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Zenra Meshi japanese drama review
Completed
Zenra Meshi
1 people found this review helpful
by IncorrigibleMe
Jul 16, 2023
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed
Overall 8.0
Story 7.5
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 7.5
Rewatch Value 7.5

A Bittersweet Culinary Journey

Initially skeptical due to mixed reviews and ratings, I approached this series with caution, only to find it to be a decent watch. This Japanese BL series tells a simple love story that unfolds at a leisurely pace, with a rush of events in the final episode to bring closure. It's the kind of series you can binge-watch on a lazy weekend.

The story revolves around Ichijo Sota, whose unique destressing mechanism involves eating naked. After the passing of his grandmother, he visits her home in a small town and discovers her book filled with recipes from around the world. To honor her memory, Ichijo decides to follow each recipe, leading him to a vegetable and fruit store run by Miki Mahiro. As they bond over the kitchen table while preparing food, Ichijo starts questioning his feelings towards Mahiro.

Food takes center stage in this series, acting as a catalyst for building relationships. Each dish serves as a metaphor, pushing the narrative forward. As Ichijo and Mahiro spend weekends cooking together, their bond grows stronger. While Mahiro is clear about his feelings for Ichijo, Ichijo grapples with his own emotions. His indecisiveness causes pain and misunderstandings, leaving viewers longing for open communication between the characters. What could have been a delightful romantic comedy turns into melodrama, with hopes that Ichijo will shed his inhibitions, much like his clothes, and confess his true feelings to Mahiro.

Yutaro and Kondo Shori deliver decent performances considering the limitations of the script. While lacking in romantic chemistry, their scenes together possess a sweetness that resonates. The supporting characters primarily serve to create misunderstandings between the two leads, whether it's Ichijo's coworker or the store's previous owner. Unfortunately, these characters remain underdeveloped, despite the occasional flashbacks providing glimpses into Mahiro and Ichijo's school life.

In conclusion, this series offers a familiar experience without any groundbreaking elements. It's not a series to be dismissed entirely, but don't set your expectations too high. If you're a food enthusiast, give it a try as it will appeal to your culinary sensibilities. Otherwise, save it for when you're in the mood for something light and straightforward.
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