Old Fashion Cupcake (2022)

Most of us who have already passed the age of fourty will probably concur that this age does feel like a threshold. Whether your kids are starting to leave home (or will do so soon) or your parents start to need your help (or pass away even) -- suddenly, you notice that you are no longer young and chances are that the years ahead will be fewer than the years already behind.
Add to that the comfortable days you are living -- you finally settled into your job and know your role, days have a predictable routine. You think you know yourself, what you want and what you fear.
Youth seems like a dim memory, something you are no longer allowed to have.

But Kozue is lucky. He gets a Togawa, and is able to rediscover his own self, and find new passion for life (and for love). This story is told concisely, never rushed. No scene, no line of dialogue, no gesture is unecessary. Both leads and the supporting actors act with precision.
Browns and greys, shades and dim lighting are contrasted with bright spring greens and the lovely crisp spring sun -- Colours, light and shadows play an important role in this drama, if you care to look for it.

Follow the colour, the sets, the acting, which gets increasingly tight, tense and even oppressive -- the tension rises, until Togawa reaches his breaking point -- and it seems as if things are broken. Everything is grey and brownish again, but changed. Spots of light and colour show how Nozue's life has already changed -- but wouldn't it be brighter and livelier with Togawa in it?

Even after watching this lovely series more than a few times, I haven't found anything that I don't like -- it's that excellent!

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brilliant acting

How to romance your long-time boss and crush? So many boss and employee/intern romances, BL or hetero, yet this stands out. The back and forth of dialogue without an intrusive soundtrack is such a pleasure when watching jdrama. I was afraid that the feelings of these men in suits would not be respectfully treated (cupcake?). A ten-year age gap, a respectful relationship in a small office, and somehow the younger Togawa manages to give his friend and boss the gentlest and most patient push needed, to wake him up to love. Brilliant acting. My favorite shot -- Nozue's face sideways in bed, lit up by the screen as he reads missed texts from his friend -- the years drop away, his eyes and lips glow.

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Should be called Old Fashion Pancakes

This should have been called Old Fashion Pancakes, Lol. The best thing about this drama is definitely the dialogue, it was different than what you normally get in other BLs, I really enjoyed their flirty convos, it felt fresh and refreshing.
This drama was way too short and had some scenes that could have been cut out to show us more of the main characters, this series started with so much angst and tension but it was just killed off midway instead of transitioning into proper romance after self discovery and self acceptance. I have had this on my list for awhile, I’m glad I finally watched it but it’s not something I would rewatch as I feel I didn’t get any pay off from all those angst.
Rewatch value 3/10
Overall 7.5/10

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Adorable Little BL

**Brief Synopsis**
B (Manager): Nozue
T (Employee): Togowa

B is T's manager and spends most of his time doing the same thing over and over again. His life changes however when B invites him out to diner. T somehow agrees and they start spending more and more time together. They grew closer as a result, with B even inviting T to his apartment. After a while, T finally confesses and B refuses initially. But realizing he doesn't want to go back to normal boss employee relationship with T, be runs after him and confesses. The series ends with them together.

**My Opinion**

WHAT I LIKED ABOUT IT
- Fluffy feel good BL with lovable characters. I loved the main couple, they look so cute together.
- The pacing is good. Not too slow and not too fast.
- Acting is good as well, very convincing acting and successfully conveyed the affection between the two characters.

WHAT I DIDNT LIKE ABOUT IT
- Way too short. Would have loved to see more of their daily life.
- Full of cliche but because the story is cute, this can be forgiven.

**Conclusion**
Short, feel good show.

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Unsatisfactory Aspects: Lack of Fluency, Character Connection, and Passion"

It's hard to say what didn't satisfy me. In general, there seemed to be a problem with fluency. I couldn't connect with the characters. The dialogues were really good, but it seemed as if the dialogues should have felt more passionate, but they couldn't.

Nozue's acting was not as good as Togawa. In fact, I could only feel Togawa's emotions, but even that was not enough.

In the last two episodes, the story accelerated and Nozue made a decision too quickly. Knowing that he was someone who had such a hard time getting out of his comfort zone, what he did didn't seem convincing to me. (Especially going from not even being able to pat someone on the head to suddenly chasing after them and dropping big words – that was seriously inconsistent.)

And it's like they don't really drink the drinks. Are they just pretending to drink or is it just me?

As a result, it could have been much more impressive, but it was not. I know that the reasons for the high score are that it is a Japanese series, it has an emotional atmosphere, the shots are good (I didn't like the exploding window lights) and it gives off that high-quality production vibe, but still, I gotta admit, it didn't do it for me.

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Beautiful. Subtle. Great Acting and Overall Vibe

Honestly, why did I not watch this before? Japanese series always have an X factor that touches the heartstrings.
They are sweet yet sublime.

This story too have no heavy plot but the soft slice-of-life moves you. The little unusual thing maybe is that the subordinate actively yet respectfully pursuing their boss who is the love interest. There is a power imbalance here.

Nozue is the easygoing boss and Togawa his subordinate has an age difference of 10 years. Togawa is both extremely respectful and also infatuated about his boss. Nozue may have left all of his hopes and wishes as he is getting older (he will be in his forties) because he is alone, he has a comfortable position in his job and is also scared to venture out into more challenging places. He feels empty. Togawa comes in and tries to help him in many funny yet relatable ways.

The actors are amazing at their roles. The cinematography is commendable. The script is very well written. The director has done a great job (and this is directed by a woman) . The music is great.
And the food. Japanese love their food and never shy away from proudly showcasing them in their media.

There are only 5 episodes but it has given me peace. I loved this.

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It's incredible, beautiful, and full of deep meanings.

The plot is simple but beautiful. I love when BL series have protagonists older, since the majority of them are with people in their twenties, queer people exist in all ages and we don't have so much representation of older queer people.

Since it's a Japanese work, they tend to follow 2 paths: Very camp or more melancholy. This is a little melancholy, but just a little, and in some points about age, life, and work. In general, it's refreshing.

Both actors are extremely good, their performance was amazing and intense. It looks so real.

The photography it's beautiful, it's probably one of the most beautiful confession scenes that I have ever seen, both aesthetically and in the dialogue.

That's such an work of art.

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Watching my favorite BL

So i came across Old-fashioned cupcake and fell in love. I have watched 4 times already and after this review i will watch it w 5th time. I may be exaggerating when it comes to this drama but i love it so much. It was sweet and cute and just overall made my heart melt.

The two main characters had such good chemistry. I did not see a single flaw between them. The casting was done to perfection.

The music added to the dramas greatness. The music went perfectly with the drama and i would not change a thing.

I really do wish there was a second season coming for this drama because i am obsessed.

Just to sum up the drama
A man nearing 40 and his subordinate nearing 30 become close over sharing meals together to help rejuvinate the 40 year old. The younger has been trying to get closer to the elder without letting the other know but in the end he cracks as he sees hope but backs away thinking the elder will not reciprocate.

I won't share anymore than that but know that it has a happy ending.

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