Kieta Hatsukoi (2021)

the sweetest romcom!

It all started with an eraser… and a misunderstanding. Or two.

Aoki likes sweet and kind Hashimoto, the girl who gave him a cake last spring. One day he borrows an eraser from her and he realizes that she wrote another classmate’s name, Ida, on the eraser followed by a heart. While Aoki despairs about his crush liking someone else, he doesn’t realize that Ida sees the eraser too. Ida thinks that the eraser is Aoki’s and by proxy assumes that Aoki is the one that likes him.

Aoki tries to keep Hashimoto’s crush a secret by going along with the misunderstanding and saying that he likes Ida.. fully expecting the other boy to reject him. However, kind and considerate Ida sees how heartbroken Aoki is because of his unrequited crush, and instead of rejecting him asks for a bit more time to think over his answer.

As they spend some time together the boys realize that the two of them get along pretty well actually and Aoki starts to see why it would be so easy to like Ida.. and soon finds himself confused on who he should be jealous of in their little love triangle.

The show has a really funny set up and a lot of jokes and funny scenes. Aoki is a dramatic creature by nature so his reactions and inner monologues are priceless. Ida lives in a state of perpetual confusion and it is utterly funny to see how Aoki’s chaotic antics mix with his straight laced personality.

The story has a slow and relaxed pace where the main cast ponders a lot on who they like, what it even means to like someone and what dating means for them. They also have a few realistic conversations about prejudices that same sex couples can face but the show's message always remains clear: people who judge others for their orientation are in the wrong.

The story also offers some surprising twists at the beginning regarding the love interests, as not everything is as it seems. It is super fluffy and funny. I am so happy to finally find such a sweet, wholesome romance story in the genre. I love this new generation of slow burn boys love romances where the characters just genuinely like each other and get along well and the love interest’s main appeal is just being a kind person.

The only other show that showed so much care and heart was Cherry Mahou, albeit that is about adult characters at the workplace.

Lire davantage

I could literally not even tell you what just happened, but I'll try for the sake of a review.

I'm seeing a lot of 10 ratings on this, and along with just needing to get some thoughts off my chest, I've decided to write this.

First, I was looking forward to the premise because it was unique and original, and I trust Japanese dramas to not let me down. However, I feel like the show was just a convoluted mess.

Let's start at the beginning. So a guy accidentally falls into the situation with another guy because said guy thinks that the first guy has a crush on him because of the eraser loaned to him by his friend who happens to be a woman. Even though the show was only 10 episodes, at 22 minutes per episode, I couldn't tell you how many times the two male leads went back and forth over some feelings that didn't even seem realistic in the first place because A) there was no relationship development and B) they had little chemistry to begin with. Then he decides that he really has fallen for him (after the second episode? what?) which leads to even more hijinks because now there's misunderstandings about if the feelings were ever real and then the second lead finds out the first never really had feelings for him but now he supposedly does and now here we are in a twisted ass mess because nobody can get their story straight.

If it sounds like it doesn't make sense, it's because it doesn't. The rest of the show after is him finally confessing (again), them deciding they're going to try "dating" and as much more drama as they can pack into 6 more episodes because they have to fill the rest of the show with something.

By the end I was just straight upset because it felt like there truly was no resolution whatsoever, let alone satisfaction. I mean they're supposed to be "together" at the end and all of it was supposed to be worth it, but you spent so much time watching them discuss metaphoric feelings and go in and out of a relationship that was barely even there (I mean the most "romantic " interaction they ever even had was holding hands,. *insert eye roll*), that it just felt like you were on an episode of pranked.

I cannot stress enough that this is so not worth anyone's time. But do as you will if you feel like being confused and frustrated.

Lire davantage

Finished watching the last episode of Kieta Hatsukoi aka. My Love Mix-Up today. This series started off very strong for me, with great casting and a good story set-up. However the ending was kinda anticlimactic for me and a bit disappointing.

Story: Let’s talk about the story. The relationship between the two leads start off as a mix-up when Ida sees his name on an eraser that belongs to a student named Aoki who sits behind him in class. The eraser actually belongs to the girl named Hashimoto but Ida believes Aoki has a thing for him because of the eraser. This mix-up starts a romance between the two but not really. It felt like the two leads were never really lovers but just good friends. I couldn’t feel that connection between them that lovers should have. I know this was more of coming of age thingy but even when they were confessing their love or asking each other out on dates, it felt like they were just asking a good buddy where they would eat or what they were gonna do to kill time. Like most Chinese bromance series, My Love Mix-Up didn’t have that “intimate moment” that actual BLs usually do. So basically I’d categorize this series as a bromance series and not a BL. Cherry Magic, Japan’s another hit BL also didn’t have any kissing scenes between the two leads but somehow they made it clear that it was a BL series and not just another bromance trap. So I give the story 6/10

Acting/Cast: I loved the cast and their acting was great. The leads and the support characters were 10/10 in the looks department and well as the acting. It was a pleasure just to look at the cast even though the story had a fallout by the end.

Music: The series had good music too. The songs “Secret Touch” and “My First Love” are very catchy and fitting for the series. It’s also cool that Meguro Ren who played Ida was singing the song “Secret Touch” with his band and Michieda Shinsuke who plays Aoki, sang “My First Love” with his group. So 8/10 for the music.

Rewatch Value: Unfortunately, I would not be watching this series again. It wasn’t a bad series and I can tell that it’s very popular in the BL community at the moment. However the level of intimacy that I expect in a BL was not present in this one. 5/10 for rewatch value.

Lire davantage

Good Enough

Japanese Drama "Kieta Hatsukoi" is a story of a series of misunderstandings.

The drama starts on a cute note and continues that lighthearted, sweet atmosphere till the very ending. The main lead is adorable, too boot, with plenty of lovely moments that he executed brilliantly. The love story was equally adorable and the main couple had great dynamics, which helped a lot. The second couple was enjoyable too, but had a messy process. And, admirably, the first part of the drama was better than the second one, which was pleasing, yes, but started to slow things down a little.

Finally, the performances were great by everyone in the cast.

So, overall, 7 out of 10.

Lire davantage

There is absolutely nothing I would change about this series.

Aspects I find especially outstanding:
* The class: Even the background characters had their own personality. They weren't just there, the actors seemed to know what their characters were like at any time. I found myself rewinding some scenes just to watch them doing their thing in the background. There's not only our favourite drama couple (the original Cinderella & her prince) but also look out for: the guy who alsways has his little notebook with him, the foodie, the two boys playing games... I would actually watch a second series just to see what they were all up to during the whole relationship drama of Aoki and Ida. (The same is true for the volleyball team btw.)

* The whole atmosphere in the class. It reminded me of my own last two years of school. We had much less dramatics, or at least I wasn't aware of any, but this is what it can be like if young people are allowed to be whoever they are and respect that about each other.

* I liked every single character in this show. Yes, even the student teacher. They were all genuinely trying to understand and to grow.

* The friendship between Aoki and Hashimoto. Hashimoto could easily have been that stereotypical love rival but she wasn't. I love how we gradually get to discover that she is more than just a timid or shy girl.

* I haven't even said anything about the two main leads. They earnestly try to discover how they feel and what to do about it. I like how the drama focuses on the awkwardness of trying to figure out who you can be as a romantic partner, and what you want your partner to be like. I remember being this awkward at 16 and 17, so for me, it's actually quite an accurate portayal of a first love, if a bit exaggerated -- but it IS a Japanese show and adapted from a manga, so it is kind of expected.

Overall, this little series has become of my favourites, and is one of the series I choose to watch if I need a pick-me-up.

Lire davantage

¡De los BL más adorables que se estrenaron en el último tiempo!

La historia comienza cuando Aoki, quien está enamorado de su compañera Hashimoto, le pide a esta una goma de borrar y ve que en ella está escrito el nombre de "Ida", un chico callado de su clase. Las cosas se complican cuando Ida ve la goma y cree que Aoki está enamorado de él.

Los BL para mí suelen ser un hit or miss, y este definitivamente fue un acierto, porque no pude amarlo más. La premisa es súper sencilla, no deja de ser una comedia romántica de enredos, pero está muy bien aprovechada y cada capítulo que pasa te hace más y más feliz.

Los personajes son adorables, todos y cada uno de ellos. Incluso hay algunos personajes terciarios que cuando aparecen se roban la escena. Pero bueno, seguro quieren saber qué onda con la pareja principal, que sería la de Ida y Aoki, también conocidos como mis muchachos, a los cuales amé tanto juntos como por separado (en serio, no puedo con lo hermosos que son, send help). En fin, forman una pareja hermosa y súper sana (obviamente tienen algún que otro conflicto tonto, pero nada muy terrible).
La pareja secundaria tampoco se queda muy atrás, eh, amé cada uno de los momentos que tuvo en pantalla.

A ver, soy consciente de que no es la mejor serie del mundo, pero es una de esas que podría volver a ver varias veces sin cansarme, sobre todo en los momentos de bajón. Todo es súper bonito, cálido y adorable. Encima aprovechan para dejar algunos mensajitos sencillos, pero necesarios y que se aplauden.

Para cerrar quiero decir que las actuaciones me gustaron mucho y que la estética de todo está muy cuidada, es un jdrama realmente lindo de ver. Ah, y otro detalle que me parece copado mencionar es que el opening y el ending los cantan los respectivos grupos de los protagonistas, no sé, me da la sensación de que eso hace todo más especial(?

¡Obviamente les súper recomiendo Kieta Hatsukoi! Mi única advertencia es que al final se van a quedar con ganas de más jaja.

IG de reseñas cortas: @altoplottwist

Lire davantage

Probabily one of the best drama i've ever seen

I literally have nothing bad to say about this drama, it's literally perfect. The story it's cute and it goes smooth for the whole drama, the characters are characterized really well and they have a lot of development during the series, they're probabily one of the best and most realistic and healtiest couple i've ever seen, the bisexual rappresentation of the protagonist is on point, it really shows both a crush for a girl and a man without stereotype none of it. The slowburn it's awesome, and the problems and fights are super realistic for teen like them. I personally love Aoki cause he acts exaclty like me, in literally evrything i watched in the drama, it was like watching in a mirror. Best jdrama i've ever watched so far and in my top3 dramas i've ever seen in general, i hope more people give it a try, cause it's totally worth it and i really hope for a second season.

Lire davantage

Japanese Bl's have done it again!!!!

The true definition of wholesome!! A must watch if you want something simple and heart warming. Perfectly executed. The drama isn't overtly focused on sexual tension and skinship in the way that most BL's are and yet it's so satisfying to watch. The story is really well written and it tackles first love and the issues of sexuality in a really nice and subtle way.

Dont miss out of this great drama get in and watch as soon as possible. A lot of people have compared it to Cherry Magic and I can totally see why everyone would make that connection. It's got the same relaxing atmosphere and focus on emotions. I predict it might be the same in that there won't be a kiss but it will still be a drama that everyone will rewatch loads of times.

Lire davantage

At first, I really liked this drama. There's space for cute dramas just like there's space for realism and/or angst. One isn't better than the other, it really depends on what mood you're in. So...

Like I said, at first, I really liked it. But the longer it went, the less I understood Aoki and by the end, he really got on my nerves. IMHO, Ida hat the patience of a saint. I mean, after one date, Aoki already wanted a love declaration but at the same time, he wanted Ida to lie to his friends about dating him. He wanted to hear Ida say that he loved him, but when Ida did, Aoki told him not to say it out loud like that because it was embarrassing. It felt like Aoki truly didn't know what he wanted and it was no wonder that Ida was so confused. It was really irritating. Aoki could be very kind and selfless but also a complete idiot and the latter was far more prevalent in the second half.

Overall, it wasn't a bad series but not really something memorable.

Lire davantage

Doesn't need a kissing scene to make a romantic story

The funny misunderstandings led to a light yet romantic relationship. The contrast between the main characters' personality really mixed up well into a harmonious chemistry. It just shows how exemplary the writer who polished the storyline. Majority of the scenes is humorous which I am proudly like about this series. Being a 10-episode series with more than 20 minutes in length each is also one of the highlights. I would definitely be re-watching this when I need to de-stress.

A must-watch for watchers who wants to laugh and have a good time.

(PS: Stay alert to the funny Aoki-Hashimoto duo! Hahaha)

EDIT: I re-watched it and now it deserves an upgrade from 8.5 to 9.

Lire davantage

Lighthearted and cute

This was a really cute and fluffy drama and my first foray into japanese foray. I think it did a really good job portraying the innocent love in highschool and the confusion and even struggles that comes when acknowledging one's sexual preferences. But if you are looking for a deep plot, this won't be it. Shunsuke did really well in acting as an unconfident person who is struggling with his sexual preferences and I also love his chemistry with Meguro Ren. The acting wasn't particularly very difficult to do, that's why I ranked it slightly lower. But Meguro really does know how to charm his audiences. I think it's really a good rewatch if you are feeling down as the innocent love between the MLs will make you giggle and squeal in excitement. The OST was quite good, much better than some of the other JDramas.

Lire davantage