Smells Like Green Spirit (2024)

Not a typical BL, coming of age and discovering yourself

While many of us not understanding japanese have gripes with some of the subtitles, the second negative was the wig. It was a distraction in the whole series. It's not such projects are done overnight, so after casting they could have told him to grow his hair and use extensions.

The third negative is the ending for one of the characters, keeping in the closet, being at least gay and denying himself to be truly happy but getting married for the "family".

The ending for Mishima could be closer to the manga where you see him living with Fujimoto together as a happy couple.

Other than that, the team removed some of the harshest scenes from the manga and tuned it down for normal viewers in contrast to "Happy of the End" which was raw. Other than that, the story was very close to the manga, the acting and cinematography was really good.

Mishima grows after enduring mental and sexual abuse, also with help of his understanding mother. The change of Fujimoto from bully to lover was also nicely done.

Overall a depcition of the harsh reality in a rural area in the 1990ties which is still common nowadways where especially boys who do not conform to expectations of society are still bullied without reason and due to bad parenting. There should be licence to be a parent imho, because it's a lot harder than driving a car.

When you find a service which offers good subtitles, you should watch it, but don't expect a BL, because it's a gay series which is a trend I wholeheartedly approve of.

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Unrealistic reality

Mishima is in his last 2 years of highschool. Bullied by those who perceive him to be gay due to his long hair and soft appreance, he endures the scrutiny of all and sexual abuse at the hands of a closeted teacher. He internalizes everything and barely responds to his external environment. At night, he sneaks out his mother's lipstick and on occassion dresses as feminine as he can, while living in a small country village. In one scene he is mistaken for a girl as he's dressed in shorts, tshirt and walks a liitle gently. He doesn't pretend to be what he's not but he doesn't admit it as well.

Awakening to himself, he befriends two previous bullies, Kirino and Yumeno. Kirino, an ally, also aware of his own nature, bonds with him. Together, they navigate the complexities of desires, dreams, the need to feel included and protected. Yumeno, crushing secretly on Mishima, has a fierce sense of wrong and right, and struggles to come to terms with his feelings for him. Mishima welcomes the attention from Yumeno.

Mishima was seen hugging both at different times for completely different reasons. After the physical attack, Yumeno comforts him publicly. Unashamed. Kirino, in turn, understanding his pain, comforts him after being rejected. This is how the rumors start and story veers to similar coming of age trope. Who will they become? This where my disappointment begins.

The subtitles are a little shaky from different sources, so I'll take it with a grain of salt but it has the same outcome no matter the true meaning - Kirino, conflicted on the getaway trip to Tokyo, says to Mishima, "I chose this." Previously, he expresses his desire for men, make up and being gay. He acknowledges the path ahead is difficult but assimilates into being straight for the love of his family. My disappointment stems from the path he chose - to be not himself but the path someone else sees for him. His parents will eventually die and he as it's shown, he will be in a marriage with a child but will he be happy. Even he had concerns of this. He avoids Mishima and their bond is broken. His loss. Yumeno, who sees all, follows Mishima, apologizes for past hurts and asks to keep thinking of Mishima.

The series ends with Mishima asserting himself. He is no longer shy and detached. He is a gay man, in men's clothing and still maintaining a strong relationship with Yumeno. Though the implication is more, as Yumeno kisses his cheek before leaving. As a makeup artist, Mishima's world has grown and he is proud of who he is on his terms.

Araki Towa, who played the role of Mishima, did a wonderful job. There is a vast difference between the teen and the adult. Which I applaud. Sakai Wakana, Mishima's mother, was also wonderful. Her unwavering support ensured that Mishima would succeed and Sakai did this beautifully. I am not a fan of easy choices or choosing to be what you are not. Yumeno's character makes it appear to be a choice. Even in the1990 setting, being gay or not being gay, shouldn't be a choice. I'm reminded of the series More Than Words here. The only choice that should matter is loving yourself, finding your happiness and pride in the human you are. Thank you, Mishima.

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coming of age story set in the 90s

Overall: though parts of this were difficult to watch, it did hit on some realistic aspects of growing up in the 90s (and still today). 8 episodes about 25 minutes each. No official international platform. See my spoiler comment for the ending.

Content Warnings: past death, bullying, held against will, homophobia, sexual harassment, manhandling/non-con touching, vomiting, peeping, grooming, child abuse/violence, sexual assault, kidnapping/held against will, punch

What I Liked
- the two supportive moms
- characters weren't what they first seemed
- one of the few redemption arcs that worked for me
- non cliched female classmate (wish they had a bit more closure for her though)
- I couldn't tell how the story would end which is different from most of what I watch
- production value

Room For Improvement
- the comedy didn't mesh well at times with the realism
- was not needed to have a second scene with a group peeping for a 2nd time on the couple in the truck, could have spent that time elsewhere
- the awful scene with the teacher in the car was too cartoony villain

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A Review of SLGS set to the “Friends” Theme Song

I tried to write a straightforward review of this show many times. But it is so weird, and so full of tonal shifts and dissonance, that I couldn’t quite find a satisfying way to do it. So, I decided instead to write a review in the style of a 90s sitcom theme song, specifically Friends, given the setting of the show and its references to music. One of the virtues of the show is that, though it deals with very serious themes, and is often very moving, it refuses to take itself seriously. I have done the same thing, and hope I have somewhat succeeded in capturing the spirit of the show. If you know the theme tune, feel free to sing along.

***

So no one told you life was gonna be this way
Your school’s a joke, you’re broke, your love life’s MIA
It’s like you’re always stuck in second year
When whether you’re a man, a woman, queer
or straight, is not even clear
but

I’ll be there for you
(When you beautify your lips)
I’ll be there for you
(When you embellish those lids)
I’ll be there for you
(‘Cause you’re queer as me too)

You think you’re being bullied, but he’s just another gay
You want your wig on, he shears it off, and it’s better everyway
You know you’d rather shag that gym teacher
But the only one who comes for you
is that creepy foul monster
but

I’ll be there for you
(When your life’s under threat)
I’ll be there for you
(When you’re full of dread and regret)
I’ll be there for you
(‘Cause you’re gay for me too)

[No one could ever know me
No one could ever see me
Seems you're the only one who knows
What it's like to be me
Someone to face the day with
Make it through all the rest with
Someone I'll always laugh with
Even at my worst, I'm best with you, yeah]

It’s true, we can’t always have our dream
But if from one of us these tears must stream
Let it be mine, for we’re a team
and

I’ll be there for you
(When the rain starts to pour)
I'll be there for you
(Like I've been there before)
I'll be there for you
('Cause you're there for me too)

***

This review is dedicated to ScorchQueen, whose encouragement and support on this site means much to me.

Reader's (Nirvana) Digest:
DO SAY: Come As You Are
DON’T SAY: Negative Creep

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The hurdles of living in the 90s as someone who is tagged as “not normal”

It is a drama with a heavy message to the audience –such a beautiful yet painful portrayal of the realistic life of a homosexual individual way back in the 90s. Same-sex romance in the present year (2024) might be widely accepted in the world, but the reality is, that we still have a long way ahead before these homophobic groups stop stepping into one’s life and the right to freely live their life for who they are as a person. This is how the series presented its story by showcasing Mishima’s journey in life.

The pain I felt from the first half was redirected until the last episode but for a different reason. No one deserves to be severely bullied especially at a young age. The actions were too violent and extreme. Despite all of these, Mishima continues to attend school with a positive approach. He surely is a kind-hearted boy who knows his self-worth. It is my first Araki Towa’s show and I liked his performance from this role.

I’ve seen a lot of Sono Shunta’s projects but this one is his most tragic role. Kirino’s ending was so sad that I can’t even blame him for choosing to live his life through marriage and having a kid. Witnessing his previous teacher’s life to experiencing it firsthand was a punch in the heart. The sound of judgment and disappointment from the people around him was so loud that he chose to live his life away from what he wanted it to be. The shot of his eyes at the end speaks a lot.

Abe Alan was the main influence on adding this to my list. His role in the mini-series, “I Became the Main Role of a BL Drama” is too lovely which is so distant from his performance as a creepy sensei in this series. No matter what character he portrayed, he already captured my heart as he is such a talented artist with a super handsome face.

The classic enemy-to-lovers trope is a twist on how unexpected it is for Yumeno to fall in love with Mishima. At least they had a cute ending, sticking together as an adult until the end. Being accepted by the family meant a lot for a homosexual person to be themselves without hiding in fear.

The lack of available streaming platforms internationally was disappointing. This series is a gem that needs a larger audience to consume the important life lessons that it has. The title itself is a metaphor that was too hard to define but as I was deeply intrigued by the story, I realized that it was the emotions dwelling inside the characters' lives.

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Smells like a masterpiece

The first few episodes are a bit confusing and you don't quite understand what story is being told, but when the series finally finds its rhythm and begins to build Mishima and Makoto's story of friendship, acceptance and discovery, it's simply impeccable.

It's refreshing to see a series set in the 90s that talks so openly and beautifully about its characters' sexuality.

It's a light-hearted series, with excellent acting, competent production and a script full of rich and profound scenes and dialogues.

It's funny and exaggerated, but it's also subtle and conveys this feeling of discovery in adolescence. The scene of each of these characters talking to their mothers and accepting (or repressing) their sexuality is full of beauty and impact.

The construction of Makoto, her transsexuality and the dreams she abandoned to please her mother is so painful and constructed in such an exquisite way.

I really wish the series had two more episodes to explore these characters' adult lives. An impeccable series with a story that is so human, so real and so painfully beautiful.

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The Most Realistic Depiction of Queer Community

Adapted from the manga series “Smells Like Green Spirit” (スメルズライクグリーンスピリット) by Nagai Saburo (永井三郎), the show is set in the 1990s era where homophobia wasn’t any less prevalent than it is now. In the midst of a school setting, we have “Coming Of Age” storyline which retraces how transgenders were hugely perceived. The ridicule coupled with rampant bullying made their existence rather difficult. There were many who succumbed to this pressure while few daring ones choose to live their life fearlessly. This story belongs to one such brave persona, Mishima Futoshi. The subtleties of this character are portrayed so boldly by Araki Towa, that you want to celebrate their independence and freedom. MBS is engaging in stories that are intrinsically interwoven with the dynamics of the queer community. They are thought-provoking, mindful and also captivating. One man’s struggle against societal prejudices becomes the crux of this storyline. From the way you dress to the way you behave, society judges you on everything; but who are they to judge others & are their opinions that important?

Read the complete article here-

https://the-bl-xpress.com/2024/11/16/smells-like-green-spirit-series-review-ep-1-to-8/

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Interesting story, great cast

I think the first point I need to highlight is how great the cast is! Young actors that are actually close to the age of the characters and delivering fantastic performances.

I wouldn’t say this is a BL or a series about exploring sexuality, this is a story about gender. Mishima started the series knowing he is gay and knowing that, although he likes to play with his hair and makeup, he doesn’t wanna be a girl. We also know he’s attracted to the coach and starts his relationship with Yumeno.

While with Kirino, we don’t really see him liking anyone or wanting anything with other boys. Kirino wants to live as a girl. I fully believe when he says that he thought he liked the coach because he actually wanted the coach to be his dad.

With all that, the story, in my opinion, is the journey of Mishima helping Kirino to live his dream, even if just for a semester.

I understand the ending is not necessarily happy, but it’s just one minute of Kirino’s adult life. I understand why he needed to be distant from Mishima. He can be both happy with his family and still wanting to explore the Pandora’s Box inside.

PS: Happy that we see Mishima and Yumeno still together in the end.

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One of the best Japanese queer story

First off, I want to remind readers that this is a queer drama, not just a simple BL. BL focuses solely on the romance between two men, while this drama is much more nuanced. The story is realistic and quite heavy, and it takes place during the characters' junior high school years, not high school, as in the manga.

Story
I really appreciate how this drama adapts the manga's plot so faithfully. I’m also in awe of the mangaka, Saburō Nagai, who created four main characters with the same struggles but different fates, all shaped by their surroundings, particularly their families.
The friendship between Mishima and Kirino is something I truly value. It's rare to find such a sincere, supportive gay friendship in queer stories, especially in BL. Their bond is heartwarming—they explore shared interests and accept their differences from what society deems "normal." Unfortunately, their paths diverge because of the choices they make in life.
The ending of this drama is strikingly realistic. Each character has a different conclusion. Two of them end up with happy endings, while the other two face sad endings (in my opinion). The contrast between Kirino and Yanagi’s sad outcomes is especially notable.
Both Kirino and Yanagi deny their true selves to fulfill societal and parental expectations of "normalcy," eventually marrying women. However, their futures turn out very differently. Yanagi ends up divorced, becomes a teacher embroiled in a scandal, and lives a directionless life, while Kirino manages to build a small family, have children, and make his mother happy. This is a significant, meaningful contrast.
As for Mishima, he succeeds in becoming himself, supported by his accepting mother. The scene between Mishima and Kirino on the school rooftop is deeply bittersweet because the life Kirino longed for is lived by Mishima, while Kirino takes on the "normal" life Mishima had planned. It’s a heartbreaking moment.
I hope that, even though Kirino isn’t able to live his truth, he finds happiness in fulfilling his mother’s wishes. Kirino’s mother had given him the freedom to be himself, but perhaps Kirino had his own reasons for choosing to live as his mother expected.
Yumeno, who wasn't initially gay but chose to love a man, perfectly embodies the queer experience. He starts out following societal norms but ultimately follows his heart. Love knows no gender.
Yumeno is my favorite character, and I am pleased with his character development. He starts off as a rebellious teenager, but by the end, he matures and takes responsibility for his past mistakes. He’s determined to understand the world that Mishima and Kirino inhabit. I admire how, after making the decision to be with Mishima, he keeps his promise for years.
Yumeno’s family is also a highlight. They’re humorous and supportive, and they accept Yumeno’s choices. For me, Yumeno is the shining light in an otherwise dark and complex story.
Manga Story: 10, Live Action: 9.5
The adaptation is almost perfect, just like the manga, though there is one thing I wish had been included: the elevator scene and the extra part where, as adults, they return to the village and Yumeno talks to Mishima’s mother about the struggles they’ve faced in their relationship. I was hoping this would be shown in the drama, perhaps a bonus episode could have been added for this.

Acting/Cast
The acting from all the cast members is stellar. They each perfectly convey the essence of their characters, and I was deeply moved by their performances. I greatly appreciated the chemistry among the cast, to the point where I couldn’t move on from the drama. In general, I’m not very familiar with the actors, so when I started watching this drama, I only saw them as their respective characters. But after learning more, I was surprised to discover Araki Towa. He’s a well-known actor for many notable works, and he perfectly portrays Mishima, a beautiful teenage boy. Araki Towa nailed the role. Sono Shunta and Abe Alan, both seasoned actors, were also impressive. I’m in awe of how much thought the production team put into casting the right actors for each role.
Fujimoto Kodai, a newcomer to acting, was also outstanding as Yumeno. I can’t imagine anyone else playing the role as well as he did.
The rest of the cast did a fantastic job of bringing the manga’s characters to life.

Music
The song There for You by Lead is incredible. I was moved to tears, especially by the heartfelt lyrics, and the music video is beautiful—it perfectly conveys that love has no gender. It’s definitely one of my favorite songs now.
I particularly love this part:

"No matter where you go
Baby I will be there for you
No matter where you are
Baby I will be there for you"

It truly describes Yumeno’s love for Mishima.
There’s also a scene from the manga I wish had been included in the drama. If you read the manga, you’ll know how Yumeno spent years choosing to stay with Mishima, even rejecting a girl who confessed her love to him in high school when Mishima was uncertain about their relationship. Yumeno didn’t want to give up and convinced Mishima that his decision was final. Yumeno even moved to Tokyo to live with Mishima. This really proves that no matter where Mishima goes, Yumeno will always be by his side. I can’t help but cry every time I think about this while listening to the song.

Rewatch
I don’t typically rewatch dramas since I’m selective, but when I find one that resonates with me, I watch it over and over.
For this drama, I’ve already watched it more than five times and will continue to rewatch it because it’s just that good, especially because of the actors’ chemistry.
It’s absolutely worth rewatching, and I really hope it gets picked up by international platforms like Netflix so that more viewers worldwide can enjoy it.

This drama is outstanding, and I highly recommend watching it. You will experience bittersweet emotions by the end of the series. It has also become one of my favorite queer stories, alongside the film Monster.

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this drama is realistic, unhinged, and.. did i mention realistic?

it's not your typical BL and it mainly focuses on how characters discover themselves, friendships, and love. Some scenes are like a warm hug and some scenes are like a slap on the face. it's cruel, but realistic. and i like how in some serious or dramatic scenes, they do not put a background sound which makes it even more realistic as if im actually there, invisible, watching the characters suffer and can do nothing about it. i especially like the friendship between kirino and mishima.

pros:
the plot is amazing
the acting is GIVING
the characters are well-written and have some flaws (which is realistic)
makes you experience different feelings in just one episode

cons:
being aired once a week
cant wait for new ep
so short, wdym 9 eps?? i need 900. RIGHT NOW. ALL AIRED!!

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