Nevertheless: The Shapes of Love

How do you break free from a past that holds you captive? This is the profound question explored in "The Shapes of Love", an 8-episode series available on Netflix, which masterfully intertwines art, love, and healing.

The story follows Miu, a young woman struggling to find her footing after a painful breakup. Guided by a mysterious and rebellious professor, Miu learns that sometimes, destroying the symbols of the past is the first step toward freedom. In a pivotal moment, the professor destroys a sculpture as an act of defiance, teaching Miu an essential lesson: time is not real unless we remain trapped in suffocating moments that weigh down our souls.

This theme resonates deeply with the teachings of Dr. Gabor Maté, author of "When the Body Says No." He explains how unresolved trauma and guilt can keep us stuck, affecting both our health and our ability to live fully in the present. The series illustrates this beautifully, showing that healing begins when we release the past and embrace the present.

Moreover, the professor's philosophy that "we are not defined by what we do" mirrors the insights of Marshall Rosenberg, author of "Nonviolent Communication." Rosenberg teaches that people should not be labeled by their actions - a "guitarist" is not solely a person who plays guitar, and a "drunk" is not just someone who drinks. The series reflects this wisdom, emphasizing that breaking free from labels allows us to discover our true essence.

A poetic metaphor woven throughout the series is that love is like a butterfly. The more desperately you chase it, the more it eludes you. But when you find stillness and embrace vulnerability, it comes to you effortlessly. In this story, the professor becomes Miu's butterfly, as she becomes his, in a delicate dance of mutual liberation and present-moment connection.

Yet, "The Shapes of Love" is not just a love story. It is an invitation to introspection, urging you to ask yourself: What holds me captive in the past? What can I destroy to set myself free? How can I live more authentically?

Take It Further: Books That Deepen the Message

If the themes of "The Shapes of Love" resonate with you, consider exploring:

"When the Body Says No" by Dr. Gabor Maté, which delves into how trauma and suppressed emotions affect your health and life.

"Nonviolent Communication" by Marshall Rosenberg, a guide to connecting with yourself and others without being defined by labels or judgments.

Both books, like the series, can open your eyes to a freer, more authentic, and present-centered life.

If you're ready for this emotional and intellectual journey, start with "The Shapes of Love." Then, dive into the works of Gabor Maté and Marshall Rosenberg to learn how to transform pain into art and suffering into freedom.

Watch the series, explore these books, and reflect: What keeps you trapped, and what could you destroy to let yourself blossom?

I don't usually leave reviews, but I just had to. This version is SUPERIOR to the korean one, and I mean by far. Actually, I just don't understamd k-dramas at this point. Unrealistic and completely dragged, focusing way too much on worthless drama. But the Japanese version? Pure, pure artistry. Every shot - a work of art. Every character - amazing. The soundtrack, the simple fashion, the focus on the depth of a person, instead of their fleeting feelings. Please watch this, you will not be disappointed. I've wasted my time with the k version, but I should have known that the Japanese do everything much better.

I was looking over shows, and this had come up. I'm familiar with the Korean version and wanted to try it. It was very cinematic from beginning to end.

I Honestly felt a bigger impact compared to the Korean show. The drama is not really there which I like, no big misunderstanding and a great storyline.

The photographs conveyed tension and chemistry, and the overall story was beautiful. I didn't feel frustrated with the characters, and the actors were very charismatic.

The actors were very photogenic and I could actually feel their emotions, I ended up crying at this masterpiece of a show. This version of Nevertheless is honestly more realistic. And it will leave you with a sense of awe, It is very poetic, and I recommend it!

I was browsing on Netflix and wanted to watch something Japanese when I found it, I started watching it without watching the trailer, and the first scene immediately draw me in. Loved the cinematography, judging by a few snippets I've seen from the Korean version, this one seems visually much more striking. The music, the photographs, the editing. I love it!

It was only the butterflies - they looked very fake, and 1 storyline(Chiaki, a bit too soapy and 1 scene didn't make sense at all) that made me only give it 8 stars.

I kept thinking "I'd love to see this scene as a photograph"

In its own genre this is excellent. I will definitely rewatch it to practice Japanese.

Funny how the only review here is a poor narrow minded woman criticizing another beautiful woman for her haircut with weak arguments.

I really don't agree with her btw, i prefer this version, more contemplative, with charismatic actors and scenic shots.

We identify ourselves with this young woman, crushing on his attractive teacher. Like a teenager reading a romance book, we see ourselves falling for this unattainable ladies man. Forms of love, attachement and desire are questioned, and the more we watch, the more we grow more attached to the characters.

We get caught up in it. Best casting choice, Ryusei Yokohama is one the most handsome, seductive japanese actor, with expressive deep brown eyes. Sara Minami has this beautiful innocent natural face.

We follow simultaneously other stories.

I really recommend, I like this version.