Platonic (2014)

Terminal disease, older woman-younger man relationship and slice of life; mix them up together and you get the formula I truly hate to watch. However, Platonic was different.

The plot description released by NHK got me at first sight (or more like at first read). I thought this drama seems intriguing and without second thoughts I started downloading it. Not long after that, I started watching it and finished the whole thing even without subtitles. It was certainly worth the while.

Platonic’s plot, characters and events’ flowing is very similar to the way Japanese used to do dramas back in the late 90’s to the beginning of the millennium. I surely had a nostalgic moment while watching this. That factor amongst others helped this drama to stabilize an interesting watch until the very last end. It wasn’t mind-blowing but it was attention-grabbing. I dislike tearjerkers and everything that falls under that category. Fortunately, Platonic didn’t take that “I am going to die but I love you *cries* *cries*” turn. Instead, the drama took reality’s turn and made feelings and sentiments sound so genuine despite their simplicity. It excels at throwing every surreal sensation and exchanging it with more down to earth and believable emotions

On the other hand, this drama was somewhat slow in depicting some developments. The wait made me impatient and eager to see the whole thing through. Furthermore, the ending didn’t surprise me a bit. I really hate it when the exact same thing I predict happens. However, everything was logical and real enough.

Nakyama Miho was a good fit for the role of a mother who stopped being a woman, this is the first time I see her in recent times since I was used to her performance in older dramas. She was a mature actress and she still maintains that quality very well. Her co-star Domoto Tsuyoshi was quite good for this type of role. Although their chemistry didn’t strike me, they were a possible nice match. I also didn’t mind the age gap that much.

Some other characters added spirit to this drama; they were an undeniable presence just like few of them were a waste of space. I can say that I liked the supporting set as a whole.

This drama’s Music was English, the type that I don’t usually hear but color me surprised! It was such a great fit for the drama, I won’t listen to it again but when watching the drama, you can feel the OST penetrating into you.

Watch this if:
-You like Slice of Life Japanese dramas.
-You like the older Japanese way of doing dramas because this is quite similar.
-You like some unusual terminal diseases’ dramas.

Do not watch if:
-You’re looking for a tearjerker, despite the feel of it; this is not one.
-You dislike Slice of life dramas.
-You’re looking for something dazzling.

Platonic is a slow-sailing drama that goes into the depth of many human emotions. It’s not a tearjerker although it may sound like one at first.

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