I don't think it's about any characters being good or bad, but unfortunate circumstances that can come with living. It's really about trauma. They all have their motives for gaining happiness and most of it depends on what they lost as children so it's a really understandable pain.
I don't even think of Eight as being greedy. It's clear he wanted money to fix his family, not just for selfish careless reasons otherwise he would've been satisfied as a host. Instead he intentionally saved his money.
While looking for content by other people that've watched this, it felt like it might've not been that known during airing? Maybe because it was available on Hulu? I hope it can become a cult classic because it was really well written, not just the characters' morals but the plot itself was a lot of work to keep track of as a scriptwriter. I hope the writer, Yoshihiro Izumi, is acknowledged for this work.
The romance itself is also not typical. While a lot of people might watch for the kisses, just like Eight says, "Without any emotions a kiss becomes a weapon." Yes, technically they can be called kisses, but the lack of feeling in them, how they're used as a tool, turns the kiss into a simple fact of skin on skin. I found it refreshing how falling in love was portrayed without romance.
It really is a unique drama for the characters' ages. Shows this thrilling are usually reserved for older characters and mostly like detective/spy/police type plots? Usually people in this age range would be acting in regular high school or university dramas so I bet it was satisfying for the actors to be able to try something different too.
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And I was laughing my ass off at the whole thing but the most hilarious bits were definitely Suda's homeless man character seriously he gave me the best laughs! Especially when he goes 'that's why you're number 1" lol and when he throws Kento off the bed XD omg in fact every time Kento gets thrown or rolled off the bed made me snort
But honestly the writing is on point, the performances on point, the direction on point. And even though if you're looking for a typical romantic drama happy ending you won't get it here.
This drama at the core is about fighting your demons and how something small can lead to big consequences for someone else and ruin their life. And how actions taken in greed will never have positive outcomes.
The drama deals with someone who was sincere but ends up becoming cruel and cold because a traumatic past can sometimes give you a false sense of security in being alone and not allowing yourself to love.
The story revolves around this person struggling and stumbling and constantly trying to fix things in the past.
Anyway, very good writing, just loved it.
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The cast is great, they make it dark, funny and emotional.
I have seen a lot of dramas, but there aren't a lot I would recommend from the bottom of my heart if you want to watch a great story. This one and Nobunaga Concerto are the ones that I have liked the most, since even when the story is simple, it gets deeper and different from other dramas.
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- Kento's character development. I love how he learns what's more important to him in life! Him and the FL's relationship is adorable.
- Mackenyu being a badass hottie - OML I'm in love with this man please play a villainous role again my ovaries will explode! (sorry).
- The FL is so cute ah. I love how simple she is and how she is just willing to help without wanting anything back.
- The SFL is likable too. Even though she doesn't feel like a strong element sometimes, her role plays well during certain moments, you'll see.
All the other side characters are great too and I felt for them. I also love the hobo guy omg his little parts in the beginning felt a bit annoying like - who are you and why do you know so much? LOL but its explained later and you start to like him more!! I also think the plot was fun, the time travel wasn't that confusing, they did it really well compared to Someday or One Day (which I also recently watched, but that wasn't bad either). It was a dark drama yet also pretty funny and cute at times?? Loved that.
The only thing I would criticize is the way they all try to... attack each other? Randomly outta the blue?? (You'll see what I mean when you watch it lmao). It just felt a bit cringy... nonetheless I enjoyed this crazy drama and the end left me feeling bittersweet but these bittersweet endings are always remembered the most. (WATCH THE SPECIAL EPISODE TO FEEL A BIT BETTER :D)
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interesting plot and great characters
It has been a couple days since I've finished watching the show and I have to say that it was a very interesting plot idea.This was my first jdrama so the style of the drama is very different from what I usually watch.
The acting is overdramatized for comedy purposes which was a bit weird to watch but overall I really enjoyed the plot of the drama and every character shined in certain scenes.
At the end of the drama there is no one who you hate. Even the villain had reasons for what he did. It almost seems like the hero of the show is indeed the villain at the end. The main character's redemption arc was satisfying to watch. I also liked how everything tied back to their history and somehow everything had meaning. I particularly loved the ending scene and I feel like everyone's acting in that scene was incredible.
Ost was also very fitting.
______________________________FOR THOSE WHO WATCHED THE SHOW ALREADY______________________________________
a small spoiler so please don't read the rest if you don't want to be spoiled.
The last scene where Saiko hugs Takauji after what he did to her truly shows that she has no hate for him in her heart and she understands his frustration. The fact that he became that kind of person is lowkey because of her changing his life without him even realizing. The tears in Takauji's eyes show that he didn't intend to do what he did. It almost seemed like for all the time travelling and messing with fate that Otaro did, Takauji was punished instead. Was it really justified for him to go through all that when all he did was throw a toy at the engine because he was mad when he was ten years old? The conversation he had with Hotei really made me sad. Otaro desperately trying to go back in time with Saiko shows how much he has changed. All he cared for in the past was himself and making money for his own happiness. But at the end he says "Saiko this is not the happiness you deserve" and it shows that he is willing to redo everything just so that he can save her and give her happiness. And that he doesn't care about the 10 billion yen anymore.
Also what happened with Kazuma?? he just kinda disappeared at the end? Mikoto did absolutely nothing ngl. Suda's character was definitely quite interesting. It felt like he was representing the viewers in a way because we and him knew everything that was going on.
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This review may contain spoilers
Oh goodness, where do I start?My first impression was that this drama was that this was the edgy type where the protagonist was so correct and everyone would be wrong and that kind of edgy drama type if you know what I mean. It took me a while to choose to watch this drama because of the title. A Kiss That Kills?? I mean, that's so corny and so cringey. It just might be some kind of love story that the protag's a player and there's some kind of person who will turn him around. Yeah that happened eventually in the plot but oh boiiii going to that part of the story was one heck of a joyride.
I enjoyed it the most when episode two came where Otaro ran after Saiko when he spotted her. The comedy here was really timed perfectly. Sure, it had a mood of seriousness and mystery in the storytelling, but the comedy made it better in many many ways. That part of the story made me go on with the drama. Well, wouldn't it be tiring to watch serious and mystery in the plot simultaneously? Thus, the comedy here made it seem like it was something you never thought you needed.
I rated 6/10 on the story, but hopefully, there was a rating for the direction of the drama, too. The story was simple, not much complex. It's just a greedy guy wanting to get all he wanted through a person he eventually fell in love with and also eventually healing in the process. The healing was kinda cool, too. I liked it a lot. However!!! One must notice that the direction of the drama is very commendable. Camera angles were unconventional and refreshing for me. The side pans while having a zoomed in face created so much excitement in the story. The direction was indeed a factor for me to like this series. I didn't even notice myself critiquing the scenes before and even predicting the scenes after because I enjoyed every present image while watching. Well, except the obvious things like how both the protagonists were connected to each other.
Next up is the cast. I like the cast very much. I think the actors did a very good job on their characters - most especially the very famous Yamazaki Kento. He did so well as Otaro. I like how jumpy he is when he's surprised or scared. It feels so real. It was the first time seeing Kadowaki Mugi, though. I'm impressed on how she acted as a socially awkward girl. It was so convincing. She's very good! To add, Mackenyu as Takauji was so annoying and that was the indicator of him doing a good job. Araki Yuko as Mikoto, too, was annoying; she was the typical heroine in an inheritance drama where she's so distressed about her own dramas in life. I got stressed with her, too. Well, finally, in the ending we get to see her taking over the company (FINALLY, GIRLIE) and not depending on a husband or whoever society dictates her to have just to lead the family company. Goodness. Cast is perfect. I couldn't ask for anyone better.
Music! Imma make this short: Perfect. Excellent. Soundtrack really got me going excited all throughout. Ending song was so cool. It actually was the one that drew me in to watch the drama. Suda's voice is surprisingly soothing. He's such a monster in his works, don't you think? A monster in a good way because he's got this energy you'd never even think of coming from. Anyway, the opening song, too, was a good one. That's like the one in Liar Game, if I'm not mistaken. It sounds the same, but not quite. Anyway, the OST in this drama will be forever iconic and is imprinted in my brain. Props to the composers! Very good.
Lastly, rewatch value is 6 because I got tired looking at Otaro struggling to get something that was very temporary in life which was money. However, I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND this series to anyone out there. Just ignore the kiss scenes. You'll get over it. In fact, you can just criticize how bad they look while kissing. There'll be a ton of kissing scenes; well, it's what the title suggests, too.
Overall, an 10. Very good. I love it. I would like to share it to anyone who wants to get rid of a drama slump or anyone who are so morally right and whatever. Lol. This drama will get them going in their moral dilemmas. I would like to go on about morality here, but this is where I end.
I will surely miss this drama and its characters. This will be forever imprinted in my heart.
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JUST GO FOR IT-IT WONT DISSPOINT U-Best fast paced time travel drama i have ever seen
Y u must watch it?1)Unconventional badass ML character and for his fabulous acting.
2)Humor-i laughed out loud in many places
3)Interesting twists and turns on each episodes
4)Fast paced time travel drama-No confusion in understanding the concept.
5)I enjoyed it. I hope u will enjoy it too.
Kudos to the whole team(Not only main leads .everyone acted well).Particularly writers did their job well.
Need to mention about Main leads acting .
Yamazaki Kento-What a excellent actor he is!!!Whole dramas focus was only on his character .but wowww.He did a fabulous job!Not sure How boldly he accepted and acted in this character ?! Its one of the badass/selfish/ruthless negative hero character i have ever seen.
I havnt liked FL wen i first saw her on screen. But that was my very wrong judgement. She aced that weirdly cute character so well in screen.
I will suggest to watch it till the 2nd episode patiently to understand the story first, I am sure u wont stop until the last episode.
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... Because gender doesn't matter, let's kiss!
+ Positives
- Negatives
= Summary
~ Recommend to
+++++ POSITIVES +++++
+ The plot was very original and very good. While watching it I couldn't really find anything wrong with their logic
+ The characters were very interesting. I loved how some of them had a similar past but choose different futures for themselves. While some got desperate and walked down the bitter road, some chose to work harder. The writers did a great job highlighting the importance of knowing that you always have a choice and life is what you make of it.
+ Every single character had a character development. Whether it was for the better or for the worse.
+ The producers did a great job mixing different atmospheres together. While this drama discusses very important matters, they managed to also include some excitement, romance and comedy. There wasn't a boring moment
+ Apart from the plot being original, the stories progression was very original as well. As a viewer I thought I could predict how the drama was going to unravel but I was proven wrong so many times. The experience was truly refreshing.
+ The actors did a great job. I didn't feel bothered by anyone on screen.
+ The writers didn't exclude any possibilities. Instead of having the female lead just stand in fear and scream, she actually tried her best in dangerous situations. Kisses were also not only carried out between men and women but also between women and women and men with men (when needed....it happened once ^^ )
----- NEGATIVES -----
- The editing could use some more work. Sometimes the clips felt random and kind of ruined the mood. This, however, isn't something I think will bother the average viewer. If you're in some sort of film production major then maybe...
- The music was sometimes cut off very abruptly which is never a very good thing. Some song selections were not that fitting to the scene either but this didn't happen that often.
- There are only 10 episodes but I felt like I went on a life adventure. A lot of things will happen in each episode which means you will not have a boring moment. This also means that there will be plot holes here and there and the story will feel kind of out of focus sometimes.
===== SUMMARY =====
This is a drama with a very original plot which unravels in a very original way. Although time traveling is a difficult theme to pull off without causing plot holes, I think the writers did a good job in avoiding such things while building a good environment for the concept. The characters were interesting and deep and I love how the viewer gets to see them grow throughout the drama. The show really highlights what a great impact, the choices you make, have on your own life and how you always have the power to change your future. With all the mystery, comedy, romance and crime, you wont have a chance to get bored and will probably binge the shizz out of this drama.
~~~~~ RECOMMEND TO ~~~~~
I recommend this to people......
....I can't put this in a special category. I recommend this to everyone. It has crime, mystery, comedy, just the right amount of romance, suspense, a good plot and nice characters. You really can't ask for more. The kisses had chemistry, they were not afraid to show bed scenes, there was some stabbing here and there.... I don't know why you shouldn't watch this so go watch it now...
ENJOY!!!
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This review may contain spoilers
Well, I really wanted to say this about this drama. You have to watch it! Why? Well, because the story will drive you crazy when he returns in time over and over again and you will actualy get to tell the characters what they should do.
I really liked it until episode 9 inclusive, but the final episode it shouldn't have existed or maybe just the first minutes of it and an explanation about what happened with the other characters.
And now something about the characters:
Harumi was such a great character because he seemed to have anticipated the future.
Dojima Otaro (Eight) is a character which evolves throughout the story, but I really did not like how he returned in time in the last episode and for the last time because it was unfair for Saiko, the present one.
Saiko seemed to me a little bit naive, but she helped Eight to evolve and she give him a new perspective about his life.
Takauji Namiki was interesting and, I think, the creators should have given him some extra moments with Saiko.
What I did not like:
- the final episode (because Saiko did what she did with a purpose and I really liked that present, not another one)
- I think that Shison Jun (the actor who played Osanai Kazuma) did not illustrated his character as it should have been.
Overall, it was an addicting drama and I will surely rewatch it.
Oh, and Sayonara Elegy (the melody from this show) is really a melody which helps shape the story.
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Incredibly good
This drama has anamazing plotline and amazing
characters with a great lesson and with
the best cast possible.
I mean kento, mackenyu and suda in
one drama? Are you kidding me? This is
like a blessing to our eyes! Lol but really
the cast is well chosen but thing I like
about this drama is that many other
dramas focuses on plot and forget
about characters and some dramas give
their main focuses to characters
instead of dramas but in this one they
balanced plot and characters incredibly.
The main theme of the drama was a
cliché and yet creative too. I mean we
have seen time travel in so many forms
but I have to say that the way of time
travel this drama has shown is without
a doubt creative. The characters in the
drama are as well written as the plot.
Every character is different from other
and has some flaws and good things
about them too. They all were very
realistic. I really liked the character
Takauji, the way he was written was
interestingly incredible. He was a villain
and yet a lot of people sympathized
and fell for him too.
Maybe because mackenyu is so
handsome but the way takauji’s
character was written was something I
really liked. I also liked how every
character was important in the series.
If a character did not got enough justice
or spotlight in the main series they gave
it in the todome no parallel one. Every
little thing was important in this drama.
I loved kento in this role the most after
him role as kakeru in orange. Kento
always plays a high school student and
I really got bored of that but when I saw
him in this role I really loved him cuz he
was finally not a student! Lol I mean
seriously I am tired of seeing him
uniform like when will he grow up? Lol
Now let’s come to my sweetie, suda
masaki. Although his role in this drama
was short but he was my favourite
character in the whole show! He was a
scene stealer! Now unpopular opinion
but I love suda masaki more than I love
kento yamazaki. #sorrynotsorry.
Overall the plot is really good, if you are
a fan of time travel things then you
need to watch this one but if you are not
a fan of time travel and likes mystery
plus romance then this one will still be
your time. this one is not psychological
and that is why I would love if you guys
watch cuz here the kisses are not at all
awkward but they are DEADLY awesome!
( pun intended lol) it has a few plot
twists too! Also the ending is so
satisfying and I really liked it.
So watch it! If all the above reason are
not making you watch this one then
watch it for kento, mackenyu or suda!
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This review may contain spoilers
Maximal Escapism With Lethiferous Kisses -- Much Enjoyment! Not like the other J-Dramas!
My Bias Towards This Drama -I maybe looking at this J-drama with rose-colored glasses, because it's been a while since I watched this drama and at the time I watched it the drama had heavily appealed to my psychographic.
1. My psychographic heavily favors black comedies, supernatural (otherworldly whatnot), and the fact that the protagonist isn't some sort of boring paragon like some sort of Mary Sue or Gary Stu.
2. I love Yamazaki Kento in almost anything he's in -- he's Cary Grant good in my book.
3. The other cast members were good enough to have me wanting to search up what they were in too.
My Desire To Show People Some Show "This Show" that I Love -
I have trouble proselytizing this drama because when I advertise this drama to my brother (for example) saying it's a show where the male lead is sent back 7 days via death whenever the female lead kisses him. It causes the "oh that's wacky concept -- maybe later" reaction.
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