I've noticed Japan's getting better with producing quality BL films/dramas, but they still have room for improvement in their GL.
My main reason for watching was because of Mizuhara-san, and I wanted to give Japan another chance for GL themed films. Also, the casting choice seemed pretty solid, and Netflix picked it up, so I thought, "why not?"
Although it was appreciative that the main leads have a connected backstory, the film's plot is all over the place. Mizuhara's character's actions throughout the film were quite questionable. I would interpret her character as maybe bi (?). The goals of these two leads made no sense to me. I could see what falling in love feels like, especially to a person you could never have. You lose a sense of logic and wish for that person's happiness, and sometimes you find yourself to be selfish. But killing someone and losing it all, that aspect and how the film executed it seemed very extreme and unrealistic. What bothered me the most was the toxic relationship between the women. Despite killing off the abusive husband, Nanae still was not free from the inner struggles. Rei's action, including towards Nanae, didn't seem sincere either.
A bit similar to my thoughts on "The cornered mouse dreams of cheese", I felt sorry for the supporting characters affected by the main lead's actions. Don't get me wrong, I felt bad for the main leads upbringing, but many of their situations could have been easily avoided.
OST - Music was pretty decent and chill. It was very obvious they used English songs to attract a wider audience. Cherry by Yui was a huge symbolic ost in the film. Nice use of it.
Overall, I believe with a better story structure and direction, this film could have been better executed. Hopefully, the crew, staff and Japan are open to considering people's feedback on the film for future GL films/drama.
If you're into the dark thriller drama, including GL, and don't mind switching off your brain for a while then, go for it.
If you're looking for a decent GL with a strong story and relationship, this may not be for you.
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.
Aesthetically pleasing with slow-burn storytelling
This was one of the most anticipated films on my list. Ever since the release of the trailer, the ost and visuals really caught my attention.
Delving into the film, it started off strong with its visuals and character introductions, but the story pacing wasn't quite there.
I found myself pausing a few times throughout the film which was a bit concerning. It indicates the story wasn't engaging in the early stages (first 10 mins mark) especially when it came to the bond between the two main leads.
The story went from point A to point B. There wasn't much breathing room to let the audience become invested in the characters. Of course, there were conversations made between main leads including Takito's character, Hanzawa (Cop). However, it took so long for a scene to show a genuine connection and emotion between the characters. The first half of the film felt absent, but its absence was not entirely bad. I replayed some scenes and noticed the silent pain the actors conveyed in their expressions which I appreciated.
Overall, I would have liked to see more of the three main leads. I believe when exploring a manga adaptation especially with three main leads, it would have been great as a drama series or film trilogy. Hopefully, the anime adaptation brings more from the source material.
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.
