This is not a love story
Rather, this dorama is about the changing societal expectations of relationship, the roles of gender, and their interplay. Questions like what does 'to protect the woman' in a relationship or the significance of a piece of paper to define your romantic connection is discussed in modern society where nuclear family is no longer the norm. So, this is not a love story. It's a story on navigating modern relationship, both platonic and romantic. It doesn't necessarily give you an answer but it treats the audience as intelligent and invites you to ask these questions yourself. This is probably one of the most thought-provoking dorama I've watched ever that questions self-love and the relationship without shoving an answer down my throat, which I so much appreciate and recommend this.Was this review helpful to you?
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Kocchi Muite yo Mukai-kun left me wanting more.
Like so many RomCom J-dramas that have come before it, Kocchi Muite yo Mukai-kun chooses to deny its viewers a romantic climax to the "will they/won't they" flirtations of the two main romantic protagonists. I really enjoyed seeing the differing viewpoints and hearing the inner monologues that added both clarity and a comedic element to seeing the two sides to each of the romantic interactions between the various couplings. Japanese writers seem enamored with these open ended conclusions to romantic storylines, but I feel that they're simply disappointing viewers that have invested their precious time in watching and hoping for a more conclusive finale to the story. In the end, the stylistic choice to do so comes off as cowardly and lazy. I really enjoyed these characters and I found the portrayal of different individuals' perceptions of relationships and fulfillment, engaging and interesting. Unfortunately, the final episode left me disappointed and wanting closure.Was this review helpful to you?
I am not a fan of the characters morals but I understand their viewpoint. I love both the main leads. They are so different yet so alike. They are both logical people and seems full of wisdom. I really like their conversations.
I am quite not that satisfied with the ending but I like that it was like that. It really radiates slice of life drama.
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An easy binge, fun characters and interesting takes on marriage
An easy binge that shows a whole lot of relationships and ways to approach the issue of marriage... Be it facing the pressure to get married, finding ones own path or the whole system of marriage.To be honest it does get a bit preachy at times and seems to have a very clear agenda telling the viewers to question the restrains the institution of marriage often brings.
It also has a whole lot of interesting discussions about healthy and less healthy relationships as well as the diffrence between slight jealousy and possessiveness driven by male rivalry. While slight jealousy can be cute and may have elements of love possessiveness does not. There is also an interesing show of different perspectives to the same situation. And while a lot of western shows will show women desperate to get married it is kind of refreshing to see men try to hold on to the institution of marriage while the women are the ones to try to oppose it.
The characters in this are lovely, while there are a lot of "eeeh" the over the top comedy is held to a minimum.
The found family, friendships and ways they talk about life in general can get to be a bit draggy and is not what I would say revolutionary but it is pretty ok and holds an okay balance between fluff, prechyness and just a slice of life in general.
A decent watch, that even htough it has some episodic elements is still easy to watch and has a decent red thread that runs through it...
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So boring!!
It started out pretty good. Mukai is the cutest ever. I enjoyed him as an actor. I felt so bad for him with his search for a girlfriend. There were at least five and things just always went bad.It seemed like a never ending circle. He dates and things don’t work out and he moves on. Same conversations over and over. I started fast forwarding.
The worst part about this was all the women’s attitude toward marriage. Who would choose to be alone if you know and love your soulmate? Stupid.
It ended happily, I guess, for everyone. But it was boring and took forever getting there.
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I initially watched it for Akaso Eiji, but the story kept me going! I loved how Mukai-kun's discovery of what he really wanted out of dating/being in a relationship was slowly exposed, while at the same time healing from the past, and also causing others (i.e. Sakaido-san) to unlearn things as well. I love that the ending was a bit open-ended, too! Anything can happen!Acting- and production-wise, as usual Japanese dramas are more theatrical, which appeals to me! Even the composition of the shots in this drama are so much like theater scenes.
Overall, I really loved it.
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Boring
It started out good the first 1-2 episodes and then devolved into the same boring patterns of thoughts and dialogues about romantic relationships. Nothing really exciting happened between episode 3 and 9, just going around in circles, same boring conversations, same boring thoughts from the main characters.It also turned gradually out that everyone in the story knew each other at some level and the coincidences were too many for the story not to be annoying.
I recommend you only watch the first two episodes and episode 10 because everything in between is filler.
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A story about realizing about what's important in life
I found this drama to be one of the best I've ever watched. The plot starts slow and dragging with Mukai (Akaso) trying to be in a romantic relationship at all costs. However, he is not fulfilled even when he becomes able to date other female characters. I thought Mukai to be a silly character in this part. But, as the drama continues, I understood this happens because Mukai is lost. Something is clearly missing. He isn't able to identify what is important to him in life. Not only in respect with romantic relationships, but also with relationships in general. I think everyone faces this kind of existencial crisis once you enter your 20s or 30s. You feel devasted because your work does not fulfill you, even though you may be working with something you supposedly love. You feel confused because you start relationships that exist for the sake of not being alone. You realize that being independent is not all that matters. So what's life all about? I think Mukai is in this same journey (as we all are) searching for the answers to this question. As we see with the other characters, this answer is not unique. Actually, every person will need to figure out their own answer. For Mukai, though, I believe he finds an answer that generalizes well. He discovers that you need to properly face other people in order to live a life with meaning (hence the theme song always stating "mukaiatte"). He is able to discover that by having natural, fun, and sometimes profound conversations with Sakaido-san (Haru), that is, by properly facing her without preconceived social conventions. Then, his aura transforms and we see a whole different main character, much more confident and with personality. The ending is ambiguous and we don't know if Mukai ends with Sakaido-san. Personally, I believe this is a good ending, because this drama is not about relationships as an end in itself, but rather a lesson about relationships as a mean to live better. It is a shift in perspective. In all, I believe this drama brings an important reflection about facing relationships and life with a direct and honest attitude.Was this review helpful to you?
One of the best shows I have ever seen
This is the first Japanese drama I have watched, and I must say it is one of the most thought provoking shows I’ve ever seen. I don’t speak fluent Japanese but I can understand some of the dialogues. I am watching it now for the 4th time and every time it goes deeper and more thought provoking than the previous time. I notice things that I missed the previous time. It is very philosophical, introspective. I just love it and I’ve never seen a show like this before. I am so thankful to Japanese creators for having such sophisticated thought and a high mindset to come up with such amazing content. I feel it’s because of their mindful culture that is based on Zen and Shintoism, that there is so much wisdom baked into even their entertainment. I just loved all of the characters, especially the leads, Mukai-kun and Sakaido-san. They were all so lovable in their imperfections, trying to live in a rigid structure and system where things are changing. I find it interesting how women are the driving force behind the changing dynamics of these relationships - they tend to leave things more open ended, question the societal structure and systems, and propose to throw the whole thing out the window and live in the moment. I feel that this show is much deeper than just dating and romance. It is deeply philosophical, spiritual, and you get to hear the inner thoughts of the main character and how he feels like he’s failing as a human being because he doesn’t fit into society’s expectations. But just because some people fit into a certain mold doesn’t mean they are happy. They might just be trapped. So his journey is very relatable even to an American woman halfway around the world! I applaud the director, writers, and creators of this show/manga. It is incredible and I will probably watch it another 5 times just to squeeze every ounce of enjoyment out of these wonderful moments. I feel like I am living with the characters. And by the way the music is amazing too, very suitable for the vibe. Perfect 10 out of 10!Was this review helpful to you?
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I liked it except for ONE THING
I enjoyed watching this drama, mostly because of the fact that it makes you think and ponder about a lot of things. It gives many decent insights, largely about romantic relationships but not limited to that. It also tackles friendships, family, and life in general. I love how it talked about instances where you are in love with the thought of love and not necessarily the person you're with or the fact that some people like or try to like someone just because they confessed that they like them. The only thing that annoyed me about this drama is, Mami (the mc's sister). I don't get her. I tried to but I just ended up screaming to my TV screen. I don't get why she cannot just communicate with her husband like, she doesn't even try. She shouldn't have married him if she didn't want him to act like a married man. I know her feelings are valid, I also wouldn't want to change my surname after getting married and I also cant blame her if she only realized all those things after getting married but the thing that was really unacceptable is the way she didn't communicate with her husband. She just told him to figure it all out on his own. ngl tho the way the husband just cant say no to the part-timer girl gave me the ick. Basically, it was frustrating to watch them ruin their relationship because they cannot communicate properly. I really tried to understand her but she's really just... awful. Well, that's that but all in all i liked this drama. The inner monologues are so funny and relatable and It was fun guessing and anticipating who will the mc end up with or if he will even be with somebody by the end of the story.Was this review helpful to you?
Passes time, but wastes talent.
? Welcome to (Less) Sex In The City, Tokyo 2023 style. Is it ok to have ex sex? Why can't we just live de facto and stay in love, instead of being married and miserable? Should i just do the same thing my parents did, or live like a millenial would in most parts of the world?These modern relationship dilemmas are explores through Mukai-kun, a hesitant young salaryman. The show, reminiscent of the John Cusack film, "High Fidelity", navigates love's complexities and missed opportunities. Despite a capable cast aged up to 60 including Akaso Eiji in a role that massively ignores his amazing comedic and emotional talents, the series falls short. Haru shines as a progressive female lead, but the lack of mature plot and physical intimacy diminishes its impact. Okayama Amane is the hidden gem of the show, with his comedic timing and comic physical presence.
The show's pace and limited exploration of modern adult themes, hinder its potential. Like so many modern Japanese dramas, this one largely pretends physical intimacy does not exist.
Still, this show offers a moderate viewing experience, best enjoyed without high expectations and while waiting other releases.
? Thank you for reading! Follow to be notified of future reviews! ~ Fumiyawagi
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Enjoyable All the Way to the End
Like all great Japanese dramas, this one explores the complexities of romantic relationships and the nuances of inner turmoil. What happens to people and how do they react when they begin to realize what "dependence" does to their individual identities?What I loved:
- the understated and very realistic acting by the entire ensemble cast
- no anime-like comedic tropes
- the exploration of the definition of independence
- how characters behave and have patterns of speech that matches their personality
What was iffy:
- the subplot of Mami & Genki-Kun was too drawn out
> could have progressed and been resolved faster
- Kanda and Sakaida's break was too abrupt
- would have felt more complete if we got to see her telling Kanda what he did wrong
> that would have followed the pattern of storytelling whereby a problem in a relationship is exposed for what it truly is.
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