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One Room Angel japanese drama review
Completed
One Room Angel
1 people found this review helpful
by okan
Dec 9, 2023
6 of 6 episodes seen
Completed
Overall 7.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 5.5
This review may contain spoilers

Not a BL, but a remarkable story

I didn't know what to expect from this since it has been marketed as a BL (as far as I can remember) but didn't see that from the trailers. I would consider this more of a bromance with a small crush/budding romance that happened between 2 male classmates but couldn't be fulfilled. Kouki has messed up his life and would rather die than live. He gets stabbed and dies, but somehow turns back to life with an angel waiting in his apartment. The two start to get closer and familiar with each other. At the end of the drama we can really feel that Kouki loves the angel and feels very attached to him, I cannot tell if it is romantic or platonic. Either way, it is love for sure. Kouki is able to enjoy life more and see it through a brighter perspective. The actors did a great job at conveying the characters.

The small side story of the two classmates is confusing. I don't know how realistic it is to bully someone you like because you are jealous or confused with them, but it left a very bad taste in my mouth. This is probably the intention from the director though. The school trip scene is even more confusing and weird. It just felt spastic and icky. I don't know how else to describe it.

I do have other complaints and confusions, slight spoilers ahead.

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My biggest issue with the drama is the ending. It is simply confusing and does not bring closure at all. Kouki did not get closure, and the last part where he looks in the camera and the angel starts talking is even more confusing. Did Kouki see the angel? Did Kouki decide to unalive? I really don't expect a season 2 so this feels even more frustrating. What is also confusing is the message that the film is trying to convey. Is it about making life better? Or about making deep bonds? Kouki picked his life up but his attachment to the angel really hit him.

Overall, while the effort is good and this was a very intriguing drama, I personally don't understand the enjoyment one would get out of this manga or drama. Perhaps it is not quite my cup of tea and I simply prefer less supernatural and obvious romance stories. I don't know who to recommend this to, I can't even explain why someone should see it. If we consider this drama for the first 5 episodes, it is quite strong and leaves a unique impression. With the inclusion of episode 6, it becomes more meaningful but also more murky. If you are interested in the setting, give it a try, but don't expect romance other than the two hugging.
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