Kimi ni wa Todokanai. (2023)

Hooked - Light and Heartwarming

I'm shocked by how I was really hooked on this series. I guess I just really prefer stories with a light and heartwarming storyline. I really love the chemistry between the main leads. But I also have to give praise to the side characters who also brought good acting to the show. 

However, I'm a bit saddened by one specific scene. I'm referring to Episode 6, (SPOILER!!!!!) when Yamato tried to force himself on Kakeru. Kakeru told Yamato that he's lacking and messing up most of the time they are together ("Someone like me doesn't have the right to fall in love with you. I have nothing to offer."). And then Yamato brought up the fact that for him, that is not the case, because no matter what Kakeru does, Yamato still likes and treasures him. Furthermore, Yamato forces himself on Kakeru, not just a single time, since Kakeru said no immediately the first time, but Yamato still proceeds to kiss and caress Kakeru. Stopping only until Kakeru said no in a scared and shocked manner.

I'm just a little bit sad that the story between the main leads lacked the "consent" factor when it comes to their intimacy. Yamato will be the superior BL main character if somehow "consent" is included for him as a whole. 

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Endearing easy watch

While this series as a whole does nothing new it ended up being one of my favorite things to watch in 2023. I think what sets it apart is the sincerity of the acting. The leads have great chemistry that shines throughout the series, I especially enjoyed the more tender moments of touches and hugs, Japanese shows really struggle with these kind of moments and they usually end up feeling too stiff and unnatural.

The highlight of the show for me personally was Haru's (Kakeru) expressions and physically comedy, it's incredibly funny without going over the top. I found the character very endearing and human, so while the show definitely relies heavily on tropes it didn't impact my enjoyment and I found it a very smooth watch with no bad parts.

I would recommend this is to pretty much anyone who like fluffy romance, I can't speak to the subtitle issues some had since I watched it in Japanese, hopefully one of the streaming services for English speaking viewers picks this up at some point.

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Unveiling the Beauty in Simplicity

In a realm saturated with BL series set in school environments, few manage to captivate with genuine moments and heartfelt narratives. This particular series falls into that distinguished category, offering a storyline that is straightforward yet engaging.

At its core, the series revolves around Yamato, an exceptionally talented and attractive student who harbors a secret affection for his childhood friend, Kakeru, known for his clumsiness and academic struggles. Yamato, cautious about jeopardizing their existing friendship, conceals his true feelings, while Kakeru grapples with confusion over Yamato's peculiar behavior.

The narrative wastes no time immersing viewers in the angst experienced by the two protagonists. Conversations between them are riddled with complexities, distractions, and misunderstandings, sustaining tension until the series' end. Each episode intertwines sweet moments between the leads, only to cruelly pull them apart. Viewers become emotionally invested in the journey of Yamato and Kakeru, hoping for their mutual understanding.

Kentaro and Haru deliver commendable performances, breathing life into the characters of Yamato and Kakeru. Yamato's reserved nature contrasts beautifully with Kakeru's outgoing yet hesitant demeanor. As the story unfolds, both characters undergo significant development. However, a standout performance comes from Leo, portraying Yui, the wise friend guiding Yamato and Kakeru towards self-discovery.

In conclusion, the series stands out for its simplicity and the actors' commendable portrayal of the characters, creating an emotionally resonant and captivating viewing experience.

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This was a quick and good series yet…

The series don’t beat around the bush for sure lol. they straight up started into the plot !
Btw I’m really pissed off right now because this is the fourth freaking time I’m starting over this review cuz MDL keeps losing track of what I wrote ugh.

SO. It was a super cute and quick series to watch.

The music were on point ! The casting is good as well !
I loved blondie (btw am I the only one who thinks that he looks like haechan ?) because without him, these two would have been at the same point rn !
Mikoto is such a good character as well ! She is so carrying and thoughtful to her brother. You can clearly see they grew up relying on each other!
Then kakeru’s first kinda crush (the girl) is so genuinely kind and nice ! She and mikoto really deserve the world !

Kakeru’s other friends deserve also a shoutout because of how supportive and open-minded they were !

Tbh I would have liked to see their reactions as well as the boys’ parents after the announcement of them dating.

Then a few things that really made me drop the ratings of the series would be :
- The acting
I might be harsh on this but for the two ML’s actors I really felt sometimes that they were doing too much. They were being too dramatic especially kakeru, always falling. Like I obviously know there are really clumsy people in the world and that’s not a problem ofc but here it was way too unrealistic…
- The series was going back and forth at the end. I felt like writers were just trying to make the series longer sometimes. For example (between all those I could have quoted here ngl) the fact kakeru said he was confused about his feelings for his best friend and more likely his crush at that point (I totally understand don’t get me wrong !) then proceeded to say he ´liked him’ right after had me. Or when he kept asking Ohara about his feelings for him eventhough he confirmed him like a thousand of times. But for that one, I know he was being really insecure due to ohara’s popularity among girls and feeling not at his level but still…
-THEN. The worst thing was ohara’s character sometimes at the end! Like he tried a few times to kiss kakeru without taking in count he was litteraly staying repeatedly ´No.’ or ´stop’ or ´wait ´. Like where the consent have been boy ?? ?
The first time he might have apologized but it doesn’t take away the fact he did it one or two times a little longer after…??

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A well-made classic school rom-com with childhood friend trope

This is a bittersweet classic school rom-com with childhood friend trope but Maeken and Haru make it work so well. I can feel the tingling sensation like a cat rubs her tiny nails on my heart, it hurts but i would pay every thing to experience it again. Maeda Kentaro is so pretty and Haru is always cute. They both have good acting and lovely chemistry both onscreen and offscreen. They always seem to have fun behind the scene. Regarding the drama, it has a good story flow, making us long for next week. The side characters are also cute and play an important role in their relationship development. It has a beautiful theme song too.
But I HATE THE COLOR. The green filter makes every color disappear and it's so ugly.
Overall, I wish this show will have a second and even a third season (but pls change the green filter)

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adorable

while the story feels like just another high school romance drama, the actors did a really good job and had great chemistry
The drama is well-made and has a good pace. overall I would recommend you try it if you're into bl

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Shout out to Hosaka

This was such a cute little drama. Starts off rather fast which I liked because it gives us more time with the characters to see their growth and feelings evolve. Both main leads are crazy beautiful. Saw some reviews who didn’t like the acting but honestly it wasn’t bad. In fact I think they did well. I am not a fan of friends to lover trope but I swooned over these two.
I love Hosaka who gave solid advice all around to our main leads. I remember that actor from Jack o frost! Hopefully he can land a main lead in the near future because he’d be so good!
The drama was short, sweet, and will leave you wanting more.

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Sweet Playful Series

This series was adorable about childhood friendship growing into more. It was sweet to see the cuteness and shyness of the character. The actors did a great job. I enjoyed the friends helping support them and trying to help them understand one another. The girls were a bit annoying running around the guys all day long. It was sweet to see growth in the characters and see them shine and better understand their feelings for one another. The story takes you on a fast adventure, wish it was a bit longer but it tells the story about love, friendship, and understanding with a good acting. Loved the playful shyness they had with their special moments.

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If you like high school BL, you'll like this

It's quite a slowburn, I almost died, LOL.. I really love the last 2 episodes though, if only the 1st 6 are as lighthearted and funny too! It was quite slowpaced and monotone for 1st half of the show, but enough to keep you curious to watch.

It keeps me at 50/50 but I chose to continue, but I love the ending, so I'm glad I watched it

I love Ashiya, he is so funny in last 2 episodes, esp when he tried to confess. Oh my, so funny the things that happened.

Overall, it's pretty decent for a high school BL. It's like, a typical high school romance, fluffy and sweet, nothing special, if you may. Still a good watch, when you're in need of sth light.

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Classic love story of childhood friends

The characters in Kimi ni wa Todokanai capture the delightful tension that comes with falling in love with a friend. A flick of the hair, a touch on the wrist, the way the sunlight falls on their cheeks. The slightest of gestures that make your heart feel like it’s about to beat out of its chest.

The show takes the viewers through the whole process of discovery, denial, awakening and finally, happily ever after.

But as far as stories of childhood first loves go, it doesn't quite hit the perfect combination of sexual tension, jealousy and anticipation.

Nevertheless, it's a decently well-paced show with relatable characters and an easy-to-follow storyline. It's just that nothing stands out in particular... perhaps that’s my biggest criticism of the show – the fact that it’s rather forgettable.

Full review: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2023/12/28/kimi-ni-wa-todokanai-bl-review/

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nice slice of life series

Overall: I enjoyed two high school friends and their changing relationship dynamics. Aired 8 episodes about 20 minutes each on Netflix Asia (and then more widely released on Neflix once it was finished airing).

Content Warnings: manhandling, dub/non con touching, punch

What I Liked
- cute and sweet moments
- few funny moments like Yamato's blocks with other people
- that Yamato did try to communicate and was clear with that teen who expressed interest in him
- supportive classmates
- supportive non cliche female characters
- character growth with not being a go between for the present
- production value

Room For Improvement
- the multitude of interruptions
- Yamato was a bit aggressive though he did apologize once
- very tropey (multiple kabedons and running scenes as examples), getting sick from the rain
- the initial reluctance in nurse's office/dead fish lip presses

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