Fukou-kun wa Kiss Suru Shikanai! (2022)

Lovable Characters are the Strength of this Bromance

It's a simple plot but the characters are likable and engaging. Naoya (Sato Yusuke) plays a strong lead as a guy who has no baggage about liking guys --- Kota (Sota Ryosuke), in this case. Kota is "questioning" his same sex attraction, and this is fine but his character is just a little too slapstick -- and that's the main failing of this drama, it can't seem to find the right tone. Is it a serious drama or a farce? Thankfully the Naoya character keeps us grounded for most of the series. [Update, 2 years later] So I just watched the whole series again, 2 years later, and my initial thoughts are the same. Noya's character is one of the most realistic gay characters I've ever seen in cinema. None of the kissing scenes work. I think these BL dramas try too hard to force same-sex romance into the story. A bromance between two guys is sufficiently dramatic and, since this is a Japanese movie, they could have gone to an onsen to establish their level of intimacy. The conclusion is the typical BL cop-out: to never suggest actual sex. That's why I think they should just aim for bromance because the audince never gets the implied payoff. And, for that matter, any kind of simulated sex scene in movies, gay or straight, is so cringe that I usually skip through that part. I don't think filmmakers grasp there is a vast audience of men who have no interest in women and would prefer to co-habitate with a male best friend who shares similar interests with no romantic baggage.

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"Mr Unlucky Has No Choice but to Kiss" is a series that has both a title that is too long and episodes that are too short.
Or maybe the episodes are just long enough -- long enough to develop a light-hearted story that makes us fall in love with the main characters and get to know the side characters. Dragging it out would not have helped, in my opinion.

This is what makes the show outstanding:
* The acting for Fukuhara's character is on point. I love how the actor can go from fake high-pitched cuteness when covering up his bad luck to real joy when something goes right, to his inner monologues complaining about his bad luck, to his real self when talking to Shinomiya.
* I like how the professor's lectures fit into the developing relationship. Also, from what I know of psychology, the theories presented are actual theories.
* It is astounding how the people working on this show have developed the supporting characters so well that I feel like I know them, even though they get very little screen time.
* The attention to detail in both the acting and the sets makes this show worth watching more than once (or twice. Or three times.)
* I am also glad that the issue of consent is so prominent in the story. (Especially as it's a point of concern in some other BLs.) Not only is it discussed several times, but the characters follow through to the end -- even to the frustration of the character who said no. The sudden kiss in episode 1 is also discussed later. (So, actually, the title is wrong. Fukuhara Kouta does have a choice to kiss!)

I also love how they showed that Fukuhara with his bouts of bad luck and Shinomiya with his incredible good luck both stand apart from the people around them. Now that they have found their counterpart who can bring balance to their lives, they will be able to open up to others and live as normal people among them.

I must admit that the nature in the background always confuses me a bit, as the story is set in April, but the nature looks like autumn -- but that might be because the whole colour palette tends towards brown and orange?

All in all, I highly recommend this series. It's fluffy and sweet, something nice to watch when you need a pick-me-up.

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when the luckiest guy on campus meets the unluckiest guy on campus

It was another very cute Japanese bl that targeted the very beginning phase of a relationship. The narrative of being with someone for their luck was actually very fascinating and unique. Acting was good considering that it's pretty obvious that they are going for an animated vibe for Kota. His expressions and actions are all very overexaggerated but it was fun to watch. The actors definitely did a good job.
Only real complaint I have is that this was way too short. I wish this was 12 episodes because 8 episodes were only enough for them to scratch the surface of this relationship they are having. However, I don't regret watching this at all. This drama would definitely deserve a season 2.

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CHARMING CAST AND STORY REMINDS US OF CHERRY MAGIC

CAST. Just like another Japanese series, CHERRY MAGIC, the two main leads of this series are its best asset. Both are adorable, especially Sato Yusuke who plays Naoya. Both the actor and the character are endearing. Acting is also natural. As for Soyta Ryosuke who plays Kota, his exaggerated acting makes you feel that you are watching an anime. Even the delivery of his lines are very cartoon-like. And it’s also charming.

10 / 10

STORY. Story is cute, although I feel that the writers should’ve written in about the two main character’s families. One can’t help but wonder: Why are both characters living alone? Where are their families? Who pays for their tuition/rent/bills? I love the maturity of Naoya and how he handles situation and how he respects Kota. Also love Kota’s character development towards the end.

I read some comments from viewers who are disappointed that there is no kissing scene at the end. Hey guys, we got one at the beginning, right? Also, series like CHERRY MAGIC worked and are well-loved despite the lack of kissing scenes.

9 / 10

CINEMATOGRAPHY. It’s still a puzzle to me why Japanese and Korean BLs use so much filter. I know some series/movies use filters to hide the cast’s age, but in this case, the cast are all young – so what gives? Some Thai series are guilty of this, too. It’s ok if white filters (diffusers) are used for dream sequences or fantasy scenes or flashbacks, but for present day scenes, I don’t think it’s necessary. MUSIC is also mediocre, nothing impressive.

7 / 10

REWATCH VALUE. 10, if only because of the two male leads. Haha!!

10 / 10

OVERALL RATING

9 / 10

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THIS DRAMA IS SO FLUFFY AND WARM

I absolutely loved this drama....the chemistry....the story....the acting.....the fluffiness everything about this drama was just perfect.

I loved how cute and natural the love between the two main leads were.

The story was also told really well and used the short time it had really well. The pacing was also well done and didn't drag at any time.

This drama also had a deeper meaning when it comes to the lucky and unlucky parts of the drama because the lucky characters life is so perfect that he constantly wonders if people are nice to him only for his luck and the unlucky character tries to stay away from people to avoid affecting them with his lack of luck. But because of the unlucky characters both leads meet and they both begin depending on eachother to live normal lives.

The fluffiness of the relationship was also well balanced and didn't make anything seem cringey or annoying.

All in all I loved this drama and once again Japan has did it again with delivering a beautiful drama.

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In defiance of the title, Mr. Unlucky strives not to kiss!!!

But he will win you over regardles. From start to finish, this drama never fails being entertaining, impossibly cute and at times, devastatingly heartbreaking. It's very much worth the time you invest in it, more than once.


What I particularly liked:

1. Shinomiya is THE perfect boyfriend. Literally a fairytale-like prince, inside and out. He's hot. He's sweet. He's a good friend. He respects your boundaries and makes fun of you in the nicest way possible. He voices his feelings!!! For real.

2. Fukuhara has been funny and relatable for the vast majority of the show. I wanted to strangle him only like thrice during the show, each time lasting mere seconds.

3. The soundtrack is catchy and fits the ambience very well. For people looking for it, it's called "Perfect" by "OCTPATH".


What I particularly disliked:

1. Their relationship can get a bit repetitive with not enough development at times. You might hear they lack intimacy, which I personally wouldn't have minded if there was additional progress to compensate for it. Alas, I wished for more towards the end.

2. The subtitles aren't that good. There are few minor issues I can look past, one annoying one that bugged me but didn't ruin it for me, and one major problem I will feel salty about to the end of my days. I'll leave a spoilery comment under the review pointing those out.

3. Pomeranian. You'll understand after watching it.


Overall feelings:

If you're looking for something light on plot, short and sweet, this is the show for you. Just be warned that like many japanese live actions based on shounen-ai manga, this one is also very ridiculous and innocent in its portrayal of love.

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the luckiest unlucky person

The story revolves around two characters, Fukuhara and Shinomiya. Initially, Fukuhara is portrayed as a manipulative and "unlucky" person who seems to benefit from being around Shinomiya. However, it becomes clear that some of Fukuhara's misfortunes are due to his own clumsiness and lack of communication skills. Shinomiya, on the other hand, is seen as a lucky and caring individual who is drawn to Fukuhara's lively personality.

Fukuhara's abrupt love confession to Shinomiya is initially seen as self-serving, but it becomes evident that Shinomiya has genuine feelings for Fukuhara. Despite this, Fukuhara continues to take advantage of Shinomiya's feelings and luck without showing appreciation. However, as the story progresses, Fukuhara begins to realize the sincerity of Shinomiya's feelings and gradually falls for him, showing remorse for his past actions.

In episode 5, Fukuhara starts acknowledging his feelings for Shinomiya and becomes more protective of him, standing up to those who try to take advantage of Shinomiya's luck. Ultimately, the two characters have an honest conversation, leading to a new beginning in their relationship based on honesty and courage.

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It's good, but not outstanding

Should you give this a watch? Sure!

It's fluffy, the side characters are fun, the actors are good, the story is trying something, and at times it's really funny. Will it change your life forever? Surely not, but is that what we were asking this drama to do?

This really comes in line with the recent influx of Japanese BL drama. I want to add cookie points for the production team of this drama, because things just...look nice! There are some pretty shots at the aquarium especially, and we get a few moments when the leads seemingly break character which is for the better.

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I got ants all over me because of the sweetness

For those who are wondering, this serie is a *happy ending*

Things I like about this serie:
- Handsome actors especially Naoya. Such an ikemen.
- A very sweet and attentive seme. No red flags whatsoever.
- Tsundere bottom x pursuing top
- Top notch comedy.
- Followed the original to almost a T.

Things that I somehow didn't like about this serie:
- the randomness of scenes, especially in episode 7 and 8.
- The lack of skinship? Which opens new plot points if there will be a season 2. It's just, for readers who plan to watch this, just keep in mind that that this is a budding love. So there's progress, but do not expect too much.

Cinematography.
- Angles are very nice.
- There is a cloudy and dreamy visage all throughout the series, which makes it a bit hard to view some of the details in the series such as the surroundings. But I guess they did that to limit the part where there is not much of a population, I guess?
- I really love the voice overs and the soliloquy of the characters. It also presented both sides of the main roles which gives a better understanding of the story.

All in all, this is a sweet and good watch. I kept laughing out loud and giggling. I need a Naoya in my life too hahaha. If you liked Takara and Amagi and Cherry Magic, you will definitely love this too. So give it a shot!

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Cutest drama ever !!!

OMG!!!
I don’t think I’ve ever Fan-girled this hard in my life. The drama was so cute, their relationship developed so well, and there were so many cute and heartwarming scenes between them.
Kota was such a cute and bashful character and I loved his attitude towards life. He had a lot of insecurities, but he never let them affect him.
Naoya on the other hand is one of those people everyone assumes is perfect because of popularity, but also has his own fair share of imperfections he’s too afraid to show.
I love how their contrasting personalities balanced each other, it really helped with their romance. I wish we could have gotten more romantic scenes from them.
The two of them got me all jittery and tingly and I honestly haven’t felt like this in a long time.

This drama was honestly just Eye candy galore. All the side characters were so attractive, this was a heavy bonus.

The only downside for me was that their back and forth got a little too draggy and some of Kota’s kawaii moments were more cringe than cute. But when has cringe ever bothered me.

If you love BL, fluff and cuteness overload with a little bit of cringe, then this drama is perfect for you.

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