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...
University student Ryo is having a relationship with his classmate Natsuo. To begin with its only physical, but soon when Natsuo moves in with Rio, they have a good connection and almost love situation going on. We also meet Ryo's father Shinya, who one day shows up unannounced. Ryo doesn't have a very good relationship with him and considers him a womanizer. Shinya is a singer/song writer. Through flashback, we are told that in his younger days, Shinya had a love affair with another man who also helped him writhe lyrics of his favorite song and they had a good thing going until one day Shinya's sister suddenly shows up and catches them. The lover eventually meets with an accident. Natsuo resembles to Shinya's love and he is quite shocked to see him. We are not sure if this is reincarnation but we see that Natsuo suddenly feels an odd connection with Shinya and helps him compose music. He also tell Shinya that Ryo and he are lovers and he accepts them with all his love. Ryo is finally able to connect with his father before he eventually passes away.
As I mentioned, the subject was good and the actors did a decent job, but how I wish this was not made as a pink movie. Those explicit sexual scenes were just not needed. It also doesn't help when the passionate expressions of these boys almost feel like they are in pain or something. It is almost embarrassing to watch. Maybe it works for Japanese folks. But it did not for me. Even the actors looked a little uncomfortable and were not very trained (not that you need much of acting here). With extremely low production value and tight budget, this film was likely made quick and for quick money. If you get your hands on complete non-erotic version of the film, maybe this could be. Good short film. Otherwise avoid it. (2/10)
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