"Watashi wo Moratte": Koiji Hen (2024)

Note: I'm reviewing here both this "Watashi wo Moratte - Koiji Hen" AND its "prequel" aka "Tsuioku Hen", since they're basically the same series divided in two parts (I suppose due to the logistics of Japanese TV "seasons" consisting of 13 weeks each - whereas this series has 16 episodes as a whole, so they couldn't fit it in one season and therefore had to split it?)
Anyway, although romance ain't normally my cup of tea (and I tend to be particularly wary of the "CEO" tag, LOL), I can assure you that this is really, REALLY good! Shoujo at its best, seriously!
The script is very well done, with the perfect mix of romance, suspense and comedy (which helps keep everything lighter and more entertaining, as far as I'm concerned).
The leads are simply GREAT! Kudos to both of them! I must confess I didn't know Kubota-chan (her filmography is HUGE but apparently I had never seen any of it before) while I already knew and appreciated Maeda-kun (being a straight guy I tend to focus much more on actresses, but that doesn't mean I can't recognize acting talent in actors too, when I see it! And Maeda Goki, whom I had already noticed in "Edo-moiselle" and "Iyashi no Otonari-san..." surely has PLENTY of that!).
A pretty neat "packaging" (directing, editing, photography, OST) adds to the viewing pleasure.
So why am I not rating this a "perfect 10"? In short (and without spoilers), I found the ending a bit too fast-paced, and the villains a bit too caricatured for my taste. Anyway a solid 9/10, highly recommended!

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Rewatch it more than 10x! Love it!

I love the story, actors, and plotline. While the core idea remains true to the original webtoon, the Japanese drama adds an interesting twist.

I especially appreciate how they’ve reimagined the male lead character—from being rich, arrogant, rude, and flirty in the webtoon to more polite, tsundere, and calm in this adaptation.

Ryouei-kun is Maeda Gouki's best character so far, and I love how he brings it to life with expressive little gestures whenever he's jealous or angry. The character of Natsumi is also a perfect fit for Kubota Sayu. Even though the character doesn’t have long hair and the beauty-elegant vibe like in the webtoon, she successfully brings a more positive, mature, and brave vibe compared to the original.

I also love how the Japanese drama highlights the grim reaper character, making him more attractive, mischievous, and mysterious.

If there's a drawback, it's in the action scenes.
Some moments feel a bit too easy, and it's hard to believe that the villains—just a group of three—couldn’t be easily captured by a powerful conglomerate like Ryouei and his sister.
A stronger force or more intense fight scenes could have added impact.
The ending also felt a bit rushed; I was hoping for more episodes. However, I do appreciate how they contrasted Ryouei’s spirit form with his human self.

The romance isn’t intense, but the way they care for each other is sweet and genuine. I really hope there’s a second season with more challenges for their relationship—they deserve more romantic moments together!

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