Underrated Masterpiece
I first watched this series few years ago and it was also my first Japanese BL drama. It was and still is one of my favorite BL series and I keep thinking about it to this day.The series is beautiful in a many different ways, it's story, visuals, soundtrack and chemistry. Even the filming set is beautiful. The actors did really great job with bringing the characters into life. The story can be seen as simple love story but it also has a pretty deep and touching aspect.
I think everyone should watch it!
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Certainly better than I expected
This is a work that escapes the expected. Unlike many other programs I criticize, I had no specific expectations. I wanted the couple to have chemistry and the story to be minimally thought-provoking, obviously I also expected some sex scenes - taking into account the name. Here's my surprise when I get that and more.My biggest fear was the kind of "sexual sample" I would have, since many Japanese works in various forms portray sex in a rather crude and expository way, a little too grotesque or with unnecessary things, like: "What kind of human being makes that noise when he has sex?". However, I honestly thought that there was a lack of sex scenes between the main couple - since with other characters we have some even a little more experienced. That was a bit comical for me.
POSITIVE POINTS of this work are:
The light and at the same time sexy way that the interaction of the two is built, the whole part where the two get to know each other little by little thanks to the accident and the teacher's frame - which was a very good idea, by the way - during the writing of their books, or better rewrites hahaha. I could feel a very comical, sexy and engaging setting and script. All that at the same time! The fact that they gradually show that the teacher is emotionally unstable, but at the same time not making it clear what happened to him is also intriguing. Since I was in doubt about what he was really feeling and if what he showed was true, like: "Is this really what he thinks? Was it all a lie, a delusion?" Well, he calls himself a great liar and so he went all the way.... Even among his various truths, he managed to bring a bittersweet taste about his lies and the relationship he forced with Kuzumi.
This feeling is a mixture of sensations, I felt the same as I was when I was younger. When I discovered some perverse things that I didn't know if I could discover hahaha.
NEGATIVE POINTS are:
Basically a controversy. Many love, others hate the ending. I stick with the second argument, but I think hate is too strong a word. I can say - as I saw someone else comment - that I was a bit disappointed. Not only because it leaves an agonizing aftertaste of wanting more, but also because I felt the characters deserved more. I thought it was a heartbreaking ending. However, we can justify this "tragic end".
The two needed to build themselves. One had to form his own life, finish his studies and find himself outside the dependence that was created and the other needed to find himself within himself to return to writing the works he loves so much. I believe that staying together at that moment they would not be able to make it work.
Writing this review I discovered that there are continuations and short hahaha. So I have a lot to watch yet about this universe. I hope not to be disappointed anymore. For now I leave the review of the series of 6 episodes, dated 2018.
If you liked this review, I invite you to read my other reviews here. I always update my account, every time I watch something new. You can help me by liking and following me here on MyDramaList.
I thank you for reading this far <3
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Excellent But Didn't Make My Heart Sing...
An artful BL with beautifully composed shots. Everything about this series was strong. The performances were excellent (the best acting that I've seen from a BL series by far though the actors are much older & probably more experienced). The writing was organic. The characterization were poignant. The chemistry was arousing. The story was singular and different from traditional BL stories. Though I find this series (my first Japanese BL) to be excellent all around, I wouldn't say that this is one of my favourite BL series just because it didn't make my heart sing unlike other BL series like SOTUS, 2gether or Addicted.Was this review helpful to you?
Creatively done
This is my first Japanese BL series I watched. I like the simplicity of the storyline. I think they could have done a little better in providing a background for the main character at the start to provide an idea of how he behaves. You have to wait til towards the end of the episode to have a clear idea of the lead character’s behavior. As a viewer, my curiosity is what kept me watching. I’m glad that they continued the story. It is nicely done and there’s a segment where it’ll get your heart pumping.Was this review helpful to you?
The series was quite interesting since the very beginning, the meeting of both of characters that quite cliche made me wonder how would the series goes.
Honestly, it’s hard to hold your boner when you’re watching this typical genre, even though there weren’t many scenes that showed sensuality but still the way how He described about anything made my mind went out.
I thought I’m gonna watch the sequel. hm
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A BAG OF MIXED NUTS WITH A WEIRD AFTERTASTE
THE MUSIC WAS IMMACULATE, SO FITTING AND SO GOOD I ACTUALLY HAD TO SHAZAM IT.The acting was SAUR GOOD I loved the main characters and even the support ones could shine at times, definitely this mini-series' highlight for me.
The plot was definitely unique, but it had some plotholes that could take you out of the story if you thought too much about them.
But what really put my rating down was some scenes...I just felt uncomfortable and it really took me out of it, and left a sour taste afterwards...Take those scenes out and is an easy 9/10.
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a real thought-provoking show
This is definitely one of the best Japanese BLs I've ever seen. The acting was top tier, the story was excellent, it was psychological and a really fun and engaging watch.Writing: I thought this show was wonderfully written. The dialogue made sense yet didn't reveal too much about what the characters were thinking or feeling. The writers made it the watchers' job to analyze what the characters said and did and interpret that into what they were feeling, instead of just saying it outright or showing it in obvious ways. I found this to be really really engaging, and paired with the fantastic chemistry between the actors, it was a very satisfying watch. However, if you are expecting a romance, that is not what you are going to get from this show. It's a show about manipulation, loneliness, and obsession. The relationship depicted in this show is by no means healthy at all, but it was shown in a more objective way. There was no trying to justify what the characters did and give them a "redemption arc", it was as if we were following real people who are going through character development not through "getting better", but through us, the watchers, learning more about them and their motivations and inner feelings. So in all, it does feel as if the characters go through significant changes and development (which they do), but it isn't in a way that feels like "the right thing to do" to make a satisfying ending. Honestly, the only thing I didn't like about the plot was the ending. I thought it was too happy for this story! I don't think I have ever complained about a happy ending in my whole life, but it felt like the whole plot was leading to a different ending than what we actually got. I really wasn't expecting them to stay in touch. I feel like a better ending would be how the last episode went with them making up and him coming 6 times, then they never speak again. I think this relationship would be better as a memory for both of them - the story felt very suspended from reality, that I think it should have stayed in that dream-like disconnect in their memories. But hey, there's a reason that I don't write the scripts for these shows.
Acting: the chemistry was outstanding. The sex scenes were all fantastic (honestly I was expecting more sex from a show called "The Pornographer", however, there is still PLENTY of sex.) All of the characters played their roles absolutely flawlessly. Surprisingly, the side character, Kido, was fantastic! First of all, he was absolutely hot as fuck walking in there with his deep voice and dark eyes, but second of all, I was completely immersed in the story when he was acting. There wasn't a single scene that he didn't do perfectly. Our main couple was also fantastic. I was completely immersed for the entire show. Really, the only part that I found distraction was just the inner monologue coming from Kuzumi because I thought his voice sounded weird and dramatic, but that's pretty typical for Japanese shows. The acting wasn't over the top, and Takezai Terunosuke especially played his part perfectly. I just kept thinking to myself, wow this dynamic between the older guy and the younger guy is just played perfectly. This is honestly how (in my limited experience) age gaps work in real life. When Kijima would laugh at Kuzumi's naivety, when Kuzumi would offer to do something like making the coffee and Kijima would allow him without the "oh no!! I got it!! don't bother!!!" - back and forth that usually happens in real life when doing a favor, etc etc etc, this all felt very real and perfectly executed. I also thought that Kuzumi had the exact right amount of shyness. It wasn't so overly shy where you get annoyed, but he wasn't so open that it was boring.
Music: I actually noticed the music in this show, and I thought it was all very fitting and sounded good. It wasn't over or underused.
Rewatch value: I would actually rewatch this (I really don't rewatch shows), but this one is short enough and deep enough where a second watch would add even more meaning to the story, catching details I might have missed in the first watch.
random note - this show almost felt like reading a book in a way. I can't describe why or how it just does. I'm assuming that whatever they did to make it feel book-like was on purpose, because it's about writing books.
If you are looking for an actual book recommendation that is weirdly very very similar in vibe to this show, read "A Single Man" by Christopher Isherwood. I read that book like more than a year ago and it kept reminding me of random details about that story that I hadn't thought about probably since I put the book down right after I finished reading. The vibe is honestly spot on. It looks like there is a movie based off this book as well (called "A Single Man", it even has good reviews), but I haven't watched it, so can't say if the vibe matches or not.
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I love Kuzumi !
I love Kuzumi !He is cute, earnest, and in my opinion, has a more genuine expression (?)
It's funny how he is 'highly imaginative ><
I would love it better if they give a bit more continuation into the story .. I feel like I have not been given a 'proper closure' with the ending ..
It feels like 6 episodes are too short ><
Compared to its prequel, I would say that the impact of the feels isn't as tough as the prequel ..
But I love this story line !
PS: I just knew that it is a sequel of Mood Indigo when i start watching it ! What a luck !
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That said, THIS was a pleasent surprise. I did watch this before reading the manga but after watching its sequel (which i liked even better - story- and acting- wise).
The sensei's actor is amazing to watch as he struggles between apparent arrogance, playing with the assistants feelings and trying not to show his real emotions. (Not an english speaker - sorry lame explaination). All the while not being awkward when acting in close proximity or touching each other.
I feel like because i did watch the sequel (that is actually a prequel) before, i had a better understanding how and why sensei came to bw how he is in Pornographer and his scenes with his editor are all the more bittersweet for it.
They skipped the somewhat tacky sex scenes in this - thankfully - so watch it not for the yaoi but for the storyline!
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I would give this a ten, but I felt it was a bit rushed and underdeveloped. I felt that 6 hour long episodes would have been better, there could have been more to this story. Anyway, it still has a high rewatch value for me.
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A series that pretends to be very deep but isn't.
It was very promising at the beginning. You like the student immediately. sweet, harmonious, cute, he reacts exactly like a real person, everything is good. I can't say the same for the author. I didn't like his acting, something annoying kept bothering me from the back of my mind and I still tried to like him, or at least understand him. Then, did our student suddenly fall in love? What happened, why did it happen? Is it just because he writes +18 articles, hey, when writing, especially when writing what you are told without thinking, you have to focus at least 50% on writing (grammar, etc.). I eagerly waited for that love to be woven into the loops. it was a disappointment for me.The author failed to depict the character effectively. What I mean is, even if a character is grumpy, annoying, or even foolish, if portrayed well, you can grow to love them. It's like loving an irritating sibling, it somehow happens.
At the end of the day, the score given on the site is really deserved.
I don't want to talk about it too much. I will forget it soon.
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The given title however does suggest that there are some sexual content and scenes that some people might not be comfortable with, but none, I would venture are gratuitous or unnecessary to the story.
The story is simple in that a university student literally bumps into an erotic novelist and breaks his arm. As he can't afford the medical expenses associated with the accident he caused, he offers to help the novelist write his stories over the 2 months that his arm is in plaster. The story told over the remaining 2 and a half hours and 5 episodes is just a telling of how their relationship blossoms and how the somewhat naive student has a sexual awakening driven by the content of the novels he's helping to write. The ending is somewhat underwhelming but not unexpected or unsurprising. It just kind of ends which is ok because there isn't much to resolve.
The actors play their roles well with those of the main characters being able to exhibit all the behaviours and emotions probably relevant to a young, naive, eager to please student and a slightly jaded, isolated but experienced middle-aged novelist who appear to come together out of necessity rather than desire.
The music was probably exactly as it should be; in that it just seemed to blend into the narrative. I must admit that some chinese dramas habitually repeat their incidental music and/or play it too loudly so that you can't actually hear the dialogue. This wasn't the case here and moreover, when there were scenes pertaining to music, I liked the use of jazz and the analogue medium of records to demonstrate the differences between the main characters - both in an age and expectation sense.
I would re-watch this in a heartbeat and the length of this drama lends itself to doing so. I would question whether you actually need to re-watch it though as there's not much to miss or understand with either the story or the characters' motivations so watching it once is probably enough... But it's definitely good enough and short enough to warrant revisiting it once in a while.
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