Exceptional! One of the best bls to exist!
This bl was honestly one of the best bls I have ever seen. I can’t say one bad thing about it. The storyline was very interesting and beautifully made, the actors were brilliant, plus had an amazing chemistry, and on top of it I also really enjoyed the soundtrack. The show was a little bit slower, not many characters and many different storylines, which allowed them to fully focus on the main couple and we could properly see their relationship developing. I feel like the problem with many bls is the last episode which is often badly made and can often kind of ruin the show. I can definitely say that this was not the case - the last episode was the best last episode I could have asked for. Getting a second season would be amazing, I would love to see more of their relationship as they grow older.Was this review helpful to you?
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Well... it's over
I'm really conflicted about this show because... yea, i made sure to watch it every week as soon as it was available.. but like... now that it's over, i'm kind of ehh over it. I feel like the entire story was just about the fact that they couldn't communicate, and i get that that's the major overall theme is that communication is difficult but like...I dunno, Taichi could communicate with everyone except Kohei and that just rubbed me wrong.
It was cute and i was definitely drawn in but I feel like it was a dream rather than something I was super excited about every week.,
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Slow Burn Romance That’s Totally Worth It!!
This series kept popping up in my recommendations, and it’s honestly so good. Lately, I’ve been dropping shows because of toxic relationships, weak plots, bad acting, or too many sex scenes, but this one? It hits differently.The acting, cinematography, music, dialogue, storyline, chemistry—everything was on point. I love how they tackled the topic of hearing loss and how people who lose their hearing later in life face different challenges compared to those born deaf. I also really liked how they portrayed Taichi’s insecurity about not having a clear path in life like his friends, and how he eventually finds his own passion.
The story is definitely a slow burn, but it’s done so well because the acting is top-tier. Even in the quiet moments where they’re just staring at each other, you can *feel* the tension, like the dialogue is happening without words. I loved how they resolved conflicts, like when Kohei avoids Taichi or when Taichi explains why he loves hamburg steak. The only real miscommunication happens when they confess their feelings, but it still works.
While some people didn’t like Maya’s character, I actually think she added a lot to the story.
My only issue is how episodes 1-11 take their time with the slow burn, but then the ending—where Kohei finally confesses—felt rushed. I was like, "Wait, that’s it?" I was hoping for something more dramatic.
Overall, this was an amazing watch. I loved everything about it, and it was absolutely worth it.
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Who knew romance could be shown this way
This beautiful show, perfect for the summer, encompasses all kinds of love. It takes a good script and amazing actors to show what emotional intimacy is, and this show has done that perfectly. While watching, I often wondered how I never realised that romance can be shown through words of pure affection paired with facial expressions that these actors pulled off.Speaking of actors, all the supporting casts did a phenomenal job, not one character was useless to the story, not one character took up anymore screen time than needed.
As with almost all BLs, the ending did feel a bit rushed and I wish there was a bit more time given to it, but the post credit scene really took the cake and made me tear up.
I would recommend this show 100%, especially for Nakazawa Motoki's (Kohei's) smile -- it is just so calming <3
All in all, a perfect slice of life which cools your heart in the heat of the summer.
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you will feel all the emotions with this one
really love this show it’s dealing with all the issues of friendship love disability judgment love hate jealousy etc. Kohei seems like a really lovely guy who just suffered from a terrible tragedy and is trying to navigate his new life as best as he can. Taichi is not only helping Kohei live among the “hearing” helping him with school work and becoming his friend there is also their romantic relationship, plus Kohei is struggling with his own issues of working to survive plus school all after being abandoned by his own parents. I’m hoping that in the end they can become each others safe zones and we get a happy ending for themWas this review helpful to you?
A short drama that packs a lot of emotions, nuance, and representation.
There's a part in here that truly represents the whole essence of the show. It's when Taichi would intuitively repeat long conversations to Kohei. It conveyed the kindness that someone like Kohei needed in a world where he has grown tired of being pitied. Taichi taught him to ask if he didn't hear anything because it's not his fault to have hearing loss. It made Kohei happy, and it's the reassurance he needed to feel that he belongs in his world.Kohei, who's quiet and reserved, found himself trapped in a bubble he created. And Taichi, who's naturally and flamboyantly loud, came into his life to burst that bubble - a college boy whose strides resemble his bubbly personality with a heart as big as his baggy pants. Isolated and withdrawn from the world he used to be a part of, Kohei finds solace in Taichi's reassurance. Their relationship progresses so naturally, letting us feel the emotions seep through our body and be fully immersed in their happiness, confusion, frustration, and all the fluttering feelings that come with growing up as young adults.
Kohei and Taichi aren't so good at communicating feelings, especially the latter. Things may not be said in words, and feelings can be lost in miscommunication, which has been the running theme in a lot of Japanese dramas. But in this case, it was buildup and hinted, seemingly wants us to be prepared for the incoming angst. It didn't feel like it appear out of the blue. The angst was given enough momentum to hit you directly right in the feels. Their ability to express emotions through nuance and visual actions is profound and an entrancing sight to watch. And the amorous and yearning glances say so much more than words.
I Hear the Sunspots is a coming of age story that explores the challenges of growing up with disability and as young adults. It's a representation for the hard of hearing people that's not just a mere inspiration porn for the able bodied. It has a commendable presentation of unique perspectives through various likeable and polarizing characters for us to better understand the unfamiliar world. They took the time to let these young adults figure life out, fully understand themselves, and grow as individuals as they navigate their relationship. This short drama sticks to its core and to what it's truly all about.
Overall, the show is well acted by the leads and side characters, and the music choices are so well incorporated. I'd gladly say it's a show crafted with a lot of compassion - a nice blend of heartwarming and heartwrenching moments. The story has a clear romance hints in the 1st half but it is more expressly implied than obvious in the 2nd half and that will really depend on how you see it fit for your own liking. It places more of an emphasis on sentiments, emotional connections and character development. It's not perfect but it's still a whole package well delivered that focuses on the serious topic of disability representation.
Motoki and Tora brought Kohei and Taichi to life. I feel them when they are hurt and confused, I feel their smiles and happiness through the screen. And whenever they show even the slightest hint of affection towards each other, I was moved and convinced. It's their natural chemistry that brought this all together.
This particular line really stuck with me while following the show: "It's harder to deal with people not understanding than not hearing." - Sugihara Kohei
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Definitely better than the 2017 movie.
I placed spoilers at the end of this review.This was such a charming and heartwarming series with a well written script. It did a great job introducing the characters and explaining their backstories. I also think this goes beyond the usual BL storyline. However, you should skip it if you are looking for hardcore romantic scenes. The romance in this series is more subtle with a nice even pace. The only character I found hard to like was Okami Maya, but I think her character added an important part to the story. The cast was awesome and did a great job with their characters. There were only two exceptions to this. The cinematography was great, but had some shacky camera work at times. As for editing, my only complaint is the flash forward and back was a little confusing because they were not clearly marked/indicated.
Random Note:
Although the 2017 movie (Silhouette of Your Voice) adaptation of the manga was cute, everything felt very rushed with an almost nonexistent BL storyline. I actually wrote in my movie notes that this would have been better if it was a series.
The similarities between the series and the 2017 movie storyline ends after episode 5. Episode 6 picks up where the movie ends.
******Spoiler Alert******
Although I’m still salty about the trick camera angle kiss, I still preferred it than the kiss in the movie. This is probably an unpopular opinion, but don’t incorporate a kissing scene if the actors are not going to do it properly.
The only other complaint is the hug at the end looked very awkward.
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Very Demure!
I just finish the series and I am please. I have not read the manga but, from what I hear they matched everything to the T.I'll admit this is not a serie that I would rewatch at least not right now. I felt like some aspects were rushed and some of the characters lack story time. However, the actors were amazing. No doubt in their talent.
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This review may contain spoilers
I initially gave this drama a score of 8.5, but in the end, I lowered it to 8, mainly because of the slow pace in the second half. In reality, it's not the slowness itself that's the problem, but rather the broadcast format. With 25-minute episodes released once a week, it took 12 weeks to get the full story. This long wait made the progression feel endless, especially with such short episodes. It wasn’t 25-minute episodes twice a week or even one-hour episodes once a week. This format made the story seem much slower than it actually was.Objectively speaking, the series only lasts six hours in total, which isn't too much time to develop a relationship. In most dramas, it takes at least six hours for the characters to become a couple. However, here, it really is a genuine romantic relationship, but it's told from a slice-of-life perspective, focusing on the challenges of dealing with illness. It’s a different approach compared to more traditional romances, which often emphasize physical closeness or dramatic twists.
The 12-week wait made the viewing experience more difficult, but the real issue lies in the broadcast format, not the story's pacing. I think it's time to move away from this kind of weekly release for such short episodes.
As for the final episode, the confession was truly touching. Kohei’s struggle to believe it made the scene even more emotional. However, the final hug left me unsatisfied: it lacked romance and didn’t have the emotional depth one would expect. Learning that a simple additional chapter could have given us a more romantic kiss only heightens the disappointment.
I completely disagree with those who claim this is a bromance rather than a BL (Boy’s Love). A bromance, by definition, is a friendly relationship without romantic feelings. Here, romantic feelings are clearly expressed several times. Yes, it’s a realistic drama, a slice-of-life story mainly dealing with hearing issues, but that doesn’t make it any less of a romance. It’s a sweet and subtle romance, but since when does a BL need to include kisses or explicit scenes to be classified as such? That’s neither necessary nor enough to define a love story.
As for the actors, I really liked their chemistry. Their relationship was timid, yes, but genuinely sweet. Their performances were convincing, and the music, both the opening and closing tracks, were fantastic. The series also does an excellent job of handling misunderstandings, especially when Kohei experiences hearing loss or tinnitus.
Maya, though annoying for much of the series, becomes more likeable towards the end. However, it has to be said that she single-handedly ruined three entire episodes.
I would have liked to see more physical closeness between the characters, but that’s typical of Japanese productions. By "closeness," I don't mean kisses or explicit scenes, but more affectionate gestures: hugs, tender moments. These touches of softness could have made their relationship feel even more romantic.
I’m still undecided between giving it an 8.5 to encourage this type of romance, which tackles rarely represented illnesses and disorders, or an 8, which better reflects my personal viewing experience. Either way, this drama tells a beautiful story that, despite its flaws, is worth watching.
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Another solid BL from Japan
Sep 11, 2024Another solid BL released from Japan has been made in the year of 2024. It is amazing how, the story line progressed and many have said how accurate it is from the manga. So now, it seems like I will be finding my ways into reading this manga too.
The plot is simple yet the way it was portrayed really kept me interested. Though, I really hated the Maya arc, that girl annoyed me so much that I simply had no choice but to skip some scenes.
I love the chemistry of our leads to say the least. Given how pg and very fluffy, the chemistry is chef's kiss! I need more to be honest but yea.
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A good series but lacks rhythm
The series is interesting and deals with sensitive subjects. The protagonists are very sober in their development and the end product is endearing.The problem is that, after a while, the story stops moving forward and the episodes start to sound the same. Boredom is not far off, and that's a pity, because 8 episodes would have been more than enough and we wouldn't have had this feeling.
All in all, this series is pleasant without being exceptional. When the scenario is simple, there's no point in making too many episodes.
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A feel good for the soul
High PointsVisuals: The cinematography was serene and aesthetic, just like most other Japanese BLs. They have a knack for making visuals pleasing to the audience's eyes.
Acting: The acting was phenomenal, pulling you in from the very beginning.
Representation and Relatability: The characters had vulnerabilities and insecurities that they learned to accept and overcome, making them incredibly relatable. From small details to certain personality traits and circumstances, there was something for everyone to connect with.
Endearing and Humorous: The drama kept you engaged throughout with its endearing characters and humorous moments, making it easy to binge-watch in one sitting.
Slow Burn Realism: The romance was a slow burn, focusing on the lives of the main characters beyond their relationship. They grappled with their own personal issues and navigated life together, creating a more realistic portrayal.
Thought-Provoking Themes: The drama explored thought-provoking themes that made you reflect on things you hadn't considered before.
Portrayal of Disability: The portrayal of the main character's disability, being hard of hearing, was well-done. It showcased the challenges faced in an ableist society and how prejudice and systemic barriers can shape one's mindset.
Low Points
Lack of Communication: While the lack of communication was partially due to the main character's disability, it was still a frustrating plot device at times.
Inconsistent Pacing: The pacing was inconsistent, with the first few episodes being fast and engaging, followed by slower episodes filled with flashbacks. This was a problem even in the manga.
Angle Kiss and Lack of Intimacy: While this wasn't a major issue for me, as I enjoyed the strong plot and chemistry between the characters, it might bother some viewers who prefer more intimate scenes.
Unsatisfactory Ending: While the ending was heartwarming, it felt rushed and could have been more fulfilling (or maybe I'm just being fussy pants)
Overall
This drama has a specific target audience. If you're looking for a fast-paced, fairy tale-esque romance, this might not be your cup of tea. However, if you appreciate thought-provoking themes, slow-burn relationships, and a focus on personal growth, it's worth a watch. The series delves into topics like friendship, love, disability, and mental health, exploring how characters overcome life's challenges. While romance is present, it's not the central focus. Instead, the emphasis is on the characters' journeys and their connections to each other. This makes it a heartwarming drama that encourages reflection and offers unique perspectives.
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