This review may contain spoilers
This was my favorite drama of 2022. I can't say enough about how much I loved it. Was it hard to get through? Sometimes, yes. Especially as we drew closer and closer to Koichi disappearing and we were forced along with Mitsuru to understand that there was not going to be a last minute save. Koichi was going to leave and there was nothing that anyone could do about it.
A heartfelt meditation on grief and loss by increments, this show had me in a chokehold the entire time that I was watching it, and I still think about it sometimes. The acting was excellent - both Komiya Rio and Inoue Sora gave their all and it shows. Without them both being all in this drama wouldn't be half so decent. It also has maybe the best confession episode I've ever seen. I have rewatched that episode more times than I care to admit, but it's truly glorious.
The soundtrack still makes me cry, but both credits songs are amazing. I am especially in love with Sunshower.
This drama will come for your feelings, but if you can handle crying an ocean of tears, it's totally worth it. Mitsuru and Koichi's love story is beautiful, and in a lot of ways what this drama is is an ode to that kind of love and devotion - something so powerful that time itself stands still for it, if only for a short time.
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Simply Superb
This was so beautiful but heartbreaking💕 One of the best Japanese bl I have ever seen👍🇦🇺 The acting was fabulous and the story is sad but brave in the story telling👏👏👏 I love all Japanese BL and some are better than others and this one was a hidden masterpiece and thanks to all the actors and production team!Was this review helpful to you?
Predetermined sadness and a grief never coped with
This is a sad story, with a sad beginning and, unsurprisingly, a foreseeable sad ending. I sort of liked the plot, but I am rather indecisive regarding the acting. The story is just a miracle which happened due to love. So far so good. It becomes clear from the onset that this miracle has an expiration date and that it is all about coping with sadden loss. The idea is rather genuine, but the realization quite stylized in a typical Japanese manga fashion. Unfortunately, the developing of the characters (mainly of the one left behind) is unsatisfying - after 8 episodes the mourning lover has not come to terms with what happened, in fact he has not really progressed at all. If the story had some comic instances in-between, I might had forgiven this, but alas this is not the case. So we are left with an unresolved emotional burden (no catharsis, no absolution, no new hope). Perhaps, if the penultimate scene replaced the last one, we would at least have been left with a shimmer of hope.Generally, the story feeds on the emotional distress induced by the sadness of the event (but not the ensuing plot), offers a predetermined unavoidable course of events. It generally falls under the definition of a kitsch movie/series, namely one that gives no food for thought and just evokes tears through pre-chewed emotions (very much like your typical tele-novella, simply in a more artistic Japanese style).
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Japan series are an whole other level of quality
I don't like sad series or movies but this show is for sure an exception.I need to give it 10 stars because everything about this series is just perfect. It has amazing acting skills (you can feel their love through the way they look at each other), storyline, cinematography and the script which is extremely philosophical and meaningful. It's not the typical bl love story, it is completely different and unique. Makes you think about the meaning of life and how you should care and enjoy every little moment with the ones you love.
Japan deserves more recognition for their bl series, some of them really outstand from the other countries, this series is one of them. The ranking should be at least a 9!
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This review may contain spoilers
this is genius
okay. There are only a handful of BL series or films that I will never ever forget. This is one of them. The acting, the cinematography, the direction, the acting, the writing, everything. I watched it so many months ago and it still haunts me. I can't begin to describe how powerful and beautiful it is. You have to experience it. It's what BL should and could be.That being said I warn you that the end will gut you in ways you don't expect. Not dramatic but heart wrenching. Every time I see the title on World of BL or other places I tear up and move quickly on. If this is making you not want to see it, ignore me. Just warning you that you are in for something so rare and amazing and surprising.
I gave it 10's across the board but only a three for re-watching because I can't again without losing it and I don't know who could in their right mind. Maybe I can in time.
But it is a must see.
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We are each others’ number one, for all eternity
I’ve been spoiled and read several warnings about this show yet I still decided to brace it and see it for myself. Ahh yes, the reviews are all right, this drama hurts me so much. That’s why it has been raining so much since the pilot episode because they surely left us in tears. It was a good cry from a wonderful yet sorrowful love story.I was not expecting it to be in a supernatural and mystery genre. It was a short yet the most meaningful time for the main couple. The unforeseen accident was miserable but a miracle happened, Koichi became a living corpse and froze his own time. I love the creative reasoning behind the meaning of Eternal Yesterday as the title of the drama. The main characters are always and will always be living from the precious memories of the past. The recollection of Mitchan's moments with Koichi.
From the beginning until the end, this show never failed to burst me into tears. All the characters are so lovely and the way that they produced the story of the main characters is just heartwarming. I might be too late to finish this story but I will never regret sinking myself into one of the greatest romances that I’ve seen in all BLs.
“You’re still my number one. I love you the most.”
“Mitchan, thank you for the miracle.”
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This series have another color to the story
At first, i want to review each episode after i watch it immediately. However, after watching the 3rd episode i couldn't gather my will power to stop watching and review it. Instead, i keep going from the 4th episode until finish.This week i watch a few different series back to back. So when i watched the 1st episode I thought it will be another generic love story where the main characters are the opposite of each other. One is popular and chatty and the other are gloomy and quiet. But the storey give a twist at the 2nd episode which makes me wonder for the rest of the story.
I like this series because it gives another eye opener story to me.
This is a story where you know it'll be a bit of sad ending but also makes you want to watch the rest of the story. (note: i'm not a fan of sad ending)
Both the main character reminds me that they're can change. Koichi is very bright and always put others before him also he tends to bring himself to cheer others even when he's not. but at the end of the story he changed. he realized that he can have a variety of emotions. and Oumi also changed. he relized he can be a warmth to someone and he can stop building walls around him.
my selfish opinion for this series : if this series has a happy ending i'd give it 9 stars for sure
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isn't a love story, but a hope story,
A masterpiece, damm I can't deny I LOVE the soundtrack and all the sounds effects of the serie, reminds me the sounds of Evangelion and thats WONDERFUL, because they are both masterpieces, I really cannot deny that they catch me, and the drama is sad, that's undeniable. But the colors of the story are incredible, I feel a mix of good and bad feelings watching this two beautiful and talents guys (of course the story is something more than the romance, I know about all that stuff, but let's focus on the romance). The actors did a great job, the lead roles too, the production was amazing, I really wish they took the direction of ep 4, but I'm satisfield with the end, I cry, I smile, it's hard to put in words, is so deep and lovely at the same time, the main point isn't a love story, but a hope story, that's why is totally catching.Was this review helpful to you?
An emotional experience of Love and Loss
This isn't just any BL series; it's an extraordinary experience. Eien no Kinou captures the audience with its unique blend of folklore-inspired storytelling, crafting a captivating and emotionally charged work of art that demands admiration. It also challenges the traditional notions of reality and the afterlife.The narrative revolves around Yamada Koichi and Oumi Mitsuru, two high school students with starkly different personalities. Koichi, an outgoing and athletic individual, forms an unlikely friendship with the socially awkward loner, Mitsuru. As their bond deepens, they confess their feelings for one another. However, their lives take a tragic turn when Koichi survives a life-altering accident, leaving him as a living corpse. Together, Koichi and Mitsuru must navigate the aftermath of this change while striving to preserve their relationship.
What sets this series apart is its departure from clichéd tropes. Gone are the unreasonable and immature characters fueled solely by passion, battling against an antagonist's interference. Instead, Eien no Kinou offers a grounded portrayal, delving into mature themes of death, heartbreak, and the profound impact of loss. The characters' conversations and perspectives transcend their high school years, enriched by unique family backgrounds and early maturity. Mitsuru, having lost his mother and bearing the weight of his father's complicated affair with a junior doctor, reveals his stoic yet deeply devoted nature. Koichi, hailing from a loving family, unveils hidden layers through a poignant exploration of his past. Together, they navigate the four stages of grief, painting a vivid portrait of the human psyche through Mitsuru's introspective monologues.
Komiya Rio's portrayal of Koichi is commendable, building upon his previous remarkable performance in Grand Guignol. However, it is Inoue Sora's depiction of Mitsuru that truly steals the spotlight. His passionate portrayal of a seemingly cold character harboring immense love for Koichi, ready to defy the world, is nothing short of captivating. Inoue's nuanced acting shines through Mitsuru's brokenness and flaws, forging an undeniable chemistry between the two leads.
In conclusion, Eien no Kinou is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant series. It is not for the faint of heart, but it is a rewarding watch for those who are looking for a well-made and emotionally engaging story.
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Watch if you have some extra tears to spare
《SPOILER AHEAD》This is a love story depicted in the form of grief. From Denial to acceptance it has portrayed every stage without making it too obvious. With a bit of supernatural hint, it takes on a journey of losing the loved one "with" the loved one. Anyone who has lost someone close to him/her, and not just significant other can relate to many or the shows moments.
from being thrilled to being a living corpse, to seeing the complications of being a living corpse and why it's too much to bear. and how no one can be blamed at the end, it depicts these thing beautifully...
so yeah, if you're looking for HE this is not for you, but nonetheless, go ahead and try this
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I’M CRYING WHILE WRITING THIS
So i just rewatched this and the pain wasn’t less from the first time and i don’t think it will ever be (i don’t even know why i’m doing this to my self) this drama will shatter your soul into little pieces and you will never recover from it. there’s nothing unexpected on this series but it’ll torture you tell the very end. i honestly do not know what did i do in my past life to deserve this... i don’t know what to say more than that the pain will remain with you for eternity. enough talking about how this drama crashed my soul and let me talk about how amazing this drama is, the story is not very unique or anything but it’s good, what made me really like the drama is they’re acting the emotions felt so genuine, i felt the pain, how much they loved and meant for each other through they’re feelings\expressions they made feel so sad and lonely. i just LOVE this drama and i totally recommend.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Worth It
Oh boy. As soon as I started watching this, I knew it was going to be a sad ending. I could sense it from the cinematography, from the actors, from the plot itself. However, that didn't detract from the show, I think it actually enhanced it. There are some stories that are only good because of the bittersweet-ness. If this had had a happy ending, I don't think I would have enjoyed it as much since it wouldn't have been as poignant a story.If you know me, you know I don't generally like sad stories. "Why watch sad stuff when there's already so much sad stuff in the world?" I always say. But this, this is the exception. When the story is so good, the plot and the actors and the writing is so well done, I get it.
So let's get to it.
First, the acting. While I've seen better acting, I do think the actors did really well. It's hard to convey the complex emotions this show requires. Grief and love are not easy emotions, and I think Komiya and Inoue did wonderfully given that they don't have a lot of acting experience as the main characters. Personally I think Inoue had the harder job -- it's hard to portray a character that is stoic most of the time and has to act more with micro-expressions. I think he did a really good job with that. I'd also like to shout out Otomo's portrayal of Kagami -- I really liked her character, she did well with the relatively little screentime she had.
As for the plot itself, I liked it a lot. The pacing was done beautifully with the exception of the last episode -- I felt there were a bit too many plot reveals at the very end, but I also don't know where else I would put them in the story. Otherwise, I really enjoyed the writing -- this is definitely one of those shows that makes you realize how beautiful life and love is, exactly because you can see it ending. It makes you realize just how special the sweet is because of the bitter.
Do I think everyone should watch this? No. There are some people who won't like this type of story. But I do think if you're on the fence, you should give it a shot. I didn't regret it, and I don't think you will either.
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