Masterpiece

I initially watched this movie because of Ando Sakura. I am glad I did it, because it is a masterpiece. The screenplay is really well written, making scenes of the same situation from different point of views be equally thrilling and mesmerizing. The screenwriter was able to reveal bit by bit the details from the perspective of each character in a brilliant manner. From the beginning, you are induced to search for a unique culprit for the whole strange situation. Then, after understanding the story as a whole, you realize the complexity of the plot. Every one has their share of contribution. They unconsciously and unintentionally pressure the children. It is a contradiction, because every character is true to their own sentiments and intentions. Some misunderstandings happen on the way, causing mainly Hori to be unfairly punished.

In the end, the story is about the discoveries of Minato and Yori in a movement towards inside uncovering their sexuality. They ponder if they are wrong to be who they are. This inability to accept themselves and feel accepted by their friends, family, and teachers is the real cause of all the problems. And this is a real problem in today's society. It is really painful and heartbreaking to see such lovely children as Yori and Minato to suffer bullying, and, in the case of Yori, physical violence from his father.

At the same time, their connection is beautiful. They find each other to be the only people who could understand each one's feelings and anxieties. But the thing is... They are only children. Their parents and teachers aren't able to understand and give support, although they really care for them (of course, except for Yori's father). They are loved but not seen as who they are. Instead, they are perceived as idealizations from their surrounding people. The ending was good and symbolic of a freedom in an afterworld without external expectations.

"If it's not everyone, it's not happiness"

P.S.: the acting was reeeeally good!

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A story about realizing about what's important in life

I found this drama to be one of the best I've ever watched. The plot starts slow and dragging with Mukai (Akaso) trying to be in a romantic relationship at all costs. However, he is not fulfilled even when he becomes able to date other female characters. I thought Mukai to be a silly character in this part. But, as the drama continues, I understood this happens because Mukai is lost. Something is clearly missing. He isn't able to identify what is important to him in life. Not only in respect with romantic relationships, but also with relationships in general. I think everyone faces this kind of existencial crisis once you enter your 20s or 30s. You feel devasted because your work does not fulfill you, even though you may be working with something you supposedly love. You feel confused because you start relationships that exist for the sake of not being alone. You realize that being independent is not all that matters. So what's life all about? I think Mukai is in this same journey (as we all are) searching for the answers to this question. As we see with the other characters, this answer is not unique. Actually, every person will need to figure out their own answer. For Mukai, though, I believe he finds an answer that generalizes well. He discovers that you need to properly face other people in order to live a life with meaning (hence the theme song always stating "mukaiatte"). He is able to discover that by having natural, fun, and sometimes profound conversations with Sakaido-san (Haru), that is, by properly facing her without preconceived social conventions. Then, his aura transforms and we see a whole different main character, much more confident and with personality. The ending is ambiguous and we don't know if Mukai ends with Sakaido-san. Personally, I believe this is a good ending, because this drama is not about relationships as an end in itself, but rather a lesson about relationships as a mean to live better. It is a shift in perspective. In all, I believe this drama brings an important reflection about facing relationships and life with a direct and honest attitude.

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A heartwarming drama

It made me think about a lot of things: coincidences, big changes in life, gratitude, and the weight of emotional connections. Sadly, I watched most of episodes when I was very tired, which made not enjoy them so much. But the reason for the (relatively) low rating was that I was not really too into this drama. It is a subjective feeling. There are some dramas that you really empathize with the story and the characters. Maybe on this one I did not feel so much connected with neither both. Instead, I only felt connected to the situations shown.

Note: Yorushika OST was superb!

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