over complicate their very simple feelings. Well, one of them does. The other doesn't. The cliche leads actors; one wants to be open and show the world who they love proudly, and the other one doesn't. It's a similar concept, but not the exact case for this story. Despite the whole on and off between them, I've gotta say the last episode was the best episode out of them all. After the first 9 mins, my heart was beating so loud I could hear it through my ears. And, though some might say there's a sad ending, I don't think that's the case. I actually liked the ending because I genuinely believe everyone got what they deserved after all. The confessions were so good and the pacing followed a well-thought structure. There wasn't any beating around the bush and no one to play the villain. It was some sort of real life scenario.

ACTING/CAST : The cast did exceptionally well, especially the main roles and Gamoda. The drama sort of revolves around the three but if I heard this from someone else without even watching it I'd get confused so I'm telling you to definitely watch the drama if you wanna know what exactly I mean. It literally revolves around them.

MUSIC : I don't know why but I started laughing at some of the music that came up. I killed the mood of the scenes myself to be honest. I'm the perpetrator, forgive me lmao. Otherwise, the music was well composed and suited the drama perfectly. I mean, that's always the case in Japanese dramas, movies, and anime anyways. But it had to be said, right?

REWATCH VALUE : I personally don't see myself rewatching this. In fact, I'm probably done with this now that my review's finished and I'm done writing it out.


*recommendations*
Visit my Asian BLs Custom List to see some more of my watches and ratings !! ^.^ Including: Korean, Taiwanese, Japanese and Thai !
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ADULT VIEWING

It's not just a BL drama, it's much more; a raw and delicate story at the same time, sad and exciting, like life itself. the erotic scenes are exquisite and have made my whole body tremble.

Although I did prefer the fist franchise to this story, this was just as good, the erotic scenes were really good, and the chemistry between them were excellent. Both of these dramas have deep meaning. The first one honestly left me puzzled in some ways. This clears it up and additionally adds so much more meaning to the character Kijima Rio. I still recommend watching this one second and not first however. Both of these dramas have deep meaning. The first one honestly left me puzzled in some ways. This clears it up and additionally adds so much more meaning to the character Kijima Rio. This also explained all his actions in the prequel movie The Pornographer. How he longed for Kuzumi but was trying to make him go away once he realized how Kuzumi should be focusing on himself and his future.

Overall I didn’t expect to like this but I did. I really really adored the character of Rio. And Im so glad he finally got someone who TRULY LOVED HIM, KUZUMI !!!

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Interesting prequel to The Pornographer, but not quite as good

So I just finished watching the prequel to The Pornographer, Mood Indigo. It was not as good for me as The Pornographer, although I like how things ended for Kijima :-) Also I thought Takezai Terunosuke was so interesting to look at, the camera really loves him in this series.

Vague criticisms or confusion:

** I think the acting seemed good, but without knowing any Japanese or much about Japanese culture, I couldn't say for sure. There were a few moments when Kido sounded over the top to me, but maybe Japanese speakers would say both actors were absolutely great.

** Toward the end, Kito sad that his relationship with Kijima became "complicated". I think we deserved more of an explanation than just "it became complicated".

** I was confused how the sensai came up with the name "Renjiro" to go with "Rio". I thought it had something to do with the Japanese kanji meanings, but even with subtitles, I'm still confused as to how they came up with the name.

** I also thought that parts of Mood Indigo were a little self-indulgent. What I mean by that is that while most scenes in The Pornographer seemed to have purpose and be fairly clear, Mood Indigo had some moments where I said "Why is the camera still focusing on this, why aren't we moving on?" or "What is the purpose of this scene or these words, how are they contributing to the story?" I think the answer might be that the filmmaker liked those moments personally and so left them in. JMO.

Not a criticism, but I guess I'm not as much of a willing voyeur as I thought! The intimate scenes--even just passionate kissing--made me feel like I should not be watching. Perhaps Japanese sensibilities are different, I don't know, but I think I'd need some alcohol in me to approach those scenes with the gusto that Takezai Terunosuke and Yoshida Munehiro did.

Now that I have watched The Pornographer and Mood Indigo, I'm ready for Pornographer: Playback in 2021 !

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Shallow Start But Deep End

Originally, four episodes in, I was planning to title my review “Shallow but OH so Sexy,” because I was enjoying the series, but I knew it was nothing poignant about it. However, the writing turned it around, and had meaningful commentary about different outlooks in life. It’s not just erotica for the sake of erotica. There’s some meat to the ending in both the story and the characters.

Because there are so few BL series with truly “adult” content, I assume anyone looking for that content has already heard of this series.

But let me tell you that Mood Indigo does it well. The writing for the erotic scenes avoids being cringey, the acting feels like these characters are real, and the chemistry is the level of steamy that you need it to be. It’s way better than a lot of average BL that’s just PG-13.

Maybe the catalyst for launching the relationship is pretty unbelievable in real life, but when I read and watch BL, there’s a suspension of disbelief I carry that makes it believable enough in “BL land” that it didn’t bother me.

If you’re looking for a good mature BL series, Mood Indigo definitely satisfies. Though the few erotic scenes definitely go further than KinnPorsche does. KinnPorsche is more artistic cinematography, music-heavy, and without dialogue. Whereas Mood Indigo is a little more raw. (Think shorter versions of BLCD drama scenes).

But if you’re looking for eroticism, boy does this series deliver, and it’s actually good. I can’t believe Viki gives TharnType the same viewer rating as this series because Mood Indigo goes way further than it ever does. Their content is worlds different.

Good series, if you like erotica.

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my favorite

The best one of the 3 series, I cannot express in words the ways this series made me feel. More than love and lovers I think these 3 series are about a writer, his struggles, his muses , adventures ,absence of father figure in his life, having to change the path of his life and the emotions he goes through.
Few find the thrill in their life but not all will hold onto it(i think that's okay) and that realistic part of this drama is what i respect. What matters is love/lust/friendship happened and beautiful moments were spent together. I think that many people do not understand Kido very well but i loved him, he was awesome, has depth , is helpful,he is product of the society but also much more underground and just like him I am also into our writer.
I want to see more of Kido.
The movie was made perfectly i have no complains, some say 3rd or 4th episodes are draggy/ melodramatic but its part of life to me. I love the colors, the close ups, Kijima's hairstyle, the indigo mood of the drama, how the story went, soft music along the explicit scenes each of them.

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Lustful, Passionate, Simply Amazing!

I happened across Mood Indigo from a recommendation from an MDL friend. I have found that BLs like Mood Indigo with a storyline with life’s everyday challenges, struggles, and triumphs and the dashes of realism of life have drawn my attention.
From the onset, Mood Indigo's visual beauty reminded me of movies that are modern but seemed aged because of the cinematographic ways light and sound make it visually stunning, sensual, and realistic. Both Kijima and Kido came from places of just living - just surviving because life is happening while they wait for an end place.
My first thought watching was that Kijima was only interested in Kido after learning about his job. From Kido, I got that Kijima was his demigod – Kijima was mortal but to him Kijima was untouchable. However, that chance meeting set into motion their journey to places both Kijima and Kido never planned or expected.
Kido’s thoughts of Kijima as an untouchable demigod fueled his desire for Kijima. Even in their slightest interactions, Kido’s lustful wanting was evident in every interaction. I felt that Kijima was always a sensual being (Kijima has a f**kable voice. You know the kind of voice you hear and instantly get tingly in certain places). However, that sensuality, his true eroticism, and learning how his eroticism could make his desires drive his writing did not manifest themselves until his first sexual encounter with Kido. Every sexual encounter – scenes were well done - personified their lust, passion, and love for each other. However, beyond eroticism, the story of betrayal, forgiveness, and a forever burning love made this a must-watch and rewatch. I experienced Kijima’s loneliness, heartbreak, sexuality, and Kijo’s rage, jealousy, opportunism, and lust. But I also saw and felt their love - a love both had long after their paths separated.

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I needed more and I got it

In summary it is good and primordial for those who watched Pornographer 2018 and liked it, if you want a little more about the characters and the story watch it. If you haven't watched the first one yet, I don't think it makes that much difference to change the order of the 1st and 2nd, just the next ones that are done more chronologically. But if you didn't like Pornographer, you possibly won't like this one either. I liked them both and I intend to watch the movie and the two shorts, because I like to finish continuations. It is a short series that holds and makes you want to know the end, I finished it in one day and I recommend it.

Full review
No Spoiler:
Surprisingly interesting, that's what Indigo no Kibun has awakened. Of course I prefer the original couple, but seeing a little more of the story of these two friends with a dark sexual past is indeed intriguing. Before I wondered how Kijima got to where he was and now I know the answer, it was all Kido Shiro's fault hahaha. Okay, it served to raise him financially, but it gradually killed the writer's soul that he cherished so much. Not because the erotic genre is inferior, but because it was not what he really wanted to write.

I think the two work within the context the mini series is placed in. I mean, in that time when the two had a different head and were going through different times than in Pornographer. Here we can also see better how Kijima's alcoholism problems were and also about the relationship with his family - something that in Pornographer is only briefly mentioned and hints at more lightly. Oh and the sex scenes, what a treat. They are very good and at the same time do not have that unnecessary weight of porn, but they are raw and very convincing. Too bad it wasn't with Kuzumi hahaha

Spoiler:
I also found out how Kijima Rio learned everything he knew about eroticism, even though he said he had little experience in that department. Kijima learned everything he knew from his pervert master. Does anyone understand anything about that gentleman? Was I the only one who found him a somewhat homophonic sexist? Anyway, you don't look at the teeth of a given horse? The fact is that Master Gamoda taught Kijima what he needed to be a good writer of erotic tales and Kido gave him the awakening of a pleasure he did not know. I have to admit that it was pretty cool to see how Kijima discovered what he liked about sex and to see how he was before he was "corrupted" - I say it ironically. At the same time, I had a contrary feeling of shame and strangeness when I saw some spicy scene or read very sexual dialogues, especially with Master Gamoda. I never understood if his words were compliments or offenses. I felt the sensation that I needed to hide to continue watching - I went through this more than once - but I believe this is because of all the taboo that is sneaked into our minds, to understand that talking or watching things about sex is wrong and perverted.

I may be rambling too much or it may just be voices in my head, but the conclusion I came to.
Gamoda's arc also brought me loss and I almost cried at his death, especially after I realized he actually considered Kijima and wasn't just putting up with him like I thought hahaha. I thought he would be an asshole even in the end, but no. Gamoda proved to be a good mentor - despite everything - and even had a "redemption" arc, showing his gratitude and worrying about Kijima's future after he left.

Finally, I find Kido a problematic and even somewhat psychotic asshole. What he calls impulse, I think of naughtiness. He practically used Kijima for years to support first a career goal out of pure interest and second to fulfill his desires. He would abandon him after sex, but always ends up going back to try something even though he is married/dating - in other words, disgusting. The truth is that Kido has and always will have a secret crush on Kijima, but has never accepted the fact to the point of taking him on as a partner. He had his chance, so now he needs to get over it and stop being inconvenient. Unlike him in Pornographer who I like, this Kido from the past I don't like so much and every time they were going to have sex I thought Kijima was going to get a concussion. Jesus why throw his head so many times on flat surfaces? It's floor, wall etc. I thought the character had evolved in the 2018 series, but we see here that he tries again an "innocent kiss", on impulse hahaha what a joke. What also does not improve is the performance of this actor Yoshida Munehiro tries, but delivers a weak, convincing, but still weak performance. Every time the camera focuses on his face I can only think that Kido has the same ass face or at least the face of someone who just farted.

The ending is good, they have their last contact and move on as friends/work partners, - even though I still find them kind of toxic - one helping the other etc. Kijima makes the right decision not to accept Kido's kiss, because he was already engaged and that makes me like him even more - I know he did the minimum, but if I think about it I don't think Kijima before meeting Kuzumi would have respect for a relationship. The two of them together at the door and then in the final scene just made me happier, because now I know they ended up together after all. I imagined that this could happen, because I believed in their romance, but seeing it was really much better.

If you liked this review, I invite you to read my other reviews around here. I always update my account, every time I watch something new. You can help me by liking and following me here on MyDramaList.
Thank you for reading this far <3

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Loved. It's really good.

It gives a lot more complexity to the plot. It makes the characters denser than in "The Pornographer" and that is great. For sure is one of the most engaging BL's I ever watched (and I watched some). It was great to notice how the characters evolved along the time. My feelings were mixed in several circumstances, and that is very good. I fell in love with the characters, but I also was disgusted sometimes. It is cool, sad, hot, real, and a lot of other things.
There are hot scenes and they are good. It's great to watch a drama that does not have the usual "resistance" to sex or even kiss scenes. This is simply natural, and I always found it weird how BL usually treats it.
Again, I loved the colors of this series.

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