I'm guessing the whole point of this movie was to show a realistic "slice of life" look at gay men in Tokyo and how they connect with each other. The idea behind it is actually pretty interesting, but the film spends a good 35 to 40 minutes just setting up the characters. The problem is it feels so disjointed that you start wondering why they bothered giving these people backstories when those details are never mentioned again later on! The story kicks off by introducing us to Tomayo, a student in his early 20s who is hanging out with two close friends. He meets a gay bar owner who takes an interest in him right away, which basically starts Tomayo’s journey of figuring out his own sexuality. Then we meet an 18-year-old guy who is more on the effeminate side; he’s desperate to find love and be in a relationship, but he keeps getting rejected. He ends up sleeping with one of Tomayo's close friends. After that, we meet Akiko, a 33-year-old corporate worker whose coworker...
Dong Wook has returned to school after a year of absence but anyone who invites him to hangout is rejected very rudely. Lee Do Hyun, is the basketball team captain who is looking for a new team member to win the upcoming tournament. At insistence of the only friend that Dong Wook knows, he decides to join the team but Lee Do Hyun dismisses him completely. It seems they have s history. In many bits and pieces, we are told that Dong Wook has insomnia issues and Do Hyun is the only person in whose presence, he can fall asleep. Turns out that 5 years back, these 2 were closest of friends but suddenly Dong Wook left since he could not confront his feelings for Do Hyun, but he never told him. So naturally the latter is mad at DOng Wook. They make a bet and so Dong Wook ends up moving in with Do Hyun for sometime and we see that slowly they both start to get along and even the old charm and love seems to come back. Just when they both think that they are back in love, Do Hyun finds out that maybe Dong Wook is close to him only so that he could sleep better. Dong Wook eventually clarifies the whole situation and finally tells him why he left school suddenly and how he had always loved Do Hyun and wants to be with him, leading to a happy ending.
Since the early episodes do tell that these two protagonists have some history, we as audience are curious to know what really happened. Many scenes convey an understated melancholic vibe. But actually the reason just turns out to be a damb squib. There should have been something more powerful. But besides that I did enjoy Dong Wook's resilience to make sire to come closer to Do Hyun, who keeps his distance because of past experiences. In conversations, it showcases intimate close-up shots of the actors' faces, highlighting their earnest gazes and enigmatic expressions. Also I have to say that visually the series is very pleasant. I am not sure the reason, but maybe the summery color palette of the show or two very good looking leads (although it did take me almost 3 episodes to differentiate them. They both looked so similar). The plot is otherwise simple and executed quite fast in almost 2 hour time. There is a sub plot of a friend who has a crush on Do Hyun but it's never really developed. The girl side kick was fun o watch. Overall an easy watch. Go with minimal expectations. (6/10)
Comments
What I liked the most was the parallel between the 2 guys. Dong Wook keeps coming back after being constantly rejected by a furious Do Yun, but he is so determinated to be part of Do Yun's life. And on the other side we have Do Yyun that tries his best to stay angry at Dong Wook. And yet he can't help but falling madly in love all over again. You can see in his eyes and attitude he fears so much being hurt again and yet can't fight it. This character really striked me.
The girl friend was really funny.
I kept thinking about other similar shows that I thought were arguably better and still had such a good time with this one.
Aside from that : Golu I wish you the best for this year 2024!! With a LOT of great things for you and your loved ones. Then of course a lot of good gay shows and fantastic trips round the globe :)
Looking forward to a lot more good gay content, great discussions here and love and health for all of us.
I call myself a traveler and not sure I reach 40. The best part is we always have a lot left to explore! And incredible memories (as well as a more open mind I believe).
About gay series, "One room Angel" is a UFO you'll probably want to watch. Rather poor on the romance but the whole thing is unique.
And I should warn you about thai "Absolute zero". Great plot but the extreme slowness killed me at times. Like it takes 5s everytime one has to answer, sets a beautiful atmosphere at first on some situation, but overused it quickly became unbearable for me. Some liked it a lot though.