Kanojo wa Kirei datta (2021)

A nice, sweet adaptation

Kanojo wa Kirei datta (She Was Pretty) is shorter than the Korean version, so expect the drama to be less draggy, more fast-paced, and more fun in general. Downside is that it is indeed fast-paced, even until the end. The final episode is so eventful and rushed to the point that there is no time to fully comprehend their thoughts and actions. However, this can also be viewed positively as it is also the reason why the angst is never prolonged. But true to any other Japanese adaptations, the story managed to exactly follow the original drama.

Overall, this Japanese remake is memorable because of the main leads. Hasebe Sosuke is less of a douchebag than the original Ji Seung Joon, while Sato Ai is much calmer, more loveable, and less of a doormat than the original Kim Hye Jin. None of the overly loud screaming from the female lead too.

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One of the Best Romance Drama

This is one of my favorite drama to date. If you having some doubts wheter to watch it or not, just watch it heheh. You'll be suprised on how good this drama is.

Story 8.5/10
The premise is kinda weak, but trust me this isn't that usual cringey romance about a girl a turns pretty for his man and a man who finally falls for her cuz she is pretty now. KanoKire really did a great job telling it's story. Making a superficial premise to a really deep and meaningful one. A really well done story about love, friendship, and finding yourself. Also for me this is second to the most romantic love story (the first is Hana Yori Dango). So yes, you'll be suprised on how they turn this chessy premise to a beautiful story.

Acting/Cast 10/10
Perfect. This is the best Nakajima Kento's works to date, he is perfect in this. Kenty and Fuka chemistry also off the chart (their chemistry really reminds me of Matsujun-Mao Inoue). Fuka Koshiba so cute and loveable, I was rotting for her since first ep! She is just so precious! Akaso Eiji is superb, I even not realizing I have seen him in Cherry Mahou before cuz how different he is in this. Sakuma Yui may seem kinda pale at first, but she also did a great job (especially in ep 8 oh god). The rest of the cast also good, Katase Nana as Okajima-san also really left an impression for me.

Music 10/10
PERFECT. I haven't watch drama with such good music in a long time. The op song Cobalt on Summer Afternoon by Awesome City is fun, poppy song and the ed song Natsu no Hydrangea by Sexy Zone (which Nakajima Kento is in btw if you didn't know yet) is perfect heartfelt song for this drama. Also the background music also so good and the way they place it is genius. The music definitely elevate and gives more emotions to this drama. I honestly want to buy the ost album if they release it, that's how good it is.

Cinematography 9.5/10
Adding this category cuz KanoKire did really great job on making the atmosphere to be more. The cinematography gives more emotion to this drama.

Overall 10/10
I give Kanojo wa Kireai Datta a perfect 10, not because it isn't flawed but because it tug my heart so much. The feel and the emotions of this drama is beyond words. A really magical experience for me, I laugh, I cry. One of the best drama I watched.

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