Utsukushii kare

STORY AND CHARACTERS. Here lies the strength of this series. Both male leads (and Kazuki) are not absolutely good or bad. We see both sides of each character. We see Kiyoi at first as a brat, user, bully, then later we realize he also feels like he's a victim. Hira, on the other hand, despite being seen as a willing victim, is also unwittingly using Kiyoi for personal, selfish reasons. Kayoma, who seems to be the most "normal" of the three, can also do the wrong things at the wrong time.

We understand where the two MLs are coming from with the help of animated scenes showing how they grew up. This is what is missing in MR. UNLUCKY CAN ONLY KISS. That series ended leaving us with no clue where the two ML's families are.

Pacing is just right: too slow, not too fast. Also there's no irritating side stories of side couples, so the focus is just on the main leads. Attention, Thai BL producers!

Also, this is the only BL I've seen so far in which the POV switched from one character (Hira) to another (Kiyoi). This switch made us see more where our main characters are coming from.

ACTING. Superb ang acting from the entire cast. Special mention is the final confrontation. Acting on that scene was spot on. Good writing, too.

TECHNICALS. Cinematography is above average, seasoned professionals obviously are behind this. Same with editing and music, above average.

REWATCH VALUE. I'd watch this over and over again, yes!

10 / 10.

This is what I want from TV, when I push the play button!

The story, the acting, the cinematography, the music... everything is perfect from the 1st to the last moment.

A little jewel you don't want to miss.

As in many Japanese storytelling, this felt real, with many many layers and subtleties. In my experience Japan is never afraid to go outside the box with flawed characters and dark tropes, or tell a story others might not be brave enough to.

The acting is superb, and the character complexities are subtle. I can see why the boldness of narration in this story might trigger people to be mad and leave a lower rating, but sticking with this show to the end, looking behind a character's exterior to the emotions lying underneath each interaction, will bring all its light and beauty to the forefront. As I read recently, you'd rather a piece of art provoke 1* and 10*s than all 5*s.

As with reality, people are flawed. There are misunderstandings, nerves and social pressure getting in the way of honest communication, weird and creepy sides to us we rather others not see, insecurities and a lack of awareness of our own shortcomings. If you want an escape from reality with fluffy characters and story, this isn't it. Personally I find happy stories off-putting unless there's a journey to get there. These are people you might be able to relate to that we can empathize with. Lighting, scenery, and settings all play a part in feeling enclosed within their story and evoking our senses. The subtleties behind the conversations, but also the tones of voice, the expressions - they stick with you to the point where I think rewatching you would pick up on so much more.

There's probably more I could say, but I hope you give it a go. It deserves the spotlight. I'm a sucker for subtle art, one that doesn't feel pressured to scream to the masses, one where the characters are followed through properly. 10/10, go watch it 💛 Looking forward to the movie.

At first I was annoyed because of the character's behaviour but as I continued watching I fell in love with their toxic but deep relationship it was really well written and acting was perfect it's been a year but I still can't forget this masterpiece.

If you don't just look for fluff while watching a series, this is for you.

Utsukushii kare is a beautiful journey that will make us realize a lot that we don't.

Even though I know a lot of people who did not really understand the depth that is portrayed in the series, I think it was very heartwarming and realistic.

Both the characters beautifully written and acted so so well. The story will slowly grow on you and will make you dread for more from them, which I'm not sure about as this is adapted from a novel.

Acting 10/10 Story 10/10.