A comedy parody of the BL tropes but with a twist!

I tried not to include spoilers but if I did sorry.

So when this manga series got announced as a drama I was very suprised yet exicted to see the outcome. The manga is pretty much a gag parody making fun out of all of the BL manga tropes so how would it translate into live action.

Postives

The direction, production and casting for side couples and extra casting is A++++. Director Miki Koichiro (of pornographer fame) has bought this BL world to life. The side couples and even the god damn extras are like in a real life version of a BL manga. I just love watching all the extras and side couples interacting in this world.

This drama is god damn funny, the manga made me laugh but the over the top acting from the main character mob is funny. He makes these faces like he's a villian trying to be straight.

Negative

While most fans will REALLY LIKE the ending, a manga reader like me has slightly mixed feelings towards it and I hate cliffhangers.

One thing I'll say that I have mixed feelings is that ending. I may understand that the drama version of mob is more weak willed to be more nicer and less cold then the manga version. But the ending pretty much changed the whole meaning of the title

But on the other hand the big plot twist for the drama is heart warming and it will please the BL drama viewers

IF the producers want to do a sequal/follow up then I am all in for it but maybe change the title.

But I hate that cliffhanger! I think fans will agree this with at least.

Overall

If BL drama fans want to take a break from emo/sad BL and want to laugh from the BL tropes they often see in these dramas. There's eye candy of so many guys loving other guys. It's god damn funny to boot with a ending that most fans will love. It really needs a follow up/sequal because a cliffhanger ending is bad.

Read More

A VERY realistic take on Japanese LGBT life and its society that affects all the characters

Thanks for Furritsu for the subs. I finished watching the remaining episodes on Billi

So I really liked this drama, it’s different. To me depressing or not happy endings stories like this one really interest me. I don’t get emotionally affected by stories like these (because I don’t see it as real).

Oh yeah I am going to talk SPOILERS for this series.

Story: The good half of the story (episode 1 to 8) focus on Mieko and Makio, their friendship and their involvement with Eiji who they all met working part time in a restaurant. With the POV being on Mieko making her the main character of this series. This changes in the final two episodes (8 to 10) where the POV is more general and focus on Makio and Asato general relationship.

For me I liked how realistic and down to earth the story is. Mostly you are following the lives of Meiko, Makio and Eiji (in the 1st half) and Asato (in the later section). For me I don’t think this is a BL story, as while Makio relationships with Eiji and Asato are shown the story does’nt completely focus on Makio. As the story covers Meiko story as she progresses in her life. Also the portrayal of how society views LGBT relationship is completely realistic compared to the fantasy of BL. I just thought things
like this happens in real life and that’s fine, people are in one situation and the next moment they move on to another.

Characters

Meiko: Is such a refreshing female character, she's interesting character, but yes thinking about it she's really stupid for the actions that she did. What I like about her is that she's relatable and reminds me of myself, she is an observer but wants to help when she wants to. Her friendship with Makio is amazing. I understood her downfall when she volunteered to be a surrogate mother, thinking she would help Makio and Eiji’s relationship but as a result it was the one of the catalysts to cause the breakup of Makio and Eiji. Because I could see that is not what Makio wanted. Ok her actions were VERY selfish and egoistical of herself, but in a way she was'nt a baddie in my eyes, she really valued Makkio in her life and I see it as she did'nt mean to intentionally break the relationship between Makkio and Eiji. She's like WAY better than some toxic female characters in most BL dramas these days.

Makio: From the outside he’s a very happy go lucky kind of person. He also doesn’t think much when he decides to date Eiji. The thing is this series does'nt really show you what kind of person Makio really is so you have to judge from what you see him on the screen. But when he dated Eiji and moved on to Asato just shows that he really wants to get into a relationship with a guy the BL way lol (like date a guy with no judgement on his gay status, no child, just have the guy to himself)

Eiji: A really interesting character. I like how honest he is with himself but too shy to stand up for himself, like how he just confessed to Eiji after a misunderstanding and the same when he confessed to his parents but to me he feels like he rather please others rather than thinking about living in a way he wants to. But sadly he is a prime example of being influenced by how society views LGBT subjects. He wasn’t mentally strong to maintain the relationship he had with Makio.

Asato: A late comer into the story. He honestly needed more episodes than 2 to get to know his character. But he’s at least more emotionally stronger than Eiji, I liked how casual his relationship with Makio is and how naturally they became lovers. From being ex-classmates, to bickering about rubbish, to being casual friends and to being lovers. Felt natural and down to earth. He has his own personal problems career wise (and with his granddad) but not related to his sexuality.

Directing: Really slick and felt natural. I LOVE how the ending credits are shown.

Music: It's not really there, snice it's trying to show real life so most of the scenes have no music. I do like the ending themes tho.

Postives: Very high production values, very good acting, great directing and a very realistic story about LGBT life. I liked all of the characters in this story.

Negatives: The Asato and Makio storyline needed more episodes than two. It was a very sudden change of pace from the Makio, Meiko, Eiji storyline.

Overall: More than words IS NOT A BL drama in my view. It’s more like a slice of life drama with the characters being LGBT and how society affects them. Many BL fans might be disappointed in the way the story focuses on one couple for a good amount of episodes only for them to break them up and gives little time to set up for the second couple to form. But I found this story to be SUPER REALISITC because stories like this happens in real life. I don’t know if BL fans think the story is depressing/sad because one couple ending is not happy at all, I thought it ended on a happy hopeful tone to it.

But for those looking for a mellow down to earth slice of life drama with gay characters this series might be for you.

Read More

A very cute and funny BL drama let down by the writing

I am really torn about writing this review. Mostly when I decide to invest myself in watching a drama series, I mostly do so baised on the original source material. I love the original manga by Hare Shinta, the art is beautiful and it tells a simple tale of romance, burnout and finding support and love which is told from the viewpoint of the seme, which for BL tales still rare for myself to come across.

So when I saw the announcement of the drama version I was beyond excited. I was keen to see this manga converted into drama .

The result was not what I expected, but still I find this drama series very charming. I personally love this drama but I still see the flaws that this drama version has that annoys many other viewers.

Story: Yanase Jun is a talented and well respected CG artist that has worked in Canada in the past. Now working in Max pictures he has to tutor a new employee Kaneda Yuki. However Kaneda seems to be quite a cold and distance person that Yanase finds hard to get along with. What Yanase doesn’t know is that Kaneda is a big admirer of Yanase. One day after a welcoming drinking party Yanase sees a side of Kaneda he wasn’t expecting and from there their relationship slowly changes.

Casting/acting: The casting is basically THE BEST thing I will say about this series. I will say this a thousand times but Naito Syuichiro was BORN to play as Yanase, I don’t think the producers could have found a perfect being like him to play Yanase. Naito is the eye candy, the main feature of this drama series. I couldn’t take my eyes off of Naito as Yanase, he’s so attractive but he’s a great actor. Naito is the one that understands Yanase because Yanase is Naito, in the 1st half when you don’t know anything about Yanase. Naito can just emote feelings through his face and eyes alone. This series introduced me to Naito Syuichiro that I am thankful for this drama series existing.

I can’t ignore Seto Toshiki as well, because he is the other half of the couple and Naito wouldn’t have been able to carry this drama series alone without Seto. At first I was unsure about Seto casting of Kaneda but Seto won me over with his acting. The 1st half of the drama focuses a lot on Kaneda and Seto proves that he can be cute, emotional and shows the various sides of Kaneda that I didn’t know about. The combination of Naito and Seto is magical and I am thankful for this series to exist just for these two to meet and act alongside each other. I am going to be sad that this series might be the only one to see these two interact and act together in.

Music: Sadly I think the music and OST is very forgettable for myself. I don’t really like the opening theme as catchy as is, because it’s a very cheesy opening. The ending theme song is better and the clever use of hands to show the difference in distance. But the OST for the drama is ok at best, it works to suit the various emotions in scenes.

Directing: I really like it, unlike most Japanese dramas where they have this odd “yellow filter” applied to it. The lighting for this series feels bright and natural. The directing is very professional and slick. Some of the sharp camera turns and cuts I really like from this series.

Negatives: Whoever was in charge of the writing for this drama fire them and never let them write for another drama series ever again! The writing for this drama IS NOT GOOD. It is easily the source of why there’s so many flaws and loop holes and why manga fans like me are so torn over this drama. It’s such a mess of poor drama writing.

The original material exists for the writers to base the drama around, I’ve never seen such disrespect and disregard to source material that it makes me ANGRY as a manga fan.

I am so sad to what the writers did to Kaneda’s character. In the manga Kaneda did admire Yanase but he did it respectfully, only collecting magazines of him and silently parsing/admiring Yanase in his mind. Never did I think Kaneda as “creepy” in the manga. Yet the writers thought it would be a good idea to introduce unnecessary characterization to him such as owning a “shrine”, talking down on himself comparing himself as a mortal against his god and then introducing very weird and odd fetish daydreams he has about Yanase. All of these additional features the drama puts on Kaneda just makes the viewers see Kaneda as an odd and creepy worshipper. It doesn’t make it better that the writers convey Kaneda’s feelings as “unsure” making him seem like he’s NOT an adult and rather a high schooler who just found his 1st crush. It’s such a shame because Seto is such a good actor.

It’s even sadder that we DON’T GET TO EVEN SEE AND HEAR more of Yanase’s character until episode six which I find so funny and sad that the same time. Is he is main character of this series of is it Kaneda? The drama can’t decide honestly. I did like the slight changes the drama makes to Yanase compared to the manga, mostly being less touchy and forceful and shows a more innocent and maiden like personality to him. Which I find a bit odd, honestly. But it showed this really cute side of Naito so I can’t complain that much. I like the addition of the “10 things I want to do with Kaneda” it was hella cute and innocent development for drama Yanase. Maybe too innocent for my liking LOL.

I could go on with the errors of adding un-necessary additions from the drama like Benji and long distance separations. But honestly this review as gone on for too long.

Postives: AT LEAST the drama ended in a good way. I really liked the ending to this drama series, everything felt connected and complete. Directing and production is really good. Naito and Seto are amazing as their characters or not (their behind the scenes and making of videos are so fun to watch).

Overall: Senpai, this can’t be love is a cute office romance about the slow burn romance between a senior and junior in a CG work environment. The main leads are so attractive and act together well with great chemistry. However it is dragged out by the questionable script writing. If you are willing to put behind these questionable writing there is a cute light-hearted BL story to enjoy here.

Read More

A crime investigation with a strong theme of bromance.

Where do I begin with this series? Of course like many fans, I found out about this series on twitter and only knowing Inukai Atsuhiro. I went in and bought all of the source manga digitally. Reading the manga really excited me of what I call a mix of action thriller investigation and semi metaphoric romance between Ichirou and Shirou.

The drama version of Kei x yaku is almost prefect. But because as a manga reader and knowing how good the drama could have been I can’t rate this series higher than 7.

I also have to warn that most will not like the ending. But it leaves a possiblity for season 2/movie follow up.

Kei x Yaku as a standalone drama is still very good, it’s got action, suspense, mystery but good chemistry between the two main leads.

Story

Kei x Yaku base story brings together Ichirou a public officer and Shirou a Yakuza gang leader together through one person they both know. It leads them to work undercover as a “couple” to find out the truth the story and from this unfolds into something more deep. As well as the bond between Ichirou and Shirou forming.

Acting/casting

One of the biggest positives/highlights of Kei x yaku is the cast. I have little complains (but in my ideal mind I would of casted an actor who’s the same height as Inukai). This would be my 1st introduction to Nobuyuki Suzuki in anything that he’s done, I will say Suzuki did great! He pulls off the soft but serious Ichirou, the best thing about his performance is that he can withhold his emotions in his acting.

I was more interested to see how Inukai Atsuhiro was going to act as Shirou, because I really like Shirou in the manga. Inukai blew those expectations out of the water, because Inukai is the perfect casting for Shirou and I couldn’t see anyone else but Inukai play as him. It’s amazing that dyeing your hair blond changes his whole image, but the slight gestures and attitude he displays screams Shirou. This so far is the like the best thing I’ve seen Inukai act and I would recommend 100% for Inukai fans just to watch him in this.

The rest of the cast is also very strong.

Music

I have to give a shoutout to composer Ryo Nobuguchi because the soundtrack to Kei x yaku is amazing. The main theme alone is enough to make you excited as well as 13th drums. An amazing mix of cello, violin, piano and drums. The music is one of the highlights of the show.

Positives

What I think the best thing about Kei x yaku is quality. The directing is amazing, the production is high quality, the cast/acting is amazing, and the music is amazing. Put it together and you get something like a semi action movie like drama. The 1st episode will always be the best one for me as it goes out with a bang.

I also like that the story doesn’t ignore the bond between Ichirou and Shirou, because the drama weaves in the investigation action with general scenes with just Ichirou and Shirou getting on with their lives.

Negatives

Kei x yaku honestly could have been something more special. One factor of the manga is that it has hints of showing something more between Ichirou and Shirou but the drama version doesn’t go beyond the “bromance” line. I assume it’s because they think the audience wouldn’t be able to tell what Ichirou and Shirou relationship is if they showed it like the manga. So face down the drama version is just a bromance, any BL drama fans looking for the next History Trapped this drama isn’t it.

Another factor is that the manga is WAY MORE ACTION PACKED. There’s a lot of action scenes in the manga that is gripping, I assume the drama didn’t have that much budget so these action scenes were reduced. But there’s an odd pacing to the investigation, like trial and error approach. The characters think they make progress but then they stumble and the progress they made is pushed back. There’s also way too many flashbacks to fill in screentime when they could of shown more new scenes.

Overall

Kei x yaku is a good investigation action thriller with bromance. If you are open to watching bromance then you are in for a ride! Any BL drama fans just looking for the romance I suggest to watch an actual BL drama.

Read More

A really under-rated masterpiece of an j-drama so far in 2022

So I am a late to this series I admit, I pretty much binge watched all 9 episodes based on a clip from episode 8 .

I pretty much have regrets that I did'nt come across this drama series ealier and was watching this drama series weekly rather than binge watching all 9 episodes in one go. Then I just watched episode 10 today.

But in the end I am glad I've watched this drama series, so far this is my favourite drama of the year so far no joke.

I'll try NOT to spoil this drama series but if I give a general basis I'll try.

Story: Double follows the daily life of two actors Takara and Yujin. Both of these two actors have an odd relationship as they live together and act along side each other as well as Yujin being like a manager/caketaker for Takara because he believes Takara has an natural talent to act. The story really begins when an entertainment agency is interested in signing Takara up to be a part of their agency.

Characters: Takara and Yujin are both complex characters, their relationship is complex. I can't even begin to describe their relationship to each other. The drama focus more on the mental state of Takara rather than Yujin. But watching this drama you will want to know more about them and why they decide on their decisions.

Acting: This is so far the BEST I've seen Chiba Yudai act, I've seen Chiba in Ossan's love season 2. But Chiba's version of Takara is just amazing to watch. This would be the 1st time I've seen Nagayama Kento act in a drama but he seriously impressed me. Kento acted like two different character the normal Yujin and the fake Yujin Takara sees, both amazing to watch as well.

Directing: This director is promising and I see a bright future ahead of him, the lighting and directing makes Double feel down to earth, indie feeling and almost like a documentary.

Music: I love the OST done by Yuji Iwamoto, the main theme really builds up and swells emotions inside for myself. It creates the right atomosphere for the scene. I also like that there's no vocal theme songs needed for this drama series at all, all is needed is a good OST. Minimal is sometimes the best.

Negatives: Maybe, this series is sometimes paced out wayy too slowly. There is also unresolved tension between Takara and Yujin but I think this is not a bad thing as the manga would in the end deicides how the story ends.

Overall: Double is an amazing drama, it really explores the mental state and what actors in general do in their lifes. It may not be for everyone. But when I watched it, I felt changed like I understand the feelings of actors and what they go through.

Read More

An ok adapation of the manga from a viewpoint of a manga fan

So as a superfan of the original manga I was REALLY LOOKING FORWARD to this movie and my view may be different to others who will view this movie (ie who have NOT read the manga or fans of Narita and Okura). I am also quite the fan of Narita Ryo (man that can do no wrong).

Overall I am disapointed. Basically I think the movie lacks the emotional impact and attachment from the main character Kyouichi. I was emotionally attached to Kyouichi in the manga but in the movie not so much. The movie lacked a lot of the emotional drama from the manga, to me it felt like a slice of life movie with various scenes/events playing one after the other. But I can't help to bring myself to hate this movie because I love the original manga that much and I still think the acting, production, direction value is still really good.

Okura as Kyouichi: Flat is how I would summarise it. He's good looking, but Kyouichi is a very emotional "wishy washy" type of character that is maniuplated emotionally a lot in the manga. I felt like when watching Okura that he was just "there" and trying to react when he needed to. He looked so emotionless in that sex scene with the girl and ONLY I thought in the sex scene where he tops Imagase I saw that passion in him. I mean he has a nice butt though LOL.

Narita as Imagase: I think Narita did well as Imagase, he acted and spoke in a gay way without being overly gay (if that makes any sense). He's a VERY laid back character compared to his manga counterpart. But when he gets emotional I could see it from him. But for a Narita role it's the most tonned down I've seen so far from him.

Chemistry: It's there in particular the roof scene and near to last sex scene I saw it. I like the casual banner between the two. But I was expecting MORE aguments and there was'nt much (in the manga there's SO MUCH aguments). Maybe the tonned down characters made the movie a more realistic.

There's a scene where after Kyouichi and Imagase break up, Imagase comes back to stalk Kyouichi after he gets together with Tamaki. Asking to get back together with him and Kyouichi clearly rejects him saying "I don't need you anymore" BUT THE SCENE RIGHT AFTER when he sends Tamaki home he goes straight to Imagase and they have sex?? and my brain stopped working..

Females: What happened? I think the only important one was Tamaki (she was fine). But for me there was a lot of loopholes. Like Natsuki just left after a point without chasing Kyouichi any further, I don't know if Kyouichi managed to break off with that girl he was just sleeping around with (I think he just stopped seeing her).

Music: Not really there, there's a few tracks here and there but for the most you don't see it.

Rewatching: EVEN THOUGH I was disapointed, This movie got a lot of hidden meanings to it like the gay bar scene. I can't help to go back and watch it to analysis every scene. That's why I am rating that high.

Read More

An unusual BL story with a lot of sexual themes but has a underlying theme of life itself

"Life" and "Sex" these two are the most important themes of this movie.

So far out of all of the Japanese BL movies I have watched this has been the most extreme. I can't describe it but there's a lot of sex/BDSM set in a horror/slasher setting. I honestly thought someone was going to get murdered lol.

But even through there was a lot of sexual content there is still a underlying theme that is about life itself. Japan has a high suicide rate and it's important for this work to address that. To be able to live and love that's the underlying message.

Even though compared to the manga there's big changes in the 2nd half of the movie, it still manages to deliver the message of life to the movie and have some really hot sex scenes to boot!

The actors did an amazing job in their roles. For a 1st time role Watanabe Sho really gives his all in his scenes not only emotionally and physicaly. Kitadai is really good he played the seme role really well and also played his role
emotionally and physicaly well. Together the sexual chemistry they produced was pretty amazing to watch.

I want to praise director Jojyou Hideo as well, the set locations for this movie is great. It was a great idea to have the setting for most of the sexual scenes to be in the basement of a hospital it really added to the horror atomsphere.
The shots are beautiful if the location is in a basement or an graveyard.

I admit this movie is not for everyone, there's pretty much little consent in the sexual scenes (apart from the ending sex scene) and it's not very sexy (again apart from the ending sex scene). Also the BDSM sexual scenes might be too
extreme for general BL fans who want a more gentle sweeter kind of romance. Plus the themes of life, death and suicide is quite heavy and direct for some. But for those who are looking for a different kind of BL story that is dark, sexy and deep this movie might be for you!

Read More

A really fun ride of a movie!

I admit I only really watched this movie because of Narita Ryo, I only need to say that Narita won an award for his performance in this movie is enough for me to say that if you are a fan of Narita Ryo you should watch this movie!

But generally as a movie it's really fun, it's funny, does'nt make a lot of narration sense and the themes of the movie is shallow but it is really immersive in the period the movie is set in.

Story

Narita Ryo is Shuntaro a really talented/gifted movie narrator for slient movies (like the actor Narita Ryo is always is). It's just that the way that he decided to chase that career is not the most legal, he at first is faking as an movie narrator
with the yakuza/crime syndicate which leads him to be chased not only by the police but the yakuza/crime syndicate. He tries to run away and start a new life working under a movie theatre where there he starts anew as a staff member then
the opportunity rises for him to once again be the movie narrator he always wanted to be. Too bad that past he leaves behind catches up to him. The result is maddness and it does'nt turn out well for him.

There's a simple moral to the story it's "Don't run away and own up to the crimes that you have done" if Shuntaro did that sooner then movie would of ended quickly lol but rather about the story it's more about the characters and the time period/lifestyle they lived in back then.

Acting

When I say Narita Ryo is amazing, he's amazing! The other cast members do a great job too but honestly this is a Narita Ryo showcase of acting of what he can do and I only really only remember Narita's performance. Narita when not narrating movies he's the biggest idiot of an character I've ever seen, but he's good natured and I can't bring myself to hate him even though his morals are bad. He overreacts and goes all the way with it. But when Narita is narrating movies he's the brave, over the top narrator like he was born to narrate movies, with his voice dramatically changing to suit the mood of the slient movie he is narrating. His "karolin" is really cute! I love watching Narita play over the top characters. Bonus points for his kansei-ben accent.

Music

Pretty good, suits the time period well. But nothing too memorable. The main theme for this movie is cute and catchy.

Romance?

If the movie is weak at something it's weak of the lack of direction in romance (and overall direction of story). Honestly there's little romance but if they were to have it then please decide to have it. There's meant to be a little romance between Shoutaro and his female childhood friend Umeko but it falls flat because Shuntaro is too dumb. To make things worse the other female Kotoe out of no where kisses Shuntaro and disappears never to be seen again. It the only thing I hated from this movie. I mean if I wanted to see Narita Ryo in a romance drama I'll go watch Cornered Mouse instead (not yet seen but I am sure he will be amazing in it!).

Rewatch Value

I don't really know but it's really fun to watch, I've seen it a few times already.

Overall

If you want to see a movie immerised in it's time period about movie narration and have fun with it then I recommend it. If you want to see Narita Ryo act as heart out then please do! But if you want to see a meaningful movie with romance themes then yeah this movie is'nt it. I really enjoyed watching this movie though!

Read More

It's back with more BL tropes and added heart!

I've been waiting for season 2, ever snice watching the cliffhanger from season 1. Of course with Inukai new recognise status.
Season 2 of Zettai BL I've been waiting for.

Well in the end we got yet another cliffhanger lol if it is'nt broke then don't fix it. Looking forward to season 3! (If we get one)

Acting/casting

Do I need to say anything? Even if Inukai is wearing a wig to play as mob. Mob is still mob. Ok I think mob may of lost a bit of his brain cells because the things mob does here is questionable. Inukai still is an amazing comedy actor, but even in the serious parts he's giving it his all. His monologue really leveled up compared to season 1.

Asahi Ito is the one gets a praise/shoutout from me. Because his Kikuchi was so cute, the kind Kikuchi considerate of mob's feelings. Even when he's being tricked by mob thinking mob has memory loss. Kikuchi still thanks mob for being there to inspire him to study aboard. When he wanted to say to mob that he will always think of him and will always miss him. My heart was swayed (like mob as well lol).

I am disapointed that Izuka Kenta barely got to do anything, but it was nice to see him.

The rest of the cast were great as always

Positives

Like the whole thing, like just the BL world itself I liked watching all the extras being lovely with each other. I really loved the futher development between mob and Kikuchi. Even if it's short, it crams a lot of understanding between the two. It amazing that mob and Kikuchi skipped the whole "being friends" and went straight to liking each other. Fastest couple I've seen forming in a BL drama like ever.

Negatives

Some things are not explained mostly relating to the 4th wall breaking. How can mob hear the monologue of other characters? How did Miyama (the BL mangaka) can manipulate Mob's feelings like that? How can mob see flowers and smell their scent of some of the men? Why does mob imagen his brother make out with his lover?

I need like answers to this stuff.

Overall

If you like the 1st season then you will like more from the second season!

Read More

A sad but unique one of a kind BL drama that is faithful to the source novel to boot

So I am LATE to write my review.

My review will be from a viewpoint of someone who READ the original Japanese novel (in Japanese).

At 1st when this series got announced I was suprised and a bit confused. There's a LOT of Japanese BL novels being released every year and only now they decided to adapt another one to be a drama (after my Beautiful man). I need to thank bookwalker for me being able to buy a e-book copy of the novel. I previously read Egoist (and that novel hit me hard), overall the novel for Eien no kino was ok (but Egoist is a better novel). It was a sad read and more importantly the mofits/themes of the weather described in the novel really impressed me (which I think the drama does'nt take from the novel enough the only flaw I will give the drama).

ANYWAY ON TO THE DRAMA VERSION. Overall solid and a REALLY good adpatation of the novel. I am seriously impressed and envious that Senpai, this can't be love did'nt get this treatment (lol I am still salty about this).

Story: Mitsuru and Koichi are high school students (also dating), the two are enjoying their high school life until one rainy day/ Koichi is hit by a truck. BUT Koichi is somehow alive after the accident, slowly Mitsuru notices odd things about him and concludes that he is a "corpse". Still Koichi can be seen by a few but slowly the memory of Koichi is slowly forgotten. Thus the time that Mitsuru and Koichi have is limited by time..

Casting/acting: You will hear me say a lot that it was good/solid. I've never heard of Komiya Rio and Inoue Sora before this drama but after I am going to notice them more. Inoue Sora nailed that dull, quite and serious tone for Mitsuru and Komiya Rio got down the happy go lucky mood of Koichi (plus showing his toned chest a lot lol). They had good chemistry and acted their characters out really well. Nakamura Yuchi was really good as well when he did that roof scene (he was also in a pop team epic skit acting his heart out lol so respect to him).

Music: The opening song is seriously really good, but overall really ok OST matching the mood of all of the scenes.

Positives: How FAITHFUL the drama is to the novel. When I watched a scene from the drama I would question "Was that in the novel?" and when I went back to the novel it's there word for word. I would say that the drama version helped me like the novel version of the story much better before I watched the drama. If not the drama bought the novel version to life like how would Koichi act like a corpse and the drama showed that to me. It's very well shot and directed.

Negatives: As I said the very few positives I liked from the novel was the strong theme of weather described in some scenes. It stood out a lot to me when the truck scene happened in the snow and the image of the two walking in the snow spending their time together giving a metaphor of their time being like snow beautiful but short. It's lost in the drama version as there's no snow and just rain. I feel that rain is not that impactful compaired to snow. But still a very minor negative.

Overall: A one of a kind sad romance story. Some may find it a bit confusing (like why is Koichi still alive?) and too sad. Look past that and it's a really sad but touching romance story that Japan could of done.

Read More

A short web drama with many twists and turns

I honestly would'nt of known this web drama if Yutaro did'nt mention this drama name when I translating a interview with Yutaro and Inukai for Zettai BL (Where Yutaro and Inukai play siblings). I wanted to see Yutaro and Inukai act as friends.

But after watching all 16 episodes I can't stop thinking about it. I am moved to write a review on it.

Story

I should'nt give too much away about it. But it's about a group of friends, they all decide to follow a twitter account promising one million yen. From there secrets hidden from the group of friends are shown and the plot deepens and takes a turn from there. I'll say that my mouth dropped during the whole wedding scene.

Acting/cast

I admit that the main character Sotaro played by Okada was really flat lol. He sounded like a foreigner to me. His chemistry with the female heroine was fine. But I did'nt pay much attention to him.

The cast I was focusing on was Yutaro and Inukai. Yutaro's character Taiyou I could relate to (a lot) plus his interaction with Inukai was really cute. So when Yutaro's ture character came out I was'nt expecting it. I wish there was more of his character.

Inukai Atsuhiro though. Talk about a character you should keep your eyes on. Shuntaro (Or Shinto?) at 1st is pretty much in the background and you really don't notice him RIGHT UNTIL THE END. It was an amazing performance again from him and I was'nt expecting it from his character at all.

Music: Some tracks stood out but nothing that special

Negatives

The BIG negative is the ending, which is a shame because the rest of the episodes is a rollercoster ride only to be ruined by a bad ending. NOTHING gets relieved or resolved and it really hurts because the rest of the episodes were amazing.

Overall

This drama is really short, it would'nt take that long to binge watch all the episodes. I would recommend to watch just to see all the crazy plot twists and developments. You really are guessing until the very end. It also makes good commentary on social media/ society as a whole. Even though the ending is bad you can think about who was the real culprit.

Also Inukai Atsuhiro fans I would recommend this web series, while his role is supporter like. You get taken back by his character in the end.

Read More