Utsukushii Kare (2021)

Está lejos de ser un cuento de hadas, es la historia de dos jóvenes con muchos conflictos internos que les impiden forjar una relación de iguales.

Una combinación de fotografía, música y actuaciones (en especial la de Yagi Yusei/Kiyoi) hicieron de este dorama una experiencia entretenida.

La pareja principal no es lo que suelo disfrutar, pero me gustó que dejaran claro que ambos tenían problemas para comunicarse y expresar sus sentimientos.

Por un lado, Hira con su baja autoestima, embotellando todo para dejarlo salir de forma explosiva. Por otro, Kiyoi con su aparente superioridad, que es más inseguridad trasladada a agresividad e indiferencia. Ambos solitarios a su manera, enloquecen por el otro.

Además, se establece que necesitan cambiar su dinámica para tener una relación romántica porque la que crearon, con uno idealizando al otro y el otro tratándolo de menos, no es algo que deberían continuar.

Sólo me hubiera gustado que tuvieran más tiempo para desarrollar el crecimiento de los dos, individualmente y en pareja.

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Love or hate it, but I adored it.

As in many Japanese storytelling, this felt real, with many many layers and subtleties. In my experience Japan is never afraid to go outside the box with flawed characters and dark tropes, or tell a story others might not be brave enough to.
The acting is superb, and the character complexities are subtle. I can see why the boldness of narration in this story might trigger people to be mad and leave a lower rating, but sticking with this show to the end, looking behind a character's exterior to the emotions lying underneath each interaction, will bring all its light and beauty to the forefront. As I read recently, you'd rather a piece of art provoke 1/10s and 10/10s than all 5s.
As with reality, people are flawed. There are misunderstandings, nerves and social pressure getting in the way of honest communication, weird and creepy sides to us we rather others not see, insecurities and a lack of awareness of our own shortcomings. If you want an escape from reality with fluffy characters and story, this isn't it. Personally I find happy stories off-putting unless there's a journey to get there. These are people you might be able to relate to that we can empathize with. It explores neurodiversity and potentially slight personality disabilities in a way I've not seen. Lighting, scenery, settings and music all play a part in feeling enclosed within their story and evoking our senses. The subtleties behind the conversations, but also the tones of voice, the nuanced expressions - they stick with you to the point where I think rewatching you would pick up on so much more.

There's probably more I could say, but I hope you give it a go. It deserves the spotlight. I'm a sucker for subtle art, one that doesn't feel pressured to scream to the masses, one where the characters are followed through properly. 10/10, go watch it 💛 it's stuck with me all day.
Looking forward to the movie.

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Hmmmm

I never read the manga before watching this, so that said, it was weird for me lol. I did enjoy watching it. Here's the reasons.

1. The storyline was certainly unique even if the setting and initial set up of character dynamics was not. As the story played out it was a strange but original development.

2. The acting was good. It was believable. Believable acting just makes shiws easier to watch.

3. The chemistry was there. Good chemistry makes me root for the main couple no matter what.

Now, reasons why it was weird.

1. I dont mind problematic characters because they're realistic. But at times the dynamic was unsettling for me. I felt iffy about wanting to see a happy ending here.

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You really don't know what to think

When I was watching the first couple episodes, I was a little on the fence because I didn't know what this relationship was. Was it an obsession? What's happening between the two? The first half is one view point and the second half is another viewpoint, from both main leads. I think when the second viewpoint started, I understood it more. In a way, it is kind of a relationship that healed both of them. They understood what each other was thinking by the end and got together. I think that you should watch it. It was a nice series to watch when you have burnt out from thriller,psychological and murder mystery kind of dramas.

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When y’all say Iconic it’s Iconic

I wished I could rate one show out of a 100 instead of a 10 because I feel this show would be it. Also trust anyone who says that this is one of the most iconic and best Japanese Bl’s because it’s the truth. I mean they made this show good because most high school BL’s aren’t played off (Thailand) and it was nice to see how Hira showed off his introvert self and was at least able to tell Kiyoi he loves him about a thousand times. I do have to say I would totally act like Hira with his BB gun imagination because it showed that he would protect Kiyoi no matter what even if someone talked the slightest bit wrong about him. It was nice that at the middle of the series they showed Kiyoi’s side of the story I do think all the times he called Hira creepy it was his way to say I love you, but couldn’t actually say it. I felt bad that Koyama had to end with not being friends with Hira, and not seeing him at the club, but it was nice that he at least understood how he felt and left him to pursue the one he really loved and most characters aren’t like that. Also Mr Kiyoi is so baby girl coded in both the first and second season, like you can’t get anymore baby girl than him. Also them wildin in the basement and the classroom was actually kinda iconic and nice to watch because it was nice actually seeing them having their moments instead of Kiyoi having his anger issues towards Hira. This was a masterpiece and I do recommend this series.

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This BL Does Well For What It Is - It’s Become An All Time Fave

What starts off as purely a servant/master dynamic, slowly develops into a genuine deep care for each other. When Hira looks into Kiyoi’s eyes you get a sense of why he’s able to fall so deep. The actor who plays Kiyoi has the most expressive eyes that swallow you up. And like the ying to his yang, Hira’s eyes are so piercing you feel like he really sees you when he looks at you. Its the feeling of having all his focus, love and admiration. That’s a powerful feeling. So much is conveyed in a single look so you can also understand why Kiyoi becomes attracted to Hira and falls for his piercing gaze, because Hira is someone who really sees him and is someone who appreciates him for the first time in his life without wanting anything back. You really buy into these two characters from different worlds. That they are able to fall in love with each other. It’s believable that they each get from one another, something that was missing before. It’s not perfect but I think it does a good job of balancing flawed characters who have toxic coping mechanisms and it does so with sincerity and honest emotions. Having good chemistry goes a long way to making these characters feel real and grounded. Their chemistry is one of the best I’ve seen in bl land. They have the perfect amount of tension that keeps you hooked until they finally get together. They’re two people who shouldn’t work on paper but they manage to carve out a space where they both fit together for each other.

In reality, I’d rate this an 8.6 but MDL doesn’t give that option.

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Unique and Beautiful

This series isn't for everyone, if you don't like a relationship that begins from a toxic situation, this series isn't for you. I have watched a lot of bl series and this one is certainly unique and very beautifully made. How their relationship starts definitely isn't healthy, with the bullying, but Hira's and Kiyoi's character development is good, which is by communicating and showing their feelings in the end. This series also shows both character's perspective which is very rare and refreshing. The plot is really clear, and acting is also very great. Although I'm not sure most of their feelings can be called love, but watching from the novel, I think I'm going to wait and see for the continuation of their story in Eternal. Overall, it was a great story.

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Es complicado

Por dónde empiezo?

Decidí ver está serie porque me apareció un edit en tiktok y necesitaban saber q estaba pasando asi que..
Cuando empeze a verla pensé que era el típico bully x víctima (que en cierta parte es) y pensaba dejarlo ahí. De alguna manera, aunque en general fue una bosta, me logro entretener lo suficiente para completarlo en su totalidad.

Hira intenta ser una representación de lo que es la ansiedad social, cálculo (? La verdad es que es bastante inconsistente. La historia te lo recuerda cuando le conviene y nunca se nos da una razón al porque Hira actua así, mucho menos un desarollo. El es suuuper obsesivo, pero la serie te lo quiere pintar como si fuese algo super cute y q lindo el amor tipo ok

Después con Kiyoi, quien es un poco más safable. Al principio me pareció típico bully boludo pero después en la segunda parte se nos da una explicación a su comportamiento y me pareció un poco interesante aunque la justificación que le quieren dar es medio vaga. El aprende una que dos cosas en el lapso de la serie pero hasta ahí

Así que tenemos a un loquito obsesivo y a un narcisista que quiere que la gente lo adore como si fuera un dios. Que podría malir sal?

La serie hace una mala representación de lo que es una relación de codependencia. Hay veces que de quiere tomar en serio a si misma y te pone escenas q están bastante bien planteadas pero después te vuelve a romantizar todo otra vez, no sé, no entiendo. A parte que te quieren hacer ver a Hira como si fuera un rayo de sol que no hizo nada malo cuando el es igual o peor que Kiyoi. Entiendo más o menos lo que quisieron hacer, pero lo hicieron para el culo.

Está mal pero no está tan mal, digamos, a ver... Hay un par de cosas que le puedo rescatar

1- EL OST, DIOS. Te juro, las series más poronga siempre tienen el mejor soundtrack

2- La dirección creativa. Hay muchas escenas que me gusta mucho como están llevadas. En general toda la serie es muy linda de ver y podes realmente meterte en la escenas

3- Es entretenida de ver. Es una bosta, pero al menos me entretuve viéndola. Eso es mejor a qué me haga dormirme creo

4- Los actores son buenísimos. En parte creo q ls razón por la se me hizo más ameno el verla fue por los actores, unos capos

Con una mejor escritura por ahí pudo haber tenido potencial pero no fue el caso.

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Unhealthy but compelling relationship

Hira is a fascinating character : he wants to worship and be dominated by Kiyoi but he's also very demanding and unwilling to bend when it comes to pursuing his desires. Kiyoi in turn finds Hira's attention gratifying but also dehumanizing. He doesn't want Hira to see him solely as an object of worship but as a vulnerable and flawed human being. They both emotionally hurt each other a lot with the hurt becoming physical a few times. Is this a healthy dynamic? Absolutely not but these two are obsessed with each other and the heart wants what it wants.

The actors are strong and have excellent chemistry. Hira's actor is handsome but the production downplays it and leans into making him look awkward and slightly creepy. Kiyoi's actor is indeed beautiful which gives some weight to Hira's obsession. The production design is very good for what is a short and inexpensive drama. I particularly like the animations associated with each of the leads.

I know this is a polarizing drama but if you go in knowing it's a messed up romance between two messed up people you can relax and enjoy it for what it is. Not every drama has to portray healthy relationships.

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