An intriguing show worth watching.
Seems like everyone has mixed feelings on this drama. For one, I actually really enjoyed it. It is definitely different; I haven't seen anything like it. It's a bit weird, as many people said, but still, it is very good!If the cover is compelling enough, I won't even read the description, so I go straight into watching it. I did this with this drama, so I knew nothing going in. I had no idea it would go in the direction it did, but I was pleasantly surprised! The plot was very interesting, leading me to binge this show. I finished it quite fast. I loved the main actress! She was so good, and I'd like to watch more stuff with her in the future. Like I said earlier, it is a little weird, but such a good story! It's different than the typical drama plot, so that was refreshing.
Although the circumstances of the characters called for it, I wasn't a fan of the ending. That's the only reason I didn't rate this a ten. I feel like they could've closed it up better. I'm usually a fan of realistic endings, but not this one *cries*.
Overall, I really enjoyed this drama. I recommend it if you are looking for something different or even a heartfelt romance.
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This review may contain spoilers
It's weird but I love it!!
Beyond Goodbye left me with an immersive feelings. Sad but longingly beautiful. If you watched this series because Kentaro's latest kdrama What Comes After Love and not a fan of sad ending, sorry to say but this series is just not for you because this is jdrama where the illness/sad troupes are pretty common. However, for me who used to this kind of ending in jdrama found the ending pretty satisfying. Keep in mind, the main focus of this drama is not romance. This drama deals with grief, loneliness, memories, longing, sacrifice and etc.The cinematography is amazing within 3 different countries (the sea, the mountains, the coffee fields, the apple farm, the railway track) and the four seasons are shown plus with the storm, they are such breathtaking sceneries, the great and natural acting, the subtle moments, the emotions, well written scripts, marvellous casts, beautiful osts and of course the best ending song by Kenshi Yonezu.
Each of the character is so passionate, deep, complex and empathic especially the five main casts. I personally like Saeko's personality. She is ambitious, fashionable, optimistic, fun, independent yet buried her burden, deep inside her heart and only visible to others closest to her.
I can relate to Kazumasa's confusion with the heart beats for other woman other than his wife, who he loves so much. Even I as a viewer got confuse with the mixed feelings he has. He is kind, sympathetic, a very good man.
We all feel bad for Miki, a wife who trying to protect her marriage as she should. Watching her husband slowly becoming a different person, loving a thing that once strongly disliking can be devastating. She is an honest, patience and caring person.
The best character for me is Yusuke. I know, there is not much of his scene but from others' POV, we know he is a good person, goofy, simple yet deep (fireworks is the best, right?).
And lastly, Kengo, an emotional best friend, a good listener, readily to give an advice, so that none of them were hurt.
I will recommend this series to whoever like to watch from different kinds of perspective, not just from one character but all of them and understand why the characters make the decision that way. They all have flaws and make mistakes like all human do, something you can relate too.
Major spoiler after rewatch.
Hurm..I know a lot of people turned off by this series mainly because Kazumasa was indeed a married man. Is he cheating on his wife? Yes, clearly he was. Then, is this series glorified cheating? Of course not. Even he isn't married, he will also be cheating if he has a girlfriend. This is because the series intended him to has a wife.
Even if Yusuke's heart function healthily in Kazumasa's body, the series will be finish on episode 7. Kazumasa already made his decision to stay with Miki because he remembered the promise he made. To be a goofy husband and wife so that he feel that he is really healthy and alive (after he saw a sweet banter between Saeko and Yusuke). Besides, he promised maybe they could have kids in the future (clearly, they couldn't before this) and those had to be broken again. Also, he didn't wear off the ring until the end.
And Saeko's made a decision not to meet Kazumasa again even though she loves him because she knew the boundary and reality of the relationship. Yes, we all hate the kissing scene but what led to that scene? Because there wasn't technically an affair between them (according to Miki), thus, having one is easier isn't it? Saeko was the one leading Kazumasa but gradually stopped herself. Then, she remembered Yusuke and reminisced herself with the memory of her and Yusuke under the umbrella which leading to the decision she made that I stated earlier. Lastly, Saeko put off the necklace with her engagement ring in order to move on and forget the tragic accident and kept the boots and umbrella instead that I believe contained both memories of Yusuke and Kazumasa altogether.
Then, we got served by episode 8 as the proper goodbye between Saeko, Kazumasa and Yusuke that I believed a significant and satisfying ending. Maybe, part of Kazumasa wanted to see Saeko but he also wanted to be fair that Yusuke's heart was dying inside his body. Last message to Saeko from Yusuke was smile and be happy which Kazumasa sincerely conveyed as they exchanged the handshakes and hugged as their last goodbye.
Again, these will be my interpretations. Do not expect the chemistry because romance isn't really a focus of this series. This is not kdrama. No chemistry chemistrying here. (Even the piggyback scene felt sad). And I didn't really know why people said the romance was forced. Maybe because Kazumasa is a married man, that's why he restrained himself?
Please, make another drama between them where they can end up together (this is their forth drama where they got sad ending..haha)
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Beyond Goodbyes: A Heart-Stirring Journey Through Love's Complexities
**Initial Impression**- Personal Impact: still can't stop thinking about it
- emotional Response: Left a deep, lasting impression
- Overall Experience: Emotionally heavy but meaningful viewing experience
## Storytelling & Plot
**Narrative Structure**
- Complex exploration of human relationships
- Nuanced storytelling approach
- Non-binary moral perspectives
- Intricate character dynamics
** Character Development**
- Well-developed emotional depth
- Realistic portrayal of personal struggles
- Complex character motivations
- Authentic representation of human nature
## Technical Excellence
** Cinematography**
- **Rating**: 1000/10 ✨
- Notable features:
- Carefully composed frames
- Ethereal atmosphere
- Visual storytelling excellence
- Artistic shot composition
** Acting & Cast**
- **Performance Quality**: Exceptional
- Highlights:
- Perfect casting choices
- Strong emotional portrayals
- Convincing character chemistry
- Top-tier acting skills
## Emotional Impact
** Personal Feelings**
- Heart feels heavy but fulfilled
- Mixed emotions about the ending
- Lasting emotional resonance
- Deep emotional investment in characters
**Thematic Elements**
- Explores complicated feelings authentically
- Deals with morally grey areas
- Handles delicate themes masterfully
- Creates genuine emotional connections
As mentioned by @UKIYO:
> "A film doesn't have to be morally right to enjoy or be entertained. It's just like watching a series where the protagonist is a robber or a criminal."
## Final Verdict
** Strengths**
- Masterful storytelling
- Outstanding technical execution
- Strong emotional depth
- Compelling character development
- High rewatch value
** Recommendation**
- Highly recommended for viewers who:
- Appreciate complex narratives
- Enjoy emotional depth in storytelling
- Can handle bittersweet endings
- Look for authentic character portrayals
**Viewer Advisory**
- Prepare for emotional investment
- Keep tissues handy 🤧
- Expect a non-traditional ending
- Be ready for complex moral themes
## Personal Rating
- Overall Score: Exceptional
- Emotional Impact: 10/10
- Technical Excellence: 10/10
- Story Quality: 9.5/10
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Complicated Story
A film doesn't have to be morally right to enjoy or be entertained. It's just like watching a series where the protagonist is a robber or a criminal.Yes, what the ML and FL have can be called cheating. The heart transplant can't be an excuse. But I still enjoyed it. The sceneries, the acting, the plot, the story flow, I love everything.
I searched if it is really possible to inherit the heart donor's memory. The answer I got from the internet is what this series also explained. I'm amazed.
So, I think the viewers should not rate a film base on their morals. The quality should be the basis here. It's actually boring to only watch about good people. I want to slap and curse the main characters too.
Well, it's just my opinion. But if you're not into this kind of complicated story, just don't give it a try.
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weird romance and strange storyline ( all about drinking coffe and apple )
“Such a Weird Romance” left me disappointed overall. The storyline felt boring, and the dialogue was plain and uninspired, making it difficult to stay engaged. The only reason I pushed myself to finish it was Kentaro Sakaguchi, Unfortunately, even his performance couldn’t save the drama , it was a struggle. Unless you’re a devoted fan of the cast, this series doesn’t offer much to keep you entertained.Overall, Such a Weird Romance is a disappointing It’s a drama that feels like it’s trying to be different but ends up being so bad, this is one series I wouldn’t recommend. For those looking for love story, there are far better options out there.
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A slow burn beautifully acted that touches the heart!
The reason. I love Japanese dramas is because they (in general) carry so much more weight then their Korean counterpart. Whereas Korean dramas are like a good dessert that look pretty and taste good, Japanese dramas are more like a main course.Beyond Goodbye is a slow burn that tugs at your heart slowly as the characters unfold and evolve. The back drop in Hawaii and Hokkaido provides the right balance between hot and cold, and right and wrong! The chemistry between the two main leads is really really good too!
A solid Jdrama that hits the mark mostly. If you're new to Jdramas than you might not like Beyond Goodbye, because it takes time to unfold and care about the characters. But if you give it a chance and like a developing story, then you will enjoy this ride. Just be warned that it's not flashy like Kdramas which I love also. If you want a break from dessert then try this main course!
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beautiful but too netflix for me
An excellent show but I wont rewatch it.The ML, a kind, happily married guy from Hokkaido with a dangerous heart condition, receives a transplant from a man who dies at the culmination of his life, just as his girlfriend agrees to marry him. The dearly departed seems to have difficulty leaving this plane and moving on, and essentially pulls his girlfriend, the FL, into a situation of forced intimacy with the ML. Since the ML consistently lies about his heart problems to everyone except his wife and best friend, he has a tendency to be indecisive or confused in his relationships, possibly due to physical frailty. Thank goodness for the ML's wife, who twice kept a very difficult situation from devolving into an incoherent disaster by enlisting the FL to keep her own husband reasonably safe.
The director has said that he wanted the series to look very different from the production values of regular japanese tv, more like a movie. Sometimes it seems as if the directors and writers of Jdrama are so expert in depicting the big themes of love and death and memory that they can do it in any size of enclosed space. In this show the director and cinematographer (s) have gone for truly big backdrops with powerful visuals, May as well use still shots of huge patterned clouds in skies which look like early 19C paintings. Truly spectacular and original, they fill up the eyes and one's poor sore heart, sore because of the painful stories both explicit and implicit in the narrative.
Back to the plot, the initial proposal is underlined by friends setting off fireworks and half the mountain avalanches into the bus the lovers are riding in (altho this connection isnt made, it seems obvious to me and anyone living in the mountains anywhere that explosions create avalnches). In one of the many beautiful moments at this particular bend in the road, the lovers are tossed aside from the bus wrapped in each others' arms, and have to be gently pried apart by rescuers. The site is then visited by the main characters in combination and alone in search of the identity of the departed.
The more common silent and somewhat mutually intelligible struggles over death etc are complicated here by misunderstandings and lack of knowledge. Normally cultural agreement in the countries of production enrich this understanding and the audience's experience. This show verbalizes a lot of that, as per Netflix style and internationally projected audiences needs. All concerned do seek to understand the departed which is a comfortingly normal development.
The background of especially sourced coffee and cafes devoted to it, is sweetly nostalgic for the old and currently a trend for the young in various parts of Asia. It keeps the action reasonably cheerful and afloat. A wonderful perspective on Hawaii as a romantic and relaxing destination where the lovers meet several times. In sum, a treat for the eyes and a morally interesting plot, but somehow too lightly conceived and executed.
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Emotional and lovely
The drama has so many mixed reviews about it, and I belong to the one that likes it, actually I'm probably against all the negative points mentioned about it.First acting is amazing, Toma's appearance with how little it was, he still shines as the goofy, hopeless romantic and nice BF/Friend.
Also I'm a HUGE Arimura Kasumi fan, and I loved her role and everything about it, kentaro too was great.
The story itself is very predictable, it plays in that gray area about the whole two souls inside one body, and what's considered cheating or just go what your heart's desire.
Now, I really love Saeko, and I believe I'd literally do the same thing she did, on the other hand, I didn't respect Mike's at all, and I don't believe her love that much, she was selfish and arrogant, selfish when she didn't care about her husband's heart and how it changes him, I believe the most frightened person should be Naruse, the one who is confused about how he feels and need emotional support and help, and arrogant when she boldly confronted Saeko, and at the end when she told her about his heart condition.
I may be evil for liking how this end, if Saeko lost her lover, so does Miki, now she would understand how it feels to lose the love of your life.
I may be a little harsh, and I genuinely liked how they ended on good terms, but she just played victim the whole time while the only person who gained something from this whole situation, her lover is safe and healthy - up till the end at least- while Saeko lost hers, and Naruse got identity crisis.
Overall I loved how it ended, I just hated how Miki behaved and I know everyone is commenting about the cheating but seriously, what did you expect from a heart transplant story where the person gain memories from the hearts and meet the lover of the donor. It obviously says between the line that we will have a dilemma of falling for two people, yet, I believe the whole cheating part was just confusion, not real feelings.
That been said, it's a very interesting drama, you can easily binge it without a moment of boredom.
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It's a strange Drama -romance? ☕
Beyond Goodbye - It's a strange drama to watch yet you binge watch it coz humans love to suffer? Or find solace in other's misery perhaps.A very very weird feeling to watch when you want the leads to have feelings but when they do have them you feel like telling them to stop them. Morally it's very non green flag thing. The wife suffered for nothing literally & you will not feel for her or atleast the writer didn't but you'll keep watching it.
Will remind you of some what First Love, which remains the only happy Jdrama in my memories.
The acting was damn good both the leads were fabulous in their roles & the apples & coffee vibe was definitely on point. Cinematography was excellent.
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A very original story telling and great Actor!
This story is beautifully executed and a very easy to binge watch.
I felt all the emotions watching.
The ML going through the rest of his life feeling someone else's past life
and the woman is attracted to the ML because of her late husband heart
inside of the ML which brought them closer but he was already married
which made things complicated. I felt it for the other woman as she earns for
her husband's attention while he only care to learn about the heart of the man
he is living with. I enjoyed it and as I love watching the ML in series it was easy
on my eyes lol. He is just so flawless with his acting skills that he makes everything
so natural. I recommend if you like series with no action in a country side setting.
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Good Enough
Japanese Drama '' Sayonara no Tsuzuki '' is a romantic melodrama with a tragic story and tragic characters.The drama incorporates the idea that the body has memory, but it is not that well presented, as the story is more focused on the romance and builds its story up from there.
As for the romance, it was odd, as the one person was wracked with grief and was trying to hold on to any spec of hope, and the other had an identity crisis at best. Most tragic of them all was the wife who was trying to figure things out.
The performances, on the other hand, were all great by everyone in the cast.
So, overall, five out of ten.
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Problematic and disappointing
I was looking forward to this drama and had high hopes. Unfortunately it did not work for me.The key issues were:
A) the relationship between Saeko and Yasuke didn’t build up properly. They started as a holiday fling and jumped early to bed which felt forced. I didn’t feel invested in their love at all.
B) Kazumasa emotionally and physically cheating on his wife (even explained by the gravitational pull of Yasuke’s heart) felt wrong. His wife had stood by him through dark times and loved him unconditionally. She deserved better in my view
C) the transplanted heart having memories made no sense. How can a muscle essentially give you vivid flashbacks and images? I know it’s fiction but it didn’t make a lot of sense to me.
On the plus side, the cinematography was beautiful and the performance of Kentaro Sakaguchi was excellent.
This fell short of my expectations and I wanted to care about the characters more…
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