Beach Boys (1997)

This is one of those dramas that does such a wonderful job of writing the characters/storyline that you can't help but miss everything about them once it ends. I couldn't watch any other dramas for days after I finished this because I couldn't get this drama out of my mind. Aside from the friendship between the two leads, I absolutely enjoyed watching each character's story unfold. They each have a story to tell and I loved how it was told and then resolved. They each have a past, or some conflicts with their personal life and this B&B on the beach is - in a way - their safe haven from their troubles. I think we all kind of wish/hope we can experience something so carefree, happy, and loving like what the leads experienced on this beach and I think that's why this drama was so intriguing. The inn was the ideal place to stay. Nothing too stressful. You meet new people every day, you're next to the water all day, you have food to eat, and a nice group of people to call friends.

Not only that but I felt like I could relate to the characters, especially Kaito. He has a good job, a nice home, a beautiful girlfriend, and the "ideal" life yet can't help but feel like something's missing. He quits his secure (probably high salary paying) job to work part-time at the B&B. It might have been the stupidest thing he has ever done and he might even regret leaving his "perfect" life behind, but I think he saw what the B&B could provide and he saw a life worth living. This new life could be exactly what's right for him. It's not about having the perfect life but about living a life with no regrets and doing what's right for you even if that means leaving a secure life for one that's less secure but brings happiness to you.

This is a story about individuals who have lost their way in life and bond through their hardships. This is a story about friendships, family, relationships, pasts, hope, and summer, but most importantly it's about finding yourself. The OST is nostalgic and I can't help but listen to it every time I miss this drama. "Forever" is amazing and brings back so many feelings and emotions and just everything!

Definitely rewatchable! I highly recommend it. Just wish it was a little longer because I didn't want it to end!

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Grandmaster of bromance and beach/village healing dramas

Watched this drama more than a decade ago, and had wanted to rewatch it before doing a proper review about a year ago. But couldn’t find a watchable version. Finally found a watchable version and watched it (complete with the drama special) within a few days, so here’s my drama review.

= In short =

A timeless drama that’s really easy to watch, and absolutely bingeable over a weekend - it’s fun, silly and hilarious, yet heartwarming and healing, with a simple plot (that offers deep meanings for the reflective viewers at different life stages), superb OSTs that weaved flawlessly throughout the drama and five charming leads. Plus it is just 12 episodes at ~50mins per episode.

This is also probably the Grandmaster of bromance (i.e. simple, pure, deep friendship between two guys, and nothing else) and beach/village healing dramas. Be absolutely charmed by the two male leads’ unlikely deep and pure friendship, and longing for a “Does it matter, it’s summer now” beach vacation this summer to heal the mind and soul.

*Trivia: This drama was so successful when it first aired that it led to a craze for Beach Boys-style summer beach vacation and fashion then and also had a 2.5h drama special sequel Beach Boys Special (1998) with the same cast. Well, perhaps (just saying) this drama inspired the Uniqlo casual wear trend!

= In details =

* Story: The drama is on 2 city guys who were both lost in their own lives, escaping to a beach B&B homestay, building deep friendships with each other and the homestay folks and finding purpose, meaning and direction in their lives from the homestay folks and visitors. Each of the 5 charming leads (the 2 city guys and the 3 homestay folks) have their own backstories, for which they eventually find closure.

The drama reflects the longingness and hesitations of young adults, to chase dreams and real happiness and find their own oceans, that are especially relevant today. Plus every episode offers quotable quote(s) and life lesson(s).. these quotes/lessons are usually accompanied by the piano piece of the theme song “Forever”. For example: Episode 1: The ocean connects people from near and afar. Episode 2: Simple is best. Episode 3: I don’t want to be pushed around by anyone. When I want to come back, I will, even when no one asks me to..

(When MDL article issue is fixed, I have plans to do an editorial review to better introduce the drama and the 5 leads. Do keep a lookout)

* Acting/Cast: The role portrayals and chemistry of these 5 leads are flawless. Whether you are a school student, a working adult, or a retiree, you can easily resonate with one or more lead(s)/characters in this drama and marvel how nice it would be to be one of the fivesome in the drama.

* Music: The OSTs blend perfectly into the drama are also absolutely replayable on one’s playlist. Check out ”Forever” (all three versions), “Sing a Love Song For Me” and “Bright Lights Big City”, just to name a few.

* Rewatch Value: Timeless and highly rewatchable – you can expect to have the same enjoyment of the hilarious, silly, fun moments and at the same time be inspired differently watching it at different stages of your life.

What could have been improved:
1. There’s one thing I absolutely dislike about this drama - it is the numerous scenes of the adults smoking away. Perhaps it is the Japanese way of life?
2. The 2.5h drama special is a disservice to the original drama series. The story in this special is both a waste of: (1) The character developments built up in the original series, and (2) The return of the original cast and OSTs. I was absolutely disappointed and also pissed with the two male leads in the drama special, just like Makoto in the special drama.

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