Beyond Goodbye

BEYOND GOODBYE (2024) was a good Jdrama, especially initially, and started out strong but really lagged in the middle as far as the story went.

The story started out with tragedy but slowly twists into somewhat of a confusing romantic plot. The cinematography, settings, acting, music, and parts of the story were all very excellent.

"Saeko falls into deep despair after her boyfriend Yusuke dies in a car accident. A few months later, she meets Naruse who received heart transplant from Yusuke and now he feels something for Saeko in his heart."

This series was very compelling drama but I was never truly invested in the love story, or at least the romance in second half of the show, partially due to lack of chemistry between actors.

Overall, this was a pretty good watch, but the earlier episodes were definitely better. This series was definitely worth a watch.

Japanese Drama '' Sayonara no Tsuzuki '' is a romantic melodrama with a tragic story and tragic characters.

The drama incorporates the idea that the body has memory, but it is not that well presented, as the story is more focused on the romance and builds its story up from there.

As for the romance, it was odd, as the one person was wracked with grief and was trying to hold on to any spec of hope, and the other had an identity crisis at best. Most tragic of them all was the wife who was trying to figure things out.

The performances, on the other hand, were all great by everyone in the cast.

So, overall, five out of ten.

With the first 2 episodes I really think that this series started strong. Like the premise of a love story that is kind of confusing at the same time frustrating, mix it up with a storyline like this. But, towards the end, what happened? It is like there is no clear point as to where the story is leading. There could have been a better story for the characters. The supposed lead here is the female lead but why is it the male lead the one that experienced all the pain? It is unfair to his character unless the story is in his POV which is clearly no. Also, there is no clear justification on the action of the male lead.. if he is acting on his will or still controlled by the 'transplanted heart' cos seriously if he acts in his own volition then clearly he is cheating on with his wife.. that just makes no sense. There isn't actual committing of feelings. And in the last episode with the call of the wife reminding the female lead of not hot having sex with her husband is too ridiculous! Like a cringe moment.

Im sorry but this is a little messed up. But this really started strong. Give this to a Korean production I think they'd give better storytelling and a proper ending.

Kentaro Sakaguchi's best act. He carefully portrays herself as someone who changes due to a heart transplant.

His wife Miki and her heart donor fiancée Saeko's feelings are shaken by his change.

He perfectly portrays how he firmly accepts the feelings of others inside him and the loved ones around him and moves forward.

Uncommonly seen in Japanese love stories, she responds kindly to the love of forward-looking and outgoing women, but is unable to resist her urges. Kentaro Sakaguchi's kindness saves them both.

The beautiful scenery of Japan's Hokkaido and Hawaii is also a highlight.

This is a wonderful love story that you should watch this winter.

I actually read a study about how memories are stored in the heart and it's documented that there are people who remember what the previous owner felt, so I was really interested to watch this show. I think the writers did a decent job with the plot but personally, I felt like something was missing from the show. It was definitely quite emotional and the cast did an amazing job, however towards the end, the pacing was a little off and some scenes felt rushed.

Regarding the relationship between the characters, I think it was written well because it showed the many grey areas experienced by the human heart, and it was hard for me to blame any of the characters for their actions as they were simply human beings with complex emotions. I could easily understand and empathise with the characters. Also, the sceneries shown are breathtaking and it made me want to go to Otaru just to experience it. The cinematography is my favourite part of this show honestly.