I came across Cherry Magic on MDL (My Drama List) two months before its official airing date. The plot summary and casting choices intrigued me. I had recognised both of the main leads, Akaso and Machida-san from their previous works, Nee Sensei, Shiranai no? (2020) and Joshi-teki Seikatsu (2018). Since Ossan’s love (2018), Japan has become more open to exploring BL/LGBT genre and well-known actors and actresses featuring in the genre. Considering those points, I had gone ahead and read the first two volumes of the original manga by Toyota’s Cherry Magic. I appreciate Toyota-san for writing the characters in a likeable manner.
TV Tokyo is the broadcasting network for Cherry Magic, and they’ve also featured the manga adaptation. What did you eat yesterday (2019) that also includes 12 episodes. These details made me more intrigued to give the series a chance, mainly because it’s rare for a BL/LGBT show to have more than 8 episodes. Another part of me was uncertain due to the first episode preview and its lack of marketing. From my knowledge, it had one official interview article and two previews before it’s air time. However, that did not stop the show from becoming one of the most popular 2020 Asian dramas in Japan and worldwide.
The story could have taken many different directions; however, I appreciate the staff and crew’s mindsets on the story's direction and structure. Having read the manga (Vol 1~4), and watched the drama series, I could sense the amount of thought that went into making the show fitting for a live-action adaptation while bringing heart and soul to these characters.
In general, the majority of the Asian dramas tend to over sexualise and romanticise unhealthy relationships, including BL and LGBT portrayals. Therefore, Cherry Magic's direction proves that none of those portrayals is necessary to create an exciting and engaging show. It was quite refreshing to see a relationship built on trust, communication and maturity, especially in the given genre.
Characters & Acting:
I was concerned the show would limit its focus on character development, especially for the supporting characters. However, I gradually started to accept and realise this is Adachi’s story. It’s made clear from the start that we, as the audience, see the story from his perspective. I appreciate the writers for including a fair amount of development and perspective for our supporting characters later on in the show. I was able to see a part of myself in each of the characters. For example, Adachi, our main protagonists gradually overcoming his low self-esteem, Kurosawa learning to accept his less perfect side and Fujisaki having an optimistic attitude despite pressure from her surroundings. The acting was top-notch; I could feel the character’s emotions, including the scenes without any dialogue. I loved how the main and some supporting cast members were given a chance to show their range. It helped me become more invested in their characters. Setting the characters in a genre with both slice of life and a supernatural element could be quite challenging. Therefore, I believe the writers did an excellent job writing the main and supporting characters in a relatable and somewhat realistic approach.
Setting:
It was refreshing to see a drama set in a workplace setting with the given genre. It brought more opportunities to explore some realistic obstacles and a sense of relatability towards a mature target audience. Although the production value is relatively standard, the staff considers the setting, placement of props, and editing, reflecting the character’s emotions with their given surroundings. I appreciate the setting being viewed more than a stage or an aesthetic; it made me rethink the use of colour palettes (e.g. Blue for gloomy mood and Yellow for light and romantic).
Music:
I fell in love with both the opening and ending songs featured in the show. The lyrics had much depth and connection with our two main characters. I found it interesting the opening represents Adachi’s internal feelings while the ending represents Kurosawa’s perspective. Both songs complement each other, and the visuals fit the songs melody. The soundtrack is both amusing and emotionally moving. From my perspective, I did not feel any of the ost or songs were out of place.
Last thoughts:
If you are used to seeing skinship and rapid development featured in romantic relationships the show may not be your forte, however, I recommend you give the series a watch. While watching the show, it reminded me that falling in love can be a wonderful thing in life despite the depressing and heartwrenching moments.
The show has storytelling potential however, it lacks in making the characters likeable and engaging with audiences. I believe the writers wanted to show the reckless nature of adolescence but it left little reasons for audiences such as myself to root for the siblings. Out of the siblings I found Bode to be the most interesting and engaging character due to his curious personality. I did appreciate the plot twist although it was slightly predictable.
There was an announcement on one of the actors Instagram's of a new season release. I hope the writers have considered the Season one feedbacks to refine the character's attitude and actions.
This series was probably one of the first shows I've watched on Netflix.
The first season had flaws, but at least the story made somewhat more sense compared to the last season, which was following too many characters, including newly added ones. Season one was easier to follow because it showed a chained domino effect from one person to another. All the internal struggles and bad decisions people make do make us audience reflect on our own decisions. The soundtrack was very good with timing and suited the mood of the scenes.
The flashback scenes and transitions were pretty smooth, but I think they may have overdone the saturation in season 2.
I believe the show should have ended in season 2 when Hannah's arc was completed. The last season, in particular, seemed to dramatize characters actions, and the story started to become warped, leaving little room to connect with the viewers. The remaining seasons did try to show the aftermaths of the remaining characters, but the pacing and story direction started to lose the meaning behind the title "13 reasons why".
Overall, I still found Minette's performance convincing, and most of the cast did their best with the given material.
This took 2 days to finish binge-watching.
The story concept barely kept me going through the unlikeable characters (except Shane and Selena).and rushed story direction.
Many of the story directions had a similar tone to Riverdale and 13 reasons why made into a dance setting.
The dance and soundtrack were the best parts of the series.
The last episode hints at a season 2, but not sure if it'll keep me interested.
I finished watching the whole thing the other day. I appreciate them for trying to stay faithful to the original source. Clearly, the live-action is much better in terms of exploring Tatsu's character as a former yakuza and a househusband.
The show explores the vital themes of AI and humanity, which could be relevant to how our society seems to be heading in the future. The show makes you question, What truly makes us human and to what length would we go to sacrifice our humanity for the sake of our future.
The characters and story start out really strong, however, loses it's steam halfway through the series. There is minimal character growth established in the main and supporting characters. Other than that, the soundtrack is phenomenal along with smooth animation.
Overall, it's a fun watch, but the story pattern could be repetitive.
