Entertaining watch, but dropped in quality compared to the first season

I became enthralled with Physical 100 ever since I watched it the first time and I even introduced my boyfriend to it lol.
I was really looking forward to the second season, but I must admit I was left disappointed.

Why?

1. Episodes became longer but with fillers of "ooh" and "aah" every thirty seconds.

2. The game were unimaginative. Some were rehashed from season 1, while others mostly focused on two things - sand and bags. And carrying them. While the maze and the minecart were "different" quests - they felt the same. Both had the same general idea. The final game consisted of three games - one of which was a consolation quest for losers in game one and the second one was - yep, you guessed it - related to bags and coal this time. Episode 8 was particularly hard to get through - watching them carry a metal cask full of sand for one hour and knowing who will lose before they even step foot on the game field wasn't really what I expected if you compare it to Season 1 and the mythological games they did, which were far more imaginative and allowed players to prove prowess in their respective fields.

3. Women will never, in any way, shape or form, have a chance in this format. While I understand they knew that when they applied, it's still not very pleasant to watch men treat champions and Olympic medalists as burdens and avoid them for group quests.

4. In the first season, we got a glimpse of contestants between quests. While they were lounging, we heard their talks, they did small contests, bonded. This time around, that was cut and the "reality" part of this reality TV show was really forced.

I expected more from a show that garnered so much hype (and funds). It was an entertaining watch, but left much to be desired.

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What makes us fall in love and stay in love

Sukina Otoko to Wakaretai is a drama which explores how love is found and kept in today's materialistic society.

It's short, with episodes running for about 20 minutes each and there's only 12 of them so it's quite easy to watch, even if you decide to binge it. And since it aired late, it has some steamy scenes which were also quite a nice surprise.

But watching it as it's been airing has been a breath of fresh air. While yes, all of the characters in the show are flawed, I wouldn't have it any other way. They make wrong choices, they say the wrong things - they are human. Nothing is exaggerated to the point of being unbelievable.

I feel like this drama wants to convey to people to remember why they fell in love with the people they did and how trying to change them due to societal pressure often doesn't lead to positive results. At least when it comes to their core personalities. Is such love always sustainable? Who knows. It's all a gamble anyways. But at least there's no regrets.

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Great premise, meh execution

First few lines of this review will have no spoilers and will highlight what I liked about this drama and why I think you should try watching it.

This drama started off amazing. I loved the story until a certain point.

I loved the premise. I really did.
The actors really did an amazing job portraying their roles and special props to FL, Shibasaki Ko, for being able to embody such a complex character with such passion.
Music is so beautifully picked, suits this drama perfectly and stays in your head even after you're done watching. It felt like a wax seal on a letter, joining it all together perfectly.

The story, however, disappointed me.
Read no further if you wish to avoid spoilers.

I loved the story until the time skip, after which is became somewhat... unbelievable. First of all, no explanation was given as to how long she was "missing", but we can for a fact say that it's under a year given she turns 36 in the last episode. If we take into account how long it took for her to be able to walk on her own after such an extensive coma and how long it took for her to reach the emotional level of a high schooler, the only logical conclusion was a maximum of a few months (at best!).

How did that make the story unbelievable?

By eliminating most of the story. Her natural progress was cut so we'd be able to see her "actual", "age appropriate" progress. It was also implied that she learned everything she needed from the internet, without human contact, in a matter of months, while prior to it was unable to use a computer. And then she turns into an extreme opposite. Only to be reverted back in the matter of one episode. Which proves the fact her sped-up growth was just a way to enable the main plot to develop, while ignoring the context. How exactly does one go from being naive to ruthless to naive again so easily? Of course, she proves us that her naivete was not mere naivete, but a realistic goal given the fact how everyone seemed to achieve what they wanted in life. Suddenly, the world changed, even people she basically never met.

I personally would've loved to see her grow and learn, to see how she came to the idea that she needs no one, that everyone lies, that the entire society is fake. Explaining such complex development with "i googled it lmao" really downplays the seriousness of the situation that the main character was in. Last two episodes insisted on a happy ending and decided to cast away the pain that was building since episode one. It made it seem like the entire thing was... pointless. She didn't learn. A dose of realism that was supposed to be instilled in her by this experience ended up - not happening.

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Plot holes downplay the seriousness of human emotions

The only reason I rated this drama as high as I did is because I think actors did an amazing job considering the script they've been given and their acting lifts the quality by a lot.

However, the most unappealing thing about this drama is the fact that they made FL into such a weak person.
I understand losing your purpose in life can lead you astray and into a pit of despair, especially at such a young age. However... She landed her dream job. Not just any other random job, literally her dream job in a stable company with nice income, surrounded by people who share her passion. And then when ML doesn't look her way - she's ready to throw it all away?

In, for example, Hana Yori Dango (I'm sorry but Mori Nana and Inoue Mao look so alike!) Tsukushi was devastated by what was happening to her relationship and around her, but she still channeled her energy into studying in order to achieve her dream. Is it realistic to portray a talented young woman as entirely dependent on verbal praise by a single man? It would've been far more believable if she had then focused on work even more than before rather than start a course of self loathing because a guy she never even touched, let alone kissed, didn't think she was the love of his life. I mean...what?

Also, the love triangle. Geez. They've been friends since childhood, the difference between them financially is huge, he knows how his friend feels but simply doesn't care. If they'd been strangers, I'd be fine with it but is it even a little bit realistic to think they could ever remain friends after what he's done to him? They really downplayed the destruction of friendship there by trying to make it into "nothing can destroy our friendship" except they failed to portray them as such good friends in the first place. All it does in the end is makes me feel horrible for Shintani.

Overall, it's an okay watch but definitely has plot holes that downplay the seriousness of human emotions.

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Very disappointing experience

Disclaimer: I haven't read the manga or watched any other versions.

I must say, I went into this drama with high expectations. So far, I haven't been disappointed once, no matter what happened in a drama.
However, this is something that was reeeeally hard to finish watching. I was doing my best not to drop it midway.

1. The female lead is a plain maiden in distress. I don't know if it's intentional, but she is made out to be a literal lump of clay as a person. She has the emotional maturity of a 12 year old child, that level of intelligence and dresses the same way even though she's nearly 20 years old in the drama. I'd somehow get over that had it not been for the fact that her character doesn't grow AT ALL. Nothing. She never learns. Nothing is different about her in ep 1 and ep 16. I mean, really? That's the best you can do? She has no ambition, no dreams, no passion in regards to anything except getting a boyfriend. The central piece of her life is a man and nothing else. Not even being a housewife, just to be in love. I understand dramas go far beyond reality, but this is so far fetched it's hard to watch and not cringe every waking moment of it.

2. Yahagi Honoka (female lead) overplayed her role so much it was unbearable to watch. The facial expressions, the lack of grace, the voice, the gestures. Everything is so overplayed that it becomes grotesque. It's like watching someone try to act for the first time. I get there's the concept of "cute", but this goes far beyond that. It's just.... sad.

3. I've seen dramas normalize a lot of things, but when did it become cute to normalize obsessive, stalker like behavior? And to boot, hurting your friend so much? There are things in life which are meant to be hard and a heavy topic and this drama throws it out of the window. That's what makes it so hard to connect to characters.

4. Some roles were greatly done, were relatable and well portrayed. Male lead as well. But, sorry to say, since female lead is in the center, really brings the quality of drama down.

Overall, drama had great potential. The fact that female lead was made an absolute idiot that can't do anything herself is what killed it, alongside the fact that her character never develops. Imagine making a drama where a 16 year old and a 20 year old are exactly the same. Personal growth? Unheard of.

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A feel-good legal drama

This show was, for me, a breath of fresh air among all the serious legal dramas I usually watch. In typical Japanese fashion, it's not to be taken too seriously and I love it for that.

It begins as a "case of the week" series, but turns it around connecting things from all episodes. There's a setup for a second season at the end as well, which I'm not too happy about as I wish they made it longer and resolved everything in one season.

Many of the things presented here would never fly in real life and as long as you've made your peace with that fact, you're most likely going to enjoy the show for what it is. If you're someone who loves hyper-realistic shows, this probably isn't for you.

If I had to describe this show in one word, I'd probably choose "fun".

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Falls somewhat flat compared to the drama (but still a good watch)

First part of my review contains no spoilers and the second does. Read at your discretion.

First part:

I'd generally recommend this drama to people and this movie as a continuation of it. It's a solid ending which wrapped all of the fluffy things in neat wrapping paper. You see characters grow and develop alongside some side stories which do make an impact as to how this entire Cherry Magic ordeal is perceived.

Second part:

Their chemistry was lacking compared to the drama. It felt as if though I was constantly at the edge of my seat waiting for that impressive finish line cross and it didn't happen. Not even a singular kiss. It was certainly interesting seeing how queer people navigate interpersonal relationships with their families and friends in Japan (as opposed to where I'm from), but I anticipated just a tiny bit more skinship - or, if that wasn't an option due to the actors, more romantic scenes. But it just felt as if the energy was off a bit overall.

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If you liked the drama - you're gonna love the movie

I have no idea why this movie is so low rated, it was very in tune with the entire Gokushufudo series. If you liked the drama, you're going to love the movie.

It's an action-packed movie that put a lot more effort into some action/battle scenes, but that only adds on to the best part of the movie - you can actually physically see actors have fun making this. I'm sure that the weapons store scene was chosen because they legit couldn't film it without breaking character. It was funny, comfy and expectedly unexpected in some parts.

Treat yourself and watch this movie :)

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A movie that feels like a third season

This movie really fell into place with the rest of the series and I loved it!

It had multiple storylines and there was not a moment for the viewer to be bored or think "they've put this in to buy time". Everything felt like it was there for a reason.

There's development between various characters and hard-hitting stories to follow.
The camera work was great and transitions between storylines natural so it didn't feel as if it was "action-packed", but rather gave perfect amount of time for each to develop in its own right.

I truly recommend this if you've watched the previous two season; I was certainly not disappointed.

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A movie that falls into place once you're done watching

This movie was somewhat hard to place in terms of rating, but overall I think it did good.

The story revolves around comedians and their attempts at becoming successful. It feels more like a slice of life peek into their lives rather than the movie having a singular narrative during its course as it spans over many years.

Masaki Suda has really shown proclivity for roles that portray characters which struggle to do what they love and find their place in this world. There are moments where it feels like he's speaking from his own personal experience and those emotions are really well conveyed.

I would've loved to see more on some other characters and where they ended up and how their life turned out. I feel like the movie is lacking closure, but I also feel that it's designed to be that way - as long as you're alive, you can try time and time again.

If I had to explain it in a more direct way, I'd say that this movie makes you expect an apple - and when you bite into it, it turns out to be sweeter than anticipated and you think to yourself "Aaah, this is a nice apple." It's not the best meal of your life - but how many of your meals are? The movie accepts itself. And you should too.

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The tale of two cowards

The first part of this review doesn't contain spoilers; the second does - read at your own discretion.

First part:

I think I went in with absolutely, utterly low expectations due to other reviews and I think that helped when it came to my enjoyment. Some of the things other reviewers talked about didn't take the spotlight during my own watching, but I must admit that I could be biased due to my love for shoujo manga and their adaptations in general. If you want to watch a movie which doesn't take itself too serious and talks about high school romance, this could be the movie for you. The leads did a pretty good job with the script they were given.

Second part:

I think a lot of people missed the point of this movie. They are both 17 years old and have no other experience in romance. Both are too afraid to speak out their feelings, but it's obvious to both of them they're in love with each other. FL's reason for not confessing was weak, but she's a teenage girl dreaming of being confessed to. ML's reasons for not confessing were much deeper - the feelings of insecurity and not being good enough.

Is it the most serious movie you'll ever watch? No, not by a longshot.
Is it as bad as others present it? I'd argue no.

Honestly, shoujo manga's are famous for their dramatic shenanigans and over-the-top events. It comes with the territory. And when I put into perspective myself at that age I kind of understand the impulse to do stupid things even when you know better - you're only 17. The whole point of growing up is making mistakes and having enough time to correct them, learn and develop. Which is something their characters managed to do by the end of this movie.

Second lead syndrome did hit kinda hard, though. Damn.

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Limit your expectations prior to watching

I've watched the anime and am on track with manga so I came into this whole ordeal with high expectations.

1. Story - it deviates from the source, and for the worse. There are so many other characters in the manga that could've made the entire movie so much more interesting and far funnier than it turned out to be. I understand it's an adaptation, but it's still a downgrade. For the most part, it felt so rushed and forced to tell a complex story in under 2 hours.

2. Cast - The actors themselves were okay, Fujiwara was by far the closest to the manga one. However, due to the story rush, characters and their personality traits suffered a lot and Ishigami and Fujiwara appeared mostly as token characters - there because they have to be, not because it feels natural. We find out nearly 0 things about them.

3. Music - I wish they used the openings from the anime since they're unbelievably good and set the perfect mood for the story. Music in this movie didn't make much of an impression.

4. Rewatch value - overall meh.

I feel like making Kaguya sama into a drama would've been far better as the story would have time to naturally progress and we'd get to know characters more. It really is an amazing manga - so much so that even anime adaptation seemed rushed so this is by far the most underwhelming option to watch.

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