Kimi ni wa Todokanai. (2023)

The feelings didn't quite get to me

Short review:

I will preface this review by saying that their casual intimacy with the handholding and back hugs gives me more butterflies than straight-up kiss scenes and NC scenes in other series. The actors did so well in capturing that pining, hesitance, and anxiety that comes with first love. The missed chances, miscommunication, and inner angst is so on point for a high school series - high school kids are usually not emotionally well-adjusted so I am happy they captured that on screen while still making the characters likable.

However I do have an issue with how all their kiss scenes are dub-con at best. I understand the nuance of non-explicit consent but honestly it just seems like Ashiya did not want to be kissed in all of their scenes. It is so jarring when you compare the joy on his face when they hold hands or when he got back hugged to him getting kissed. Also I don't vibe with Ohara's bowl cut like if you're going to make him a heart throb maybe don't give him mushroom hair. But all in all this is a generally non-offensive series that should fill your high school romance quota.

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Classic love story of childhood friends

The characters in Kimi ni wa Todokanai capture the delightful tension that comes with falling in love with a friend. A flick of the hair, a touch on the wrist, the way the sunlight falls on their cheeks. The slightest of gestures that make your heart feel like it’s about to beat out of its chest.

The show takes the viewers through the whole process of discovery, denial, awakening and finally, happily ever after.

But as far as stories of childhood first loves go, it doesn't quite hit the perfect combination of sexual tension, jealousy and anticipation.

Nevertheless, it's a decently well-paced show with relatable characters and an easy-to-follow storyline. It's just that nothing stands out in particular... perhaps that’s my biggest criticism of the show – the fact that it’s rather forgettable.

Full review: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2023/12/28/kimi-ni-wa-todokanai-bl-review/

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Absolute cringefest

This drama was a huge letdown considering how much I adore the original source material. They managed to turn a fluffy wholesome BL story into a cringey melodrama - complete with slow-motion camera panning and bad special effects. And don't even get me started on the acting ? The romance between the main leads was about as believable as the Easter bunny. It may just be that I've outgrown Japanese romcom tropes but I found myself fighting back the urge to roll my eyes every five seconds. The only positive I can think of is the short episode lengths, but even then, I don't think it's worth your time. Read the manga instead - 100% more enjoyable experience guaranteed.

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Best romance show I've watched in my entire life.

I usually don't write reviews but here I am writing one because of how amazing this show was!! I absolutely loved how well-written the story was from the plot, setting, flow, characters, and everything else.

PLOT: I LOVED the tropes included in this show as they were all my favourites (childhood friends to lovers, height difference, sunshine and sunshine protector, introvert and extrovert, etc.) and I truly believe it was all written perfectly. There were no "pointless" scenes whatsoever and everything felt like there was meaning and development included.

SETTING: I liked where each episode was placed, especially the episode where they went to Kyoto because of how beautiful everything looked. I feel like it emphasized their feelings and made the story more deep.

FLOW: I loved the flow of this show a ton and it's one of the main reasons this is my favourite romance show of all time. It wasn't rushed, yet it wasn't too slow and it progressed at the perfect speed all the way to the very end. Not rushing the story let us understand what the characters were feeling and it felt like the creators put a lot of effort into bringing the reality of how people feel when having a crush on someone into this show with care.

CHARACTERS: Last but not least, the characters of this show were awesome! Every single one of them from the main characters, best friends, family, and girl characters were lovable and unique in their own way. I believe there were many moments where you could relate to them (eg. Kakeru and his lack of self-confidence) and even if you haven't experienced their situations before, it lets you empathize with them and feel the same emotions (eg. Yamato having a one-sided crush on Kakeru for more than half his life).

At first, I thought I wouldn't enjoy this show as much when I watched the first episode but the more I kept watching, the more and more I became obsessed with this show and couldn't wait for the next episode to release. Until I watched this, Bad Buddy Series was my favourite romance show and I thought nothing could ever surpass it but Kimi Ni Wa Todokanai (I can't reach you) got to the same level as it for me!!

Please please please try watching this show if you haven't as I promise you you'll have the best time of your life!

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Gay First Love Depicted Close To Perfection

I might be bias as I had a crush on my ex best friend and this drama is as close as I could get to see my dream come true in an ideal world.

I rarely write reviews but this has to be the best JBL that I have watched thus far. The story of falling in love with your childhood best friend, not wanting to cause the friendship to become different, in the process hurting yourself while watching your boy best friend look at others, sounds very cliche, but this is what young love as a gay guy would have to go through (I went through it myself, tho mine didn't end up the way theirs did). The way this entire show depicted Yamato's process of going through it all, was super relatable, at times for those who have went through it, would have also teared up thinking about how yours went in the past. The way that Kakeru was depicted, was really of that of a best friend who was confused about what was going on with his best friend, loving him but not knowing what love truly was, and how deep his love for him was. He wanted the best for Yamato, learning how Yamato felt, and giving himself time to process it all to consider giving Yamato a chance was beautiful. The entire situation between Yamato and Kakeru as they had a very thin line between best friends to lovers was also done really well. But what really sealed the deal was the cinematography, as usual, JBL does their subtle take on situations, which was really good. The entire lust that Yamato had for Kakeru was also really relatable (I mean, Haru is really cute also haha). Yamato not wanting to hurt Kakeru is also really endearing. Really a young gay first love being depicted really well!

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Very rewatchable BL series

STORY - the story is very realistic, simple yet very well executed, every scene is artistically well done.
ACTING- acting is great and natural, two talented and goodlooking actors with undeniably good chemistry.
MUSIC - The music blended well with the drama . The soundtrack is the best soundtrack i've heard from a BL
PRODUCTION - good cinematography, and aesthetic is perfect,..i love the outfits, shooting locations, all the little thing are very detailed.
REWATCH - it's one of the most rewatchable and liked drama on netflix in japan as well as other countries. No need to explain further..
ALL I NEED NOW IS A SEQUEL!!!

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NOSTALGIC.. The Most Underrated BL ( Must Watch☺️)

Its a kind of Series that you will fell in love with the character as you watch more.. (that was my first impression)

But immediately after a few minutes from the first episode, i love the story and every character..

Its took awhile for me to finished it, not because im BORED.. but because i kept on rewatching "kilig" scenes, it was so natural and authentic, that you would almost felt as if youre invading other peoples lives.

Some may say its a simple story, but for me.. i get to have the special feeling of being shared something far more valuable..

I get to relived my school fantasy?❤️?

Kudos to all the characters, not only the leads but also the supporting roles..

I was really shocked that i have seen this series and was made aware only by accident. By looking for something similar with love mixed up..

IT WAS REALLY WORTH WATCHING.. repeatedly.

I cant reach you.. will be my most fave series from now on.

Speechless and Utterly Happy❤️?

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"I want to tell you each time, so that this feeling reaches you."

To be honest, I was kinda skeptical due to the fact that it was on Netflix but I ended up finishing all 8 episodes in one sitting until 2 pm. I truly adore this show and pray with all my heart that we get another season because there is so much to explore and do with this show. I know its manga adaption, I personally have not read it but I hear its really good. The show itself and the story was really good. It had me silently screaming and yelling. The supporting cast was good as well, I personally LOVED Akane. Although she was not the special someone for Kakeru, she still helped him with his own special person which I find so sweet. The scenery was beautiful. I find it really funny that every time either one of the boys blush or think about the other, there is always this glitter affect that is on the screen and I can't help but laugh because I couldn't take it seriously. On the other hand, the acting had its moments for sure but I cannot say that it was amazing. The scenes where Ohara would pin or hug Kakeru felt a bit weird or unnatural. I didn't feel chemistry all that well, the laughs felt forced at times and so did the smiles. I know its acting but you're, as an actor, supposed to make the viewer believe this is real but this show flopped on that which is a bummer. As well as when they were shocked, it was kind of over dramatic (Example: Kakeru when he passes Ohara saying his type is childhood friends) Going back to the background characters, I really enjoyed how Yui would be getting the hints between Ohara and Kakeru. The show didn't force or full out tell us that Yui had figured it out but they told us by showing little bits where Yui would look at Ohara and I loved that. I love when we as the viewer just pick up on these instead of the show just shoving it down our throats. When Ohara pushed Kakeru on the bed I was GAGGED. My jaw dropped to the floor and he SLID...SLID HIS HAD UP HIS SHIRT AND KISSED HIS NECK WHAT THE HECK. I was so shocked, I loved it. I love how Ohara gets out of his shell because of Ashiya, they're polar opposites in public but when alone they switch personalities. I just adore the show, in no way is it perfect but I have and will rewatch it again and again. The show wasn't angsty or dark, very lighthearted but would touch on some important topics like insecurity in relationships. Especially when Ashiya felt like he wasn't anything for Ohara to brag about, I related to that so much. I do hope they do more with this show, I'd love to see them together again. I love the childhood friend dynamic. I love their relationship and how Ohara gave time to Kakeru. I also want to point out how much I love the relationship between Ohara and his sister, Mikoto. When Yamato was heading out for the Christmas date with Kakeru, she said she'd stay up all night with Ohara is Kakeru rejected him. So sweet. I want them to delve deeper into Oharas' life because we know a bit of the dad and mom. It was talked about very briefly. There is so much I want to see and I really recommend this if you are just dipping your toes into BL shows or BL over all. Please give it a watch, I feel like this show is very slept on, it deserves more attention :)

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