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This review may contain spoilers
Adrift Characters Find Determination In Unusual Somber Yet Hopeful Tale
Cinematography 7, Lighting 9. GENERAL SPOILERS ALLUDED TO below.
I started out hating Ritsu, as Nishini does, and normally I'd have a hard time forgiving that kind of character if they made those choices as an adult, but he's a stupid, young 20 year old. I have seen people in real life change their priorities by their 30s, especially when fueled by regrets. With the 10 years that have passed since they've seen each other and the looming end of the world in 7 days, the story manages to make Ritsu's imperfect-redemption possible. It's not a fairytale, and Ritsu's character does NOT get a knight-in-shining-armor make-over. And I think that makes the story more real and compelling.
The extenuating circumstances (the end of the world) acts like a pressure cooker; puting force behind Ritsu's contrition and speeding up Nishini's absolution. Each episode smartly reveals to Nishini and the audience a little more of who the present Ritsu is, how his past impacted him, and how he's being more thoughtful (it's subtle, but it’s there). He's still a flawed person, but Nishini's shifting attitude towards him is, at the very least, understandable. I was with Nishini all the way and able to feel happy and satisfied for the solace they find in each other as some of their wounds are soothed.
The series does a good job overall balancing some really heavy topics with hope (in various forms but can't explain without giving too much away!). Trigger warnings for suicidal ideation and attempts (with a pill, non-graphic). Plus some existential ruminations, as one might expect with the end of the world in sight. Even though the ending is positive and life-affirming, it would have been too hard-hitting for me to get through if I had watched it while in a severely depressed state myself.
Seto Toshiki completely redeemed himself from his simplistic acting in Senpai, This Can't Be Love. He portrayed a wonderful range of nuanced emotions in face, voice, and body in this series. Nakata Keisuki was a good match with him. He's a little more subdued but it works for his character and he and Seto have good chemistry together. The other actors were great in their roles too, there were no weak links.
The intimate scenes, of which there are a few, are definitely NC-17. They are more rough than artistic, and the actors seem pretty comfortable with each other so their interactions are believable.
I SO appreciate the line "...it feels so good." Finally, a 'bottom' character who expresses that it's pleasurable (and pain free)! As it can be, if properly prepared! It aggravates me how many BLs treat "being the bottom" like it's humiliating, painful, or a chore.
The time the characters are at a cabin was my least favorite part of the series. Not a huge deal, but the plot felt more contrived during this part, some character decisions didn't quite make sense, and the pacing felt slower.
The music was beautiful, sentimental, somber, and hopeful. It blended with scenes well and enhanced emotions. I will listen to this soundtrack as background music.
I love asianblreviews very thoughtful, insightful, and well-worded review of this series. I recommend reading that too. Full review here: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2023/03/21/bokura-no-micro-na-shuumatsu-review-bl/
SPOILER ON THE ENDING:
I loved how they shot this and at what point they decided to stop filming. It's meaningful to have Nishini and Ritsu facing a new dawn together. Symbolic of the new and hopeful path of their relationship, as well as their individual selves that have done some healing and been reforged; ready to face life again individually as well as together.
I started out hating Ritsu, as Nishini does, and normally I'd have a hard time forgiving that kind of character if they made those choices as an adult, but he's a stupid, young 20 year old. I have seen people in real life change their priorities by their 30s, especially when fueled by regrets. With the 10 years that have passed since they've seen each other and the looming end of the world in 7 days, the story manages to make Ritsu's imperfect-redemption possible. It's not a fairytale, and Ritsu's character does NOT get a knight-in-shining-armor make-over. And I think that makes the story more real and compelling.
The extenuating circumstances (the end of the world) acts like a pressure cooker; puting force behind Ritsu's contrition and speeding up Nishini's absolution. Each episode smartly reveals to Nishini and the audience a little more of who the present Ritsu is, how his past impacted him, and how he's being more thoughtful (it's subtle, but it’s there). He's still a flawed person, but Nishini's shifting attitude towards him is, at the very least, understandable. I was with Nishini all the way and able to feel happy and satisfied for the solace they find in each other as some of their wounds are soothed.
The series does a good job overall balancing some really heavy topics with hope (in various forms but can't explain without giving too much away!). Trigger warnings for suicidal ideation and attempts (with a pill, non-graphic). Plus some existential ruminations, as one might expect with the end of the world in sight. Even though the ending is positive and life-affirming, it would have been too hard-hitting for me to get through if I had watched it while in a severely depressed state myself.
Seto Toshiki completely redeemed himself from his simplistic acting in Senpai, This Can't Be Love. He portrayed a wonderful range of nuanced emotions in face, voice, and body in this series. Nakata Keisuki was a good match with him. He's a little more subdued but it works for his character and he and Seto have good chemistry together. The other actors were great in their roles too, there were no weak links.
The intimate scenes, of which there are a few, are definitely NC-17. They are more rough than artistic, and the actors seem pretty comfortable with each other so their interactions are believable.
I SO appreciate the line "...it feels so good." Finally, a 'bottom' character who expresses that it's pleasurable (and pain free)! As it can be, if properly prepared! It aggravates me how many BLs treat "being the bottom" like it's humiliating, painful, or a chore.
The time the characters are at a cabin was my least favorite part of the series. Not a huge deal, but the plot felt more contrived during this part, some character decisions didn't quite make sense, and the pacing felt slower.
The music was beautiful, sentimental, somber, and hopeful. It blended with scenes well and enhanced emotions. I will listen to this soundtrack as background music.
I love asianblreviews very thoughtful, insightful, and well-worded review of this series. I recommend reading that too. Full review here: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2023/03/21/bokura-no-micro-na-shuumatsu-review-bl/
SPOILER ON THE ENDING:
I loved how they shot this and at what point they decided to stop filming. It's meaningful to have Nishini and Ritsu facing a new dawn together. Symbolic of the new and hopeful path of their relationship, as well as their individual selves that have done some healing and been reforged; ready to face life again individually as well as together.
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