First Impression of Episode 1

So, here we go! I ended up writing a long text because there was so much to say about the adaptation and the manga, so this review will be a bit lengthy.

The story primarily focuses on Mishima, a student at a rural school who is bullied by his classmates due to the perception of his homosexuality. Mishima secretly puts on his mother’s lipstick sometimes, and he has long realized that he is gay.

The directors likely chose to adapt this manga because it addresses LGBTQ+ issues in an honest and sensitive manner, promoting visibility and understanding of queer experiences. The story portrays the painful reality many LGBTQ+ youths face in school, showing how homophobia can manifest in social environments.

It’s important to note: don’t expect Kirino and Mishima to form a couple. This is a queer story of self-discovery, where Mishima navigates his emotions and identity in an unaccepting environment.

I read in an interview that Sono Shunta mentioned the filming took place in an abandoned school deep in the mountains with no electricity. The crew had few options for eating out, so they ate at the school, as seen in videos on the drama's page. Despite the challenging story, there was a great atmosphere among the actors and the crew.

The cinematography is simply stunning. The lighting and the way scenes are composed create a melancholic atmosphere that perfectly matches Mishima's emotions. The colors remind me of the Japanese dramas I watched in my childhood. The direction balances tense moments with subtler ones, allowing the actors to express themselves intensely.

Mishima's mother is amazing; I liked her both in the manga and the show, and I believe everyone will adore this character.

There were two moments of harassment that left me feeling disgusted: first, with his teacher, whose looks made me uncomfortable. The second was with the men who thought Mishima was a girl and started making insinuations.

The performances are incredible! The entire cast managed to convey emotion in their acting. I particularly highlight Alan; when I learned he would play a predatory teacher, I felt nervous, but he is doing a great job. Remember, they are just actors and do not deserve hate. Some of them have acted in other BLs, like Sono Shunta, Abe Alan, and Kaji Masaki!

In summary, it was a great first episode. Although it's hard to watch, it exceeded all my expectations. For now, I give it a 9.5, and my opinion may change as the episodes progress.

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