Is this technically a gay show? Even after getting through the whole thing, that's still kind of tricky to answer. There's never any physical intimacy shown between the two leads, not even a single kiss. What it gives you instead is something that goes way deeper than that. It traces an emotional bond that spans a full decade between two guys who are both dealing with their own baggage, and what they share basically amounts to being soulmates. The story moves across Japan, South Korea, and Berlin. Honestly, whether people want to call what they have a romantic relationship or not doesn't really matter to me. A relationship doesn't need a label like boyfriends attached to it to actually mean something. And closeness doesn't need to be physical to feel genuine. What this show captures is something quieter but way more powerful, a bond rooted in understanding, respect, and just showing up for each other. Across eight episodes, each running 35 to 45 minutes, this is one...
This show is hands down one of the best, powerful emotional and real drama focusing on relationships in a subtle yet very sensitive manner. The writing of the show is immaculate and what a brilliant cast. This sophisticated story is masterful at navigating the blurry lines between friendship, romance, and family. Some may say that this is not a conventional BL story, but I say that you won't get a lovelier lovely gay love story which is so much more than just two men in love for each other. This show is an experience and I am sure I will not be able to do justice with my writing with everything that I felt while watching the show over a few days. It has 10 episodes of almost 30 minutes each.
16 year old high school girl Mieko lives with her ever busy mother and has abandonment issues and never wants to be in love with any man, especially when her ex boyfriend physically assaults her one night. That night she meets Makki, a schoolmate of hers and literally forces himself to take care of her and make sure she is ok. The dup form a very unlikely bond which is strictly friendship based. Makki is a handsome young teenager with whom many girls wanna go out and he is friendly and flirty with everyone. Both of. Them decide to take part time jobs at a restart where they meet the 22 year old chef Eiji. After overhearing their gossip, Eiji tells Makki and Mieko that he identifies as gay. However, his sexuality is a recent revelation for him. Eiji is shy and anxious, struggling to connect with other gay guys. The trio make a unique bon despite age gap and they all hang out together all the time. Mieko cherishes her platonic friendship with Mieko and Eiji, who provide emotional support in place of her absentee parents. Eiji one day tells Mieko that he likes Makki and she asks him to tell him. Makki is initially surprised but eventually he gives in and decides why not. So Makki and Eiji soon become a gay couple and even Eiji's sister is very happy. Mieko still continues to be part pf their life. Things become complicated when Eiji's father refuse to accept his son being gay. This is when Mieko suggest why doesn't she have their baby which will quite the family. Since the baby is of Eiji and Mieko, Makki starts feeling left out (for no apparent reason) and starts distancing himself from the trio and disappears to a different part of town. Mieko eventually has a baby and her and Eiji continue to look for Makki. Eventually they find him through another of her classmate, who ends up being Makki's new neighbor. A lot of time has since passed and Mieko and Eiji live as a couple with their baby now. Makki is slowly trying to reintegrate himself in their lives again over a period of time.
Through intricate back stories and a very sensitive style of story telling, his show tells us a compelling story of a dynamic trio. Even after finishing the show, it is hard to explain in words what this trio are fo reach other and how do you describe their relationship in mere words. They are friends, lovers, siblings, confidants, family ; everything. This series examines the many nuances of friendship, explores a diverse spectrum of sexuality, and expresses insightful commentary about society. I have to start by saying that the winners here are the actors, screenplay and the director. The three characters have such a comfortable camaraderie with each other and every scene where they are just hanging out, chatting, cooking, decorating and just being themselves are pure gold. Its a great drama because everything is so subtle and nothing is over the top. Its like you are watching secretly someone's life unfolding in front of you. As the title suggests, you are supposed to almost go into the psyche of every character and imagine what's going on in their head, what are they thinking, what's there motivation etc. The plot drops hints instead of stating the obvious, so you must speculate carefully and ponder the relationship dynamics. Nearly every episode concludes with an extended scene where the characters do ordinary activities and live in the moment. As the events unfold quietly, the series encourages you to observe and contemplate. Its a brilliant way of storytelling and I was completely drawn into the world of Makki, Eiji and Mieko.
The initial scene of the trip bonding together are done so well. A very cheerful and happy Makki is the scene stealer in all of those scenes , especially with a shy Eiji who obviously is crushing over Makki. His bubbly persona is convincing, yet his melancholic side feels just as captivating. The gay relation is well rounded with both physical and emotional moments. Personally, even though I do not agree with the approach that lest have a baby with our best friend and it will hopefully put a full stop to family's complaints, but hey I am willing to totally discount that. I sense that this drama may not be everyone's cup of tea, but personally, for me, this is a master example of a brilliant subdued story. This thought-provoking drama can unleash powerful emotions without whispering a single word. Kudos to everyone involved in making of this absolutely magnificent show. (9/10)
Comments
Watching these 3 friends evolve, and how their insecurities shape their actions is captivating. I got drawn in their lives too, thanks to te incredible writing and screen playing.
I kept thinking about 2 things : first how Japan differs on homosexuality. I had this talk where someone there explained to me they didn't really care about homosexuality per se. However you're supposed to have a family to support the society, and that's when you fail doing so that it becomes a problem. That's exactly what came to my mind after Eiji's father reaction. He didn't care his son was gay during his youth as long as he was willing to have a family in the end.
Second thought : how they did good things for bad reasons, and how it would inevitably have a bitter end. Hard to explain but I couldn't help myself to compare their surrogacy with mine. We did it with a stranger (who's now family but that's beyond the point). They did it between friends, it should have been even more fantastic. But you feel all this holds with a light string ment to break anytime. So wen it happens it's so beautiful and yet so sad at the same time.
My only complaints would be the slow start, maybe needed though. And I got frustrated by Makki's actions. But after a second watch it became more apparent the boy is so much craving love he just couldn't bare Eiji's focused attention with Mieko. I still don't think it's a good enough excuse but oh well...
All the rest is top notch. I think I could feel my heart stomp in my chest during their reunion, and collpase seeing Eiji's cry holding Makki's cloth (little reminder of brokeback mountain possibly ;). The bittersweet ending still has my heart sway just thinking about it.
I always enjoy doing parallels to my own life, almost always, while I am watching a show or a film and every time I have interesting feelings and reactions and seeing and reading you do that in this case is also fascinating to me.
But I agree 100% that a bit of back story of Maki would have helped. Again... this is such a beautiful beautiful story.