Must Watch Breath of Fresh Air!
Long review ahead! You have been warned.TLDR: Cherry Magic is a must-watch BL that emphasizes the importance of communication while avoiding harmful BL stereotypes. Kurosawa respects Adachi immensely, which leads to the avoidance of some pretty toxic tropes commonly found in BLs. Adachi slowly falls for Kurosawa through his kind actions instead of through physical advances made. If you want a wholesome romance driven by respect featuring an adorable protagonist and an even more adorable love interest, Cherry Magic is for you!
– SYNOPSIS –
It's hard to come by a show that is original, cute, and moving. Despite its long and rather strange title, Cherry Magic has it all. The show follows anxious and work-oriented Adashi Kiyoshi, who has never had an interest for – or more specifically, confidence for – romance and has remained a virgin his entire life. On the morning of his 30th birthday, however, he finds he is granted the ability to read the minds of whoever he touches. And thus, through these powers, he discovers that the perfect, office prince Kurosawa Yuichi has an intense and fluffy crush on him.
- CHARACTERS -
Adachi is a lovable protagonist who I couldn't help but fall in love with myself. He is constantly losing his mind over what he hears in other people's heads, especially Kurosawa's. Adachi is kind, considerate, and genuine beyond belief, doing everything in his power to make life easier for others. He is a nervous wreck without tapping into the annoying, can't-help-himself whiney stereotype of a protagonist. His development throughout the show is fluid, genuine, and heartwarming. His character arc shows the importance of loving oneself as well as loving those around you fully and wholeheartedly in order to lead a more fulfilling life.
There are many love interests in similar situations as Kurosawa, where they already have feelings for the protagonist before the show began. Kurosawa, however, is unique. I was nervous at first whenever Adachi came into contact with Kurosawa, as I expected coarse and sex-driven thoughts to overpower the show. This could not be further from the truth. Kurosawa is immensely respectful of Adachi's boundaries and shows time and time again just how much he cares for him. His thoughts are filled with nothing but the fluffiest, giddiest and heartwarming feelings for Adachi. There were countless moments in the show where I expected the typical borderline dubcon "stolen kiss" scene when Adachi was asleep, but Kurosawa impressed me time and time again through his care for Adachi. The thought to do anything without Adachi's consent never crosses his mind, and not once did he do anything without Adachi explicitly and enthusiastically agreeing to it. He always has Adachi's well-being at the forefront of his mind when making decisions and advancements in their relationship. I don't think I can fully put across how much I adore Kurosawa, and how great the juxtaposition between his prince-like exterior and his giddy interior is. Genuinely, I believe he is my favorite love interest out of any BL I've seen.
Both actors are both incredibly talented and deserve a lot of love for this production, especially since I've seen the other works that Adachi's actor, Akaso Eiji, took a part in. The man has range!
The second relationship got a lot less screen time and thus is a lot less developed. Things move pretty quickly, but there really is nothing wrong with it otherwise. While there appears to be an age gap, both characters are adults and consent to the relationship so whatever. Tsuge Masato, Adachi's friend, is a hilarious character whose reactions to Minato, his love interest, made me laugh out loud nearly every time. While his over-enthusiastic reactions can be seen as irritating to some viewers, I found them endearing. If their relationship bothers you that much, they take up about 3 minutes of screen time per episode, so skipping over their scenes doesn't take away much. Minato doesn't get much development either, but his blunt and cool personality is a good contrast with Tsuge's nervousness, which creates an interesting dynamic for the time that they are on screen.
- STORY -
Overall, the story was extremely well executed. The progression was smooth, the jokes were funny, and nothing felt too forced or out of place. While there were some annoying tropes that can be found in nearly every BL if you look hard enough, they were nothing major and didn't detract from the story or mood for more than half an episode. Many other irritating tropes and stereotypes were completely broken or ignored completely. Both Adachi and Kurosawa's queerness is never treated as something special, different, or something that should be "othered". They are both queer men and that is it, end of discussion: no "but I've liked girls before I can't possibly be gay!" or "I don't like men... I only like you!" in sight. Additionally, while the number of female characters is limited, their purposes are neither the toxic love rival/drama queen nor the annoying fujoshi. Instead, there is a strong female member of the supporting cast who, while appearing to be a love rival at first, proves to be an independent queen who cheers her friends on in a way that shows she cares about Adachi and Kurosawa beyond the fact that they are in a queer relationship.
Mind-reading tropes can be pretty hit or miss when it comes to romance, as they have the potential to lead to some pretty invading scenes if done incorrectly. Adachi, however, treats his mind-reading powers nobly, using them in situations to help others. While he does use them to gain – for the lack of a better word– an "upper hand" in some tricky social situations, his powers are never used manipulatively or maliciously, and his intentions are always pure if a little misguided at times. Not only is the mind-reading in Cherry Magic an interesting and unique concept, but it also pushes the message that two-way communication in relationships is beyond important. People in real life cannot read minds. The only way for people to know how other's truly feel is if they take the time to communicate their feelings. Adachi knows Kurosawa cannot read people's minds as he can, the only way for Kurosawa to learn about how Adachi feels during the progression of the relationship is through Adachi's words themselves. This message alone is an incredible addition to any romance, but particularly BLs where a frustrating lack of communication appears to be a genre staple.
– CONCLUSION –
Overall, Cherry Magic blew me away, and I haven't been able to stop thinking about it since I finished it. Usually, I find BLs that I can finish in under a day (which is most of the time) forgettable, or nothing too special. For Cherry Magic to only be around 4.5 hours in length and still leave this much of an impression on me is quite the feat, as I am notoriously hard to please. When I sit down and think about it, there is nothing wrong with this show, as any of the few annoying tropes found within are just that: vaguely irritating for around 15 minutes before they are resolved. Something that may irk some people more than it irks me is the fact that the two characters never fully kiss on-screen, or rather, it's all camera angles and well-timed cuts. While this doesn't bother me, since you can tell through literally everything else that happens that the characters love each other, I understand that that can be frustrating to some viewers. Thus: you have been warned.
If you've read this far, thank you, I just needed to get my thoughts out about this phenomenal show!
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This review may contain spoilers
I am grateful to the spell, as it brought us together.
I'm sorry, it may be a little long, but thanks for reading and writing to it. I apologize in advance for any misspellings.Well, you guys! Our beloved series Cherry Magic has come to an end. Kurosawa and Adachi's story of happy ending - ended.. What can I say. As I see it, opinions are divided over the final episode. Some people are satisfied, and some people expected more than that.
My opinion, when I watched it all, I was a little disappointed, because a lot of people were waiting for the long-awaited kiss, weren't we? Furthermore, I thought the episode was a little premature, perhaps because of the limited playing time and too quickly they moved beyond the questions of 11.ep.. which still hurts. And what was the guarantee that they'd run into each other on top of the Anton building when they didn't talk after the breakup? ... It's a little confusing. Maybe I got a little disillusioned at first and disappointed... This episode was not thoroughly built.. I asked myself: Is that all?! Meg what it is that the side couple gives two weak visible kisses, our main couple gives a barely A kiss at the last minute.. And the elevator closes. And then I slept, and I thought...
I'm a little disappointed because I know adachi has a first in his life: relationship, love, kiss, sex. The question of the latter two things could have been addressed more carefully in how Adachi lives it, because it is a milestone in a person's life. Furthermore, kurosawa's (7!) year-old unbroken love is ripe.. It could have been a little more emotional after being together, the mood or they could have started "sex" the night before and had the kiss or the "engagement" the night before. How romantic it would have been. Anyway, i'm sorry.
But all in all, I'm not completely dissatisfied, since we got sweet moments during the series (forehead kisses, hugs, almost kissing, love look, smile, tears, happiness, confession, lap-carrying, caring, respect, hand-holding walking) and a lot of lessons and a sincere pure love, beautiful character development, especially from Adachi, who finally decides what's important to him. And, of course, a lot of nice happy scenes. It's a great friendship between Adachi and Tsuge to support each other back and forth. I appreciate that, as Tsuge put Adachi in his place. I loved this series also because there was no negative character (maybe only Keita, Minato's ex-lover). Everyone supported each other at some level.
We got finally a cute bed scene as well. (adachi, Kurosawa). And.. Adachi eventually lost his magic and virginity. And an "elevator" - KISS, which finally happens, but they don't let us look deeper, they left it to our imaginations. .. That it was arranged this way on purpose or the strict rules, agency, contract, respect, who knows. I don't think the reason really matters, because as I watched the Tsuge and Minato couple, they even though they give me two weak kisses, it's also essentially worthless, at least to me, because I haven't seen much progress in their relationship. They were cute, but that's all, but they got through it too fast. And they almost didn't attract my attention.. (but I liked Tsuge very much by himself, very fain and funny, I laughed about it a lot). So.. I figured it out. Any way you look at it. Even if episode 12 is a little hasty and incomplete and doesn't meet everyone's needs, I'm finally satisfied because this series warmed my heart, and the boys (Adachi-Eiji Akaso, Kurosawa - Keita Machida) really gave it their all, the chemistry was amazing. And as you can see, they loved working together. And I also realized that they didn't really need a "fulfilled" kiss and romantic "sex" and excessive intimacy (bed scene) because that's how it was nice how they closed it, as they finally kissed each other with the door closing, and they both proved to me that their love was huge and unforgettable! This series teaches you that you can't be in a shell for the rest of your life, especially when a person who loves you because you're you, and you do have to trust yourself, even if you don't succeed at first. I trust season two because there's not enough of them. I'd like to see more Kurodachi! Adachi and Kurosawa be happy!
I wish you all a happy holiday! Thank you if you've read it all along. I want your opinion.
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Simple fluffy cute romance
I love this coz this drama is simple n cute without too many unwanted twists🙃..the actors did a great job in portraying their character. I hate dramas with complicated love triangle so i felt happy as this drama was simple loveline bw the male leads.🥰.If u look 4 intimate scenes then you wont get 🤗but for a fluffy romance go 4 this 😉I hope it had music ..thats disappointing. For one watch this drama is ok but for rewatch i don't think so..personal opinion 😇
I hope they have another drama together..
And for the second couple..i really love their character..i felt that they had less scenes and i was anticipating 4 their scenes..but no luck .i also felt that female support role was unnecessary. Atleast she should have given more clear storyline
Altogether it was an ok drama
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More than a BL Fantasy series
Honestly, I dropped this series after 2 episodes 2 years ago. I felt exhausted with Adachi character. Rewatching it this time taught me a huge lesson: It will not always be fireworks at first but given the opportunity and time, it may not just be fireworks but dancing beautiful colors along with it.Best part I love about this series is how it didn't end in just their romance story but it included dealing with their filial responsibilities. I love the bravenes of Adachi of wanting their parents' blessings and fighting for it.
The animation for this is slightly different in few areas but I like it the same. Still turned out satisfying to watch. I did flinch a bit couple of times for the overreaction in some scenes that is typical of Japanese series.
Overall, I will recommend this series and don't stop there. Watch the movie because it has a lot more to offer.
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More than meets the eye
I had 0 expectations with this one. The title isn't really helping and the premise is a bit...strange. However, I was, for the most part, pleasantly surprised.I don't know the manga this was based on, but this adaptation really smoothed a lot of edges of what "regular BL content" is mostly like. They took a story that could have been yet another one of those, and gave it a lot of heart, polishing some (not all) of the problematic aspects of storylines that play in the edge between representation and fanservice.
The main relationship is devoid of a lot of the toxic tropes you normally get, not only in BL content, but in romantic dramas in general. The premise of the lead being able to read thoughts makes it so that the situation could have gone into a serious dub-con territory and it never did. The relationship progresses in a natural, interesting way and the mind-reading assists in telling the story, rather than provoke unnecessary complications.
The absolute gem for me in this one was the first ever canon aroace character I've seen in a jdrama. I've found ace and aroace characters in manga before (few and far between) but this is the first time that, not only I see one in a jdrama, they are also confirmed by the writing team. I won't spoil which character this is, so I'll remain ambiguous with my description, but it's not one of the two mains, it's a side-character. Not only are they iconic, they're also depicted as loving, caring and a fantastic friend, and that's the kind of aroace representation I want.
My only issue with the drama was the side couple. It made me kinda uncomfortable, I'm not gonna lie. Minato (Goto Yutaro) looked incredibly young and Masato (Asaka Kodai) looked even older than he is. I'm glad Minato wasn't supposed to be a teen, and that at least the actor was older than he seemed, but I couldn't help feeling pretty uncomfortable with their development, especially since they had more physical scenes than the lead couple, albeit nothing major.
All in all, I wanted to leave a review because 1) I was super close to not watching this at all, based on the marketing and title and 2) it has an aroace character and pretty good handle of relationships, for the most part. I'm glad I gave it a chance.
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One of the best Jdramas I’ve watched!
I’ve watched a lot of japanese dramas in the past, but Cherry Magic definitely is the one I will be a fan of for a long time. The story is simple but in a good way, as there aren’t any confusing plot points. The two main characters are great and it’s heartwarming to see their relationship improve and fix, unlike a lot of other dramas. I find a lot of jdramas (even BL) have toxic and unhealthy representations.The music wasn’t overwhelming or underwhelming, it was simple enough to compliment the show. Personally, the music wasn’t a big part of the main plot so didn’t pay attention to it too much.
One of the main points is the two male leads! Their acting exceeded my expectations. They seemed to have chemistry, even off screen. I really look forward to seeing a season two, although there’s no plan yet. I just want to see Kurosawa and Adachi be happy!! I’m a big fan of Kurosawa’s actor (Keita Machida) he’s amazing. He’s been in many other movies and shows and is very versatile. So if you’ve been disappointed by Jdramas you’ve been watching, please watch this one! It’s super refreshing and nice to watch.
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Kurosawa, the perfect man
Honestly one of the main reasons I love this so much is Kurosawa. Let's give this man a round of applause.So, he is probably the sweetest and least problematic man I have ever seen in any show ever. The way he regards Adashi and appreciates him when Adashi thought that he wasn't noticed by anyone just makes me so happy. Even his thoughts are all pure. If this was a real story you know Adashi would have caught him thinking something dirty from time to time but I think he respects Adashi so much that his mind just doesn't go there. He worries constantly about making Adashi uncomfortable by being too close.
I've become used to seeing certain things in BLs. Sexual assault, physical intimidation, sexism, so much more. Things like this make me sick and have ruined good shows for me like Why R U. While watching this I was just waiting for him to do something that would annoy me but there was nothing, nothing at all. We need to hold our BLs to a higher standard; hell, we need to hold MEN to a higher standard. The way Kurosawa behaves with Adashi should be the bare minimum.
Thank you Japan for allowing me to see what the perfect man looks like. He can:
1) control himself and keep it in his pants.
2) respect his partner fully and never push their boundaries.
3) read his partner's discomfort from their expression and body language when they seem unable to answer yes or no.
Kurosawa, sweetest man ever. I think I will be fantasizing about meeting a man like him for the rest of my life.
As for everything else: I liked the story, it was a weird but unique idea and was well done. However, I didn't care for the second couple; I thought they were an unnecessary addition. The acting was good as well. I especially liked Adashi's actor, he was really good at being this puppy faced gay panicking baby. Lol. The music was fine. And rewatch value, I would watch this again and again. Such a good BL. Hope everyone gives it a chance.
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Cute Cherry's
I greatly enjoyed watching. And I feel I have an appreciation for how the two gifted characters think and react internally when hearing someone elses thoughts. I have to say the lead charachter and secondary minor leads reaction to being overwhelmed perplexed me (when they hear something through the gift or have a moment of excitement or perhaps initimate). I think I just felt their responses or emotions while real their method of reaction was too much. occasionally, I could feel myself starting to cringe but thats with any movie or show with unneccessary and continual overreactions.I think while good I will give a rating of 8 as it had some depth, but if it had a little more and creativity with the relationships, there problems and with relationship building beyond the generic I would give a better score. Definitwly worth a watch. No time is wasted enjoying this sweet dish of a show.
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A Great Japanese BL Series
Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?! was a great series. The production value and audio value were top-notch. The plot was simple yet unique. The dialogue was casual and pretty realistic. The score and music were nice. The main couple and secondary couple's chemistry were sweet, cute, and genuine. The two couples were adorable and handsome. The acting performances were natural. Their acting wasn't stiff. I enjoyed the series very much. I have no complaints about the series whatsoever.Was this review helpful to you?
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Emotional Depth and Beyond Expectations
It was very hot, enjoyable, and (especially in the first half) rich in passion. The BL series exceeded my expectations. The quality of Japanese BL series in recent times surprises me. I highly recommend it. It was emotional, but the pace was not slow. It had a very appropriate flow.The lack of focus on the fantasy part was odd. I loved how Adachi's emotions and thoughts were portrayed so beautifully, realistically, and logically. At one point I could only watch Adachi; he could carry the story alone.
In fact, at the end of the series, it seemed like Adachi was with Kurosawa to spare himself from the sorrow of not being loved. After all, his exploration of his gay identity happened entirely because of Kurosawa's intense love for him. I wonder if Kurosawa were a woman, would Adachi have agreed? Probably yes :D. Again, Kurosawa won, and that didn't come as a surprise :)
I didn't like the storytelling of our second couple. It started with great potential but turned out to be empty and developed too quickly. There was no chemistry between them and our author's behaviour was too exaggerated for his age. While the writer's tough and mature side was excellent, falling in love in two days and the absurdities in their actions were very nonsensical. I couldn't feel the love.
Lastly, Adachi's decrease in confidence in the second half saddened me. Adachi should have been cool, silent, and aloof because Kurosawa was outgoing, talkative, and social. They were a beautiful contrast to each other. However, when Adachi became insecure towards the end, it made me wonder why the boy was so fixated on him.
And in my opinion, the reason they presented was insufficient for falling in love with someone lacking self-confidence. If Adachi were confident but cold, distant, and introverted, then the given reason would have been sufficient.
And please, I'll cry, but we NEVER GOT A SINGLE KISS. Well, even if we did, it probably would have been just a touch of lips, but I would have been okay with that, knowingly. 😣😫
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Funny and heartfelt
Love all the characters.. There is so much variety that it doesn't get boring..Many giggles.Including amazing cringe worthy Asaka K.. loved him
Perfect re-watch for those Grim days when the world doesn't make any sense. I actually came back to watch again after enjoying Machida K in 3-Star Bar.
The settings have a realistic down to earth quality that is a nice contrast to many overpolished shows.
I also was touched by the moral of the ending.. Voluntarily relinquishing that special power and trusting to new instincts and fate.. A nice touch
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The best, hands down.
This is still so good, this is what I recommend to anyone wanting to ease into BL. This is BL done right, DONE HEALTHY TOO might I add without the toxic bs that is unfortunately rampant in so many still to this day.I've rewatched this many times and realized I never gave a review. So, here it is. I've been reading and watching BL content for many years and like I said before, the genre is chalk full of shitty stories, shitty characters, and shitty so called "love stories" that is inhumane with little respect.
The cast is amazing, the music is perfect, the story is - well, the cherry on top. Gone are the days where you go "Oh no he's gonna force himself on him" and then be met with disappointment. Not one scene with non-con nor dub-con which is already pushing the bar higher than many and should be a standard already at this point. No more forcing oneself onto the other, it's all respect here between the two and it's refreshing. If you know, you *know* what I'm talking about. This is a world of sweet and caring love and I am here for it!
Give it a go, even if it's not your thing. There's nothing naughty to worry about either for those who don't prefer it (I honestly don't mind it).
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