Kieta Hatsukoi (2021)

Funny and sweet (we need season 2)

Overall: This high school BL has a mixture of realistic, sweet, cringey and funny moments. I have not read the manga so I can't comment on similarities/differences there. Watched on Viki (My Love Mix-Up)

Content Warnings: two slaps not between m/m, homophobia

What I Liked
- subverted tropes, surprising moments (I won't go into details and ruin things but I rarely get pleasantly surprised watching BL and I was when watching this)
- Ida being honest and considerate, thinking about things seriously
- the look on the high schoolers faces when the military guy talks to them is priceless and universal
- supportive friends on both Ida's and Aoki's side, also that Ida's friends weren't stupid
- communication (yes there was also miscommunication, but there were several instances of good communication)
- characters apologizing for mistakes made
- I'm totally fine with the ending but we need a season 2 to see the continuation
- even some really minor side characters were fun to watch

Room For Improvement
- (neutral) Aoki is very energetic/exaggerated which I've noticed in quite a few manga adaptations, luckily the other protagonist is chill so it balances it out. Aoki does have some pretty funny moments.
- the slaps were not needed
- "gay for you" adjacent
- that first volleyball teacher side plot, though I was happy how he handled it
- I almost vomited when that tutor/student teacher asked things those invasive personal questions, no teacher is asking their student those questions

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Such a charm to it

To begin with, I watched it quite a long time ago now, so I surely forgot lot of reasons why I loved this title so much. All you have to know is that I waited every week impatiently for episodes to come out and had my heart to flutter for each episode, I liked all episodes and have not been bothered by any of them.

Now I'm going to list a few resons for why I loved this series (sorry it won't be a well organized review):
-The characters are extremly loveable. I felt attached to the four main of course (Hands down to Hashimoto-san who is my favorite character, so cute and funny, I lowkey want to marry her) but also to others like the side couple doing fun things or the mother of Ida. The relationtions between all of them are well written and I especially liked the building of a real friendship between Aoki and Hashimoto, this is such an iconic duo. And for once the girl is truly kind and, even more rare, she is not at all a threat to the development of romance. At every interaction it was a pleasure to see.
-The series is funny and cute. A lt of scenes were pure amazment, Ida and Aoki had adorable scenes that were so romantic and beautiful to see because of the setting. It was also the case for the side couple whom love story was really well-developed and whose story I was deeply invested in. BUT the interest of this series also relies on the comedy aspect. I already talked about the great comic-relief duo that is Aoki-Hashimoto but a lot of scenes also are funny by themselves. I laughed out loud at some moments.
-serious subject were also talked about, and not only the usual way. What I mean by that homphobia is shown from an interseting aspect: hidden, not only frontal (if it makes sense). Whether it be by jokes meant for no harm or a character that seemed nice but ends up having prejudices. And it's all the more important to show that homophobia can have many forms is that we can see characters really hurt by those situations but kind of "gaslighting" themselves because they deem them as not being "that important".
-To end this up with, one of my favorite point: the mature relation of Aoki and Ida, they communicate! Share their worries, show to the other they're here for support, care for their partner, etc. I loved to see them evolve in a really cute and healthy way :)

To sum it up: a really cute and fun story that still have important subject treated. To see and see again.

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Just like any other rom-com , but there is something new that will pull u into it.

When it first started it’s just like any other series I’m not that interested about it.. but as the story progressed , the development of characters is too good. Those subtle changes and improvements they mention in any human relationship are on point. May be this is the first time I didn’t hate any character in the series... the guy who is being judgmental about gays also didn’t made me mad because the writers carefully conveyed the mindset of people we find everywhere in society where we can’t ignore.
What I really liked about the series is the depiction of feelings of the characters .. kudos to the director and writers. OST is just awesome and it’s on my playlist now. Coming to the actors, wow! Everyone did splendid job. Generally I don’t like when they do overacting in the name of comedy but Aoki expressions are not over the top but still cute and funny. I really love when he’s shy or flustered and go all giggly . How can he be both handsome and pretty. Aida - Hashimoto couple are cute and lovable but I really like Aoki-Hashimoto friendship. Ida’s character development towards the end is good , a 16-17 yr old guy realising what like is ... accepting it....what love is!!! I wish there’s another season just to see how Ida changes in future.
P.s : how could I forget to throw some appreciation to “the Cupid - sensei” and “the Cupid - eraser”.

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If You Want Unserious And Fluffy Drama, This Is For You!

Basically a series full of humorous misunderstanding from start to end. Everyone is adorable, supportive, and cute.

As someone who's into heavy and heart wrenching drama, surprisingly this one entertained me. It has it's conflicts but it gets resolved easily and still handled well.

The acting is somewhat over the top, but I guess it's how it is in Japanese media especially if the series is adapted from a manga to maintain the animated feels of the characters.

Music is nice and fits the drama, but not my cup of tea.

Overall a delightful easy to watch show made for laughs and romantic cuteness.

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Recommend

While this isn't my favourite Japanese BL, it's definitely worth the watch. The cute fluffiness and just right amount of cheesiness makes for a perfect "high school romance" classic. It wasn't basic or cliché and you can never go wrong with that! The side couple had a good amount of screen time (rare) and I got enough of everyone's story I was left wanting more because I loved everyone, and not because they were lacking character development lol. If you're new to BL this is a perfect watch because you get all the love without any lust and believe it or not, you can have a great series that way! The ending made my face hurt it was so cute! It may give you cavities with it's sweetness :)
Enjoy...

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Cute and enjoyable

One of the sweetest bl shows I've watched. It was funny, cute, interesting story, cute actors, interesting side story and characters as well. Also the relationship development was very well done the interactions were actually quite realistic if u dont count the comical parts added. We got to know all of the main and side characters well. It often happens that i find one storyline of the show interesting but other really boring but that was not the case here i enjoyed both storylines very much n dint feel the need to skip anything. Also all of the charactes were very likeable which is also not the case for all of the shows. There war ofcourse some strange parts but what show doesnt have those so. I would say its a perfect carefree, stress relieving show. No complicated parts that u would have to think about too much or parts that u would have to worry about u can just sit back and enjoy the show. Overall a great show!

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Just adorable

This drama was so flipping cute, the story was so intersting and a bit complex, but still cery easy to understand. I liked it since it didnt have a boring plot that has been already done. It had some plot twist which weren't that major, and it didn'thave too much drama. The characters were very likeable, they all had their flaws, ofcourse but it was nice seeing them interact with eachother. The acting was amazing and I loved the way that all the characters had such unique personalities, so that you could easily tell them apart. In general this drama was VERY CUTE. And I LOVED watching it. Deffinetly recommend since it is such a watchable drama^^

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A fluffy chocolate cupcake!

Taking you to the feeling of eating a fluffy cupcake, with only smiles and giggles to come by, Kieta Hatsukoi is a chill but really enjoyable watch. It is humorous, witty, but warm and heartfelt.

The four main actors brought phenomenal performances as each upholds to the characters they are portraying. Hats off to Shunsuke and Riko!

The story accomplished what it promised giving out hunger for the audience to come back and indulge once again to the beauty of young love.

Moreover, the theme songs are worth to sing along, too! With Snow Man's Secret Touch alluding to Ida's calm but sure love for Aoki and Naniwa Danshi's Ubu LOVE reflecting to the latter's brightness and lightheartedness, a perfection is up on your way!

Kieta Hatsukoi is an absolute tread to the growing sensation of BL genre!

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Overall Enjoyable BL

This is one of my first BLs so I can't comment much on it as a BL, but the storyline is not the most creative, the usual high school setting. However, I did like the style of acting in Aoki (exaggerated expressions) as I thought it was quite cute. I love love love the ending song, 'Secret Touch' by Snow Man. There wasn't any particularly impressive acting throughout the series but it was passable imo, lines are not as forced as some of the BLs I've watched. I just wish that it was a little longer so they could maybe get into the backstories of the characters a little more (family etc.)

All in all, Kieta Hatsukoi is a relatively lighthearted and cute drama that I would watch again just to squeal at the sweet romance:)

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the best wholesome drama

It has been over a month since this drama ended and I cannot stop thinking about it, thats how good this drama is. Highly recommend!
Every character is so well developed which makes a lot of sense considering that Kieta Hatsukoi is adapted from a manga series. I so badly wish we could get a season 2 but that is probably really unlikely but a girl can dream.
This is my first time not only watching a Jdrama but one that is also BL and it exceeded any expectation I had. Kieta Hatsukoi is a really lighthearted, fun, comedic and wholesome drama about miscommunication, love and friendship.
When researching BL dramas Vs. GL dramas, I wish really surprised at how little GL dramas there are compared to BL. Now it just makes me wish for GL dramas like Kieta Hatsukoi,

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Finding ones true self

Im kidna dumb founded on this drama don't get me wrong it was excellent in more ways than one.
The cast did an exceptional job portraying there characters and bringing them to life.
Its not your typical BL where they like each other and the relationship advances from kiss to sex.
This is more about Aoki and Ida finding themselves and being conformable in their own body....
Its starts with Aoki liking hashimoto(FL) and borrows her eraser only to find out she likes Ida.. Ida see the eraser and while he cant tell him its hers, he says its his and Ida looks confused to this. Being the nice guy he is, he trys to push FL with Ida many times, but instead he realizes he likes Ida. Aoki friend akkun"Aida" also trys to help, but becomes friends with them. The big surprise is when aoki tell FL he's starting to like Ida and she tells him likes "Aida" not Ida due to eraser being used. Now a new friendship begins with everyone helping each other find love in themselves. As aoki help FL confess to Aida. The boys start dating as Ida isnt sure if he likes him this way as both have never dated or thought about a male partner.
This drama takes you thru the good and bad misunderstanding as Ida is the guy that when pressured always says yes and is quite and doesn't speak his mind.
Aoki is the opposite he speaks his mind, is funny always willing to help others, but has Insecurities about their relationship. We now watch as Both relationships progresses.
A must see

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