Details

  • Last Online: 2 days ago
  • Gender: Female
  • Location:
  • Contribution Points: 39 LV1
  • Birthday: April 29
  • Roles:
  • Join Date: May 22, 2019
Kieta Hatsukoi japanese drama review
Completed
Kieta Hatsukoi
0 people found this review helpful
by catherine
Feb 24, 2024
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed
Overall 6.5
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 7.0
Music 6.0
Rewatch Value 5.5

Super cute, but then falls into common web drama traps

This was SO cute. I think there's very few actors that could take on the role of Aoki — who's sort of a bumbling, clumsy character that could'e easily become annoying — but the actor managed to make him so adorable, endearing, and a fantastic lead to follow.

I also really loved the side characters; it's nice that there's not really a villain in the drama at all, which makes it a lot more light-hearted and fun, and also allowed the show to discuss discrimination and internalized homophobia without making them really depressing and hopeless.

The premise itself surprisingly gets resolved pretty early, and it's more focused on the gradual development between the leads. I liked being able to see them hanging out without being "forced to," but my favorite part was actually still the beginning, where they were getting to know each other.

I was really pleasantly surprised with this drama...all the way until the last few episodes, where they started doing the "big climax cliche" that many shorter dramas do: the dreaded break-up + big realization + romantic reunion. It was probably the first moment in the drama that felt cliche, whereas previously the show had managed to make common tropes still seem fun and refreshing. I also think it just felt a little rushed to have it all at the end, though I don't think it's that out of the ordinary for a drama with this runtime.

Overall, it's fun and I liked it — it's a show that you don't have to think that much about.
Was this review helpful to you?