Destiny-Like Love (2016)

Umnei ni, Nita Koi was actually a drama for the first time that portrayed a mature romance incredibly well in my opinion. It's the main focus of the show, not a subplot or add on. In a world of high school/college romance dramas this one really sticks out to me. It shows how two people can be drawn together at a young age, grow apart, and reconnect in a (pardon me) destiny-like love. I was already drawn in, just to get a change of pace. And I wasn't disappointed.

For an 8 episode drama, the series did an amazing job telling a heart-felt story and concluded it well, with no plot holes or empty ending. While I wouldn't label the series too dramatic or too sweet; it's mature and well thought out with a balance of ages that makes it appealing to young and old drama watchers. All the characters good and bad, minor and major get fleshed out fairly well and their relationships with one another are well identified. While some elements of the plot are a little typical, they aren't so glaringly obvious as to ruin watching. I was on my toes through the entire 8 episodes.

While Yuri and Kasumi are the main couple, we also get a taste (just a taste) of young love found in Tsugumi (Kasumi's son) and Kameko. We also see relationships that aren't lovey-dovey with Riri's admiration for Yuri, Yoji's sense of loss for a particular character, and more. The story isn't just a love story, but one of relationships and how they can blossom or rot.

Aside from Saito Takumi, I wasn't familiar with the majority of the cast, but everyone was excellent. There was an amazing chemistry between all the characters. The story played out well. The music was so-so, mood appropriate but nothing much more. I'm not a huge re-watch fan, but this is one I might revisit should I need a breather between highschool aged romance and rom-coms.

I highly recommend this series for those who love a serious romance, or are just tired of rom-coms and highschool aged love. It surely won't disappoint.

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It started with childhood promise: “We will meet again.”

A slow and deliberate drama about two people who fall in love and yet to the outside world do to not seem to fit. This drama was beautiful and painful, brought to life but an impressive performance by Saito Takumi. This drama is not meant to rushed or hurried. Instead, it is one of quiet contemplation.

However, although the premise and some of the performances were exceptional this drama is not without fault. The camera work was poor at time, it was muddled by some over-the-top performances from supporting characters, and contained some unnecessary drama tropes. The soundtrack was also barely existent.

There were some small twists that added to the story’s complexity. Also, the son’s subplot displaying his brewing first romance added some humor and lightheartedness to the drama.

Overall, this drama is worth watching once, when one wants a more serious and somber melodrama on whether two people can be truly destined-in-love or if one must create their own destiny.

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