Kimi Wa Petto (2017)

I could write a novel to compare how this adaptation succeded and failed! But because this is a review and not an analysis I'll try to be as brief and fair as possible.

This is what I call the Disney version of KWP! They took the core storyline and characters but repackaged it to satisfy a broader demographic. That's not a bad thing if you like cute romantic comedies with a hint of salaciousness and happy ending! The concept of KWP is unique in itself it's interesting and satisfying. However, if you are a fan of the original manga or original series you might be disappointed at the loss of the story's hard edges.

By softening the characters it actually made the relationship between Sumire and Takeshi "Momo" feel less passionate and dynamic. It also made their growth as individuals feel less dramatic. Without those rough and uncomfortable moments you lose much of the stories impact about intolerance from social/moral/gender expectations. That probably isn't a big deal to most but if you really enjoy those wtf elements (I call it rollercoaster euphoria) from the more mature storyline then you probably won't be fully satisfied with this latest adaptation!

The acting was fine. No one in this drama stood out to me as spectacular but they were adequate. If I had one gripe it would be Iriyama Noriko startled/deer-in-headlights look that I assume is supposed to represent nervous insecurity? I'll be nice though because it seems to work with this adaptations Sumire.  But nitpicky me really wanted that composed and confident public facade in the original. The same with Takeshi "Momo" he was too adorable to the point of being childish vs Man-child. But again it feels appropriate for this version.

Nothing to add on music though the introduction was nice.

Overall rated good, but without the original uncomfortable mature situations it's nothing special. I might watch this again because I love the KWP storyline but I'm not emotionally attached to this version

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It ’s complicated…. a little weird and pretty hot.
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It’s not flawlessly fantastic but I like it. The concept of keeping a human for a pet is intriguing and unique in itself. I am neither a J-Drama follower nor a manga reader( I am living under a rock) but from what I have picked up while watching two or three J-Dramas and a few Movies is that they have most of the times unique and often bold concepts and are not scared to experiment.

The pivotal relationship of the story is based on pure selfless love. I think that’s the side of the pet-master relationship this show was aiming to depict. And I am amazed by the skill of the story, which I think was able to put across the idea successfully in this drama, at least for me. Of course, there was sexual tension between the couple, from the boy’s side it was obvious because the woman was not just a master to him(and also ‘cause “It Started With A Kiss” for him… ) but he tried to keep it that way for her sake, the woman was at first unaware and then after gradually realising she prefered to feign ignorance for her own convenience(not calling her selfish yet). I liked how they showed their inner struggle. She is beautiful, smart and intelligent but at the same time meek, awkward and lacks confidence. She is able to express herself only in front of her pet. So, basically, Momo was her emotional refuge. Momo was also seeking a shelter at first but after getting a peek at her vulnerable side, he decided to stay and then fell in love with her. The whole experience made him grow up into a responsible man and she too came out of her shell. I didn’t read the manga or watched the previous adaptation, so, watched it with no expectations and had nothing to compare to. Though it could’ve been a little short, I am fully content with what I watched.

The acting was good overall. Shison Jun, who I have seen before in a supporting role in Tadome No Kiss, was good in that show but a little annoying with his woohoos…. may be due to the character. Whereas, here I found him very skilled. He has both range and variation in his acting. I totally bought him as a pet because of his body language. He was just like a dog, sitting, clinging, asking for attention, everything to a T.
Iriyama Noriko looked stupified all the time save few scenes, I guess it was owing to her character. But damn, is she gorgeous! I officially have a crush on her now. She has great chemistry with both the leads.
The second Male Lead was good too. Handsome and acted aptly.
Didn’t like the other girl, it could be a biased taste. Don’t like clingy, desperate yet confident enough to be bitchy characters.

I don’t want to spoil anything but frequent recurrence of a certain flashback gave me the heebeejeebees.

The soundtrack is good. Nothing much to say. I won’t especially download and listen to it but still, it’s good.

Some shows are really enjoyable while you are watching but once it’s over you don’t know whether you will watch them again or not. This is one of those shows.

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